As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2010

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. 162    x  
  and/or   
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT   
  UNDER   
  THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    x  

Amendment No. 162

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

 

Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

55 Water Street, New York, New York   10041
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code (800) 451-2010

Robert I. Frenkel

Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

100 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:

 

  ¨ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

  ¨ on              pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

  ¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

  x on May 28, 2010 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

  ¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

 

  ¨ on              pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

  ¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

This filing relates solely to Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund.

 

 

 


May [    ], 2010

LOGO

 

Prospectus

Legg Mason

Investment Counsel

Social

Awareness

Fund

Class : Ticker Symbol

 

A : SSIAX
B : SESIX
C : SESLX
FI
R
R1
I  : LMRNX

 

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.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

 


Contents     
Investment objective    2
Fees and expenses of the fund    2
Principal investment strategies    3
Certain risks    3
Performance    5
Management    6
Purchase and sale of fund shares    6
Tax information    6
Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries    6
More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks    7
Portfolio holdings    12
More on fund management    12
Choosing a class of shares to buy    14
Comparing the fund’s classes    16
Sales charges    18
More about contingent deferred
sales charges
   21
Retirement and Institutional Investors — eligible investors    22
Buying shares    24
Exchanging shares    25
Redeeming shares    27
Other things to know about transactions    29
Dividends, distributions and taxes    32
Share price    33
Financial highlights    35

Investment objective

The fund seeks to provide high total return consisting of capital appreciation and current income.

Fees and expenses of the fund

The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds sold by Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, in this Prospectus on page 18 under the heading “Sales charges” and in the fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) on page 51 under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions.”

 

Shareholder fees (paid directly from your investment) (%)
      Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)   5.75   None   None   None   None   None   None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
(as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) (may be reduced over time)
  Generally,

none

  5.00   1.00   None   None   None   None
Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of
your investment)
(%)
      Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Management fees                            
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees   0.25   1.00   1.00   0.25   0.50   1.00   1.00
Other expenses                                1    
Total annual fund operating expenses                            
Fees forgone and/or expenses reimbursed                        2            2                2
Total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses                  2            2              2

 

1

“Other expenses” for Class R1 shares are estimated for the current fiscal year because no Class R1 shares were outstanding during the fund’s last fiscal year.

2

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 1.25% for Class FI shares, 1.50% for Class R shares and 1.00% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:

 

Ÿ  

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated

 

Ÿ  

Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same

 

Ÿ  

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Number of years you own your shares ($)    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)                 
Class B (with redemption at end of period)                 
Class B (without redemption at end of period)                 
Class C (with redemption at end of period)                 
Class C (without redemption at end of period)                 
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)                 
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)                 
Class R1 (with or without redemption at end of period)                 
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)         

Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [    ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

2   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


Principal investment strategies

 

The fund invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities of U.S. companies. The fund targets a 30% investment (normally between 25% and 35%) in fixed income securities. The fixed income securities in which the fund invests are primarily investment grade and may be of any maturity. The fund also may invest a portion of its assets in equity and debt securities of foreign issuers. The fund emphasizes companies that offer both attractive investment opportunities and demonstrate a positive awareness of their impact on the society in which they operate, relative to other companies in their industries.

Certain risks

Risk is inherent in all investing. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.

Stock market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of your investment also may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.

Social awareness risk. The fund’s universe of investments may be smaller than that of other funds because of the fund’s social awareness criteria. Socially aware companies may underperform similar companies without social awareness policies or the market as a whole. They may also fall out of favor with investors. The fund’s social awareness policy may also prevent investment in certain attractive opportunities that would be otherwise consistent with the fund’s investment objective and investment strategies.

Issuer risk. The value of a stock can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, often due to disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual stock. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally gone up or down more than those of large capitalization companies, although even large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Liquidity risk. Some securities held by the fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss.

Foreign investments risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which the fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and may suffer from political or economic instability. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses.

The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Credit risk. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund defaults or is downgraded, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of your investment will decline.

Portfolio selection risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements is incorrect.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   3


Certain risks cont’d

 

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

These risks are discussed in more detail later in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

4   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


Performance

 

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class B shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The table compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of the S&P 500 Index, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (a fixed income index) and the blended performance of the two indexes, which provides fund shareholders with more meaningful comparisons than with the S&P 500 Index alone. The blended index has been prepared by the manager. The fund makes updated performance information available at the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/products/mutual-funds/annualized_performance (select share class), or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432.

The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Total returns (before taxes) (%)
INSERT CHART   

Best quarter

(    ): [    ]

 

Worst quarter

(    ): [    ]

 

The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended [    ], was [    ]

 

Average annual total returns (for periods ended December 31, 2009) (%)
       1 year    5 years    10 years    Since
inception
   Inception
date
Class B                         
Return before taxes                         
Return after taxes on distributions                         
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares                         
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                         
Class A                         
Class C                         
Class I                         
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Blended S&P 500 Index (70%) and Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (30%) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               

The after-tax returns are shown only for Class B shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, 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. After-tax returns for classes other than Class B will vary from returns shown for Class B.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   5


Management

 

Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

Subadviser: Legg Mason Investment Counsel (“LMIC”)

Portfolio managers: Ronald T. Bates and David K. Kafes. Mr. Bates (Managing Director of LMIC and Director of the Socially Responsible Investment Team) and Mr. Kafes (Vice President and Portfolio Manager at LMIC) have been portfolio managers for the fund since December 2006 and January 2008, respectively.

Purchase and sale of fund shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.

The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows:

 

Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)                    
       Class A    Class B    Class C    Class FI    Class R    Class R1    Class I
General    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
IRAs    250/50    250/50    250/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    50/50    50/50    50/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None    N/A    N/A    None/None    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    None/None    None/None    None/None
Other Retirement Plans    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    1 million/None

Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your financial intermediary, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone (Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432) or by mail (Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 55214, Boston, MA 02205-8504).

Tax information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gain, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account.

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries

The fund’s related companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

6   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund was formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund.

* * *

The fund seeks to provide high total return consisting of capital appreciation and current income.

The fund invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities of U.S. companies. The fund targets a 30% investment (normally between 25% and 35%) in fixed income securities. The fixed income securities in which the fund invests are primarily investment grade and may be of any maturity. The fund also may invest a portion of its assets in equity and debt securities of foreign issuers. The fund emphasizes companies that offer both attractive investment opportunities and demonstrate a positive awareness of their impact on the society in which they operate, relative to other companies in their industries.

The fund’s investment objective and strategies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

Equity investments

Subject to its particular investment policies, the fund may invest in all types of equity securities. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter (OTC) common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights, securities convertible into common stocks, and securities of other investment companies and of real estate investment trusts.

Fixed income investments

Subject to its particular investment policies, the fund may invest in all types of fixed income securities. Fixed income securities represent obligations of corporations, governments and other entities to repay money borrowed. Fixed income securities are commonly referred to as “debt,” “debt obligations,” “bonds” or “notes.” The issuer of the fixed income security usually pays a fixed, variable or floating rate of interest, and repays the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some fixed income securities, however, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Other fixed income securities may make periodic payments of interest and/or principal. Some fixed income securities are partially or fully secured by collateral supporting the payment of interest and principal.

Foreign investments

The fund may invest a portion of its assets, generally less than 15% (but not more than 25%), in securities of foreign issuers.

Derivatives and hedging techniques

The fund may, but need not, use derivative contracts. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an asset, such as one or more underlying investments or indexes. The fund may engage in a variety of transactions using derivatives, such as futures and options on securities or securities indexes, options on these futures; and interest rate futures. Derivatives may be used by the fund for any of the following purposes:

 

  Ÿ  

As a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the fund’s portfolio

 

  Ÿ  

As a substitute for buying or selling securities

 

  Ÿ  

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 investments or indexes. When the fund enters into derivatives transactions, it may be required to segregate assets or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation is not a hedging technique and will not limit the fund’s exposure

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   7


More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

to loss. The fund will, therefore, have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to offset the fund’s derivative exposure. If such segregated assets represent a large portion of the fund’s portfolio, portfolio management may be affected as covered positions may have to be reduced if it becomes necessary for the fund to reduce the amount of segregated assets in order to meet redemptions or other obligations.

Should the fund invest in derivatives, the fund will, in determining compliance with any percentage limitation or requirement regarding the use or investment of fund assets, take into account the market value of the fund’s derivative positions that are intended to reduce or create exposure to the applicable category of investments.

Cash management

The fund may hold cash pending investment, and may invest in money market instruments for cash management purposes. The amount of assets the fund may hold for cash management purposes will depend on market conditions and the need to meet expected redemption requests.

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 of money market instruments, short-term debt securities or cash without regard to any percentage limitations.

Fund of funds investments

The fund may be an investment option for other Legg Mason-managed mutual funds that are managed as a “fund of funds.”

Other investments

The fund may also use other strategies and invest in other securities that are described, along with their risks, in the 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.

Selection process

The portfolio managers believe that there is a direct correlation between companies that demonstrate an acute awareness of their impact on the society within which they operate and companies that offer attractive long-term investment potential. The portfolio managers believe that addressing social issues in a positive manner can translate into sound business. For example, by ensuring a product or service does not negatively impact the environment, a company can avoid costly litigation and clean-up costs; by maintaining positive standards for the workplace and a diverse employee population, a company can better ensure access to quality management talent and improved productivity; and by becoming more involved in the community, a company can enhance its consumer franchise. The portfolio managers also believe that top quality management teams that successfully balance their companies’ business interests with their social influences can gain long-term competitive advantages, which may result in increased shareholder value and, therefore, make the company’s shares a better investment. The fund is designed to consider both financial and social criteria in all of its investment decisions.

The portfolio managers will use their best efforts to assess a company’s social performance. This analysis will be based on present activities, and will not preclude securities solely because of past activities. The portfolio managers will monitor the social progress or deterioration of each company in which the fund invests.

 

8   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


 

Equity Securities. The fund invests in a broad range of companies, industries and sectors, without regard to market capitalization. The portfolio managers use a “core” approach to the selecting equity securities. In selecting individual equity securities, the portfolio managers look for companies they believe are undervalued. Specifically, the portfolio managers look for:

 

  Ÿ  

Attractive risk-adjusted price/earnings ratio, relative to growth

 

  Ÿ  

Positive earnings trends

 

  Ÿ  

Favorable financial condition

Fixed Income Securities. In selecting fixed income investments, the portfolio managers:

 

  Ÿ  

Determine sector and maturity weightings based on intermediate and long-term assessments of the economic environment and interest rate outlook

 

  Ÿ  

Use fundamental analysis to determine the relative value of bond issues

 

  Ÿ  

Identify undervalued bonds and attempt to avoid bonds that may be subject to credit downgrades.

Social Awareness Criteria. The portfolio managers consider whether, relative to other companies in an industry, a company that meets these investment criteria also is sensitive to social issues related to its products, services, or methods of doing business.

Social awareness factors considered include:

 

  Ÿ  

Fair and reasonable employment practices

 

  Ÿ  

Contributions to the general well-being of the citizens of its host communities and countries and respect for human rights

 

  Ÿ  

Efforts and strategies to minimize the negative impact of business activities and to preserve the earth’s ecological heritage with those environmental policies, practices and procedures that are currently acceptable, or are exhibiting improvement

Avoidance of investments in companies that:

 

  Ÿ  

Manufacture nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction

 

  Ÿ  

Derive more than 5% of their revenue from the production of non-nuclear weaponry

 

  Ÿ  

Derive more than 5% of their revenue from the production or sales of tobacco

More on risks of investing in the fund

Stock market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility. This financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the subadviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse. Changes in market conditions will not have the same impact on all types of securities. The value of a security may also fall due to specific conditions that affect a particular sector of the securities market or a particular issuer.

When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities generally falls. A change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed income securities. Generally, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed income security, the greater the impact of a rise in interest rates on the security’s value. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and foreign interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   9


More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Certain fixed income securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities tend to reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities may reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the impact of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that may produce a leveraging effect; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change.

Social awareness criteria risk. Because the portfolio managers use social awareness criteria as a component of their selection process, the fund’s universe of investments may be smaller than that of other funds. Socially aware companies may underperform similar companies without social awareness policies or the market as a whole. Socially aware companies may also fall out of favor with investors. The fund’s social awareness policy may also prevent investment in certain attractive opportunities that would be otherwise consistent with the fund’s investment objective and investment strategies.

Issuer risk. The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s stock may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment.

Liquidity risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. Although most of the fund’s investments must be liquid at the time of investment, investments may become illiquid after purchase by the fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. When the fund holds illiquid investments, the portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs, the fund may suffer a loss. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain securities, the fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.

Foreign investments risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which the fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than markets in the United States, may suffer from political or economic instability and may experience negative government actions, such as currency controls or seizures of private businesses or property. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Foreign withholdings may reduce the fund’s returns. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Because the value of a depositary receipt is dependent upon the market price of an underlying foreign security, depositary receipts are subject to most of the risks associated with investing in foreign securities directly.

The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Portfolio selection risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements is incorrect.

Derivatives risk. Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to the fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated. Certain derivatives transactions may have a leveraging effect on the fund. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a significant impact on the fund’s stock market or interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices or interest rates 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 fund’s holdings. Using derivatives may increase volatility, which is the

 

10   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


 

characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. Holdings of derivatives also can make the fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.

Derivatives are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligation.

Large capitalization company risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Small and medium capitalization company risk. The fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

Credit risk. If an obligor (such as the issuer or party offering credit enhancement) for a security held by the fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the fund fails to pay principal and interest when due, otherwise defaults or is perceived to be less creditworthy, a security’s credit rating is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment in the fund could decline. In addition, the fund may incur expenses to protect the fund’s interest in securities experiencing these events. Credit risk is broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which the fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. The fund is subject to greater levels of credit risk to the extent it invests in junk bonds. These securities have a higher risk of issuer default and are considered speculative.

Extension risk. When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates. This may cause the fund’s share price to be more volatile.

Prepayment or call risk. Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to repay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if the fund holds a fixed income security subject to prepayment or call risk, it may not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, the fund would also be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was paid off. In addition, if the fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment.

Fund of funds investments risk. From time to time, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to rebalancings of a fund of funds’ portfolio. In the event of such redemptions or investments, the fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.

Cash management and defensive investing risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. If the fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it will be more difficult for the fund to achieve its objective.

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   11


More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Recent market events risk. The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility. This financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the subadviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse.

Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.

Portfolio holdings

The fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund’s portfolio securities are described in the SAI.

For more information about the fund’s portfolio holdings, please visit the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/prospectuses, and click on the name of the fund in the dropdown menu.

More on fund management

Manager and subadviser

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) is the fund’s investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund and manages the fund’s cash and short-term instruments. LMPFA was formed in April 2006 as a result of an internal reorganization to consolidate advisory services after Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”) acquired substantially all of Citigroup’s asset management business in December 2005.” As of December 31, 2009, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $188.5 billion.

Legg Mason Investment Counsel, LLC (“LMIC” or the “subadviser”) provides the day-to-day portfolio management of the fund. LMIC is principally located at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, and provides customized investment counsel to individuals, family groups and institutions as well as trust services. LMIC seeks to maximize performance while managing risk through an investment discipline that is supported by fundamental research and dedicated resources. Portfolio managers at LMIC average 23 years of investment management experience. As of December 31, 2009, LMIC had assets under management of $6.3 billion, of which approximately $831 million was for socially responsible clients. Portfolio managers are supported by a social research team that conducts proprietary research on social issues.

LMPFA and LMIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of December 31, 2009, Legg Mason’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $681.6 billion.

Portfolio managers

Ronald T. Bates and David K. Kafes serve as co-portfolio managers of the fund. Mr. Bates and Mr. Kafes have served as portfolio managers since December 2006 and January 2008, respectively.

 

12   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


 

Mr. Bates, Managing Director at LMIC and Director of the Socially Responsive Investment Team, is the lead portfolio manager and responsible for the equity portion of the fund. Mr. Bates joined Legg Mason in 2005 from Scudder, Stevens & Clark and has over 22 years in the investment management business.

Mr. Kafes, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at LMIC, is responsible for the fixed income portion of the fund. Mr. Kafes joined Legg Mason in 1990 and LMIC in 1996 and began managing short-term portfolios in 1997.

The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio managers, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and any fund shares held by the portfolio managers.

Management fee

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, the fund paid LMPFA a management fee of 0.[    ]% of the fund’s average daily net assets for management services.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the fund’s management agreement and subadvisory agreement is available in the fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.

Expense limitation

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 1.25% for Class FI shares, 1.50% for Class R shares and 1.00% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above.

Distribution

LMIS, a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.

The fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees based on annualized percentages of average daily net assets, of up to 0.25% for Class A shares; up to 1.00% for Class B shares; up to 1.00% for Class C shares; up to 0.25% for Class FI shares; up to 0.50% for Class R shares; and up to 1.00% for Class R1 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. Class I shares are not subject to distribution and/or service fees under the plan.

In addition, the distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates make payments for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the fund. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The recipients of these payments may include the fund’s distributor and affiliates of the manager, as well as non-affiliated broker/dealers, insurance companies, financial institutions and other financial intermediaries through which investors may purchase shares of the fund, including your financial intermediary. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments.” Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated.

Revenue sharing payments create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Contact your financial intermediary for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit the manager, the distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the fund on which fees are being charged.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   13


Choosing a class of shares to buy

 

Individual investors can generally invest in Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Individual investors that held Class I shares prior to November 20, 2006 may continue to invest in Class I shares.

Retirement Plan and Institutional Investors and Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries should refer to “Retirement and Institutional Investors – eligible investors” below for a description of the classes available to them. Each class has different sales charges and expenses, allowing you to choose a class that may be appropriate for you.

When choosing which class of shares to buy, you should consider:

 

  Ÿ  

How much you plan to invest

 

  Ÿ  

How long you expect to own the shares

 

  Ÿ  

The expenses paid by each class detailed in the fee table and example at the front of this Prospectus

 

  Ÿ  

Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges

 

  Ÿ  

Availability of share classes

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/or your investment horizon is five years or more, Class C shares might not be as advantageous as Class A shares. The annual distribution and/or 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.

Each class of shares is authorized to pay fees for recordkeeping services to Service Agents. As a result, operating expenses of classes that incur new or additional recordkeeping fees may increase over time.

You may buy shares:

 

  Ÿ  

Through banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to sell shares of the fund (each called a “Service Agent”)

 

  Ÿ  

Directly from the fund

Your Service Agent may provide shareholder services that differ from the services provided by other Service Agents. Services provided by your Service Agent may vary by class. You should ask your Service Agent to explain the shareholder services it provides for each class and the compensation it receives in connection with each class. Remember that your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending on the share class in which you invest.

Your Service Agent may not offer all classes of shares. You should contact your Service Agent for further information.

More information about the fund’s classes of shares is available through the Legg Mason funds’ website. You’ll find detailed information about sales charges and ways you can qualify for reduced or waived sales charges, including:

 

  Ÿ  

The front-end sales charges that apply to the purchase of Class A shares

 

  Ÿ  

The contingent deferred sales charges that apply to the redemption of Class B shares, Class C shares and certain Class A shares (redeemed within one year)

 

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  Ÿ  

Who qualifies for lower sales charges on Class A shares

 

  Ÿ  

Who qualifies for a sales load waiver

To visit the website, go to http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/prospectuses, and click on the name of the fund in the dropdown menu.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   15


Comparing the fund’s classes

 

The following table compares key features of the fund’s 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 choose a class that may be appropriate for you. Please contact your Service Agent regarding the availability of Class FI, Class R or Class R1 shares. You may be required to provide appropriate documentation confirming your eligibility to invest in these share classes. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending upon which class you choose.

 

    Key features   Initial sales charge   Contingent deferred
sales charge
  Annual distribution and/
or service fees
  Exchange privilege 1
Class A  

Ÿ Initial sales charge

Ÿ You may qualify for reduction or waiver of initial sales charge

Ÿ Generally lower annual expenses than Class B and Class C

  Up to 5.75%; reduced or waived for large purchases and certain investors. No charge for purchases of $1 million or more   1.00% on purchases of $1 million or more if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class A shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class B  

Ÿ No initial sales charge

Ÿ Contingent deferred sales charge declines over time

Ÿ Converts to Class A after approximately 8 years

Ÿ Generally higher annual expenses than Class A

  None   Up to 5.00% charged if 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% of average daily net assets   Class B shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class C  

Ÿ No initial sales charge

Ÿ Contingent deferred sales charge for only 1 year

Ÿ Does not convert to Class A

Ÿ Generally higher annual expenses than Class A

  None   1.00% if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors   1.00% of average daily net assets   Class C shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class FI  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries and eligible Retirement Plans

  None   None   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class FI shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class R  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to eligible Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

  None   None   0.50% of average daily net assets   Class R shares of funds sold by the distributor

 

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    Key features   Initial sales charge   Contingent deferred
sales charge
  Annual distribution and/
or service fees
  Exchange privilege 1
Class R1  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to eligible Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

Ÿ Generally higher annual expenses than Class R

  None   None   1.00% of average daily net assets   Class R1 shares of funds sold by the distributor 2
Class I  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to institutional and other eligible investors

Ÿ Generally lower annual expenses than all classes

  None   None   None   Class I shares of funds sold by the distributor

 

1

Ask your Service Agent about the funds available for exchange.

 

2

In this class, your options for exchange may be limited as the class is newly introduced.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   17


Sales charges

 

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 fund’s distributions or dividends that you reinvest in additional Class A shares.

The table below shows the rate of sales charge you pay, depending on the amount you purchase. It 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 by the distributor, the distributor 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. Service Agents will receive a distribution and/or 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

The 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 and/or 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 and/or 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 funds sold by the distributor 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 you when you purchase fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services if you are eligible for a letter of intent or a right of accumulation and if you own shares of other 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 a reduced sales charge.

 

  Ÿ  

Accumulation Privilege – allows you to combine the current value of Class A shares of the fund with other shares of funds sold by the distributor that are owned by:

 

  Ÿ  

you or

 

  Ÿ  

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 charges.

If you hold fund shares in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine which shares may be combined.

Shares of money market funds sold by the distributor acquired by exchange from other funds offered with a sales charge may be combined. Please contact your Service Agent for additional information.

 

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Certain trustees and fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.

 

  Ÿ  

Letter of Intent – allows you to purchase Class A shares of funds sold by the distributor over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge, if any, as if all 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 shares of funds sold by the distributor that are purchased during the 13-month period by:

 

  Ÿ  

you or

 

  Ÿ  

your spouse, and children under the age of 21

are eligible for inclusion under the letter of intent, based on the public offering price at the time of the purchase and any capital appreciation on those shares. In addition, you can include toward your asset goal amount the current value of any eligible holdings.

If you hold shares of funds sold by the distributor 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.

Shares of money market funds sold by the distributor acquired by exchange from other funds offered with a sales charge may be credited toward your letter of intent asset goal. Please contact your Service Agent for additional information.

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.

Waivers for certain Class A investors

Class A initial sales charges are waived for certain types of investors, including:

 

  Ÿ  

Employees of Service Agents

 

  Ÿ  

Investors who redeemed Class A shares of a fund sold by the distributor in the past 60 days, if the investor’s Service Agent is notified

 

  Ÿ  

Directors and officers of any Legg Mason-sponsored fund

 

  Ÿ  

Employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries

 

  Ÿ  

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, Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 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 visit the Legg Mason funds’ website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors, select “Equity” and click on the name of the fund in the dropdown menu.

Class B shares

You buy Class B shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class B shares within five 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 generally will pay Service Agents selling Class B shares a commission of up to 4.00% of the purchase price of the Class B shares they sell. LMIS will retain the contingent deferred sales charges. The fund pays annual distribution and/or service fees of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class B shares. Service Agents receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class B shares serviced by them.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   19


Sales charges cont’d

 

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 fund sold by LMIS
Approximately 8 years after the date of purchase   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 with no 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 generally will 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. LMIS will retain the contingent deferred sales charges and an annual distribution and/or 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 and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.

Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares

You buy Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed.

Service Agents receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by Class FI shares serviced by them, up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets represented by Class R shares serviced by them and up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by Class R1 shares serviced by them.

Class I shares

Class I shares are purchased at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed. Class I shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees.

The following classes of investors are permitted to purchase Class I shares of the fund:

 

  Ÿ  

Institutional Investors who meet the $1,000,000 minimum initial investment requirement. [“Institutional Investors” may include corporations, banks, trust companies, insurance companies, investment companies, foundations, endowments, defined benefit plans and other similar entities.] The distributor or the financial intermediary may impose additional eligibility requirements or criteria to determine if an investor, including those types of investors listed above, qualifies as an Institutional Investor.

 

  Ÿ  

Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries. [“Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries” are investors who invest in the fund through financial intermediaries that (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the distributor to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform. (“Eligible Investment Programs”). Such clients may include pension and profit sharing plans, other employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations and corporations. Eligible Investment Programs may also include college savings vehicles such as Section 529 plans.] The financial intermediary may impose separate investment minimums.

 

  Ÿ  

Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund can generally invest in Class I shares.

 

  Ÿ  

The following investors are also eligible: 1) current employees of the fund’s manager and its affiliates; 2) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Legg Mason; 3) current and former board members of Legg Mason; 4) the immediate families of such persons. For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50; and 5) individual investors who held Class I shares prior to November 20, 2006. Employees who leave the employment of Legg Mason will be able to retain ownership of their Class I shares but will not be able to purchase additional shares.

 

20   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


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:

 

  Ÿ  

When you exchange shares for shares of another fund sold by the distributor

 

  Ÿ  

On shares representing reinvested distributions and dividends

 

  Ÿ  

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 redeem the shares in your account that have been held the longest.

If you redeem shares of a fund sold by the distributor 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 distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges as partial compensation for its 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:

 

  Ÿ  

On payments made through certain systematic withdrawal plans

 

  Ÿ  

On certain distributions from a Retirement Plan

 

  Ÿ  

For Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

 

  Ÿ  

For involuntary redemptions of small account balances

 

  Ÿ  

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 visit the Legg Mason funds’ website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors, select “Equity” and click on the name of the fund in the dropdown menu.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   21


Retirement and Institutional Investors — eligible investors

 

Retirement Plans

“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 similar accounts.

Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund can generally invest in Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares.

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. The distributor may impose certain additional requirements. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.

Class A and Class B shares are no longer offered through Service Agents for Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund, with limited exceptions. Class A shares will cease to be available to new Retirement Plan investors through a Service Agent if the Service Agent makes Class FI shares available. Class C shares will cease to be available to new Retirement Plan investors through a Service Agent if the Service Agent makes Class R1 shares available. Please see below for additional information.

Other Retirement Plans

Other Retirement Plan investors can generally invest in Class A, Class B and Class C shares. “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 between 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 invest in Class A, Class FI or Class I shares. “Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries” are investors who invest in the fund through financial intermediaries that offer their clients fund shares through investment programs 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, Class B and Class C shares, which have different investment minimums, fees and expenses. “Institutional Investors” generally include corporations, banks, trust companies, insurance companies, investment companies, foundations, endowments, defined benefit plans and other similar entities with direct relationships to the fund.

Class A and Class B — Retirement Plans

Class A and Class B shares are no longer offered through Service Agents to Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund. However, certain Retirement Plans that held Class B shares prior to December 1, 2006 are permitted to make additional investments in that class. Certain existing programs for current and prospective Retirement Plan investors sponsored by financial intermediaries also remain eligible to purchase Class A shares. Under these programs, the initial sales charge and contingent deferred sales charge for Class A shares are waived where:

 

  Ÿ  

Such Retirement Plan’s record keeper offers only load-waived shares

 

  Ÿ  

Fund shares are held on the books of the fund through an omnibus account

 

  Ÿ  

The Retirement Plan has more than 100 participants or has total assets exceeding $1 million

 

22   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


 

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 C — Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund may buy Class C shares at net asset value without paying a contingent deferred sales charge. LMIS does not pay Service Agents selling Class C shares to Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund a commission on the purchase price of Class C shares sold by them. Instead, immediately after purchase, LMIS may pay these Service Agents an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.

Certain Retirement Plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by LMIS, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. Please see the SAI for more details.

Class FI shares

Class FI shares are offered only to investors who invest in the fund through certain financial intermediaries and Retirement Plan programs.

Class R shares

Class R shares are offered only to Retirement Plans with accounts held on the books of the fund (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial intermediary).

Class R1 shares

Class R1 shares are offered only to Retirement Plans with accounts held on the books of the fund (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial intermediary).

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 authorized by LMIS. Certain waivers of these requirements for individuals associated with the fund, Legg Mason or its affiliates are discussed in the SAI.

Other considerations

Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other financial intermediaries may choose to impose qualification requirements that differ from the fund’s share class eligibility standards. In certain cases this could result in the selection of a share class with higher distribution and/or service 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.

Your Service Agent may not offer all share classes. Please contact your Service Agent for additional details.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   23


Buying shares

 

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.

 

You must provide the following information for your order to be processed:

 

Ÿ Name of fund being bought

 

Ÿ Class of shares being bought

 

Ÿ Dollar amount or number of shares being bought

 

Ÿ Account number (if existing account)

Through a
Service Agent
  

You should contact your Service Agent to open a brokerage account and make arrangements to buy shares.

 

Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee.

Through the fund   

Investors should contact Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares. For initial purchases, complete and send your account application to the fund at the following address:

 

Legg Mason Funds

P.O. Box 55214

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-8504

 

Subsequent purchases should be sent to the same address. Enclose a check to pay for the shares.

 

For more information, please call Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time).

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.

 

Ÿ Amounts transferred must meet the applicable minimums (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)

 

Ÿ Amounts may be transferred monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

Ÿ If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services may charge you a fee

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

24   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


Exchanging shares

 

Generally    You may exchange shares of the fund for the same class of shares of other funds sold by the distributor on any day that both the fund and the fund into which you are exchanging are open for business.
Legg Mason
offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of large and small investors
  

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.

 

Ÿ If you bought shares through a Service Agent, contact your Service Agent to learn which funds your Service Agent makes available to you for exchanges

 

Ÿ If you bought shares directly from the fund, contact Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 to learn which funds are available to you for exchanges

 

Ÿ Not all funds offer all classes

 

Ÿ Some funds are offered only in a limited number of states. Your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services will provide information about the funds offered in your state

 

Ÿ Generally, an exchange between funds is considered a sale and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. An exchange between classes of shares of the same fund normally is not taxable for federal income tax purposes. You should talk to your tax adviser before making an exchange.

 

Ÿ Always be sure to read the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging shares

Investment minimums, sales charges and other requirements   

Ÿ 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

Ÿ 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

Ÿ You will generally be required to meet the minimum investment requirement for the class of shares of the fund into which your exchange is made (except in the case of systematic exchange plans)

Ÿ Your exchange will also be subject to any other requirements of the fund into which you are exchanging shares

Ÿ If you hold share certificates, you must deliver the certificates, endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers, to the transfer agent or your Service Agent before the exchange is effective

Ÿ The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges

By telephone   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) for information. Exchanges are priced at the net asset value next determined.

 

Telephone exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations and may be made on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.

By mail   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at the following address:

 

Legg Mason Funds

P.O. Box 55214

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-8504

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   25


Exchanging shares cont’d

 

Through a systematic exchange plan   

You may be permitted to schedule automatic exchanges of shares of the fund for shares of other funds available for exchange. All requirements for exchanging shares described above apply to these exchanges. In addition:

 

Ÿ Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

Ÿ Each exchange must meet the applicable investment minimums for systematic investment plans (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

26   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


Redeeming shares

 

Generally   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 to redeem shares of the fund.

 

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.

 

If you hold share certificates, you must deliver the certificates endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers with a signature guarantee to the transfer agent or your Service Agent before you may redeem.

 

If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, partnership or similar entity, other documents may be required.

Redemption proceeds   

Your redemption proceeds normally will be sent within 3 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days, except that your proceeds may be delayed for up to 10 days if your share purchase was made by check.

 

Your redemption proceeds may be delayed, or your right to receive redemption proceeds suspended, if the NYSE is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the SEC.

 

If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds will be sent to your Service Agent. 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 by you. To change the bank account designated to receive wire or electronic transfers, you will be required to deliver a new written authorization and may be asked to provide other documents. You may be charged a fee on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH).

 

In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record.

 

The fund reserves the right to pay redemption proceeds by giving you securities. You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities.

By mail   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at the following address:

 

Legg Mason Funds

P.O. Box 55214

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-8504

 

Your written request must provide the following:

 

Ÿ The fund name, the class of shares being redeemed and your account number

 

Ÿ The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed

 

Ÿ Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered

 

Ÿ Signature guarantees, as applicable (see “Other things to know about transactions”)

By telephone   

If your account application permits, you may be eligible to redeem shares by telephone. Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) for more information. Please have the following information ready when you call:

 

Ÿ Name of fund being redeemed

Ÿ Class of shares being redeemed

Ÿ Account number

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   27


Redeeming shares cont’d

 

Automatic cash withdrawal plans   

You may be permitted to schedule automatic redemptions of a portion of your shares. 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.

 

The following conditions apply:

 

Ÿ Your shares must not be represented by certificates

 

Ÿ Redemptions may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

Ÿ If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the charge will be required to be paid upon redemption. However, the 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 redemptions commence, up to a maximum of 12% in one year

 

Ÿ You must elect to have all dividends and distributions reinvested

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

28   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


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:

 

Ÿ  

Name of the fund

 

Ÿ  

Your account number

 

Ÿ  

In the case of a purchase (including a purchase as part of an exchange transaction), the class of shares being bought

 

Ÿ  

In the case of an exchange or redemption, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed (if you own more than one class)

 

Ÿ  

Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed

 

Ÿ  

In certain circumstances, the signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered (see “Redeeming shares”)

The fund generally will not permit non-resident aliens with a non-U.S. address to establish an account. U.S. citizens with an APO/FPO address or an address in the United States (including its territories) and resident aliens with a U.S. address are permitted to establish an account with the fund. Subject to the requirements of local law, U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries are permitted to establish accounts with the fund.

In certain circumstances, such as during periods of market volatility, severe weather and emergencies, shareholders may experience difficulties placing exchange or redemption orders by telephone. In that case, shareholders should consider using the fund’s other exchange and redemption procedures described above under “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares.”

The transfer agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional 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 these transactions.

The fund has the right to:

 

Ÿ  

Suspend the offering of shares

 

Ÿ  

Waive or change minimum initial and additional investment amounts

 

Ÿ  

Reject any purchase or exchange order

 

Ÿ  

Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege

 

Ÿ  

Suspend telephone transactions

 

Ÿ  

Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted or as otherwise permitted by the SEC

Signature guarantees

To be in good order, your redemption request must include a signature guarantee if you:

 

Ÿ  

Are redeeming shares with a value over $50,000

 

Ÿ  

Are sending signed share certificates or stock powers to the transfer agent

 

Ÿ  

Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from the one on your account registration

 

Ÿ  

Changed your account registration or your address within 30 days

 

Ÿ  

Want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)

 

Ÿ  

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.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   29


Other things to know about transactions cont’d

 

Anti-money laundering

Federal anti-money laundering regulations require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you sign your account application, you may be asked to provide additional information in order for the fund to verify your identity in accordance with these regulations. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations.

Small account balances/Mandatory redemptions

The fund reserves the right to ask you to bring your account up to a minimum investment amount as determined by your Service Agent if the aggregate 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). You will 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. If your account is closed, you will not be eligible to have your account 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, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

Frequent trading of fund shares

Frequent trading in the fund’s shares increases the fund’s administrative costs associated with processing shareholder transactions. In addition, frequent trading may potentially interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio and increase the fund’s costs associated with trading the fund’s portfolio securities. Under certain circumstances, frequent trading may also dilute the returns earned on shares held by the fund’s other shareholders. The fund therefore discourages frequent purchases and redemptions by shareholders.

The fund reserves the right to refuse any client or reject any purchase order for shares (including exchanges) for any reason. In particular, the Board has determined that the fund is not designed to serve as a vehicle for frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations in the securities markets.

Under the fund’s frequent trading policy, the fund reserves the right to restrict or reject purchases of shares (including exchanges) without prior notice whenever the fund detects a pattern of excessive trading. The policy currently provides that the fund will use its best efforts to restrict a shareholder’s trading privileges in the fund if that shareholder has engaged in three or more “Round Trips” (defined below) during any rolling 12-month period. The restriction on the number of Round Trips may change from time to time by amendment of the frequent trading policy. The fund may determine to restrict a shareholder from making additional purchases prior to engaging in three Round Trips. However, the fund has the discretion to determine that restricting a shareholder’s 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 to the fund. In making such a determination, the fund will consider, among other things, the nature of the shareholder’s account, the reason for the frequent trading and the amount of trading. Additionally, the fund 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 fund may take to deter excessive trading in a shareholder account include restricting the shareholder from purchasing additional shares in the 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 fund.

A “Round Trip” is defined as a purchase (including subscriptions and exchanges) into the 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 fund shares pursuant to an automatic investment plan or similar program for periodic transactions are not considered in determining Round Trips.

 

30   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


 

With respect to accounts where shareholder transactions are processed or records are kept by third-party intermediaries, the fund uses reasonable efforts to monitor such accounts to detect suspicious trading patterns. For any such account that is so identified, the fund will make such further inquiries and take such other actions as shall be considered necessary or appropriate to enforce the fund’s frequent trading policy against the shareholder(s) trading through such account and, if necessary, the third-party intermediary (retirement plan administrators, securities broker/dealers and mutual fund marketplaces) maintaining such account. The fund may accept undertakings from intermediaries to enforce frequent trading policies on behalf of the fund that provide a substantially similar level of protection against excessive trading. Shareholders who own shares of the fund through financial intermediaries should examine any disclosures provided by the intermediaries to determine what restrictions apply to the shareholders.

Although the fund will monitor shareholder transactions for certain patterns of frequent trading activity, there can be no assurance that all such trading activity can be identified, prevented or terminated.

Share certificates

The fund does not issue share certificates. If you currently hold share certificates of the fund, the 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, Funds Investor Services or Institutional 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 under certain circumstances, may nonetheless be entitled to vote your shares.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   31


Dividends, distributions and taxes

 

Dividends and distributions

The fund generally pays dividends and makes capital gain distributions, if any, 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 primarily from capital gains. 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, Funds Investor Services or Institutional 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 and does not address investors subject to special rules, such as investors who hold shares in the fund through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax adviser about your investment in the fund.

In general, unless your shares are held in a qualified retirement plan, IRA or other tax deferred arrangement, redeeming shares, exchanging shares and receiving dividends and distributions (whether in cash or additional shares) are all taxable events. Any tax liability that you owe as a result of any of these taxable events is your responsibility. An exchange between classes of shares of the same fund normally is not taxable for federal income tax purposes.

 

Transaction   Federal Tax Status
Redemption or exchange of shares   Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares owned more than one year
Long-term capital gain distributions   Long-term capital gain
Dividends   Ordinary income, potentially taxable at long-term capital gain rates

Distributions attributable to short-term capital gains are treated as dividends, taxable as ordinary income. Taxable dividends and long-term capital gain distributions are taxable whether received in cash or reinvested in fund shares. Although dividends (including dividends from short-term capital gains) are generally taxable as ordinary income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, individual shareholders who satisfy certain holding period and other requirements are taxed on such dividends at long-term capital gain rates to the extent the dividends are attributable to “qualified dividend income” received by the fund. “Qualified dividend income” generally consists of dividends received from U.S. corporations (other than dividends from tax-exempt organizations and certain dividends from real estate investment trusts and regulated investment companies) and certain foreign corporations. Long-term capital gain distributions are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. You may want to avoid buying shares when the fund is about to declare a long-term capital gain distribution or a dividend because it will be taxable to you even though it may actually be a return of a portion of your investment.

A dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and paid during January of the following year will, in certain circumstances, be treated as paid in December for tax purposes.

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 do not provide the fund with your correct taxpayer identification number and any required certifications, you may be subject to back-up withholding on your distributions, dividends and redemption proceeds. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax adviser about your investment in the fund.

The above discussion is applicable to shareholders who are U.S. persons. If you are a non-U.S. person, please consult your own tax adviser with respect to the U.S. tax consequences to you of an investment in the fund.

 

32   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


Share price

 

You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order, adjusted for any applicable sales charge. The fund’s 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. The fund generally values its securities and other assets and calculates its net asset value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, the fund will calculate its net asset value as of the actual closing time. The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.

In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at a certain day’s price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the transfer agent before the NYSE closes on that day. If the NYSE closes early on that day, you must place your order prior to the actual closing time. It is the responsibility of the Service Agent to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the transfer agent on a timely basis.

Valuation of the fund’s securities and other assets is performed in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. These procedures delegate most valuation functions to the manager, which, in turn, uses independent third party pricing services approved by the fund’s Board. Under the procedures, assets are valued as follows:

 

  Ÿ  

Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price or, if that price is unavailable or deemed by the manager not representative of market value, the last sale price. Where a security is traded on more than one exchange (as is often the case overseas), the security is generally valued at the price on the exchange considered by the manager to be the primary exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if exchange prices are not otherwise available, the prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services that use a variety of techniques and methodologies.

 

  Ÿ  

The valuations for fixed income securities and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of fair valuation techniques and methodologies. Short-term fixed income securities 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 investment’s fair value.

 

  Ÿ  

The valuations of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade, unless a significant event has occurred. When the fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time). The fund uses a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to value foreign equity securities on days when a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index suggests that the closing prices on foreign exchanges may no longer represent the value of those securities at the time of closing of the NYSE. Foreign markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund’s shares.

 

  Ÿ  

If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers. 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. These procedures permit, among other things, the use of a matrix, formula or other method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments to determine fair value. Fair value of a security is the amount as determined by the manager in good faith, that the fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the security. 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 fund’s net asset value is calculated.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   33


Share price cont’d

 

Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ — higher or lower — from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Moreover, valuing securities using fair value methodologies involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on market quotations. A fund that uses fair value methodologies 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 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. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or higher or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different methodology.

 

34   Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund


Financial highlights

 

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each class for the past five years, unless otherwise noted. No financial highlights are provided for Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares as there were no Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares outstanding for the periods shown. The returns for Class R1 shares will differ from those of the other classes to the extent that their expenses differ. 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 fund’s and the predecessor fund’s financial statements, which have been audited by [ ], an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the fund’s financial statements, is included in the Annual Report (available upon request). The financial information shown below for periods prior to April 16, 2007 is that of the fund’s predecessor.

 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund   35


Privacy Policy

 

We are committed to keeping nonpublic personal information about you secure and confidential. This notice is intended to help you understand how we fulfill this commitment. From time to time, we may collect a variety of personal information about you, including:

 

Ÿ  

Information we receive from you on applications and forms, via the telephone, and through our websites;

 

Ÿ  

Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others (such as your purchases, sales, or account balances); and

 

Ÿ  

Information we receive from consumer reporting agencies.

We do not disclose nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers, except to our affiliates (such as broker/dealers or investment advisers within the Legg Mason family of companies) or as is otherwise permitted by applicable law or regulation. For example, we may share this information with others in order to process your transactions or service an account. We may also provide this information to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf, such as printing and mailing, or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements. When we enter into such agreements, we will require these companies to protect the confidentiality of this information and to use it only to perform the services for which we hired them.

With respect to our internal security procedures, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information, and we restrict access to this information.

If you decide at some point either to close your account(s) or become an inactive customer, we will continue to adhere to our privacy policies and practices with respect to your nonpublic personal information.

[This page is not part of the Prospectus.]


Legg Mason Investment Counsel

Social Awareness Fund

 

You may visit the fund’s website at http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/prospectuses for a free copy of a Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report.

Shareholder reports Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

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, Funds Investor Services or Institutional 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 Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432, or by writing to the fund at 55 Water Street, New York, New York 10041.

Information about the fund (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (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 SEC’s 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 SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549.

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 distributor is offering to sell shares of the fund to any person to whom the fund may not lawfully sell its shares.

(Investment Company Act

file no. 811-06444)

FD0225ST [    ]/10


[May     , 2010]

LOGO

 

Prospectus

Legg Mason

Lifestyle Funds

 

    Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
100%:
  Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
85%:
  Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
70%:
  Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
50%:
  Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
30%:
  Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Income
Fund:
Class   Ticker
Symbol
  Ticker
Symbol
  Ticker
Symbol
  Ticker
Symbol
  Ticker
Symbol
 

Ticker

Symbol

Class A Shares

  LMLAX   SCHAX   SCGRX   SBBAX   SBCPX   LMLAX

Class B Shares

  LMLBX   SCHBX   SGRBX   SCBBX   SBCBX   LMLBX

Class C Shares

  LMYCX   SCHCX   SCGCX   SCBCX   SBCLX   LMYCX

Class FI Shares

  [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]

Class R Shares

  [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]

Class R1 Shares

  [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]   [            ]

Class I Shares

  LMYIX   [            ]   LLAIX   LMEIX   [            ]   LMYIX

 

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.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

 


Contents     
Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%    2
Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%    8
Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%    15
Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%    22
Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30%    29
Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund    36
More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks    43
Portfolio holdings    69
More on fund management    70
Choosing a class of shares to buy    72
Comparing the funds’ classes    74
Sales charges    76
More about contingent deferred sales charges    79
Retirement and Institutional Investors — eligible investors    80
Buying shares    82
Exchanging shares    83
Redeeming shares    85
Other things to know about transactions    87
Dividends, distributions and taxes    90
Share price    91
Financial highlights    93
Appendix A    94

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%

 

Investment objective

The fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and expenses of the fund

The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds sold by Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, in this Prospectus on page [    ] under the heading “Sales charges” and in the fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) on page [    ] under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions.”

 

Shareholder fees (paid directly from your investment) (%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    5.75   None   None   None   None   None   None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) (may be reduced over time)    Generally,
none
  5.00   1.00   None   None   None   None
Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of
your investment)
(%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Management fees    None   None   None   None   None   None   None
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees    0.25   1.00   1.00   0.25   0.50   1.00   None
Other expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Fees forgone and/or expenses reimbursed    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses 1    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

 

1

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class B shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class FI shares, 1.05% for Class R shares,         % for Class R1 shares and 0.55% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds) are included in the calculation of total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses, but they are not subject to the limits described above.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:

 

Ÿ  

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated

 

Ÿ  

Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same

 

Ÿ  

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

 

2   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Number of years you own your shares ($)    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R1 (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [    ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 100% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities. However, there may be times when the portfolio managers choose to invest up to [10%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and up to [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    100%
Fixed Income Funds    0%
Balanced Funds    [0%]
Target range     
Equity Funds    90-100%
Fixed Income Funds    [0-10%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   3


Certain risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.

Affiliated funds risk. The fund’s manager serves as manager of the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds and is affiliated with the manager of the underlying Royce funds. In addition, the fund may invest in certain underlying funds for which the subadviser serves as adviser. It is possible that a conflict of interest among the fund and the underlying funds could affect how the portfolio’s manager and subadviser fulfill their fiduciary duties to the fund and the underlying funds. However, the fund’s Board of Trustees believes the fund has been structured to avoid these concerns.

Allocation risk. The fund’s ability to achieve its investment goal depends upon the portfolio managers’ skill in determining the fund’s strategic asset class allocation and in selecting the best mix of underlying funds. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular asset class, investment style, underlying fund or other issuer is incorrect.

Asset class variation risk. The underlying funds invest principally in the securities constituting their asset class (i.e., equity or fixed income). However, under normal market conditions, an underlying fund may vary the percentage of its assets in these securities (subject to any applicable regulatory requirements). Depending upon the percentage of securities in a particular asset class held by the underlying funds at any given time, and the percentage of the fund’s assets invested in various underlying funds, the fund’s actual exposure to the securities in a particular asset class may vary substantially from its Target Allocation for that asset class.

Derivatives risk. The use of derivatives by an underlying fund can increase the underlying fund’s losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by an underlying fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase underlying fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to an underlying fund.

 

Foreign securities risk. An underlying fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which an underlying fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and may suffer from political or economic instability. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Fund of funds risk. Your cost of investing in the fund, as a fund of funds, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that only invests directly in individual securities. An underlying fund may change its investment objective or policies without the fund’s approval, which could force the fund to withdraw its investment from such underlying fund at a time that is unfavorable to the fund. In addition, one underlying fund may buy the same securities that another underlying fund sells. Therefore, the fund would indirectly bear the costs of these trades without accomplishing any investment purpose.

Growth and value investing risk. Growth or value securities as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on other types of securities. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued. Although the underlying funds do not concentrate their investments in any one industry or industry group, an underlying fund that is growth- or value-oriented may, like many growth or value funds, weight its investments toward certain industries, thus increasing its exposure to factors adversely affecting issuers within those industries and, indirectly, the fund’s exposure to those factors.

Issuer risk. The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including a decline in the U.S. stock or bond markets, disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, loss of major customers and major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the

 

4   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

competitive environment. An underlying fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally gone up or down more than those of large capitalization companies, although even large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Large capitalization risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Liquidity risk. Some securities held by an underlying fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If an underlying fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the underlying fund may be forced to sell at a loss.

Market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of an underlying fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by an underlying fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of your investment also may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.

Non-diversification risk. The fund is classified as “non- diversified,” which means that it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a small number of underlying funds than a diversified fund. To the extent the fund invests its assets in fewer underlying funds, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those funds. The underlying funds in which the fund invests may be either diversified or non-diversified.

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Small and medium capitalization risk. An underlying fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

Valuation risk. The sales price an underlying fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.

These risks are discussed in more detail later in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   5


Performance

 

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The fund also compares its performance to a composite benchmark, which is a hypothetical representation of the performance of the fund’s major asset classes, consisting of 55% Russell 1000 Index, 25% Russell 2000 Index and 20% MSCI Europe Australasia and Far East Index. The fund makes updated performance information available at the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/products/mutual-funds/annualized_performance (select share class), or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432.

The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Total returns (before taxes) (%)     
  

Best quarter

(                ): [        ]%

 

Worst quarter

(                ): (        )%

 

The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended 03/31/10, was (        )%

 

Average annual total returns (for periods ended December 31, 2009) (%)               
       1 year   

Since

inception

   Inception
date
Class A               
Return before taxes              12/29/2006
Return after taxes on distributions               
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares               
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)               
Class B              12/29/2006
Class C              12/29/2006
Class FI               
Russell 3000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               
Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)         

The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, 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. After-tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A.

 

6   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Management

 

Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

Subadviser: Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”)

Portfolio managers: Steven Bleiberg and Andrew Purdy. Mr. Bleiberg (President and Chief Investment Officer of LMGAA) and Mr. Purdy (Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation Strategies of LMGAA) have been portfolio managers for the fund since its inception.

Purchase and sale of fund shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.

The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows:

 

Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)     
       Class A    Class B    Class C    Class FI    Class R    Class R1    Class I
General    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
IRAs    250/50    250/50    250/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    50/50    50/50    50/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None    N/A    N/A    None/None    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    None/None    None/None    None/None
Other Retirement Plans    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    1 million/None

Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your financial intermediary, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone (Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432) or by mail (Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 55214, Boston, MA 02205-8504).

Tax information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gain, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account.

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries

The fund and its related companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   7


Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%

Investment objective

The fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees and expenses of the fund

The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds sold by Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, in this Prospectus on page [    ] under the heading “Sales charges” and in the fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) on page [    ] under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions.”

 

Shareholder fees (paid directly from your investment) (%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    5.75   None   None   None   None   None   None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) (may be reduced over time)    Generally,
none
  5.00   1.00   None   None   None   None
Annual fund operating expenses  (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of
your investment) (%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Management fees    None   None   None   None   None   None   None
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees    0.25   1.00   1.00   0.25   0.50   1.00   None
Other expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Fees forgone and/or expenses reimbursed    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses 1    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

 

1

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class B shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class FI shares, 1.05% for Class R shares,     % for Class R1 shares and 0.55% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds) are included in the calculation of total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses, but they are not subject to the limits described above.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:

 

Ÿ  

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated

 

Ÿ  

Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same

 

Ÿ  

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

 

8   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Number of years you own your shares ($)    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R1 (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [    ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 85% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [15%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    85%
Fixed Income Funds    [15%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    80-100%
Fixed Income Funds    [0-20%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   9


Certain risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.

Affiliated funds risk. The fund’s manager serves as manager of the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds and is affiliated with the manager of the underlying Royce funds. In addition, the fund may invest in certain underlying funds for which the subadviser serves as adviser. It is possible that a conflict of interest among the fund and the underlying funds could affect how the portfolio’s manager and subadviser fulfill their fiduciary duties to the fund and the underlying funds. However, the fund’s Board of Trustees believes the fund has been structured to avoid these concerns.

Allocation risk. The fund’s ability to achieve its investment goal depends upon the portfolio managers’ skill in determining the fund’s strategic asset class allocation and in selecting the best mix of underlying funds. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular asset class, investment style, underlying fund or other issuer is incorrect.

Asset class variation risk. The underlying funds invest principally in the securities constituting their asset class (i.e., equity or fixed income). However, under normal market conditions, an underlying fund may vary the percentage of its assets in these securities (subject to any applicable regulatory requirements). Depending upon the percentage of securities in a particular asset class held by the underlying funds at any given time, and the percentage of the fund’s assets invested in various underlying funds, the fund’s actual exposure to the securities in a particular asset class may vary substantially from its Target Allocation for that asset class.

Credit risk. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by an underlying fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with an underlying fund defaults or is downgraded, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of your investment will decline. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default and are considered speculative.

Derivatives risk. The use of derivatives by an underlying fund can increase the underlying fund’s losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by an underlying fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase underlying fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to an underlying fund.

Extension risk. If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer.

Foreign securities risk. An underlying fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which an underlying fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and may suffer from political or economic instability. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Fund of funds risk. Your cost of investing in the fund, as a fund of funds, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that only invests directly in individual securities. An underlying fund may change its investment objective or policies without the fund’s approval, which could force the fund to withdraw its investment from such underlying fund at a time that is unfavorable to the fund. In addition, one underlying fund may buy the same securities that another underlying fund sells. Therefore, the fund would indirectly bear the costs of these trades without accomplishing any investment purpose.

Growth and value investing risk. Growth or value securities as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on other types of securities. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued. Although the underlying funds do not concentrate their investments in any one industry or industry group, an underlying fund that is growth- or

 

10   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

value-oriented may, like many growth or value funds, weight its investments toward certain industries, thus increasing its exposure to factors adversely affecting issuers within those industries and, indirectly, the fund’s exposure to those factors.

High yield or “junk bond” risk. Debt securities that are below investment grade, or “junk bonds,” are speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments.

Issuer risk. The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including a decline in the U.S. stock or bond markets, disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, loss of major customers and major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An underlying fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally gone up or down more than those of large capitalization companies, although even large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Large capitalization risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Liquidity risk. Some securities held by an underlying fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If an underlying fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the underlying fund may be forced to sell at a loss.

Market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of an underlying fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by an underlying fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of your investment also may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.

Non-diversification risk. The fund is classified as “non- diversified,” which means that it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a small number of underlying funds than a diversified fund. To the extent the fund invests its assets in fewer underlying funds, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those funds. The underlying funds in which the fund invests may be either diversified or non-diversified.

Prepayment or call risk. Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, an underlying fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. An underlying fund also may lose any premium it paid on the security.

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Small and medium capitalization risk. An underlying fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   11


Certain risks cont’d

 

Valuation risk. The sales price an underlying fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.

These risks are discussed in more detail later in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

12   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Performance

 

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The fund also compares its performance to a composite benchmark, which is a hypothetical representation of the performance of the fund’s major asset classes, consisting of 45% Russell 1000 Index, 20% Russell 2000 Index, 20% MSCI Europe Australasia and Far East Index, 10% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (an index of fixed income securities) and 5% Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index (an index of the 2% Issuer Cap Component of the Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Index). The fund makes updated performance information available at the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/products/mutual-funds/annualized_performance (select share class), or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432.

The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Total returns (before taxes) (%)     
  

Best quarter

(                ): [        ]%

 

Worst quarter

(                ): (        )%

 

The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended 03/31/10, was (        )%

 

Average annual total returns (for periods ended December 31, 2009) (%)
       1 year    5 years    10 years    Since
inception
  

Inception

date

Class A                         
Return before taxes                   N/A     
Return after taxes on distributions                   N/A     
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares                   N/A     
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                         
Class B                   N/A     
Class C                   N/A     
Class I         N/A    N/A         12/16/2008
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Russell 3000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               

The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, 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. After-tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   13


Management

 

Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

Subadviser: Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”)

Portfolio managers: Steven Bleiberg and Andrew Purdy. Mr. Bleiberg (President and Chief Investment Officer of LMGAA) and Mr. Purdy (Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation Strategies of LMGAA) have been portfolio managers for the fund since 2003 and 2001, respectively.

Purchase and sale of fund shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.

The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows:

 

Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)
       Class A    Class B    Class C    Class FI    Class R    Class R1    Class I
General    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
IRAs    250/50    250/50    250/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    50/50    50/50    50/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None    N/A    N/A    None/None    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    None/None    None/None    None/None
Other Retirement Plans    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    1 million/None

Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your financial intermediary, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone (Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432) or by mail (Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 55214, Boston, MA 02205-8504).

Tax information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gain, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account.

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries

The fund and its related companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

14   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%

Investment objective

The fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

Fees and expenses of the fund

The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds sold by Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, in this Prospectus on page [    ] under the heading “Sales charges” and in the fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) on page [    ] under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions.”

 

Shareholder fees (paid directly from your investment) (%)
      Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)   5.75   None   None   None   None   None   None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) (may be reduced over time)   Generally,
none
  5.00   1.00   None   None   None   None
Annual fund operating expenses  (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of
your investment)
(%)
      Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Management fees   None   None   None   None   None   None   None
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees   0.25   1.00   1.00   0.25   0.50   1.00   None
Other expenses   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds)   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Fees forgone and/or expenses reimbursed   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses 1   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

 

1

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class B shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class FI shares, 1.05% for Class R shares,     % for Class R1 shares and 0.55% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds) are included in the calculation of total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses, but they are not subject to the limits described above.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:

 

Ÿ  

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated

 

Ÿ  

Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same

 

Ÿ  

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   15


Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Number of years you own your shares ($)    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R1 (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [    ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 70% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [30%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    70%
Fixed Income Funds    [30%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    60-80%
Fixed Income Funds    [20-40%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

 

16   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Certain risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.

Affiliated funds risk. The fund’s manager serves as manager of the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds and is affiliated with the manager of the underlying Royce funds. In addition, the fund may invest in certain underlying funds for which the subadviser serves as adviser. It is possible that a conflict of interest among the fund and the underlying funds could affect how the portfolio’s manager and subadviser fulfill their fiduciary duties to the fund and the underlying funds. However, the fund’s Board of Trustees believes the fund has been structured to avoid these concerns.

Allocation risk. The fund’s ability to achieve its investment goal depends upon the portfolio managers’ skill in determining the fund’s strategic asset class allocation and in selecting the best mix of underlying funds. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular asset class, investment style, underlying fund or other issuer is incorrect.

Asset class variation risk. The underlying funds invest principally in the securities constituting their asset class (i.e., equity or fixed income). However, under normal market conditions, an underlying fund may vary the percentage of its assets in these securities (subject to any applicable regulatory requirements). Depending upon the percentage of securities in a particular asset class held by the underlying funds at any given time, and the percentage of the fund’s assets invested in various underlying funds, the fund’s actual exposure to the securities in a particular asset class may vary substantially from its Target Allocation for that asset class.

Credit risk. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by an underlying fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with an underlying fund defaults or is downgraded, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of your investment will decline. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default and are considered speculative.

Derivatives risk. The use of derivatives by an underlying fund can increase the underlying fund’s losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by an underlying fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase underlying fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to an underlying fund.

Extension risk. If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer.

Foreign securities risk. An underlying fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which an underlying fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and may suffer from political or economic instability. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Fund of funds risk. Your cost of investing in the fund, as a fund of funds, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that only invests directly in individual securities. An underlying fund may change its investment objective or policies without the fund’s approval, which could force the fund to withdraw its investment from such underlying fund at a time that is unfavorable to the fund. In addition, one underlying fund may buy the same securities that another underlying fund sells. Therefore, the fund would indirectly bear the costs of these trades without accomplishing any investment purpose.

Growth and value investing risk. Growth or value securities as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the

market concentrates on other types of securities. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued. Although the underlying funds do not concentrate their investments in any one industry or industry group, an underlying fund that is growth- or

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   17


Certain risks cont’d

 

value-oriented may, like many growth or value funds, weight its investments toward certain industries, thus increasing its exposure to factors adversely affecting issuers within those industries and, indirectly, the fund’s exposure to those factors.

High yield or “junk bond” risk. Debt securities that are below investment grade, or “junk bonds,” are speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments.

Issuer risk. The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including a decline in the U.S. stock or bond markets, disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, loss of major customers and major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An underlying fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally gone up or down more than those of large capitalization companies, although even large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Large capitalization risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Liquidity risk. Some securities held by an underlying fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If an underlying fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the underlying fund may be forced to sell at a loss.

Market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of an underlying fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by an underlying fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of your investment also may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.

