Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2015.

Registration Nos. 333-146374

811-22127

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

Form N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

x
Pre-Effective Amendment No.      ¨
Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 x

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

x     
Amendment No. 45 x     

(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)

 

 

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110

(Address of Principal Executive Officers) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (800) 345-6611

 

 

Christopher O. Petersen, Esq.

c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

225 Franklin Street,

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

¨ Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
x On May 1, 2015 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
¨ On (date) 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 Post-Effective Amendment relates solely to the Registrant’s Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund, Columbia Variable Portfolio – International Opportunity Fund (effective 5/1/15 to be known as Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund ) and Variable Portfolio – Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fund (effective 5/1/15 to be known as Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund) series. Information contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement relating to any other series of the Registrant is neither amended nor superseded hereby.

 

 

 


Table of Contents
Prospectus
May 1, 2015
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund

  
The Fund may offer Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 shares to separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (Contracts) issued by affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies as well as qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans) and other qualified institutional investors authorized by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor). There are no exchange ticker symbols associated with shares of the Fund.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Summary of the Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with high total return through income and growth of capital.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees or expenses imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents. If the additional fees or expenses were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
  Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Management fees [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Other expenses [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Total annual Fund operating expenses [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Example
The following 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 illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over the time periods indicated, and assumes that:
you invest $10,000 in the applicable class of Fund shares for the periods indicated,
your investment has a 5% return each year, and
the Fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same as shown in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table above.
The example does not reflect any fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on the assumptions listed above, your costs would be:
    