Non-diversification risk. The fund is classified as “non- diversified,” which means that it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a small number of underlying funds than a diversified fund. To the extent the fund invests its assets in fewer underlying funds, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those funds. The underlying funds in which the fund invests may be either diversified or non-diversified.

Prepayment or call risk. Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, an underlying fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. An underlying fund also may lose any premium it paid on the security.

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Small and medium capitalization risk. An underlying fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

 

18   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Valuation risk. The sales price an underlying fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.

These risks are discussed in more detail later in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   19


Performance

 

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The fund also compares its performance to a composite benchmark, which is a hypothetical representation of the performance of the fund’s major asset classes, consisting of 40% Russell 1000 Index, 15% Russell 2000 Index, 15% MSCI Europe Australasia and Far East Index, 25% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (an index of fixed income securities) and 5% Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index (an index of the 2% Issuer Cap Component of the Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Index). The fund makes updated performance information available at the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/products/mutual-funds/annualized_performance (select share class), or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432.

The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Total returns (before taxes) (%)     
  

Best quarter

(                ): [        ]%

 

Worst quarter

(                ): (        )%

 

The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended 03/31/09, was (        )%

 

Average annual total returns (for periods ended December 31, 2009) (%)                    
       1 year    5 years    10 years   

Since

inception

   Inception
date
Class A                         
Return before taxes                   N/A     
Return after taxes on distributions                   N/A     
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares                   N/A     
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                         
Class B                   N/A     
Class C                   N/A     
Class I         N/A    N/A         10/02/2007
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Russell 3000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               

The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, 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. After-tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A.

 

20   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Management

 

Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

Subadviser: Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”)

Portfolio managers: Steven Bleiberg and Andrew Purdy. Mr. Bleiberg (President and Chief Investment Officer of LMGAA) and Mr. Purdy (Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation Strategies of LMGAA) have been portfolio managers for the fund since 2003 and 2001, respectively.

Purchase and sale of fund shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.

The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows:

 

Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)
       Class A    Class B    Class C    Class FI    Class R    Class R1   Class I
General    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A   N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A   N/A
IRAs    250/50    250/50    250/50    N/A    N/A    N/A   N/A
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A   N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    50/50    50/50    50/50    N/A    N/A    N/A   N/A
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None    N/A    N/A    None/None    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    None/None    None/None   None/None
Other Retirement Plans    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A   N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A   1 million/None

Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your financial intermediary, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone (Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432) or by mail (Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 55214, Boston, MA 02205-8504).

Tax information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gain, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account.

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries

The fund and its related companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   21


Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%

Investment objective

The fund seeks balance of growth of capital and income.

Fees and expenses of the fund

The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds sold by Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, in this Prospectus on page [    ] under the heading “Sales charges” and in the fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) on page [    ] under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions.”

 

Shareholder fees (paid directly from your investment) (%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    5.75   None   None   None   None   None   None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) (may be reduced over time)    Generally,
none
  5.00   1.00   None   None   None   None
Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of
your investment)
(%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Management fees    None   None   None   None   None   None   None
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees    0.25   1.00   1.00   0.25   0.50   1.00   None
Other expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Fees forgone and/or expenses reimbursed    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses 1    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

 

1

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class B shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class FI shares, 1.05% for Class R shares,     % for Class R1 shares and 0.55% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds) are included in the calculation of total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses, but they are not subject to the limits described above.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:

 

Ÿ  

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated

 

Ÿ  

Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same

 

Ÿ  

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

 

22   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Number of years you own your shares ($)    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R1 (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [    ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 50% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [50%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    50%
Fixed Income Funds    [50%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    40-60%
Fixed Income Funds    [40-60%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   23


Certain risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.

Affiliated funds risk. The fund’s manager serves as manager of the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds and is affiliated with the manager of the underlying Royce funds. In addition, the fund may invest in certain underlying funds for which the subadviser serves as adviser. It is possible that a conflict of interest among the fund and the underlying funds could affect how the portfolio’s manager and subadviser fulfill their fiduciary duties to the fund and the underlying funds. However, the fund’s Board of Trustees believes the fund has been structured to avoid these concerns.

Allocation risk. The fund’s ability to achieve its investment goal depends upon the portfolio managers’ skill in determining the fund’s strategic asset class allocation and in selecting the best mix of underlying funds. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular asset class, investment style, underlying fund or other issuer is incorrect.

Asset class variation risk. The underlying funds invest principally in the securities constituting their asset class (i.e., equity or fixed income). However, under normal market conditions, an underlying fund may vary the percentage of its assets in these securities (subject to any applicable regulatory requirements). Depending upon the percentage of securities in a particular asset class held by the underlying funds at any given time, and the percentage of the fund’s assets invested in various underlying funds, the fund’s actual exposure to the securities in a particular asset class may vary substantially from its Target Allocation for that asset class.

Credit risk. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by an underlying fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with an underlying fund defaults or is downgraded, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of your investment will decline. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default and are considered speculative.

Derivatives risk. The use of derivatives by an underlying fund can increase the underlying fund’s losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by an underlying fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase underlying fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to an underlying fund.

Extension risk. If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer.

Foreign securities risk. An underlying fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which an underlying fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and may suffer from political or economic instability. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Fund of funds risk. Your cost of investing in the fund, as a fund of funds, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that only invests directly in individual securities. An underlying fund may change its investment objective or policies without the fund’s approval, which could force the fund to withdraw its investment from such underlying fund at a time that is unfavorable to the fund. In addition, one underlying fund may buy the same securities that another underlying fund sells. Therefore, the fund would indirectly bear the costs of these trades without accomplishing any investment purpose.

Growth and value investing risk. Growth or value securities as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on other types of securities. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued. Although the underlying funds do not concentrate their investments in any one industry or industry group, an underlying fund that is growth- or

 

24   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

value-oriented may, like many growth or value funds, weight its investments toward certain industries, thus increasing its exposure to factors adversely affecting issuers within those industries and, indirectly, the fund’s exposure to those factors.

High yield or “junk bond” risk. Debt securities that are below investment grade, or “junk bonds,” are speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments.

Issuer risk. The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including a decline in the U.S. stock or bond markets, disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, loss of major customers and major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An underlying fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally gone up or down more than those of large capitalization companies, although even large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Large capitalization risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Liquidity risk. Some securities held by an underlying fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If an underlying fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the underlying fund may be forced to sell at a loss.

Market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of an underlying fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by an underlying fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of your investment also may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.

Non-diversification risk. The fund is classified as “non- diversified,” which means that it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a small number of underlying funds than a diversified fund. To the extent the fund invests its assets in fewer underlying funds, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those funds. The underlying funds in which the fund invests may be either diversified or non-diversified.

Prepayment or call risk. Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, an underlying fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. An underlying fund also may lose any premium it paid on the security.

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Small and medium capitalization risk. An underlying fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   25


Certain risks cont’d

 

Valuation risk. The sales price an underlying fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.

These risks are discussed in more detail later in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

26   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Performance

 

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The fund also compares its performance to a composite benchmark, which is a hypothetical representation of the performance of the fund’s major asset classes, consisting of 28% Russell 1000 Index, 12% Russell 2000 Index, 10% MSCI Europe Australasia and the Far East Index, 43% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (an index of fixed income securities) and 7% Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index (an index of the 2% Issuer Cap Component of the Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Index). The fund makes updated performance information available at the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/products/mutual-funds/annualized_performance (select share class), or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432.

The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Total returns (before taxes) (%)     
  

Best quarter

(                ): [        ]%

 

Worst quarter

(                ): (        )%

 

The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended 03/31/09, was (        )%

 

Average annual total returns (for periods ended December 31, 2009) (%)
       1 year    5 years    10 years   

Since

inception

  

Inception

date

Class A                         
Return before taxes                   N/A     
Return after taxes on distributions                   N/A     
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares                   N/A     
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                         
Class B                   N/A     
Class C                   N/A     
Class I         N/A    N/A         01/29/2008
Barclays capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Russell 1000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)                         
Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               

The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, 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. After-tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   27


Management

 

Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

Subadviser: Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”)

Portfolio managers: Steven Bleiberg and Andrew Purdy. Mr. Bleiberg (President and Chief Investment Officer of LMGAA) and Mr. Purdy (Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation Strategies of LMGAA) have been portfolio managers for the fund since 2003 and 2001, respectively.

Purchase and sale of fund shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.

The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows:

 

Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)
       Class A    Class B    Class C    Class FI    Class R    Class R1    Class I
General    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
IRAs    250/50    250/50    250/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    50/50    50/50    50/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None    N/A    N/A    None/None    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    None/None    None/None    None/None
Other Retirement Plans    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    1 million/None

Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your financial intermediary, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone (Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432) or by mail (Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 55214, Boston, MA 02205-8504).

Tax information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gain, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account.

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries

The fund and its related companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

28   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30%

Investment objective

The fund seeks income as a primary objective and long-term growth of capital as a secondary objective.

Fees and expenses of the fund

The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds sold by Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, in this Prospectus on page [    ] under the heading “Sales charges” and in the fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) on page [    ] under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions.”

 

Shareholder fees (paid directly from your investment) (%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    4.25   None   None   None   None   None   None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) (may be reduced over time)    Generally,
none
  4.50   1.00   None   None   None   None
Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of
your investment)
(%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Management fees    None   None   None   None   None   None   None
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees    0.25   0.75   0.70   0.25   0.50   1.00   None
Other expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Fees forgone and/or expenses reimbursed    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses 1    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

 

1

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class B shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class FI shares, 1.05% for Class R shares,     % for Class R1 shares and 0.55% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds) are included in the calculation of total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses, but they are not subject to the limits described above.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:

 

Ÿ  

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated

 

Ÿ  

Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same

 

Ÿ  

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   29


Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Number of years you own your shares ($)    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R1 (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [    ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 30% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [70%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    30%
Fixed Income Funds    [70%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    20-40%
Fixed Income Funds    [60-80%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

 

30   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Certain risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.

Affiliated funds risk. The fund’s manager serves as manager of the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds and is affiliated with the manager of the underlying Royce funds. In addition, the fund may invest in certain underlying funds for which the subadviser serves as adviser. It is possible that a conflict of interest among the fund and the underlying funds could affect how the portfolio’s manager and subadviser fulfill their fiduciary duties to the fund and the underlying funds. However, the fund’s Board of Trustees believes the fund has been structured to avoid these concerns.

Allocation risk. The fund’s ability to achieve its investment goal depends upon the portfolio managers’ skill in determining the fund’s strategic asset class allocation and in selecting the best mix of underlying funds. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular asset class, investment style, underlying fund or other issuer is incorrect.

Asset class variation risk. The underlying funds invest principally in the securities constituting their asset class (i.e., equity or fixed income). However, under normal market conditions, an underlying fund may vary the percentage of its assets in these securities (subject to any applicable regulatory requirements). Depending upon the percentage of securities in a particular asset class held by the underlying funds at any given time, and the percentage of the fund’s assets invested in various underlying funds, the fund’s actual exposure to the securities in a particular asset class may vary substantially from its Target Allocation for that asset class.

Credit risk. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by an underlying fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with an underlying fund defaults or is downgraded, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of your investment will decline. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default and are considered speculative.

Derivatives risk. The use of derivatives by an underlying fund can increase the underlying fund’s losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by an underlying fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase underlying fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to an underlying fund.

Extension risk. If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer.

Foreign securities risk. An underlying fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which an underlying fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and may suffer from political or economic instability. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Fund of funds risk. Your cost of investing in the fund, as a fund of funds, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that only invests directly in individual securities. An underlying fund may change its investment objective or policies without the fund’s approval, which could force the fund to withdraw its investment from such underlying fund at a time that is unfavorable to the fund. In addition, one underlying fund may buy the same securities that another underlying fund sells. Therefore, the fund would indirectly bear the costs of these trades without accomplishing any investment purpose.

Growth and value investing risk. Growth or value securities as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on other types of securities. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued. Although the underlying funds do not concentrate their investments in any one industry or industry group, an underlying fund that is growth- or

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   31


Certain risks cont’d

 

value-oriented may, like many growth or value funds, weight its investments toward certain industries, thus increasing its exposure to factors adversely affecting issuers within those industries and, indirectly, the fund’s exposure to those factors.

High yield or “junk bond” risk. Debt securities that are below investment grade, or “junk bonds,” are speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments.

Issuer risk. The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including a decline in the U.S. stock or bond markets, disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, loss of major customers and major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An underlying fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally gone up or down more than those of large capitalization companies, although even large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Large capitalization risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Liquidity risk. Some securities held by an underlying fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If an underlying fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the underlying fund may be forced to sell at a loss.

Market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of an underlying fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by an underlying fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of your investment also may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.

Non-diversification risk. The fund is classified as “non-diversified,” which means that it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a small number of underlying funds than a diversified fund. To the extent the fund invests its assets in fewer underlying funds, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those funds. The underlying funds in which the fund invests may be either diversified or non-diversified.

Prepayment or call risk. Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, an underlying fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. An underlying fund also may lose any premium it paid on the security.

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Small and medium capitalization risk. An underlying fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

 

32   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Valuation risk. The sales price an underlying fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.

These risks are discussed in more detail later in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   33


Performance

 

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The fund also compares its performance to a composite benchmark, which is a hypothetical representation of the performance of the fund’s major asset classes, consisting of 17% Russell 1000 Index, 7% Russell 2000 Index, 6% MSCI Europe Australasia and the Far East Index, 60% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (an index of fixed income securities) and 10% Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index (an index of the 2% Issuer Cap Component of the Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Index). The fund makes updated performance information available at the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/products/mutual-funds/annualized_performance (select share class), or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432.

The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Total returns (before taxes) (%)     
  

Best quarter

(                ): [        ]%

 

Worst quarter

(                ): (        )%

 

The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended 03/31/09, was (        )%

 

Average annual total returns (for periods ended December 31, 2009) (%)
       1 year    5 years    10 years
Class A               
Return before taxes               
Return after taxes on distributions               
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares               
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)               
Class B               
Class C               
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               
Russell 1000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               
Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)         

The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, 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. After-tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A.

 

34   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Management

 

Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

Subadviser: Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”)

Portfolio managers: Steven Bleiberg and Andrew Purdy. Mr. Bleiberg (President and Chief Investment Officer of LMGAA) and Mr. Purdy (Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation Strategies of LMGAA) have been portfolio managers for the fund since 2003 and 2001, respectively.

Purchase and sale of fund shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.

The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows:

 

Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)
       Class A    Class B    Class C    Class FI    Class R    Class R1    Class I
General    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
IRAs    250/50    250/50    250/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    50/50    50/50    50/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None    N/A    N/A    None/None    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    None/None    None/None    None/None
Other Retirement Plans    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    1 million/None

Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your financial intermediary, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone (Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432) or by mail (Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 55214, Boston, MA 02205-8504).

Tax information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gain, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account.

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries

The fund and its related companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   35


Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund

Investment objective

The fund seeks high current income.

Fees and expenses of the fund

The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds sold by Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, in this Prospectus on page [    ] under the heading “Sales charges” and in the fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) on page [    ] under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions.”

 

Shareholder fees (paid directly from your investment) (%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    4.25   None   None   None   None   None   None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) (may be reduced over time)    Generally,
none
  4.50   1.00   None   None   None   None
Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of
your investment)
(%)
       Class A   Class B   Class C   Class FI   Class R   Class R1   Class I
Management fees    None   None   None   None   None   None   None
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees    0.25   0.75   0.70   0.25   0.50   1.00   None
Other expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Fees forgone and/or expenses reimbursed    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses 1    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

 

1

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that total annual operating expenses are not expected to exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class B shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class FI shares, 1.05% for Class R shares,     % for Class R1 shares and 0.55% for Class I shares. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2011 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds) are included in the calculation of total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses, but they are not subject to the limits described above.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:

 

Ÿ  

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated

 

Ÿ  

Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same

 

Ÿ  

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

 

36   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Number of years you own your shares ($)    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class B (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (with redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class C (without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class R1 (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)    [        ]   [        ]   [        ]   [        ]

Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [    ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds and fixed income oriented funds) of [10%] in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [90%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    [10%]
Fixed Income Funds    [90%]
Balanced Fund    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    [0-20%]
Fixed Income Funds    [80-100%]
Balanced Fund    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   37


Certain risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.

Affiliated funds risk. The fund’s manager serves as manager of the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds and is affiliated with the manager of the underlying Royce funds. In addition, the fund may invest in certain underlying funds for which the subadviser serves as adviser. It is possible that a conflict of interest among the fund and the underlying funds could affect how the portfolio’s manager and subadviser fulfill their fiduciary duties to the fund and the underlying funds. However, the fund’s Board of Trustees believes the fund has been structured to avoid these concerns.

Allocation risk. The fund’s ability to achieve its investment goal depends upon the portfolio managers’ skill in determining the fund’s strategic asset class allocation and in selecting the best mix of underlying funds. The value of your investment may decrease if the portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular asset class, investment style, underlying fund or other issuer is incorrect.

Asset class variation risk. The underlying funds invest principally in the securities constituting their asset class (i.e., equity or fixed income). However, under normal market conditions, an underlying fund may vary the percentage of its assets in these securities (subject to any applicable regulatory requirements). Depending upon the percentage of securities in a particular asset class held by the underlying funds at any given time, and the percentage of the fund’s assets invested in various underlying funds, the fund’s actual exposure to the securities in a particular asset class may vary substantially from its Target Allocation for that asset class.

Credit risk. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by an underlying fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with an underlying fund defaults or is downgraded, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of your investment will decline. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default and are considered speculative.

Derivatives risk. The use of derivatives by an underlying fund can increase the underlying fund’s losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by an underlying fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase underlying fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to an underlying fund.

Extension risk. If interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market. This may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and they remain outstanding longer.

Foreign securities risk. An underlying fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which an underlying fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and may suffer from political or economic instability. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.

Fund of funds risk. Your cost of investing in the fund, as a fund of funds, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that only invests directly in individual securities. An underlying fund may change its investment objective or policies without the fund’s approval, which could force the fund to withdraw its investment from such underlying fund at a time that is unfavorable to the fund. In addition, one underlying fund may buy the same securities that another underlying fund sells. Therefore, the fund would indirectly bear the costs of these trades without accomplishing any investment purpose.

Growth and value investing risk. Growth or value securities as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on other types of securities. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued. Although the underlying funds do not concentrate their investments in any one industry or industry group, an underlying fund that is growth- or

 

38   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

value-oriented may, like many growth or value funds, weight its investments toward certain industries, thus increasing its exposure to factors adversely affecting issuers within those industries and, indirectly, the fund’s exposure to those factors.

High yield or “junk bond” risk. Debt securities that are below investment grade, or “junk bonds,” are speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments.

Issuer risk. The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including a decline in the U.S. stock or bond markets, disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, loss of major customers and major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An underlying fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally gone up or down more than those of large capitalization companies, although even large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Large capitalization risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Liquidity risk. Some securities held by an underlying fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If an underlying fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the underlying fund may be forced to sell at a loss.

Market and interest rate risk. The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of an underlying fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by an underlying fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of your investment also may go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities.

Non-diversification risk. The fund is classified as “non- diversified,” which means that it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a small number of underlying funds than a diversified fund. To the extent the fund invests its assets in fewer underlying funds, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those funds. The underlying funds in which the fund invests may be either diversified or non-diversified.

Prepayment or call risk. Many issuers have a right to prepay their securities. If interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise this right. If this happens, an underlying fund will be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security. An underlying fund also may lose any premium it paid on the security.

Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if a fee limitation is changed or terminated or if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Small and medium capitalization risk. An underlying fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   39


Certain risks cont’d

 

Valuation risk. The sales price an underlying fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.

These risks are discussed in more detail later in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

40   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Performance

 

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. The fund also compares its performance to a composite benchmark, which is a hypothetical representation of the performance of the fund’s major asset classes, consisting of 75% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (an index f fixed income securities), 15% Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index (an index of the 2% Issuer Cap Component of the Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Index) and 10% Russell 1000 Index. The fund makes updated performance information available at the fund’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/products/mutual-funds/annualized_performance (select share class), or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432.

The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Total returns (before taxes) (%)     
  

Best quarter

(                ): [        ]%

 

Worst quarter

(                ): (        )%

 

The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended 03/31/09, was (        )%

 

Average annual total returns (for periods ended December 31, 2009) (%)
       1 year    5 years    10 years
Class A               
Return before taxes               
Return after taxes on distributions               
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares               
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)               
Class B               
Class C               
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               
Russell 1000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               
Barclays Capital High Yield 2% Cap (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)               
Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)         

The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, 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. After-tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   41


Management

 

Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

Subadviser: Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”)

Portfolio managers: Steven Bleiberg and Andrew Purdy. Mr. Bleiberg (President and Chief Investment Officer of LMGAA) and Mr. Purdy (Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation Strategies of LMGAA) have been portfolio managers for the fund since 2003 and 2001, respectively.

Purchase and sale of fund shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.

The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows:

 

Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)
       Class A    Class B    Class C    Class FI    Class R    Class R1    Class I
General    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
IRAs    250/50    250/50    250/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    50/50    50/50    50/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None    N/A    N/A    None/None    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    None/None    None/None    None/None
Other Retirement Plans    None/None    None/None    None/None    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50    1,000/50    1,000/50    N/A    N/A    N/A    1 million/None

Your financial intermediary may impose different investment minimums.

For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your financial intermediary, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone (Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432) or by mail (Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 55214, Boston, MA 02205-8504).

Tax information

The fund’s distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gain, except when your investment is through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account.

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries

The fund and its related companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

42   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks

 

Lifestyle Allocation 100%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% was formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%.

Investment objective

The fund seeks capital appreciation.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 100% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, but there may be times when the portfolio managers choose to invest up to [10%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and up to [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    100%
Fixed Income Funds    0%
Balanced Funds    [0%]
Target range     
Equity Funds    90-100%
Fixed Income Funds    0-10%
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

The fund may invest in any of the underlying funds listed in the table below. The Target Range in the table shows the percentage range of the fund’s assets that may be invested in the underlying funds at any time. The fund is not expected to be invested in all of the underlying funds at any time. The subadviser may change the fund’s allocations among the underlying funds, the percentage invested in a particular underlying fund and add and delete underlying funds, from time to time and without prior notice to shareholders. The subadviser may also vary the allocation between equity funds and fixed income funds within the Target Range without prior notice to shareholders.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   43


More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying funds in which Lifestyle Allocation 100% may invest     
       Target range
Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund    0-30%
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.    0-20%
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust    0-15%
Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund    [    ]%
Royce Special Equity Fund    [    ]%
Royce Total Return Fund    0-15%
Royce Value Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Trust    0-10%
Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund    [    ]%
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio    0-10%
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio    0-10%
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio    0-10%
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio    [    ]%

The fund invests in classes of shares of the underlying funds that are offered only to institutional and other eligible investors, such as the fund, at net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charges and with generally lower expenses than other share classes. For underlying funds in the Legg Mason and Western Asset families of funds, the fund purchases Class IS shares if the underlying fund offers Class IS shares, or Class I shares. The fund invests in the Institutional or Institutional Select Class of shares of the underlying funds in the Royce family of funds.

Summary performance information for the underlying funds appears in Appendix A.

The fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

44   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Lifestyle Allocation 85%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% was formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%.

Investment objective

The fund seeks capital appreciation.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 85% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [15%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    85%
Fixed Income Funds    [15%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    80-100%
Fixed Income Funds    [0-20%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

The fund may invest in any of the underlying funds listed in the table below. The Target Range in the table shows the percentage range of the fund’s assets that may be invested in the underlying funds at any time. The fund is not expected to be invested in all of the underlying funds at any time. The subadviser may change the fund’s allocations among the underlying funds, the percentage invested in a particular underlying fund and add and delete underlying funds, from time to time and without prior notice to shareholders. The subadviser may also vary the allocation between equity funds and fixed income funds within the Target Range without prior notice to shareholders.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   45


More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying funds in which Lifestyle Allocation 85% may invest     
       Target range
Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund    0-30%
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.    0-20%
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust    0-15%
Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund    [    ]%
Royce Special Equity Fund    [    ]%
Royce Total Return Fund    0-15%
Royce Value Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Trust    0-10%
Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund    [    ]%
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio    0-15%
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio    0-15%
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio    0-10%
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio    [    ]%

The fund invests in classes of shares of the underlying funds that are offered only to institutional and other eligible investors, such as the fund, at net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charges and with generally lower expenses than other share classes. For underlying funds in the Legg Mason and Western Asset families of funds, the fund purchases Class IS shares if the underlying fund offers Class IS shares, or Class I shares. The fund invests in the Institutional or Institutional Select Class of shares of the underlying funds in the Royce family of funds.

Summary performance information for the underlying funds appears in Appendix A.

The fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

46   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Lifestyle Allocation 70%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% was formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%.

Investment objective

The fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 70% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [30%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    70%
Fixed Income Funds    [30%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    60-80%
Fixed Income Funds    [20-40%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

The fund may invest in any of the underlying funds listed in the table below. The Target Range in the table shows the percentage range of the fund’s assets that may be invested in the underlying funds at any time. The fund is not expected to be invested in all of the underlying funds at any time. The subadviser may change the fund’s allocations among the underlying funds, the percentage invested in a particular underlying fund and add and delete underlying funds, from time to time and without prior notice to shareholders. The subadviser may also vary the allocation between equity funds and fixed income funds within the Target Range without prior notice to shareholders.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   47


More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying funds in which Lifestyle Allocation 70% may invest     
       Target range
Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund    0-25%
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund    0-20%
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.    0-20%
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust    0-15%
Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund    [    ]%
Royce Special Equity Fund    [    ]%
Royce Total Return Fund    0-15%
Royce Value Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Trust    0-10%
Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund    [    ]%
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio    0-20%
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio    0-20%
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio    0-10%
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio    [    ]%

The fund invests in classes of shares of the underlying funds that are offered only to institutional and other eligible investors, such as the fund, at net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charges and with generally lower expenses than other share classes. For underlying funds in the Legg Mason and Western Asset families of funds, the fund purchases Class IS shares if the underlying fund offers Class IS shares, or Class I shares. The fund invests in the Institutional or Institutional Select Class of shares of the underlying funds in the Royce family of funds.

Summary performance information for the underlying funds appears in Appendix A.

The fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

48   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Lifestyle Allocation 50%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% was formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%.

Investment objective

The fund seeks balance of growth of capital and income.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 50% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [50%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    50%
Fixed Income Funds    [50%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    40-60%
Fixed Income Funds    [40-60%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

The fund may invest in any of the underlying funds listed in the table below. The Target Range in the table shows the percentage range of the fund’s assets that may be invested in the underlying funds at any time. The fund is not expected to be invested in all of the underlying funds at any time. The subadviser may change the fund’s allocations among the underlying funds, the percentage invested in a particular underlying fund and add and delete underlying funds, from time to time and without prior notice to shareholders. The subadviser may also vary the allocation between equity funds and fixed income funds within the Target Range without prior notice to shareholders.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   49


More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying funds in which Lifestyle Allocation 50% may invest     
       Target range
Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund    0-25%
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust    0-10%
Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund    [    ]%
Royce Special Equity Fund    [    ]%
Royce Total Return Fund    0-10%
Royce Value Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund    [    ]%
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio    20-40%
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio    0-20%
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio    0-15%
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio    [    ]%

The fund invests in classes of shares of the underlying funds that are offered only to institutional and other eligible investors, such as the fund, at net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charges and with generally lower expenses than other share classes. For underlying funds in the Legg Mason and Western Asset families of funds, the fund purchases Class IS shares if the underlying fund offers Class IS shares, or Class I shares. The fund invests in the Institutional or Institutional Select Class of shares of the underlying funds in the Royce family of funds.

Summary performance information for the underlying funds appears in Appendix A.

The fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

50   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Lifestyle Allocation 30%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% was formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%.

Investment objective

The fund seeks income as a primary objective and long-term growth of capital as a secondary objective.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of 30% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [70%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    30%
Fixed Income Funds    [70%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    20-40%
Fixed Income Funds    [60-80%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

The fund may invest in any of the underlying funds listed in the table below. The Target Range in the table shows the percentage range of the fund’s assets that may be invested in the underlying funds at any time. The fund is not expected to be invested in all of the underlying funds at any time. The subadviser may change the fund’s allocations among the underlying funds, the percentage invested in a particular underlying fund and add and delete underlying funds, from time to time and without prior notice to shareholders. The subadviser may also vary the allocation between equity funds and fixed income funds within the Target Range without prior notice to shareholders.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   51


More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying funds in which Lifestyle Allocation 30% may invest     
       Target range
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.    0-15%
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust    0-10%
Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund    [    ]%
Royce Special Equity Fund    [    ]%
Royce Total Return Fund    0-10%
Royce Value Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund    [    ]%
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio    35-55%
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio    0-20%
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio    0-15%
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio    [    ]%

The fund invests in classes of shares of the underlying funds that are offered only to institutional and other eligible investors, such as the fund, at net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charges and with generally lower expenses than other share classes. For underlying funds in the Legg Mason and Western Asset families of funds, the fund purchases Class IS shares if the underlying fund offers Class IS shares, or Class I shares. The fund invests in the Institutional or Institutional Select Class of shares of the underlying funds in the Royce family of funds.

Summary performance information for the underlying funds appears in Appendix A.

The fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

52   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Lifestyle Income Fund

Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund was formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund.

Investment objective

The fund seeks high current income.

Principal investment strategies

The fund is a fund of funds — it invests in other mutual funds. The fund is managed as an asset allocation program and allocates its assets primarily among Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds.

The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (fixed income securities of all types). The fund seeks to maintain a Target Allocation (that is, its percentage allocation between equity oriented funds, fixed income oriented funds and balanced funds) of [10%] in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [90%] in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. The fund may make tactical changes in its allocation within a specified range (the Target Range) around that Target Allocation, based on the portfolio managers’ outlook for asset classes and market and economic trends.

 

Target allocation     
Equity Funds    [10%]
Fixed Income Funds    [90%]
Balanced Funds    [    %]
Target range     
Equity Funds    [0-20%]
Fixed Income Funds    [80-100%]
Balanced Funds    [    -    %]

The underlying funds have a range of investment styles and focuses. The underlying equity funds include large cap and small cap funds, growth- and value-oriented funds and international funds. The underlying fixed income funds include funds that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, corporate, mortgage-backed and government securities, investment grade securities and securities rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The underlying fixed income funds invest in securities of varying maturities. The underlying balanced funds include real return funds.

The fund may invest in any of the underlying funds listed in the table below. The Target Range in the table shows the percentage range of the fund’s assets that may be invested in the underlying funds at any time. The fund is not expected to be invested in all of the underlying funds at any time. The subadviser may change the fund’s allocations among the underlying funds, the percentage invested in a particular underlying fund and add and delete underlying funds, from time to time and without prior notice to shareholders. The subadviser may also vary the allocation between equity funds and fixed income funds within the Target Range without prior notice to shareholders.

 

Underlying funds in which Lifestyle Income Fund may invest     
       Target range
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust    0-10%
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.    0-10%
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust    0-10%

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   53


More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying funds in which Lifestyle Income Fund may invest     
       Target range
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital and Income Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund    0-10%
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.    0-10%
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.    0-10%
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund    [    ]%
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund    [    ]%
Royce Special Equity Fund    [    ]%
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio    55-65%
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio    10-20%
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio    0-20%
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio    [    ]%

The fund invests in classes of shares of the underlying funds that are offered only to institutional and other eligible investors, such as the fund, at net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charges and with generally lower expenses than other share classes. For underlying funds in the Legg Mason and Western Asset families of funds, the fund purchases Class IS shares if the underlying fund offers Class IS shares, or Class I shares. The fund invests in the Institutional or Institutional Select Class of shares of the underlying funds in the Royce family of funds.

Summary performance information for the underlying funds appears in Appendix A.

The fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

Underlying funds

The following is a description of the investment objectives and principal investment strategies of the underlying funds in which the funds may invest. Each of the underlying funds is managed by the funds’ investment manager or an affiliate of the funds’ investment manager. The investment manager for each of the Legg Mason Funds and Western Asset Funds is Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”). The investment manager for each of the Royce Funds is Royce & Associates, LLC.

 

54   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Underlying fund   Estimated
expense ratio*
  Investment objectives and principal investment strategies
U.S. Equity        
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust   [    ]%   Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income consistent with prudent investment risk. The fund invests primarily in securities that, in the adviser’s opinion, offer the potential for capital appreciation and current income. Under normal circumstances, the fund will seek to achieve its objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks of Leading Companies that are tied economically to the United States. At least 75% of the dollar amount of stocks held by the fund will have a recent history of paying dividends. The adviser defines a “Leading Company” as one that, in the opinion of the adviser, has attained a major market share in one or more products or services within one or more of its principal industries and possesses the potential to maintain or increase market share and profit in the future. Such companies are typically well known as leaders in their respective industries; most are found in the top half of the S&P 500 Index. The adviser currently anticipates that the fund will not invest more than 20% of its net assets in foreign securities. The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities, including government, corporate and money market securities. The fund may invest in debt securities of any maturity of both foreign and domestic issuers. The debt securities in which the fund may invest, excluding investments in convertible securities, will be rated at least A by Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), or deemed by the adviser to be of comparable quality to a security with these ratings. The convertible securities in which the fund may invest will be rated at least BB by S&P or Ba by Moody’s or deemed by the adviser to be of comparable quality to a security with these ratings. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.   [    ]%   Seeks long-term growth of capital. The fund invests primarily in common stocks that, in the adviser’s opinion, appear to offer above-average growth potential and trade at a significant discount to the adviser’s assessment of their intrinsic value. Any income realized will be incidental to the fund’s objective. The adviser currently anticipates that the fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in foreign securities. The fund may invest in convertible securities.
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust   [    ]%   Seeks long-term growth of capital. The fund invests in securities, derivatives and other financial instruments that, in the adviser’s opinion, offer the opportunity for long-term growth of capital. The adviser exercises a flexible strategy in the selection of investments, not limited by investment style or asset class. The fund may invest in the common stock of U.S. and foreign issuers and in other U.S. and foreign securities. The fund may sell securities and other instruments short. The fund may also borrow money for investment purposes, in amounts up to 10% of the fund’s net assets, a practice known as “leveraging.”
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund   [    ]%   Seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies that the portfolio managers believe are experiencing, or will experience, growth in earnings that exceeds the average rate of earnings growth of the companies which comprise the S&P 500 Index. The fund may invest in the securities of large, well-known companies that offer prospects of long-term earnings growth. However, because higher earnings growth rates are often achieved by small- to medium-sized companies, a significant portion of the fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of such companies. The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets (at the time of investment) in foreign securities. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term appreciation of shareholders’ capital. The fund invests primarily in equity securities of U.S. companies. The fund typically invests in medium and large capitalization companies, but may also invest in small capitalization companies. The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in the securities of foreign issuers. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund   [    ]%   Seeks capital appreciation through investment in securities which the portfolio managers believe have above-average capital appreciation potential. The fund invests primarily in equity securities of U.S. companies. These companies typically range in size from established large capitalization companies to medium sized companies. However, the fund may also invest in small capitalization companies including those at the beginning of their life cycles. The portfolio managers evaluate companies of all sizes but emphasize those with market capitalizations above $1 billion. The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers. The fund may invest in fixed-income securities, invest without limit in convertible debt securities and may also invest in debt obligations of foreign issuers. The fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in non-convertible debt securities rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the portfolio managers. The fund also may invest up to 10% of its assets in distressed debt securities. The fund also may invest in derivatives. The fund may engage in short sales.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   55


More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying fund   Estimated
expense ratio*
  Investment objectives and principal investment strategies

Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity

Income Builder Fund

  [    ]%   The fund primarily seeks a high level of current income and secondarily seeks long-term capital appreciation. Normally, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities. The fund will invest a significant portion of its assets in equity securities that pay dividends. The fund may invest up to 50% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers. The foreign issuers in which the fund may invest include issuers that are organized outside the United States and other countries (commonly known as “multinational companies”) and other foreign issuers with market capitalizations generally of at least $10 billion. The fund may invest in issuers of any size. The fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in fixed income securities of any quality, including lower-rated, high-yielding debt securities.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term capital growth. Current income is a secondary consideration. The fund invests primarily in common stocks and common stock equivalents, such as preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, of companies the portfolio managers believe are undervalued in the marketplace. While the portfolio managers select investments primarily for their capital appreciation potential, secondary consideration is given to a company’s dividend record and the potential for an improved dividend return. The fund invests in securities of large, well-known companies but may also invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of small- to medium-sized companies when the portfolio managers believe smaller companies offer more attractive value opportunities. The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers. The fund may engage in short sales. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term growth of capital. Current income is a secondary objective. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies with large market capitalization. Large capitalization companies are those companies with market capitalization similar to companies in the Russell 1000 Index. The fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers. The fund may invest in various types of fixed-income securities, including from time to time up to 5% of its assets in non-convertible debt securities rated below investment grade or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the portfolio managers. There is no limit on the amount of the fund’s assets that can be invested in convertible securities rated below investment grade. Certain of the fixed income securities in which the fund may invest may be distressed debt securities. The fund may engage in short sales. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term capital growth. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of the value of its net assets, in equity securities of companies with large market capitalizations. Large capitalization companies are those companies with market capitalizations similar to companies in the Russell 1000 Index. The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers directly or in the form of depositary receipts. The fund may engage in short sales. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term growth of capital. Under normal circumstances the fund invests at least 80% of the value of its net assets, in equities of medium-sized companies. Medium-sized companies are defined as those companies whose market capitalization values are in the range of the market capitalization values of the constituents of the S&P MidCap ® 400 Index or the Russell Midcap ® Index, as defined from time to time. The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers. While the fund intends to be substantially fully invested in equity securities, the fund may maintain up to 10% of its assets in money market instruments and/or cash to pay expenses and meet redemption requests. The fund may engage in short sales. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term growth of capital. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies with small market capitalizations and related investments. For the purposes of this 80% policy, small capitalization companies are companies with market capitalization values not exceeding (i) $3 billion or (ii) the highest month-end market capitalization value of any stock in the Russell 2000 Index for the previous 12 months, whichever is greater. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in equity securities of foreign issuers. The fund may also invest to a limited extent in debt obligations of foreign issuers. The fund may invest in non-convertible bonds, notes and other debt obligations. The fund also may invest in derivatives. The fund may engage in short sales.

 

56   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Underlying fund   Estimated
expense ratio*
  Investment objectives and principal investment strategies

Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap

Value Fund

  [    ]%   The fund seeks long-term capital growth. Normally, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks and other equity securities of small capitalization U.S. companies. Small capitalization companies are those companies whose market capitalizations at the time of investment do not exceed (i) $3 billion or (ii) the highest month-end market capitalization value of any stock in the Russell 2000 Index for the previous 12 months, whichever is greater. The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in shares of companies with larger market capitalizations.
Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term capital appreciation. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of the value of its net assets, in U.S. equity securities of large capitalization companies. Large capitalization companies are those companies with market capitalizations similar to companies in the Russell 1000 Index. The fund may invest in a variety of equity securities. The fund will have exposure to growth and value equities of large capitalization companies. The fund will seek to produce returns that exceed those of the Russell 1000 Index over a full market cycle (typically three to five years). The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.   [    ]%   Seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests primarily in equity securities and securities convertible into equity securities. The adviser expects that under normal circumstances, the fund will invest the majority of its total assets in the securities of companies in the mid-cap market capitalization range, defined as companies with market capitalizations similar to companies in the Russell Midcap ® Index or the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 ® Index, or in “special situations,” at the time of purchase. The fund may invest a portion of its assets in companies of any size. The fund may invest in “special situations” without regard to market capitalization. The adviser defines special situations as companies undergoing unusual or possibly one-time developments that, in the opinion of the adviser, make them attractive for investment. The fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities of companies involved in actual or anticipated reorganizations or restructurings in connection with an actual or potential bankruptcy. The fund may also invest in debt securities, including securities involved in special situations. The fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities rated below investment grade, commonly known as “junk bonds.” The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.   [    ]%   Seeks long-term growth of capital. The fund invests primarily in equity securities that, in the adviser’s opinion, offer the potential for capital growth. The adviser follows a value discipline in selecting securities, and therefore seeks to purchase securities at large discounts to the adviser’s assessment of their intrinsic value. The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in long-term debt securities. Up to 10% of its total assets may be invested in debt securities rated below investment grade, commonly known as “junk bonds.” The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Royce Special Equity Fund   [    ]%   The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. Normally, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities. At least 65% of these securities will be issued by companies with stock market capitalizations up to $2.5 billion at the time of investment. Although the fund normally focuses on the securities of U.S. companies, it may invest up to 5% of its assets in foreign securities. The fund invests primarily in the equity securities of small- and micro-cap companies, those with market capitalizations up to $2.5 billion. The fund’s portfolio manager applies a value approach, which attempts to combine classic value analysis, the identification of good businesses and accounting cynicism.
Royce Total Return Fund   [    ]%   Seeks both long-term growth of capital and current income. Royce invests the fund’s assets primarily in dividend-paying securities of small- and micro-capitalization companies. Of the more than 7,100 small- and micro-capitalization companies, more than 1,900 currently pay dividends. Investing in such securities may tend to stabilize the volatility inherent in the prices of small- and micro-capitalization securities. Normally, the fund invests at least 65% of its net assets in equity securities. At least 90% of these securities will produce dividend or interest income to the fund, and at least 65% will be issued by companies with stock market capitalizations up to $2.5 billion at the time of investment. Although the fund normally focuses on the securities of U.S. companies, it may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities.
Royce Value Fund   [    ]%   Seeks long-term growth of capital. The fund’s assets are primarily invested in the equity securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies, those with stock market capitalizations from $500 million to $5 billion, that Royce believes are trading significantly below its estimate of their current worth. The fund generally invests in securities of companies that Royce believes have excellent business strengths, high internal rates of return and low leverage. Normally, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of such small- and/or mid-cap companies. Although the fund normally focuses on the securities of U.S. companies, it may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   57


More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying fund   Estimated
expense ratio*
  Investment objectives and principal investment strategies
International Equity        
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust   [    ]%   Seeks maximum long-term total return. The adviser currently intends to invest substantially all of the fund’s assets in non-U.S. equity securities. The primary focus of the adviser is value added through stock selection, with a secondary focus on region and sector allocation. The fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of emerging market issuers. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund   [    ]%   Seeks total return on its assets from growth of capital and income. The fund invests primarily in equity securities of foreign companies. The fund, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 80% of the value of its net assets in a diversified portfolio of equity securities and may invest up to 20% of the value of its net assets in bonds, notes and debt securities (including up to 10% of the value of its net assets in below investment grade securities or “junk bonds”). The portfolio managers emphasize individual security selection while diversifying the fund’s investments across regions and countries, which can help to reduce risk. While the portfolio managers select investments primarily for their capital appreciation potential, some investments will have an income component as well. Companies in which the fund invests may have large-, mid- or small-sized market capitalizations and may operate in any market sector. Depending on the portfolio managers’ assessment of overseas potential for long-term growth, the fund’s emphasis among foreign markets (including emerging markets) and types of issuers may vary. The fund may engage in short sales. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Emerging Market Equity        
Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Trust   [    ]%   Seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund’s adviser, under normal circumstances, will invest substantially all of the fund’s net assets in equity securities and convertible securities of emerging market issuers. The fund intends to invest in Asia, Latin America, the Indian Subcontinent, Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, although it might not invest in all these markets at all times and might not invest in any particular market when it deems investment in that country or region to be inadvisable. The fund is not limited in the amount of its total assets that may be denominated in a single currency or invested in securities of issuers located in a single country. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund   [    ]%   Seeks to provide long-term capital growth. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies domiciled in, or whose securities are traded in the stock markets of, emerging market nations, as well as other securities whose values are based on such equity securities. The fund considers emerging market nations to include countries that, at the time the fund makes an investment, are categorized by the World Bank and its affiliates as “low income” or “middle income,” are included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index or are believed by the portfolio manager to have similar emerging market characteristics. There are no limitations on the market capitalizations of the companies in which the fund may invest. Debt securities, other than convertible securities, must be rated investment grade when the fund purchases them or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the portfolio manager.
High Yield Fixed Income        
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio   [    ]%   Seeks to maximize total return, consistent with prudent investment management. Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. dollar denominated debt or fixed-income securities that are rated below investment grade at the time of purchase by one or more NRSROs or are of a comparable quality as determined by Western Asset. The fund will consider a security to be rated below investment grade if it is not rated Baa/BBB or above by at least one NRSRO (or if unrated, is determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality). These securities are commonly known as “junk bonds” or “high yield securities.” The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated non-U.S. securities. The fund may also invest in derivatives.

 

58   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Underlying fund   Estimated
expense ratio*
  Investment objectives and principal investment strategies
U.S. Core Fixed Income        
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio   [    ]%   Seeks to maximize long-term total return. The fund has a flexible investment strategy and will invest in a variety of securities and instruments and use a variety of investment techniques in pursuing its objective. Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest at least 50% of its net assets in debt and fixed-income securities rated at least Baa or BBB at the time of purchase by one or more NRSROs or unrated securities of comparable quality at the time of purchase (as determined by the fund’s advisers). The fund may invest no more than 50% of its net assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities and no more than 25% of its net assets in un-hedged non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. The fund may invest no more than 25% of its net assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities rated below investment grade and no more than 25% of its net assets in non-U.S. issuers rated below investment grade. The fund also may invest in derivatives.
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio   [    ]%   Seeks to maximize total return, consistent with prudent investment management and liquidity needs, by investing to obtain an average duration of generally 2.5 to 7 years. The target average modified duration of the fund is expected to range within 30% of the duration of the domestic bond market as a whole as measured by the adviser. The fund invests in a portfolio of fixed-income securities of various maturities and, under normal market conditions, will invest at least 80% of its net assets in debt and fixed-income securities. To achieve its objective, the fund may invest in a variety of securities and instruments. The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the securities of non-U.S. issuers and up to 20% of total assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in securities rated below investment grade ( i.e. , not rated at least Baa/BBB by one or more NRSROs or unrated securities of comparable quality). The fund also may invest in derivatives.
International Fixed Income        
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund   [    ]%   Seeks to maximize total return consisting of income and capital appreciation. Normally the fund invests a minimum of 80% of its total assets in debt securities of issuers located in developed market countries. The fund invests in the sovereign debt and currencies of countries in the Citigroup World Government Bond Index ex-U.S. In addition, normally the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in debt securities. The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in convertible debt securities. Normally the fund holds a portfolio of debt securities of issuers located in a minimum of six countries. The fund invests in both investment grade and below investment grade securities, and invests less than 35% of its total assets in below investment grade securities. The fund maintains an average weighted portfolio quality of A or better. The average weighted duration of the fund’s portfolio ranges from 1 to 10 years but for individual markets may be greater or lesser depending on the prospects for lower interest rates and the potential for capital gains. The fund may engage in a variety of transactions using derivatives.
Real Return        
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund   [    ]%   Seeks to provide an attractive long-term real return, defined as total return reduced by the impact of inflation. In seeking to meet its investment goal, the fund implements a tactical asset allocation program overseen by its adviser. The fund allocates its assets among five investment “sleeves” which the adviser believes are generally complementary to each other, with the following target allocations of the fund’s net assets: (i) Inflation-Linked Debt Securities (40%); (ii) Equity Securities (20%); (iii) Commodity-Linked Securities (20%); (iv) REITs (10%); and (v) Tactical Strategy (10%). The composition and asset allocation of the fund’s investment portfolio will vary over time, based on the adviser’s overall allocation decisions. Asset allocation decisions are based primarily on the adviser’s evaluation of future consumer price trends and the relative attractiveness of the asset classes in which the fund invests. These evaluations are based on modeling processes that assign probabilities to different inflation scenarios. The modeling processes take into account several factors, including quantitative analysis, qualitative inputs and risk management guidelines.

 

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More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Underlying fund   Estimated
expense ratio*
  Investment objectives and principal investment strategies
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio   [    ]%   Seeks to maximize total return and preserve capital. Normally the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in inflation-indexed fixed income securities and at least 70% of its net assets in U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities. The fund invests in fixed income securities of any maturity; however, the fund’s target average effective duration is expected to range within 3 years of that of its benchmark, the Barclays Capital U.S. TIPS Index. Therefore, the range within which the average modified duration of the fund is expected to fluctuate is 6-12 years. The fund sells protection in connection with credit default swaps relating to corporate debt securities. The notional amount of the credit default swaps will not exceed 40% of the fund’s net assets, although such exposure may exceed 40%. The fund maintains an average credit quality of at least A/A and invests up to 30% of its net assets in securities rated below AAA/Aaa.

 

* As of the fiscal year-end most recently completed prior to the date of each underlying fund’s prospectus, semi-annual or annual shareholder report (net of extraordinary expenses).

More on the investments of the underlying funds

By owning shares of underlying funds, the fund invests indirectly, in varying degrees, in fixed income and equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The following summarizes the principal types of securities and instruments in which the underlying funds may invest and techniques they may pursue in seeking to achieve their investment objectives.

Equity investments

Subject to its particular investment policies, an underlying fund may invest in all types of equity securities. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter (OTC) common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights, securities convertible into common stocks, and securities of other investment companies and of real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Fixed income investments

Subject to its particular investment policies, an underlying fund may invest in all types of fixed income securities. Fixed income securities represent obligations of corporations, governments and other entities to repay money borrowed. Fixed income securities are commonly referred to as “debt,” “debt obligations,” “bonds” or “notes.” The issuer of the fixed income security usually pays a fixed, variable or floating rate of interest, and repays the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some fixed income securities, however, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Other fixed income securities may make periodic payments of interest and/or principal. Some fixed income securities are partially or fully secured by collateral supporting the payment of interest and principal.

Foreign investments

Certain underlying funds may invest in the securities of foreign issuers, including emerging market issuers, either directly or in the form of depositary receipts representing an interest in those securities.

Sovereign debt

Certain underlying funds may invest in sovereign debt, including emerging market sovereign debt. Sovereign debt securities include fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank or the European Union.

High yield, lower quality securities

Certain underlying funds may invest in debt securities rated below investment grade by a recognized rating agency or unrated securities determined by the fund’s adviser to be of equivalent quality. These securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.”

Exchange-traded funds

Certain underlying funds may invest in shares of open-end mutual funds or unit investment trusts that are traded on a stock exchange, called exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Typically, an ETF seeks to track the performance of an index, such as the S&P 500 Index or the Nasdaq-100 Index, by holding in its portfolio either the same securities that comprise the index or a representative sample of the index. Investing in an ETF gives the fund exposure to the securities comprising the index on which the ETF is based and the fund will gain or lose value depending on the performance of the index.

 

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Exchange-traded notes

Certain underlying funds may invest in exchange-traded notes or ETNs, which are debt securities that combine certain aspects of ETFs and bonds. ETNs, like ETFs, may be traded on stock exchanges and their value depends on the performance of the underlying index and the credit rating of the issuer. ETNs may be held to maturity, but unlike bonds there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected.

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

Certain underlying funds may invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables.

Inflation-indexed securities

Certain underlying funds may invest in inflation-indexed securities. Inflation indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. There are two common structures. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the index-based accruals as part of a semiannual coupon. An underlying fund may invest in inflation-indexed securities issued in any country.

Repurchase agreements

The underlying funds may enter into repurchase agreements for cash management purposes. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a security commits itself at the time of the sale to repurchase that security from the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. An underlying fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with dealers, domestic banks or recognized financial institutions that are deemed creditworthy. The value of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement are monitored at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement to ensure that the value of the securities always exceeds the repurchase price.

Reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowings

Certain underlying funds may borrow by entering into reverse repurchase agreements or other borrowing transactions. In a reverse repurchase agreement, an underlying fund sells securities to a counterparty, in return for cash, and the underlying fund agrees to repurchase the securities at a later date and for a higher price, representing the cost to the underlying fund for the money borrowed.

Borrowing may make the value of an investment in an underlying fund more volatile and increase the underlying fund’s overall investment exposure. An underlying fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to any borrowings. Interest on any borrowings will be a fund expense and will reduce the value of the underlying fund’s shares.

Cash management

The underlying funds may hold cash pending investment, and may invest in money market instruments for cash management purposes. The amount of assets the fund may hold for cash management purposes will depend on market conditions and the need to meet expected redemption requests.

Defensive investing

The underlying funds may depart from their principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions in any type of money market instruments, short-term debt securities or cash without regard to any percentage limitations.

 

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Derivatives and hedging techniques

The underlying funds may, but need not, use derivative contracts. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an asset, such as one or more underlying investments, indexes or currencies. The underlying funds may engage in a variety of transactions using derivatives, such as futures and options on U.S. and non-U.S. securities, securities indexes or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and swaps, including interest rate, currency and credit default swaps. Derivatives may be used by the underlying funds for any of the following purposes:

 

  Ÿ  

As a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the underlying fund’s portfolio

 

  Ÿ  

As a substitute for buying or selling securities

 

  Ÿ  

For certain underlying funds, as a means of enhancing returns

 

  Ÿ  

As a cash flow management technique

A derivative contract will obligate or entitle an underlying fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in value of one or more investments, currencies or indexes. When an underlying fund enters into derivatives transactions, it may be required to segregate assets or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation is not a hedging technique and will not limit the underlying fund’s exposure to loss. The underlying fund will, therefore, have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to offset the underlying fund’s derivative exposure. If such segregated assets represent a large portion of the underlying fund’s portfolio, portfolio management may be affected as covered positions may have to be reduced if it becomes necessary for the underlying fund to reduce the amount of segregated assets in order to meet redemptions or other obligations.

Should an underlying fund invest in derivatives, the underlying fund will, in determining compliance with any percentage limitation or requirement regarding the use or investment of fund assets, take into account the market value of the underlying fund’s derivative positions that are intended to reduce or create exposure to the applicable category of investments.

Commodity-linked instruments

Certain underlying funds may invest in a combination of commodity-linked instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets, without investing directly in physical commodities. These instruments include master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), structured notes, bonds, debentures and derivatives, including swaps, forwards, futures and options. Commodities are assets that have tangible properties, such as oil, metals and agricultural products.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs)

Certain underlying funds may invest either directly in or through pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests, called real estate investment trusts or REITs. REITs can generally be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages, derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs.

Master limited partnerships (MLPs)

Certain underlying funds may invest in MLPs, which are limited partnerships (or similar entities) that are operated by one or more general partners. Limited partners own the remainder of the partnership through limited partnership interests (often referred to as “common units”) and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management. Common units generally are registered with the SEC and are publicly traded on U.S. securities exchanges or in the OTC market, and their value generally fluctuates based on

 

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prevailing market conditions and the success of the MLP. When investing in an MLP, an underlying fund typically purchases publicly traded common units.

Structured notes

Certain underlying funds may invest in structured notes. Structured notes are specially-designed derivative debt instruments. The terms of the instrument may be “structured” by the purchaser and the issuer of the note. Payments of principal or interest on these notes may be linked to the value of an index (such as a currency or securities index), an individual security, or a commodity. The value of these notes will normally rise or fall in response to the changes in the performance of the underlying security, index or commodity.

Short sales

Certain underlying funds may sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which a fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities.

Securities lending

Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, certain underlying funds may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations meeting capital and other credit requirements in order to earn income. The loans are continuously secured by cash or liquid securities equal to no less than the market value, determined daily, of the securities loaned.

Portfolio turnover

Certain underlying funds may engage in rapid and frequent trading of their portfolio securities.

Portfolio rebalancing

Underlying funds may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to a rebalancing of the funds’ investments. The impact of rebalancing is likely to be greater when the funds own, redeem or invest in a substantial portion of an underlying fund. The funds’ subadviser will seek to cooperate with the advisers of the underlying funds to minimize any adverse impact on the underlying funds.

Other investments

Each fund reserves the right in certain circumstances to invest directly in the types of investments held by the underlying funds, including equity securities and fixed income securities. These investments may include securities of non-U.S. issuers.

Each fund may also enter into futures contracts on securities or related options on futures contracts on securities that are traded on a domestic or foreign exchange or in the OTC market, and may also engage in transactions in options on securities, which may include the writing of covered put options and covered call options, the purchase of put and call options and the entry into closing transactions.

To the extent a fund invests directly in these instruments, it is subject to the same risks as an underlying fund when it invests in these instruments.

Each fund may also use other strategies and invest (through the underlying funds) in other investments that are described, along with their risks, in the SAI. However, the funds might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest (through the underlying funds) in all of the types of securities described in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

Selection process

The portfolio managers periodically adjust the allocation of each fund’s assets among different Legg Mason-affiliated funds depending upon the portfolio managers’ outlook for the equity and bond markets in general, particular sectors of such markets and the performance outlook for the underlying funds. In assessing the equity and bond markets, the portfolio managers consider a broad range of market and economic trends and quantitative factors.

 

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More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

More on risks of investing in the fund

Asset class variation risk. The underlying funds invest principally in the securities constituting their asset class ( i.e. , equity or fixed income). However, under normal market conditions, an underlying fund may vary the percentage of its assets in these securities, subject to any applicable regulatory requirements. Depending upon the percentage of securities in a particular asset class held by the underlying funds at any given time, and the percentage of each fund’s assets invested in various underlying funds, each fund’s actual exposure to the securities in a particular asset class may vary substantially from its Target Allocation for that asset class.

Issuer risk.  The value of a security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment.

Large sized company risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors.

Small and medium capitalization company risk. An underlying fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors, may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources, or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of larger companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than larger companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and medium capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices an underlying fund’s portfolio managers believe appropriate and may offer greater potential for losses.

Liquidity risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. Although most of an underlying fund’s investments must be liquid at the time of investment, investments may become illiquid after purchase by an underlying fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. When an underlying fund holds illiquid investments, its investments may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the underlying fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemptions or for other cash needs, the underlying fund may suffer a loss. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain securities, the underlying fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.

Growth and value investing risk.  Growth or value securities as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market while the market concentrates on other types of securities. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall. Growth securities may also be more volatile than other investments because they often do not pay dividends. The value approach to investing involves the risk that value securities may remain undervalued. Although the underlying funds do not concentrate their investments in any one industry or industry group, an underlying fund that is growth- or value-oriented may, like many growth or value funds, weight its investments toward certain industries, thus increasing its exposure to factors adversely affecting issuers within those industries and, indirectly, each fund’s exposure to those factors.

Stock market and interest rate risk.  The securities markets are volatile and the market prices of each fund’s securities may decline generally. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. If the market prices of the securities owned by an underlying fund fall, the value of each fund’s investment in that underlying fund will decline.

 

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The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility, which is the characteristic of a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. This financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the underlying funds’ advisers. These market conditions may continue or get worse. Changes in market conditions will not have the same impact on all types of securities. The value of a security may also fall due to specific conditions that affect a particular sector of the securities market or a particular issuer.

When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities generally falls. A change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed income securities. Generally, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed income security, the greater the impact of a rise in interest rates on the security’s value. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and foreign interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction.

Certain fixed income securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities tend to reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities may reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the impact of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that may produce a leveraging effect; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change.

Credit risk. If an obligor (such as the issuer or party offering credit enhancement) for a security held by an underlying fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with an underlying fund fails to pay principal and interest when due, otherwise defaults or is perceived to be less creditworthy, a security’s credit rating is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines, the value of each fund’s investment in that underlying fund could decline. In addition, an underlying fund may incur expenses to protect the underlying fund’s interest in securities experiencing these events. Credit risk is broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which an underlying fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. An underlying fund is subject to greater levels of credit risk to the extent it invests in “junk bonds.” These securities have a higher risk of issuer default and are considered speculative.

High yield or “junk” bond risk. Debt securities that are below investment grade, or “junk bonds,” are speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments. Investing in these securities subjects an underlying fund to increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates; greater risk of loss because of default or declining credit quality; or an issuer’s inability to make interest and/or principal payments due to adverse company specific events. Junk bonds are also subject to the risk that negative perceptions of the high yield market depressing the price and liquidity of high yield securities. These negative perceptions could last for a significant period of time.

Prepayment or call risk.  Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to repay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if an underlying fund holds a fixed income security subject to prepayment or call risk, it may not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, the underlying fund would also be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was paid off. In addition, if the underlying fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the underlying fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment.

Extension risk.  When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities, particularly asset- and mortgage-backed securities, may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities and locking in below market interest rates. This may cause an underlying fund’s share price to be more volatile.

 

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More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

Foreign investment risk.  An underlying fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risk than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign countries in which an underlying fund may invest may have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than markets in the United States, may suffer from political or economic instability and may experience negative government actions, such as currency controls or seizures of private businesses or property. In some foreign countries, less information is available about issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Foreign withholdings may reduce an underlying fund’s returns. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Because the value of a depositary receipt is dependent upon the market price of an underlying foreign security, depositary receipts are subject to most of the risks associated with investing in foreign securities directly.

The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries. Emerging markets securities are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect future expectations. When it appears those expectations will not be met, the prices of these securities typically fall. In a changing and developing market, an underlying fund’s portfolio manager(s) may have difficulty selling the underlying fund’s portfolio securities in acceptable amounts or at acceptable prices.

Commodities risk. An underlying fund’s investment in commodity-linked instruments may subject the fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, prolonged or intense speculation by investors, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, other weather phenomena, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

Portfolio selection risk.  The value of your investment may decrease if an underlying fund’s portfolio managers’ judgment about the attractiveness, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector or about market movements is incorrect.

Inflation-indexed securities risk. The value of inflation-indexed fixed income securities generally fluctuates in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed securities. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed securities. Although the principal value of inflation-indexed securities declines in periods of deflation, holders at maturity receive no less than the par value of the security. However, if an underlying fund purchases inflation-indexed securities in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, it may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation. If inflation is lower than expected during the period an underlying fund holds an inflation-indexed security, the underlying fund may earn less on the security than on a conventional bond.

Any increase in principal value caused by an increase in the index to which the inflation-indexed securities are tied is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though an underlying fund will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, an underlying fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

If real interest rates rise ( i.e. , if interest rates rise for reasons other than inflation, for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), the value of inflation-indexed securities held by an underlying fund will decline. Moreover, because the principal amount of inflation-indexed securities would be adjusted downward during a period of deflation, an underlying fund will be subject to deflation risk with respect to its investments in these securities. Inflation-indexed securities are tied to indices that are calculated based on rates of inflation for prior periods.

 

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REIT risk.  Investments in REITs expose an underlying fund to risks similar to investing directly in real estate. The value of these underlying investments may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying real estate, the quality of the property management, the creditworthiness of the issuer of the investments, and changes in property taxes, interest rates and the real estate regulatory environment. Investments in REITs are also affected by general economic conditions.

ETF and ETN risk.  Investing in an ETF or ETN will give the fund exposure to the securities that the ETF or ETN holds in its portfolio. An underlying fund may invest in “Short ETFs” which carry additional risks because they may invest in a variety of derivatives and may engage in short sales. ETFs are bought and sold based on market values, which rarely equal the actual net asset value of their portfolio holdings and, therefore, they could trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. An underlying fund will indirectly bear its pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred by an ETF it invests in, including advisory fees, and will pay brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of ETFs. ETFs that invest in commodities may be, or may become, subject to regulatory trading limits that could hurt the value of their securities. Additionally, ETNs and some ETFs are not structured as investment companies and thus are not regulated as investment companies. An ETN’s value generally depends on the performance of the underlying index and the credit rating of the issuer.

MLP risk. An underlying fund may invest in MLPs, which generally engage in natural resources-based activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and certain marketing of mineral or natural resources. The value of an investment in an MLP may be directly affected by factors affecting natural resources commodity prices and the commodity markets generally. An underlying fund’s investment in an MLP may be adversely affected by market perceptions that the performance and distributions or dividends of MLPs are directly tied to commodity prices.

Convertible securities risk.  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. When the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security decreases, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other fixed income characteristics. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features.

Recent market events risk.  The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility. This financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the funds’ subadviser and the advisers of the underlying fund. These market conditions may continue or get worse.

Portfolio turnover. Frequent trading increases transaction costs, which could detract from an underlying fund’s performance.

Sovereign government and supranational debt. Sovereign government and supranational debt involve many of the risks described above of foreign and emerging market investments as well as the risk of debt moratorium, repudiation or renegotiation, and an underlying fund may be unable to enforce its rights against the issuers.

Derivatives risk. Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to an underlying fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated. Certain derivatives transactions may have a leveraging effect on an underlying fund. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a significant impact on an underlying fund’s stock market, interest rate or currency exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. An underlying 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 underlying fund’s holdings. Using derivatives may increase volatility, which is the characteristic of a security, an

 

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More on the funds’ investment strategies, investments and risks cont’d

 

index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. Holdings of derivatives also can make an underlying fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets. Derivatives are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligation.

The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, other weather phenomena, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, fluctuating industrial or consumer demand and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

Swap agreements will tend to shift an underlying fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if an underlying fund agrees to exchange payments in U.S. dollars for payments in a foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the underlying fund’s exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. As another example, if an underlying fund agrees to exchange fixed-rate payments for variable-rate payments, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the underlying fund’s exposure to the effect of market interest rates on the value of the security.

Credit default swap contracts involve special risks and may result in losses to an underlying fund. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since an underlying fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. As there is no central exchange or market for credit default swap transactions, they may be difficult to trade or value, especially in the event of market disruptions. The swap market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swap market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect an underlying fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Structured notes are subject to interest rate risk and are also subject to credit risk with respect both to the borrower and to the issuer of the underlying investment. If the underlying investment or index does not perform as anticipated, the investment might pay less interest than the stated coupon payment or repay less principal upon maturity. The terms of structured notes may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a complete loss of invested capital. Structured notes may be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.

In times of market turmoil or abrupt change, many investors and market makers may hesitate to purchase complex instruments or even quote prices for them, which may make valuation difficult and/or drive down the price.

Fund rebalancing risk. Underlying funds may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to a rebalancing of each fund’s investments. In such event, an underlying fund may be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so. Rebalancing may increase brokerage and/or other transaction costs of an underlying fund, increase the fund’s expenses or result in the fund’s becoming too small to be economically viable. Rebalancing may also adversely affect an underlying fund’s performance and thus each fund’s performance. The impact of rebalancing is likely to be greater when the funds own, redeem or invest in a substantial portion of an underlying fund.

The funds’ subadviser will seek to cooperate with the advisers of the underlying funds to minimize any adverse impact on the underlying funds. The advisers of the underlying funds may take such actions as they deem appropriate to minimize such adverse impact, considering the potential benefits of such investments to the underlying fund and consistent with its obligations to the underlying funds. Such actions may delay the rebalancing of each fund’s investments in the event of significant market or other events that may require more rapid action.

Repurchase agreements risk. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including losses and possible delays or restrictions upon an underlying fund’s

 

68   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

ability to dispose of the underlying securities. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities that the underlying fund has purchased has decreased, the fund could experience a loss.

Reverse repurchase agreements and leveraging risk. An underlying fund may take on leveraging risk by, among other things, engaging in derivative transactions or reverse repurchase agreements. When an underlying fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on its portfolio, the value of the underlying fund will be more volatile and all other risks tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the underlying fund’s underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the underlying fund would otherwise have. Engaging in such transactions may cause the underlying fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements.

Short sales risk. A short sale of a security involves the risk that instead of declining, the price of the security sold short will rise. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time an underlying fund replaces the borrowed security, the underlying fund will realize a loss. The short sale of securities involves the possibility of a theoretically unlimited loss since there is a theoretically unlimited potential for the market price of the security sold short to increase.

Securities lending risk. Lending securities involves the risk of possible delay in receiving additional collateral, delay in recovery of the securities when the loan is called or possible loss of collateral should the borrower fail financially. An underlying fund could also lose money if its short-term investment of the cash collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.

Cash management and defensive investing risk. The value of the investments held by the underlying funds for cash management or defensive investing purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. If an underlying fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash. If a significant amount of underlying fund’s assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it will be more difficult for the fund to achieve its objective.

Non-diversification risk. Each fund is classified as “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a small number of underlying funds than a diversified fund. To the extent each fund invests its assets in fewer underlying funds, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those funds. The underlying funds in which the funds invest may be either diversified or non-diversified.

Valuation risk. Many factors may influence the price at which an underlying fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ — higher or lower — from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, an underlying fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when an underlying fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or greater or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the underlying fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities and currencies may be materially affected by events after the close of the market on which they are valued, but before the underlying fund determines its net asset value.

Portfolio holdings

The funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of their investments are described in the SAI.

For more information about each fund’s portfolio holdings, please visit the funds’ website at http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/prospectuses and click on the name of the portfolio in the dropdown menu.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   69


More on fund management

 

Manager and subadviser

LMPFA is each fund’s investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the portfolio and manages the portfolio’s cash and short-term instruments. LMPFA was formed in April 2006 as a result of an internal reorganization to consolidate advisory services after Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”) acquired substantially all of Citigroup’s asset management business in December 2005. As of March 31, 2010, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $[            ] billion.

Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA” or the “subadviser”) provides the day-to-day portfolio management of each fund. LMGAA has offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 and is an investment adviser that was formed to provide asset allocation advisory services for the portfolio. As of March 31, 2010, LMGAA’s total assets under management were approximately $[            ] billion.

LMPFA and LMGAA are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of March 31, 2010, Legg Mason’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $[            ] billion.

Portfolio managers

LMGAA utilizes a team headed by Steven Bleiberg to manage the assets of each fund. Mr. Bleiberg serves as LMGAA’s President and Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Bleiberg has been a portfolio manager of the funds since [            ]. From 1991 to 2003, he served as a Managing Director and Chairman of the Global Equity Strategy Group at Credit Suisse Asset Management. From 2003 to 2006, he served as head of global investment strategy at Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”).

Andrew Purdy serves as Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation Strategies. He is responsible for coordination and implementation of asset allocation strategies. Mr. Purdy has been a portfolio manager of the funds since [            ]. Mr. Purdy has 14 years of industry experience.

The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio managers, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and any fund shares held by the portfolio managers.

Management fee

Each fund does not pay a management fee. For more information regarding the management fees of the underlying funds, please consult the SAI.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of each fund’s current management agreement and subadvisory agreement is available in the funds’ Annual Report for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.

Expense limitation

The manager has agreed to forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses), subject to recapture as described below. As a result, total annual operating expenses for each fund are not expected to exceed 0.80% for Class A shares, 1.55% for Class B shares, 1.55% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class FI shares, 1.05% for Class R shares,             % for Class R1 shares and 0.55% for Class I shares. These arrangements are expected to continue until December 31, 2011, may be terminated prior to that date by agreement of the manager and the Board, and may be terminated at any time after that date by the manager. These arrangements, however, may be modified by the manager to decrease total annual operating expenses at any time. The manager is also permitted to recapture amounts forgone or reimbursed to a fund during the same fiscal year if the fund’s total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the fund’s total annual operating expenses exceeding these limits or any other lower limits then in effect. Acquired fund fees and expenses (fees and expenses of underlying funds) are included in the calculation of total annual fund operating expenses after forgoing fees and/or reimbursing expenses, but they are not subject to the limits described above.

 

70   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Distribution

LMIS, a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.

Each fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan. Under the plans, each fund (except Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund) pays distribution and/or service fees based on annualized percentages of average daily net assets, of up to 0.25% for Class A shares; up to 1.00% for Class B shares; up to 1.00% for Class C shares; up to 0.25% for Class FI shares; up to 0.50% for Class R shares; and up to 1.00% for Class R1 shares. Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund each pays distribution and/or service fees 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; up to 0.70% for Class C shares; up to 0.25% for Class FI shares; up to 0.50% for Class R shares; and up to 1.00% for Class R1 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. Class I shares are not subject to distribution and/or service fees under the plans.

In addition, the distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates make payments for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the fund. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The recipients of these payments may include the fund’s distributor and affiliates of the manager, as well as non-affiliated broker/dealers, insurance companies, financial institutions and other financial intermediaries through which investors may purchase shares of the fund, including your financial intermediary. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments.” Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated.

Revenue sharing payments create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Contact your financial intermediary for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit the manager, the distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the fund on which fees are being charged.

Possible conflicts of interest

The funds’ manager serves as manager of the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds and is affiliated with the manager of the underlying Royce funds. In addition, the funds’ Board serves in a similar position for certain underlying Legg Mason equity funds, and certain of the funds’ officers serve in similar positions for the underlying Legg Mason and Western Asset funds. Thus, if the interests of the funds and the underlying funds were ever to diverge, it is possible that a conflict of interest could affect how the Board and officers of the fund fulfill their fiduciary duties to the funds and the underlying funds. The funds’ Board believes that the funds have been structured to avoid these concerns. However, a situation could occur where proper action for the funds could be adverse to the interests of an underlying fund, or the reverse. If such situation were to arise, the funds’ Board and officers, the affected underlying funds and LMPFA would carefully analyze the situation and take all steps they believe reasonable to minimize, and where possible eliminate, the potential conflict. Moreover, the funds have adopted limitations on aggregate investments in the underlying funds to reduce conflicts and the manager and the subadviser engage in close and continuous monitoring to avoid, insofar as is possible, these concerns.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   71


Choosing a class of shares to buy

 

Individual investors can generally invest in Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Individual investors who held Class I shares prior to November 20, 2006 may continue to invest in Class I shares.

Retirement Plan and Institutional Investors and Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries should refer to “Retirement and Institutional Investors – eligible investors” below for a description of the classes available to them. Each class has different sales charges and expenses, allowing you to choose a class that may be appropriate for you.

When choosing which class of shares to buy, you should consider:

 

  Ÿ  

How much you plan to invest

 

  Ÿ  

How long you expect to own the shares

 

  Ÿ  

The expenses paid by each class detailed in the fee table and example at the front of this Prospectus

 

  Ÿ  

Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges

 

  Ÿ  

Availability of share classes

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/or your investment horizon is five years or more, Class C shares might not be as advantageous as Class A shares. The annual distribution and/or 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.

Each class of shares is authorized to pay fees for recordkeeping services to Service Agents. As a result, operating expenses of classes that incur new or additional recordkeeping fees may increase over time.

You may buy shares:

 

  Ÿ  

Through banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to sell shares of the fund (each called a “Service Agent”)

 

  Ÿ  

Directly from the fund

Your Service Agent may provide shareholder services that differ from the services provided by other Service Agents. Services provided by your Service Agent may vary by class. You should ask your Service Agent to explain the shareholder services it provides for each class and the compensation it receives in connection with each class. Remember that your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending on the share class in which you invest.

Your Service Agent may not offer all classes of shares. You should contact your Service Agent for further information.

More information about the funds’ classes of shares is available through the Legg Mason funds’ website. You’ll find detailed information about sales charges and ways you can qualify for reduced or waived sales charges, including:

 

  Ÿ  

The front-end sales charges that apply to the purchase of Class A shares

 

72   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

  Ÿ  

The contingent deferred sales charges that apply to the redemption of Class B shares, Class C shares and certain Class A shares (redeemed within one year)

 

  Ÿ  

Who qualifies for lower sales charges on Class A shares

 

  Ÿ  

Who qualifies for a sales load waiver

To visit the website, go to http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/prospectuses, and click on the name of a fund in the dropdown menu.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   73


Comparing the funds’ classes

 

The following table compares key features of the funds’ classes. You should review the fee table and example for each fund at the front of this Prospectus carefully before choosing your share class. Your Service Agent can help you choose a class that may be appropriate for you. Please contact your Service Agent regarding the availability of Class FI, Class R or Class R1 shares. You may be required to provide appropriate documentation confirming your eligibility to invest in these share classes. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending upon which class you choose.

 

    Key features   Initial sales charge   Contingent deferred
sales charge
  Annual distribution
and/or service fees
  Exchange privilege 1
Class A  

Ÿ Initial sales charge

Ÿ You may qualify for reduction or waiver of initial sales charge

Ÿ Generally lower annual expenses than Class B and Class C

  Up to 5.75% (for Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%); up to 4.25% (for Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund); reduced or waived for large purchases and certain investors. No charge for purchases of $1 million or more   1.00% on purchases of $1 million or more if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class A shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class B  

Ÿ No initial sales charge

Ÿ Contingent deferred sales charge declines over time

Ÿ Converts to Class A after approximately 8 years

Ÿ Generally higher annual expenses than Class A

  None   Up to 5.00% charged when you redeem shares of Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% or Allocation 50%; up to 4.50% charged when you redeem shares of Allocation 30% ot Lifestyle Income Fund. This charge is reduced over time and there is no contingent deferred sales charge after 5 years; waived for certain investors   1.00% of average daily net assets (for Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%); 0.75% of average daily net assets (for Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund)   Class B shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class C  

Ÿ No initial sales charge

Ÿ Contingent deferred sales charge for only 1 year

Ÿ Does not convert to Class A

Ÿ Generally higher annual expenses than Class A

  None   1.00% if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors   1.00% of average daily net assets (for Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%); 0.70% of average daily net assets (for Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund)   Class C shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class FI  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries and eligible Retirement Plans

  None   None   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class FI shares of funds sold by the distributor

 

74   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

    Key features   Initial sales charge   Contingent deferred
sales charge
  Annual distribution
and/or service fees
  Exchange privilege 1
Class R  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to eligible Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

  None   None   0.50% of average daily net assets   Class R shares of funds sold by the distributor
Class R1  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to eligible Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

Ÿ Generally higher annual expenses than Class R

  None   None   1.00% of average daily net assets   Class R1 shares of funds sold by the distributor 2
Class I  

Ÿ No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

Ÿ Only offered to institutional and other eligible investors

Ÿ Generally lower annual expenses than all classes

  None   None   None   Class I shares of funds sold by the distributor

 

1

Ask your Service Agent about the funds available for exchange.

2

In this class, your options for exchange may be limited as the class is newly introduced.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   75


Sales charges

 

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 a fund’s distributions or dividends that you reinvest in additional Class A shares.

The table below shows the rate of sales charge you pay, depending on the amount you purchase. It 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 by the distributor, the distributor 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. Service Agents will receive a distribution and/or 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.

 

      Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%,
Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%
  Allocation 30% and
Lifestyle Income Fund
Amount of Investment   Sales charge
as % of
offering price
  Sales charge
as % of net
amount
invested
  Broker/dealer
commission as
% of
offering price
  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   4.25   4.44   4.00
$25,000 but less than $50,000   5.00   5.26   4.25   4.25   4.44   4.00
$50,000 but less than $100,000   4.50   4.71   3.75   4.25   4.44   4.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000   3.50   3.63   2.75   3.50   3.63   3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000   2.50   2.56   2.00   2.50   2.56   2.00
$500,000 but less than $750,000   2.00   2.04   1.60   2.00   2.04   1.60
$750,000 but less than $1 million   1.50   1.52   1.20   1.50   1.52   1.20
$1 million or more 1   -0-   -0-   up to 1.00   -0-   -0-   up to 1.00

 

1

The 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 funds sold by the distributor 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 you when you purchase fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services if you are eligible for a letter of intent or a right of accumulation and if you own shares of other 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 a reduced sales charge.

 

  Ÿ  

Accumulation Privilege – allows you to combine the current value of Class A shares of a fund with other shares of funds sold by the distributor that are owned by:

 

  Ÿ  

you or

 

  Ÿ  

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 charges.

If you hold fund shares in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine which shares may be combined.

 

76   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

Shares of money market funds sold by the distributor acquired by exchange from other funds offered with a sales charge may be combined. Please contact your Service Agent for additional information.

Certain trustees and fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.

 

  Ÿ  

Letter of Intent – allows you to purchase Class A shares of funds sold by the distributor over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge, if any, as if all 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 shares of funds sold by the distributor that are purchased during the 13-month period by:

 

  Ÿ  

you or

 

  Ÿ  

your spouse, and children under the age of 21

are eligible for inclusion under the letter of intent, based on the public offering price at the time of the purchase and any capital appreciation on those shares. In addition, you can include toward your asset goal amount the current value of any eligible holdings.

If you hold shares of funds sold by the distributor 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.

Shares of money market funds sold by the distributor acquired by exchange from other funds offered with a sales charge may be credited toward your letter of intent asset goal. Please contact your Service Agent for additional information.

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.

Waivers for certain Class A investors

Class A initial sales charges are waived for certain types of investors, including:

 

  Ÿ  

Employees of Service Agents

 

  Ÿ  

Investors who redeemed Class A shares of a fund sold by the distributor in the past 60 days, if the investor’s Service Agent is notified

 

  Ÿ  

Directors and officers of any Legg Mason-sponsored fund

 

  Ÿ  

Employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries

 

  Ÿ  

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, Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 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 visit the Legg Mason funds’ website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors, select “Equity” and click on the name of the fund in the dropdown menu.

Class B shares

You buy Class B shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class B shares within five 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 for:                                                    
Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%      5.00      4.00      3.00      2.00      1.00      0%
Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund      4.50      4.00      3.00      2.00      1.00      0%

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   77


Sales charges cont’d

 

LMIS will generally pay Service Agents 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. The funds (except for Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund) pay a distribution/service fee of up to 1.00% of such fund’s average daily net assets represented by Class B shares. Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund pay a distribution/service fee of up to 0.75% of such fund’s average daily net assets represented by Class B shares. 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.

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 fund sold by LMIS
Approximately 8 years after the date of purchase   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 your purchase payment, 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% (in the case of Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%) or 0.75% (in the case of Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund) 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% (in the case of Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%) and up to 0.70% (in the case of Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund) 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% (in the case of Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% and Allocation 50%) or up to 0.70% (in the case of Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund) of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.

Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares

You buy Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed.

Service Agents receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by Class FI shares serviced by them, up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets represented by Class R shares serviced by them and up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by Class R1 shares serviced by them.

Class I

You buy Class I shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed.

Class I shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees.

 

78   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


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:

 

  Ÿ  

When you exchange shares for shares of another fund sold by the distributor

 

  Ÿ  

On shares representing reinvested distributions and dividends

 

  Ÿ  

On shares no longer subject to the contingent deferred sales charge

Each time you place a request to redeem shares, a fund will first redeem any shares in your account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and then redeem the shares in your account that have been held the longest.

If you redeem shares of a fund sold by the distributor 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 distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges as partial compensation for its 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:

 

  Ÿ  

On payments made through certain systematic withdrawal plans

 

  Ÿ  

On certain distributions from a Retirement Plan

 

  Ÿ  

For Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

 

  Ÿ  

For involuntary redemptions of small account balances

 

  Ÿ  

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 visit the Legg Mason funds’ website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors, select “Equity” and click on the name of a fund in the dropdown menu.

 

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Retirement and Institutional Investors — eligible investors

 

Retirement Plans

“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 similar accounts.

Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of a fund can generally invest in Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares.

Although Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of a 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. The distributor may impose certain additional requirements. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.

Class A and Class B shares are no longer offered through Service Agents for Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of a fund, with limited exceptions. Class A shares will cease to be available to new Retirement Plan investors through a Service Agent if the Service Agent makes Class FI shares available. Class C shares will cease to be available to new Retirement Plan investors through a Service Agent if the Service Agent makes Class R1 shares available. Please see below for additional information.

Other Retirement Plans

Other Retirement Plan investors can generally invest in Class A, Class B and Class C shares. “Other Retirement Plans” include Retirement Plans investing through brokerage accounts and also include certain Retirement Plans with direct relationships to a 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 invest in Class A, Class FI or Class I shares. “Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries” are investors who invest in a fund through financial intermediaries that offer their clients fund shares through investment programs 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, Class B and Class C shares, which have different investment minimums, fees and expenses. “Institutional Investors” generally include corporations, banks, trust companies, insurance companies, investment companies, foundations, endowments, defined benefit plans and other similar entities with direct relationships to a fund.

Class A and Class B — Retirement Plans

Class A and Class B shares are no longer offered through Service Agents to Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of a fund. However, certain Retirement Plans that held Class B shares prior to December 1, 2006 are permitted to make additional investments in that class. Certain existing programs for current and prospective Retirement Plan investors sponsored by financial intermediaries also remain eligible to purchase Class A shares. Under these programs, the initial sales charge and contingent deferred sales charge for Class A shares are waived where:

 

  Ÿ  

Such Retirement Plan’s record keeper offers only load-waived shares

 

80   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


 

  Ÿ  

Fund shares are held on the books of a fund through an omnibus account

 

  Ÿ  

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 a 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 C — Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of a fund may buy Class C shares at net asset value without paying a contingent deferred sales charge. LMIS does not pay Service 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 may pay these Service Agents an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.

Certain Retirement Plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by LMIS, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. Please see the SAI for more details.

Class FI shares

Class FI shares are offered only to investors who invest in a fund through certain financial intermediaries and Retirement Plan programs.

Class R shares

Class R shares are offered only to Retirement Plans with accounts held on the books of a fund (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial intermediary).

Class R1 shares

Class R1 shares are offered only to Retirement Plans with accounts held on the books of a fund (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial intermediary).

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 authorized by LMIS. Certain waivers of these requirements for individuals associated with a fund, Legg Mason or its affiliates are discussed in the SAI.

Other considerations

Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other financial intermediaries may choose to impose qualification requirements that differ from the funds’ share class eligibility standards. In certain cases this could result in the selection of a share class with higher distribution and/or service fees than otherwise would have been charged. The funds are not responsible for, and have 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.

Your Service Agent may not offer all share classes. Please contact your Service Agent for additional details.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   81


Buying shares

 

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.

 

You must provide the following information for your order to be processed:

 

Ÿ  Name of fund being bought

 

Ÿ  Class of shares being bought

 

Ÿ  Dollar amount or number of shares being bought

 

Ÿ  Account number (if existing account)

Through a service agent   

You should contact your Service Agent to open a brokerage account and make arrangements to buy shares.

 

Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee.

Through the funds   

Investors should contact Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares. For initial purchases, complete and send your account application to the funds at the following address:

 

Legg Mason Funds

P.O. Box 55214

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-8504

 

Subsequent purchases should be sent to the same address. Enclose a check to pay for the shares.

 

For more information, please call Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time).

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.

 

Ÿ  Amounts transferred must meet the applicable minimums (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)

 

Ÿ  Amounts may be transferred monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

Ÿ  If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services may charge you a fee

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

82   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Exchanging shares

 

Generally    You may exchange shares of a fund for the same class of shares of other funds sold by the distributor on any day that both the fund and the fund into which you are exchanging are open for business.
Legg Mason offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of large and small investors   

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.

 

Ÿ  If you bought shares through a Service Agent, contact your Service Agent to learn which funds your Service Agent makes available to you for exchanges

 

Ÿ  If you bought shares directly from a fund, contact Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 to learn which funds are available to you for exchanges

 

Ÿ  Not all funds offer all classes

 

Ÿ  Some funds are offered only in a limited number of states. Your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services will provide information about the funds offered in your state

 

Ÿ  Remember that an exchange is normally a taxable transaction unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account

 

Ÿ  Always be sure to read the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging shares

Investment minimums, sales charges and other requirements   

Ÿ  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

 

Ÿ  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

 

Ÿ  You will generally be required to meet the minimum investment requirement for the class of shares of the fund into which your exchange is made (except in the case of systematic exchange plans)

 

Ÿ  Your exchange will also be subject to any other requirements of the fund into which you are exchanging shares

 

Ÿ  If you hold share certificates, you must deliver the certificates, endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers, to the transfer agent or your Service Agent before the exchange is effective

 

Ÿ  The funds may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges

By telephone   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with a fund, call Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) for information. Exchanges are priced at the net asset value next determined.

 

Telephone exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations and may be made on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.

By mail   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with a fund, write to the fund at the following address:

 

Legg Mason Funds

P.O. Box 55214 Boston,

Massachusetts 02205-8504

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   83


Exchanging shares cont’d

 

Through a systematic investment plan   

You may be permitted to schedule automatic exchanges of shares of a fund for shares of other funds available for exchange. All requirements for exchanging shares described above apply to these exchanges. In addition:

 

Ÿ  Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

Ÿ  Each exchange must meet the applicable investment minimums for systematic investment plans (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

84   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Redeeming shares

 

Generally   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with a fund, Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 to redeem shares of the fund.

 

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.

 

If you hold share certificates, you must deliver the certificates endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers with a signature guarantee to the transfer agent or your Service Agent before you may redeem.

 

If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, partnership or similar entity, other documents may be required.

Redemption proceeds   

Your redemption proceeds normally will be sent within 3 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days, except that your proceeds may be delayed for up to 10 days if your share purchase was made by check.

 

Your redemption proceeds may be delayed, or your right to receive redemption proceeds suspended, if the NYSE is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the SEC.

 

If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds will be sent to your Service Agent. 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 by you. To change the bank account designated to receive wire or electronic transfers, you will be required to deliver a new written authorization and may be asked to provide other documents. You may be charged a fee on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH).

 

In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record.

 

The funds reserves the right to pay redemption proceeds by giving you securities. You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities.

By mail   

Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with a fund, write to the fund at the following address:

 

Legg Mason Funds

P.O. Box 55214

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-8504

 

Your written request must provide the following:

 

Ÿ  The fund name, the class of shares being redeemed and your account number

 

Ÿ  The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed

 

Ÿ  Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered

 

Ÿ  Signature guarantees, as applicable (see “Other things to know about transactions”)

By telephone   

If your account application permits, you may be eligible to redeem shares by telephone. Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with a fund, call Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) for more information. Please have the following information ready when you call:

 

Ÿ  Name of fund being redeemed

 

Ÿ  Class of shares being redeemed

 

Ÿ  Account number

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   85


Redeeming shares cont’d

 

Automatic cash
withdrawal plans
  

You may be permitted to schedule automatic redemptions of a portion of your shares. To qualify, you must own shares of a fund with a value of at least $10,000 ($5,000 for Retirement Plan accounts) and each automatic redemption must be at least $50.

 

The following conditions apply:

 

Ÿ  Your shares must not be represented by certificates

 

Ÿ  Redemptions may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

Ÿ  If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the charge will be required to be paid upon redemption. However, the 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 redemptions commence, up to a maximum of 12% in one year

 

Ÿ  You must elect to have all dividends and distributions reinvested

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

86   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


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:

 

Ÿ  

Name of the fund

 

Ÿ  

Your account number

 

Ÿ  

In the case of a purchase (including a purchase as part of an exchange transaction), the class of shares being bought

 

Ÿ  

In the case of an exchange or redemption, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed (if you own more than one class)

 

Ÿ  

Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed

 

Ÿ  

In certain circumstances, the signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered (see “Redeeming shares”)

The funds generally will not permit non-resident aliens with a non-U.S. address to establish an account. U.S. citizens with an APO/FPO address or an address in the United States (including its territories) and resident aliens with a U.S. address are permitted to establish an account with a fund. Subject to the requirements of local law, U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries are permitted to establish accounts with the funds.

In certain circumstances, such as during periods of market volatility, severe weather and emergencies, shareholders may experience difficulties placing exchange or redemption orders by telephone. In that case, shareholders should consider using a fund’s other exchange and redemption procedures described above under “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares.”

The transfer agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional 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 funds nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions.

The funds have the right to:

 

Ÿ  

Suspend the offering of shares

 

Ÿ  

Waive or change minimum initial and additional investment amounts

 

Ÿ  

Reject any purchase or exchange order

 

Ÿ  

Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege

 

Ÿ  

Suspend telephone transactions

 

Ÿ  

Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted or as otherwise permitted by the SEC

Signature guarantees

To be in good order, your redemption request must include a signature guarantee if you:

 

Ÿ  

Are redeeming shares with a value over $50,000

 

Ÿ  

Are sending signed share certificates or stock powers to the transfer agent

 

Ÿ  

Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from the one on your account registration

 

Ÿ  

Changed your account registration or your address within 30 days

 

Ÿ  

Want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)

 

Ÿ  

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.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   87


Other things to know about transactions cont’d

 

Anti-money laundering

Federal anti-money laundering regulations require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you sign your account application, you may be asked to provide additional information in order for a fund to verify your identity in accordance with these regulations. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations.

Small account balances/Mandatory redemptions

The funds reserve the right to ask you to bring your account up to a minimum investment amount as determined by your Service Agent if the aggregate 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). You will 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, a fund may close your account and send you the redemption proceeds. If your account is closed, you will not be eligible to have your account reinstated without imposition of any sales charges that may apply to your new purchase. The funds 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 funds 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, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

Frequent trading of fund shares

Frequent trading in a fund’s shares increases the fund’s administrative costs associated with processing shareholder transactions. In addition, frequent trading may potentially interfere with the efficient management of a fund’s portfolio and increase the fund’s costs associated with trading the fund’s portfolio securities. Under certain circumstances, frequent trading may also dilute the returns earned on shares held by a fund’s other shareholders. The underlying funds in which the funds invest are also subject to the effects of frequent purchases and redemptions of underlying fund shares, which can increase expenses of the underlying funds and, therefore, potentially, the expenses of the funds. The funds therefore discourage frequent purchases and redemptions by shareholders.

The funds reserve the right to refuse any client or reject any purchase order for shares (including exchanges) for any reason. In particular, the Board has determined that each fund is not designed to serve as a vehicle for frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations in the securities markets.

Under the funds’ frequent trading policy, each fund reserves the right to restrict or reject purchases of shares (including exchanges) without prior notice whenever the fund detects a pattern of excessive trading. The policy currently provides that a fund will use its best efforts to restrict a shareholder’s trading privileges in the fund if that shareholder has engaged in three or more “Round Trips” (defined below) during any rolling 12-month period. The restriction on the number of Round Trips may change from time to time by amendment of the frequent trading policy. A fund may determine to restrict a shareholder from making additional purchases prior to engaging in three Round Trips. However, each fund has the discretion to determine that restricting a shareholder’s 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 to the fund. In making such a determination, each fund will consider, among other things, the nature of the shareholder’s account, the reason for the frequent trading and the amount of trading. Additionally, each fund 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 a fund may take to deter excessive trading in a shareholder account include restricting the shareholder from purchasing additional shares in the 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 fund.

 

88   Legg Mason Lifestyle 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 fund shares pursuant to an automatic investment plan or similar program for periodic transactions are not considered in determining Round Trips.

With respect to accounts where shareholder transactions are processed or records are kept by third-party intermediaries, the funds use reasonable efforts to monitor such accounts to detect suspicious trading patterns. For any such account that is so identified, a fund will make such further inquiries and take such other actions as shall be considered necessary or appropriate to enforce the fund’s frequent trading policy against the shareholder(s) trading through such account and, if necessary, the third-party intermediary (retirement plan administrators, securities broker/dealers and mutual fund marketplaces) maintaining such account. The funds may accept undertakings from intermediaries to enforce frequent trading policies on behalf of the funds that provide a substantially similar level of protection against excessive trading. Shareholders who own shares of a fund through financial intermediaries should examine any disclosures provided by the intermediaries to determine what restrictions apply to the shareholders.

Although the funds will monitor shareholder transactions for certain patterns of frequent trading activity, there can be no assurance that all such trading activity can be identified, prevented or terminated.

Share certificates

The funds do not issue share certificates. If you currently hold share certificates of a fund, the 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, Funds Investor Services or Institutional 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 funds hold 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, under certain circumstances, may nonetheless be entitled to vote your shares.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   89


Dividends, distributions and taxes

 

Dividends and distributions

Annual distributions of capital gains normally take place at the end of the year in which the gains are realized or the beginning of the next year.

The funds normally pay dividends and distribute capital gains, if any, as follows:

 

Fund   Income dividend distributions   Capital gain distributions
Lifestyle Allocation 100%   Annually   Annually
Lifestyle Allocation 85%   Annually   Annually
Lifestyle Allocation 70%   Annually   Annually
Lifestyle Allocation 50%   Quarterly   Annually
Lifestyle Allocation 30%   Quarterly   Annually
Lifestyle Income Fund   Monthly   Annually

A fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the fund to avoid a federal tax. Unless otherwise directed, capital gain distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional fund shares of the same class that you hold. You do not pay a sales charge on reinvested distributions or dividends. Alternatively, you can instruct your Service Agent, Funds Investor Services or Institutional 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 and does not address investors subject to special rules, such as investors who hold shares in the funds through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax adviser about your investment in a fund. In general, redeeming shares, exchanging shares and receiving dividends and distributions (whether in cash or additional shares) are all taxable events. The following table summarizes the tax status to you of certain transactions related to the funds.

 

Transaction   Federal Tax Status
Redemption or exchange of shares   Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares owned more than one year
Long-term capital gain distributions   Long-term capital gain
Dividends   Ordinary income, potentially taxable at long-term capital gain rates

Distributions attributable to short-term capital gains are treated as dividends, taxable as ordinary income. Taxable dividends and long-term capital gain distributions are taxable whether received in cash or reinvested in fund shares. Although dividends (including dividends from short-term capital gains) are generally taxable as ordinary income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, individual shareholders who satisfy certain holding period and other requirements are taxed on such dividends at long-term capital gain rates to the extent the dividends are attributable to “qualified dividend income” received by the funds. “Qualified dividend income” generally consists of dividends received from U.S. corporations (other than dividends from tax-exempt organizations and certain dividends from real estate investment trusts and regulated investment companies) and certain foreign corporations. Long-term capital gain distributions are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. You may want to avoid buying shares when a fund is about to declare a long-term capital gain distribution or a dividend because it will be taxable to you even though it may actually be a return of a portion of your investment.

A dividend declared by a fund in October, November or December and paid during January of the following year will, in certain circumstances, be treated as paid in December for tax purposes.

After the end of each year, your Service Agent or a fund will provide you with information about the distributions and dividends you received and any redemptions of shares during the previous year. If you do not provide a fund with your correct taxpayer identification number and any required certifications, you may be subject to back-up withholding on your distributions, dividends and redemption proceeds. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax adviser about your investment in the funds.

The above discussion is applicable to shareholders who are U.S. persons. If you are a non-U.S. person, please consult your own tax adviser with respect to the U.S. tax consequences to you of an investment in a fund.

 

90   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Share price

 

You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order, adjusted for any applicable sales charge. Each fund’s 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.

Each fund calculates its net asset value every day the NYSE is open. Each fund generally values its securities and other assets and calculates its net asset value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at another time, the funds will calculate its net asset value as of the actual closing time. The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.

In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at a certain day’s price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the transfer agent before the NYSE closes on that day. If the NYSE closes early on that day, you must place your order prior to the actual closing time. It is the responsibility of the Service Agent to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the transfer agent on a timely basis.

Valuation of each fund’s securities and other assets is performed in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. These procedures delegate most valuation functions to the manager, which, in turn, uses independent third party pricing services approved by the funds’ Board. Under the procedures, assets are valued as follows:

 

Ÿ  

Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price or, if that price is unavailable or deemed by the manager not representative of market value, the last sale price. Where a security is traded on more than one exchange (as is often the case overseas), the security is generally valued at the price on the exchange considered by the manager to be the primary exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if exchange prices are not otherwise available, the prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services that use a variety of techniques and methodologies.

 

Ÿ  

The valuations for fixed income securities and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of fair valuation techniques and methodologies. Short-term fixed income securities 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 investment’s fair value.

 

Ÿ  

The valuations of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade, unless a significant event has occurred. When a fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Each fund uses a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to value foreign equity securities on days when a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index suggests that the closing prices on foreign exchanges may no longer represent the value of those securities at the time of closing of the NYSE. Foreign markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the funds do not price their shares. Therefore, the value of a fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund’s shares.

 

Ÿ  

If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers. 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. These procedures permit, among other things, the use of a matrix, formula or other method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments to determine fair value. Fair value of a security is the amount as determined by the manager in good faith, that a fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the security. Each 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 a fund’s net asset value is calculated.

Many factors may influence the price at which a fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ — higher or lower — from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   91


Share price cont’d

 

be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Moreover, valuing securities using fair value methodologies involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on market quotations. A fund that uses fair value methodologies 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 a fund could obtain the 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. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when a fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or higher or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different methodology.

 

92   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Financial highlights

 

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each fund’s classes for the past five years, unless otherwise noted. No financial highlights are provided for Class FI, Class R or Class R1 shares since no Class FI, Class R or Class R1 shares were outstanding for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010. No financial highlights are provided for Class I shares of Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Lifestyle Income Fund since no Class I shares were outstanding for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010. The returns for Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares will differ from those of the other classes to the extent that their expenses differ. 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 which have been audited by [            ], an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each fund’s financial statements, is included in the Annual Report (available upon request). The financial information shown below for periods prior to April 16, 2007 is that of the funds’ predecessors.

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds   93


Appendix A

 

The performance information below relates to underlying Legg Mason affiliated funds in which the funds may invest. The percentage of a fund’s assets that may be invested in any particular underlying fund is limited. An underlying fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the underlying fund will perform in the future.

This performance information is presented for your information only. The information below is taken from each underlying fund’s prospectus with respect to such fund’s Class IS or I (or equivalent) shares, unless otherwise noted.

 

Average annual total returns (for the periods ended December 31, 2009)
       1 year   5 years   10 years  

Since

inception

 

Inception

date 1

Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Trust    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/29/08
Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   06/14/01
Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   03/04/04
Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   06/26/00
Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   12/01/94
Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   12/01/94
Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   12/17/76
Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   02/07/96
Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   05/29/58
Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   10/15/97
Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   04/14/03
Legg Mason ClearBridge U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   04/30/08
Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   01/03/05
Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   12/01/09
Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   02/26/10
Royce Special Equity Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   07/25/03
Royce Total Return Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   12/15/93
Royce Value Fund    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   06/14/01
Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Western Asset High Yield Portfolio    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   08/04/08
Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond    [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   [    ]%   03/01/01

 

1

The inception date shown is the inception date of the class of shares of the underlying funds in which the funds may invest.

 

94   Legg Mason Lifestyle Funds


Privacy Policy

 

We are committed to keeping nonpublic personal information about you secure and confidential. This notice is intended to help you understand how we fulfill this commitment. From time to time, we may collect a variety of personal information about you, including:

 

Ÿ  

Information we receive from you on applications and forms, via the telephone and through our websites;

 

Ÿ  

Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others (such as your purchases, sales or account balances); and

 

Ÿ  

Information we receive from consumer reporting agencies.

We do not disclose nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers, except to our affiliates (such as broker/dealers or investment advisers within the Legg Mason family of companies) or as is otherwise permitted by applicable law or regulation. For example, we may share this information with others in order to process your transactions or service an account. We may also provide this information to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf, such as printing and mailing, or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements. When we enter into such agreements, we will require these companies to protect the confidentiality of this information and to use it only to perform the services for which we hired them.

With respect to our internal security procedures, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information, and we restrict access to this information.

If you decide at some point either to close your account(s) or become an inactive customer, we will continue to adhere to our privacy policies and practices with respect to your nonpublic personal information.

[This page is not part of the Prospectus.]


Legg Mason

Lifestyle Funds

 

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30%

Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund

You may visit the funds’ website at http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors/prospectuses for a free copy of a Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report.

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 each fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

A 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, Funds Investor Services or Institutional Shareholder Services if you do not want this policy to apply to you.

Statement of additional information The SAI provides more detailed information about each fund and is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this Prospectus.

You can make inquiries about the funds or obtain shareholder reports or the SAI (without charge) by contacting your Service Agent, or by calling Funds Investor Services at 1-800-822-5544 or Institutional Shareholder Services at 1-888-425-6432, or by writing to a fund at 55 Water St., New York, New York 10041.

Information about each fund (including the SAI) can be viewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (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 funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s 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 SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549.

If someone makes a statement about the funds that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely upon that information. Neither the funds nor the distributor are offering to sell shares of a fund to any person to whom the funds may not lawfully sell their shares.

(Investment Company Act

file no. 811-06444)

FD01083ST 05/10


Filed under Rule 497(c)
File no. 33-43446

May [    ], 2010

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

LEGG MASON INVESTMENT COUNSEL SOCIAL AWARENESS FUND

Class A (SSIAX), Class B (SESIX), Class C (SESLX),

Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I (LMRNX)

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

Funds Investor Services 1-800-822-5544

Institutional Shareholder Services 1-888-425-6432

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) is not a prospectus and is meant to be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus of Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (the “fund”), dated May [    ], 2010, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the fund’s Prospectus. Effective April 16, 2007, the fund assumed the assets and liabilities of a predecessor fund. Certain historical information for periods prior to April 16, 2007 is that of the fund’s predecessor. Prior to October 5, 2009, the fund was named “Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund.” The fund is a series of Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the “Trust”), a Maryland business trust.

Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The annual report contains financial statements that are incorporated herein by reference. The fund’s Prospectus and copies of the annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained free of charge by contacting banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to sell shares of the fund (each called a “Service Agent”), by writing or calling the Trust at the address or telephone number set forth above, by sending an e-mail request to prospectus@leggmason.com or by visiting the fund’s website at http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors. Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”), serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.

 

1


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Investment Objective and Management Policies

   3

Investment Practices and Risk Factors

   3

Investment Policies

   27

Management

   32

Investment Management and Other Services

   41

Purchase of Shares

   51

Redemption of Shares

   57

Exchange Privilege

   58

Valuation of Shares

   59

Portfolio Transactions

   59

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

   62

The Trust

   64

Taxes

   67

Legal Matters

   74

Financial Statements

   77

Appendix A — Description of Ratings

   A-1

Appendix B — LMIC Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

   B-1

THIS SAI IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in the Prospectus or this SAI in connection with the offerings made by the Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the fund or the distributor. The Prospectus and this SAI do not constitute offerings by the fund or by the distributor in any jurisdiction in which such offerings may not lawfully be made.

 

2


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES

The fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company.

The fund’s Prospectus discusses the fund’s investment objective and policies. The following discussion supplements the description of the fund’s investment policies in its Prospectus.

Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to provide high total return consisting of capital appreciation and current income.

The fund invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities of U.S. companies. The fund targets a 30% investment (normally between 25% and 35%) in fixed income securities. The fixed income securities in which the fund invests are primarily investment grade and may be of any maturity. The fund also may invest a portion of its assets in equity and debt securities of foreign issuers. The fund emphasizes companies that offer both attractive investment opportunities and demonstrate a positive awareness of their impact on the society in which they operate, relative to other companies in their industries.

There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK FACTORS

The fund’s principal investment strategies are described above. The following provides additional information about these principal strategies and describes other investment strategies and practices that may be used by the fund, which all involve risks of varying degrees.

Social Awareness Criteria

The portfolio managers believe that there is a direct correlation between companies that demonstrate an acute awareness of their impact on the society within which they operate and companies that offer attractive long-term investment potential. The portfolio managers believe that addressing social issues in a positive manner can translate into sound business. For example, by ensuring a product or service does not negatively impact the environment, a company can avoid costly litigation and clean-up costs; by maintaining positive standards for the workplace and a diverse employee population, a company can better ensure access to quality management talent and improved productivity; and by becoming more involved in the community, a company can enhance its consumer franchise. The portfolio managers also believe that top quality management teams that successfully balance their companies’ business interests with their social influences can gain long-term competitive advantages, which may result in increased shareholder value and, therefore, make the company’s shares a better investment. The fund is designed to consider both financial and social criteria in all of its investment decisions.

The portfolio managers consider whether, relative to other companies in an industry, a company that meets these investment criteria also is sensitive to social issues related to its products, services, or methods of doing business.

Social factors considered include:

 

   

Fair and reasonable employment practices

 

   

Contributions to the general well-being of the citizens of its host communities and countries and respect for human rights

 

3


   

Efforts and strategies to minimize the negative impact of business activities and to preserve the earth’s ecological heritage with those environmental policies, practices and procedures that are currently acceptable, or are exhibiting improvement

 

   

Avoidance of investments in companies that:

 

   

Manufacture nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction

 

   

Derive more than 5% of their revenue from the production of non-nuclear weaponry

 

   

Derive more than 5% of their revenue from the production or sales of tobacco

These portfolio restrictions are based on the belief that a company will benefit from its social awareness by enabling it to better position itself in developing business opportunities while avoiding liabilities that may be incurred when a product or service is determined to have a negative social impact. These companies should be better prepared to respond to external demands and ensure that over the longer term they will be able to provide a positive return to both investors and society as a whole.

The portfolio managers use their best efforts to assess a company’s social performance. This analysis is based on present activities, and does not preclude companies solely because of past activities. The portfolio managers monitor the social progress or deterioration of each company in which the fund invests. The Trustees monitor the social awareness criteria used by the fund, and the portfolio managers may, upon approval of the Trustees, change the criteria used to rate the social performance of an issuer without prior notice or approval by shareholders.

While the application of the fund’s social awareness criteria may preclude some companies with strong earnings and growth potential, the portfolio managers believe that there are sufficient investment opportunities among those companies that satisfy the social awareness criteria to meet the fund’s investment objective.

Equity Investments

General. Investors should realize that risk of loss is inherent in the ownership of any securities and that the net asset value (“NAV”) of the fund will fluctuate, reflecting fluctuations in the market value of its portfolio positions.

Common Stocks. The fund may purchase common stocks. Common stocks are shares of a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of the entity’s preferred stock and other senior equity. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote and frequently an exclusive right to do so. Common stocks include securities issued by limited partnerships, limited liability companies, business trusts and companies organized outside the United States.

Convertible Securities. The fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion or exchange, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield of nonconvertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier nonconvertible securities but rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure.

The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth, at market value, if converted or exchanged into the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the ultimate conversion or exchange value.

 

4


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 Stock. The fund may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stock pays dividends at a specified rate and generally has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of the issuer’s assets, but is junior to the debt securities of the issuer in those same respects. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Holders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. The market prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Generally, under normal circumstances, preferred stock does not carry voting rights. Upon liquidation, preferred stocks are entitled to a specified liquidation preference, which is generally the same as the par or stated value, and are senior in right of payment to common stock. Preferred stocks are, however, equity securities in the sense that they do not represent a liability of the issuer and therefore do not offer as great a degree of protection of capital or assurance of continued income as investments in corporate debt securities. In addition, preferred stocks are subordinated in right of payment to all debt obligations and creditors of the issuer, and convertible preferred stocks may be subordinated to other preferred stock of the same issuer.

Warrants. The fund may invest in warrants, which provide the fund with the right to purchase other securities of the issuer at a later date. The fund has undertaken that its investment in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, will not exceed 5% of the value of its net assets and not more than 2% of such assets will be invested in warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to securities will be deemed to be without value for purposes of this restriction.

Warrants are subject to the same market risks as stocks, but may be more volatile in price. Because investing in warrants can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security, warrants involve leverage and are considered speculative investments. At the time of issuance of a warrant, the cost is generally substantially less than the cost of the underlying security itself, and therefore, the investor is able to gain exposure to the underlying security with a relatively low capital investment. Price movements in the underlying security are generally magnified in the price movements of the warrant, although changes in the market value of the warrant may not necessarily correlate to the prices of the underlying security. The fund’s investment in warrants will not entitle it to receive dividends or exercise voting rights and will become worthless if the warrants cannot be profitably exercised before the expiration dates.

Real Estate Investment Trusts. The fund may invest without limitation in shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which are pooled investment vehicles that invest in real estate or real estate loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage (hybrid) REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. A mortgage REIT can make construction, development or long-term mortgage loans, which are sensitive to the credit quality of the borrower. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage trusts, generally by holding both ownership interests and mortgage interests in real estate. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Debt securities issued by REITs, for the most part, are general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs. Like mutual funds, REITs have expenses, including advisory and administration fees paid by REIT shareholders and, as a result, an investor is subject to a duplicate level of fees if the fund invests in REITs.

 

5


Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees and borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to industry related risks.

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed income obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans (the interest rates on which are reset periodically) yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 Index.

The values of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation, the possibility of failing to qualify for the ability to avoid tax by satisfying distribution requirements under the Code, and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Also, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses incurred by REITs in which the fund invests. REITs are also sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, overbuilding and creditworthiness of the issuer.

Investment in Other Investment Company Securities. The fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, which can include open-end funds, closed-end funds and unregistered investment companies, subject to the limits set forth in the 1940 Act that apply to these types of investments. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks 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 fund’s 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 (“ETFs”). Typically, an ETF seeks to track the performance of an index, such as the S&P 500 Index, the NASDAQ-100 Index, the Barclays Capital Treasury Bond Index, or more narrow sector or foreign indexes, 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 the trading day, bought and sold based on market prices rather than NAV. Shares can trade at either a premium or discount to NAV. However, the portfolios held by index-based ETFs are publicly disclosed on each trading day, and an approximation of actual NAV is disseminated throughout the trading day. Because of this transparency, the trading prices of index-based ETFs tend to closely track the actual NAV 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 fund’s 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 larger discount or premium to actual NAVs.

 

6


The fund may invest in closed-end funds, 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 funds may entail the additional risk that the discount from NAV could increase while the fund holds the shares.

Issuer Risk. The value of fixed income securities issued by corporations may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer such as management performance, financial leverage or reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.

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 security’s market value will differ depending upon the security’s 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 yield securities.

Below Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities. A description of the ratings used by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) is set forth in Appendix A. Securities which are rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s are generally regarded as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal, but may have some speculative characteristics. Securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s are considered to have 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 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 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.

Investment Grade Categories. Fixed income securities rated in the highest four ratings categories for long-term debt by a NRSRO are considered “investment grade.” Obligations rated in the lowest of the top four ratings ( e.g. , BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s) are considered to have some speculative characteristics. Unrated securities will be considered to be investment grade if deemed by the manager or a subadviser to be comparable in quality to instruments so rated, or if other outstanding obligations of the issuer of such securities are rated BBB/Baa or better.

Fixed Income Securities

Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities. The fund may purchase fixed or adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and other asset-backed securities (“ABS”), including securities backed by automobile loans, equipment leases or credit card receivables. These securities directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, fixed or adjustable rate mortgage or other loans which may be secured by

 

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real estate or other assets. Unlike traditional debt instruments, payments on these securities include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Prepayments of the principal of underlying loans may shorten the effective maturities of these securities and may result in the fund having to reinvest proceeds at a lower interest rate. The fund may also purchase collateralized mortgage obligations, which are a type of bond secured by an underlying pool of mortgages, or mortgage pass-through certificates that are structured to direct payments on underlying collateral to different series or classes of the obligations.

MBS may be issued by private companies or by agencies of the U.S. government and represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. ABS represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on underlying pools of mortgages, assets or government securities, but not both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities that pay both principal and interest. The fund may obtain a below market yield or incur a loss on such instruments during periods of declining interest rates. Principal only and interest only instruments are subject to extension risk. For mortgage derivatives and structured securities that have imbedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Mortgage derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining markets. Certain MBS or ABS may provide, upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, for the investors to become the holders of the underlying assets. In that case, the fund may become the holder of securities that it could not otherwise purchase, based on its investment strategies or its investment restrictions and limitations, at a time when such securities may be difficult to dispose of because of adverse market conditions.

Recent Market Events . The fixed income markets have experienced a period of extreme volatility, which has negatively impacted market liquidity conditions. Initially, the concerns on the part of market participants were focused on the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed securities market. However, these concerns have since expanded to include a broad range of mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and other fixed income securities, including those rated investment grade, the U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, and a wide range of financial institutions and markets, asset classes and sectors. As a result, fixed income instruments have been experiencing liquidity issues, increased price volatility, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. Securities that are less liquid are more difficult to value and may be hard to dispose of. Domestic and international equity markets have also been experiencing heightened volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yield to decline. These events and the continuing market upheavals may have an adverse effect on the fund.

When-Issued 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 when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions, delivery of the securities occurs beyond normal settlement periods, but no payment or delivery will be made by the fund prior to the actual delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. The fund will not accrue income with respect to a when-issued or delayed-delivery security prior to its stated delivery date. In entering into a when-issued or delayed-delivery transaction, the fund relies on the other party to consummate the transaction and may be disadvantaged if the other party fails to do so.

Purchasing such securities involves the risk of loss if the value of the securities declines prior to settlement date. The sale of securities for delayed delivery involves the risk that the prices available in the market on the delivery date may be greater than those obtained in the sale transaction. The fund will at all times maintain in a segregated account at its custodian cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of the fund’s when-issued or delayed-delivery commitments. For the purpose of determining the adequacy of the securities in the account, the deposited securities will be valued at market or fair value. If the market or fair value of such securities declines,

 

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additional cash or securities will be placed in the account on a daily basis so that the value of the account will equal the amount of such commitments by the fund. Placing securities rather than cash in the account may have a leveraging effect on the fund’s assets. That is, to the extent that the fund remains substantially fully invested in securities at the time that it has committed to purchase securities on a when-issued basis, there will be greater fluctuation in its NAV than if it had set aside cash to satisfy its purchase commitments. On the settlement date, the fund will meet its obligations from then available cash flow, the sale of securities held in the separate account, the sale of other securities or, although it normally would not expect to do so, from the sale of the when-issued or delayed-delivery securities themselves (which may have a greater or lesser value than the fund’s payment obligations).

Other Fixed Income Securities. The fund may also invest in other types of fixed income securities which are subordinated or “junior” to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated or junior securities. Such securities may include preferred stock. Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would otherwise be made to their holders may be required to be made to the holders of more senior securities, and/or the subordinated or junior securities may have junior liens, if they have any rights at all, in any collateral (meaning proceeds of the collateral are required to be paid first to the holders of more senior securities). As a result, subordinated or junior securities will be disproportionately adversely affected by a default or even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer.

Credit Ratings. The fund’s compliance with its investment restrictions and limitations is usually determined at the time of investment. If the credit rating on a security is downgraded or the credit quality deteriorates after purchase by the fund, or if the maturity of a security is extended after purchase by the fund, the subadviser will decide whether the security should be held or sold. Certain MBS or ABS may provide, upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, for the investors to become the holders of the underlying assets. In that case, the fund may become the holder of securities that it could not otherwise purchase, based on its investment strategies or its investment restrictions and limitations, at a time when such securities may be difficult to dispose of because of adverse market conditions.

Zero Coupon Securities. The fund may invest in “zero coupon” securities. Zero coupon securities generally pay no cash interest (or dividends in the case of preferred stock) to their holders prior to maturity. Accordingly, such securities usually are issued and traded at a deep discount from their face or par value and generally are subject to greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing interest rates than securities of comparable maturities and credit quality that pay cash interest (or dividends in the case of preferred stock) on a current basis. The values of these securities may be highly volatile as interest rates rise or fall. In addition, the fund’s investments in zero coupon securities will result in special tax consequences. Although zero coupon securities do not make interest payments, for tax purposes, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon security’s stated redemption price at maturity and its issue price is taxable income of the fund each year. The value of zero coupon bonds is subject to greater fluctuation in market value in response to changes in market interest rates than bonds of comparable maturity which pay interest currently. Zero coupon bonds allow an issuer to avoid the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments. Accordingly, such bonds may involve greater credit risks than bonds that pay interest currently. Even though such bonds do not pay current interest in cash, the fund is nonetheless required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts at least annually to shareholders. Accordingly, for the fund to continue to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company and to avoid income and possibly excise tax, the fund may be required to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives. These distributions must be made from the fund’s cash assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities. The fund will not be able to purchase additional income-producing securities with cash used to make such distributions and its current income ultimately may be reduced as a result.

U.S. Government Securities. The fund may invest in U.S. government securities, which include (1) U.S. Treasury bills (maturity of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (maturity of one to ten years) and U.S. Treasury bonds (maturities generally greater than ten years) and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government

 

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agencies or instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. government; (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to specific line of credit from the U.S. government (such as obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks); (c) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of agencies or instrumentalities; or (d) only the credit of the instrumentality. In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. government itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Therefore, the fund will invest in obligations issued by such an instrumentality only if the fund’s subadviser determines the credit risk with respect to the instrumentality does not make its securities unsuitable for investment by the fund. Neither the U.S. government nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities guarantees the market value of the securities they issue. Therefore, the market value of such securities will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates.

Ginnie Mae is a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are stockholder-owned companies chartered by Congress. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee the securities they issue as to timely payment of principal and interest, but such guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency. It is unclear what effect this conservatorship will have on the securities issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Although the U.S. government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.”

Short-Term Investments. When the portfolio managers believe that a defensive investment posture is warranted or when attractive investment opportunities do not exist, the fund may temporarily invest all or a portion of its assets in short-term money market instruments. The money market instruments in which the fund may invest are U.S. government securities; certificates of deposit (“CDs”), time deposits (“TDs”) and bankers’ acceptances issued by domestic banks (including their branches located outside the United States and subsidiaries located in Canada), domestic branches of foreign banks, savings and loan associations and other banking institutions having total assets in excess of $500 million; high grade commercial paper; and repurchase agreements with respect to the foregoing types of instruments. To the extent the fund is investing in short-term investments as a temporary defensive posture, the fund’s investment objective may not be achieved. CDs are short-term negotiable obligations of commercial banks. TDs are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers usually in connection with international transactions. 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 the fund, depending upon the principal amount of CDs of each bank held by the fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body of federal law and regulation. As a result of governmental 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 domestic 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 government regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of domestic banks or domestic 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 domestic banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks,

 

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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 domestic bank than about a domestic bank. CDs issued by wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries of domestic banks are guaranteed as to repayment of principal and interest (but not as to sovereign risk) by the domestic parent bank.

Obligations of domestic 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 governmental regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A domestic 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 domestic branch of a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.

In view of the foregoing factors associated with the purchase of CDs and TDs issued by foreign branches of domestic banks or by domestic branches of foreign banks, the manager will carefully evaluate such investments on a case-by-case basis.

Savings and loan associations whose CDs may be purchased by the fund are supervised by the Office of Thrift Supervision and are insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC and is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. As a result, such savings and loan associations are subject to regulation and examination.

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. The fund may invest in short-term debt obligations of issuers that at the time of purchase are rated A-2, A-1 or A-1+ by S&P or Prime-2 or Prime-1 by Moody’s or, if unrated, are issued by companies having an outstanding unsecured debt issue currently rated within the two highest ratings of S&P or Moody’s.

Variable Rate Demand Notes. The fund may invest in variable rate master demand notes, which typically are issued by large corporate borrowers providing for variable amounts of principal indebtedness and periodic adjustments in the interest rate according to the terms of the instrument. Demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the fund and an issuer, and are not normally traded in a secondary market. The fund, however, may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any time. In addition, while variable rate demand notes generally are not rated, their issuers must satisfy the same criteria as those set forth above for issuers of commercial paper. The manager will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of issuers of demand notes and continually will monitor their financial ability to meet payment on demand.

Derivatives.