  1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
Class 1 (whether or not shares are redeemed) $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Class 2 (whether or not shares are redeemed) $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Class 3 (whether or not shares are redeemed) $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. 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
Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in debt obligations of issuers located in at least three different countries (which may include the U.S.).
Debt obligations include debt securities and instruments, including money market instruments, either issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by (i) the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, (ii) non-U.S. governments, their agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, or (iii) corporate or other non-governmental entities. The Fund may invest in debt
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
securities and instruments across the credit quality spectrum and, at times, may invest significantly in below investment-grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as “high yield securities” or “junk bonds”) in seeking to achieve higher dividends and/or capital appreciation.
The Fund may invest in fixed income securities of any maturity and does not seek to maintain a particular dollar-weighted average maturity.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally invests at least 40% of its net assets in debt obligations of foreign governments, and companies that (a) maintain their principal place of business or conduct their principal business activities outside the U.S., (b) have their securities traded on non-U.S. exchanges or (c) have been formed under the laws of non-U.S. countries. This 40% minimum investment amount may be reduced to 30% if market conditions for these investments or specific foreign markets are deemed unfavorable. The Fund considers a company to conduct its principal business activities outside the U.S. if it derives at least 50% of its revenue from business outside the U.S. or had at least 50% of its assets outside the U.S.
In addition, in pursuing its objective, the Fund, employing both fundamental and quantitative analyses, may enter into various currency-, interest rate- and credit-related transactions involving derivatives instruments, including futures contracts (such as currency, bond, treasury, index and interest rate futures) and forward foreign currency contracts (forwards). The use of these derivatives instruments allows the Fund to obtain net long or net negative (short) exposure to selected currencies, interest rates, credit risks and duration risks. The Fund may use these derivatives as well as “to be announced” (TBA) mortgage-backed securities in an effort to leverage exposures and produce incremental earnings, for hedging purposes, to obtain increased or decreased exposures to various markets/sectors or to increase investment flexibility. Actual long and short exposures will vary over time based on factors such as market movements, assessments of market conditions, macroeconomic analysis and qualitative valuation analysis.
The investment manager combines fundamental and quantitative analysis with risk management in identifying investment opportunities and constructing the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may from time to time emphasize one or more economic sectors in selecting its investments.
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than can a diversified fund.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves risk, including those described below. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money . The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share price may go down.
Active Management Risk. Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives.
Changing Distribution Level Risk. The amount of the distributions paid by the Fund will vary and generally depends on the amount of interest income and/or dividends received by the Fund on the securities it holds. The Fund may not be able to pay distributions or may have to reduce its distribution level if the interest income and/or dividends the Fund receives from its investments decline.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument held by the Fund or by a special purpose or structured vehicle invested in by the Fund may become insolvent or otherwise fail to perform its obligations. As a result, the Fund may obtain no or limited recovery of its investment, and any recovery may be significantly delayed.
Credit Risk. The value of fixed-income securities may decline if the issuer of the security defaults or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling, or is perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments to the Fund when due. Rating agencies assign credit ratings to certain fixed-income securities to indicate their credit risk. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk as compared to higher-rated securities. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk”) are subject to greater price fluctuations and are more likely to experience a default than investment grade securities and therefore may expose the Fund to increased credit risk. If the Fund purchases unrated securities, or if the ratings of securities held by the Fund are lowered after purchase, the Fund will depend on analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
Derivatives Risk. Losses involving derivative instruments may be substantial, because a relatively small movement in the price of an underlying security, instrument, commodity, currency or index may result in a substantial loss for the Fund. In addition to the potential for increased losses, the use of derivative instruments may lead to increased volatility for the Fund. Derivative investments will typically increase the Fund’s exposure to principal risks to which it is otherwise exposed, and may expose the Fund to additional risks, including correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk and/or liquidity risk.
Forward Commitments on Mortgage-backed Securities (including Dollar Rolls) Risk. When purchasing mortgage-backed securities in the “to be announced” (TBA) market (MBS TBAs), the seller agrees to deliver mortgage-backed securities for an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date, but may make no guarantee as to the specific securities to be delivered. In lieu of taking delivery of mortgage-backed securities, the Fund could enter into dollar rolls, which are transactions in which the Fund sells securities to a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to purchase those or similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price, or that the counterparty may default on its obligations. These transactions may also increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of the security sold, the Fund will also be subject to the risk that the investments purchased with such proceeds will decline in value (a form of leverage risk). MBS TBAs and dollar rolls are subject to counterparty risk.
Derivatives Risk/Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. These instruments are a type of derivative contract whereby the Fund may agree to buy or sell a country’s or region’s currency at a specific price on a specific date in the future. These instruments may fall in value (sometimes dramatically) due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations, subjecting the Fund to foreign currency risk. Investment in these instruments also subjects the Fund to counterparty risk. The Fund’s strategy of investing in these instruments may not be successful and the Fund may experience significant losses as a result.
Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk. The loss that may be incurred in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses for the Fund. Futures contracts may be illiquid. Furthermore, exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a trading session by imposing a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Futures contracts executed on foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. These transactions involve additional risks, including counterparty risk, hedging risk and pricing risk.
Emerging Market Securities Risk. Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk. In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity (i.e., lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries, and some have a higher risk of currency devaluations.
Foreign Currency Risk. The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. Foreign securities subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country of an issuer, including the political, regulatory, economic, social, diplomatic and other conditions or events occurring in the country or region, as well as risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices. Foreign securities may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of U.S. companies, and are subject to the risks associated with potential imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