General. The fund may invest in certain derivative instruments (also called “Financial Instruments”), discussed below, to attempt to hedge its investments, among other things as described in the Prospectus. The use of Financial Instruments is subject to applicable regulations of the SEC, the several exchanges upon which they may be traded and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). In addition, the fund’s ability to use Financial Instruments may be limited by tax considerations. In addition to the instruments, strategies and risks described below, the subadviser expects that additional opportunities in connection with Financial Instruments and other similar or related techniques may become available. These new opportunities may become

 

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available as the subadviser develops new techniques, as regulatory authorities broaden the range of permitted transactions and as new Financial Instruments or other techniques are developed. The subadviser may utilize these opportunities to the extent that they are consistent with the fund’s investment objective and are permitted by its investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. The fund might not use any of these strategies, and there can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed.

Each Financial Instrument purchased for the fund is reviewed and analyzed by the subadviser to assess the risk and reward of each such instrument in relation to the fund’s investment strategy. The decision to invest in derivative instruments or conventional securities is made by measuring the respective instrument’s ability to provide value to the fund.

Hedging strategies can be broadly categorized as “short hedges” and “long hedges.” A short hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential declines in the value of one or more investments held in the fund’s portfolio. In a short hedge, the fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the opposite direction of the price of the investment being hedged.

Conversely, a long hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential increases in the acquisition cost of one or more investments that the fund intends to acquire. In a long hedge, the fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the same direction as the price of the prospective investment being hedged. A long hedge is sometimes referred to as an anticipatory hedge. In an anticipatory hedge transaction, the fund does not own a corresponding security and, therefore, the transaction does not relate to a security the fund owns. Rather, it relates to a security that the fund intends to acquire. If the fund does not complete the hedge by purchasing the security as it anticipated, the effect on the fund’s portfolio is the same as if the transaction were entered into for speculative purposes.

Financial Instruments on securities may be used to attempt to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that the fund owns or intends to acquire. Financial Instruments on indexes, in contrast, may be used to attempt to hedge against price movements in market sectors in which the fund has invested or expects to invest. Financial Instruments on debt securities may be used to hedge either individual securities or broad debt market sectors.

Special Risks. The use of Financial Instruments involves special considerations and risks, certain of which are described below. In general, these techniques may increase the volatility of the fund and may involve a small investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed.

(1) Successful use of most Financial Instruments depends upon the subadviser’s ability to predict movements of the overall securities, currency and interest rate markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular strategy will succeed Use of Financial Instruments could result in a loss, regardless of whether the intent was to enhance returns or manage risk.

(2) When Financial Instruments are used for hedging purposes, the historical correlation between price movements of a Financial Instrument and price movements of the investments being hedged might change so as to make the hedge less effective or unsuccessful. For example, if the value of a Financial Instrument used in a short hedge increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged investment, the hedge would not be fully successful. Such a change in correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which Financial Instruments are traded. The effectiveness of hedges using Financial Instruments on indexes will depend on the degree to which correlation between price movements in the index and price movements in the securities being hedged can be accurately predicted.

Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match the fund’s current or anticipated investments exactly. The fund may invest in options and futures contracts based on securities with different issuers,

 

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maturities or other characteristics from the securities in which it typically invests, which involves the risk that the options or futures position will not track the performance of the fund’s other investments.

Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the fund’s investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by factors, such as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and futures are traded as compared to securities, or from the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. The fund may purchase or sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in the fund’s options or futures positions have a low correlation with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.

(3) If successful, the hedging strategies discussed above can reduce the risk of loss by wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements. However, such strategies can also reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price movements. For example, if the fund entered into a short hedge because its subadviser projected a decline in the price of a security in the fund’s portfolio, and the price of that security increased instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially offset by a decline in the price of the Financial Instrument. Moreover, if the price of the Financial Instrument declined by more than the increase in the price of the security, the fund could suffer a loss. In either such case, the fund would have been in a better position had it not attempted to hedge at all.

(4) The fund might be required to maintain segregated assets as “cover” or make margin payments when it takes positions in Financial Instruments involving obligations to third parties ( i.e. , Financial Instruments other than purchased options). If the fund were unable to close out its positions in such Financial Instruments, it might be required to continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the position expired or matured. These requirements might impair the fund’s ability to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require that the fund sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time.

(5) The fund may be subject to the risk that the other party to a Financial Instrument (the “counterparty”) will not be unable to honor its financial obligation to the fund.

(6) 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 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 fund’s restrictions on illiquid investments.

The fund’s ability to close out a position in a Financial Instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out the position. Therefore, there is no assurance that any position can be closed out at a time and price that is favorable to the fund.

Options on Securities. The fund may write covered call options and enter into closing transactions with respect thereto. 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. The size of the premiums 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.

 

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Options written by the fund will normally have expiration dates between one and six months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to, or above the current market values of the underlying securities at the times 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 the price of the underlying security to remain flat or decline moderately during the option period, (b) at-the-money call options when the subadviser expects the price of the underlying security to 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 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. Writing 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 as such call options are used in equivalent transactions.

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 it 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 (“OCC”) or similar clearing corporation and the securities exchange on which the option is written.

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 (“OTC”) market. The fund expects to write options only on national securities exchanges or in the OTC market. The fund may purchase put options issued by the OCC or in the OTC market. 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 it recognizes a profit or loss will depend upon whether the amount received in the closing sale transaction is more or less than the premium 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 so as to facilitate closing transactions, 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 or option may cease to exist. In the past, for example, higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events, have at times rendered certain of the facilities of the OCC and national securities exchanges inadequate 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, as a covered call option writer, the fund 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 which may be held or written, or exercised within certain periods, by an investor or group of investors acting in concert (regardless of whether the options are written on the same or different securities

 

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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 or 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 written by the fund that are deemed covered by virtue of the fund’s holding convertible or exchangeable preferred stock or debt securities, the time required to convert or exchange and obtain physical delivery of the underlying common stock 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 temporarily borrow 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.

Although the subadviser will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the risks relating to the fund’s writing of call options and purchasing of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the fund will succeed in its option-writing program.

Stock Index Options . A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included in the index. Some stock index options are based on a broad market index such as the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index or the Canadian Market Portfolio Index, or a narrower market or industry index such as the S&P 100 Index, the NYSE Arca Oil Index or the NYSE Arca Computer Technology Index.

Options on stock indexes are generally similar to options on stock except for the delivery requirements. Instead of giving the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified price, an option on a stock index gives the holder the right to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount” equal to (a) the amount, if any, by which the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the date of exercise, multiplied by (b) a fixed “index multiplier.” Receipt of this cash amount will depend upon the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based being greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash received will be equal to such difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars or a foreign currency, as the case may be, times a specified multiple. The writer of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The writer may offset its position in stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange or it may let the option expire unexercised.

The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock index options as a hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio of the fund being hedged correlate with price movements of the stock index selected. Because the value of an index option depends upon movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular stock, whether the fund will realize a gain or loss from the purchase or writing of options on an index depends upon movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market generally or, in the case of certain indexes, in an industry or market segment, rather than movements in the price of a particular stock. Accordingly, successful use by the fund of options on stock indexes will be subject to the subadviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the price of individual stocks.

Futures and Options on Futures. When deemed advisable by the subadviser, the fund may enter into interest rate futures contracts, stock index futures contracts and related options that are traded on a domestic exchange or board of trade. These transactions may, but need not, use derivative contracts, such as futures and options on securities or securities indices, options on these futures, and interest rate futures, for the purpose of hedging against the economic impact of adverse changes in the market value of portfolio securities, because of changes in interest rates or stock prices, or as a substitute for buying or selling securities or as a cash flow management technique.

 

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An interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by the one party and the purchase by the other party of a specified amount of a particular financial instrument (debt security) at a specified price, date, time and place. A stock index futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally entered into. Stock index futures contracts are based on indexes that reflect the market value of common stock of the companies included in the indexes. An option on an interest rate or stock index contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option. When the fund buys or sells a futures contract, it incurs a contractual obligation to receive or deliver the underlying instrument (or a cash payment based on the difference between the underlying instrument’s closing price and the price at which the contract was entered into) at a specified price on a specified date. For example, in the case of stock index futures contracts, if the fund anticipates an increase in the price of stocks that it intends to purchase at a later time, the fund could enter into contracts to purchase the stock index (known as taking a “long” position) as a temporary substitute for the purchase of stocks. If an increase in the market occurs that influences the stock index as anticipated, the value of the futures contracts increases and thereby serves as a hedge against the fund’s not participating in a market advance. The fund then may close out the futures contracts by entering into offsetting futures contracts to sell the stock index (known as taking a “short” position) as it purchases individual stocks. The fund can accomplish similar results by buying securities with long maturities and selling securities with short maturities. But by using futures contracts as an investment tool to reduce risk, given the greater liquidity in the futures market, it may be possible to accomplish the same result more easily and more quickly.

Although futures contracts by their terms call for the delivery or acquisition of the underlying commodities or a cash payment based on the value of the underlying commodities, in most cases the contractual obligation is offset before the delivery date of the contract by buying, in the case of a contractual obligation to sell, or selling, in the case of a contractual obligation to buy, an identical futures contract on a commodities exchange. Such a transaction cancels the obligation to make or take delivery of the commodities. Since all transactions in the futures market are made through a member of, and are offset or fulfilled through a clearinghouse associated with, the exchange on which the contracts are traded, the fund will incur brokerage fees when it buys or sells futures contracts.

No consideration will be paid or received by the fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the fund will be required to deposit with the broker 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 exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as “initial margin” and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned to the fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker, will be made daily as the price of the index or securities 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.” In addition, when the fund enters into a long position in a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, it must maintain an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to the total market value of the underlying futures contract, less amounts held in the fund’s commodity brokerage account at its broker. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate the fund’s existing position in the contract.

Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange on which they were entered into (or through a linked exchange) and no secondary market exists for those contracts. In addition, 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.

 

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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; in such circumstances, 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, no assurance can be given that the price of the securities being hedged will correlate with the price movements in a futures contract and thus provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.

The CFTC has eliminated limitations on futures transactions and options thereon by registered investment companies, provided that the registered investment company claims an exclusion from regulation as a commodity pool operator. The fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under 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. The current view of the staff of the SEC is that the fund’s 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 assets and segregated with the fund’s 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.

Options on futures contracts are similar to options on securities or currencies except that options on futures contracts give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the 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 writer’s futures margin account, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, 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. If an option is exercised on the last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of the option and the closing level of the securities or currencies upon which the futures contracts are based on the expiration date. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.

Margin Requirements . In contrast to the purchase or sale of a security, no price is paid or received upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the fund will be required to deposit with the broker 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 exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as “initial margin” and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned to the fund, upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker, will be made daily as the price of the index or securities 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.” In addition, when the fund enters into a long position in a futures contract, it must maintain an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to the total market value of the underlying futures contract, less amounts held in the fund’s commodity brokerage account at its broker. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate the fund’s existing position in the contract.

For example, when the fund purchases a futures contract and the price of the underlying security or index rises, that position increases in value, and the fund receives from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the fund purchases a futures contract and the value of the underlying security or index declines, the position is less valuable, and the fund is required to make a variation margin payment to the broker.

 

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At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the fund may elect to terminate the position by taking an opposite position. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the fund, and the fund realizes a loss or a gain.

When the fund anticipates a significant market or market sector advance, the purchase of a futures contract affords a hedge against not participating in the advance (anticipatory hedge). Such purchase of a futures contract serves as a temporary substitute for the purchase of individual securities, which may be purchased in an orderly fashion once the market has stabilized. As individual securities are purchased, an equivalent amount of futures contracts could be terminated by offsetting sales. The fund may sell futures contracts in anticipation of or in a general market or market sector decline that may adversely affect the market value of the fund’s securities (defensive hedge). To the extent that the fund’s portfolio of securities changes in value in correlation with the underlying security or index, the sale of futures contracts substantially reduces the risk to the fund of a market decline and, by so doing, provides an alternative to the liquidation of securities positions in the fund with attendant transaction costs.

The fund will be required to deposit initial margin and maintenance margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts described above, and, in addition, net option premiums received will be included as initial margin deposits.

Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts . Use of many hedging and other strategic transactions including market index transactions by the fund will require, among other things, that the fund segregate cash, liquid securities or other assets with its custodian, or a designated sub-custodian, to the extent the fund’s obligations are not otherwise “covered” through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the fund to pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the securities or instruments required to be delivered, or, subject to any regulatory restrictions, appropriate securities as required by the 1940 Act at least equal to the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian or sub-custodian. The segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. A call option on securities written by the fund, for example, will require the fund to hold the securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional consideration) or to segregate liquid securities sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option written by the fund on an index will require the fund to own portfolio securities that correlate with the index or to segregate liquid securities equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price on a current basis. A put option on securities written by the fund will require the fund to segregate liquid securities equal to the exercise price.

OTC options entered into by the fund, including those on securities, financial instruments or indexes, and OCC-issued and exchange-listed index options will generally provide for cash settlement, although the fund may not be required to do so. As a result, when the fund sells these instruments it will segregate an amount of assets equal to its obligations under the options. OCC-issued and exchange-listed options sold by the fund other than those described above generally settle with physical delivery, and the fund will segregate an amount of assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options settling with physical delivery or with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement will be treated the same as other options settling with physical delivery. If the fund enters into OTC options transactions, it will be subject to counterparty risk.

In the case of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, the fund must deposit initial margin and, in some instances, daily variation margin, typically with third parties such as a clearing organization, in addition to segregating assets with its custodian sufficient to meet its obligations to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. These assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid securities or other acceptable assets.

Hedging and other strategic transactions may be covered by means other than those described above when consistent with applicable regulatory policies. The fund may also enter into offsetting transactions so that its

 

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combined position, coupled with any segregated assets, equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and hedging and other strategic transactions. The fund could purchase a put option, for example, if the strike price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option sold by the fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets if it holds a futures contract or forward contract, the fund could purchase a put option on the same futures contract or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the contract held. Other hedging and other strategic transactions may also be offset in combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after the primary transaction, no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to that time, assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be segregated.

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 stock market prices or 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 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 equity securities or debt securities, 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 market values, 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.

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 with an amount of cash and liquid securities from the fund 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 day’s 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.

As with options on securities, the holder of an option on futures contracts may terminate the position by selling an option of the same series. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The fund will be required to deposit initial margin and maintenance margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts described above, and, in addition, net option premiums received will be included as initial margin deposits.

In addition to the risks which apply to all option transactions, there are several special risks relating to options on futures contracts. The ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that this market will develop. The fund will not purchase options on futures contracts on any exchange unless and until, in the subadviser’s opinion, the market for such options has developed sufficiently that the risks in connection with options on futures contracts are not greater than the risks in connection with futures contracts. Compared to the use of futures

 

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contracts, the purchase of options on futures contracts involves less potential risk to the fund because the maximum amount of risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transaction costs). Writing an option on a futures contract involves risks similar to those arising in the sale of futures contracts, as described above.

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 hedge 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 hedge 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 subadviser’s ability to predict correctly 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 fund’s 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.

Other Investment Practices

Foreign Investments.

The fund may invest a portion of its assets, generally less than 15% (but not more than 25%), in securities of foreign issuers. The fund may invest directly in foreign issuers or invest in depositary receipts. The returns of the fund may be adversely affected by fluctuations in value of one or more currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include risks resulting from revaluation of currencies; future adverse political and economic developments; possible imposition of currency exchange blockages or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions; reduced availability of public information concerning issuers; differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions; possible expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation; possible withholding taxes and limitations on the use or removal of funds or other assets, including the withholding of dividends; adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations; political instability, which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries; and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital. Additionally, foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and, therefore, may exhibit greater price volatility and be less liquid. Foreign securities may not be registered with, nor the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company issuing them than is available about a U.S. company and its securities. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions. These risks are intensified when investing in countries with developing economies and securities markets, also known as “emerging markets.”

The costs associated with investment in the securities of foreign issuers, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial fees, may be higher than those associated with investment in domestic issuers. In addition, foreign investment transactions may be subject to difficulties associated with the settlement

 

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of such transactions. Transactions in securities of foreign issuers may be subject to less efficient settlement practices, including extended clearance and settlement periods. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the fund are uninvested and no return can be earned on them. The inability of the fund to make intended investments due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result in losses to the fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in liability to the purchaser.

Since the fund may invest in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, it may be affected favorably or unfavorably by exchange control regulations or changes in the exchange rates between such currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in currency exchange rates may influence the value of the fund’s shares and may also affect the value of dividends and interest earned by the fund and gains and losses realized by the fund. Exchange rates are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These forces are affected by the international balance of payments, other economic and financial conditions, government intervention, speculation and other factors.

Restrictions on Foreign Investment. Some countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the fund. For example, certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company that may have less advantageous terms than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals or limit the repatriation of funds for a period of time.

In some countries, banks or other financial institutions may constitute a substantial number of the leading companies or the companies with the most actively traded securities. Also, the 1940 Act restricts the fund’s investments in any equity security of an issuer which, in its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from “securities related activities,” as defined by the rules thereunder. These provisions may also restrict the fund’s investments in certain foreign banks and other financial institutions.

Smaller capital markets, while often growing in trading volume, have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities in many smaller capital markets are less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in smaller capital markets are generally more expensive than in the United States. Such markets have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Further, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some countries having smaller capital markets, which may result in the fund incurring additional costs and delays in transporting and custodying such securities outside such countries. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Generally, there is less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in countries having smaller capital markets than there is in the United States.

Depositary Receipts

Generally, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), in registered form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the domestic market. Usually issued by a U.S. bank or trust company, ADRs are receipts that demonstrate ownership of underlying foreign securities. For purposes of the fund’s investment policies and limitations, ADRs are considered to have the same characteristics as the securities underlying them. ADRs may be sponsored or unsponsored; issuers of securities underlying unsponsored ADRs are not

 

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contractually obligated to disclose material information in the United States. Accordingly, there may be less information available about such issuers than there is with respect to domestic companies and issuers of securities underlying sponsored ADRs. The fund may also invest in Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and other similar instruments, which are receipts that are often denominated in U.S. dollars and are issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S. bank evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Even where they are denominated in U.S. dollars, depositary receipts are subject to currency risk if the underlying security is denominated in a foreign currency. EDRs are issued in bearer form and are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the U.S. and Europe and are designed for use throughout the world.

Securities of Emerging Markets Issuers. Investors are strongly advised to consider carefully the special risks involved in emerging markets, which are in addition to the usual risks of investing in developed foreign markets around the world.

The risks of investing in securities in emerging countries include: (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the markets for such securities and lower volume of trading, which result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility; (iii) certain national policies that may restrict a fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation; and (v) the absence of developed structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property.

Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian regimes, the governments of a number of emerging market countries previously expropriated large quantities of real and personal property similar to the property which maybe represented by the securities purchased by the fund. The claims of property owners against those governments were never finally settled. There can be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by the fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized or otherwise confiscated at some time in the future. If such confiscation were to occur, the fund could lose a substantial portion or all of its investments in such countries. The fund’s investments would similarly be adversely affected by exchange control regulation in any of those countries.

Certain countries in which the fund may invest may have vocal minorities that advocate radical religious or revolutionary philosophies or support ethnic independence. Any disturbance on the part of such individuals could carry the potential for widespread destruction or confiscation of property owned by individuals and entities foreign to such country and could cause the loss of the fund’s investment in those countries.

Settlement mechanisms in emerging market securities may be less efficient and reliable than in more developed markets. In such emerging securities markets there may be delays and failures in share registration and delivery.

Investing in emerging markets involves risks relating to potential political and economic instability within such markets and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property, the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and the repatriation of capital invested.

Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging markets. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by economic conditions, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.

While some emerging market countries have sought to develop a number of corrective mechanisms to reduce inflation or mitigate its effects, inflation may continue to have significant effects both on emerging market economies and their securities markets. In addition, many of the currencies of emerging market countries have experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major devaluations have occurred in certain countries.

 

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Because of the high levels of foreign-denominated debt owed by many emerging market countries, fluctuating exchange rates can significantly affect the debt service obligations of those countries. This could, in turn, affect local interest rates, profit margins and exports, which are a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

To the extent an emerging market country faces a liquidity crisis with respect to its foreign exchange reserves, it may increase restrictions on the outflow of any foreign exchange. Repatriation is ultimately dependent on the ability of the fund to liquidate its investments and convert the local currency proceeds obtained from such liquidation into U.S. dollars. Where this conversion must be done through official channels (usually the central bank or certain authorized commercial banks), the ability to obtain U.S. dollars is dependent on the availability of such U.S. dollars through those channels, and if available, upon the willingness of those channels to allocate those U.S. dollars to the fund. The fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may be adversely affected by any increased restrictions imposed on the outflow of foreign exchange. If the fund is unable to repatriate any amounts due to exchange controls, it may be required to accept an obligation payable at some future date by the central bank or other governmental entity of the jurisdiction involved. If such conversion can legally be done outside official channels, either directly or indirectly, the fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may not be affected as much by any increased restrictions except to the extent of the price which may be required to be paid for in U.S. dollars.

Economies in emerging markets generally are dependent heavily upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may continue to be affected adversely by economic conditions in the countries in which they trade.

Many emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context.

The securities markets of emerging markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the United States and other more developed countries. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and other major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such markets; enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely limited. Investing in the securities of companies in emerging markets may entail special risks relating to the potential political and economic instability and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, convertibility of currencies into U.S. dollars and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation by any country, the fund could lose its entire investment in any such country.

Some emerging markets have different settlement and clearance procedures. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of the fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to the fund due to subsequent declines in the value of the portfolio security or, if the fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be substantially curtailed and prices for the fund’s portfolio securities in such markets may not be readily available. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act permits a registered investment company to suspend redemption of its shares for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC. Accordingly, if the fund believes that appropriate circumstances warrant, it will promptly apply to the SEC for a determination that an emergency exists within the meaning of Section 22(a) of the 1940 Act. During the period commencing from the fund’s identification of such conditions

 

23


until the date of SEC action, the portfolio securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board.

Although it might be theoretically possible to hedge for anticipated income and gains, the ongoing and indeterminate nature of the risks associated with emerging market investing (and the costs associated with hedging transactions) makes it very difficult to hedge effectively against such risks.

One or more of the risks discussed above could affect adversely the economy of a developing market or the fund’s 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 of 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 fund’s 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 issuer’s 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.

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 fund’s investments are denominated relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the fund’s NAV. 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 country’s 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 fund’s securities are quoted would reduce the fund’s NAV per share.

Eurodollar or Yankee Obligations. The fund may invest in Eurodollar and Yankee obligations. Eurodollar bank obligations are dollar denominated debt obligations issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Yankee obligations are dollar denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign issuers. Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee) obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a foreign government might prevent dollar denominated funds from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments in a foreign country; the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers.

Restricted and Illiquid Securities . Up to 15% of the net assets of the fund may be invested in illiquid securities. An illiquid security is any security which may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which the fund has valued the security. Illiquid securities may include (a) repurchase agreements with maturities greater than seven days; (b) futures contracts and options thereon for which a liquid secondary market does not exist; (c) TDs maturing in more than seven calendar days; (d) securities subject to contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments that lack readily available markets; and (e) securities of new and early stage companies whose securities are not publicly traded.

 

24


Under SEC regulations, certain securities acquired through private placements can be traded freely among qualified purchasers. The SEC has stated that an investment company’s board of directors, or its investment adviser acting under authority delegated by the board, may determine that a security eligible for trading under these regulations is “liquid.” The fund intends to rely on these regulations, to the extent appropriate, to deem specific securities acquired through private placements as “liquid.” The Board has delegated to the manager the responsibility for determining whether a particular security eligible for trading under these regulations is “liquid.” Investing in these restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the fund’s illiquidity if qualified purchasers become, for a time, uninterested in buying these securities.

Restricted securities are securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale, such as private placements. Such restrictions might prevent the sale of restricted securities at a time when the sale would otherwise be desirable. Restricted securities may be sold only (1) pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) (such securities are referred to herein as “Rule 144A securities”), or another exemption; (2) in privately negotiated transactions; or (3) in public offerings with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A securities, although not registered in the United States, may be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. As noted above, the manager, acting pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, may determine that some Rule 144A securities are liquid for purposes of limitations on the amount of illiquid investments the fund may own. Where registration is required, the fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the fund is able to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the fund might obtain a less favorable price than expected when it decided to sell.

Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and the fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities promptly. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing illiquid investments than those securities for which a more active market exists. The fund does not consider non-U.S. securities to be restricted if they can be freely sold in the principal markets in which they are traded, even if they are not registered for sale in the United States.

To the extent required by applicable law and SEC guidance, no securities for which there is not a readily available market will be acquired by the fund if such acquisition would cause the aggregate value of illiquid securities to exceed 15% of the fund’s net assets.

Securities of Unseasoned Issuers. Securities 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.

Repurchase Agreements. The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks which are the issuers of instruments acceptable for purchase by the fund and with certain dealers on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s 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 fund’s holding period. All repurchase transactions must be collateralized by U.S. government securities with market value no less than 102% of the amount of the transaction, including accrued 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 fund’s 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 value of the underlying securities will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the subadviser to ensure that the value is at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including interest. The subadviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees (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.

 

25


Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or 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. Each joint repurchase arrangement 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.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements . The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which involve the sale of fund securities with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment and have the characteristics of borrowings. Since the proceeds of borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements are invested, this would introduce the speculative factor known as “leverage.” The securities purchased with the funds obtained from the agreement and securities collateralizing the agreement will have maturity dates no later than the repayment date. Generally the effect of such a transaction is that the fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while in many cases it will be able to keep some of the interest income associated with those securities. Such transactions are advantageous only if the fund has an opportunity to earn a greater rate of interest on the cash derived from the transaction than the interest cost of obtaining that cash. Opportunities to realize earnings from the use of the proceeds equal to or greater than the interest required to be paid may not always be available, and the fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only when the manager believes it will be advantageous to the fund. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may exaggerate any interim increase or decrease in the value of the fund’s assets. The fund’s custodian bank will maintain a separate account for the fund with securities having a value equal to or greater than such commitment of the fund.

Securities Lending . 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. From time to time, the fund may pay to the borrower and/or a third party which is unaffiliated with the fund or Legg Mason and is acting as a “finder” a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral received for securities loaned. Although the borrower will generally 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, such payments will not be treated as “qualified dividend income” for purposes of determining what portion of the fund’s regular dividends (as defined below) received by individuals may be taxed at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains (see “Taxes” below).

Requirements of the SEC, which may be subject to future modification, currently provide that the following conditions must be met whenever the fund lends its portfolio securities: (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 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 securities may pass to the borrower. However, 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 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. The fund could also lose money if its short-term investment of the cash collateral declines in value over the period of the loan. 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.

 

26


Venture Capital Investments. The fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in venture capital investments, that is, new and early stage companies whose securities are not publicly traded. Venture capital investments may present significant opportunities for capital appreciation but involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses. Venture capital investments may be difficult to value and the fund may have difficulty disposing of such investments promptly. The disposition of U.S. venture capital investments, which may include limited partnership interests, normally would be restricted under federal securities laws. Generally, restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in public offerings registered under the 1933 Act. The fund also may be subject to restrictions contained in the securities laws of other countries in disposing of portfolio securities. As a result of these restrictions, the fund may be unable to dispose of such investments at times when disposal is deemed appropriate due to investment or liquidity considerations; alternatively, the fund may be forced to dispose of such investments at less than fair market value. Where registration is required, the fund may be obligated to pay part or all of the expenses of such registration.

Investments by Funds of Funds. Certain investment companies, including those that are affiliated with the fund because they are managed by an affiliate of the manager, may invest in the fund as part of an asset allocation strategy. These investment companies are referred to as “funds of funds” because they invest primarily in other investment companies.

From time to time, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to rebalancings of the assets of a fund of funds invested in the fund. In the event of such redemptions or investments, the fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so. If this were to occur, the effects of the rebalancing trades could adversely affect the fund’s performance. Redemptions of fund shares due to rebalancings could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the fund and might increase brokerage and/or other transaction costs.

The fund’s subadviser may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in connection with investments by affiliated funds of funds. For example, the subadviser may have an incentive to permit an affiliated fund of funds to become a more significant shareholder (with the potential to cause greater disruption to the funds) than would be permitted for an unaffiliated investor. The subadviser has committed to the Board that it will resolve any potential conflict in the best interests of the shareholders of the fund in accordance with its fiduciary duty to the fund. As necessary, the subadviser will take such actions as it deems appropriate to minimize potential adverse impacts, including redemption of shares in-kind, rather than in cash. Similar issues may result from investment in the fund by Section 529 plans.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The fund has adopted the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies below 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 of the fund present at a shareholder 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. The Board may change non-fundamental investment policies at any time.

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 change in values or assets will not constitute a violation of the restriction.

 

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Fundamental Investment Policies

The fund’s 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 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 fund’s 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 fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund’s 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 fund’s 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, dollar rolls and certain derivatives, 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 the fund’s 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 fund’s 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 the fund’s net investment income in any given period. Currently, the fund has no intention of borrowing money for leverage. 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.

 

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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 fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund’s 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 issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 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 the 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 the 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 fund’s manager or the 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. The 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 fund’s 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 fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund may also borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by the fund can increase the speculative character of the fund’s outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of the fund’s portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the fund’s net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased to the extent of the fund’s 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 the fund from owning real estate; however, the 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 the fund’s 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

 

29


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 the 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, the 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 the fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If the 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 may also 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 fund’s 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 fund’s fundamental policies 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

The fund’s non-fundamental investment policies are as follows:

(1) The fund may not invest in other registered open-end management investment companies and registered unit investment trusts in reliance upon the provisions of subparagraphs (G) or (F) of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. The foregoing investment policy does not restrict the fund from (i) acquiring securities of other registered investment companies in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or acquisition of assets, or (ii) purchasing the securities of registered investment companies, to the extent otherwise permissible under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act.

(2) The fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are illiquid.

 

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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 its total assets, (a) more than 5% of the fund’s 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 fund’s 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 fund’s 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 manager or subadviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2009 and 2010, the portfolio turnover rates were 42% and [    ]%, respectively.

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 the 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).

 

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MANAGEMENT

The Board elects officers who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Trust and fund and who execute policies authorized by the Board. The Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the fund (the “Independent Trustees”), as defined in the 1940 Act, and executive officers of the Trust, 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 have held during the past five years are set forth below. The address of each Trustee is c/o R. Jay Gerken, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018.

 

Name and

Year of Birth

   Position(s)
with Trust
   Term of
Office* and
Length of
Time
Served**
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Funds
in Fund

Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  

Other Board

Memberships Held
by Trustee During

Past 5 Years

Independent Trustees:

           

Paul R. Ades

Born 1940

   Trustee    Since 1983    Law firm of Paul R. Ades, PLLC (since 2000)    54    None

Andrew L. Breech

Born 1952

   Trustee    Since 1991    President, Dealer Operating Control Service, Inc. (automotive retail management) (since 1985)    54
   None

Dwight B. Crane

Born 1937

   Trustee    Since 1981    Professor Emeritus, Harvard Business School (since 2007); formerly, Professor, Harvard Business School (1969 to 2007); Independent Consultant (since 1969)    54    None

Frank G. Hubbard

Born 1937

   Trustee    Since 1993    President, Avatar International Inc. (business development) (since 1998)    54    None

Howard J. Johnson

Born 1938

   Trustee    From 1981
to 1998
and since
2000
   Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Imaging LLC (technology company) (since 2003)    54    None

David E. Maryatt

Born 1936

   Trustee    Since 1983    Private Investor; President and Director, ALS Co. (real estate management and development firm) (since 1992)    54    None

 

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Name and

Year of Birth

   Position(s)
with Trust
   Term of
Office* and
Length of
Time
Served**
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Funds
in Fund

Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  

Other Board

Memberships Held
by Trustee During

Past 5 Years

Jerome H. Miller

Born 1938

   Trustee    Since
1995
   Retired    54    None

Ken Miller

Born 1942

   Trustee    Since
1983
   Chairman, Young Stuff Apparel Group, Inc. (apparel manufacturer), division of Li & Fung (since 1963)    54    None

John J. Murphy

Born 1944

   Trustee    Since
2002
   Founder and Senior Principal, Murphy Capital Management (investment management) (since 1983)    54    Trustee, UBS Funds (52 funds) (since 2008); Director, Nicholas Applegate Institutional Funds (12 funds) (since 2005); Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (11 funds) (since 2002); formerly, Director, Atlantic Stewardship Bank (2004 to 2005); formerly, Director, Barclays International Funds Group Ltd. and affiliated companies (1983 to 2003)

Thomas F. Schlafly

Born 1948

   Trustee    Since
1983
   President, The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. (since 1989); Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP (law firm) (since 2009); formerly, Of Counsel, Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (law firm) (1984 to 2009)    54    Director, Citizens National Bank of Greater St. Louis (since 2006)

Jerry A. Viscione

Born 1944

   Trustee    Since
1993
   Retired    54    None

 

33


Name and

Year of Birth

   Position(s)
with Trust
   Term of
Office* and
Length of
Time
Served**
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Funds
in Fund

Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  

Other Board

Memberships Held
by Trustee During

Past 5 Years

Interested Trustee:

              

R. Jay Gerken, CFA†

Born 1951

   Trustee,
President,
Chairman
and Chief
Executive
Officer
   Since
2002
  

Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”); Chairman of the Board and Trustee/Director of 147 funds associated with LMPFA and its affiliates; President of LMPFA (since 2006); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason or its affiliates; President and CEO, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”) and Chairman, President and CEO, Citi Fund Management, Inc. (“CFM”) (formerly registered investment advisers) (2002 to 2005); formerly, Managing Director of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) (1989 to 2006); formerly, Chairman, President and CEO, Travelers Investment Adviser Inc. (2002 to 2005)

   134    Former Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (11 funds) (2002 to 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 fund complex.
Mr. Gerken is an “interested person” of the fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of his position with LMPFA and/or certain of its affiliates.

 

34


Name, Year of Birth

and Address

  

Position(s)

with Trust

  

Term of Office*

and Length of

Time Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Officers:

        

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer    Since 2002   

Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co.; Chairman of the Board and Trustee/Director of 147 funds associated with LMPFA and its affiliates; President of LMPFA (since 2006); Chairman, President and CEO of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason or its affiliates; President and CEO, SBFM and Chairman, President and CEO, CFM (formerly registered investment advisers) (2002 to 2005); formerly, Managing Director of CGMI (1989 to 2006); formerly, Chairman, President and CEO, Travelers Investment Adviser Inc. (2002 to 2005)

Ted P. Becker

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Chief Compliance Officer    Since 2006    Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason (since 2006); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer with certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006); Chief Compliance Officer of LMPFA and certain affiliates (since 2006); formerly, Managing Director of Compliance at Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”) (a group of affiliated investment advisers, which included SBFM, Smith Barney Asset Management, CFM and other affiliated investment advisory entities) (2002 to 2005)

John Chiota

Born 1968

100 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

   Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Identity Theft Prevention Officer    Since 2006 and 2008    Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006); Identity Theft Prevention Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2008); formerly, Vice President of CAM (2004 to 2005); formerly, Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of TD Waterhouse (prior to 2004)

 

35


Name, Year of Birth

and Address

  

Position(s)

with Trust

  

Term of Office*

and Length of

Time Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Robert I. Frenkel

Born 1954

100 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); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2003); formerly, Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for CAM (2000 to 2005); formerly, Secretary of CFM (2001 to 2004)

Thomas C. Mandia

Born 1962

100 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2000    Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Assistant Secretary of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006); formerly, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel for CAM (1992 to 2005)

Kaprel Ozsolak

Born 1965

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    Since 2004    Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); formerly, Vice President of CAM (1996 to 2005); formerly, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2004 to 2005); formerly, Controller of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2002 to 2004)

Steven Frank

Born 1967

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Controller    Since 2005    Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. or its predecessors (since 2002); Controller of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (2001 to 2005)

Albert Laskaj

Born 1977

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Controller    Since 2007    Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2008); Controller of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2007); formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2007); formerly, Accounting Manager of certain mutual funds associated with certain predecessor firms of Legg Mason & Co. (2003 to 2005)

 

36


Name, Year of Birth

and Address

  

Position(s)

with Trust

  

Term of Office*

and Length of

Time Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Jeanne M. Kelly

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Senior Vice President    Since 2005    Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Senior Vice President of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); formerly, Director of Global Fund Administration, CAM (1996 to 2005)

 

* Each officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.
** Indicates the earliest year in which the officer took office for any funds in the Legg Mason fund complex.

Each Trustee previously served as a trustee or director of certain predecessor funds in the fund complex, and each Trustee was thus initially selected by the board of the applicable predecessor funds. In connection with a restructuring of the fund complex completed in 2007, the Board was established to oversee mutual funds in the fund complex that invest primarily in equity securities, including the fund, with a view to ensuring continuity of representation by board members of predecessor funds on the Board and in order to establish a Board with experience in and focused on overseeing equity mutual funds, which experience would be further developed and enhanced over time.

In connection with the restructuring, the Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following as to each Trustee: his character and integrity; his service as a board member of predecessor funds; his willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; the fact that his service would be consistent with the requirements of the Trust’s retirement policies; as to each Trustee other than Mr. Gerken, his status as not being an “interested person” of the fund, as defined in the 1940 Act; and, as to Mr. Gerken, his status as a representative of Legg Mason. Independent Trustees constitute more than 75% of the Board. Mr. Gerken serves as Chairman of the Board and is an interested person of the fund.

The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite attributes and skills. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the manager, subadviser, other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties support this conclusion. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Trustee.

Each Trustee has served as a board member of the fund and other funds (or predecessor funds) in the fund complex for at least eight years. Mr. Ades has substantial experience practicing law and advising clients with respect to various business transactions. Mr. Breech has substantial experience as the chief executive of a private corporation. Mr. Crane has substantial experience as an economist, academic and business consultant. Mr. Hubbard has substantial experience in business development and was a senior executive of an operating company. Mr. Johnson has substantial experience as the chief executive of an operating company and in the financial services industry, including as an actuary and pension consultant. Mr. Maryatt has substantial experience in business focusing on real estate development. Mr. Jerome Miller had substantial experience as an executive in the asset management group of a major broker/dealer. Mr. Ken Miller has substantial experience as a senior executive of an operating company. Mr. Murphy has substantial experience in the asset management business and has current and prior service on the boards of other mutual funds and corporations. Mr. Schlafly has substantial experience practicing law and also serves as the president of a private corporation and as director of a bank. Mr. Viscione has substantial experience as an academic and senior executive of a major university.

 

37


Mr. Gerken has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and other funds in the fund complex since [2002] and has substantial experience as an executive and portfolio manager and in leadership roles with Legg Mason and affiliated entities. References to the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board.

The Board has five standing Committees: the Audit Committee, the Contract Committee, the Governance Committee, the Performance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee (which is a sub-committee of the Governance Committee). Each Committee is chaired by an Independent Trustee. The Audit Committee and the Governance Committee are composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Contract Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. The Performance Committee is composed of three Independent Trustees and the Chairman of the Board. The Compensation and Nominating Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. The Lead Independent Trustee (the “Lead Trustee”) serves as the Chair of the Governance Committee. Where deemed appropriate, the Board may constitute ad hoc committees.

The Lead Trustee and the chairs of the Audit and Performance Committees work with the Chairman of the Board to set the agendas for Board and committee meetings. The Lead Trustee also serves as a key point person for interaction between management and the Independent Trustees. Through the committees the Independent Trustees consider and address important matters involving the fund, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that its committees help ensure that the fund has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board also has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate, given Legg Mason’s sponsorship of the fund and that investors have selected Legg Mason to provide overall management to the fund. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information between the Independent Trustees and management, including the fund’s subadviser.

The Audit Committee oversees the scope of the fund’s audit, the fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the integrity of the fund’s accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices, the qualifications and independence of the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and the fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee approves, and recommends to the Board for ratification, the selection, appointment, retention or termination of the fund’s 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 fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to its manager and any affiliated service providers if the engagement relates directly to the fund’s operations and financial reporting. The Audit Committee also assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for the review and negotiation of the fund’s investment management and subadvisory arrangements.

The Contract Committee is charged with assisting the Board in requesting and evaluating such information from the manager and subadviser as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of the fund’s investment management agreement and subadvisory agreement, and distribution arrangements.

The Performance Committee is charged with assisting the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities over the fund and fund management with respect to investment management, objectives, strategies, policies and procedures, performance and performance benchmarks.

The Governance Committee is charged with overseeing Board governance and related Trustee practices, including selecting and nominating persons for election or appointment by the Board as Trustees of the Trust. The Governance Committee has formed the Compensation and Nominating Committee, the function of which is

 

38


to recommend to the Board the appropriate compensation for serving as a Trustee on the Board. In addition, the Compensation and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, selecting and recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Committee may consider nominees recommended by a shareholder. In evaluating potential nominees, including any nominees recommended by shareholders, the Committee takes into consideration various factors, including, among any others it may deem relevant, character and integrity, business and professional experience, and whether the committee believes the person has the ability to apply sound and independent business judgment and would act in the interest of the fund and its shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trust’s 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.

Service providers to the fund, primarily the fund’s manager and subadviser and, as appropriate, their affiliates, have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the fund, which includes responsibility for risk management. As an integral part of its responsibility for oversight of the fund, the Board oversees risk management of the fund’s investment program and business affairs. Oversight of the risk management process is part of the Board’s general oversight of the funds and their service providers. The Board has emphasized to the fund’s manager and subadviser the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management. The Board exercises oversight of the risk management process primarily through the Audit Committee and the Performance Committee, and through oversight by the Board itself.

The fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the fund. The fund’s manager, the fund’s subadviser, the affiliates of the manager and the subadviser, or various service providers to the fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the fund’s and the manager’s Chief Compliance Officer and the manager’s chief risk officer, as well as personnel of the subadviser and other service providers, such as the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee, the Performance Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management, as well as events and circumstances that have arisen and responses thereto. The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the fund’s goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations.

The Board met [    ] times during the fiscal year ended [        ]. The Audit Committee, the Contract Committee, the Governance Committee, the Performance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee met [    ], [    ], [    ], [    ], and [    ] times, respectively, during the fiscal year ended [        ].

 

39


The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned by the Trustees in the fund and other investment companies in the fund complex overseen by the Trustees as of December 31, 2009.

 

Name of Trustee

  

Dollar Range of Equity

Securities in the Fund ($)

 

Aggregate Dollar

Range of Equity

Securities in

Registered

Investment

Companies Overseen

by Trustee ($)

Independent Trustees

    

Paul R. Ades

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Andrew L. Breech

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Dwight B. Crane

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Frank G. Hubbard

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Howard J. Johnson

   [            ]   Over 100,000

David E. Maryatt

   [            ]   None (1)

Jerome H. Miller

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Ken Miller

   [            ]   Over 100,000

John J. Murphy

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Thomas F. Schlafly

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Jerry A. Viscione

   [            ]   Over 100,000

Interested Trustee

    

R. Jay Gerken

   [            ]   Over 100,000

 

(1) As of December 31, 2009, Mr. Maryatt had between $10,001-$50,000 invested in Legg Mason funds not overseen by him as a Trustee.

As of [            ], 2010, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the manager, subadviser or distributor of the fund, or of a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the manager, subadviser or distributor of the fund.

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 Trustees’ fees based upon asset size. The fund currently pays each of the Independent Trustees its pro rata share of: an annual fee of $120,000, plus $20,000 for each regularly scheduled Board meeting attended in person, and $1,000 for each telephonic Board meeting in which that Trustee participates. The Lead Trustee receives an additional $25,000 per year, the Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional $15,000 per year and the Chairs of the Contract Committee, the Performance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee receive an additional $12,500 per year. Other members of the Contract Committee, the Performance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee receive an additional $10,000 per year.

Officers of the Trust 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.

 

40


Information regarding compensation paid to the Trustees is shown below.

 

Name of Trustee

   Aggregate Compensation
from the Fund ($) (2)
    Total Pension
or Retirement
Benefits Paid
as Part of
Fund
Expenses  ($) (4)
    Total
Compensation
from Fund
Complex Paid to
Trustee ($) (3)
    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee

Independent Trustees

        

Paul R. Ades

   [           [           [           54

Andrew L. Breech

   [           [           [           54

Dwight B. Crane

   [           [           [           54

Robert M. Frayn, Jr. (5)

   [           [           [           54

Frank G. Hubbard

   [           [           [           54

Howard J. Johnson

   [           [           [           54

David E. Maryatt

   [           [           [           54

Jerome H. Miller

   [           [           [           54

Ken Miller

   [           [           [           54

John J. Murphy

   [           [           [           54

Thomas F. Schlafly

   [           [           [           54

Jerry A. Viscione

   [           [           [           54

Interested Trustee

        

R. Jay Gerken (1)

   [           [           [           134

 

(1) Mr. Gerken was not compensated for his services as a Trustee because of his affiliation with the manager.
(2) Information is for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.
(3) Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2009.
(4) Pursuant to prior retirement plans, the fund made payments of $[ ] to former Trustees for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.
(5) Mr. Frayn retired from the Board effective December 31, 2009.

As of [                    ], the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the fund.

As of [                    ], to the knowledge of the fund, the following shareholders or “groups” (as the term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”)) owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the following classes of the fund:

 

Class

   Name and Address      Percent of
Ownership
       
       
       

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES

Manager

LMPFA serves as investment manager to the fund, pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Management Agreement”). LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund and manages the cash and short-term instruments of the fund. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. As of [                    ], 2010, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $[        ] billion. LMPFA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 International

 

41


Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of [                ], 2010, Legg Mason’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $[        ] billion.

The manager has agreed, under the Management Agreement, subject to the supervision of the fund’s Board, to provide the fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision; furnish a continuous investment program for the fund’s portfolio of securities and other investments consistent with the fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions; and place orders pursuant to its investment determinations. The manager is permitted to enter into contracts with subadvisers or subadministrators, subject to the Board’s approval. The manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement, as described below.

The manager performs administrative and management services as reasonably requested by the fund 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 fund’s 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 fund’s existence; and (v) maintaining the registration and qualification of the fund’s shares under federal and state laws.

The Management Agreement will continue in effect for its initial term and thereafter from year to year 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 (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Management Agreement is not assignable by the Trust except with the consent of the manager. 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 computed daily and paid monthly at the annual rate of 0.65% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets.

 

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 the fund paid LMPFA a management fee of $1,671,187, $1,275,705 and $[            ], respectively.

Subadviser

LMIC serves as the fund’s subadviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the manager and LMIC (the “Subadvisory Agreement”). LMIC provides the day-to-day portfolio management of the fund, including the management of cash and short-term instruments. LMIC, principally located at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, provides customized investment counsel to individuals, family groups and institutions as well as trust services. LMIC seeks to maximize performance while managing risk through an investment discipline that is supported by fundamental research and dedicated resources. Portfolio managers at LMIC average 23 years of investment management experience and are supported by a social research team that conducts proprietary research on social issues. As of [                ], 2010, LMIC total assets under management were $[    ] billion, including $[    ] million for socially responsible clients.

 

42


Under the Subadvisory Agreement, the subadviser is responsible, subject to the general supervision of LMPFA and the Board, for the actual management of fund assets, including the responsibility for making decisions and placing orders to buy, sell or hold a particular security.

Under the Subadvisory 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 instruments that is performed by LMPFA, manage the fund’s portfolio in accordance with the fund’s stated investment objective and policies, assist in supervising all aspects of the fund’s 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.

The Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect for its initial term and thereafter from year to year 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 Subadvisory 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 Subadvisory Agreement on 90 days’ written notice to the fund and the manager. The manager and the subadviser may terminate the Subadvisory Agreement upon their mutual written consent. The Subadvisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by the subadviser and shall not be assignable by the manager without the consent of the subadviser.

As compensation for its subadvisory 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 fiscal years ended January 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the manager paid the subadviser subadvisory fees of $1,169,825, $892,993 and $[            ], respectively.

Portfolio Managers

The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio managers for the fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of January 31, 2010.

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

The table below identifies the portfolio managers, the number of accounts (other than the fund) for which each 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, other accounts and, if applicable, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance.

 

Portfolio

Manager

  

Registered Investment

Companies

  

Other Pooled

Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Ronald T. Bates

   [    ] registered investment company with approximately $[    ] million in total assets under management   

[    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] [    ]illion in total assets under management

   [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] million in total assets under management

David K. Kafes, CFA

   [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] million in total assets under management   

[    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] [    ]illion in total assets under management

   [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] million in total assets under management

 

43


Portfolio Manager Compensation

As compensation for their portfolio management function, each portfolio manager is paid a competitive base salary, generous employee benefits and each is eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. The base salary is determined using a variety of factors, including: (i) years of experience; (ii) the overall size of the assets under management; (iii) type of accounts managed; (iv) contribution to portfolio performance; (v) contribution to firm management; (vi) contribution to the research and investment process; (vii) client service; and (viii) compliance with regulatory and prospectus requirements. The discretionary bonus is based in part on the overall contribution to LMIC’s business, and on the portfolio manager’s ability to gain new client business and retain existing business. A formula-based scheme directly linking compensation to investment performance as measured against a benchmark is not currently in place nor is one planned. Although some portion of portfolio manager compensation is broadly based on performance, portfolio “performance” is defined generally as the ability to provide high total return consisting of capital appreciation and current income, measured against the S&P 500 Index and Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index, while investing in a socially responsive manner. Compensation relating to management of the Legg Mason mutual funds and compensation relating to the management of other accounts are based on the same factors and no one type of account figures more heavily in the calculation of compensation.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when the fund’s portfolio managers also have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the fund’s portfolio managers.

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 each employs. For example, the manager and the subadviser each seek 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 a fund’s 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.

 

44


Selection of Broker/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 1934 Act), 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 manager and/or 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.

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 manager’s management fee (and the percentage paid to the subadviser) and/or the portfolio manager’s 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 manager and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager’s 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 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 accounts that provide greater overall returns to the manager and its affiliates.

Portfolio Manager Securities Ownership

The table below identifies ownership of the fund’s securities by the portfolio managers as of January 31, 2010.

 

Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of
Ownership of Securities ($)

Ronald T. Bates

   [        ]

David K. Kafes, CFA

   [        ]

Expenses

In addition to amounts payable under the Management Agreement and the 12b-1 Plan (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 fund’s 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 issuance and redemption or repurchase of the fund’s shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the fund’s 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 fund’s 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 fund’s pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the

 

45


fund and its officers, Trustees and employees; and 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 any legal obligation which the fund may have to indemnify the Fund’s Trustees and officers with respect thereto.

Management may agree to implement an expense cap, forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses for one or more classes of shares. Any such forgone and/or reimbursed fees are described in the fund’s Prospectus. The expense caps, forgone and/or reimbursed fees 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 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 the 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 the fund or class (except to the extent relating to routine items such as the election of Trustees 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.

In order to implement an expense cap, the manager will, as necessary, forgo management fees or reimburse operating expenses. However, the manager is permitted to recapture amounts previously forgone or reimbursed by the manager to the fund during the same fiscal year if the fund’s total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the expense cap shown in the fund’s Prospectus, if any. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular fund business day, in the fund’s total annual operating expenses exceeding the expense cap.

Distributor

LMIS, a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, located at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor pursuant to a written agreement dated December 1, 2005 (the “distribution agreement”). Prior to December 1, 2007, LMIS, CGMI, located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, and PFS Investments Inc. (“PFS”), located at 3120 Breckinridge Boulevard, Duluth, Georgia 30099, served as co-distributors of the fund.

LMIS may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act. The distributor’s 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. The distributor is not obligated to sell any stated number of shares.

The distribution agreement is renewable from year to year if approved (a) by the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the fund’s outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Independent Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any such party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The distribution agreement provides that it will terminate if assigned and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party on 60 days’ written notice.

 

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Initial Sales Charge

The aggregate dollar amounts of initial sales charges on Class A shares received by the distributors were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended January 31:

   LMIS ($)     CGMI ($)

2010

   [       N/A

2009

   [       N/A

2008

   [       [    ]

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

The aggregate dollar amount of contingent deferred sales charges on Class A, Class B and Class C shares received by the distributors were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended January 31:

   LMIS ($)     CGMI ($)    PFS ($)

2010

   [       N/A    N/A

2009

   [       N/A    N/A

2008

   0      0    48

Class B Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended January 31:

   LMIS ($)     CGMI ($)    PFS ($)

2010

   [       N/A    N/A

2009

   [       N/A    N/A

2008

   [       [    ]    43,666

Class C Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended January 31:

   LMIS ($)     CGMI ($)

2010

   [       N/A

2009

   [       N/A

2008

   [       [    ]

Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan

The Trust, on behalf of the fund, has adopted an amended shareholder services and distribution plan (the “12b-1 Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares. Under the 12b-1 Plan, the fund pays distribution fees to LMIS for the services it provides and expenses it bears with respect to the distribution of Class B, Class C, Class R and Class R1 shares and service fees for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares. The distributor will provide the Board with periodic reports of amounts expended under the 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. The fund pays service fees, accrued daily and payable monthly, calculated at the annual rate of 0.25% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the fund’s Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares. In addition, the fund pays distribution fees with respect to the Class B, Class C and Class R1 shares at the annual rate of 0.75% of the fund’s average daily net assets attributable to each such class and with respect to the Class R shares at the annual rate of 0.25% of the fund’s average daily net assets attributable to such class.

 

47


Fees under the 12b-1 Plan may be used to make payments to the distributor for distribution services, Service Agents and 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 may also make payments to the distributor, 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 12b-1 Plan also provides that the distributor and Service Agents may receive all or a portion of the sales charges paid by Class A, Class B and Class C investors.

The 12b-1 Plan permits the fund to pay fees to the distributor, 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 12b-1 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 the distributor and others until the 12b-1 Plan or distribution agreement is terminated or not renewed. In that event, the distributor’s or other recipient’s expenses in excess of fees received or accrued through the termination date will be the distributor’s or other recipient’s sole responsibility and not obligations of the fund. In their annual consideration of the continuation of the 12b-1 Plan for the fund, the Trustees will review the 12b-1 Plan and the expenses for each class within the fund separately.

The 12b-1 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 fund’s distributor or Service Agents may from time to time use their own resources for distribution-related services, in addition to the fees paid under the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 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 12b-1 Plan, if permitted under applicable law.

The 12b-1 Plan continues in effect if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of both a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Trust who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any agreement related to the 12b-1 Plan (for purposes of this paragraph “Qualified Trustees”). The Qualified Trustees, in the exercise of their business judgment in the best interests of the shareholders of the fund and each class, have approved the continuation of the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 Plan requires that the fund and the distributor provide to the Board and the Board review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended (and the purposes therefor) under the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 Plan further provides that the selection and nomination of the Qualified Trustees is committed to the discretion of the Qualified Trustees then in office. The 12b-1 Plan may be terminated with respect to any class of the fund at any time by a vote of a majority of the fund’s Qualified Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that class. The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of permitted expenses of the class thereunder without the approval of a majority of the outstanding securities of that class and may not be materially amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and Qualified Trustees. The fund will preserve copies of any plan, agreement or report made pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan for a period of not less than six years, and for the first two years the fund will preserve such copies in an easily accessible place.

As contemplated by the 12b-1 Plan, the distributor acts as an agent of the fund in connection with the offering of shares of the fund pursuant to the distribution agreement.

Dealer reallowances, if any, are described in the fund’s Prospectus.

 

48


For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, the following service and distribution fees were incurred by the fund pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan:

 

Class A

   $ [    

Class B

   $ [    

Class C

   $ [    

No information is presented for Class FI, Class R or Class R1 shares because no shares of those classes were outstanding as of the date of this SAI.

Distribution expenses incurred by LMIS during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 for compensation to Service Agents, accruals for interest on expenses incurred in the distribution of the fund’s shares, printing costs of prospectuses and marketing materials are expressed in the following table.

Class

   Third Party
Fees ($)
    Amortization ($)     Marketing ($)     Printing ($)     Total Current
Expenses ($)
 

A

   [       [       [       [       [    

B

   [       [       [       [       [    

C

   [       [       [       [       [    

No information is presented for Class FI, Class R or Class R1 shares because no shares of those classes were outstanding during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.

Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), 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 fund’s 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 fund’s securities lending agent and in that case would receive a share of the income generated by such activities.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”), located at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169, serves as the fund’s transfer agent. Under the transfer agency agreement with BFDS, BFDS 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, BFDS 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.

PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (“PNC”), located at 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, serves as co-transfer agent with BFDS with respect to shares purchased by clients of certain service providers. Under the co-transfer agency agreement with PNC, PNC 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, PNC 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.

 

49


Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, serves as counsel to the Trust and the fund.

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038, serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

[            ], an independent registered public accounting firm, located at [        ], has been selected to audit and report upon the fund’s financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2011.

Code of Ethics

Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the fund, the manager, the subadviser and the distributor 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 the clients. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the codes 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 employee’s position of trust and responsibility.

Copies of the codes of ethics of the fund, the manager, the subadviser and the distributor are on file with the SEC.

Proxy Voting Guidelines and Procedures

Although individual Trustees may not agree with particular policies or votes by the manager, the Board has delegated proxy voting discretion to the manager, believing that the manager 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 subadviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to the fund’s portfolio securities are voted, a copy of which is attached as Appendix B to this SAI.

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 1-888-425-6432, (2) on the fund’s website at http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

50


PURCHASE OF SHARES

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, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 or Class I shares. 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 fund’s Prospectus.

There are minimum investment requirements of $1,000 for initial investments and $50 for subsequent investments 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 or its affiliates (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 affiliates, (iv) the “immediate families” of such persons (“immediate families” are such person’s 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 prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the fund calculates its NAV are priced according to the NAV 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 NAV are priced according to the NAV determined on that day, provided the order is received by the fund’s transfer agent prior to its close of business. Payment must be made with the purchase order.

Class I Shares . The following persons are permitted to purchase Class I shares of the fund: 1) current employees of the fund’s manager and its affiliates; 2) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Legg Mason; 3) current and former board members of Legg Mason; 4) the immediate families of such persons. For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50; and 5) individual investors who held Class I shares prior to November 20, 2006. Employees who leave the employment of Legg Mason will be able to retain ownership of their Class I shares but will not be able to purchase additional shares.

Under certain circumstances, an investor who purchases fund shares pursuant to a fee-based advisory account program of an Eligible Financial Intermediary as authorized by LMIS may be afforded an opportunity to make a conversion between one or more share classes owned by the investor in the same fund to Class I shares of that fund. Such a conversion in these particular circumstances does not cause the investor to realize taxable gain or loss.

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, the distributor or the transfer agent is authorized through preauthorized transfers of at least $50 on a monthly, quarterly, every alternate month, semi-annual or annual basis to charge the shareholder’s account held with a bank or other financial institution as indicated by the shareholder, to provide for systematic additions to the shareholder’s fund account. A shareholder who has insufficient funds to complete the transfer will be charged a fee of up to $25 by the distributor or the transfer agent. The Systematic Investment Plan authorizes the distributor to apply cash held in the shareholder’s brokerage account to make additions to the account. Additional information is available from the fund or a Service Agent.

 

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Sales Charge Alternatives

The following classes of shares are available for purchase. See the 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 NAV plus an initial sales charge, as described in the fund’s Prospectus.

Members of the selling group may receive a portion of the sales charge as described in the 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 Class 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 FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I Shares.  Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares are sold at NAV with no initial sales charge 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 employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries, (iii) the “immediate families” of such persons (“immediate families” are such person’s spouse, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Board Member, and children under the age of 21) and (iv) 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 fund’s distributor 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 fund sold by the distributor 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”);

(f) purchases by certain separate accounts used to fund unregistered variable annuity contracts; and

 

52


(g) purchases by investors participating in “wrap fee” or asset allocation programs or other fee-based arrangements sponsored by broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with 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.

All existing retirement plan shareholders who purchased Class A shares at NAV prior to November 20, 2006, are permitted to purchase additional Class A shares at NAV. Certain existing programs for current and prospective retirement plan investors sponsored by financial intermediaries approved by LMIS prior to November 20, 2006 will also remain eligible to purchase Class A shares at NAV.

Accumulation Privilege — Please see the fund’s 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 funds sold by the distributor 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 pay 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 funds sold by the distributor.

When you enter into a Letter of Intent, you agree to purchase in Eligible Accounts over a thirteen (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 will be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. You may include any Eligible Fund Purchases towards the Letter, 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.

Eligible Fund Purchases.  Generally, any shares of a fund sold by the distributor may be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. Shares of money market funds sold by the distributor acquired by exchange from other funds offered with a sales charge may be credited toward your Asset Level Goal.

The eligible funds may change from time to time. Investors should check with their Service Agent to see which funds may be eligible.

 

53


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.

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.

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 the transfer agent, contact the transfer agent, 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. See “Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal” below. Exchanges in accordance with the fund’s 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 the transfer agent, by notifying the transfer agent in writing. The Letter 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 five percent (5%) of your Asset Level Goal as of the date your Letter of Intent (or the date of any increase in the amount of the Letter) is accepted will be held in escrow during the term of your Letter. 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 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 whether because you made insufficient Eligible Fund Purchases, redeemed all of your holdings or cancelled the Letter 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. 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 the transfer agent, the transfer agent, 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.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions

“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.