within the country. The performance of the Fund may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency’s strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Geographic Concentration Risk. The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries within the specific geographic regions in which the Fund invests. The Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund.
High-Yield Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) and unrated securities of comparable quality expose the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund that invests solely or primarily in investment grade securities. In addition, these investments have greater price fluctuations, are less liquid and are more likely to experience a default than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates rise, the values of debt securities tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of debt securities tend to rise. Changes in the value of a debt security usually will not affect the amount of income the Fund receives from it but will usually affect the value of the Fund's shares. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate declines also may increase prepayments of debt obligations, which, in turn, would increase prepayment risk. Similarly, a period of rising interest rates may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Actions by governments and central banking authorities can result in increases in interest rates. Such actions may negatively affect the value of fixed-income securities held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on the Fund's performance and NAV.
Issuer Risk. An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors.
Leverage Risk. Leverage occurs when the Fund increases its assets available for investment using borrowings, short sales, derivatives, or similar instruments or techniques. Because short sales involve borrowing securities and then selling them, the Fund’s short sales effectively leverage the Fund’s assets. The Fund's assets that are used as collateral to secure the Fund's obligations to return the securities sold short may decrease in value while the short positions are outstanding, which may force the Fund to use its other assets to increase the collateral. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund's overall returns. Leverage presents the opportunity for increased net income and capital gains, but may also exaggerate the Fund’s volatility and risk of loss. There can be no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of investments which may make it difficult to sell the investment at a desirable time or price. Decreases in the number of financial institutions willing to make markets in the Fund’s investments or in their capacity or willingness to trade such investments may increase the Fund’s exposure to this risk. Changing regulatory, market or other conditions or environments (for example, the interest rate or credit environments) may also adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investments. The Fund may have to accept a lower selling price for the holding, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity. Judgment plays a larger role in valuing these investments as compared to valuing more liquid investments. Price volatility may be higher for illiquid investments as a result of, for example, the relatively less frequent pricing of such securities (as compared to liquid investments). Generally, the less liquid the market at the time the Fund sells a portfolio investment, the greater the risk of loss or decline of value to the Fund. Price volatility, liquidity of the market and other factors can lead to an increase in Fund redemptions, which may negatively impact Fund performance and NAV, including, for example, if the Fund is forced to sell securities in a down market.
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. Under certain market conditions, debt securities may have greater price volatility than equity securities. An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or even long periods.
Mortgage- and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk.  The value of any mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities held by the Fund may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in: interest rates; factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgages or other assets; the creditworthiness of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements; or the market's assessment of the quality of underlying assets. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage-backed securities (but not the market value of the
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of a particular U.S. Government agency, authority, enterprise or instrumentality, and some, but not all, are also insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Mortgage-backed securities issued by non-governmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may entail greater risk than obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Mortgage- and other asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the possibility that the underlying mortgage or other asset may be refinanced or prepaid prior to maturity during periods of declining or low interest rates, causing the Fund to have to reinvest the money received in securities that have lower yields. Rising or high interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, making their prices more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk.  The Fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it will invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of a more diversified fund.
Prepayment and Extension Risk. Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a bond or other security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity and, in the case of extension risk, the investment might not be called as expected, and the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in other investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. In the case of mortgage- or asset-backed securities, as interest rates decrease or spreads narrow, the likelihood of prepayment increases. Conversely, extension risk is the risk that an unexpected rise in interest rates will extend the life of a mortgage- or asset-backed security beyond the prepayment time. If the Fund’s investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for a longer period of time, the portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Quantitative Model Risk. Investments selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole. There can be no assurance that these methodologies will enable the Fund to achieve its objective.
Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to reinvest income or principal at the same return it is currently earning.
Sector Risk. At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within an economic sector. Companies in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. The more broadly a Fund invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.
Short Positions Risk. The Fund may establish short positions which introduce more risk to the Fund than long positions (where the Fund owns the instrument or other asset) because the maximum sustainable loss on an instrument or other asset purchased (held long) is limited to the amount paid for the instrument or other asset plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum price of the shorted instrument or other asset when purchased in the open market. Therefore, in theory, short positions have unlimited risk. The Fund’s use of short positions in effect “leverages” the Fund. Leverage potentially exposes the Fund to greater risks of loss due to unanticipated market movements, which may magnify losses and increase the volatility of returns. To the extent the Fund takes a short position in a derivative instrument or other asset, this involves the risk of a potentially unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument or other asset.
Sovereign Debt Risk. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
Performance Information
The following bar chart and table show you how the Fund has performed in the past, and can help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s Class 3 share performance has varied for each full calendar year shown. The table below the bar chart compares the Fund’s returns for the periods shown with a broad measure of market performance.
The performance of one or more share classes shown in the table below begins before the indicated inception date for such share class. The returns shown for each such share class include the returns of the Fund’s Class 3 shares (adjusted to reflect the higher class-related operating expenses of such classes, where applicable) for periods prior to its inception date. Except for differences in annual returns resulting from differences in expenses (where applicable), the share classes of the Fund would have substantially similar annual returns because all share classes of the Fund invest in the same portfolio of securities.
The returns shown do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed under your Contract or Qualified Plan and would be lower if they did.
The Fund’s past performance is no guarantee of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information can be obtained by calling toll-free 800.345.6611.
    