 

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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 described in the 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. The following table sets forth the rates of the charge for redemptions of Class B shares by shareholders.

 

Year Since Purchase Was Made

   Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (%)

First

   5.00

Second

   4.00

Third

   3.00

Fourth

   2.00

Fifth

   1.00

Sixth and thereafter

   0.00

Class B shares will convert automatically to Class A shares approximately eight 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 funds sold by the distributor. 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 fund’s distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges in partial consideration for its expenses in selling shares.

Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived on: (a) exchanges (see “Exchange Privilege”); (b) automatic cash withdrawals in amounts equal to or less than 2.00% per month of the shareholder’s account balance at the time the withdrawals commence, up to a maximum of 12.00% in one year (see “Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan”); (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 redemption 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 the distributor or the manager.

 

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The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on Class C shares purchased by retirement plan omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund.

A shareholder who has redeemed shares from other funds sold by the distributor 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 the distributor or the transfer agent of the shareholder’s status or holdings, as the case may be.

Grandfathered Retirement Program with Exchange Features

Certain retirement plan programs authorized prior to November 20, 2006 (collectively, the “Grandfathered Retirement Program”) to offer eligible retirement plan investors the opportunity to exchange all of their Class C shares for Class A shares of an applicable Legg Mason fund are permitted to maintain such share class exchange feature for current and prospective retirement plan investors.

Under the Grandfathered Retirement Program, Class C shares may be purchased by plans investing less than $3,000,000. Class C shares are eligible for exchange into Class A shares not later than eight years after the plan joins the program. They are eligible for exchange in the following circumstances:

If a participating plan’s total Class C holdings in all non-money market Legg Mason funds equal at least $3,000,000, at the end of the fifth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program, the participating plan will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares for Class A shares of the fund. Such participating plans will be notified of the pending exchange in writing within 30 days after the fifth anniversary of the enrollment date and, unless the exchange offer has been rejected in writing, the exchange will occur on or about the 90th day after the fifth anniversary date. If the participating plan does not qualify for the five-year exchange to Class A shares, a review of the participating plan’s holdings will be performed each quarter until either the participating plan qualifies or the end of the eighth year.

Any participating plan that has not previously qualified for an exchange into Class A shares will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares for Class A shares of the same fund regardless of asset size at the end of the eighth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program. Such plans will be notified of the pending exchange in writing approximately 60 days before the eighth anniversary of the enrollment date and, unless the exchange has been rejected in writing, the exchange will occur on or about the eighth anniversary date. Once an exchange has occurred, a participating plan will not be eligible to acquire additional Class C shares, but instead may acquire Class A shares of the same fund. Any Class C shares not converted will continue to be subject to the distribution fee.

For further information regarding this Program, contact your Service Agent or the transfer agent. Participating plans that enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program prior to June 2, 2003 should contact the transfer agent for information regarding Class C exchange privileges applicable to their plan.

Determination of Public Offering Price

The fund offers its shares on a continuous basis. The public offering price for each class of shares of the fund is equal to the NAV per share at the time of purchase, plus for Class A shares an initial sales charge based on the aggregate amount of the investment. The public offering price for Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares (and Class A share purchases, including applicable rights of accumulation, equaling or exceeding $1,000,000) is equal to the NAV per share at the time of purchase and no sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase. A contingent deferred sales charge, however, is imposed on certain redemptions of Class B and Class C shares, and on Class A shares when purchased in amounts equaling or exceeding $1,000,000.

 

56


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 NAV of a share of the fund as of January 31, 2010.

 

Class A (based on a NAV of $[    ] and a maximum
initial sales charge of 5.75%)

   $ [    

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

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 fund’s investments or determination of NAV is not reasonably practicable or (c) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit for protection of the fund’s shareholders.

If the shares to be redeemed were issued in certificate form, the certificates must be endorsed for transfer (or be accompanied by an endorsed stock power) and must be submitted to the transfer agent together with the redemption request.

Any signature appearing on a share certificate, stock power or 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 10-day period. Redemption proceeds will be mailed to an investor’s 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 any 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.

The fund no longer issues share certificates. Outstanding share certificates will continue to be honored. If you hold share certificates, it will take longer to exchange or redeem shares.

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 shareholder’s 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 seven (7) days’ prior notice to shareholders.

 

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Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan

An automatic cash withdrawal plan (the “Withdrawal Plan”) is available to shareholders as described in the Prospectus. To the extent withdrawals under the Withdrawal Plan exceed dividends, distributions and appreciation of a shareholder’s investment in the fund, there will be a reduction in the value of the shareholder’s investment, and continued withdrawal payments may reduce the shareholder’s 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 he or she is participating in the Withdrawal Plan, purchases by such shareholder in amounts of less than $5,000 ordinarily will not be permitted. The Withdrawal Plan will be carried over on exchanges between funds sold by the distributor or classes of the fund. All dividends and distributions on shares in the Withdrawal Plan are reinvested automatically at NAV in additional shares of the fund.

For additional information, shareholders should contact their Service Agent. A shareholder who purchases shares directly through the transfer agent may continue to do so and applications for participation in the Withdrawal Plan should be sent to the transfer agent. Withdrawals may be scheduled on any day of the month; however, if the shareholder does not specify a day, the transfer agent will schedule the withdrawal on the 25th day (or the next business day if the 25th day is a weekend or holiday) of the month.

Distributions in Kind

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders 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 fund’s 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 fund’s Prospectus. Because redemption in-kind may be used at times of unusual illiquidity in the markets, these valuation methods may include fair value estimations. Securities issued as a distribution in kind may incur brokerage commissions when shareholders subsequently sell those securities and the market price of those securities will be subject to fluctuation until they are sold. A redemption in-kind may be considered the sale of securities by the fund to the party receiving the securities (except for tax purposes). Redemptions in-kind will not be done with LMIS or other affiliated persons of the fund except as permitted by SEC rules or orders, or other interpretive guidance from regulators.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

The exchange privilege enables shareholders to acquire shares of the same class in another fund sold by the distributor. 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 NAV, and the proceeds are immediately invested in shares of the fund being acquired at that fund’s then current NAV. The 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, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I Exchanges. Class A, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class 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.

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.

 

58


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.

Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by LMIS, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. See “Grandfathered Retirement Programs with Exchange Features” for additional information.

Additional Information Regarding the Exchange Privilege

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 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 components — redemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other fund’s shares. In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the fund’s next determined NAV but the purchase order would be effective only at the NAV 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 fund’s Prospectus for additional information. Exchanges will be processed at the NAV 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 legally may 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.

VALUATION OF SHARES

The NAV per share of each class is calculated on each day, Monday through Friday, except days on which the NYSE is closed. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE is normally open for trading every weekday except in the event of an emergency or for the following holidays (or the days on which they are observed): New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because of the differences in distribution fees and class-specific expenses, the per share NAV of each class will differ. Please see the Prospectus for a description of the procedures used by the fund in valuing its assets.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Subject to policies as may be established by the Board from time to time, the subadviser is primarily responsible for the fund’s portfolio decisions and the placing of the fund’s portfolio transactions. Commissions are negotiated with broker/dealers on all transactions.

 

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With respect to the fund’s subadviser, LMIC, transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. There is generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the OTC market, but the price of those securities includes an undisclosed commission or mark-up. OTC purchases and sales are transacted directly with principal market makers except where it is believed that better prices and executions may be obtained elsewhere. The cost of securities purchased from underwriters includes an underwriting commission or concession, and the prices at which securities are purchased from and sold to dealers include a dealer’s mark-up or mark-down.

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 forego a portion of payments in respect of the participation agreement. The aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the fund for the three most recent fiscal years are set forth below under “Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid.”

Pursuant to the Management Agreement and the Subadvisory 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 subadviser in selecting brokers and dealers is to obtain the best 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 1934 Act, to the fund and/or the other accounts over which the manager, the subadviser or their affiliates exercise investment discretion. The manager and the 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, as applicable, 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. Investment research services include information and analysis on particular companies and industries as well as market or economic trends and portfolio strategy, market quotations for portfolio evaluations, analytical software and similar products and services. If a research service also assists the manager or the subadviser in a non-research capacity (such as bookkeeping or other administrative functions), then only the percentage or component that provides assistance to the manager or the subadviser in the investment decision making process may be paid in commission dollars. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities that the manager or the subadviser, as applicable, and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The manager and the subadviser may also have arrangements with brokers pursuant to which such brokers provide research services to the manager or the 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 fund’s costs, the manager and the subadviser do not believe that the receipt of such brokerage and research services significantly reduces its expenses as manager or subadviser, as applicable. Arrangements for the receipt of research services from brokers may create conflicts of interest.

Research services furnished to the manager or the subadviser by brokers that effect securities transactions for the fund may be used by the manager or the subadviser, as applicable, in servicing other investment companies and accounts which it manages. Similarly, research services furnished to the manager or the subadviser by brokers who effect securities transactions for other investment companies and accounts which the manager or the subadviser manages may be used by the manager or the subadviser, as applicable, in servicing the fund. Not all of these research services are used by the manager or the subadviser in managing any particular account, including the fund.

 

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For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, the fund paid commissions to brokers that provided research services as follows:

 

Total Dollar Amount of Brokerage Transactions
Related to Research Services ($)

   Total Dollar Amount of Brokerage Commissions
Paid on Transactions 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 fund’s 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.

Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions as set forth in the table below.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Aggregate Brokerage
Commissions Paid ($)
 

2008

   356,533   

2009

   186,862   

2010

   [            

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, 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 manager’s or subadviser’s other clients. Investment decisions for the fund and for the manager’s or the subadviser’s 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 investment adviser, 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, as applicable, occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large volume purchases or sales.

On January 31, 2010, the fund held the following securities issued by its regular broker/dealers:

 

Issuer

   Type of Security
D = Debt
E = Equity
   Market Value (000’s) ($)

 

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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

For funds in the Legg Mason family of funds, the funds’ boards have adopted policies and procedures developed by the fund’s manager with respect to the disclosure of a fund’s portfolio securities and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about the fund’s portfolio securities. The policy requires that consideration always be given as to whether disclosure of information about a fund’s portfolio holdings is in the best interests of the fund’s shareholders, and that any conflicts of interest between the interests of the fund’s shareholders and those of the manager, the distributor or their affiliates be addressed in a manner that places the interests of fund shareholders first. The policy provides that information regarding the fund’s 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.

The manager’s 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.

Under the policy, the fund’s 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 Legg Mason’s or the fund’s 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 fund’s 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 fund’s 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 portfolio managers (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 fund’s sector weightings, performance attribution ( e.g. analysis of the fund’s 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 policy’s general principles.

6. The fund’s portfolio holdings may be released on an as-needed basis to its legal counsel, counsel to its Independent Trustees and its independent public accounting firm, in required regulatory filings or otherwise to governmental agencies and authorities.

Under the policy, if information about a fund’s portfolio holdings is released pursuant to an ongoing arrangement with any party, a fund must have a legitimate business purpose for the release of the information, and either the party receiving the information must be under a duty of confidentiality, or the release of the information must be subject to restrictions on sharing non-public information with any unauthorized source and on trading upon non-public information. None of the funds, Legg Mason or any other affiliated party may receive

 

62


compensation or any other consideration in connection with such arrangements. Ongoing arrangements to make available information about the fund’s portfolio securities will be reviewed at least annually by the fund’s Board. The release of portfolio holdings other than in ongoing arrangements is subject to a written agreement which requires the recipient to keep the information confidential and to use the information only for the purpose specified in the agreement. The approval of the fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, must be obtained prior to the release of the information other than in an ongoing arrangement.

The approval of the fund’s 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 the manager’s legal department, as necessary. Exceptions to the policies are reported annually to each fund’s board.

Generally, the fund discloses its complete portfolio holdings approximately 25 days after calendar quarter-end on Legg Mason’s website: http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors. As an exception to the policy, a fund may disclose its complete portfolio holdings earlier on that website.

Set forth below is a list, as of December 31, 2009, of those parties with whom the manager, on behalf of each fund, has authorized ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information in accordance with the policy, as well as 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

RiskMetrics Group
(formerly 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

Thomson/Vestek

   Daily    None

FactSet

   Daily    None

The Bank of New York Mellon

   Daily    None

Thomson

   Semi-annually    None

SunGard/Protegent (formerly 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

Rogerscasey (EQuest)

   Quarterly    25 Days after Quarter End

Cambridge Associates

   Quarterly    25 Days after Quarter End

Marco Consulting

   Quarterly    25 Days after Quarter End

 

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Recipient

  

Frequency

  

Delay before dissemination

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

Nelson 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

SunTrust

   Weekly and Month End    None

New England Pension Consultants

   Quarterly    25 Days after Quarter End

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

Moody’s (Rating Agency)

   Monthly    6-8 business days

Electra Information Systems

   Daily    None

Cabot Research

   Weekly    None

Goldman Sachs

   Daily    None

Chicago Mercantile Exchange

   Daily    None

Canterbury Consulting

   Quarterly    25 Days after Quarter End

Broadridge

   Daily    None

DST Global Solutions Limited

   As necessary    Varies

Interactive Data Corp.

   Daily    None

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

   Daily    None

THE TRUST

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. The fund was redomiciled as a series of the trust on April 16, 2007. Prior thereto, the fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust. Prior to the reorganization of the fund as a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, the fund was a Maryland corporation.

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 (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

 

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shareholders are determined by the trustees as set forth in the trust’s declaration of trust (referred to in this section as the “declaration”). Some of the more significant provisions of the declaration are described below.

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 shareholder’s voting power is determined, not by the number of shares he or she 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 rather than all series or classes.

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 shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s 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 trustee’s 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 trustee’s 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 bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the fund’s trustees.

 

66


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 affected 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 fund’s costs, including attorneys’ fees.

The declaration further provides that the fund 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 fund 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 fund’s 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.

TAXES

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations regarding the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of the fund by U.S. persons. This summary does not address all of the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to the fund or to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special tax rules. Current and prospective shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers 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 intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code each taxable year. 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, 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

 

67


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 traditionally permitted mutual fund income); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the fund’s 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 fund’s 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 stock is 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.

Although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Fund investments in partnerships, including in qualified publicly traded partnerships, may result in the fund 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 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.

At January 31, 2010, the fund had, for federal income tax purposes, approximately $[                ] of unused capital loss carryforward available to offset future capital gains through January 31, [            ].

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 the 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 under distribution or over distribution, 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 will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders will not be deductible by the fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, the fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net long-term capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. However, such dividends will 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.

 

68


The fund’s 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. 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.

The fund’s 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 indexes, 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 fund’s 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). With respect to certain types of swaps, the fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss. The tax treatment of many types 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 or constructive sale rules 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 fund’s 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. The fund may therefore be required to obtain cash to be used to satisfy these distribution requirements by selling securities at times that it might not otherwise be desirable to do so or borrowing the necessary cash, thereby incurring interest expenses. In certain situations, the fund may, for a taxable year, defer all or a portion of its capital losses and currency losses realized after October until the next taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October may affect the tax character of shareholder distributions.

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

 

69


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 fund’s 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 will not 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 fund’s 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 income or ordinary loss. In general, gains (and losses) realized on debt instruments will be treated as Section 988 gain (or loss) to the extent attributable to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the instruments are denominated. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts and certain foreign currency options and certain foreign currency swaps and futures contracts are 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 make this 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 its 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, 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.

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.

 

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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 of any calendar year and payable 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 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 shareholder’s 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 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. 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 individual’s 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 fund’s 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 fund’s 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. 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

 

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dividends as investment income for purposes of the limitation on the deductibility of investment interest, such dividends would not be qualified dividend income. We 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 taxpayer’s 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 taxpayer’s tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period.

Distributions in excess of the fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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. Holding period restrictions apply in the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not eligible for the dividends received deduction.

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 fund’s 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 (which is 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, 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 by otherwise allowable deductions for tax purposes; (3) not be eligible for reduced U.S. withholding for non-U.S. 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. If a charitable remainder annuity trust or charitable remainder unitrust (each as defined in Code Section 664) has UBTI for a tax year, a 100% excise tax on the UBTI is imposed on the trust.

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 basis in his 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 shareholder’s 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

 

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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 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 with respect to such share. If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of the fund, 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 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 of 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, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion of the 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 shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Notices; Other Taxes

Notices.  Shareholders will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the close of the fund’s 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 shareholder’s particular situation.

If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the fund’s 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 exempted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not exempted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s 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 paid by the fund to non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax 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. shareholder’s 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 lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.

 

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In general, U.S. 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 foreign shareholders of the fund, a distribution attributable to the fund’s sale or exchange of U.S. real property or of a REIT or other U.S. real property holding corporation will be treated as real property gain subject to 35% withholding tax if 50% or more of the value of the fund’s assets is 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. In addition, foreign shareholders may be subject to certain tax filing requirements if 50% or more of the fund’s assets are invested in REITs and other U.S. real property holding corporations.

For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2010, properly-designated dividends are generally exempt from United States federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the fund’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the fund’s 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 by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of the fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the fund’s net short-term capital gain over the fund’s 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.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein. Foreign shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the fund, including the applicability of foreign taxes.

The foregoing is only a summary of certain material U.S. federal income 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.

LEGAL MATTERS

Beginning in May 2004, class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws were filed against CGMI and a number of its then affiliates, including SBFM and Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc (“SBAM”), which were then investment adviser or manager to certain 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, and against CAM, SBAM and SBFM 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 Second Amended Complaint alleges no claims against any of the Defendant 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.

On December 3, 2007, the court granted Defendants’ motion to dismiss, with prejudice. On January 2, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal was fully briefed and oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit took place on March 5, 2009. The parties currently are awaiting a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Additional lawsuits arising out of these circumstances and presenting similar allegations and requests for relief may be filed 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, a former distributor of the fund, 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 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

 

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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. 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, based on the May 31, 2005 settlement order issued against CGMI and SBFM by the SEC as described above. The complaints seek injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, removal of SBFM as the adviser 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.

The five actions were subsequently consolidated, and a consolidated complaint was filed. On September 26, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an order dismissing the consolidated complaint, and judgment was entered. An appeal was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. After full briefing, oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit took place on March 4, 2009. On February 16, 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion affirming the dismissal, in part, and vacating and remanding, in part. The opinion affirmed the dismissal with prejudice of plaintiffs’ claim pursuant to Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act but vacated the dismissal of the Section 10(b) securities fraud claim. The case has been remanded to Judge Pauley of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

As of the date of this SAI, the fund’s investment manager believes that resolution of the pending lawsuit will not have a material effect on the ability of the fund’s investment manager and its affiliates to continue to render services to the fund under their respective contracts.

* * *

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.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements of the fund and the fund’s predecessor (Statement of Assets and Liabilities, including the Schedule of Investments as of January 31, 2010, Statement of Operations for the year ended January 31, 2010, Statements of Changes in Net Assets for each of the years in the two-year period ended January 31, 2010, Financial Highlights for each of the years or periods in the five-year period ended January 31, 2010, 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 of the fund), are incorporated by reference into this SAI (filed on [            ], 2010; Accession No. [                        ]).

 

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Appendix A

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

The ratings of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s 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 Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Long-Term Obligation Ratings:

Moody’s 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: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers “1”, “2” and “3” to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier “1” indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier “2” indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier “3” indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s US Municipal and Tax Exempt Ratings:

Municipal Ratings are opinions of the investment quality of issuers and issues in the US municipal and tax-exempt markets. As such, these ratings incorporate Moody’s assessment of the default probability and loss severity of these issuers and issues. The default and loss content for Moody’s municipal long-term rating scale differs from Moody’s general long-term rating scale. (Please refer to Corporate Equivalent Ratings under Policies and Procedures.)

 

A-1


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 municipality’s ability to repay its debt.

Municipal Long-Term Rating Definitions:

Aaa — Issuers or issues rated Aaa demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Aa — Issuers or issues rated Aa demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

A — Issuers or issues rated A present above-average creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Baa — Issuers or issues rated Baa represent average creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Ba — Issuers or issues rated Ba demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

B — Issuers or issues rated B demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Caa — Issuers or issues rated Caa demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Ca — Issuers or issues rated Ca demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

C — Issuers or issues rated C demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers “1”, “2” and “3” to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier “1” indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier “2” indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier “3” indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s US 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 levels — “MIG 1” through “MIG 3.” In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated “SG,” or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.

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.

 

A-2


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.

Description of Moody’s 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 Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating. When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g ., Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1. VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.

VMIG 1 — This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 2 — This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 3 — This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

SG — This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Short-Term Prime Ratings:

Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

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.

 

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Description of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group’s Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (1) likelihood of payment — capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in 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 & Poor’s. The obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB — An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

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 obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B — An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC — An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC — An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C — A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘C’ rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A ‘C’ also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

 

A-4


D — An obligation rated ‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or Minus (–): The ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (–) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

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 issuer’s published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. They do not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuer’s 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 year’s financial statements, but may be reviewed on an interim basis if a major event occurs that may affect the issuer’s 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 & Poor’s of appropriate documentation. Changes in the information provided to Standard & Poor’s could result in the assignment of a different rating. In addition, Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s policies. The final rating may differ from the preliminary rating.

 

A-5


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 & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

Description of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group’s Ratings of Notes:

A Standard & Poor’s U.S. municipal note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:

— Amortization schedule — the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

— Source of payment — the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Note rating symbols are as follows:

SP-1 — 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 & Poor’s Ratings Group’s Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

A-1 — Short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

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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.

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 & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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 issuer’s published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. They do not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuer’s 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 year’s financial statements, but may be reviewed on an interim basis if a major event occurs that may affect the issuer’s 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.

 

A-7


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 & Poor’s of appropriate documentation. Changes in the information provided to Standard & Poor’s could result in the assignment of a different rating. In addition, Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

Description of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group’s Ratings of Commercial Paper:

A Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s believes such payments will be made during such grace period.

Description of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group’s Dual Ratings:

Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s 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).

 

A-9


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 obligation’s 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 obligation’s documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitch’s 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.

 

A-10


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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Appendix B

LMIC PROXY VOTING

Background

LMIC has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). If authority to vote proxies is established by the client, typically provided for in the Investment Advisory Agreement, our proxy voting guidelines have been tailored to reflect this specific contractual obligation. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.

In exercising its voting authority, LMIC will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than LMIC) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.

Voting Authority

In general, LMIC shall assume the responsibility and authority with respect to the voting of proxies, unless by agreement with LMIC, (1) such other party expressly reserves to itself the voting of proxies for the account or unless such responsibility and authority expressly have been delegated to others (such as sub-advisers) or (2) reserved to the trustee or other named fiduciary of a client account. For accounts where LMIC has appointed a sub-adviser to manage the client account, LMIC shall deliver any proxies it receives to the sub-adviser for its exercise of voting rights, unless such sub-adviser expressly disclaims the voting of proxies. An account owner may direct LMIC to refrain from voting a specific security, and name themselves or another person to so vote, while LMIC retains voting authority over the other securities in the account.

With respect to shares over which LMIC has voting authority, LMIC will not decline to vote proxies except in extraordinary circumstances where LMIC believes that refraining form voting is in the client’s best interests. Nor will LMIC accept direction from others with regard to the voting of proxies, although LMIC will take the investment guidelines of an account into consideration in deciding how to vote on a particular issue. LMIC may vote proxies related to the same security differently for different clients.

LMIC seeks to identify any material conflicts that may arise between the interests of LMIC and its clients. LMIC will maintain a log of significant client relationships that are issuers of publicly-traded securities that might become subject to a proxy vote. LMIC employees are to inform the Proxy Voting Committee or a member of LMIC’s compliance group when an employee becomes aware of a conflict of interest that arises from that employee’s personal relationships or in the conduct of LMIC’s business. LMIC will consider a conflict to be material if it is significant enough to potentially influence or appear to influence LMIC’s decision in the voting process.

Except for extraordinary circumstances, in any such instance, the material conflict will be resolved by the Proxy Voting Committee, voting in accordance with the previously established guidelines set forth by the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee may seek the advice or recommendation of an independent third party, in its sole discretion.

Voting Guidelines

The Proxy Voting Committee will meet annually to review and approve proxy voting guidelines. Proxies will not be voted without an analysis of the underlying issues involved. LMIC’s proxy voting policy at all times

 

B-1


shall be directed toward maximizing the value of the assets of managed accounts, for the benefit of the accounts’ ultimate owners or beneficiaries. Any item on a proxy that would tend to inhibit the realization of maximum value shall receive a negative vote from LMIC. Examples of such items would be any activities that could be viewed as “poison pill” maneuvers. On other matters specific to a company, such as the election of directors, the appointment of auditors, granting of options, repricing of options, mergers and other material issues, a decision shall be made by RMG in accordance with the guidelines established by the LMIC Proxy Voting Committee, consistent with the policy of maximizing value.

Clients who request that their accounts be managed according to a socially responsible mandate will have proxies voted according to the values communicated in their investment policy statement.

Voting Records & Client Notification

For clients of LMIC, a complete record and file of all votes cast, and where appropriate, the reason therefore, shall be maintained by LMIC with a third party voting service Risk Metrics (RMG). A proxy log will be maintained, including the following data: issuer name, exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted, CUSIP number for the shares to be voted, a brief identification of the matter voted on, whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer, whether a vote was cast on the matter, a record of how the vote was cast and whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation for the issuer’s management team. Clients may obtain information with regard to the manner in which their proxies were voted, as well as the more detailed policies and procedures upon which this summary is based by contacting LMIC at 100 Light Street, 31 st Floor, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202, attention: Compliance Officer. In addition, when required by applicable banking or investment adviser statutes and rules, a description of these Policies and Procedures shall be provided to new clients prior to the inception of their account.

Timing

LMIC personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.

Disclosure

LMIC’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part II of Form ADV or the Bank’s disclosure brochure, which is provided to all new clients. Upon request, clients may also receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.

Voting Procedures When LMIC Utilizes a Third Party Proxy Service

LMIC utilizes a third party proxy service (RMG) to vote proxies for client accounts. LMIC has elected to provide RMG with implied consent to vote all client proxies according to its policies for routine proxies. The Proxy Voting Committee has the ability to override RMG recommendations. The Chairman of the Committee (Monika Panger) will serve as the primary contact for approval to override RMG decisions.

A portfolio assistant in the Philadelphia (John Reilly) will be the primary user of the RMG system with portfolio managers in Philadelphia and Cincinnati Office serving as back-up. The primary user will ensure that the proxy service delivers its recommendations on a timely basis and, when necessary, that such information is provided to the Proxy Voting Committee and Investment Management Team. For non-routine voting issues the Proxy Voting Committee will authorize ISS the proxy service to vote, the Proxy Coordinator will maintain records of the proxy service recommendations and voting reports. Records of the proxy recommendations and voting reports will be maintained with RMG.

 

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In certain situations, RMG may defer to LMIC for a particular issue. When LMIC receives notice that RMG has deferred to LMIC for a voting decision, the Proxy Voting Committee will meet to determine the vote and provide a decision to RMG.

Voting Procedures When Stocks Are not Widely Held or Followed by LMIC

When RMG defers to LMIC to vote a proxy, the Proxy Voting Committee will meet to decide the vote. If a security is: (1) not followed by the LMIC research team; or (2) not widely held across LMIC accounts; or (3) is a de minimis number of shares or market value, the committee may defer to the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the accounts impacted for a voting decision.

Proxy materials for Non-discretionary Accounts

With regard to distribution of proxy materials for non-discretionary accounts, it is the policy of LMIC to conform to the SEC rules contained in the Shareholders Communications Act (17 CFR 240.14-17). LMIC shall:

 

   

Upon receipt of the proxy, other proxy soliciting material, and/or annual reports to security holders, forward such materials to its customers who are beneficial owners of the registrant’s securities no later than five business days after the receipt of the proxy material or annual reports; and

 

   

Upon receipt of the proxy, other proxy soliciting material, and/or annual reports to security holders, forward to each beneficial owner on whose behalf it holds securities, no later than five business days after the date it receives such material a request for voting instructions.

Corporate Actions

All corporate action related material will be delivered to LMIC’s Baltimore (for Bank clients) and New York (for LMIC-LLC clients) Investment Support Officers (the “Corporate Action Coordinators”), who will pay strict attention to any pending corporate actions that may be undertaken by, or with respect to, the issuers of securities held in client accounts. When the Corporate Action Coordinators receives notice of a pending corporate action, he or she will be responsible for coordinating with the Investment Management Team to determine the Firm’s desired course of action and communicating the firm’s instructions to the custodian in a timely manner.

The Corporate Action Coordinators will also keep accurate records of each corporate action and the steps that were taken by the firm in corporate actions files by security by year processed.

 

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May [    ], 2010

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

LEGG MASON LIFESTYLE ALLOCATION 100%

LEGG MASON LIFESTYLE ALLOCATION 85%

LEGG MASON LIFESTYLE ALLOCATION 70%

LEGG MASON LIFESTYLE ALLOCATION 50%

LEGG MASON LIFESTYLE ALLOCATION 30%

LEGG MASON LIFESTYLE INCOME FUND

 

    

Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
100%:

  

Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
85%:

  

Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
70%:

  

Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
50%:

  

Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Allocation
30%:

  

Legg Mason
Lifestyle
Income Fund:

Class

  

Ticker Symbol

  

Ticker Symbol

  

Ticker Symbol

  

Ticker Symbol

  

Ticker Symbol

  

Ticker Symbol

Class A Shares

   LMLAX    SCHAX    SCGRX    SBBAX    SBCPX    LMLAX

Class B Shares

   LMLBX    SCHBX    SGRBX    SCBBX    SBCBX    LMLBX

Class C Shares

   LMYCX    SCHCX    SCGCX    SCBCX    SBCLX    LMYCX

Class FI Shares

   [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]

Class R Shares

   [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]

Class R1 Shares

   [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]

Class I Shares

   LMYIX    [            ]    LLAIX    LMEIX    [            ]    LMYIX

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

800-822-5544

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) is not a prospectus and is meant to be read in conjunction with the current prospectus for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%, (“Allocation 100%”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (“Allocation 85%”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (“Allocation 70%”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (“Allocation 50%”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (“Allocation 30%”) and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (“Income Fund”) (individually, a “fund” and collectively, the “funds”), dated May [    ], 2010, each as amended or supplemented from time to time and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the prospectus. Effective April 16, 2007, each fund assumed the assets and liabilities of a predecessor fund. Certain historical information for periods prior to April 16, 2007 is that of each fund’s predecessor. Prior to October 5, 2009, Allocation 100% was named Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%, Allocation 85% was name Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%, Allocation 70% was name Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%, Allocation 50% was name Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%, Allocation 30% was name Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Income Fund was name Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund. The funds are series of Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the “Trust”), a Maryland business trust.

Each of the six funds offers different levels of potential return and involves different levels of risk. Each of the funds seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a number of open-end management investment companies or series thereof (“underlying funds”) for which Legg Mason Investment Services (“LMIS”), a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”), now or in the future acts as principal underwriter or for which Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”), or another affiliate of Legg Mason, now or in the future acts as investment manager.

Additional information about a fund’s 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 the annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained free of charge by contacting banks, brokers, dealers, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisors, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to sell shares of the fund (each called a “Service Agent”), or by writing or calling the Trust at the address or telephone number set forth above. LMIS, a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, serves as each fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

       Page

Why Invest in the Funds

   3

Investment Objective and Management Policies

   3

Investment Practices and Risk Factors

   5

Investment Policies

   36

Management

   41

Investment Management and Other Services

   51

Purchase of Shares

   65

Redemption of Shares

   72

Exchange Privilege

   74

Valuation of Shares

   75

Dividends and Distributions

   75

Portfolio Transactions

   75

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

   76

The Trust

   79

Taxes

   82

Legal Matters

   90

Financial Statements

   92

Appendix A—Description of Ratings

   A-1

Appendix B—Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC—Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

   B-1

THIS SAI IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in the prospectus or this SAI in connection with the offerings made by the prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the funds or their distributor. The prospectus and this SAI do not constitute offerings by the funds or by the distributor in any jurisdiction in which such offerings may not lawfully be made.

 

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WHY INVEST IN THE FUNDS

The proliferation of mutual funds over the last several years has left many investors in search of a simple means to manage their long-term investments. With new investment categories emerging each year and with each mutual fund reacting differently to political, economic and business events, many investors are forced to make complex investment decisions in the face of limited experience, time and personal resources. The funds are designed to meet the needs of investors that prefer to have their asset allocation decisions made by professional money managers, that are looking for an appropriate core investment for their retirement portfolio and appreciate the advantages of broad diversification. The funds may be most appropriate for long-term investors planning for retirement, particularly investors in tax-advantaged retirement accounts including individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), 401(k) employee savings plans, 403(b) non-profit organization savings plans, profit-sharing and money-purchase pension plans and other corporate pension and savings plans.

Each of the funds invests in a select group of underlying funds suited to the fund’s particular investment objective. The allocation of assets among underlying funds within each fund’s portfolio is determined by the investment manager, LMPFA, and the subadviser, Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA” or the “subadviser”), according to fundamental and quantitative analysis. Because the funds’ assets will be adjusted only periodically and only within pre-determined ranges that will attempt to ensure broad diversification, there should not be any sudden large-scale changes in the allocation of a fund’s portfolio investments among underlying funds. The funds are intended to provide a simple and conservative approach to helping investors meet retirement and other long-term goals.

Although they invest primarily in shares of other mutual funds, each fund may also invest directly in the types of securities held by the underlying funds, including common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stocks, warrants and depositary receipts and fixed income securities, including U.S. government securities, money market instruments, mortgage-related securities and repurchase agreements. These investments may include securities of non-U.S. issuers.

The fund may also enter into futures contracts on securities or related options on futures contracts on securities that are traded on a domestic or foreign exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and may also engage in transactions in options on securities, which may include the writing of covered put options and covered call options, the purchase of put and call options and the entry into closing transactions.

In addition to direct investments, each fund may invest in shares of a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of an underlying index or a portion of an index (“Exchange Traded Funds”). Exchange Traded Funds hold portfolios of securities that seek to track the performance of a specific index or basket of securities. As with other investments in shares of mutual funds, a fund holding shares of an Exchange Traded Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of a fund’s own operations.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES

Each fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end, non-diversified management investment company.

The funds’ prospectus discusses each fund’s investment objective and policies. The following discussion supplements the description of each fund’s investment policies in its prospectus.

The prospectus also discusses the investment objectives of each of the underlying funds in which the funds may invest. In pursuing their investment objectives, each of the underlying funds is permitted to engage in a wide range of investment policies. Because the funds invest in the underlying funds, shareholders of each fund will be

 

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affected by these investment policies in direct proportion to the amount of assets each fund allocates to the underlying funds pursuing such policy. This section contains supplemental information concerning the types of securities and other instruments in which the underlying funds may invest (and repurchase agreements in which the funds and/or the underlying funds may invest), the investment policies and fund strategies the underlying funds may utilize and certain risks attendant to such investments, policies and strategies. There can be no assurance that the respective investment objectives of the funds or the underlying funds will be achieved.

Principal Investment Strategies

Allocation 100%.  The investment objective of this fund is capital appreciation. The fund is a fund of funds. The fund’s assets are allocated among certain Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds, which are primarily equity funds. The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (all varieties of fixed income securities). The fund’s target allocation is 100% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, but there may be times when the subadviser chooses to invest up to [10%] in funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and up to [    %] in underlying real return funds. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

Allocation 85%.  The investment objective of this fund is capital appreciation. The fund is a fund of funds. The fund’s assets are allocated among certain Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds, which are primarily equity funds. The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (all varieties of fixed income securities). The fund’s target allocation is 85% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [15%] in funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

Allocation 70%.  The investment objective of this fund is long-term growth of capital. The fund is a fund of funds. The fund’s assets are allocated among certain Legg Mason-affiliated mutual funds, which are primarily equity funds. The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (all varieties of fixed income securities). The fund’s target allocation is 70% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [30%] in funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

Allocation 50%.  The investment objective of this fund is balance of growth of capital and income. The fund is a fund of funds. The fund’s assets are allocated among certain Legg Mason-affiliated equity and fixed income funds. The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (all varieties of fixed income securities). The fund’s target allocation is 50% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [50%] in funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

Allocation 30%.  The investment objective of this fund is income and long-term growth of capital as a secondary objective. The fund is a fund of funds. The fund’s assets are allocated among certain Legg Mason-affiliated funds, which are primarily fixed income funds. The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (all varieties of fixed income securities). The fund’s target allocation is 30% in underlying funds that invest principally in equity securities, [70%] in funds that invest principally in fixed income securities and [    %] in underlying real return funds. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

Income Fund.  The investment objective of this fund is high current income. The fund is a fund of funds. It invests primarily in Legg Mason-affiliated funds that focus on taxable fixed income securities. The fund organizes its investments in underlying funds into two main asset classes: the stock class (equity securities of all types) and the fixed income class (all varieties of fixed income securities). The fund’s Target Allocation is 100%

 

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in underlying funds that invest principally in fixed income securities, but there may be times when the portfolio managers choose to invest up to [10%] in funds that invest principally in equity securities and up to [    %] in underlying real return funds. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

Each fund may also invest directly in the types of securities held by the underlying funds and certain other instruments. See “Why Invest in the Funds.”

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK FACTORS

The funds’ principal investment strategies are described above. The following provides additional information about these principal strategies and describes other investment strategies and practices that may be used by the funds, which all involve risks of varying degrees.

Because the funds invest primarily in the underlying funds, rather than directly in securities or other investments, the strategies or risks below are described by reference to the underlying funds. However, to the extent that the funds invest directly in securities and other instruments, the strategies and risks described below are also directly applicable to the funds.

Equity Securities

General.  Equity securities are subject to the following risks: the risk that their prices generally fluctuate more than those of other securities, such as debt or fixed income securities; the risk that prices of securities will go down because of the interplay of market forces, which may affect a single issuer, industry or sector of the economy, country or region, or may affect the market as a whole; the risk that an adverse company-specific event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may negatively affect the stock price of a company in which an underlying fund invests; and the risk that an underlying fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual stock.

Common Stocks.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in common stocks. Common stocks are shares of a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of the entity’s preferred stock and other senior equity securities. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote and frequently an exclusive right to do so.

Preferred Stock.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in preferred stocks which, like debt obligations, have characteristics similar to fixed income securities. Shareholders of preferred stocks normally have the right to receive dividends at a fixed rate when and as declared by the issuer’s board of directors, but do not participate in other amounts available for distribution by the issuing corporation. Dividends on preferred stock may be cumulative, and all cumulative dividends usually must be paid prior to common shareholders receiving any dividend. For that reason, preferred stocks generally entail less risk than common stocks. Upon liquidation, preferred stocks are entitled to a specified liquidation preference, which is generally the same as the par or stated value, and are senior in right of payment to common stock. Preferred stocks are, however, equity securities in the sense that they do not represent a liability of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer as great a degree of protection of capital or assurance of continued income as investments in corporate debt securities. In addition, preferred stocks are subordinated in right of payment to all debt obligations and creditors of the issuer, and convertible preferred stocks may be subordinated to other preferred stock of the same issuer.

Foreign Investments.  Each of the funds will invest in certain underlying funds that invest all or a portion of their assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include risks resulting

 

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from revaluation of currencies; future adverse political and economic developments and the possible imposition of currency exchange blockages or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions; reduced availability of public information concerning issuers; differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions; the possibility of expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation; withholding taxes and limitations on the use or removal of funds or other assets, including the withholding of dividends; adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations; political instability, which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries; and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital. Additionally, foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and, therefore, may exhibit greater price volatility and be less liquid. Many of the foreign securities held by certain underlying funds will not be registered with, nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company issuing them than is available about a U.S. company and its securities. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions. An underlying fund may invest in securities of foreign governments (or agencies or subdivisions thereof), and many, if not all, of the foregoing considerations apply to such investments as well. These risks are intensified when investing in countries with developing economies and securities markets, also known as “emerging markets.”

The costs associated with investment in the securities of foreign issuers, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial fees, may be higher than those associated with investment in domestic issuers. In addition, foreign investment transactions may be subject to difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions. Transactions in securities of foreign issuers may be subject to less efficient settlement practices, including extended clearance and settlement periods. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of an underlying fund are uninvested and no return can be earned on them. The inability of an underlying fund to make intended investments due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result in losses to an underlying fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in liability to the purchaser.

Since certain underlying funds may invest in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may hold foreign currencies, such fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by exchange control regulations or changes in the exchange rates between such currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in the currency exchange rates may influence the value of a fund’s shares, and also may affect the value of dividends and interest earned by an underlying fund and gains and losses realized by the fund. Exchange rates are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These forces are affected by the international balance of payments, other economic and financial conditions, government intervention, speculation and other factors.

The operating expenses of an underlying fund that invests in foreign securities can be expected to be higher than that of an investment company investing exclusively in U.S. securities, since the expenses of the underlying fund, such as custodial costs, valuation costs and communication costs, as well as the rate of the investment advisory fees, though similar to such expenses of some other international funds, are higher than those costs incurred by other investment companies. In addition, dividend and interest income from non-U.S. securities will generally be subject to withholding taxes by the country in which the issuer is located and may not be recoverable by the underlying fund or a fund investing in such fund.

Each fund, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in securities of emerging markets. The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened for investments in emerging markets and securities of their governments.

 

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Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging markets. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by economic conditions, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.

While some emerging market countries have sought to develop a number of corrective mechanisms to reduce inflation or mitigate its effects, inflation may continue to have significant effects both on emerging market economies and their securities markets. In addition, many of the currencies of emerging market countries have experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major devaluations have occurred in certain countries.

Because of the high levels of foreign-denominated debt owed by many emerging market countries, fluctuating exchange rates can significantly affect the debt service obligations of those countries. This could, in turn, affect local interest rates, profit margins and exports, which are a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

To the extent an emerging market country faces a liquidity crisis with respect to its foreign exchange reserves, it may increase restrictions on the outflow of any foreign exchange. Repatriation is ultimately dependent on the ability of a fund to liquidate its investments and convert the local currency proceeds obtained from such liquidation into U.S. dollars. Where this conversion must be done through official channels (usually the central bank or certain authorized commercial banks), the ability to obtain U.S. dollars is dependent on the availability of such U.S. dollars through those channels and, if available, upon the willingness of those channels to allocate those U.S. dollars to a fund. A fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may be adversely affected by any increased restrictions imposed on the outflow of foreign exchange. If a fund is unable to repatriate any amounts due to exchange controls, it may be required to accept an obligation payable at some future date by the central bank or other governmental entity of the jurisdiction involved. If such conversion can legally be done outside official channels, either directly or indirectly, a fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may not be affected as much by any increased restrictions except to the extent of the price which may be required to be paid for the U.S. dollars.

Many emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context.

The securities markets of emerging markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the United States and other more developed countries. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and other major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such markets; enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely limited. Investing in the securities of companies in emerging markets may entail special risks relating to the potential political and economic instability and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, convertibility of currencies into U.S. dollars and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation by any country, a fund could lose its entire investment in any such country.

Some emerging markets have different settlement and clearance procedures. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of a fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to a fund due to subsequent declines in the value of the portfolio security or, if the fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser.

 

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The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be substantially curtailed and prices for a fund’s portfolio securities in such markets may not be readily available.

Although it might be theoretically possible to hedge for anticipated income and gains, the ongoing and indeterminate nature of the risks associated with emerging market investing (and the costs associated with hedging transactions) makes it very difficult to hedge effectively against such risks.

Equity-linked Notes.  Equity-linked notes, or ELNs, are securities that are valued based upon the performance of one or more equity securities, such as a stock index, a group of stocks or a single stock. ELNs offer investors the opportunity to participate in the appreciation of the underlying local equity securities where an underlying fund may not have established local access. Investors in ELNs are subject to risk of loss of principal investment.

American, European and Continental Depositary Receipts.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in the securities of foreign and domestic issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs) and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”). Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the U.S. market. Usually issued by a U.S. bank or trust company, ADRs are receipts that demonstrate ownership of underlying foreign securities. ADRs may be sponsored or unsponsored; issuers of securities underlying unsponsored ADRs are not contractually obligated to disclose material information in the United States. Accordingly, there may be less information available about such issuers than there is with respect to domestic companies and issuers of securities underlying sponsored ADRs. Certain underlying funds may also invest in EDRs and other similar instruments, which are receipts that are often denominated in U.S. dollars and are issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S. bank evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Even where they are denominated in U.S. dollars, depositary receipts are subject to currency risk if the underlying security is denominated in a foreign currency. EDRs, which sometimes are referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts, are issued in bearer form and are designed for use in European securities markets.

For purposes of a fund’s investment policies, depositary receipts generally are deemed to have the same classification as the underlying securities they represent. Thus, a depositary receipt representing ownership in common stock will be treated as common stock.

Warrants.  A warrant entitles an underlying fund to purchase common stock from the issuer at a specified price and time. 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 it 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 securities and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. Warrants acquired by an underlying fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to be without value.

Fixed Income Securities

General.  Fixed income securities may be affected by general changes in interest rates, which will result in increases or decreases in the market value of the debt securities held by the underlying funds. The market value of the fixed income obligations in which the underlying funds may invest can be expected to vary inversely in relation to the changes in prevailing interest rates and also may be affected by other market and credit factors.

Many fixed income securities, especially those issued at high interest rates and with longer maturities, provide that the issuer may repay them early. Issuers often exercise this right when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate of the security. Accordingly, holders of callable securities may not benefit fully from

 

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the increase in value that other fixed income securities experience when rates decline. Furthermore, the underlying funds most likely would have to reinvest the proceeds of the payoff at current yields, which would be lower than those paid by the security that was paid off.

Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in high-quality, high-grade or investment grade securities. High quality securities are those rated in the two highest categories by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) (Aaa or Aa) or Standard & Poor’s, a subsidiary of The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) (AAA or AA) or determined by the underlying fund’s adviser to be of comparable quality. High grade securities are those rated in the three highest categories by Moody’s (Aaa, Aa or A) or S&P (AAA, AA or A) or determined by the underlying fund’s adviser to be of comparable quality. Investment-grade securities are those rated in the four highest categories by Moody’s (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa) or S&P (AAA, AA, A or BBB) or determined by the underlying fund’s adviser to be of comparable quality. Securities rated Baa or BBB have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of their issuer to make timely principal and interest payments than is the case with higher grade securities.

Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in floating and variable rate income securities, including securities whose rates vary inversely with changes in market rates of interest. Such securities may also pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate. The extent of increases and decreases in the value of securities whose rates vary inversely with changes in market rates of interest generally will be larger than comparable changes in the value of an equal principal amount of a fixed rate security having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity.

High Yield Securities.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in securities rated below investment grade, that is, rated below Baa by Moody’s or BBB by S&P, or determined by the underlying fund’s adviser to be of comparable quality. 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 issuer’s 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. See Appendix A for additional information on the bond ratings of Moody’s and S&P.

Generally, high yield, below investment grade securities offer a higher return potential than higher-rated securities but involve greater volatility of price and greater risk of loss of income and principal, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities. Below investment grade securities and comparable non-rated securities will likely have large uncertainties or major risk exposure to adverse conditions. The occurrence of adverse conditions and uncertainties would likely reduce the value of securities held by an underlying fund, with a commensurate effect on the value of the underlying fund’s shares.

The markets in which below investment grade securities or comparable non-rated securities are traded generally are more limited than those in which higher-quality securities are traded. The existence of limited markets for these securities may restrict the availability of securities for an underlying fund to purchase and also may restrict the ability of an underlying fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing securities and calculating NAV or to sell securities at their fair value. An economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of issuers of high yield securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon.

While the market values of below investment grade securities and comparable non-rated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-quality 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-quality securities. In addition, below investment grade securities and comparable non-rated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. Issuers of below investment grade securities and comparable non-rated securities are often highly leveraged and may not have more

 

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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 because of default by such issuers is significantly greater because below investment grade securities and comparable non-rated securities generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. An underlying fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.

Convertible Securities.  A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion or exchange, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield of nonconvertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier nonconvertible securities, but rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure.

The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth, at market value, if converted or exchanged into the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the ultimate conversion or exchange value.

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.

Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible bonds or preferred stocks with warrants or stock call options. 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 risks normally involved in holding the securities comprising the synthetic convertible security.

Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, such 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. Convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar nonconvertible securities because of the subordination feature.

Money Market Instruments.  Money market instruments include: U.S. government securities; certificates of deposit (“CDs”), time deposits (“TDs”) and bankers’ acceptances issued by U.S. banks (including their branches located outside the United States and subsidiaries located in Canada), U.S. branches of foreign banks, savings and loan associations and similar institutions; high grade commercial paper; and repurchase agreements with respect to the foregoing types of instruments.

CDs are short-term negotiable obligations of commercial banks. TDs are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers usually in connection with international transactions.

U.S. Government Securities.  U.S. government securities include (1) U.S. Treasury bills (maturity of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (maturity of one to ten years) and U.S. Treasury bonds (maturities generally greater than ten years) and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities

 

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which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (such as securities issued by Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)); (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to specific line of credit from the U.S. government (such as obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks); (c) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of agencies or instrumentalities (such as securities issued by Fannie Mae); or (d) only the credit of the instrumentality (such as securities issued by Freddie Mac). In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Neither the U.S. government nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities guarantees the market value of the securities they issue. Therefore, the market value of such securities will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. Since the U.S. government is not obligated by law to provide support to an instrumentality that it sponsors, a fund or an underlying fund may invest in obligations issued by such an instrumentality if its adviser determines that the credit risk with respect to the instrumentality does not make its securities unsuitable for investment by the fund or the underlying fund, as the case may be.

Inflation-Indexed Securities . Inflation indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the index-based accruals as part of a semiannual coupon. An underlying fund may also invest in inflation-indexed securities with other structures or characteristics as such securities become available in the market. It is currently expected that other types of inflation-indexed securities would have characteristics similar to those described below.

U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“U.S. TIPS”) are fixed income securities issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, the principal amounts of which are adjusted daily based upon changes in the rate of inflation (currently represented by the non-seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), calculated with a three-month lag). The U.S. Department of Treasury issues U.S. TIPS in maturities of five, ten and thirty years. U.S. TIPS pay interest on a semi-annual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. The interest rate on these bonds is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the bond this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation.

Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed for U.S. TIPS, even during a period of deflation. However, because the principal amount of U.S. TIPS would be adjusted downward during a period of deflation, an underlying fund will be subject to deflation risk with respect to their investments in these securities. In addition, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. If an underlying fund purchases U.S. TIPS in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, the underlying fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation. An underlying fund may also invest in other inflation-related bonds which may or may not provide a guarantee of principal. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal amount.

The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation indexed bonds. Although the principal value of these securities declines in periods of deflation, holders at maturity receive no less than par. If inflation is lower than expected during the period an underlying fund holds the security, the underlying fund may earn less on the security than on a conventional bond. Any increase in principal value is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though holders do not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, an underlying fund investing in inflation-indexed securities could be required at times to liquidate other

 

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investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a regulated investment company and to eliminate any fund-level income tax liability under the Code.

While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

The U.S. Treasury began issuing inflation-indexed bonds in 1997. Certain non-U.S. governments, such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, have a longer history of issuing inflation indexed bonds, and there may be a more liquid market in certain of these countries for these securities. An underlying fund may invest in inflation-indexed securities issued in any country.

The periodic adjustment of U.S. TIPS is currently tied to the CPI-U, which is calculated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. Inflation-indexed bonds issued by a non-U.S. government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation index, calculated by that government. There can no assurance that the CPI-U or any non-U.S. inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. In addition, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a non-U.S. country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States. The three-month lag in calculating the CPI-U for purposes of adjusting the principal value of U.S. TIPS may give rise to risks under certain circumstances.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”). REITs pool investors’ funds for investment primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. Under the Code, a REIT is not taxed on net income and gains it distributes to its shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income and a requirement that it generally distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gain) for each taxable year. REITs can generally be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages, derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs.

While an underlying fund will not invest in real estate directly, to the extent it invests in equity or hybrid REITs it may be subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These risks include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependency on management skill, heavy cash flow dependency, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values and in the appeal of properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are subject to interest rate risk. Rising interest rates may cause REIT investors to demand a higher annual yield, which may, in turn, cause a decline in the market price of the equity securities issued by a REIT. Rising interest rates also generally increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could cause the value of an underlying fund’s REIT investments to decline. During periods when interest rates are declining, mortgages are often refinanced. Refinancing may reduce the yield on investments in mortgage REITs. In addition, since REITs depend on payment under their mortgage loans and leases to generate cash to make distributions to their shareholders, investments in REITs may be adversely affected by defaults on such mortgage loans or leases.

 

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In addition to these risks, REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts or by the quality of any credit they extend. Further, REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of net income and gains under the Code or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower’s or a lessee’s ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition to the foregoing risks, certain “special purpose” REITs in which an underlying fund invests may invest their assets in specific real estate sectors, such as hotels, nursing homes or warehouses, and are therefore subject to the risks associated with adverse developments in any such sectors.

It is not uncommon for REITs, after the end of their taxable years, to change the characterization of the net income and gains they have distributed during the preceding year. If this happens, an underlying fund could be required to issue revised notices to its shareholders changing the character of the underlying fund’s distributions.

An underlying fund may invest wholly or partially in REITs by investing in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in REITs.

Mortgage-Related Securities.  Mortgage-related securities provide capital for mortgage loans made to residential homeowners and include securities which represent interests in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled for sale to investors (such as an underlying fund) by various governmental, government-related and private organizations, such as dealers. The market value of mortgage-related securities will fluctuate as a result of changes in interest rates and mortgage rates.

Interests in pools of mortgage loans generally provide a monthly payment, which consists of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying residential property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Securities issued by Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae are fully modified pass-through securities, i.e ., the timely payment of principal and interest is guaranteed by the issuer. Freddie Mac securities are modified pass-through securities, i.e ., the timely payment of interest is guaranteed by Freddie Mac, principal is passed through as collected but payment thereof is guaranteed not later than one year after it becomes payable.

The Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) is a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are stockholder-owned companies chartered by Congress. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee the securities they issue as to timely payment of principal and interest, but such guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency. It is unclear what effect this conservatorship will have on the securities issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Although the U.S. government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.

Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers, such as dealers, create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers also may be the originators of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect

 

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government guarantees of payments with respect to such pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools is supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. There can be no assurance that the private insurers can meet their obligations under the policies. An underlying fund may buy mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if its adviser determines that the securities are an appropriate investment for the underlying fund.

Another type of security representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans is known as a collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”). CMOs represent interests in a short-term, intermediate-term or long-term portion of a mortgage pool. Each portion of the pool receives monthly interest payments, but the principal repayments pass through to the short-term CMO first and to the long-term CMO last. A CMO permits an investor to more accurately predict the rate of principal repayments. CMOs are issued by private issuers, such as broker/dealers, and by government agencies, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Investments in CMOs are subject to the same risks as direct investments in the underlying mortgage-backed securities. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a broker that issued the CMO held by a fund, the fund could experience delays in liquidating both its position and losses. An underlying fund may invest in CMOs in any rating category of the recognized rating services and may invest in unrated CMOs. An underlying fund may also invest in “stripped” CMOs, which represent only the income portion or the principal portion of the CMO. The values of stripped CMOs are very sensitive to interest rate changes; accordingly, these instruments present a greater risk of loss than conventional mortgage-backed securities.

Governmental, government-related or private entities may create mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those described above. The mortgages underlying these securities may be second mortgages or alternative mortgage instruments (for example, mortgage instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed-rate mortgages). As new types of mortgage-related securities are developed and offered to investors, an underlying fund’s adviser may, consistent with the underlying fund’s investment objective and policies, consider making investments in such new types of securities.

The average life of securities representing interests in pools of mortgage loans is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools as a result of prepayments or foreclosures of such mortgages. Prepayments are passed through to the registered holder with the regular monthly payments of principal and interest, and have the effect of reducing future payments. To the extent the mortgages underlying a security representing an interest in a pool of mortgages are prepaid, an underlying fund may experience a loss (if the price at which the respective security was acquired by the fund was at a premium over par, which represents the price at which the security will be redeemed upon prepayment) or a gain (if the price at which the respective security was acquired by the fund was at a discount from par). In addition, prepayments of such securities held by the fund will reduce the share price of the fund to the extent the market value of the securities at the time of prepayment exceeds their par value, and will increase the share price of the fund to the extent the par value of the securities exceeds their market value at the time of prepayment. Prepayments may occur with greater frequency in periods of declining mortgage rates because, among other reasons, it may be possible for mortgagors to refinance their outstanding mortgages at lower interest rates. When market interest rates increase, the market values of mortgage-backed securities decline. At the same time, however, mortgage refinancing slows, which lengthens the effective maturities of these securities. As a result, the negative effect of rate increases on the market value of mortgage securities is usually more pronounced than it is for other types of fixed income securities.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. A fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month, realizing a gain or loss, and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities to settle on a specified future date. During the roll period, the fund forgoes interest paid on the securities. The fund is compensated by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale and by the lower repurchase price at the specified future date. The fund maintains a segregated account, the dollar value of which is at least equal to its obligations with respect to dollar rolls.

 

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The funds execute mortgage dollar rolls entirely in the to-be-announced (“TBA”) market, where a fund makes a forward commitment to purchase a security and, instead of accepting delivery, the position is offset by a sale of the security with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase at a future date.

The obligation to repurchase securities on a specified future date involves the risk that the market value of the securities the fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a mortgage dollar roll files for bankruptcy, becomes insolvent or defaults on its obligations, the fund’s use of proceeds of the dollar roll may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities. Dollar roll transactions may result in a form of leverage that increases the fund’s sensitivity to interest rate changes and may increase the overall risk of investing in the fund.

Foreign Government Securities.  Among the foreign government securities in which each of the funds may invest, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, are those issued by countries with developing economies, which are countries in the initial stages of their industrialization cycles. Investing in securities of countries with developing economies involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and less mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. The markets of countries with developing economies historically have been more volatile than markets of the more mature economies of developed countries, but often have provided higher rates of return to investors.

Sovereign debt of developing countries may involve a high degree of risk, and may be in default or present the risk of default. Governmental entities responsible for repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and interest when due, and may require renegotiation or rescheduling of debt payments. In addition, prospects for repaying of principal and interest may depend on political as well as economic factors. Although some sovereign debt, such as Brady Bonds, is collateralized by U.S. government securities, repayment of principal and interest is not guaranteed by the U.S. government.

Brady Bonds.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in Brady Bonds, which are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a debt restructuring plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the “Brady Plan”). Brady Plan debt restructurings have been implemented in a number of countries, including: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar) and are actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market. Brady Bonds are not considered to be U.S. government securities. U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed-rate par bonds or floating-rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds having the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized on a one-year or longer rolling-forward basis by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed-rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of interest payments or, in the case of floating-rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year’s interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to “value recovery payments” in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (the uncollateralized amounts constitute the “residual risk”).

 

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A significant amount of the Brady Bonds that the underlying funds may purchase have no or limited collateralization, and an underlying fund will be relying for payment of interest and (except in the case of principal collateralized Brady Bonds) principal primarily on the willingness and ability of the foreign government to make payment in accordance with the terms of the Brady Bonds. In the event of a default on collateralized Brady Bonds for which obligations are accelerated, the collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. In light of the residual risk of the Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of default with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as speculative.

Sovereign obligors in developing and emerging market countries are among the world’s largest debtors to commercial banks, other governments, international financial organizations and other financial institutions. These obligors have in the past experienced substantial difficulties in servicing their external debt obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds, and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments. Holders of certain foreign sovereign debt securities may be requested to participate in the restructuring of such obligations and to extend further loans to their issuers. There can be no assurance that the Brady Bonds and other foreign sovereign debt securities in which the underlying funds may invest will not be subject to similar restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit which may adversely affect an underlying fund’s holdings. Furthermore, certain participants in the secondary market for such debt may be directly involved in negotiating the terms of these arrangements and may therefore have access to information not available to other market participants.

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 an underlying fund, depending upon the principal amount of CDs of each held by the underlying 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 domestic 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 government regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of domestic banks or domestic 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 domestic banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to domestic 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 domestic bank than about a domestic bank. CDs issued by wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries of domestic banks are guaranteed as to repayment of principal and interest (but not as to sovereign risk) by the domestic parent bank.

Obligations of domestic 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 governmental regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A domestic 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

 

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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 domestic branch of a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.

Zero Coupon, Discount and Payment-in-Kind Securities.  Zero coupon securities generally pay no cash interest (or dividends in the case of preferred stock) to their holders prior to maturity. Payment-in-kind securities allow the lender, at its option, to make current interest payments on such securities either in cash or in additional securities. Accordingly, such securities usually are issued and traded at a deep discount from their face or par value and generally are subject to greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing interest rates than securities of comparable maturities and credit quality that pay cash interest (or dividends in the case of preferred stock) on a current basis.

Yankee Bonds.  Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar-denominated bonds sold in the United States by non-U.S. issuers. As compared with bonds issued in the United States, such bond issues normally carry a higher interest rate but are less actively traded.