Year by Year Total Return (%)
as of December 31 Each Year
Best and Worst Quarterly Returns
During the Period Shown in the Bar Chart

Best [ ] Quarter [ ]
Worst

[ ] Quarter [ ]
Average Annual Total Returns (for periods ended December 31, 2014)
  Share Class
Inception Date
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Class 1 05/03/2010
Class 2 05/03/2010
Class 3 05/01/1996
Barclays Global Aggregate Index (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)  
  
Fund Management
Investment Manager: Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Jim Cielinski   Portfolio Manager and Global Head of Fixed Income   Lead manager   2013
Matthew Cobon   Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   2013
Zach Pandl   Senior Interest Rate Strategist and Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   2014
Gene Tannuzzo, CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   2014
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The Fund is available for purchase through Contracts offered by the separate accounts of participating insurance companies or Qualified Plans or by other eligible investors authorized by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor). Shares of the Fund may not be purchased or sold by individual owners of Contracts or Qualified Plans. If you are a Contract holder or Qualified Plan participant, please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents for information about minimum investment requirements and how to purchase and redeem shares of the Fund.
Tax Information
The Fund normally distributes its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders, which are generally the participating insurance companies and Qualified Plans investing in the Fund through separate accounts. These distributions may not be taxable to you as the holder of a Contract or a participant in a Qualified Plan. Please consult the prospectus or other information provided to you by your participating insurance company and/or Qualified Plan regarding the U.S. federal income taxation of your contract, policy and/or plan.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you make allocations to the Fund, the Fund, its Distributor or other related companies may pay participating insurance companies or other financial intermediaries for the allocation (sale) of Fund shares and related services in connection with such allocations to the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the participating insurance company, other financial intermediary or your salesperson to recommend an allocation to the Fund over another fund or other investment option. Ask your financial advisor or salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
More Information About the Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with high total return through income and growth of capital. Only shareholders can change the Fund’s investment objective. Because any investment involves risk, there is no assurance the Fund’s objective will be achieved.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in debt obligations of issuers located in at least three different countries (which may include the U.S.).
Debt obligations include debt securities and instruments, including money market instruments, either issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by (i) the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, (ii) non-U.S. governments, their agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, or (iii) corporate or other non-governmental entities. The Fund may invest in debt securities and instruments across the credit quality spectrum and, at times, may invest significantly in below investment-grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as “high yield securities” or “junk bonds”) in seeking to achieve higher dividends and/or capital appreciation.
The Fund may invest in fixed income securities of any maturity and does not seek to maintain a particular dollar-weighted average maturity. A bond is issued with a specific maturity date, which is the date when the issuer must pay back the bond’s principal (face value). Bond maturities range from less than 1 year to more than 30 years. Typically, the longer a bond’s maturity, the more price risk the Fund and the Fund’s investors face as interest rates rise, but the Fund could receive a higher yield in return for that longer maturity and higher interest rate risk.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally invests at least 40% of its net assets in debt obligations of foreign governments, and companies that (a) maintain their principal place of business or conduct their principal business activities outside the U.S., (b) have their securities traded on non-U.S. exchanges or (c) have been formed under the laws of non-U.S. countries. This 40% minimum investment amount may be reduced to 30% if market conditions for these investments or specific foreign markets are deemed unfavorable. The Fund considers a company to conduct its principal business activities outside the U.S. if it derives at least 50% of its revenue from business outside the U.S. or had at least 50% of its assets outside the U.S.
In addition, in pursuing its objective, the Fund, employing both fundamental and quantitative analyses, may enter into various currency-, interest rate- and credit-related transactions involving derivatives instruments, including futures contracts (such as currency, bond, treasury, index and interest rate futures) and forward foreign currency contracts (forwards). The use of these derivatives instruments allows the Fund to obtain net long or net negative (short) exposure to selected currencies, interest rates, credit risks and duration risks. The Fund may use these derivatives as well as “to be announced” (TBA) mortgage-backed securities in an effort to leverage exposures and produce incremental earnings, for hedging purposes, to obtain increased or decreased exposures to various markets/sectors or to increase investment flexibility. Actual long and short exposures will vary over time based on factors such as market movements, assessments of market conditions, macroeconomic analysis and qualitative valuation analysis.
The investment manager combines fundamental and quantitative analysis with risk management in identifying investment opportunities and constructing the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may from time to time emphasize one or more economic sectors in selecting its investments.
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than can a diversified fund.
In pursuit of the Fund’s objective, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the Investment Manager) chooses investments by:
Considering opportunities and risks presented by interest rate and currency markets, and the credit quality of debt issuers;
Identifying investment-grade U.S. and foreign bonds;
Identifying below investment-grade U.S. and foreign bonds;
Identifying bonds or other instruments or transactions that the Investment Manager believes can take advantage of currency movements and interest rate and credit-related differences among issuers.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
In evaluating whether to sell a security, the Investment Manager considers, among other factors, whether in its view:
The security is overvalued;
The security continues to meet the standards described above.
The Investment Manager expresses its investment views by varying long and short exposures to a broad range of debt, currency and interest rate markets of both developed and emerging market countries.
The Fund’s investment policy with respect to 80% of its net assets may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval as long as shareholders are given 60 days advance written notice of the change.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves risk, including those described below. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money . The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share price may go down.