Premium Securities.  Premium securities are fixed income securities bearing coupon rates higher than prevailing market rates. Premium securities are typically purchased at prices greater than the principal amounts payable on maturity. If securities purchased by an underlying fund at a premium are called or sold prior to maturity, the fund will recognize a capital loss to the extent the call or sale price is less than the purchase price. Additionally, the fund will recognize a capital loss if it holds such securities to maturity.

When-Issued Securities and Delayed-Delivery Transactions.  To secure an advantageous price or yield, each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may purchase certain securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities for delayed delivery. Delivery of the securities in such cases occurs beyond the normal settlement periods, but no payment or delivery is made by a fund or an underlying fund prior to the reciprocal delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. In entering into a when-issued or delayed-delivery transaction, a fund or an underlying fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction and may be disadvantaged if the other party fails to do so.

Fixed income securities normally are subject to changes in value based upon changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest rates and the public’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. In general, fixed income government 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 by a fund or an underlying fund of securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, a segregated account in the name of the fund consisting of cash or liquid securities equal to the amount of the when-issued or delayed-delivery commitments will be established. For the purpose of determining the adequacy of the securities in the accounts, the deposited securities will be valued at market or fair value. If the market or fair value of the securities declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account daily so that the value of the account will equal the amount of such commitments by the fund involved. On the settlement date, a fund will meet its obligations 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, the sale of the securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis (which may have a value greater or less than the fund’s payment obligations).

 

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Commercial Paper.  Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. A variable amount master demand note (which is a type of commercial paper) represents a direct borrowing arrangement involving periodically fluctuating rates of interest under a letter agreement between a commercial paper issuer and an institutional lender, such as one of the underlying funds, pursuant to which the lender may determine to invest varying amounts. Transfer of such notes is usually restricted by the issuer, and there is no secondary trading market for such notes.

Ratings as Investment Criteria.  In general, the ratings of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“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 underlying funds as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities, but the underlying funds also will rely upon the independent advice of their respective advisers 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 A to this SAI contains further information concerning the rating categories of NRSROs and their significance.

Subsequent to its purchase by a fund or an underlying 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 an 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 a fund, but the fund’s subadviser or the adviser of the underlying fund will consider such events in its determination of whether such fund should continue to hold the securities. In addition, to the extent that the ratings change as a result of changes in the NRSROs or their rating systems, or due to a corporate reorganization, a fund or an underlying fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for its investments in accordance with its investment objective(s) and policies.

Derivative Transactions

General. Each fund, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may invest in certain derivative instruments (also called “Financial Instruments”), discussed below, to attempt to enhance its return or to attempt to hedge its investments, among other things, as described in the underlying fund’s prospectus. The use of Financial Instruments is subject to applicable regulations of the SEC, the several exchanges upon which they are traded and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). In addition, an underlying fund’s ability to use Financial Instruments may be limited by tax considerations. In addition to the instruments, strategies and risks described below, the advisers of the underlying funds expect that additional opportunities in connection with Financial Instruments and other similar or related techniques may become available. These new opportunities may become available as the advisers develop new techniques, as regulatory authorities broaden the range of permitted transactions and as new Financial Instruments or other techniques are developed. The advisers may utilize these opportunities to the extent that they are consistent with a fund’s investment objective and are permitted by its investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. The portfolios and underlying funds might not use any of these strategies, and there can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed.

Hedging strategies can be broadly categorized as “short hedges” and “long hedges.” A short hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential declines in the value of one or more investments held in an underlying fund’s portfolio. In a short hedge, an underlying fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the opposite direction of the price of the investment being hedged.

Each Financial Instrument purchased for an underlying fund is reviewed and analyzed by its adviser to assess the risk and reward of each such instrument in relation to the underlying fund’s investment strategy. The decision to invest in derivative instruments or conventional securities is made by measuring the respective instrument’s ability to provide value to the underlying fund.

 

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Conversely, a long hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential increases in the acquisition cost of one or more investments that an underlying fund intends to acquire. In a long hedge, an underlying fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the same direction as the price of the prospective investment being hedged. A long hedge is sometimes referred to as an anticipatory hedge. In an anticipatory hedge transaction, an underlying fund does not own a corresponding security and, therefore, the transaction does not relate to a security the underlying fund owns. Rather, it relates to a security that the underlying fund intends to acquire. If the underlying fund does not complete the hedge by purchasing the security as anticipated, the effect on the underlying fund’s portfolio is the same as if the transaction were entered into for speculative purposes.

Financial Instruments on securities may be used to attempt to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that an underlying fund owns or intends to acquire. Financial Instruments on indexes, in contrast, may be used to attempt to hedge against price movements in market sectors in which the underlying fund has invested or expects to invest. Financial Instruments on debt securities may be used to hedge either individual securities or broad debt market sectors.

Special Risks.  The use of Financial Instruments involves special considerations and risks, certain of which are described below. In general, these techniques may increase the volatility of a fund and an underlying fund and may involve a small investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed.

1. Successful use of most Financial Instruments depends upon the adviser’s ability to predict movements of the overall securities, currency and interest rate markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular strategy will succeed, and use of Financial Instruments could result in a loss, regardless of whether the intent was to enhance returns or manage risk.

2. When Financial Instruments are used for hedging purposes, the historical correlation between price movements of a Financial Instrument and price movements of the investments being hedged might change so as to make the hedge less effective or unsuccessful. For example, if the value of a Financial Instrument used in a short hedge increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged investment, the hedge would not be fully successful. Such a change in correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which Financial Instruments are traded. The effectiveness of hedges using Financial Instruments on indexes will depend on the degree to which correlation between price movements in the index and price movements in the securities being hedged can be accurately predicted.

Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match an underlying fund’s current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in options and futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities or other characteristics from the securities in which it typically invests, which involves the risk that the options or futures position will not track the performance of the fund’s other investments.

Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match an underlying fund’s investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by factors which may not affect security prices the same way, such as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument and the time remaining until expiration of the contract. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and futures are traded as compared to securities or from the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this

 

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may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund’s options or futures positions have a low correlation with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.

3. If successful, the hedging strategies discussed above can reduce the risk of loss by wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements. However, such strategies can also reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price movements. For example, if an underlying fund entered into a short hedge because its adviser projected a decline in the price of a security in the fund’s portfolio, and the price of that security increased instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially offset by a decline in the price of the Financial Instrument. Moreover, if the price of the Financial Instrument declined by more than the increase in the price of the security, the fund could suffer a loss. In either such case, the fund would have been in a better position had it not attempted to hedge at all.

4. An underlying fund might be required to maintain segregated assets as “cover” or make margin payments when it takes positions in Financial Instruments involving obligations to third parties ( i.e ., Financial Instruments other than purchased options). If a fund were unable to close out its positions in such Financial Instruments, it might be required to continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the position expired or matured. These requirements might impair a fund’s ability to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require that the fund sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time.

5. An underlying fund may be subject to the risk that the other party to a Financial Instrument (the “counterparty”) will not be able to honor its financial obligation to the fund.

An underlying fund’s ability to close out a position in a Financial Instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out the position. Therefore, there is no assurance that any position can be closed out at a time and price that is favorable to the fund.

Options on Securities. Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds and directly, may engage in transactions in options on securities, which, depending on the fund, may include the writing of covered put options and covered call options, the purchase of put and call options and the entry into closing transactions.

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. Certain underlying funds, however, may engage in option transactions only to hedge against adverse price movements in the securities that they hold or may wish to purchase and the currencies in which certain portfolio securities may be denominated. 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 a 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 an underlying fund will normally have expiration dates between one and six months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to or above the current 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.

 

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An underlying fund with option-writing authority may write (a) in-the-money call options when its adviser expects the price of the underlying security to remain flat or decline moderately during the option period, (b) at-the-money call options when the adviser expects the price of the underlying security to remain flat or advance moderately during the option period and (c) out-of-the-money call options when its adviser expects that the price of the 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. Writing 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 as such call options are used in equivalent transactions.

So long as the obligation of an underlying 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 it 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, an underlying fund will be required to deposit in escrow the underlying security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”) or similar clearing corporation and the securities exchange on which the option is written.

Certain underlying funds may purchase and sell put, call and other types of option securities that are traded on domestic or foreign exchanges or the over-the-counter market including, but not limited to, “spread” options, “knock-out” options, “knock-in” options and “average rate” or “look-back” options. “Spread” options are dependent upon the difference between the price of two securities or futures contracts, “knock-out” options are canceled if the price of the underlying asset reaches a trigger level prior to expiration, “knock-in” options only have value if the price of the underlying asset reaches a trigger level and, “average rate” or “look-back” options are options where, at expiration, the option’s strike price is set based on either the average, maximum or minimum price of the asset over the period of the option.

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. Certain underlying funds with option-writing authority may write options only on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market.

An underlying 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 it recognizes a profit or loss will depend upon whether the amount received in the closing sale transaction is more or less than the premium the fund initially paid for the original option plus the related transaction costs.

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 or may cease to exist. In the past, for example, higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events, have at times rendered certain of the facilities of the OCC and national securities exchanges inadequate 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.

 

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If, as a covered call option writer, a fund 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 which may be held or written, or exercised within certain 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 underlying funds with authority to engage in options transactions and other clients of their respective advisers 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 written by an underlying fund that are deemed covered by virtue of the fund’s holding convertible or exchangeable preferred stock or debt securities, the time required to convert or exchange and obtain physical delivery of the underlying common stock 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, an underlying 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 of the U.S. government securities for which an underlying fund may write covered call options. If a 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.

Stock Index Options.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may purchase and write put and call options on U.S. stock indexes listed on U.S. exchanges for the purpose of hedging their portfolio holdings. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included in the index. Some stock index options are based on a broad market index such as the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index or the Canadian Market Portfolio Index, or a narrower market or industry index such as the S&P 100 Index, the NYSE Arca Oil Index or the NYSE Arca Computer Technology Index.

Options on stock indexes are generally similar to options on stock except for the delivery requirements. Instead of giving the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified price, an option on a stock index gives the holder the right to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount” equal to (a) the amount, if any, by which the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the date of exercise, multiplied by (b) a fixed “index multiplier.” Receipt of this cash amount will depend upon the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based being greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash received will be equal to such difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars or a foreign currency, as the case may be, times a specified multiple. The writer of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The writer may offset its position in stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange or it may let the options expire unexercised.

The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock index options as a hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of a securities portfolio being hedged correlate with price movements of the stock index selected. Because the value of an index option depends upon movements in the

 

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level of the index rather than the price of a particular stock, whether a fund will realize a gain or loss from the purchase or writing of options on an index depends upon movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market generally or, in the case of certain indexes, in an industry or market segment, rather than movements in the price of a particular stock. Accordingly, successful use by a fund of options on stock indexes will be subject to its adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual stocks.

An underlying fund may engage in stock index options transactions when determined by its adviser to be consistent with the fund’s efforts to control risk. There can be no assurance that such judgment will be accurate or that the use of these portfolio strategies will be successful. When a fund writes an option on a stock index, the fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian in an amount equal to the market value of the option and will maintain the account while the option is open.

Currency Transactions.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may enter into forward currency exchange transactions. A forward currency contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a currency against another currency at a future date and price as agreed upon by the parties. An underlying fund that enters into a forward currency contract may either accept or make delivery of the currency at the maturity of the forward contract or, prior to maturity, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. A fund may engage in forward currency transactions in anticipation of, or to protect itself against, fluctuations in exchange rates. A fund might sell a particular foreign currency forward, for example, when it holds bonds denominated in that currency but anticipates, and seeks to be protected against, decline in the currency against the U.S. dollar. Similarly, a fund may sell the U.S. dollar forward when it holds bonds denominated in U.S. dollars but anticipates, and seeks to be protected against, a decline in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies. Further, a fund may purchase a currency forward to “lock in” the price of securities denominated in that currency which it anticipates purchasing.

To attempt to hedge against adverse movements in exchange rates between currencies, an underlying fund may enter into forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date. Such contracts may involve the purchase or sale of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar or may involve two foreign currencies. A fund may enter into forward currency contracts either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to its portfolio positions. For example, when the adviser anticipates making a purchase or sale of a security, it may enter into a forward currency contract in order to set the rate (either relative to the U.S. dollar or another currency) at which the currency exchange transaction related to the purchase or sale will be made (“transaction hedging”). Further, when the adviser believes that a particular currency may decline compared to the U.S. dollar or another currency, the fund may enter into a forward currency contract to sell the currency the adviser expects to decline in an amount approximating the value of some or all of the fund’s securities denominated in that currency. When the adviser believes that one currency may decline against a currency in which some or all of the portfolio securities held by the fund are denominated, it may enter into a forward contract to buy the currency expected to appreciate for a fixed amount (“position hedging”). In this situation, the fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward currency contract to sell a different currency for a fixed amount of the currency expected to decline where the adviser believes that the value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward currency contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the value of the currency in which portfolio securities of the fund are denominated (“cross hedging”). The fund’s custodian places (i) cash, (ii) U.S. government securities or (iii) equity securities or debt securities (of any grade) in certain currencies provided such assets are liquid, unencumbered and marked-to-market daily in a separate account of the fund having a value equal to the aggregate amount of the fund’s commitments under forward currency contracts entered into with respect to position hedges and cross hedges. If the value of the securities placed in a separate account declines, additional cash or securities are placed in the account on a daily basis so that the value of the account will equal the amount of the fund’s commitments with respect to such contracts.

 

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At or before the maturity of a forward contract, a fund either may 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 a 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 a fund’s 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 a 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 exchanges 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. If a devaluation is generally anticipated a fund may not be able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates.

Foreign Currency Options.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may purchase or write put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of hedging against changes in future currency exchange rates. Foreign currency options generally have three, six and nine month expiration cycles. Put options convey the right to sell the underlying currency at a price which is anticipated to be higher than the spot price of the currency at the time the option expires. Call options convey the right to buy the underlying currency at a price which is expected to be lower than the spot price of the currency at the time that the option expires.

An underlying fund may use foreign currency options under the same circumstances that it could use forward currency exchange transactions. A decline in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency in which a fund’s securities are denominated, for example, will reduce the U.S. dollar value of the securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In order to protect against such diminutions in the value of securities that it holds, the fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency does decline, the fund will have the right to sell the currency for a fixed amount in U.S. dollars and will thereby offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on its securities that otherwise would have resulted. Conversely, if a rise in the U.S. dollar value of a currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is projected, thereby potentially increasing the cost of the securities, the fund may purchase call options on the particular currency. The purchase of these options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the adverse movements in exchange rates. The benefit to the fund derived from purchases of foreign currency options, like the benefit derived from other types of options, will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, the fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options that would require it to forgo a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in the rates.

Futures Contracts.  The purpose of the acquisition or sale of a futures contract by a fund is to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in interest rates or currency or market values, depending on the type of contract, on securities or their values without actually buying or selling the securities. For example, in the case of stock index futures contracts, if the fund anticipates an increase in the price of stocks that it intends to purchase at a later time, the fund could enter into contracts to purchase the stock index (known as taking a “long” position) as a temporary substitute for the purchase of stocks. If an increase in the market occurs that influences the stock index as anticipated, the value of the futures contracts increases and thereby serves as a hedge against the fund’s not

 

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participating in a market advance. The fund then may close out the futures contracts by entering into offsetting futures contracts to sell the stock index (known as taking a “short” position) as it purchases individual stocks. The fund can accomplish similar results by buying securities with long maturities and selling securities with short maturities. But by using futures contracts as an investment tool to reduce risk, given the greater liquidity in the futures market, it may be possible to accomplish the same result more easily and more quickly. Of course, because the value of portfolio securities will far exceed the value of the futures contracts sold by a fund, an increase in the value of the futures contracts could only mitigate-but not totally offset-the decline in the value of the fund.

Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may enter into futures contracts or related options on futures contracts that are traded on a domestic or foreign exchange or in the over-the-counter market. Generally, these investments may be made solely for the purpose of hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities due to anticipated changes in interest rates, currency values and/or market conditions when the transactions are economically appropriate to the reduction of risks inherent in the management of the fund and not for purposes of speculation. The ability of the underlying funds to trade in futures contracts may be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable to a regulated investment company.

No consideration will be paid or received by an underlying fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the fund will be required to deposit with the broker 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 exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as “initial margin” and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned to the fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker, will be made daily as the price of the index or securities 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.” In addition, when the fund enters into a long position in a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, it must maintain an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to the total market value of the underlying futures contract, less amounts held in the fund’s commodity brokerage account at its broker. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate the fund’s existing position in the contract.

Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange on which they were entered into (or through a linked exchange) and no secondary market exists for those contracts. In addition, although an underlying fund intends to enter into futures contracts only if there is an active market for the 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; in such circumstances, 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, no assurance can be given that the price of the securities being hedged will correlate with the price movements in a futures contract and thus provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.

If an underlying 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 which it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In

 

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addition, in such situations, if the fund had 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.

The CFTC has eliminated limitations on futures transactions and options thereon by registered investment companies, provided that the registered investment company claims an exclusion from regulation as a commodity pool operator. Each fund and underlying fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act. As a result of these CFTC rule changes, a fund is no longer restricted in its ability to enter into futures transactions and options thereon under CFTC regulations. The current view of the staff of the SEC is that a fund’s 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 fund’s 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.

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. 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 foreign currency futures contract 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 writer’s 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 (“NAV”) of a fund investing in the options.

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 a fund’s adviser 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 an adviser are correct, there may be an imperfect correlation between the change in the value of the options and of the portfolio securities in the currencies being hedged.

Foreign Commodity Exchanges.  Unlike trading on domestic commodity exchanges, trading on foreign commodity exchanges is not regulated by the CFTC and may be subject to greater risks than trading on domestic exchanges. For example, some foreign exchanges may be principal markets so that no common clearing facility exists and a trader may look only to the broker for performance of the contract. In addition, unless an underlying fund trading on a foreign commodity exchange hedges against fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which trading is done on foreign exchanges, any profits that the fund might realize in trading could be eliminated by adverse changes in the exchange rate, or the fund could incur losses as a result of those changes.

Swap Agreements.  Among the hedging transactions into which certain underlying funds may enter are interest rate swaps and the purchase or sale of interest rate caps and floors. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of

 

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interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate floor.

Certain underlying funds may enter into interest rate swaps, caps and floors on either an asset-based or liability-based basis, depending on whether a fund is hedging its assets or its liabilities, and will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis, i.e ., the two payment streams are netted, with the fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as these hedging transactions are entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the investment adviser and the fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities and accordingly will not treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid securities having an aggregate NAV at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account with its custodian. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, a fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreement related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, collars and floors are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.

Swap agreements will tend to shift an underlying fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the fund agreed to exchange payments in U.S. dollars for payments in a foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the fund’s exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the fund’s investments and its share price and yield. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options.

Swap agreements are sophisticated risk management instruments that typically require a small cash investment relative to the magnitude of risks assumed. As a result, swaps can be highly volatile and may have a considerable impact on an underlying fund’s performance. Swap agreements entail both interest rate risk and credit risk. There is a risk that, based on movements of interest rates in the future, the payments made by the fund under a swap agreement will be greater than the payments it received. Swap agreements are subject to credit risks related to the counterparty’s ability to perform, and may decline in value if the counterparty’s creditworthiness deteriorates. The creditworthiness of firms with which an underlying fund enters into swaps, caps, floors or collars will be monitored by its adviser. If a firm’s creditworthiness declines, the value of the agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses. If the other party to such transaction defaults, the fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The underlying fund may also suffer losses if it is unable to terminate outstanding swap agreements or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions. The underlying fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal to the net amount, if any, of the excess of the fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to a swap transaction.

Credit Default Swaps.  Certain underlying funds may enter into credit default swaps. Credit default swap contracts involve special risks and may result in losses to an underlying fund. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. Credit default swap transactions may be difficult to trade or value, especially in the event of market disruptions. The swap market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swap market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect an underlying fund’s ability to terminate existing credit default swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Commodity-linked Derivative Instruments. Investments by an underlying fund in commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the underlying fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market

 

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movements, prolonged or intense speculation by investors, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The means by which an underlying fund seeks exposure to commodities, both directly and indirectly, including through derivatives, may be limited by the underlying fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.

An exchange-traded commodity futures contract is a derivative that provides for the purchase and sale of a specified type and quantity of a commodity during a stated delivery month for a fixed price. A futures contract on an index of commodities provides for the payment and receipt of cash based on the level of the index at settlement or liquidation of the contract. Futures contracts, by their terms, have stated expirations and, at a specified point in time prior to expiration, trading in a futures contract for the current delivery month will cease. As a result, an investor wishing to maintain exposure to a futures contract on a particular commodity with the nearest expiration must close out the position in the expiring contract and establish a new position in the contract for the next delivery month, a process referred to as “rolling”. The process of rolling a futures contract can be profitable or unprofitable depending in large part on whether the futures price for the next delivery month is less than or more than the price of the expiring contract. If the price for the new futures contract is less than the price of the expiring contract, then the market for the commodity is said to be in “backwardation”. In these markets, roll returns are positive, because the proceeds from the expiring futures contract will be greater than the price of the new contract, resulting in a net gain. The term “contango” is used to describe a market in which the price for a new futures contract is more than the price of the expiring contract. In these markets, roll returns are negative, because the proceeds from the expiring futures contract will be less than the price of the new contract, resulting in a net loss. There is a risk that even when a commodity’s price is rising, contango could create negative roll returns and result in a loss to an underlying fund.

Structured Notes and Indexed Securities. Structured notes are derivative debt instruments, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, commodity or index thereof). The terms of the instrument may be “structured” by the purchaser and the borrower issuing the note. Indexed securities may include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. The terms of structured notes and indexed securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured notes and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the unrelated indicator may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured note or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the unrelated indicator. Therefore, the value of such notes and securities may be very volatile. Structured notes and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes or indexed securities also may be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.

Other Investments and Risks

Repurchase Agreements.  Certain of the underlying funds, and each fund, may enter into repurchase agreements. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, a 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 fund’s holding period. If the value of such securities were less than the repurchase price, plus interest, the other party to the agreement would be required to provide additional collateral so that at all times the collateral is at least 102% of the repurchase price plus accrued 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 fund’s 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

 

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expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or part of the income from the agreement. The adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees (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 funds and the underlying funds, along with other affiliated entities managed by LMPFA or its affiliates, 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 fund’s entitlement orders through its securities account at its custodian bank until the agreements mature. Each joint repurchase arrangement 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.

Repurchase agreements, as utilized by an underlying fund or a fund, could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or restrictions upon the ability of an underlying fund or a fund to dispose of the underlying securities, the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which an underlying fund or a 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 part of the income from the agreement.

Securities Lending.  Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, certain underlying funds may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations meeting capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the fund’s board. An underlying 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. From time to time, an underlying fund may pay to the borrower and/or a third party which is unaffiliated with the fund or Legg Mason and is acting as a “finder” a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral received for securities loaned.

Requirements of the SEC, which may be subject to future modifications, currently provide that the following conditions must be met whenever portfolio securities are loaned: (a) an underlying 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 rises above the level of such collateral; (c) an underlying fund must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (d) an underlying 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) an underlying fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (f) voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower. However, if a material event adversely affecting the investment in the loaned securities occurs, an underlying fund must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities.

The risks in lending portfolio securities, like those associated with other extensions of secured credit, consist of possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. An underlying fund could also lose money if its short-term investment of the cash collateral declines in value over the term of the loan. Loans may be made to firms deemed by the adviser to the underlying fund to be of good standing and may not be made unless, in the judgment of the adviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.

Short Sales.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may from time to time sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which a fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of that security. To effect a short sale, the fund arranges through a broker to borrow the security it does not own to be delivered to a buyer of such security. In borrowing the security to be delivered to the buyer, the fund will become obligated to replace the security borrowed at its

 

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market price at the time of replacement, whatever that price may be. A short sale results in a gain when the price of the securities sold short declines between the date of the short sale and the date on which a security is purchased to replace the borrowed security. Conversely, a short sale will result in a loss if the price of the security sold short increases. Short selling is a technique that may be considered speculative and involves risk beyond the amount of money used to secure each transaction.

When a fund makes a short sale, the broker effecting the short sale typically holds the proceeds as part of the collateral securing the fund’s obligation to cover the short position. The fund may use securities it owns to meet such collateral obligations. Generally, the fund may not keep, and must return to the lender, any dividends or interest that accrue on the borrowed security during the period of the loan. Depending on the arrangements with a broker or the custodian, the fund may or may not receive any payments (including interest) on collateral it designates as security for the broker.

In addition, until the fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the fund, pursuant to the 1940 Act, will designate liquid assets it owns (other than short sale proceeds) as segregated assets in an amount equal to its obligation to purchase the securities sold short. The amount segregated in this manner will be increased or decreased each business day (called marked-to-the-market) in an amount equal to the changes in the market value of the fund’s obligation to purchase the security sold short. This may limit the fund’s investment flexibility as well as its ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

An underlying fund will realize a gain if the price of a security declines between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund purchases a security to replace the borrowed security. On the other hand, the fund will incur a loss if the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased and the amount of any loss increased by any premium or interest that the fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. Short selling is a technique that may be considered speculative and involves risks beyond the initial capital necessary to secure each transaction. It should be noted that possible losses from short sales differ from those losses that could arise from a cash investment in a security because losses from a short sale may be limitless, while the losses from a cash investment in a security cannot exceed the total amount of the investment in the security. Whenever an underlying fund sells short, it must segregate assets held by its custodian as collateral to cover its obligation, and maintain the collateral in an amount at least equal to the market value of the short position. To the extent that the liquid securities segregated by the fund’s custodian are subject to gain or loss, and the securities sold short are subject to the possibility of gain or loss, leverage is created. The liquid securities utilized by the underlying funds in this respect will normally be primarily composed of equity portfolio securities that are subject to gains or losses and, accordingly, when a fund executes short sales leverage will normally be created.

There is also a risk that a borrowed security will need to be returned to the broker/dealer on short notice. If the request for the return of a security occurs at a time when other short sellers of the security are receiving similar requests, a “short squeeze” can occur, meaning that an underlying fund might be compelled, at the most disadvantageous time, to replace the borrowed security with a security purchased on the open market, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received earlier.

An underlying fund has a short position in the securities sold short until it delivers to the broker/dealer the securities sold, at which time the fund receives the proceeds of the sale. The fund will normally close out a short position by purchasing on the open market and delivering to the broker/dealer an equal amount of the securities sold short.

In addition, as a hedging technique, an underlying fund may purchase call options to buy securities sold short by the underlying fund. Such options would lock in a future price and protect the underlying fund in case of an unanticipated increase in the price of a security sold short by the underlying fund.

 

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Short Sales against the Box.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may enter into short sales “against the box.” A fund may enter into a short sale of common stock such that when the short position is open the fund owns an 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. This kind of short sale, which is described as “against the box,” will be entered into by a fund 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 prior to delivery the fund will have to pay an amount equal to any dividends paid on the common stock sold short, the fund will receive the dividends from the preferred stock or interest from the debt 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 its custodian, convertible preferred stock or convertible debt securities in connection with short sales against the box.

Restricted Securities.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may invest in securities the disposition of which is subject to legal or contractual restrictions. An illiquid security is any security which may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which the fund has valued the security. Illiquid securities may include (a) repurchase agreements with maturities greater than seven days, (b) futures contracts and options thereon for which a liquid secondary market does not exist, (c) TDs maturing in more than seven calendar days, (d) securities subject to contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments that lack readily available markets and (e) securities of new and early stage companies whose securities are not publicly traded.

Under SEC regulations, certain securities acquired through private placements can be traded freely among qualified purchasers. The SEC has stated that an investment company’s board of directors, or its investment adviser acting under authority delegated by the board, may determine that a security eligible for trading under these regulations is “liquid.” Investing in these restricted securities could have the effect of increasing an underlying fund’s illiquidity if qualified purchasers become, for a time, uninterested in buying these securities.

Restricted securities are securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale, such as private placements. Such restrictions might prevent the sale of restricted securities at a time when the sale would otherwise be desirable. Restricted securities may be sold only (1) pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) or another exemption, (2) in privately negotiated transactions or (3) in public offerings with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A securities, although not registered in the United States, may be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Where registration is required, a fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the fund is able to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the fund might obtain a less favorable price than expected when it decided to sell.

Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and a fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities promptly. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing illiquid investments than those securities for which a more active market exists. The fund does not consider non-U.S. securities to be restricted if they can be freely sold in the principal markets in which they are traded, even if they are not registered for sale in the United States.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain underlying funds, may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks or broker/dealers. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a money market instrument held by an underlying fund coupled with an agreement by the underlying fund to repurchase the instrument at a stated price, date and interest payment. The fund will use the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement to purchase other money market instruments which either mature at a date simultaneous with or prior to the expiration of the reverse repurchase agreement or which are held under an agreement to resell maturing as of that time.

 

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An underlying fund will enter into a reverse repurchase agreement only when the interest income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the transaction. Under the 1940 Act, reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be borrowings by the seller. Entry into such agreements requires the creation and maintenance of a segregated account with the fund’s custodian consisting of U.S. government securities, cash or cash equivalents. The segregated assets will be marked-to-market daily and additional assets will be segregated on any day in which the assets fall below the repurchase price. A fund’s liquidity and ability to manage its assets might be affected when it sets aside cash or portfolio securities to cover such commitments.

Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the underlying fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer, or its trustee or receiver, may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce a fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities, and the fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.

Leveraging.  Each of the funds, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds, may from time to time leverage its investments by purchasing securities with borrowed money. A fund is required under the 1940 Act to maintain at all times an asset coverage of 300% of the amount of its borrowings. If, as a result of market fluctuations or for any other reason, the fund’s asset coverage drops below 300%, the fund must reduce its outstanding borrowings within three business days so as to restore its asset coverage to the 300% level.

Certain of the underlying funds may borrow from banks, on a secured or unsecured basis, in order to leverage their portfolios. Leverage creates an opportunity for increased returns to shareholders of an underlying fund but, at the same time, creates special risk considerations. Any gain in the value of securities purchased with borrowed money that exceeds the interest paid on the amount borrowed would cause the NAV of the underlying fund’s shares to increase more rapidly than otherwise would be the case. Conversely, any decline in the value of securities purchased would cause the NAV of the underlying fund’s shares to decrease more rapidly than otherwise would be the case. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater capital gain but at the same time increases exposure to capital risk. Therefore, leverage may exaggerate changes in the NAV of an underlying fund’s shares and in an underlying fund’s yield. Although the principal or stated value of such borrowings will be fixed, an underlying fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leverage will create interest or dividend expenses for an underlying fund that can exceed the income from the assets retained. To the extent the income or other gain derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest or dividends an underlying fund will have to pay in respect thereof, the underlying fund’s net income or other gain will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or other gain from the incremental assets is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the net income or other gain of an underlying fund will be less than if leverage had not been used. If the amount of income for the incremental securities is insufficient to cover the cost of borrowing, securities might have to be liquidated to obtain required funds. Depending on market or other conditions, such liquidations could be disadvantageous to an underlying fund.

Investment in Other Mutual Funds.  The investments of each fund are concentrated in underlying funds, so each fund’s investment performance is directly related to the investment performance of the underlying funds held by it. The ability of each fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the ability of the underlying funds to meet their objectives as well as the allocation among those underlying funds by LMGAA. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of any fund or any underlying fund will be achieved.

The underlying funds are subject to management risk. This is the risk that the adviser’s security selection process, which is subject to a number of constraints, may not produce the intended results.

The funds will invest only in classes of shares of the underlying funds that are offered only to institutional and other eligible investors, such as the funds, at NAV and, accordingly, will not pay any sales loads or 12b-1

 

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service or distribution fees in connection with their investments in shares of the underlying funds. The funds, however, will indirectly bear their pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred by the underlying Legg Mason-affiliated funds that are applicable to the class of shares owned by the fund. The investment returns of each fund, therefore, will be net of the expenses of the underlying funds in which it is invested. These expenses would be in addition to the expenses that the fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

When a fund redeems shares from an underlying fund, the underlying fund, under certain circumstances, may choose to pay the fund’s net redemption proceeds with an in-kind distribution of a portion of the underlying fund’s securities rather than in cash. If the fund does not want to invest in such securities directly, it will liquidate such securities as soon as practicable. The liquidation of securities may cause a fund to incur brokerage or other transaction costs. In addition, there can be no assurance that when a fund sells these securities, it would receive the value attributed to the securities by the underlying fund.

In addition to its investments in underlying funds, each fund may invest in shares of Exchange Traded Funds. Exchange Traded Funds hold funds of securities that seek to track the performance of a specific index or basket of stocks. As with other investments in shares of mutual funds, a fund holding shares of an Exchange Traded Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the Exchange Traded Funds’ expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the fund’s own operations.

Securities of Unseasoned Issuers.  Each fund, through its investment in certain of the underlying funds or directly, may invest in securities of unseasoned issuers, which may have limited marketability and, therefore, may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. In addition, certain securities may lack a significant operating history and be dependent on products or services without an established market share.

Non-Publicly Traded and Illiquid Securities. The sale of securities that are not publicly traded is typically restricted under federal securities laws. As a result, an underlying fund may be forced to sell these securities at less than fair market value or may not be able to sell them when the underlying funds’ advisers believe it desirable to do so. Investments by an underlying fund in illiquid securities are subject to the risk that should the underlying fund desire to sell any of these securities when a ready buyer is not available at a price that the fund’s adviser deems representative of its value, the value of the underlying fund’s net assets could be adversely affected.

Forward Roll Transactions. Forward roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by an underlying fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities. Forward roll transactions are considered borrowings by a fund. Although investing the proceeds of these borrowings in repurchase agreements or money market instruments may provide an underlying fund with the opportunity for higher income, this leveraging practice will increase a fund’s exposure to capital risk and higher current expenses. Any income earned from the securities purchased with the proceeds of these borrowings that exceeds the cost of the borrowings would cause an underlying fund’s NAV per share to increase faster than would otherwise be the case; any decline in the value of the securities purchased would cause an underlying fund’s NAV per share to decrease faster than would otherwise be the case.

Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”). An underlying fund may invest in the securities of ETFs. ETFs are ownership interests in investment companies, unit investment trusts, depositary receipts and other pooled investment vehicles that are traded on an exchange and that hold a portfolio of securities or other financial instruments (the “Underlying Assets”). The Underlying Assets are typically selected to correspond to the securities that comprise a particular broad based, sector or international index, or to provide exposure to a particular industry sector or asset class, including precious metals or other commodities,. “Short ETFs” seek a return similar to the inverse, or a multiple of the inverse, of a reference index. Short ETFs carry additional risks because their Underlying Assets may include a variety of financial instruments, including futures and options on futures, options on securities and securities indexes, swap agreements and forward contracts, and may engage in short sales. An ETF’s losses on short sales are potentially unlimited; however, the fund’s risk would be limited to the amount it invested in the ETF.

 

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Unlike shares of typical mutual funds or unit investment trusts, shares of ETFs are designed to be traded throughout the trading day, bought and sold based on market prices rather than NAV. Shares can trade at either a premium or discount to NAV. The portfolios held by ETFs are publicly disclosed on each trading day and an approximation of actual NAV is disseminated throughout the trading day. Because of this transparency, the trading prices of ETFs tend to closely track the actual NAV of the Underlying Assets and an underlying fund will generally gain or lose value depending on the performance of the Underlying Assets. In the future, as new products become available, an underlying fund may invest in ETFs that do not have this same level of transparency and, therefore, may be more likely to trade at a larger discount or premium to actual NAVs. Gains or losses on an underlying fund’s investment in ETFs will ultimately depend on the purchase and sale price of the ETF. An active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained and trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

An investment in an ETF involves risks similar to investing directly in the Underlying Assets, including the risk that the value of the Underlying Assets may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of their issuers, the value of securities and other financial instruments generally, and other market factors.

The performance of an ETF will be reduced by transaction and other expenses, including fees paid by the ETF to service providers. Investors in ETFs are eligible to receive their portion of income, if any, accumulated on the securities held in the portfolio, less fees and expenses of the ETF.

ETFs that invest in commodities may be, or may become subject to CFTC trading regulations that limit the amount of commodity contracts an ETF may hold. Such regulations could hurt the value of such ETFs’ securities. Additionally, some commodity ETFs invest in commodity futures which can lose money even when commodity prices are rising. (See “Commodity-linked Derivative Instruments” above)

If an ETF is a registered investment company (as defined in the 1940 Act), the limitations applicable to an underlying fund’s ability to purchase securities issued by other investment companies apply. However, the SEC has granted orders for exemptive relief to certain ETFs that permit investments in those ETFs by other investment companies in excess of these limits. The SEC has issued such exemptive orders to certain ETFs in which an underlying fund may invest, which permits investment companies to invest in such ETFs beyond the limitations in the 1940 Act, subject to certain terms and conditions. Under the orders, an underlying fund generally may acquire up to 25% of the assets of an ETF.

If an ETF is a registered investment company (as defined in the 1940 Act), the limitations applicable to an underlying fund’s ability to purchase securities issued by other investment companies apply. Some ETFs are not structured as investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act.

Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”). An underlying fund may invest in ETNs. ETNs are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus applicable fees. ETNs are publicly traded on a U.S. securities exchange. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day’s market benchmark or strategy factor.

ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When an underlying fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. These fees and expenses generally reduce the

 

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return realized at maturity or upon redemption from an investment in an ETN; therefore, the value of the index underlying the ETN must increase significantly in order for an investor in an ETN to receive at least the principal amount of the investment at maturity or upon redemption. An underlying fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. ETNs are also subject to tax risk. The IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs. There may be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its NAV.

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”). An underlying fund may invest in MLPs, which are limited partnerships (or similar entities) that are operated by one or more general partners. Limited partners own the remainder of the partnership through limited partnership interests (often referred to as “common units”) and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management. Common units generally are registered with the SEC and are publicly traded on U.S. securities exchanges or in the OTC market, and their value generally fluctuates based on prevailing market conditions and the success of the MLP. When investing in an MLP, the fund intends to purchase publicly traded common units.

Investing in MLPs is subject to the risks applicable to investing in a partnership as compared to a corporation, including fewer protections afforded to investors. For instance, owners of common units in an MLP may have limited voting rights and no ability to elect directors. Unitholders of an MLP generally are limited in their liability, but creditors typically have the right to seek the return of distributions made to unitholders if the liability in question arose before the distributions were paid. This liability may stay attached to the unitholder even after the units are sold.

MLPs generally engage in natural resources-based activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and certain marketing of mineral or natural resources, although they may also finance entertainment, research and development and other projects. Investments held by an MLP may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLP’s ability to vary its portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly-based companies. Risks involved with investing in an MLP also include the risks associated with the specific industry or industries in which the partnership invests, such as the risks of investing in real estate or oil and gas industries. The value of an investment in an MLP may be directly affected by the prices of natural resources commodity prices. The volatility of, and interrelationships between, commodity prices can also indirectly affect certain MLPs due to the potential impact on the volume of commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed. An underlying fund’s investment in an MLP may be adversely affected by market perceptions that the performance and distributions of MLPs are directly tied to commodity prices.

Non-Diversified Portfolios. Each fund and certain of the underlying funds are classified as non-diversified investment companies under the 1940 Act. Since, as a non-diversified investment company, each such fund is permitted to invest a greater proportion of its assets in the securities of a smaller number of issuers, each such fund may be subject to greater risk with respect to its individual portfolio than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

Restrictions on Foreign Investment.  Some countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities. For example, certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company, or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company that may have less advantageous terms than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals or limit the repatriation of funds for a period of time.

Smaller capital markets, while often growing in trading volume, have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities in many smaller capital markets are less liquid and their prices may be more volatile

 

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than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Brokerage commissions, custodial services, and other costs relating to investment in smaller capital markets are generally more expensive than in the United States. Such markets have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Further, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some countries having smaller capital markets, which may result in an underlying fund incurring additional costs and delays in transporting and custodying such securities outside such countries. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of a fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of an underlying fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause such fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to a fund because of subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in countries having smaller capital markets than there is in the United States.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The funds have adopted the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies below 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 of the fund present at a shareholder 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. The Board may change non-fundamental investment policies at any time.

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 change in values or assets will not constitute a violation of the restriction.

Fundamental Investment Policies

Each fund’s 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 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.

 

36


(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.

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 fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund’s 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 fund’s 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 fund holdings is known as “leveraging.” Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of a fund’s 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 fund’s 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 fund’s net investment income in any given period. Currently no fund contemplates borrowing money for leverage, but if a fund does so, it will not likely do so to a substantial degree. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted to permit a 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 fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund’s 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 issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 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 a fund’s manager or subadviser believes the income justifies the attendant risks. Each fund also will be permitted by this

 

37


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 a 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 fund’s 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 a fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund’s 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 fund’s outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of a fund’s portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the fund’s net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased to the extent of the fund’s 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 fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent a 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 fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If a 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.

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.

 

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Non-Fundamental Investment Policy

Each fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are illiquid.

Under Section 12(d)(l)(G) of the 1940 Act, each fund may invest substantially all of its assets in the underlying funds.

Due to their investment objectives and policies, each fund will concentrate more than 25% of its assets in the mutual fund industry. In accordance with the funds’ investment programs set forth in the prospectus, each fund may invest more than 25% of its assets in certain underlying funds. However, each underlying fund in which the funds may invest will not concentrate more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

Non-Diversified Status

Each fund is currently classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act. A diversified 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 its total assets, (a) more than 5% of the fund’s 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. A non-diversified fund is not subject to these limitations. Therefore, as a non-diversified fund, a fund can invest a greater portion of its assets in a single issuer or a limited number of issuers than may a diversified fund. In this regard, the funds are subject to greater risk than diversified funds.

Portfolio Turnover

For reporting purposes, a fund’s fund 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 fund’s 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 a subadviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2009 and 2010, the portfolio turnover rates were as follows:

 

Name of Fund

   Fiscal Year
Ended 01/31/09
  Fiscal Year
Ended 01/31/10

Allocation 100%

   38%   [    ]%

Allocation 85%

   41%   [    ]%

Allocation 70%

   31%   [    ]%

Allocation 50%

   32%   [    ]%

Allocation 30%

   37%   [    ]%

Income Fund

   29%   [    ]%

In the event that portfolio turnover increases, this increase necessarily results in correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be paid by each fund.

The turnover rates of the underlying funds ranged from [    ]% to [    ]% during their most recent fiscal years. The underlying funds do not limit their portfolio turnover rates should the adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities. Higher turnover rates may result in higher expenses being incurred by the underlying funds.

 

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Under certain market conditions, a fund may experience high portfolio turnover as a result of its investment strategies. A fund may purchase or sell securities to: (a) accommodate purchases and sales of its shares, (b) change the percentages of its assets invested in each of the underlying funds in response to market conditions and (c) maintain or modify the allocation of its assets between equity and fixed income funds and among the underlying funds within the percentage limits described in the prospectuses.

In the event that portfolio turnover increases, this increase necessarily results in correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be paid by a fund. To the extent the 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 IRAs and other retirement plans which are not taxed currently on accumulations in their accounts).

 

40


MANAGEMENT

The business affairs of the funds are managed by or under the direction of the Board of the Trust. The Board elects officers who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the funds and who execute policies authorized by the Board.

The Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the funds as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), and executive officers of the Trust, 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, New York, New York 10018.

 

Name and Year of Birth

  

Position(s)

with Trust

  

Term of

Office* and

Length of

Time

Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of

Funds
in Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Trustee

  

Other Board

Memberships Held

by Trustee During

Past 5 Years

Independent Trustees:

           

Paul R. Ades

Born 1940

   Trustee    Since 1983    Law firm of Paul R. Ades, PLLC (since 2000)    53    None
Andrew L. Breech Born 1952    Trustee    Since 1991    President, Dealer Operating Control Service, Inc. (automotive retail management) (since 1985)    53    None

Dwight B. Crane

Born 1937

   Trustee    Since 1981    Professor Emeritus, Harvard Business School (since 2007); formerly, Professor, Harvard Business School (1969 to 2007); Independent Consultant (since 1969)    53    None
Frank G. Hubbard Born 1937    Trustee    Since 1993    President, Avatar International Inc. (business development) (since 1998)    53    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)    53    None

 

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Name and Year of Birth

  

Position(s)

with Trust

  

Term of

Office* and

Length of

Time

Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of

Funds
in Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Trustee

  

Other Board

Memberships Held

by Trustee During

Past 5 Years

David E. Maryatt

Born 1936

   Trustee    Since 1983    Private Investor; President and Director, ALS Co. (real estate management and development firm) (since 1992)    53    None

Jerome H. Miller

Born 1938

   Trustee    Since 1995    Retired    53    None

Ken Miller

Born 1942

   Trustee    Since 1983    Chairman, Young Stuff Apparel Group, Inc. (apparel manufacturer), division of Li & Fung (since 1963)    53    None

John J. Murphy

Born 1944

   Trustee    Since 2002    Founder and Senior Principal, Murphy Capital Management (investment advice) (since 1983)    53   

Trustee, UBS funds (52 funds); Director, Nicholas Applegate funds

(12 funds); Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (11 funds) (since 2002); formerly, Director, Atlantic Stewardship Bank (2004 to 2005); formerly, Director, Barclays International Funds Group Ltd. and affiliated companies (1983 to 2003)

Thomas F. Schlafly

Born 1948

   Trustee    Since 1983    President, The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. (since 1989); Partner, Thompson Coburn, LLP (law firm); formerly, Of Counsel, Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (law firm) (1984 to 2009)    53    Director, Citizens National Bank of Greater St. Louis (since 2006)

Jerry A. Viscione

Born 1944

   Trustee    Since 1993    Retired    53    None

 

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Name and Year of Birth

  

Position(s)

with Trust

  

Term of

Office* and

Length of

Time

Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of

Funds
in Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Trustee

  

Other Board

Memberships Held

by Trustee During

Past 5 Years

Interested Trustees:

        

R. Jay Gerken, CFA†

Born 1951

  

Trustee,

President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

   Since 2002    Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”); Chairman of the Board and Trustee/Director of 146 funds associated with Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) and its affiliates; President of LMPFA (since 2006); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason, Inc. or its affiliates; President and CEO, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”) and Chairman, President and CEO, Citi Fund Management, Inc. (“CFM”) (formerly registered investment advisers) (since 2002); formerly, Managing Director of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) (1989 to 2006); formerly, Chairman, President and CEO, Travelers Investment Adviser Inc. (2002 to 2005)    133    Former Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (11 funds) (2002 to 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 any 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 LMPFA and/or certain of its affiliates.

 

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Name, Year of Birth
and Address

  

Position(s)
with Trust

  

Term of Office*
and Length of
Time Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Officers:

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer    Since 2002    Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co.; Chairman of the Board and Trustee/Director of 146 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 (since 2006); formerly, Chairman of SBFM and CFM (2002 to 2005); formerly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers Investment Adviser Inc. (2002 to 2005)

Ted P. Becker

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Chief Compliance Officer    Since 2006    Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason (since 2006); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason & Co (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer with certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006); Chief Compliance Officer of LMPFA and certain affiliates (since 2006); formerly, 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

100 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

   Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Identity Theft Prevention Officer    Since 2006 and 2008    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); Identity Theft Prevention Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2008); formerly, Chief Anti- Money Laundering Compliance Officer of TD Waterhouse (prior to 2004)

 

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Name, Year of Birth
and Address

  

Position(s)
with Trust

  

Term of Office*
and Length of
Time Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Robert I. Frenkel

Born 1954

100 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); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2003); formerly, Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for CAM (2000 to 2005); formerly, Secretary of CFM (2001 to 2004)

Thomas C. Mandia

Born 1962

100 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2000    Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Assistant Secretary of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006); formerly, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel for CAM (1992 to 2005)

Kaprel Ozsolak

Born 1965

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    Since 2004    Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); formerly, Vice President at CAM (1996 to 2005); formerly, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2004 to 2005); formerly, Controller of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2002 to 2004)

Steven Frank

Born 1967

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Controller    Since 2005    Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. or its predecessors (since 2002); Controller of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (2001 to 2005)

Albert Laskaj

Born 1977

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Controller    Since 2007    Vice President of Legg Mason (since 2008); Controller of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2007); formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2007); formerly, Accounting Manager of certain mutual funds associated with certain predecessor firms of Legg Mason & Co. (2003 to 2005)

 

45


Name, Year of Birth
and Address

  

Position(s)
with Trust

  

Term of Office*
and Length of
Time Served**

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Jeanne M. Kelly

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Senior Vice President    Since 2005    Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Senior Vice President of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); formerly, Director of Global Fund Administration, CAM (1996 to 2005)

 

* Each officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.
** Indicates the earliest year in which the officer took office for any fund in the Legg Mason Partners fund complex.

Officers of the Trust receive no compensation from the funds, although they may be reimbursed by the funds for reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses for attending Board meetings.

Each Trustee previously served as a trustee or director of certain predecessor funds in the fund complex, and each Trustee was thus initially selected by the board of the applicable predecessor funds. In connection with a restructuring of the fund complex completed in 2007, the Board was established to oversee mutual funds in the fund complex that invest primarily in equity securities, including the funds, with a view to ensuring continuity of representation by board members of predecessor funds on the Board and in order to establish a Board with experience in and focused on overseeing equity mutual funds, which experience would be further developed and enhanced over time.

In connection with the restructuring, the Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following as to each Trustee: his character and integrity; his service as a board member of predecessor funds; his willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; the fact that his service would be consistent with the requirements of the Trust’s retirement policies; as to each Trustee other than Mr. Gerken, his status as not being an “interested person” of the funds, as defined in the 1940 Act; and, as to Mr. Gerken, his status as a representative of Legg Mason. Independent Trustees constitute more than 75% of the Board. Mr. Gerken serves as Chairman of the Board and is an interested person of the funds.

The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite attributes and skills. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the manager, subadviser, other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties support this conclusion. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Trustee.

Each Trustee has served as a board member of the funds and other funds (or predecessor funds) in the fund complex for at least eight years. Mr. Ades has substantial experience practicing law. Mr. Breech has substantial experience as the chief executive of a private corporation. Mr. Crane has substantial experience as an economist, academic and business consultant. Mr. Hubbard has substantial experience in business development and was a senior executive of an operating company. Mr. Johnson has substantial experience as the chief executive of an operating company and in the financial services industry, including as an actuary and pension consultant. Mr. Maryatt has substantial experience in business focusing on real estate development. Mr. Jerome Miller had substantial experience as an executive in the asset management group of a major broker/dealer. Mr. Ken Miller has substantial experience as a senior executive of an operating company. Mr. Murphy has substantial experience in the asset management business and has current and prior service on the boards of other mutual funds and corporations. Mr. Schlafly has substantial experience practicing law and also serves as the president of a private

 

46


corporation and as director of a bank. Mr. Viscione has substantial experience as an academic and senior executive of a major university. Mr. Gerken has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and other funds in the fund complex since 2002 and has substantial experience as an executive and portfolio manager and in leadership roles with Legg Mason and affiliated entities. References to the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board.

The Board has five standing Committees: the Audit Committee, the Contract Committee, the Governance Committee, the Performance Committee and the Compensation and Nominating Committee (which is a sub-committee of the Governance Committee). Each Committee is chaired by an Independent Trustee. The Audit Committee and the Governance Committee are composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Contract Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. The Performance Committee is composed of three Independent Trustees and the Chairman of the Board. The Compensation and Nominating Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. The Lead Independent Trustee (the “Lead Trustee”) serves as the Chair of the Governance Committee. Where deemed appropriate, the Board may constitute ad hoc committees.

The Lead Trustee and the chairs of the Audit and Performance Committees work with the Chairman of the Board to set the agendas for Board and committee meetings. The Lead Trustee also serves as a key point person for interaction between management and the Independent Trustees. Through the committees the Independent Trustees consider and address important matters involving the fund, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that its committees help ensure that the fund has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board also has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate, given Legg Mason’s sponsorship of the fund and that investors have selected Legg Mason to provide overall management to the fund. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information between the Independent Trustees and management, including the fund’s subadviser.

The Audit Committee oversees the scope of the funds’ audit, the funds’ accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the integrity of the funds’ accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices, the qualifications and independence of the funds’ independent registered public accounting firm and the funds’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee approves, and recommends to the Board for 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 funds 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 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 Contract Committee is charged with assisting the Board in requesting and evaluating such information from the manager and subadviser as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of each fund’s investment management agreement and subadvisory agreement, and distribution arrangements.

The Performance Committee is charged with assisting the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities over the funds and fund management with respect to investment management, objectives, strategies, policies and procedures, performance and performance benchmarks.

 

47


The Governance Committee is charged with overseeing Board governance and related Trustee practices, including selecting and nominating persons for election or appointment by the Board as Trustees of the Trust. The Governance Committee has formed the Compensation and Nominating Committee, the function of which is to recommend to the Board the appropriate compensation for serving as a Trustee on the Board. In addition, the Compensation and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, selecting and recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Committee may consider nominees recommended by a shareholder. In evaluating potential nominees, including any nominees recommended by shareholders, the Committee takes into consideration various factors, including, among any others it may deem relevant, character and integrity, business and professional experience, and whether the committee believes the person has the ability to apply sound and independent business judgment and would act in the interest of the funds and their shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trust’s 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.

Service providers to the funds, primarily the funds’ manager and subadviser and, as appropriate, their affiliates, have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the funds, which includes responsibility for risk management. As an integral part of its responsibility for oversight of the funds, the Board oversees risk management of the funds’ investment program and business affairs. Oversight of the risk management process is part of the Board’s general oversight of the funds and their service providers. The Board has emphasized to the funds’ manager and subadviser the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management. The Board exercises oversight of the risk management process primarily through the Audit Committee and the Performance Committee, and through oversight by the Board itself.

The funds are subject to a number of risks, including investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the funds. The funds’ manager, the funds’ subadviser, the affiliates of the manager and the subadviser, or various service providers to the funds employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the funds’ and the manager’s Chief Compliance Officer and the manager’s chief risk officer, as well as personnel of the subadviser and other service providers, such as the funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee, the Performance Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management, as well as events and circumstances that have arisen and responses thereto. The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the funds can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve each fund’s goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations.

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 Trust’s 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.

 

48


The Board met [    ] times during the funds’ last fiscal year. The Audit, Contract, Compensation and Nominating Governance and Performance Committees met [    ], [    ], [    ], [    ], [    ] and [    ] times, respectively, during the funds’ last fiscal year.

The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned by the Trustees in each fund and other investment companies in the fund complex supervised by the Trustees as of December 31, 2009.

 

       Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Funds     Aggregate Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen
by Trustee
 

Name of Trustee

   Allocation
100%
    Allocation
85%
    Allocation
70%
    Allocation
50%
    Allocation
30%
    Income
Fund
   

Independent Trustee

              

Paul R. Ades

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Andrew L. Breech

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Dwight B. Crane

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Frank G. Hubbard

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Howard J. Johnson

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

David E. Maryatt

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Jerome H. Miller

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Ken Miller

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

John J. Murphy

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Thomas F. Schlafly

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Jerry A. Viscione

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

Interested Trustee

              

R. Jay Gerken

   [           [           [           [           [           [           [            

As of the end of the calendar year, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the manager, subadviser or distributor of the funds, or of a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the manager, subadviser or distributor of the funds.

Information regarding compensation paid by the funds to the 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 funds for his service as Trustee, but may be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings.

The funds pay a pro rata share of the Trustees fees based upon asset size. Each fund currently pays each of the Independent Trustees his pro rata share of: an annual fee of $120,000 plus $20,000 for each regularly scheduled Board meeting attended in person, and $1,000 for each telephonic Board meeting in which that Trustee participates. The lead Independent Trustee receives an additional $25,000 per year and the Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional $15,000 per year and the Chairs of the Performance, Contract and Compensation Committees receive an additional $12,500 per year. Other members of the Performance, Contract and Compensation Committees receive an additional $10,000 per year.

 

49


Information regarding compensation paid to the Trustees is shown below.

 

Aggregate Compensation From the Funds for the Fiscal Year Ended 1/31/09

 

Name of Trustee

  Allocation
100% (3)
    Allocation
85% (3)
    Allocation
70% (3)
    Allocation
50% (3)
    Allocation
30% (3)
    Income
Fund (3)
    Total
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits
Paid as

Part of Fund
Expenses (3)
    Total
Compensation
from Fund
Complex
Paid to
Trustee (2)
    Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
 

Independent Trustees

  

               

Paul R. Ades

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Andrew L. Breech

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Dwight B. Crane

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Robert M. Frayn, Jr. (4)

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Frank G. Hubbard

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Howard J. Johnson

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

David E. Maryatt

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Jerome H. Miller

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Ken Miller

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

John J. Murphy

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Thomas F. Schlafly

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Jerry A. Viscione

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

Interested Trustee

                 

R. Jay Gerken (1)

  [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [           [        

 

(1)

Mr. Gerken was not compensated for his services as a Trustee because of his affiliation with the manager.

(2)

Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2009.

(3)

Information is for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.

(4)

Mr. Frayn retired from the Board effective December 31, 2009.

As of May 4, 2009, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of each of the funds. As of May 4, 2009, to the knowledge of the funds, the following shareholders or groups (as the term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) owned, beneficially or of record, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the following classes of the funds.

 

Fund

   Class   

Shareholder

   Percent
Ownership

Allocation 100%

        
        
        
        
        

Allocation 85%

        
        
        
        
        

 

50


Fund

   Class   

Shareholder

   Percent
Ownership

Allocation 70%

        
        
        
        
        

Allocation 50%

        
        
        
        
        

Allocation 30%

        
        
        
        
        

Income Fund

        
        
        

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES

Manager

LMPFA serves as investment manager to each fund pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Management Agreement”). LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to each fund and manages the cash and short-term instruments of the funds. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. As of [March 31, 2010], LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $[    ] billion. LMPFA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of [March 31, 2010], Legg Mason’s asset management operation had aggregate assets under management of approximately $[    ] billion.

The manager has agreed, under each Management Agreement, subject to the supervision of the funds’ Board, to provide each fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision; furnish a continuous investment program for each fund’s securities holdings and other investments consistent with each fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions; and place orders pursuant to its investment determinations. The manager is permitted to enter into contracts with subadvisers or subadministrators, subject to the Board’s approval. The manager has entered into one or more subadvisory agreements, as described below.

The manager performs administrative and management services as reasonably requested by the funds necessary for the operation of the funds, such as (i) supervising the overall administration of the funds, 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.

 

51


Each Management Agreement will continue in effect for its initial term and thereafter from year to year, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the funds (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.

Each Management Agreement provides that the manager may render services to others. Each Management Agreement is terminable without penalty on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice by the funds when authorized either by a vote of holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the funds (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 (as defined in the 1940 Act). No Management Agreement is assignable by the Trust except with the consent of the manager. Each 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 funds, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of its or their obligations and duties.

LMPFA will (i) maintain office facilities for the funds, (ii) furnish the funds with statistical and research data, clerical help and accounting, data processing, bookkeeping, internal auditing and legal services and certain other services required by the funds, (iii) prepare reports to each fund’s shareholders and (iv) prepare tax returns, reports to and filings with the SEC and state Blue Sky authorities. LMPFA will bear all of the expenses of its employees and overhead in connection with its duties under each Management Agreement.

No fee is charged under any Management Agreement. Prior to December 1, 2007, each fund paid LMPFA out of its assets a monthly fee in arrears equal to 0.20% per annum of the fund’s average daily net assets during the month.

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, the management fees paid to LMPFA (or to SBFM, for periods prior to August 1, 2006) for each fund were as follows:

 

Fund

   2010     2009    2008

Allocation 100%

   $ [0   $ 0    $ 38,965

Allocation 85%

     [0     0    $ 1,146,148

Allocation 70%

     [0     0    $ 970,029

Allocation 50%

     [0     0    $ 581,614

Allocation 30%

     [0     0    $ 182,345

Income

     [0     0    $ 71,522

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, the funds had the following reimbursements:

 

Fund

   2010  

Allocation 100%

   $ [            

Allocation 85%

   $ [            

Allocation 70%

   $ [            

Allocation 50%

   $ [            

Allocation 30%

   $ [            

Income Fund

   $ [            

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the funds had the following reimbursements:

 

Fund

   2009

Allocation 100%

   $ 183,866

Allocation 85%

   $ 352,493

Allocation 70%

   $ 10,730

 

52


Fund

   2009

Allocation 50%

   $ 5

Allocation 30%

   $ 2,629

Income Fund

   $ 44,087

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the funds had the following management fees waived:

 

Fund

   2008

Allocation 100%

   $ 38,965

Allocation 85%

     N/A

Allocation 70%

     N/A

Allocation 50%

     N/A

Allocation 30%

     N/A

Income

   $ 71,522

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, the funds had the following reimbursements:

 

Fund

   2008

Allocation 100%

   $ 116,975

Allocation 85%

   $ 621,334

Allocation 70%

   $ 130,887

Allocation 50%

   $ 10,940

Allocation 30%

   $ 22,713

Income Fund

   $ 88,229

Each fund, as a shareholder in the underlying funds, will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any investment management fees and other expenses paid by the underlying funds. The effective management fee of each of the underlying funds in which the funds may invest is set forth below as a percentage rate of the underlying fund’s average net assets:

 

Underlying Fund

   Management Fee  

Legg Mason Batterymarch Emerging Markets Trust

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Batterymarch International Equity Trust

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Capital Management American Leading Companies Trust

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Capital Management Growth Trust, Inc.