Active Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and its performance therefore will reflect, in part, the ability of the portfolio managers to make investment decisions that will achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
Changing Distribution Level Risk. The amount of the distributions paid by the Fund will vary and generally depends on the amount of interest income and/or dividends received by the Fund on the securities it holds. The Fund may not be able to pay distributions or may have to reduce its distribution level if the interest income and/or dividends the Fund receives from its investments decline.
Counterparty Risk. The risk exists that a counterparty to a financial instrument held by the Fund or by a special purpose or structured vehicle in which the Fund invests may become insolvent or otherwise fail to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, including making payments to the Fund. The Fund may obtain no or limited recovery in a bankruptcy or other organizational proceedings, and any recovery may be significantly delayed. Transactions that the Fund enters into may involve counterparties in the financial services sector and, as a result, events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.
Credit Risk. The value of fixed-income securities may decline if the issuer of the security defaults or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling, or is perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments to the Fund when due. Various factors could affect the actual or perceived willingness or ability of the issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, including changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions. Fixed-income securities backed by an issuer's taxing authority may be subject to legal limits on the issuer's power to increase taxes or otherwise to raise revenue, or may be dependent on legislative appropriation or government aid. Certain fixed-income securities are backed only by revenues derived from a particular project or source, rather than by an issuer's taxing authority, and thus may have a greater risk of default. Rating agencies assign credit ratings to certain fixed-income securities to indicate their credit risk. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk as compared to higher-rated securities. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk”) are subject to greater price fluctuations and are more likely to experience a default than investment grade securities and therefore may expose the Fund to increased credit risk. If the Fund purchases unrated fixed-income securities, or if the ratings of securities held by the Fund are lowered after purchase, the Fund will depend on analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of other underlying assets. Losses involving derivative instruments may be substantial, because a relatively small movement in the price of an underlying security, instrument, commodity, currency or index may result in a substantial loss for the Fund. In addition to the potential for increased losses, the use of derivative instruments may lead to increased volatility for the Fund. Derivative investments will typically increase the Fund’s exposure to principal risks to which it is otherwise exposed, and may expose the Fund to additional risks. Depending on the type and purpose of the Fund’s derivative investments, these risks may include: correlation risk (there may be an imperfect correlation between the hedge and the opposite position, which is related to hedging risk), counterparty risk (the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), leverage risk (losses from the derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative
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instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), and/or liquidity risk (it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate the instrument at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Forward Commitments on Mortgage-backed Securities (including Dollar Rolls) Risk. When purchasing mortgage-backed securities in the “to be announced” (TBA) market (MBS TBAs), the seller agrees to deliver mortgage-backed securities for an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date, but may make no guarantee as to the specific securities to be delivered. In lieu of taking delivery of mortgage-backed securities, the Fund could enter into dollar rolls, which are transactions in which the Fund sells securities to a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to purchase those or similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price, or that the counterparty may default on its obligations. These transactions may also increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of the security sold, the Fund will also be subject to the risk that the investments purchased with such proceeds will decline in value (a form of leverage risk). MBS TBAs and dollar rolls are subject to counterparty risk.
Derivatives Risk/Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. The use of these derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. These instruments are a type of derivative contract, whereby the Fund may agree to buy or sell a country's or region’s currency at a specific price on a specific date in the future. These instruments may fall in value (sometimes dramatically) due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations, subjecting the Fund to foreign currency risk (the risk that Fund performance may be negatively impacted by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund exposes a significant percentage of its assets to currencies other than the U.S. dollar). The effectiveness of any currency strategy by a Fund may be reduced by the Fund's inability to precisely match forward contract amounts and the value of securities involved. Forward foreign currency contracts used for hedging may also limit any potential gain that might result from an increase or decrease in the value of the currency. Unanticipated changes in the currency markets could result in reduced performance for the Fund or losses. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been movement in forward contract prices. When the Fund converts its foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, it may incur currency conversion costs due to the spread between the prices at which it may buy and sell various currencies in the market. Investment in these instruments also subjects the Fund, among other factors, to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument). The Fund’s strategy of investing in these instruments may not be successful and the Fund may experience significant losses as a result.
Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the Fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. The loss that the Fund may incur in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses for the Fund. Investments in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains) and pricing risk (the risk that the instrument may be difficult to value), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
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Emerging Market Securities Risk. Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk . In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity ( i.e. , lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries. Some emerging market countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates and may have hostile relations with other countries.