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity Trust

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Capital Management Special Investment Trust, Inc.

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust, Inc.

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason ClearBridge U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund

   [         ]% 

Legg Mason International Opportunities Bond Fund

   [         ]% 

 

53


Underlying Fund

   Management Fee  

Legg Mason Strategic Real Return Fund

   [         ]% 

Royce Special Equity Fund

   [         ]% 

Royce Total Return Fund

   [         ]% 

Royce Value Fund

   [         ]% 

Western Asset Absolute Return Portfolio

   [         ]% 

Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio

   [         ]% 

Western Asset High Yield Portfolio

   [         ]% 

Western Asset Inflation Indexed Plus Bond Portfolio

   [         ]% 

Subadviser

LMGAA serves as the subadviser to each fund pursuant to a subadvisory agreement between the manager and LMGAA with respect to each fund (each a “Subadvisory Agreement”). LMGAA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.

LMGAA has offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 and is a recently-organized investment adviser that has been formed to provide asset allocation advisory services to the funds. As of March 31, 2010, LMGAA’s asset management operation had aggregate assets under management of approximately $[    ] billion.

Under each Subadvisory 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 each fund in accordance with the fund’s stated investment objective(s) and policies, assist in supervising all aspects of the fund’s operations, make investment decisions for the fund, place orders to purchase and sell securities, and employ professional fund managers and securities analysts who provide research services to the fund.

Each Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the fund’s Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable 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 applicable fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) may terminate a Subadvisory 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 Subadvisory Agreement on 90 days’ written notice to the fund and the manager. The manager or the subadviser may terminate a Subadvisory Agreement upon their mutual written consent. Each Subadvisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by the subadviser and shall not be assignable by the manager without the consent of the subadviser.

The subadviser does not receive a fee from the manager. Prior to December 1, 2007, the manager paid the subadviser a fee equal to 70% of the management fee paid to LMPFA, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.

Prior to April 30, 2007, ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (“ClearBridge”) served as each fund’s subadviser. ClearBridge is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. ClearBridge received a fee equal to 70% of the management fee paid to LMPFA, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the following subadvisory fees were paid to ClearBridge or LMGAA, as applicable:

 

     2010     2009    2008

Allocation 100%

   [$ 0   $ 0    $ 1,149

Allocation 85%

   [$ 0   $ 0    $ 368,583

 

54


     2010     2009    2008

Allocation 70%

   [$ 0   $ 0    $ 587,678

Allocation 50%

   [$ 0   $ 0    $ 399,482

Allocation 30%

   [$ 0   $ 0    $ 111,788

Income Fund

   [$ 0   $ 0    $ 6,113

Portfolio Managers

The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio managers for each of the funds. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of January 31, 2010.

Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers

The table below identifies the portfolio managers, the number of accounts (other than the funds) for which each 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, other accounts and, if applicable, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance.

 

Fund

  

Portfolio Managers

  

Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Allocation 100%

   Steven Bleiberg    [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management
   Andrew Purdy    [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management

Allocation 85%

   Steven Bleiberg    [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management
  

Andrew Purdy

   [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management

 

55


Fund

  

Portfolio Managers

  

Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Allocation 70%

   Steven Bleiberg    [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management
  

Andrew Purdy

   [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management

Allocation 50%

   Steven Bleiberg    [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management
  

Andrew Purdy

   [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management

Allocation 30%

  

Steven Bleiberg

   [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management
  

Andrew Purdy

   [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management

 

56


Fund

  

Portfolio Managers

  

Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Income Fund

   Steven Bleiberg    [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management
  

Andrew Purdy

   [    ] registered investment companies with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management    [    ] other pooled investment vehicles with approximately $[    ] billion in assets under management    [    ] other accounts with approximately $[    ] billion in total assets under management

Portfolio Manager Compensation

LMGAA investment professionals receive base salary, 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.

The level of incentive compensation is determined by the senior management of Legg Mason and is awarded on a discretionary basis. A formula-based scheme directly linking compensation to investment performance as measured against a benchmark is not currently in place nor is one planned.

Up to 20% of an investment professional’s annual incentive compensation is subject to deferral. Of that principal deferred award amount, 50% will accrue a return based on the hypothetical returns of the investment fund or product that is the primary focus of the investment professional’s business activities with the Firm, and 50% may be received in the form of Legg Mason restricted stock shares.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when a fund’s portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the funds’ portfolio managers.

The manager, the subadviser, the funds and the underlying funds 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 each employs. For example, the manager and the subadviser each seek 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 funds, or by the underlying funds, 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 (funds and underlying funds).  A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the

 

57


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 (underlying funds).  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 a fund’s ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity.

Pursuit of Differing Strategies (underlying funds).  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 Broker/Dealers (underlying funds).  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 portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, 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 manager and/or subadviser determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to a fund, a decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts managed.

Variation in Compensation (funds and underlying funds).  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 subadviser’s management fee and/or the portfolio manager’s 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 manager and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager’s 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 (funds and underlying funds).  The manager, the subadviser 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 accounts that provide greater overall returns to the manager, the subadviser and its affiliates.

 

58


Portfolio Manager Securities Ownership

The table below identifies ownership of fund securities by the funds’ portfolio managers as of January 31, 2010.

 

Fund

   Portfolio Manager(s)    Dollar Range of
Ownership of Securities

Allocation 100%

   Steven Bleiberg    [        ]

Allocation 85%

   Steven Bleiberg    [        ]

Allocation 70%

   Steven Bleiberg    [        ]

Allocation 50%

   Steven Bleiberg    [        ]

Allocation 30%

   Steven Bleiberg    [        ]

Income Fund

   Steven Bleiberg    [        ]

Allocation 100%

   Andrew Purdy    [        ]

Allocation 85%

   Andrew Purdy    [        ]

Allocation 70%

   Andrew Purdy    [        ]

Allocation 50%

   Andrew Purdy    [        ]

Allocation 30%

   Andrew Purdy    [        ]

Income Fund

   Andrew Purdy    [        ]

Expenses

In addition to amounts payable under the Management Agreement and the 12b-1 Plan (as discussed below), each 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 fund’s 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 fund’s shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the fund’s 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 fund’s 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; the fund’s pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the fund and its officers, Trustees and employees; and 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 any legal obligation which the fund may have to indemnify the fund’s Trustees and officers with respect thereto.

Management may agree to implement an expense cap, forgo fees and/or reimburse operating expenses for one or more classes of a fund’s shares. Any such forgone and/or reimbursed fees are described in the fund’s Prospectus. The expense caps and forgone and/or reimbursed fees 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 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 the fund or class or the acquisition of all or substantially

 

59


all of the assets of another fund or class; (ii) expenses of holding, and soliciting proxies for, a meeting of shareholders of the fund or class (except to the extent relating to routine items such as the election of Trustees 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.

In order to implement an expense cap, the manager will, as necessary, forgo management fees or reimburse operating expenses. However, the manager is permitted to recapture amounts previously forgone or reimbursed by the manager to a fund during the same fiscal year if the fund’s total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the expense cap shown in the funds’ Prospectus. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular fund business day, in the fund’s total annual operating expenses exceeding the expense cap.

Distributor

LMIS, a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, located at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as each fund’s sole and exclusive distributor pursuant to a written agreement (the “distribution agreement”).

LMIS may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act. The distributor’s obligation is an agency or “best efforts” arrangement under which the distributor is required to take and pay only for such shares of a fund as may be sold to the public. The distributor is not obligated to sell any stated number of shares.

The distribution agreement is renewable from year to year if approved (a) by the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the fund’s outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Independent Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any such party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The distribution agreement provides that it will terminate if assigned, and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party on 60 days’ written notice.

Prior to December 1, 2007, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), an indirect subsidiary of Citigroup Inc., and PFS Investments Inc. (“PFS”) served as co-distributors along with LMIS.

Commissions on Class A Shares

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, the aggregate dollar amounts of commissions on Class A shares for the funds were as follows:

 

Name of Portfolio

   2/1/09
through
1/31/10
    2/1/08
through
01/31/09
   02/01/07
through
01/31/08 (1)

Allocation 100%

   $ [       $ 1,272,280    $ 1,047,337

Allocation 85%

   $ [       $ 2,701,185    $ 2,526,825

Allocation 70%

   $ [       $ 1,840,315    $ 1,850,643

Allocation 50%

   $ [       $ 1,260,218    $ 1,171,852

Allocation 30%

   $ [       $ 469,956    $ 416,391

Income Fund

   $ [       $ 102,145    $ 60,820

 

( 1 )

The following amounts were paid to PFS: $967,129, $2,382,473, $1,729,929, $1,101,485, $406,315 and $58,706, by Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70%, Allocation 50%, Allocation 30% and Income Fund, respectively, and the remaining amounts were paid to CGMI and LMIS.

 

60


Contingent Deferred Sales Charges on Class A, B and C Shares

For each of the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the following deferred sales charges were paid on redemptions of the funds shares:

 

     Class A

Name of Fund

   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/10
    Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/09 (1)
   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/08 (1)

Allocation 100%

   $ [       $ 30    $ 296

Allocation 85%

   $ [       $ 750    $ 139

Allocation 70%

   $ [       $ 1,900    $ 486

Allocation 50%

   $ [       $ 0    $ 401

Allocation 30%

   $ [       $ 225    $ 367

Income Fund

   $ [       $ 3    $ 0

 

(1)

Paid to PFS and LMIS.

 

     Class B

Name of Fund

   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/10
    Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/09 (1)
   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/08 (1)

Allocation 100%

   $ [       $ 49,759    $ 15,530

Allocation 85%

   $ [       $ 234,892    $ 253,003

Allocation 70%

   $ [       $ 202,747    $ 205,810

Allocation 50%

   $ [       $ 112,598    $ 107,583

Allocation 30%

   $ [       $ 37,704    $ 39,204

Income Fund

   $ [       $ 15,851    $ 20,809

 

(1)

Paid to PFS and LMIS.

 

     Class C

Name of Fund

   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/10
    Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/09 (1)
   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/08 (1)

Allocation 100%

   $ [       $ 2,930    $ 8,220

Allocation 85%

   $ [       $ 3,053    $ 6,339

Allocation 70%

   $ [       $ 2,978    $ 5,197

Allocation 50%

   $ [       $ 1,472    $ 2,028

Allocation 30%

   $ [       $ 879    $ 1,208

Income Fund

   $ [       $ 55    $ 8

 

(1)

All amounts were paid to LMIS.

Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan

Each fund has adopted an amended shareholder services and distribution plan (the “12b-1 Plan”) pursuant to Rule l2b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares. Under the 12b-1 Plan, each fund pays distribution fees to LMIS for the services it provides and expenses it bears with respect to the distribution of Class B, Class C, Class R and Class R1 shares and service fees for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares. The distributor will provide the Board with periodic reports of amounts expended under the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Each fund pays service fees, accrued daily and payable monthly, calculated at the annual rate of 0.25% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the fund’s Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class R1 shares. In addition, each fund, except Allocation 30% and Income Fund, pays distribution fees with

 

61


respect to Class B and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.75% of the fund’s average daily net assets. Allocation 30% and Income Fund pay distribution fees with respect to Class B and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.50% and 0.45%, respectively, of the fund’s average daily net assets. Each fund pays distribution fees with respect to Class R and Class R1 shares at an annual rate of 0.25% and 0.75%, respectively, of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Fees under the 12b-1 Plan may be used to make payments to the distributor for distribution services, Service Agents and other parties in respect of the sale of shares of the funds, 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 funds also may make payments to the distributor, 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 12b-1 Plan also provides that the distributor and Service Agents may receive all or a portion of the sales charges paid by Class A, Class B and Class C investors.

The 12b-1 Plan permits the funds to pay fees to the distributor, 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 12b-1 Plan, the funds 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 funds may pay the fees to the distributor and others until the 12b-1 Plan or distribution agreement is terminated or not renewed. In that event, the distributor’s or other recipient’s expenses in excess of fees received or accrued through the termination date will be the distributor’s or other recipient’s sole responsibility and not obligations of the funds. In their annual consideration of the continuation of the 12b-1 Plan for the funds, the Trustees will review the 12b-1 Plan and the expenses for each class within the funds separately.

The 12b-1 Plan also recognizes that various service providers to the funds, such as the manager, may make payments for distribution-related expenses out of their own resources, including past profits, or payments received from the funds for other purposes, such as management fees, and that the funds’ distributor or Service Agents may from time to time use their own resources for distribution-related services, in addition to the fees paid under the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 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 funds within the context of Rule 12b-1, then the payments are deemed to be authorized by the 12b-1 Plan, if permitted under applicable law.

The 12b-1 Plan continues in effect if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of both a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees of the fund who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any agreement related to the 12b-1 Plan (for purposes of this paragraph “Qualified Trustees”). The Qualified Trustees, in the exercise of their business judgment in the best interests of the shareholders of the funds and each class, have approved the continuation of the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 Plan requires that the Trust and the distributor provide to the Board and the Board review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended (and the purposes therefor) under the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 Plan further provides that the selection and nomination of the Qualified Trustees is committed to the discretion of the Qualified Trustees then in office. The 12b-1 Plan may be terminated with respect to any class of the funds at any time by a vote of a majority of the funds’ Qualified Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that class. The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of permitted expenses of the class thereunder without the approval of a majority of the outstanding securities of that class and may not be materially amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and Qualified Trustees. The funds will preserve copies of any plan, agreement or report made pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan for a period of not less than six years, and for the first two years the funds will preserve such copies in an easily accessible place.

 

62


As contemplated by the 12b-1 Plan, the distributor acts as an agent of the funds in connection with the offering of shares of the funds pursuant to the distribution agreement.

Dealer reallowances, if any, are described in the funds’ prospectus.

For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, the following distribution and service fees were accrued and/or paid to CGMI, LMIS and PFS by the funds and the predecessor funds:

 

     Class A

Name of Fund

   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/10
    Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/09
   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/08

Allocation 100%

   $ [       $ 99,124    $ 41,985

Allocation 85%

   $ [       $ 1,079,804    $ 1,275,140

Allocation 70%

   $ [       $ 901,491    $ 1,066,130

Allocation 50%

   $ [       $ 552,454    $ 634,763

Allocation 30%

   $ [       $ 194,132    $ 209,177

Income Fund

   $ [       $ 67,924    $ 83,051

 

     Class B

Name of Fund

   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/10
    Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/09
   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/08

Allocation 100%

   $ [       $ 103,027    $ 45,283

Allocation 85%

   $ [       $ 1,032,551    $ 1,475,147

Allocation 70%

   $ [       $ 867,060    $ 1,238,430

Allocation 50%

   $ [       $ 490,220    $ 681,971

Allocation 30%

   $ [       $ 116,398    $ 151,852

Income Fund

   $ [       $ 40,339    $ 57,820

 

     Class C

Name of Fund

   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/10
    Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/09
   Fiscal Year
Ended
01/31/08

Allocation 100%

   $ [       $ 70,354    $ 62,456

Allocation 85%

   $ [       $ 174,752    $ 286,902

Allocation 70%

   $ [       $ 223,920    $ 309,667

Allocation 50%

   $ [       $ 180,268    $ 263,202

Allocation 30%

   $ [       $ 27,589    $ 41,028

Income Fund

   $ [       $ 7,003    $ 11,456

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, LMIS incurred distribution expenses for marketing, printing, amortization of fronted commissions and third party fees as expressed in the following table:

 

     Third Party
Fees
    Marketing     Amortization     Printing     Total
Expense
 

Allocation 100%

          

Class A

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class B

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class C

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

 

63


     Third Party
Fees
    Marketing     Amortization     Printing     Total
Expense
 

Allocation 85%

          

Class A

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class B

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class C

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Allocation 70%

          

Class A

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class B

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class C

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Allocation 50%

          

Class A

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class B

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class C

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Allocation 30%

          

Class A

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class B

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class C

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Income Fund

          

Class A

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class B

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Class C

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as the custodian of the funds. State Street, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of the funds, receives and delivers all assets for the funds upon purchase and upon sale or maturity, collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the assets of the funds and makes disbursements on behalf of the funds. State Street neither determines the funds’ investment policies, nor decides which securities a 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. A 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 also may act as the funds’ securities lending agent and in that case would receive a share of the income generated by such securities lending activities.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (the “transfer agent”), 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, serves as the funds’ transfer agent. Under the transfer agency agreement, the transfer agent maintains the shareholder account records for the funds, handles certain communications between shareholders and the funds and distributes dividends and distributions payable by the funds. For these services, the transfer agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of shareholder accounts it maintains for the funds during the month, and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.

Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, serves as counsel to the Trust and the funds.

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038, serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees.

 

64


Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

[        ], an independent registered public accounting firm, located at [            ], has been selected to audit and report upon each fund’s financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2011.

Code of Ethics

Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the funds, the manager, the subadviser and the distributor 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 funds. 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 the clients. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the codes 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 employee’s position of trust and responsibility.

Copies of the code of ethics of the funds, the manager, the subadviser and the distributor are on file with the SEC.

Proxy Voting Guidelines and Procedures

Although individual Trustees may not agree with particular policies or votes by the manager, the Board has delegated proxy voting discretion to the manager, believing that the manager 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 funds, as applicable, to the subadviser through its contracts 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 funds. 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 funds, 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 funds as required for the funds to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act.

The subadviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to the funds’ securities holdings are voted, a summary of which is attached as Appendix B to this SAI. Information regarding how each fund voted proxies (if any) relating to fund securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 1-888-425-6432, (2) on the funds’ website at http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

PURCHASE OF SHARES

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 funds. When purchasing shares of a fund, investors must specify whether the purchase is for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 or Class I shares. 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.

 

65


For additional information regarding applicable investment minimums and eligibility requirements, please see the funds’ prospectus.

There are minimum investment requirements of $1,000 for initial investments and $50 for subsequent investments 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 or its affiliates (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 affiliates, (iv) the “immediate families” of such persons (“immediate families” are such person’s 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. Each 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 a fund prior to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on any day the fund calculates its NAV are priced according to the NAV 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 NAV are priced according to the NAV determined on that day, provided the order is received by the fund’s agent prior to its close of business. Payment must be made with the purchase order.

Class I Shares.  The following persons are eligible to purchase Class I shares of the fund: (1) current employees of the fund’s manager and its affiliates; (2) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Legg Mason; (3) current and former board members of Legg Mason; and (4) the immediate families of such persons. For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50. 1

Under certain circumstances, an investor who purchases fund shares pursuant to a fee-based advisory account program of an Eligible Financial Intermediary as authorized by LMIS may be afforded an opportunity to make a conversion between one or more share classes owned by the investor in the same fund to Class I shares of that fund. Such a conversion in these particular circumstances does not cause the investor to realize taxable gain or loss.

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, the distributor or the transfer agent is authorized through preauthorized transfers of at least $50 on a monthly, quarterly, every alternate month, semi-annual or annual basis to charge the shareholder’s account held with a bank or other financial institution as indicated by the shareholder, to provide for systematic additions to the shareholder’s fund account. A shareholder who has insufficient funds to complete the transfer will be charged a fee of up to $25 by the distributor or the transfer agent. The Systematic Investment Plan authorizes the distributor to apply cash held in the shareholder’s brokerage account to make additions to the account. Additional information is available from the fund or a Service Agent.

Sales Charge Alternatives

The following classes of shares are available for purchase. See the 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 NAV plus an initial sales charge, as described in the funds’ prospectus.

 

66

 

 

1

Employees who leave the employment of Legg Mason will be able to retain ownership of their Class I shares but will not be able to purchase additional shares.


Members of the selling group may receive a portion of the sales charge as described in the prospectus and may be deemed to be underwriters of a fund as defined in the 1933 Act. Sales charges are calculated based on the aggregate of purchases of Class A shares of a 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 Class 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 FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I Shares.  Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares are sold at NAV with no initial sales charge 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, (ii) current and retired employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries, (iii) the “immediate families” of such persons (“immediate families” are such person’s spouse, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Board Member, and children under the age of 21) and (iv) 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’ distributor 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 a fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise;

 

  (d) purchases by shareholders who have redeemed Class A shares in a fund (or Class A shares of another fund sold by the distributor) and who wish to reinvest their redemption proceeds in a 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”);

 

  (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 broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with 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.

 

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All existing retirement plan shareholders who purchased Class A shares at NAV prior to November 20, 2006, are permitted to purchase additional Class A shares at NAV. Certain existing programs for current and prospective retirement plan investors sponsored by financial intermediaries approved by LMIS prior to November 20, 2006 will also remain eligible to purchase Class A shares at NAV.

Accumulation Privilege  — Please see the 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 funds sold by the distributor 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 pay 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 funds sold by the distributor.

When you enter into a Letter of Intent, you agree to purchase in Eligible Accounts over a thirteen (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 will be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. You may include any Eligible Fund Purchases towards the Letter, 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.

Eligible Fund Purchases.  Generally, any shares of a fund sold by the distributor may be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. Shares of money market funds sold by the distributor acquired by exchange from other funds offered with a sales charge may be credited toward your Asset Level Goal.

The eligible funds 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.

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.

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 the transfer agent,

 

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contact the transfer agent, 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. See “Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal” below. Exchanges in accordance with a fund’s 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 the transfer agent, by notifying the transfer agent in writing. The Letter 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 five percent (5%) of your Asset Level Goal as of the date your Letter of Intent (or the date of any increase in the amount of the Letter) is accepted will be held in escrow during the term of your Letter. 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 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 whether because you made insufficient Eligible Fund Purchases, redeemed all of your holdings or cancelled the Letter 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. 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 the transfer agent, the transfer agent, 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.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions

“Contingent deferred sales charge shares” are Class B shares, Class C shares and 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 described in the prospectus. Solely for purposes of determining the number of years since a purchase

 

69


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. The following table sets forth the rates of the charge for redemptions of Class B shares by shareholders.

 

Year Since Purchase Payment Was Made

   Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge
(Allocation 100%,
Allocation 85%,
Allocation 70%,
Allocation 50%)
   Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge
(Allocation 30%
and Income Fund)

First

   5.00%    4.50%

Second

   4.00        4.00    

Third

   3.00        3.00    

Fourth

   2.00        2.00    

Fifth

   1.00        1.00    

Sixth and thereafter

   0.00        0.00    

Class B shares will convert automatically to Class A shares approximately eight 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 funds sold by the distributor. 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’ distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges in partial consideration for its expenses in selling shares.

Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived on: (a) exchanges (see “Exchange Privilege”); (b) automatic cash withdrawals in amounts equal to or less than 2.00% per month of the shareholder’s account balance at the time the withdrawals commence, up to a maximum of 12.00% in one year (see “Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan”); (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 a 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 a fund in connection with lump-sum or other distributions made by eligible retirement plans or redemption 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 the distributor or the manager.

The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on Class C shares purchased by retirement plan omnibus accounts held on the books of a fund.

 

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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 the distributor or the transfer agent of the shareholder’s status or holdings, as the case may be.

Grandfathered Retirement Program with Exchange Features

Certain retirement plan programs authorized prior to November 20, 2006 (collectively, the “Grandfathered Retirement Program”) to offer eligible retirement plan investors the opportunity to exchange all of their Class C shares for Class A shares of an applicable Legg Mason Partners fund are permitted to maintain such share class exchange feature for current and prospective retirement plan investors.

Under the Grandfathered Retirement Program, Class C shares may be purchased by plans investing less than $3,000,000. Class C shares are eligible for exchange into Class A shares not later than eight years after the plan joins the program. They are eligible for exchange in the following circumstances:

If a participating plan’s total Class C holdings in all non-money market Legg Mason Partners funds equal at least $3,000,000, at the end of the fifth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program, the participating plan will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares for Class A shares of the fund. Such participating plans will be notified of the pending exchange in writing within 30 days after the fifth anniversary of the enrollment date and, unless the exchange offer has been rejected in writing, the exchange will occur on or about the 90th day after the fifth anniversary date. If the participating plan does not qualify for the five-year exchange to Class A shares, a review of the participating plan’s holdings will be performed each quarter until either the participating plan qualifies or the end of the eighth year.

Any participating plan that has not previously qualified for an exchange into Class A shares will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares for Class A shares of the same fund regardless of asset size at the end of the eighth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program. Such plans will be notified of the pending exchange in writing approximately 60 days before the eighth anniversary of the enrollment date and, unless the exchange has been rejected in writing, the exchange will occur on or about the eighth anniversary date. Once an exchange has occurred, a participating plan will not be eligible to acquire additional Class C shares, but instead may acquire Class A shares of the same fund. Any Class C shares not converted will continue to be subject to the distribution fee.

For further information regarding this Program, contact your Service Agent or the transfer agent. Participating plans that enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program prior to June 2, 2003 should contact the transfer agent for information regarding Class C exchange privileges applicable to their plan.

Determination of Public Offering Price

The funds offer their shares on a continuous basis. The public offering price for each class of shares of each fund is equal to the NAV per share at the time of purchase, plus for Class A shares an initial sales charge based on the aggregate amount of the investment. The public offering price for Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shares (and Class A share purchases, including applicable rights of accumulation, equaling or exceeding $1,000,000) is equal to the NAV per share at the time of purchase and no sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase. A contingent deferred sales charge, however, is imposed on certain redemptions of Class B and Class C shares, and on Class A shares when purchased in amounts equaling or exceeding $1,000,000.

 

71


Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of the Class A shares of each fund based on the NAV of a share of the fund as of January 31, 20[    ].

 

Allocation 100%

  

Class A (based on a NAV of $[    ] and a maximum initial
sales charge of 5.75%)

   $ [    

Allocation 85%

  

Class A (based on a NAV of $[    ] and a maximum initial
sales charge of 5.75%)

   $ [    

Allocation 70%

  

Class A (based on a NAV of $[    ] and a maximum initial
sales charge of 5.75%)

   $ [    

Allocation 50%

  

Class A (based on a NAV of $[    ] and a maximum initial
sales charge of 5.75%)

   $ [    

Allocation 30%

  

Class A (based on a NAV of $[    ] and a maximum initial
sales charge of 4.25%)

   $ [    

Income Fund

  

Class A (based on a NAV of $[    ] and a maximum initial
sales charge of 4.25%)

   $ [    

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

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 funds normally utilize is restricted, or an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the funds’ investments or determination of NAV is not reasonably practicable or (c) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit for protection of the funds’ shareholders.

If the shares to be redeemed were issued in certificate form, the certificates must be endorsed for transfer (or be accompanied by an endorsed stock power) and must be submitted to the transfer agent together with the redemption request. Any signature appearing on a share certificate, stock power or 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 10-day period. Redemption proceeds will be mailed to an investor’s 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 any 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.

 

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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.

The funds no longer issue share certificates. Outstanding share certificates will continue to be honored. If you hold share certificates, it will take longer to exchange or redeem shares.

Additional Information Regarding Telephone Redemption and Exchange Program.  Neither the funds nor their agents will be liable for following instructions communicated by telephone that are reasonably believed to be genuine. The funds and their agents will employ procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller and legitimacy of instructions (for example, a shareholder’s name and account number will be required and phone calls may be recorded). The funds reserve 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 seven (7) days’ prior notice to shareholders.

Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan

An automatic cash withdrawal plan (the “Withdrawal Plan”) is available to shareholders as described in the prospectus. To the extent withdrawals under the Withdrawal Plan exceed dividends, distributions and appreciation of a shareholder’s investment in a fund, there will be a reduction in the value of the shareholder’s investment, and continued withdrawal payments may reduce the shareholder’s investment and ultimately exhaust it. Withdrawal payments should not be considered as income from investment in a fund. Furthermore, as it generally would not be advantageous to a shareholder to make additional investments in a fund at the same time he or she is participating in the Withdrawal Plan, purchases by such shareholder in amounts of less than $5,000 ordinarily will not be permitted. The Withdrawal Plan will be carried over on exchanges between funds or classes of a fund. All dividends and distributions on shares in the Withdrawal Plan are reinvested automatically at NAV in additional shares of the fund.

Shareholders who wish to participate in the Withdrawal Plan and who hold their shares in certificate form must deposit their share certificates with the transfer agent as agent for Withdrawal Plan members.

For additional information, shareholders should contact their Service Agent. A shareholder who purchases shares directly through the transfer agent may continue to do so and applications for participation in the Withdrawal Plan should be sent to the transfer agent. Withdrawals may be scheduled on any day of the month; however, if the shareholder does not specify a day, the transfer agent will schedule the withdrawal on the 25 th day of the month.

Distributions in Kind

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders to make a redemption payment wholly in cash, a 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 fund’s 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 prospectus. Because redemption in-kind may be used at times of unusual illiquidity in the markets, these valuation methods may include fair value estimations. Securities issued as a distribution in kind may incur brokerage commissions when shareholders subsequently sell those securities and the market price of those securities will be subject to fluctuation until they are sold. A redemption in-kind may be considered the sale of securities by the fund to the party receiving the securities (except for tax purposes). Redemptions in-kind will not be done with LMIS or other affiliated persons of the funds except as permitted by SEC rules or orders, or other interpretive guidance from regulators.

 

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EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

The exchange privilege enables shareholders to acquire shares of the same class in another fund. 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 NAV, and the proceeds are immediately invested in shares of the fund being acquired at that fund’s then current NAV. The 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, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I Exchanges.  Class A, Class FI, Class R, Class R1 and Class I shareholders of a 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.

Class B Exchanges.  Class B shares of a 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 a 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.

Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by LMIS, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares (except for Allocation 100%) in accordance with the program terms. See “Grandfathered Retirement Programs with Exchange Features” for additional information.

Additional Information Regarding the Exchange Privilege.

The funds are 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 a fund and its shareholders. See “Frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares” in the prospectus.

During times of drastic economic or market conditions, a fund may suspend the exchange privilege temporarily without notice and treat exchange requests based on their separate components—redemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other fund’s shares. In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the fund’s next determined NAV but the purchase order would be effective only at the next determined price 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 prospectus for additional information. Exchanges will be processed at the NAV 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 legally may 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

 

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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.

VALUATION OF SHARES

The NAV per share is calculated on each day, Monday through Friday, except days on which the NYSE is closed. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE is normally open for trading every weekday except in the event of an emergency or for the following holidays (or the days on which they are observed): New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because of the differences in distribution fees and class-specific expenses, the per share NAV of each class may differ. Please see the prospectus for a description of the procedures used by each fund in valuing its assets.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The Income Fund’s policy is to declare and pay monthly dividends from its net investment income. The policy of Allocation 50% and Allocation 30% is to declare and pay quarterly dividends from net investment income. The policy of Allocation 100%, Allocation 85% and Allocation 70% is to declare and pay annual dividends from net investment income. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, in each of the separate portfolios will be made annually. Each fund may also pay additional dividends shortly before December 31 from certain amounts of undistributed ordinary income and realized capital gains (including income and capital gains distributed from the underlying funds) in order to avoid a federal excise tax liability.

If a shareholder does not otherwise instruct, dividends and capital gain distributions will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of the same class at NAV, with no additional sales charge or deferred sales charge. A shareholder may change the option at any time by notifying his or her Service Agent. Shareholders whose accounts are held directly by the transfer agent should notify the transfer agent in writing, requesting a change to this automatic reinvestment option.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Brokerage

Decisions to buy and sell securities for the funds are made by LMGAA, subject to the overall review of the Board. Although investment decisions for the funds are made independently from those of the other accounts managed by LMGAA, investments of the type that the funds may make also may be made by those other accounts. When a fund and one or more other accounts managed by LMGAA is prepared to invest in, or desires to dispose of, the same security, available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated in a manner believed by LMGAA to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by a fund or the size of the position obtained or disposed of by a fund.

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the funds did not pay commissions or direct brokerage transactions related to research services.

The funds paid the following brokerage commissions during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008.

 

     2010     2009 (1)    2008 (2)

Allocation 100%

   [$        $ 6,892    $ 0

Allocation 85%

   [$        $ 50,335    $ 0

 

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     2010     2009 (1)    2008 (2)

Allocation 70%

   [$        $ 16,113    $ 0

Allocation 50%

   [$        $ 3,760    $ 0

Allocation 30%

   [$        $ 305    $ 0

Income Fund

   [$        $ 0    $ 0

 

(1)

Reflects brokerage commissions paid on sales of securities received on redemptions of shares of underlying funds

(2)

The funds did not have sales of securities in 2008 since no securities were received in redemptions of shares of underlying funds.

[On January 31, 2010, none of the funds held securities issued by their regular brokers or dealers.]

Decisions to buy and sell shares of the underlying funds for the funds are made by the underlying funds’ investment advisers, subject to the overall supervision and review of the Board.

The funds contemplate 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 funds’ 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.

In certain instances there may be securities that are suitable as an investment for a fund as well as for one or more of the manager’s or the subadviser’s other clients. Investment decisions for the funds and for the manager’s or subadviser’s 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 investment adviser, 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 a fund. When purchases or sales of the same security for a fund and for other funds 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.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

For funds in the Legg Mason family of funds, the funds’ boards have adopted policies and procedures developed by the fund’s manager with respect to the disclosure of a fund’s portfolio securities and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about the fund’s portfolio securities. The policy requires that consideration always be given as to whether disclosure of information about a fund’s portfolio holdings is in the best interests of the fund’s shareholders, and that any conflicts of interest between the interests of the fund’s shareholders and those of the manager, the distributor or their affiliates be addressed in a manner that places the interests of fund shareholders first. The policy provides that information regarding the fund’s 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.

The manager’s 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 fund’s 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 Legg Mason’s or the fund’s 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 fund’s 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 fund’s 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 portfolio managers (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 fund’s sector weightings, performance attribution (e.g., analysis of the fund’s 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 policy’s general principles.

 

  6. The fund’s portfolio holdings may be released on an as-needed basis to its legal counsel, counsel to its Independent Trustees and its independent public accounting firm, in required regulatory filings or otherwise to governmental agencies and authorities.

Under the policy, if information about a fund’s portfolio holdings is released pursuant to an ongoing arrangement with any party, a fund must have a legitimate business purpose for the release of the information, and either the party receiving the information must be under a duty of confidentiality, or the release of the information must be subject to restrictions on sharing non-public information with any unauthorized source and on trading upon non-public information. None of the funds, Legg Mason or any other affiliated party may receive compensation or any other consideration in connection with such arrangements. Ongoing arrangements to make available information about the fund’s portfolio securities will be reviewed at least annually by the fund’s Board. The release of portfolio holdings other than in ongoing arrangements is subject to a written agreement which requires the recipient to keep the information confidential and to use the information only for the purpose specified in the agreement. The approval of the fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, must be obtained prior to the release of the information other than in an ongoing arrangement.

The approval of the fund’s 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 the manager’s legal department, as necessary. Exceptions to the policies are reported annually to each fund’s board.

Generally, the fund discloses its complete portfolio holdings approximately 25 days after calendar quarter-end on Legg Mason’s website: http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors. As an exception to the policy, a fund may disclose its complete portfolio holdings earlier on that website.

 

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Set forth below is a list, as of December 31, 2009, of those parties with whom the manager, on behalf of each fund, has authorized ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information in accordance with the policy, as well as 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

RiskMetrics Group (formerly 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

Thomson/Vestek

   Daily    None

FactSet

   Daily    None

The Bank of New York Mellon

   Daily    None

Thomson

   Semi-annually    None

SunGard/Protegent (formerly 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

RogersCasey (EQuest)

   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

Nelson 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

Recipient

   Frequency    Delay before dissemination

Deutsche Bank

   Monthly    6-8 business days

Fitch

   Monthly    6-8 business days

Liberty Hampshire

   Weekly and Month End    None

SunTrust

   Weekly and Month End    None

 

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Recipient

  

Frequency

  

Delay before dissemination

New England Pension Consultants

   Quarterly    25 Days after Quarter End

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

Moody’s (Rating Agency)

   Monthly    6-8 business days

Electra Information Systems

   Daily    None

Cabot Research

   Weekly    None

Goldman Sachs

   Daily    None

Chicago Mercantile Exchange

   Daily    None

Canterbury Consulting

   Quarterly    25 Days after Quarter End

Broadridge

   Daily    None

DST Global Solutions Limited

   As necessary    Varies

Interactive Data Corp.

   Daily    None

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

   Daily    None

THE TRUST

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, each fund was redomiciled as series of the trust. Prior thereto, each fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust. Prior to the reorganization of each fund as series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, each fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Series, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

Each 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 (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 trust’s declaration of trust (referred to in this section as the “declaration”). Some of the more significant provisions of the declaration are described below.

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 funds are not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the funds 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 shareholder’s voting power is determined, not by the number of shares he or she 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 rather than all series or classes.

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

 

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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 funds 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 funds may involuntarily redeem a shareholder’s shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide the funds with identification required by law, or if the funds are 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 funds information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and the funds may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation.

Small Accounts

The declaration provides that the funds may close out a shareholder’s 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 funds 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 funds, as a series of the trust, represents an interest in the funds only and not in the assets of any other series of the trust.

 

80


Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability

The declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the funds and requires the funds to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense arising from any such liability. In addition, the funds 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 trustee’s 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 trustee’s 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 funds or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the funds’ 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 funds, 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 funds. The declaration further provides that shareholders owning shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the affected funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 funds are obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the funds 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.

 

81


Annual and Semi-Annual Reports

Each fund sends its shareholders a semi-annual report and an audited annual report, which include listings of investment securities held by the funds at the end of the period covered. In an effort to reduce the funds’ printing and mailing costs, each 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, each 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.

TAXES

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal (and, where noted, state and local) income tax considerations affecting each 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 a 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.

Tax Treatment of the Funds

Each fund will be treated as a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes. Each 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, each 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, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, 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 traditionally permitted mutual fund income); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the fund’s assets is represented by cash, securities of other regulated investment companies (such as the underlying funds), 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 fund’s 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 stock is 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.

Although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Underlying fund investments in partnerships, including in qualified publicly traded partnerships, may result in an underlying fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.

As a regulated investment company, a fund will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders, provided such fund 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., generally, the

 

82


taxable income of a RIC other than its net capital gain plus or minus certain adjustments) and (ii) 90% of its net tax-exempt income for the taxable year. Each fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporation tax rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.

Distributions received by a fund from an underlying fund attributable to the underlying fund’s investment company taxable income including distributions of short-term capital gains are taxable as dividend income to the fund. A fund may not offset short-term capital gains distributed by the underlying funds against other realized losses or capital loss carryovers, if any. Distributions received by a fund from an underlying fund attributable to the excess of the underlying fund’s net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss and that are properly designated as “capital gain dividends” are taxable as long-term capital gain to the fund, regardless of how long the fund has held the underlying fund’s shares. Upon the sale or other disposition by a fund of shares of any underlying fund, the fund generally will realize a capital gain or loss which will be long-term or short-term, generally depending upon the fund’s holding period for the shares. Fund losses realized upon redemptions from underlying funds may be deferred indefinitely as investments made into the same underlying funds thirty days and after the redemption may trigger “wash sale” tax rules, which defer the recognition of losses. The funds intend to take the position that all redemptions from the underlying funds should be recognized as redemptions and not treated as dividends for tax purposes, but the IRS could disagree with this position.

The unused capital loss carryforwards of Allocation 100%, Allocation 85%, Allocation 70%, Allocation 50%, Allocation 30% and Income Fund as of January 31, 2010 were approximately $[            ], $[            ], $[            ], $[            ], $[            ], and $[            ], respectively. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each such respective amount is available to be applied against future capital gains of the related fund that are realized prior to the expiration of the applicable carryforward.

The carryovers expire as follows:

 

     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017  

Allocation 100%

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Allocation 85%

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Allocation 70%

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Allocation 50%

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Allocation 30%

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

Income Fund

   $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [           $ [        

The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on a 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 the 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. Each 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. In certain situations, a fund may, for a taxable year, defer all or a portion of its capital losses (and currency losses, if any) realized after October until the next year.

If, in any taxable year, a 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 fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividend income for federal income tax purposes to the extent of the fund’s earnings and profits. However, such dividends would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case

 

83


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 a fund failed 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 failure of an underlying fund to remain qualified as a regulated investment company could, in turn, cause a fund investing in such underlying fund to fail to satisfy the RIC asset diversification requirements.

Tax Treatment of the Underlying Funds

Each underlying fund intends to continue to qualify annually to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. In any year in which an underlying fund qualifies as a regulated investment company and timely distributes all of its taxable income, the underlying fund generally will not pay any U.S. federal income or excise tax. The underlying funds are subject to the same asset diversification and income distribution requirements applicable to the funds.

An underlying fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, forward contracts, options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on foreign currencies) 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 such underlying fund ( i.e ., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the underlying fund and defer underlying fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to the funds and thus to the shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require an underlying 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 underlying fund to recognize income prior to the receipt of 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 applicable underlying fund, that underlying fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. Each underlying 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 foreign currency, forward contract, option, futures contract or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the underlying fund as a regulated investment company.

An underlying fund’s 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 an underlying 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 underlying fund’s 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 underlying 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 underlying fund.

As a result of entering into swap contracts, an underlying fund may make or receive periodic net payments. An underlying 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 underlying fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). With

 

84


respect to certain types of swaps, an underlying fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss. The tax treatment of many types of credit default swaps is uncertain.

An underlying 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 or constructive sale rules or rules applicable to PFICs (as defined below), or partnerships, trusts in which the underlying fund invests, 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 underlying fund’s 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. An underlying fund may therefore be required to obtain cash to be used to satisfy these distribution requirements by selling securities at times that it might not otherwise be desirable to do so or borrowing the necessary cash, thereby incurring interest expenses. In certain situations, an underlying fund may, for a taxable year, defer all or a portion of its capital losses and currency losses realized after October until the next taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October may affect the tax character of shareholder distributions.

In general, gain or loss on a short sale is recognized when an underlying 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 an underlying fund’s hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used by an underlying 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 an underlying 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 an underlying fund for more than one year. In general, an underlying 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 an underlying 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. Foreign taxes paid by an underlying fund will reduce the return from the underlying fund’s investments.

If more than 50% of the value of an underlying fund’s assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, that underlying fund may elect for U.S. federal income tax purposes to treat certain foreign taxes paid by it as paid by the funds that own its shares. Such a fund would then be required to include its proportionate share of the electing underlying fund’s foreign income and related foreign taxes in income even if the fund does not receive the amount representing foreign taxes. Each of the funds may invest in some underlying funds that expect to be eligible to make the above-described election. While a fund will be able to take a deduction for the foreign taxes that it will be treated as having paid if the election is made, the fund will not itself be able to elect to treat such foreign taxes as paid by its shareholders. Accordingly, the shareholders of the fund will not have an option of claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction for foreign taxes paid by the underlying funds, while persons who invest directly in such underlying funds may have that option.

Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time an underlying fund accrues income, receivables, expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign

 

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currency and the time the underlying fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. In general, gains (and losses) realized on debt instruments will be treated as Section 988 gain (or loss) to the extent attributable to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the instruments are denominated. 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 underlying fund were to elect otherwise.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies.  If an underlying 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 underlying fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the underlying fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.

If an underlying 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, such underlying 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 underlying 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 applicable underlying fund, that underlying 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 underlying 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, an underlying fund may make a mark-to-market election that will result in the underlying 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 underlying 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 underlying fund and, once made, would be effective for all subsequent taxable years of the underlying fund, unless revoked with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). By making the election, such underlying 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 underlying 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 applicable underlying fund, that underlying fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss.

Each underlying 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 United States Shareholders

Dividends and Distributions.  Dividends and other distributions by a 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 a fund in October, November or December of any calendar year and payable to shareholders (including a fund invested in an underlying fund) 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 a fund not later than such December 31, provided such dividend is actually paid by the fund during January of the following calendar year.

 

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Each 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 a 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 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 shareholder’s 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 a 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 (including dividends from short-term capital gains) of a fund 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 individual’s 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 a fund to an individual in a particular taxable year if 95% or more of the fund’s 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 a 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 fund’s 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 a 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 a fund from a real estate investment trust or another regulated investment company (such as an underlying fund) generally are qualified dividend income only to the extent the dividend distributions are made out of qualified dividend income received by such real estate investment trust 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 a qualified dividend income.

Each fund or your Service Agent will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount of dividends paid by the fund that is 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

 

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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 taxpayer’s 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 taxpayer’s tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period.

If an underlying fund derives dividends from domestic corporations, a portion of the income distributions of a fund that invests in that underlying fund may be eligible for the 70% deduction for dividends received by corporations. Shareholders will be informed of the portion of dividends that so qualify. The dividends received deduction is reduced to the extent the shares of the corporation paying the dividend, the shares of the underlying fund or the shares of the fund receiving the dividends are treated as debt-financed under U.S. federal income tax law and is eliminated if either the shares of the corporation paying the dividend, the shares of the underlying fund or the shares of the fund receiving the dividends are deemed to have been held by the underlying fund, the fund or the shareholders, as the case may be, for less than a minimum period, generally 46 days, during a prescribed period with respect to each dividend. Dividends received by an underlying fund from a real estate investment trust will not be considered a dividend for this purpose. Dividends received by a fund or underlying fund from a regulated investment company will be eligible for the deduction for dividends received only to the extent distributions are made out of eligible dividends received by such regulated investment company. In the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not eligible for the dividends received deduction.

Distributions in excess of a fund’s 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 shareholder’s 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.

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 a fund is the holder of record of any stock on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends are included in the fund’s 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, each 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 a 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 a fund from real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”), taxable mortgage pools or other investments may cause a fund to designate some or all of its distributions as “excess inclusion income.” To a fund’s 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 by otherwise allowable deductions for tax purposes; (3) not be eligible for reduced U.S. withholding for non-US shareholders even from tax treaty countries; and (4) cause a fund to be subject to tax if certain “disqualified organizations” as defined by the Code are fund shareholders.

 

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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 basis in his shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s 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 shares 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 shares. If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of a fund, 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 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 of 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.  A fund may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, at a current 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 shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Notices.  Shareholders will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the close of a fund’s taxable year regarding the United States 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 shareholder’s particular situation.

If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to a fund’s 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 stocks or securities are in many cases exempted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not exempted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s 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 paid by a fund 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). 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

 

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the non-U.S. shareholder’s 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 lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an 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 a fund.

For foreign shareholders of a fund, a distribution attributable to the fund’s sale or exchange of U.S. real property or of a REIT or other U.S. real property holding corporation will be treated as real property gain subject to 35% withholding tax if 50% or more of the value of the fund’s assets is 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. In addition, foreign shareholders may be subject to certain tax filing requirements if 50% or more of a fund’s assets are invested in REITs and other U.S. real property holding corporations.

For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2010, properly-designated dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of a fund’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the fund’s 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 by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of a fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the fund’s net short-term capital gain over the fund’s long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, a 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.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein. Foreign shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a fund, including the applicability of foreign taxes.

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 funds and their 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 a fund.

LEGAL MATTERS

Beginning in May 2004, class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws were filed against CGMI and a number of its then affiliates, including SBFM and Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc (“SBAM”), 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 “Affected Funds”) and Board Members of the Affected Funds (collectively, the “Defendants”). The complaints alleged, among other things, that CGMI

 

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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 Affected 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 Affected 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 Affected Funds failed to adequately disclose certain of the allegedly wrongful conduct. The complaints sought injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, rescission of the Affected 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.

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 Affected Funds in which none of the plaintiffs had invested, and dismissing those Affected 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, and against CAM, SBAM and SBFM 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 Second Amended Complaint alleges no claims against any of the Affected 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.

On December 3, 2007, the court granted Defendants’ motion to dismiss, with prejudice. On January 2, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal was fully briefed and oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit took place on March 5, 2009. The parties currently are awaiting a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Additional lawsuits arising out of these circumstances and presenting similar allegations and requests for relief may be filed in the future.

Beginning in August 2005, five putative class action lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities laws and state law were filed against CGMI, a former distributor of the funds and other affiliated funds (the “Funds”), and SBFM, based on the May 31, 2005 settlement order issued against CGMI and SBFM by the SEC. The complaints seek injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, removal of SBFM as the advisor 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.

The five actions were subsequently consolidated, and a consolidated complaint was filed. On September 26, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an order dismissing the consolidated complaint, and judgment was entered. An appeal was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. After full briefing, oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit took place on March 4, 2009. On February 16, 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion affirming the dismissal, in part, and vacating and remanding, in part. The opinion affirmed the dismissal with prejudice of plaintiffs’ claim pursuant to Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act but vacated the dismissal of the Section 10(b) securities fraud claim. The case has been remanded to Judge Pauley of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

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As of the date of this SAI, the fund’s investment manager believes that resolution of the pending lawsuit will not have a material effect on the ability of the fund’s investment manager and its affiliates to continue to render services to the funds under their respective contracts.

* * *

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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements of each fund (Statements of Assets and Liabilities) including the Schedules of Investments as of January 31, 2010, Statement of Operations for the year ended January 31, 2010, Statements of Changes in Net Assets for each of the years in the two-year period ended January 31, 2010, Financial Highlights for each of the years or periods in the five-year period ended January 31, 2010, 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 of each fund), are incorporated by reference into this SAI (filed on [        ]; Accession Number [        ]).

 

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Appendix A

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

The ratings of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 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 Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Long-Term Obligation Ratings:

Moody’s 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: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers “1,” “2” and “3” to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier “1” indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier “2” indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier “3” indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s US Municipal and Tax Exempt Ratings:

Municipal Ratings are opinions of the investment quality of issuers and issues in the US municipal and tax-exempt markets. As such, these ratings incorporate Moody’s assessment of the default probability and loss severity of these issuers and issues. The default and loss content for Moody’s municipal long-term rating scale differs from Moody’s general long-term rating scale. (Please refer to Corporate Equivalent Ratings under Policies and Procedures.)

 

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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 municipality’s ability to repay its debt.

Municipal Long-Term Rating Definitions:

Aaa —Issuers or issues rated Aaa demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Aa —Issuers or issues rated Aa demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

A —Issuers or issues rated A present above-average creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Baa —Issuers or issues rated Baa represent average creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Ba —Issuers or issues rated Ba demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

B —Issuers or issues rated B demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Caa —Issuers or issues rated Caa demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Ca —Issuers or issues rated Ca demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

C —Issuers or issues rated C demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other US municipal or tax-exempt issuers or issues.

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers “1,” “2” and “3” to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier “1” indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier “2” indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier “3” indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s US 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 levels—“MIG 1” through “MIG 3.” In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated “SG,” or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.

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.

 

A-2


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.

Description of Moody’s 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 Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating. When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g. , Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1. VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.

VMIG 1 —This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 2 —This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 3 —This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

SG —This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Short-Term Prime Ratings:

Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

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.

 

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Description of Standard & Poor’s Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (1) likelihood of payment—capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in 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 & Poor’s. The obligor’s 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB —An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

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 obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B —An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB,” but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC —An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC —An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C —A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “C” rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A “C” also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

 

A-4


D —An obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or Minus (–): The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (–) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

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 issuer’s published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. They do not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuer’s 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 year’s financial statements, but may be reviewed on an interim basis if a major event occurs that may affect the issuer’s 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 & Poor’s of appropriate documentation. Changes in the information provided to Standard & Poor’s could result in the assignment of a different rating. In addition, Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s policies. The final rating may differ from the preliminary rating.

 

A-5


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 & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

Description of Standard & Poor’s Ratings of Notes:

A Standard & Poor’s U.S. municipal note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:

 

  Amortization schedule—the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

  Source of payment—the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Note rating symbols are as follows:

SP-1 —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 & Poor’s Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

A-1 —Short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial 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 obligor’s 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 obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

A-6


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.

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 & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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 issuer’s published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. They do not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuer’s 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 year’s financial statements, but may be reviewed on an interim basis if a major event occurs that may affect the issuer’s 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.

 

A-7


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 & Poor’s of appropriate documentation. Changes in the information provided to Standard & Poor’s could result in the assignment of a different rating. In addition, Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

Description of Standard & Poor’s Ratings of Commercial Paper:

A Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s believes such payments will be made during such grace period.

Description of Standard & Poor’s Dual Ratings:

Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s note rating symbols are used with the commercial paper rating symbols (for example, “SP-1+/A-1+”).

 

A-8


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).

 

A-9


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 obligation’s 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 obligation’s documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitch’s 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.

 

A-10


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.

 

A-11


Appendix B

LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

October 2009

 

I.

   TYPES OF ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH LMGAA VOTES PROXIES    B-2

II.

   GENERAL GUIDELINES    B-2

III.

   HOW LMGAA VOTES    B-3

IV.

   PROXY VOTING FOR FUNDS OF FUNDS    B-3

V.

   PROXY VOTING WITH RESPECT TO EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND SHARES    B-3

VI.

   CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PROCEDURES    B-3

VII.

   OTHER CONSIDERATIONS    B-6

VIII.

   DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING    B-6

IX.

   RECORDKEEPING AND OVERSIGHT    B-6

 

B-1


LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

I. TYPES OF ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH LMGAA VOTES PROXIES

Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA” or “we”) provides investment advisory services consisting primarily of asset allocation and manager or fund selection advisory services to clients as an adviser to a “Fund of Funds,” as an adviser to a Section 529 college savings plan (“529 Plan”) or as a “Manager of Managers.”

“Fund of Funds” clients include U.S. registered investment companies advised by LMGAA that invest in shares of U.S. registered investment companies (“Underlying Funds”). 529 Plans advised by LMGAA also invest in shares of Underlying Funds. Any proxy voting with respect to shares of Underlying Funds held by a Fund of Funds or a 529 Plan, for which LMGAA acts as an adviser or sub-adviser with the power to vote proxies, is subject to this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure.

LMGAA advises other clients through manager of manager arrangements in which the various segments of each client’s multi-style investment portfolio are individually managed by a number of investment advisers (“Underlying Advisers”). As a manager of managers, LMGAA determines asset allocations to each Underlying Adviser, and LMGAA generally does not advise the client or otherwise make recommendations with respect to the purchase, holding or disposition of shares of individual securities. With respect to such manager of manager arrangements, LMGAA generally does not exercise any proxy voting authority with respect to the securities of individual corporate issuers held in the client’s portfolio. Such authority is reserved or delegated to the Underlying Advisers which have investment authority over such securities. For any employee benefit plan client subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), such proxy voting authority is reserved or delegated to the Underlying Advisers unless the plan document or investment advisory agreement specifically reserves the responsibility to vote proxies to the plan trustees or other named fiduciary.

In the case of certain manager of manager client accounts, LMGAA may provide investment advisory services with respect to securities of individual corporate issuers as the manager of a portfolio sleeve (“LMGAA Managed Portfolio Sleeve”). If LMGAA has proxy voting authority with respect to such individual securities, its exercise of such authority will be subject to this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure.

In connection with a transition from one Underlying Fund or Underlying Adviser to another, a client may temporarily hold a basket of securities (e.g., due to an Underlying Fund’s satisfaction of a redemption out of such fund on an in-kind basis) during the transition period. In such event, LMGAA will seek to liquidate the securities received as soon as practicable unless the successor Underlying Fund or the successor Underlying Adviser indicates that it is willing to accept such securities. LMGAA does not seek to vote proxies with respect to such securities (should one or more proxy record dates happen to fall within a transition period) because of the transitory nature of LMGAA’s holdings of such securities and the scope of LMGAA’s responsibilities with respect to such securities.

These policies and procedures are intended to fulfill applicable requirements imposed on LMGAA by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and ERISA, and the rules and regulations adopted under these laws.

II. GENERAL GUIDELINES

In voting proxies, we are guided by general fiduciary principles. Our goal is to act prudently, solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of the accounts we manage, and, in the case of ERISA accounts, for the

 

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III. HOW LMGAA VOTES

A. Underlying Funds

LMGAA has determined that proxy voting with respect to shares of Underlying Funds present diverse and complex policy issues that make the establishment of standard proxy voting guidelines impractical. To the extent that LMGAA has proxy voting authority with respect to shares of Underlying Funds, LMGAA shall vote such shares in the best interest of client accounts and subject to the general fiduciary principles set forth in Section II.

LMGAA’s proxy voting authority on behalf of a Fund of Funds with respect to shares of Underlying Funds advised by LMGAA’s affiliates is subject to the provisions of Section IV. LMGAA’s proxy voting authority on behalf of client accounts with respect to shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) is subject to the provisions of Section V.

B. Individual Securities

In voting proxies with respect to individual securities held in a LMGAA Managed Portfolio Sleeve, LMGAA’s policy is generally to vote in accordance with the recommendations of Risk Metrics Group’s ISS Governance Services unit (“ISS”), a recognized authority on proxy voting and corporate governance. In instances where ISS has not made any recommendations with respect to a proxy issue, LMGAA will generally vote in accordance with ISS’s proxy voting guidelines. Attached is a concise summary of ISS’s standard proxy voting guidelines relating to domestic proxies.

LMGAA is not required to follow ISS’s recommendations, and retains full responsibility for voting proxies in accordance with the general principles described in Section II. An individual portfolio manager or investment team may vote contrary to ISS’s recommendation on a proxy issue or contrary to ISS’s general proxy voting guidelines if they believe such a contrary vote to be in clients’ best interests. Different portfolio managers and investment teams may vote differently on the same issue, depending upon their respective assessments of clients’ best interests.

IV. PROXY VOTING FOR FUNDS OF FUNDS

With respect to proxy voting for any Fund of Funds investing in Underlying Funds advised by LMGAA’s affiliates, proxies for the shares of any such Underlying Fund generally will be voted in accordance with an echo voting procedure under which such proxies are voted in the same proportion as the votes from other shareholders of such Underlying Fund. LMGAA may vote such proxies in accordance with other voting procedures approved by the Proxy Voting Committee (see Appendix C), provided such procedures comply with applicable law and/or regulatory requirements.

V. PROXY VOTING WITH RESPECT TO EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND SHARES

With respect to proxy voting of shares of an Underlying Fund that is an ETF advised by an adviser which is unaffiliated with LMGAA, LMGAA will vote such proxies in accordance with the general fiduciary principles set forth in Section II; provided that LMGAA will vote such proxies in accordance with an echo voting procedure to the extent required by LMGAA’s Section 12(d)(1) Procedures. Voting procedures are intended to be in the best interest of client accounts and subject to the general fiduciary principles set forth in Section II, and such procedures are subject to review by the Proxy Voting Committee.

VI. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PROCEDURES

In furtherance of LMGAA’s goal to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients, LMGAA follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between LMGAA’s interests and those of its clients before voting proxies relating to shares of Underlying Funds or individual securities. The

 

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conflicts of interest procedures set forth in this Section VI do not apply to proxy voting for a Fund of Funds with respect to shares of an Underlying Fund advised by LMGAA or one of its affiliates given the voting protocol for Funds of Funds set forth in Section IV. The conflicts of interest procedures set forth in this Section VI do apply to Section 529 Plans.

A. Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest

LMGAA relies on the following to seek to identify conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting:

 

  1. The policy memorandum attached hereto as Appendix A shall be distributed periodically to LMGAA employees by LMGAA’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). The policy memorandum alerts LMGAA employees that they are under an obligation (i) to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of LMGAA with respect to voting proxies relating to investment companies and individual securities 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 LMGAA’s business, and (ii) to bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of LMGAA’s CCO.

 

  2. LMGAA shall bring all proxies relating to investment companies for which LMGAA or an affiliate serves as the sponsor, manager, adviser or sub-adviser (“Affiliated Funds”) to the attention of the Proxy Voting Committee (see Appendix B) for a conflicts of interest review.

 

  3. LMGAA shall maintain an up to date list of all client relationships that have historically accounted for or are projected to account for greater than 1% of LMGAA’s annual revenues. LMGAA shall bring all proxies relating to securities issued by such a client to the attention of the Proxy Voting Committee (see Appendix B) for a conflicts of interest review.

 

  4. As a general matter, LMGAA takes the position that relationships between a non-LMGAA Legg Mason unit and an issuer (e.g., investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-LMGAA Legg Mason affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for LMGAA in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because LMGAA operates as an independent business unit from other Legg Mason business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between LMGAA and certain other Legg Mason business units. As noted above, LMGAA employees are under an obligation to bring conflicts of interest, including conflicts of interest which may arise because of an attempt by another Legg Mason business unit or non-LMGAA Legg Mason officer or employee to influence proxy voting by LMGAA, to the attention of LMGAA’s CCO.

 

  5. On the basis of information gathered pursuant to paragraphs A.1-A.3 above, LMGAA’s CCO shall maintain an up to date list of Underlying Funds and individual securities with respect to which LMGAA has a potential conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of client accounts. LMGAA shall not vote proxies on behalf of clients relating to investment companies or individual securities where a potential conflict of interest has been identified until it has been determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method for resolving such conflict of interest has been agreed upon and implemented, as described in this Section VI.B & C below.

B. Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest

 

  1. LMGAA shall maintain a Proxy Voting Committee to review and address conflicts of interest brought to its attention. The Proxy Voting Committee shall be comprised of such LMGAA personnel as are designated from time to time. The current members of the Proxy Voting Committee are set forth on Appendix B hereto.

 

  2.

All conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined in Section VI.A. must be brought to the attention of the Proxy Voting Committee by LMGAA’s CCO for resolution. A proxy issue relating to an individual security that will be voted in accordance with ISS’s recommendation or in accordance with ISS’s general proxy voting guidelines generally does not need to be brought to the

 

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attention of the Proxy Voting Committee for a conflict of interest review because LMGAA’s position is that any conflict of interest issues are resolved by voting in accordance with a pre-determined policy or in accordance with ISS’ recommendation or general proxy voting guidelines.

 

  3. The Proxy Voting Committee shall determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, LMGAA’s decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. LMGAA’s CCO shall maintain a written record of all materiality determinations made by the Proxy Voting Committee.

 

  4. If it is determined by the Proxy Voting Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, LMGAA may vote proxies on behalf of the client account notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

C. Procedures for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest

 

  1. If it is determined by the Proxy Voting Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Proxy Voting Committee shall determine an appropriate method to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted on behalf of a client account. Such determination shall be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. Such methods may include:

 

  (a) disclosing the conflict to clients and obtaining their instruction as to how to vote;

 

  (b) voting shares in proportion to how other shareholders have voted (also known as “mirror” or “echo” voting);

 

  (c) voting in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party;

 

  (d) suggesting to clients that they engage another party to vote the proxy on their behalf;

 

  (e) in the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee’s personal relationships, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote; or

 

  (f)

such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. 1

 

  2. LMGAA’s CCO shall maintain a written record of the conflict and the method used to resolve the material conflict of interest.

D. Third Party Proxy Voting Firm—Conflicts of Interest

To the extent that LMGAA utilizes a third party proxy voting firm such as ISS to assist LMGAA in voting proxies, the Proxy Voting Committee will periodically review and assess such firm’s policies, procedures and practices with respect to the disclosure and handling of conflicts of interest.

 

 

1

Especially in the case of an apparent, as opposed to actual, conflict of interest, the Proxy Voting Committee may resolve such conflict of interest by satisfying itself that LMGAA’s proposed vote on a proxy issue is in the best interest of client accounts and is not being influenced by the conflict of interest.

 

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VII. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

In certain situations, LMGAA may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client because LMGAA believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting shares is outweighed by countervailing considerations. Examples of situations in which LMGAA may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client include:

 

  (1) Share Blocking

Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share blocking.” This means that shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting (e.g. one week) with a designated depositary. During the blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares have been returned to client accounts by the designated depositary. In deciding whether to vote shares subject to share blocking, LMGAA will consider and weigh, based on the particular facts and circumstances, the expected benefit to clients of voting in relation to the detriment to clients of not being able to sell such shares during the applicable period.

 

  (2) Securities on Loan

Certain clients of LMGAA, such as an institutional client or a mutual fund for which LMGAA acts as a sub-adviser, may engage in securities lending with respect to the securities in their accounts. LMGAA typically does not direct or oversee such securities lending activities. To the extent feasible and practical under the circumstances, LMGAA will request that the client recall shares that are on loan so that such shares can be voted if LMGAA believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting such shares outweighs the detriment to the client of recalling such shares ( e.g. , foregone income). The ability to timely recall shares for proxy voting purposes typically is not entirely within the control of LMGAA and requires the cooperation of the client and its other service providers. Under certain circumstances, the recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates and administrative considerations.

VIII. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING

LMGAA employees may not disclose to others outside of LMGAA (including employees of other Legg Mason business units) how LGMAA intends to vote a proxy absent prior approval from the Compliance Department.

If a LMGAA employee receives a request to disclose LMGAA’s proxy voting intentions to, or is otherwise contacted by, another person outside of LMGAA (including an employee of another Legg Mason business unit) in connection with an upcoming proxy voting matter, he/she should immediately notify LMGAA’s CCO.

IX. RECORDKEEPING AND OVERSIGHT

LMGAA shall maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:

 

  a copy of these policies and procedures;

 

  a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

 

  a copy of each proxy solicitation (including proxy statements) and related materials with regard to each vote;

 

  documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;

 

  any documents created by LMGAA that were material to a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for that decision; and

 

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  a copy of each written client request for information on how LMGAA voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by LMGAA to any (written or oral) client request for information on how LMGAA voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client.

Such records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of LMGAA.

With respect to each Fund of Funds and LMGAA Managed Portfolio Sleeve for which LMGAA votes proxies, LMGAA shall maintain such records as are necessary to allow such client to comply with its recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, LMGAA may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements and votes cast if the third party provides an undertaking to provide the documents promptly upon request.

 

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Appendix B2

Memorandum

 

To :

   All Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (LMGAA) Employees

From :

   LMGAA Chief Compliance Officer

Date :

                    , 2009

Re :

   LMGAA Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures-Conflicts of Interest with respect to Proxy Voting

 

 

Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (LMGAA) currently has in place a proxy voting policy and procedures designed to ensure that LMGAA votes investment company proxies in the best interest of its clients. Accompanying this memorandum is a copy of LMGAA’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (            2009). The Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are designed to comply with the SEC rule under the Investment Advisers Act that addresses an investment adviser’s fiduciary obligation to its clients when voting proxies. AS DISCUSSED IN MORE DETAIL BELOW, LMGAA EMPLOYEES ARE UNDER AN OBLIGATION (i) TO BE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ON THE PART OF LMGAA IN VOTING PROXIES ON BEHALF OF CLIENT ACCOUNTS BOTH AS A RESULT OF AN EMPLOYEE’S PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND DUE TO SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY ARISE DURING THE CONDUCT OF LMGAA’S BUSINESS, AND (ii) TO BRING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF WHICH THEY BECOME AWARE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT.

All LMGAA employees must play an important role in helping our organization identify potential conflicts of interest that could impact LMGAA’s proxy voting. LMGAA employees need to (i) be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of LMGAA in voting proxies on behalf of client accounts both as a result of an employee’s personal relationships and due to special circumstances that may arise during the conduct of LMGAA’s business, and (ii) bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of the Compliance Department.

A conflict of interest arises when the existence of a personal or business relationship on the part of LMGAA or one of its employees or special circumstances that arise during the conduct of LMGAA’s business might influence, or appear to influence, the manner in which LMGAA decides to vote a proxy. An example of a personal relationship that creates a potential conflict of interest would be a situation in which a LMGAA employee has a spouse or other close relative who serves as a director or senior executive of an issuer. Another example would be a situation in which there was contact between LMGAA and non-LMGAA personnel in which the non-LMGAA Legg Mason personnel, on their own initiative or at the prompting of a client of a non-LMGAA unit of Legg Mason, tried to exert pressure to influence LMGAA’s proxy vote. Of course, the foregoing examples are not exhaustive, and a variety of situations may arise that raise conflict of interest questions for LMGAA. You are encouraged to raise and discuss with the Compliance Department particular facts and circumstances that you believe may raise conflict of interest issues for LMGAA.

As described in the Proxy Policy and Procedures, LMGAA has established a Proxy Voting Committee to assess the materiality of conflicts of interest brought to its attention by the Compliance Department as well as to agree upon appropriate methods to resolve material conflicts of interest before proxies affected by the conflicts of interest are voted. As described in the Proxy Policies and Procedures, there are a variety of methods and approaches that the Proxy Voting Committee may utilize to resolve material conflicts of interest. Please note that LMGAA employees should report all conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the Compliance Department. It is up to the Proxy Voting Committee to assess the materiality of conflicts of interest brought to its attention and to agree upon an appropriate resolution with respect to conflicts of interest determined to be material.

 

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The obligation of LMGAA employees to be sensitive to the issue of conflicts of interest and to bring conflicts of interest to the attention of the Compliance Department is a serious one. Failure to do so can lead to negative legal, regulatory, and reputational consequences for the firm as well as to negative regulatory and disciplinary consequences for the LMGAA employee. Please consult the Compliance Department if you have any questions concerning your obligations with respect to conflicts of interest under the updated proxy voting policies and procedures.

 

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Appendix B3

Proxy Voting Committee Members

Investment Representatives

Steven Bleiberg

Wayne Lin

Legal Representatives

Leonard Larrabee

Thomas Mandia

Michael Scanlon

Compliance Representatives

Fred Jensen

Kwame Moses

At least one representative from each of Investment Management, Legal and Compliance must participate in any deliberations and decisions of the Proxy Voting Committee.

 

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Appendix B4

LOGO

U.S. Proxy Voting Guidelines Concise Summary

(Digest of Selected Key Guidelines)

January 15, 2009

 

Copyright © 2009 by RiskMetrics Group.

The policies contained herein are a sampling of select, key proxy voting guidelines and are not exhaustive. A full listing of RiskMetrics 2009 proxy voting guidelines can be found in the Jan. 15, 2009, edition of the U.S. Proxy Voting Manual .

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission to make copies of any part of this work should be sent to: RiskMetrics Group Marketing Department, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10005. RiskMetrics Group is a trademark used herein under license.

Risk Management | RiskMetrics Labs | ISS Governance Services | Financial Research & Analysis

www.riskmetrics.com

 

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1. Operational Items:

Auditor Ratification

Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply:

 

   

An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent;

 

   

There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

 

   

Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or

 

   

Fees for non-audit services (“Other” fees) are excessive.

Non-audit fees are excessive if:

 

   

Non-audit (“other”) fees exceed audit fees + audit-related fees + tax compliance/preparation fees

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit or limit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking for audit firm rotation, taking into account:

 

   

The tenure of the audit firm;

 

   

The length of rotation specified in the proposal;

 

   

Any significant audit-related issues at the company;

 

   

The number of Audit Committee meetings held each year;

 

   

The number of financial experts serving on the committee; and

 

   

Whether the company has a periodic renewal process where the auditor is evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price.

2. Board of Directors:

Voting on Director 1 Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD 2 from individual directors who:

 

   

Attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse, such as illness, service to the nation, work on behalf of the company, or funeral obligations. If the company provides meaningful public or private disclosure explaining the director’s absences, evaluate the information on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into account the following factors:

 

  Degree to which absences were due to an unavoidable conflict;

 

1

RiskMetrics’ classification of directors can be found in U.S. Proxy Voting Guidelines Summary .

2

In general, companies with a plurality vote standard use “Withhold” as the valid opposition vote option in director elections; companies with a majority vote standard use “Against”. However, it will vary by company and the proxy must be checked to determine the valid opposition vote for the particular company.

 

  Pattern of absenteeism; and

 

  Other extraordinary circumstances underlying the director’s absence;

 

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Sit on more than six public company boards;

 

   

Are CEOs of public companies who sit on the boards of more than two public companies besides their own—withhold only at their outside boards.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from all nominees of the board of directors, (except from new nominees, who should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis) if:

 

   

The company’s proxy indicates that not all directors attended 75% of the aggregate of their board and committee meetings, but fails to provide the required disclosure of the names of the directors involved. If this information cannot be obtained, vote against/withhold from all incumbent directors;

 

   

The company’s poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature. Vote against/withhold every year until this feature is removed;

 

   

The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold/against recommendation for this issue;

 

   

The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval by a majority of the shares outstanding the previous year (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken);

 

   

The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken);

 

   

The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

 

   

At the previous board election, any director received more than 50 percent withhold/against votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the underlying issue(s) that caused the high withhold/against vote;

 

   

The board is classified, and a continuing director responsible for a problematic governance issue at the board/committee level that would warrant a withhold/against vote recommendation is not up for election- any or all appropriate nominees (except new) may be held accountable;

 

   

The board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers. Sustained poor performance is measured by one- and three-year total shareholder returns in the bottom half of a company’s four-digit GICS industry group (Russell 3000 companies only).

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from Inside Directors and Affiliated Outside Directors (per the Classification of Directors below) when:

 

   

The inside or affiliated outside director serves on any of the three key committees: audit, compensation, or nominating;

 

   

The company lacks an audit, compensation, or nominating committee so that the full board functions as that committee;

 

   

The company lacks a formal nominating committee, even if board attests that the independent directors fulfill the functions of such a committee;

 

   

The full board is less than majority independent.

 

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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Audit Committee if:

 

   

The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive;

 

   

The company receives an adverse opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditor; or

 

   

There is persuasive evidence that the audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.

Vote CASE-by-CASE on members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices, which rise to a level of serious concern are identified, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures.

Examine the severity, breadth, chronological sequence and duration, as well as the company’s efforts at remediation or corrective actions in determining whether negative vote recommendations are warranted against the members of the Audit Committee who are responsible for the poor accounting practices, or the entire board.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Compensation Committee if:

 

   

There is a negative correlation between the chief executive’s pay and company performance (see discussion under Equity Compensation Plans);

 

   

The company reprices underwater options for stock, cash or other consideration without prior shareholder approval, even if allowed in their equity plan;

 

   

The company fails to submit one-time transfers of stock options to a shareholder vote;

 

   

The company fails to fulfill the terms of a burn rate commitment they made to shareholders;

 

   

The company has backdated options (see “Options Backdating” policy);

The company has poor compensation practices (see “Poor Pay Practices” policy). Poor pay practices may warrant withholding votes from the CEO and potentially the entire board as well.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from directors, individually or the entire board, for egregious actions or failure to replace management as appropriate.

Independent Chair (Separate Chair/CEO)

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, unless the company satisfies all of the following criteria:

The company maintains the following counterbalancing features:

 

   

Designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. (The role may alternatively reside with a presiding director, vice chairman, or rotating lead director; however the director must serve a minimum of one year in order to qualify as a lead director.) The duties should include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  presides at all meetings of the board at which the chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors;

 

  serves as liaison between the chairman and the independent directors;

 

  approves information sent to the board;

 

  approves meeting agendas for the board;

 

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  approves meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;

 

  has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors;

 

  if requested by major shareholders, ensures that he is available for consultation and direct communication;

 

   

Two-thirds independent board;

 

   

All independent key committees;

 

   

Established governance guidelines;

 

   

A company in the Russell 3000 universe must not have exhibited sustained poor total shareholder return (TSR) performance, defined as one- and three-year TSR in the bottom half of the company’s four-digit GICS industry group within the Russell 3000 only), unless there has been a change in the Chairman/CEO position within that time;

 

   

The company does not have any problematic governance or management issues, examples of which include, but are not limited to:

 

  Egregious compensation practices;

 

  Multiple related-party transactions or other issues putting director independence at risk;

 

  Corporate and/or management scandals;

 

  Excessive problematic corporate governance provisions; or

 

  Flagrant board or management actions with potential or realized negative impact on shareholders.

Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals

Generally vote FOR precatory and binding resolutions requesting that the board change the company’s bylaws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast, provided it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated. Binding resolutions need to allow for a carve-out for a plurality vote standard when there are more nominees than board seats.

Companies are strongly encouraged to also adopt a post-election policy (also know as a director resignation policy) that provides guidelines so that the company will promptly address the situation of a holdover director.

Performance/Governance Evaluation for Directors

Vote WITHHOLD/AGAINST on all director nominees if the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers, measured by one- and three-year total shareholder returns in the bottom half of a company’s four-digit GICS industry group (Russell 3000 companies only).

Evaluate board accountability and oversight at companies that demonstrate sustained poor performance. Problematic provisions include but are not limited to:

 

   

a classified board structure;

 

   

a supermajority vote requirement;

 

   

majority vote standard for director elections with no carve out for contested elections;

 

   

the inability of shareholders to call special meetings;

 

   

the inability of shareholders to act by written consent;

 

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a dual-class structure; and/or

 

   

a non-shareholder approved poison pill.

If a company exhibits sustained poor performance coupled with a lack of board accountability and oversight, also take into consideration the company’s five-year total shareholder return and five-year operational metrics in the evaluation.

3. Proxy Contests

Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors in contested elections, considering the following factors:

 

   

Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry;

 

   

Management’s track record;

 

   

Background to the proxy contest;

 

   

Qualifications of director nominees (both slates);

 

   

Strategic plan of dissident slate and quality of critique against management;

 

   

Likelihood that the proposed goals and objectives can be achieved (both slates);

 

   

Stock ownership positions.

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election.

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for the reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred in connection with nominating one or more candidates in a contested election where the following apply:

 

   

The election of fewer than 50% of the directors to be elected is contested in the election;

 

   

One or more of the dissident’s candidates is elected;

 

   

Shareholders are not permitted to cumulate their votes for directors; and

 

   

The election occurred, and the expenses were incurred, after the adoption of this bylaw.

4. Antitakeover Defenses and Voting Related Issues

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/Nominations

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on advance notice proposals, giving support to proposals that allow shareholders to submit proposals/nominations reasonably close to the meeting date and within the broadest window possible, recognizing the need to allow sufficient notice for company, regulatory and shareholder review.

To be reasonable, the company’s deadline for shareholder notice of a proposal/ nominations must not be more than 60 days prior to the meeting, with a submittal window of at least 30 days prior to the deadline.

In general, support additional efforts by companies to ensure full disclosure in regard to a proponent’s economic and voting position in the company so long as the informational requirements are reasonable and aimed at providing shareholders with the necessary information to review such proposal.

 

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Poison Pills

Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it UNLESS the company has: (1) A shareholder approved poison pill in place; or (2) The company has adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying that the board will only adopt a shareholder rights plan if either:

 

   

Shareholders have approved the adoption of the plan; or

 

   

The board, in exercising its fiduciary responsibilities, determines that it is in the best interest of shareholders under the circumstances to adopt a pill without the delay that would result from seeking stockholder approval (i.e., the “fiduciary out” provision). A poison pill adopted under this “fiduciary out” will be put to a shareholder ratification vote within 12 months of adoption or expire. If the pill is not approved by a majority of the votes cast on this issue, the plan will immediately terminate.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a time period of less than one year after adoption. If the company has no non-shareholder approved poison pill in place and has adopted a policy with the provisions outlined above, vote AGAINST the proposal. If these conditions are not met, vote FOR the proposal, but with the caveat that a vote within 12 months would be considered sufficient.

Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan. Rights plans should contain the following attributes:

 

   

No lower than a 20% trigger, flip-in or flip-over;

 

   

A term of no more than three years;

 

   

No dead-hand, slow-hand, no-hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill;

 

   

Shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause); if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced, 10 percent of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill.

In addition, the rationale for adopting the pill should be thoroughly explained by the company. In examining the request for the pill, take into consideration the company’s existing governance structure, including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, and any problematic governance concerns.

For management proposals to adopt a poison pill for the stated purpose of preserving a company’s net operating losses (“NOL pills”), the following factors should be considered:

 

   

the trigger (NOL pills generally have a trigger slightly below 5%);

 

   

the value of the NOLs;

 

   

the term;

 

   

shareholder protection mechanisms (sunset provision, causing expiration of the pill upon exhaustion or expiration of NOLs); and

 

   

other factors that may be applicable.

In addition, vote WITHHOLD/AGAINST the entire board of directors, (except new nominees, who should be considered on a CASE-by-CASE basis) if the board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to a shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of a newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold recommendation for this issue.

 

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5. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

Overall Approach

For mergers and acquisitions, review and evaluate the merits and drawbacks of the proposed transaction, balancing various and sometimes countervailing factors including:

 

   

Valuation —Is the value to be received by the target shareholders (or paid by the acquirer) reasonable? While the fairness opinion may provide an initial starting point for assessing valuation reasonableness, emphasis is placed on the offer premium, market reaction and strategic rationale.

 

   

Market reaction —How has the market responded to the proposed deal? A negative market reaction should cause closer scrutiny of a deal.

 

   

Strategic rationale —Does the deal make sense strategically? From where is the value derived? Cost and revenue synergies should not be overly aggressive or optimistic, but reasonably achievable. Management should also have a favorable track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions.

 

   

Negotiations and process —Were the terms of the transaction negotiated at arm’s-length? Was the process fair and equitable? A fair process helps to ensure the best price for shareholders. Significant negotiation “wins” can also signify the deal makers’ competency. The comprehensiveness of the sales process (e.g., full auction, partial auction, no auction) can also affect shareholder value.

 

   

Conflicts of interest —Are insiders benefiting from the transaction disproportionately and inappropriately as compared to non-insider shareholders? As the result of potential conflicts, the directors and officers of the company may be more likely to vote to approve a merger than if they did not hold these interests. Consider whether these interests may have influenced these directors and officers to support or recommend the merger. The change-in-control figure presented in the “RMG Transaction Summary” section of this report is an aggregate figure that can in certain cases be a misleading indicator of the true value transfer from shareholders to insiders. Where such figure appears to be excessive, analyze the underlying assumptions to determine whether a potential conflict exists.

 

   

Governance —Will the combined company have a better or worse governance profile than the current governance profiles of the respective parties to the transaction? If the governance profile is to change for the worse, the burden is on the company to prove that other issues (such as valuation) outweigh any deterioration in governance.

6. State of Incorporation

Reincorporation Proposals

Evaluate management or shareholder proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to both financial and corporate governance concerns including the following:

 

   

Reasons for reincorporation;

 

   

Comparison of company’s governance practices and provisions prior to and following the reincorporation; and

 

   

Comparison of corporation laws of original state and destination state

Vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative governance changes.

 

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7. Capital Structure

Common Stock Authorization

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance. Take into account company-specific factors which include, at a minimum, the following:

 

   

Specific reasons/ rationale for the proposed increase;

 

   

The dilutive impact of the request as determined through an allowable cap generated by RiskMetrics’ quantitative model;

 

   

The board’s governance structure and practices; and

 

   

Risks to shareholders of not approving the request.

Vote FOR proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable cap when a company’s shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain.

Preferred Stock

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance. Take into account company-specific factors which include, at a minimum, the following:

 

   

Specific reasons/ rationale for the proposed increase;

 

   

The dilutive impact of the request as determined through an allowable cap generated by RiskMetrics’ quantitative model;

 

   

The board’s governance structure and practices; and

 

   

Risks to shareholders of not approving the request.

Vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock).

Vote FOR proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense).

Vote FOR proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

Vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose.

8. Executive and Director Compensation

Equity Compensation Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on equity-based compensation plans. Vote AGAINST the equity plan if any of the following factors apply:

 

   

The total cost of the company’s equity plans is unreasonable;

 

   

The plan expressly permits the repricing of stock options/stock appreciation rights (SARs) without prior shareholder approval;

 

   

The CEO is a participant in the proposed equity-based compensation plan and there is a disconnect between CEO pay and the company’s performance where over 50 percent of the year-over-year increase is attributed to equity awards;

 

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The company’s three year burn rate exceeds the greater of 2% and the mean plus one standard deviation of its industry group;

 

   

The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even though an actual change in control may not occur (e.g., upon shareholder approval of a transaction or the announcement of a tender offer); or

 

   

The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices.

Poor Pay Practices

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from compensation committee members, CEO, and potentially the entire board, if the company has poor compensation practices. Vote AGAINST equity plans if the plan is a vehicle for poor compensation practices.

The following practices, while not exhaustive, are examples of poor compensation practices that may warrant withhold vote recommendations:

 

   

Egregious employment contracts—Contracts containing multi-year guarantees for salary increases, bonuses and equity compensation;

 

   

Excessive perks/tax reimbursements:

 

  Overly generous perquisites, which may include, but are not limited to the following: personal use of corporate aircraft, personal security system maintenance and/or installation, car allowances;

 

  Reimbursement of income taxes on executive perquisites or other payments;

 

  Perquisites for former executives, such as car allowances, personal use of corporate aircraft or other inappropriate arrangements;

Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure—Performance metrics that are changed, canceled or replaced during the performance period without adequate explanation of the action and the link to performance;

 

   

Egregious pension/SERP (supplemental executive retirement plan) payouts:

 

  Inclusion of additional years of service not worked that result in significant payouts;

 

  Inclusion of performance-based equity awards in the pension calculation;

 

   

New CEO with overly generous new hire package:

 

  Excessive “make whole” provisions;

 

  Any of the poor pay practices listed in this policy;

 

   

Excessive severance and/or change in control provisions:

 

  Inclusion of excessive change in control or severance payments, especially those with a multiple in excess of 3X cash pay;

 

  Payments upon an executive’s termination in connection with performance failure;

 

  Change in control payouts without loss of job or substantial diminution of job duties (single-triggered);

 

  New or materially amended employment or severance agreements that provide for modified single triggers, under which an executive may voluntarily leave for any reason and still receive the change-in-control severance package;

 

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  Liberal change in control definition in individual contracts or equity plans which could result in payments to executives without an actual change in control occurring;

 

  New or materially amended employment or severance agreements that provide for an excise tax gross-up. Modified gross-ups would be treated in the same manner as full gross-ups;

 

  Perquisites for former executives such as car allowances, personal use of corporate aircraft or other inappropriate arrangements;

 

   

Dividends or dividend equivalents paid on unvested performance shares or units;

 

   

Poor disclosure practices:

 

  Unclear explanation of how the CEO is involved in the pay setting process;

 

  Retrospective performance targets and methodology not discussed;

 

  Methodology for benchmarking practices and/or peer group not disclosed and explained;

 

   

Internal Pay Disparity:

 

  Excessive differential between CEO total pay and that of next highest paid named executive officer (NEO);

 

   

Options backdating (covered in a separate policy);

 

   

Other excessive compensation payouts or poor pay practices at the company.

Other Compensation Proposals and Policies

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay) Management Proposals

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals for an advisory vote on executive compensation. Vote AGAINST these resolutions in cases where boards have failed to demonstrate good stewardship of investors’ interests regarding executive compensation practices.

For U.S. companies, consider the following factors in the context of each company’s specific circumstances and the board’s disclosed rationale for its practices:

Relative Considerations:

 

   

Assessment of performance metrics relative to business strategy, as discussed and explained in the CD&A;

 

   

Evaluation of peer groups used to set target pay or award opportunities;

 

   

Alignment of company performance and executive pay trends over time (e.g., performance down: pay down);

 

   

Assessment of disparity between total pay of the CEO and other Named Executive Officers (NEOs).

Design Considerations:

 

   

Balance of fixed versus performance-driven pay;

 

   

Assessment of excessive practices with respect to perks, severance packages, supplemental executive pension plans, and burn rates.

 

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Communication Considerations:

 

   

Evaluation of information and board rationale provided in CD&A about how compensation is determined (e.g., why certain elements and pay targets are used, and specific incentive plan goals, especially retrospective goals);

 

   

Assessment of board’s responsiveness to investor input and engagement on compensation issues (e.g., in responding to majority-supported shareholder proposals on executive pay topics).

Employee Stock Purchase Plans—Non-Qualified Plans

Vote CASE-by-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans. Vote FOR nonqualified employee stock purchase plans with all the following features:

 

   

Broad-based participation (i.e., all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with 5 percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company);

 

   

Limits on employee contribution, which may be a fixed dollar amount or expressed as a percent of base salary;

 

   

Company matching contribution up to 25 percent of employee’s contribution, which is effectively a discount of 20 percent from market value;

 

   

No discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution.

Vote AGAINST nonqualified employee stock purchase plans when any of the plan features do not meet the above criteria. If the company matching contribution exceeds 25 percent of employee’s contribution, evaluate the cost of the plan against its allowable cap.

Option Exchange Programs/Repricing Options

Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options, taking into consideration:

 

   

Historic trading patterns—the stock price should not be so volatile that the options are likely to be back “in-the-money” over the near term;

 

   

Rationale for the re-pricing—was the stock price decline beyond management’s control?

 

   

Is this a value-for-value exchange?

 

   

Are surrendered stock options added back to the plan reserve?

 

   

Option vesting—does the new option vest immediately or is there a black-out period?

 

   

Term of the option—the term should remain the same as that of the replaced option;

 

   

Exercise price—should be set at fair market or a premium to market;

 

   

Participants—executive officers and directors should be excluded.

If the surrendered options are added back to the equity plans for re-issuance, then also take into consideration the company’s total cost of equity plans and its three-year average burn rate.

In addition to the above considerations, evaluate the intent, rationale, and timing of the repricing proposal. The proposal should clearly articulate why the board is choosing to conduct an exchange program at this point in time. Repricing underwater options after a recent precipitous drop in the company’s stock price demonstrates poor timing. Repricing after a recent decline in stock price triggers additional scrutiny and a potential AGAINST vote on the proposal. At a minimum, the decline should not have happened within the past year. Also, consider

 

B-22


the terms of the surrendered options, such as the grant date, exercise price and vesting schedule. Grant dates of surrendered options should be far enough back (two to three years) so as not to suggest that repricings are being done to take advantage of short-term downward price movements. Similarly, the exercise price of surrendered options should be above the 52-week high for the stock price.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.

Other Shareholder Proposals on Compensation

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay)

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that call for non-binding shareholder ratification of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers and the accompanying narrative disclosure of material factors provided to understand the Summary Compensation Table.

Golden Coffins/Executive Death Benefits

Generally vote FOR proposals calling on companies to adopt a policy of obtaining shareholder approval for any future agreements and corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards following the death of a senior executive in the form of unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting or the continuation in force of unvested equity grants, perquisites and other payments or awards made in lieu of compensation. This would not apply to any benefit programs or equity plan proposals for which the broad-based employee population is eligible.

Share Buyback Holding Periods

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals prohibiting executives from selling shares of company stock during periods in which the company has announced that it may or will be repurchasing shares of its stock. Vote FOR the proposal when there is a pattern of abuse by executives exercising options or selling shares during periods of share buybacks.

Stock Ownership or Holding Period Guidelines

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that mandate a minimum amount of stock that directors must own in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board. While RMG favors stock ownership on the part of directors, the company should determine the appropriate ownership requirement.

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt policies requiring Named Executive Officers to retain 75% of the shares acquired through compensation plans while employed and/or for two years following the termination of their employment, and to report to shareholders regarding this policy. The following factors will be taken into account:

 

   

Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or officer ownership requirements in place. These should consist of:

 

  Rigorous stock ownership guidelines, or

 

  A holding period requirement coupled with a significant long-term ownership requirement, or

 

  A meaningful retention ratio,

 

   

Actual officer stock ownership and the degree to which it meets or exceeds the proponent’s suggested holding period/retention ratio or the company’s own stock ownership or retention requirements.

 

   

Problematic pay practices, current and past, which may promote a short-term versus a long-term focus.

 

B-23


Tax Gross-Up Proposals

Generally vote FOR proposals asking companies to adopt a policy of not providing tax gross-up payments to executives, except where gross-ups are provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company, such as a relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy.

9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Issues

Overall Approach

When evaluating social and environmental shareholder proposals, RMG considers the following factors:

 

   

Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value;

 

   

Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the company’s business as measured by sales, assets, and earnings;

 

   

The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing;

 

   

Whether the issues presented are more appropriately/effectively dealt with through governmental or company-specific action;

 

   

Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal;

 

   

Whether the company’s analysis and voting recommendation to shareholders are persuasive;

 

   

What other companies have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal;

 

   

Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report is reasonable;

 

   

Whether implementation of the proposal’s request would achieve the proposal’s objectives;

 

   

Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board;

 

   

Whether the requested information is available to shareholders either from the company or from a publicly available source; and

 

   

Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Genetically Modified Ingredients

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking suppliers, genetic research companies, restaurants and food retail companies to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products and/or eliminate GE ingredients. The cost of labeling and/or phasing out the use of GE ingredients may not be commensurate with the benefits to shareholders and is an issue better left to regulators.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking for a report on the feasibility of labeling products containing GE ingredients taking into account:

 

   

The company’s business and the proportion of it affected by the resolution;

 

   

The quality of the company’s disclosure on GE product labeling, related voluntary initiatives, and how this disclosure compares with industry peer disclosure; and

 

   

Company’s current disclosure on the feasibility of GE product labeling, including information on the related costs.

 

B-24


Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking a report on the social, health, and environmental effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Studies of this sort are better undertaken by regulators and the scientific community.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to completely phase out GE ingredients from the company’s products or proposals asking for reports outlining the steps necessary to eliminate GE ingredients from the company’s products. Such resolutions presuppose that there are proven health risks to GE ingredients (an issue better left to regulators) that may outweigh the economic benefits derived from biotechnology.

Pharmaceutical Pricing, Access to Medicines, and Product Reimportation

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies implement specific price restraints on pharmaceutical products unless the company fails to adhere to legislative guidelines or industry norms in its product pricing.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting that the company report on their product pricing policies or their access to medicine policies, considering:

 

   

The nature of the company’s business and the potential for reputational and market risk exposure;

 

   

The existing disclosure of relevant policies;

 

   

Deviation from established industry norms;

 

   

The company’s existing, relevant initiatives to provide research and/or products to disadvantaged consumers;

 

   

Whether the proposal focuses on specific products or geographic regions; and

 

   

The potential cost and scope of the requested report.

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting that companies report on the financial and legal impact of their prescription drug reimportation policies unless such information is already publicly disclosed.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies adopt specific policies to encourage or constrain prescription drug reimportation. Such matters are more appropriately the province of legislative activity and may place the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its peers.

Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and Domestic Partner Benefits

Generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement or diversity policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, unless the change would result in excessive costs for the company. Generally vote AGAINST proposals to extend company benefits to, or eliminate benefits from domestic partners. Decisions regarding benefits should be left to the discretion of the company.

Climate Change

Generally vote FOR resolutions requesting that a company disclose information on the impact of climate change on the company’s operations and investments considering whether:

 

   

The company already provides current, publicly-available information on the impacts that climate change may have on the company as well as associated company policies and procedures to address related risks and/or opportunities;

 

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The company’s level of disclosure is at least comparable to that of industry peers; and

 

   

There are no significant, controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.

Lobbying Expenditures/Initiatives

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting information on a company’s lobbying initiatives, considering:

 

   

Significant controversies, fines, or litigation surrounding a company’s public policy activities,

 

   

The company’s current level of disclosure on lobbying strategy, and

 

   

The impact that the policy issue may have on the company’s business operations.

Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

 

   

There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

 

   

The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

Vote AGAINST proposals to publish in newspapers and public media the company’s political contributions. Such publications could present significant cost to the company without providing commensurate value to shareholders.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to improve the disclosure of a company’s political contributions and trade association spending, considering:

 

   

Recent significant controversy or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

 

   

The public availability of a company policy on political contributions and trade association spending including information on the types of organizations supported, the business rationale for supporting these organizations, and the oversight and compliance procedures related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

Vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. Businesses are affected by legislation at the federal, state, and local level and barring political contributions can put the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Vote AGAINST proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company. Such a list would be burdensome to prepare without providing any meaningful information to shareholders.

Labor and Human Rights Standards

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report on company or company supplier labor and/or human rights standards and policies unless such information is already publicly disclosed.

 

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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to implement company or company supplier labor and/or human rights standards and policies, considering:

 

   

The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

 

   

Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards;

 

   

Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how;

 

   

Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives;

 

   

Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse;

 

   

Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers;

 

   

The scope of the request; and

 

   

Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices.

Sustainability Reporting

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives, and oversight mechanisms related to social, economic, and environmental sustainability, unless:

 

   

The company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as an Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) report; a comprehensive Code of Corporate Conduct; and/or a Diversity Report; or

 

   

The company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines or a similar standard within a specified time frame.

 

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PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28. Exhibits

Unless otherwise noted, all references are to the Registrant’s 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
811-06444).

(a)(1) The Registrant’s Declaration of Trust dated as of October 2, 2006 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 as filed with the SEC on April 16, 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 herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70.

(3) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust effective as of August 9, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 as filed with the SEC on August 24, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 72”).

(4) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of August 9, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 72.

(5) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust and Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of November 8, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 as filed with the SEC on November 30, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 76”).

(6) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust effective as of February 7, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 87 as filed with the SEC on February 15, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 87”).

(7) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of February 7, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.

(8) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust effective as of May 8, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 as filed with the SEC on June 3, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 109”).

(9) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of May 8, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109.

(10) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust effective as of June 6, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 as filed with the SEC on June 6, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 110”).

(11) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of June 6, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110.

(12) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust effective as of January 28, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 as filed with the SEC on January 28, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 133”).

(13) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of January 28, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 133.

(14) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of February 26, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 as filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 137”).

(15) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of February 26, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 as filed with the SEC on June 25, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 146”).

 

1


(16) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust effective as of August 5, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 as filed with the SEC on November 6, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 150”).

(17) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of August 5, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150.

(18) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interest in the Trust effective as of December 7, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 as filed with the SEC on February 16, 2010 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 159”).

(19) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of December 7, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159.

(20) Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interest in the Trust effective as of February 4, 2010 is filed herewith.

(21) Amended and Restated Designation of Classes effective as of February 4, 2010 is filed herewith.

(b) The Registrant’s By-Laws dated October 4, 2006 are incorporated herein 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 ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund), and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 as filed with the SEC on December 14, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 78”).

(2) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(3) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(4) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(5) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Barrett Financial Services Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(6) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental Value Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(7) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(8) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Capital Management All Cap Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund), and Legg Mason Capital Management Inc. (“LMCM”) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 as filed with the SEC on August 27, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 73”).

(9) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(10) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

 

2


(11) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital and Income Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(12) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(13) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(14) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Batterymarch Global Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.

(15) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Investors Value Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(16) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund) and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(17) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.

(18) Form of Amended Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 as filed with the SEC on April 11, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 95”).

(19) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(20) Form of Amended Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95.

(21) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(22) Form of Amended Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95.

(23) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(24) Form of Amended Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95.

(25) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(26) Form of Amended Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95.

 

3


(27) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(28) Form of Amended Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95.

(29) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(30) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Batterymarch S&P 500 Index Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(31) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(32) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(33) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.

(34) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2015 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2015), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120 as filed with the SEC on August 28, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 120”).

(35) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2020 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2020), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(36) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2025 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2025), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(37) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2030 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2030), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(38) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2035 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2035), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(39) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2040 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2040), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(40) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2045 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2045), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(41) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement 2050 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2050), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(42) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Target Retirement Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

 

4


(43) Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 as filed with the SEC on April 9, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 141”).

(44) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge Advisors, LLC (“ClearBridge”), with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(45) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(46) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(47) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Legg Mason International Equities Limited (“LMIE”), with respect to Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(48) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Barrett Associates, Inc. (“Barrett”), with respect to Legg Mason Barrett Financial Services Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.

(49) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental Value Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(50) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(51) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(52) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital and Income Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(53) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(54) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(55) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”), with respect to Legg Mason Batterymarch Global Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.

(56) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Investors Value Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(57) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(58) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”), with respect to Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 as filed with the SEC on November 1, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 74”).

 

5


(59) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.

(60) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.

(61) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.

(62) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.

(63) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.

(64) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(65) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Batterymarch, with respect to Legg Mason Batterymarch S&P 500 Index Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(66) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.

(67) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Legg Mason Investment Counsel, LLC (“LMIC”), with respect to Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.

(68) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Batterymarch, with respect to Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.

(69) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2015 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2015), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(70) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2020 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2020), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(71) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2025 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2025), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(72) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2030 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2030), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(73) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2035 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2035), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

 

6


(74) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2040 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2040), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(75) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2045 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2045), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(76) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2050 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2050), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(77) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(78) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Global Currents Investment Management, LLC (“GCIM”), with respect to Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 as filed with the SEC on November 26, 2008.

(79) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Permal Asset Management Inc. (“Permal”), with respect to Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141.

(80) Form of Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and LMGAA, with respect to Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141.

(81) Form of Sub-Administration Agreement between LMCM and LMPFA, with respect to Legg Mason Capital Management All Cap Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(e)(1) Form of Distribution Agreement with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 as filed with the SEC on August 16, 2000 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 30”).

(2) Form of Distribution Agreement with PFS Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30.

(3) Form of Amendment to the Distribution Agreement with CGMI dated as of December 1, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 as filed with the SEC 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) Letter Agreement amending the Distribution Agreements with CGMI dated April 10, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(6) Letter Agreement amending the Distribution Agreements with PFS dated April 6, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(7) Form of Distribution Agreement with Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 as filed with the SEC on December 15, 2008.

(8) Form of Distribution Agreement with LMIS with respect to Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141.

(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 as filed with the SEC on December 5, 2006 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 60”).

(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 as filed with the SEC on January 8, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 61”).

 

7


(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)(1) Custodian Services Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), dated January 1, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(2) Letter Agreement amending the Custodian Services Agreement with State Street, dated April 9, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(h)(1) Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2006, between the Registrant and PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (“PNC GIS”) (formerly PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56.

(2) Co-Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated April 1, 2009, between the Registrant and PNC GIS incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 147 as filed with the SEC on July 29, 2009.

(3) Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated April 4, 2009, between each series of the Registrant and Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141.

(4) Form of License Agreement between the Registrant and Legg Mason Properties, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2006 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 58”).

(5) License Agreement between the Registrant and Citigroup Inc. dated December 1, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58.

(6) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60.

(7) Letter Agreement amending the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with PNC GIS, dated April 9, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(8) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement with respect to Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%) and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95.

(9) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2015 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2015), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(10) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2020 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2020), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(11) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2025 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2025), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(12) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2030 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2030), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

 

8


(13) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2035 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2035), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(14) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2040 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2040), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(15) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2045 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2045), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(16) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement 2050 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2050), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(17) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Target Retirement Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(18) Form of Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Agreement, with respect to Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141.

(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 Counsel’s consent is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 as filed with the SEC on March 30, 1999.

(3) Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of shares being registered is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70.

(4) Opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%) and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 filed on November 19, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 75”).

(5) Opinion of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%) and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75.

(6) Opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 filed on February 26, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 90”).

(7) Opinion of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90.

(8) Opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class R1 shares is filed herewith.

(9) Opinion of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class R1 shares is filed herewith.

(j)(1)-(7) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to be filed by amendment.

 

9


(8) Power of Attorney dated July 30, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 as filed with the SEC on August 8, 2008.

(9) Power of Attorney dated November 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 as filed with the SEC on December 21, 2009.

(k) Not Applicable.

(l) Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.

(m)(1) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan relating to Class A, B, C, FI, R and I Shares is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.

(2) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan relating to Class A, B, C, FI, R and I Shares is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 as filed with the SEC on January 29, 2008.

(3) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan relating to Class A, B, C, FI, R, I and IS Shares dated as of February 7, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 as filed with the SEC on February 15, 2008.

(4) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan relating to Class A, B, C, FI, R, I and IS Shares dated as of August 7, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 as filed with the SEC on August 28, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 119”).

(5) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan relating to Class R1 Shares dated as of February 26, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137.

(6) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan relating to Class R1 Shares dated as of February 26, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 146.

(7) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan dated as of December 7, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159.

(8) Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan dated as of February 4, 2010 is filed herewith.

(n)(1) Rule 18f-3(d) Multiple Class Plan of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 18f-3 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(o) Not Applicable.

(p)(1) Code of Ethics of Legg Mason & Co., LLC (adopted by LMPFA, LMIS and LMGAA) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120.

(2) Code of Ethics of Barrett dated December 15, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.

(3) Code of Ethics of LMIE is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.

(4) Code of Ethics of Batterymarch dated February 1, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.

(5) Code of Ethics of LMIC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 as filed with the SEC on January 10, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 62”).

(6) Code of Ethics of LMCM is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73.

(7) Code of Ethics of GCIM is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 as filed with the SEC on July 3, 2008.

(8) Code of Ethics of Permal is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141.

(9) Code of Ethics of ClearBridge is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 148 as filed with the SEC on August 26, 2009.

 

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

Not Applicable.

 

10


Item 30. 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 Registrant’s 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) paragraph 9 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and LMIS, incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

Investment Adviser—Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”)

LMPFA was formed in 2006 under the laws of the State of Delaware as a limited liability company. LMPFA is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”).

LMPFA is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of LMPFA 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 LMPFA pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-66785).

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.

LMCM is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 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 Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-18115).

Subadviser—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 Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 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 Advisers Act (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 Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 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 Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801- 831).

 

11


Subadviser—Batterymarch 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 Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 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 Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801- 48035).

Subadviser—Global Currents Investment Management, LLC (“GCIM”)

GCIM was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware as a limited liability corporation. GCIM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.

GCIM is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of GCIM 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 GCIM pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-68663).

Subadviser—Legg Mason International Equities Limited (“LMIE”)

The list required by this Item 31 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—Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”).

LMGAA is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware as a limited liability company. LMGAA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.

LMGAA is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of LMGAA 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 LMGAA pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-67287).

Subadviser—Legg Mason Investment Counsel, LLC (“LMIC”)

LMIC is organized under the laws of the State of Maryland as a limited liability company. LMIC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.

LMIC is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of LMIC 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 LMIC pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-63656).

Subadviser—Permal Asset Management Inc. (“Permal”)

Permal was formed in June 2002 under the laws of the State of Delaware as a corporation. Permal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. Permal is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of Permal, 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 Permal pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-61864).

 

12


Item 32. Principal Underwriter

(a) LMIS, the distributor of the Registrant, is the distributor for each series of the registrants listed: Legg Mason Partners Premium Money Market Trust, Legg Mason Partners Institutional Trust, Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust, Barrett Opportunity Fund, Inc., Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust, Legg Mason Partners Income Trust, 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., Legg Mason Global Asset Management 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 32 with respect to each director and officer of LMIS is listed below:

Kimberly Mustin – Co-Managing Director

Matthew Schiffman – Co-Managing Director

George Betzios – Vice President

W. Talbot Daley – Vice President

David J. Eikenberg – Vice President

Mark E. Freemyer – Vice President

Thomas J. Hirschmann – Vice President

Joseph LaRocque – Vice President

Michael P. McAllister – Vice President

Theresa P. McGuire – Vice President

Jeremy O’Shea – Vice President

Joel R. Sauber – Vice President

Robert Shepler – Vice President

Jason Bennett – Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Financial Reporting Officer

Joseph M. Furey – General Counsel and Secretary

Erin L. Clark – Assistant Secretary

Vicki Schmelzer – Assistant Secretary

Ronald A. Holinsky – Deputy General Counsel

Stephen A. Scarpino – Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

All addresses are 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

(c) Not applicable.

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

With respect to the Registrant:

(1) Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

With respect to the Registrant’s Investment Managers:

(2) Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

 

13


(3) Legg Mason Capital Management, Inc.

100 International Drive

Baltimore, MD 21202

With respect to the Registrant’s Subadvisers:

(4) Legg Mason International Equities Limited

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

(5) Barrett Associates, Inc.

565 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10017

(6) Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.

John Hancock Tower

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 02116

(7) ClearBridge Advisors, LLC

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

(8) Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC

100 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

(9) Legg Mason Investment Counsel, LLC

100 International Drive

Baltimore, MD 21202

(10) Global Currents Investment Management, LLC

100 International Drive

Baltimore, MD 21202

(11) Permal Asset Management Inc.

900 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10022

With respect to the Registrant’s Custodian:

(12) State Street Bank and Trust Company

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

With respect to the Registrant’s Transfer Agent:

(13) Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.

2000 Crown Colony Drive

Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

(14) PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.

4400 Computer Drive

Westborough, MA 01581

With respect to the Registrant’s Distributor:

(15) Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC

100 International Drive

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

14


Item 34. Management Services

Not applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings

Not applicable.

 

15


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, 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 15 th day of March, 2010.

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST , on behalf of Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund.

 

By:   / S /    R. J AY G ERKEN        
  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 March 15, 2010.

 

Signature

  

Title

/ S /    R. J AY G ERKEN        

  

President, Principal Executive Officer and Trustee

R. Jay Gerken   

/ S /    K APREL O ZSOLAK        

  

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Kaprel Ozsolak   

P AUL R. A DES *

  

Trustee

Paul R. Ades   

A NDREW L. B REECH *

  

Trustee

Andrew L. Breech   

D WIGHT B. C RANE *

  

Trustee

Dwight B. Crane   

F RANK G. H UBBARD *

  

Trustee

Frank G. Hubbard   

H OWARD J. J OHNSON *

  

Trustee

Howard J. Johnson   

D AVID E. M ARYATT *

  

Trustee

David E. Maryatt   


J EROME H. M ILLER *

  

Trustee

Jerome H. Miller   

K EN M ILLER *

  

Trustee

Ken Miller   

J OHN J. M URPHY *

  

Trustee

John J. Murphy   

T HOMAS F. S CHLAFLY *

  

Trustee

Thomas F. Schlafly   

J ERRY A. V ISCIONE *

  

Trustee

Jerry A. Viscione   

 

*By:   / S /    R. J AY G ERKEN        
  R. Jay Gerken, as Agent


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Index

No.

 

Description of Exhibit

(a)(20)   Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares
(a)(21)   Amended and Restated Designation of Classes
(i)(8)   Opinion of Willkie Farr and Gallagher LLP
(i)(9)   Opinion of Venable LLP
(m)(8)   Amended Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan

Schedule A

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests in the Trust

(Effective as of February 4, 2010)

WHEREAS, the Trustee(s) of the Trust, acting pursuant to Section 4.9 of the Declaration, desire to divide the Shares of the Trust into 37 Series;

NOW THEREFORE, the Trustee(s) of the Trust do hereby establish and designate the following Series of the Trust, with such relative rights, preferences, privileges, limitations, restrictions and other relative terms as are set forth below:

 

  1. Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund)

 

  2. Legg Mason Capital Management All Cap Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund)

 

  3. Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund)

 

  4. Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital and Income Fund)

 

  5. Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund)

 

  6. Legg Mason ClearBridge Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund)

 

  7. Legg Mason ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund)

 

  8. Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund)

 

  9. Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund)

 

  10. Legg Mason Barrett Financial Services Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund)

 

  11. Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental Value Fund)

 

  12. Legg Mason Batterymarch Global Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund)

 

  13. Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund)

 

  14. Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Investors Value Fund)

 

  15. Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund)

 

  16. Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%)

 

  17. Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%)

 

  18. Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%)

 

  19. Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%)


  20. Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%)

 

  21. Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund)

 

  22. Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund)

 

  23. Legg Mason Batterymarch S&P 500 Index Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund)

 

  24. Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund)

 

  25. Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund)

 

  26. Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund)

 

  27. Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund)

 

  28. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2015 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2015)

 

  29. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2020 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2020)

 

  30. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2025 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2025)

 

  31. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2030 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2030)

 

  32. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2035 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2035)

 

  33. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2040 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2040)

 

  34. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2045 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2045)

 

  35. Legg Mason Target Retirement 2050 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2050)

 

  36. Legg Mason Target Retirement Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement Fund)

 

  37. Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund

1. Each Share of each Series shall have a par value of $0.00001 per Share and shall be entitled to all the rights and preferences accorded to Shares under the Declaration.

2. The number of authorized Shares of each Series is unlimited.

3. Each Series shall be authorized to hold cash, invest in securities, instruments and other property, use investment techniques, and have such goals or objectives as from time to time are described in the prospectus and statement of additional information contained in the Trust’s then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to the extent pertaining to the offering of Shares of the Series, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time (“Prospectus”). Each Share of a Series shall represent a beneficial interest in the net assets allocated or belonging to such Series only, and such interest shall not extend to the assets of the Trust generally (except to the extent that General Assets (as defined in the Declaration) are allocated to such Series), and shall be entitled to receive its pro rata share of the net assets of the Series upon liquidation of the Series, all as set forth in Section 4.9 of the Declaration.

 

- 2 -


4. With respect to the Shares of each Series, (a) the time and method of determining the purchase price, (b) the fees and expenses, (c) the qualifications for ownership, if any, (d) minimum purchase amounts, if any, (e) minimum account size, if any, (f) the price, terms and manner of redemption, (g) any conversion or exchange feature or privilege, (h) the relative dividend rights, and (i) any other relative rights, preferences, privileges, limitations, restrictions and other relative terms have been established by the Trustees in accordance with the Declaration and are set forth in the Prospectus with respect to such Series.

5. The Trustees may from time to time modify any of the relative rights, preferences, privileges, limitations, restrictions and other relative terms of a Series or the Shares of such Series that have been established by the Trustees or redesignate any of the Series without any action or consent of the Shareholders.

6. The designation of any Series hereby shall not impair the power of the Trustees from time to time to designate additional Series of Shares of the Trust or terminate any Series hereby designated.

7. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Declaration.

 

- 3 -

Schedule B

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

Amended and Restated Designation of Classes

(Effective as of February 4, 2010)

WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Trust, acting pursuant to Section 4.9 of the Declaration, desire to divide the Series of the Trust into one of more Classes of Shares.

NOW THEREFORE, the Trustees of the Trust do hereby establish and designate the Classes as listed below with respect to the identified Series of the Trust, with such relative rights, preferences, privileges, limitations, restrictions and other relative terms as are set forth below:

 

Series

   Class

Legg Mason ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Capital Management All Cap Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners All Cap Fund)

   A, B, C, I, 1, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Appreciation Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Appreciation Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital and Income Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Capital Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Diversified Large Cap Growth Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Dividend Strategy Fund)

   A, B, C, I, 1, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund)

   A, B, C, O, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Barrett Financial Services Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental Value Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Batterymarch Global Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund)

   A, B, C, I, 1, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners International All Cap Opportunity Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason ClearBridge Investors Value Fund)

   A, B, C, O, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Large Cap Growth Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 100%)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1


Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 85%)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 70%)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 50%)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Allocation 30%)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Lifestyle Income Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Mid Cap Core Fund)

   A, B, C, I, 1, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Batterymarch S&P 500 Index Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund)

   A, D, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Growth Fund)

   A, B, C, O, FI, R, I, 1, IS, R1

Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Social Awareness Fund)

   A, B, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2015 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2015)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2020 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2020)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2025 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2025)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2030 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2030)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2035 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2035)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2040 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2040)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2045 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2045)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2050 (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement 2050)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Target Retirement Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners Target Retirement Fund)

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund

   A, C, I, FI, R, IS, R1

 

- 2 -


1. Each Share of each Class is entitled to all the rights and preferences accorded to Shares under the Declaration.

2. The number of authorized Shares of each Class is unlimited.

3. All Shares of a Class of a Series shall be identical with each other and with the Shares of each other Class of the same Series except for such variations between Classes as may be authorized by the Trustees from time to time and set forth in the Trust’s then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to the extent pertaining to the offering of Shares of the Class of such Series, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time (“Prospectus”). The Trustees may change the name or other designation of a Class; and take such other action with respect to the Classes as the Trustees may deem desirable.

4. With respect to the Shares of a Class of a Series, (a) the time and method of determining the purchase price, (b) the fees and expenses, (c) the qualifications for ownership, if any, (d) minimum purchase amounts, if any, (e) minimum account size, if any, (f) the price, terms and manner of redemption of, (g) any conversion or exchange feature or privilege, (h) the relative dividend rights, and (i) any other relative rights, preferences, privileges, limitations, restrictions and other relative terms have been established by the Trustees in accordance with the Declaration and are set forth in the Prospectus with respect to such Class of such Series.

5. The Trustees may from time to time modify any of the relative rights, preferences, privileges, limitations, restrictions and other relative terms of a Class of a Series that have been established by the Trustees, divide or combine the issued or unissued Shares of any Class of a Series into a greater or lesser number; classify or reclassify any issued or unissued Shares of any Class of a Series into one or more Classes of such Series; combine two or more Classes of a Series into a single Class of such Series; in each case without any action or consent of the Shareholders.

6. The designation of any Class hereby shall not impair the power of the Trustees from time to time to designate additional Classes of Shares of a Series or terminate any one or more Classes of a Series hereby designated.

7. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Declaration.

 

- 3 -

[Letterhead of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP]

March 15, 2010

Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested us, as counsel to Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the “Trust”), a Maryland business trust, to furnish you with this opinion in connection with the Trust’s filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 (the “Amendment”) to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Securities Act File No. 033-43446 and Investment Company Act File No. 811-06444) (the “Registration Statement”). The Amendment is being filed to register an indefinite number of shares (the “Shares”) of beneficial interest, par value $0.00001 per share, designated as Class R1 shares of Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%, Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (the “Funds”).

We have examined copies of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust, as amended, the Funds’ prospectuses (the “Prospectuses”) and statements of additional information (the “Statements of Additional Information”) included in the Amendment, all resolutions (the “Resolutions”) adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) with respect to the Shares, consents of the Board and other records, documents and papers that we have deemed necessary for the purpose of this opinion. We have also examined such other statutes and authorities as we have deemed necessary to form a basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed.

In our examination of material, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to original documents of all copies submitted to us. As to various questions of fact material to our opinion, we have relied upon statements and certificates of officers and representatives of the Trust and others.

Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the issuance of the Shares has been duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment of net asset value therefor in accordance with the Resolutions and the Prospectuses, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, assuming that the Resolutions of the Board authorizing the issuance of the shares that are in effect on the date hereof have not been modified or withdrawn and are in full force and effect on the date of issuance.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment, to the reference to us in the Statements of Additional Information and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to any application made by or on behalf of the Trust or any distributor or dealer in connection with the registration or qualification of the Funds or the Shares under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction.


Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

March 15, 2010

Page 2

We are members of the Bar of the State of New York only and do not opine as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States, and the opinions set forth above are, accordingly, limited to the laws of those jurisdictions. As to matters governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, we have relied upon the opinion of Venable LLP (which is attached hereto).

Very truly yours,

/s/    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

[LETTERHEAD OF VENABLE LLP]

March 15, 2010

Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10019

 

Re:   

Registration Statement on Form N-1A:

1933 Act File No. 033-43446

1940 Act File No. 811-06444

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have served as Maryland counsel to Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust, a Maryland business trust (the “Trust”), in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the registration and issuance of an indefinite number of shares (the “Shares”) of beneficial interest, par value $.00001 per share, classified and designated as Class R1 shares of Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund (“Social Awareness Fund”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100% (“100 Fund”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85% (“85 Fund”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70% (“70 Fund”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50% (“50 Fund”), Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30% (“30 Fund”) and Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund (“Income Fund” and, together with Social Awareness Fund, 100 Fund, 85 Fund, 70 Fund, 50 Fund and 30 Fund, the “Funds”), each a series of the Trust, covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

In connection with our representation of the Trust, and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Documents”):

1. The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information with respect to each of the Funds, which form part of the Registration Statement, substantially in the form transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act;

2. The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”);


Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

March 15, 2010

Page 2

3. The Declaration of Trust of the Trust, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Trust;

4. The Bylaws of the Trust, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Trust;

5. A certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Trust, dated as of a recent date;

6. Resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Resolutions”) relating to the authorization of the sale and issuance of the Shares in a continuous public offering, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Trust;

7. A certificate executed by an officer of the Trust, dated as of the date hereof; and

8. Such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein.

In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:

1. Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so.

2. Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Trust) is duly authorized to do so.

3. Each of the parties (other than the Trust) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such party’s obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are enforceable in accordance with all stated terms.

4. All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original


Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

March 15, 2010

Page 3

 

documents. All signatures on all Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that:

1. The Trust is a business trust duly formed and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT.

2. The issuance of the Shares has been duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment of net asset value therefor in accordance with the Resolutions and the Registration Statement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

The foregoing opinion is limited to the substantive laws of the State of Maryland and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to compliance with federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland, or the 1940 Act.

The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof.

This opinion is being furnished to you for submission to the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ Venable LLP

 

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND

DISTRIBUTION PLAN

February 8, 2007

As Amended and Restated

February 4, 2010

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”).

(h) 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”).

(i) Service and Distribution Fee for Class R1 shares . For each Fund with Class R1 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 R1 shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the “Class R1 Service Fee”).

(j) Service and Distribution Fee for Class IS shares. For each Fund with Class IS 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 IS shares does not exceed an amount calculated at the annual rate set forth in Appendix A (the “Class IS 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, the Class FI Service Fee, the Class 1 Service Fee and the Class R1 Service Fee, the “Service Fees”).

(k) 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 ,

 

- 2 -


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 the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Conduct Rule 2830 or any successor rule, in each case as amended or interpreted by FINRA (“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 Fund’s 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 any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution or marketing and sales of the Fund’s 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 affiliate’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

- 3 -


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.

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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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.

 

- 4 -


Section 13. Limitation of Liability

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust is on file with the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and 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.

Section 15. Governing Law

This plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

- 5 -


APPENDIX A

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN

AMENDED AND RESTATED FEBRUARY 4, 2010

 

Name of Fund

  

Name of Class

     Aggregate
Service Fee 1
 

Legg Mason ClearBridge 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
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Capital Management All Cap Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class 1      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge 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
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Income Builder Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      0.75
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Capital Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   

 

1

Expressed as an annual rate of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to that Class.

 

- 6 -


Name of Fund

  

Name of Class

     Aggregate
Service Fee 1
 
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Diversified 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
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class 1      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Esemplia Emerging Markets 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
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Equity Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class O      None   
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Barrett Financial Services Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   

 

- 7 -


Name of Fund

  

Name of Class

     Aggregate
Service Fee 1
 
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Batterymarch Global Equity Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class 1      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Global Currents International All Cap Opportunity Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class O      None   
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00

 

- 8 -


Name of Fund

  

Name of Class

     Aggregate
Service Fee 1
 
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 100%

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30%

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      0.75
   Class C      0.70
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50

 

- 9 -


Name of Fund

  

Name of Class

     Aggregate
Service Fee 1
 
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Lifestyle Income Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      0.75
   Class C      0.70
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class 1      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Batterymarch S&P 500 Index Fund

   Class A      0.20
   Class D      None   
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge 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   
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

 

- 10 -


Name of Fund

  

Name of Class

     Aggregate
Service Fee 1
 

Legg Mason Investment Counsel Social Awareness Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class B      1.00
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2015

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2020

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2025

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2030

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

 

- 11 -


Name of Fund

  

Name of Class

     Aggregate
Service Fee 1
 

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2035

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2040

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2045

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement 2050

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Target Retirement Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

Legg Mason Permal Tactical Allocation Fund

   Class A      0.25
   Class C      1.00
   Class I      None   
   Class R      0.50
   Class FI      0.25
   Class IS      None   
   Class R1      1.00

 

- 12 -