Foreign Currency Risk. The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short or long periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, imposition of currency controls and economic or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also incur currency conversion costs when converting foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. For example, foreign markets can be extremely volatile. The performance of the Fund may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency’s strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities may also be less liquid than securities of U.S. companies so that the Fund may, at times, be unable to sell foreign securities at desirable times or prices. Brokerage commissions, custodial costs and other fees are also generally higher for foreign securities. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments. In addition, foreign governments may impose potentially confiscatory withholding or other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or proceeds from the disposition of foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. Other risks include: possible delays in the settlement of transactions or in the payment of income; generally less publicly available information about foreign companies; the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other conditions or events; possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of a company or its assets or the assets of a particular investor or category of investors; possible imposition of currency exchange controls; accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards that may be less comprehensive and stringent than those applicable to domestic companies; the imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country; and the generally less stringent standard of care to which local agents may be held in the local markets. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about the securities and business operations of certain foreign issuers. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the level of risks. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets.
Geographic Concentration Risk. The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries within the specific geographic regions in which the Fund invests. Currency devaluations could occur in countries that have not yet experienced currency devaluation to date, or could continue to occur in countries that have already experienced such devaluations. As a result, the Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund.
High-Yield Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) and unrated securities of comparable quality tend to be more sensitive to credit risk than higher-rated securities and may experience greater price fluctuations in response to perceived changes in the ability of the issuing entity or obligor to pay interest and principal when due than to changes in interest rates. These investments are generally more likely to experience a default than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. These securities typically pay a premium — a higher interest rate or yield — because of the increased risk of loss, including default. High-yield securities may require a greater degree of judgment to establish a price, may
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be difficult to sell at the time and price the Fund desires, may carry high transaction costs, and also are generally less liquid than higher-rated securities. The securities ratings provided by third party rating agencies are based on analyses by these ratings agencies of the credit quality of the securities and may not take into account every risk related to whether interest or principal will be timely repaid. In adverse economic and other circumstances, issuers of lower-rated securities are more likely to have difficulty making principal and interest payments than issuers of higher-rated securities.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates rise, the values of debt securities tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of debt securities tend to rise. Changes in the value of a debt security usually will not affect the amount of income the Fund receives from it but will usually affect the value of the Fund's shares. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate declines also may increase prepayments of debt obligations, which, in turn, would increase prepayment risk. Similarly, a period of rising interest rates may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Actions by governments and central banking authorities can result in increases in interest rates. Such actions may negatively affect the value of fixed-income securities held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on the Fund's performance and NAV.
Issuer Risk. An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors.
Leverage Risk. Leverage occurs when the Fund increases its assets available for investment using borrowings, short sales, derivatives, or similar instruments or techniques. Because short sales involve borrowing securities and then selling them, the Fund’s short sales effectively leverage the Fund’s assets. The Fund's assets that are used as collateral to secure the Fund's obligations to return the securities sold short may decrease in value while the short positions are outstanding, which may force the Fund to use its other assets to increase the collateral. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund's overall returns. Leverage presents the opportunity for increased net income and capital gains, but may also exaggerate the Fund’s volatility and risk of loss. There can be no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of investments which may make it difficult to sell the investment at a desirable time or price. Decreases in the number of financial institutions willing to make markets in the Fund’s investments or in their capacity or willingness to trade such investments may increase the Fund’s exposure to this risk. Changing regulatory, market or other conditions or environments (for example, the interest rate or credit environments) may also adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investments. The Fund may have to accept a lower selling price for the holding, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity. Judgment plays a larger role in valuing these investments as compared to valuing more liquid investments. Price volatility may be higher for illiquid investments as a result of, for example, the relatively less frequent pricing of such securities (as compared to liquid investments). Generally, the less liquid the market at the time the Fund sells a portfolio investment, the greater the risk of loss or decline of value to the Fund. Price volatility, liquidity of the market and other factors can lead to an increase in Fund redemptions, which may negatively impact Fund performance and NAV, including, for example, if the Fund is forced to sell securities in a down market.
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. Security values may fall or fail to rise because of a variety of actual or perceived factors affecting an issuer (e.g., an unfavorable earnings report), the industry or sector in which it operates, or the market as a whole, which may reduce the value of an investment in the Fund. Under certain market conditions, debt securities may have greater price volatility than equity securities. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. The market values of the securities the Fund holds can be affected by changes or perceived changes in U.S. or foreign economies and financial markets, and the liquidity of these securities, among other factors.
Mortgage- and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk.  The value of any mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities held by the Fund may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in: interest rates; factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgages or other assets; the creditworthiness of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements; or the market's assessment of the quality of underlying assets. Mortgage-backed securities represent interests in, or are backed by, pools of mortgages from which payments of interest and principal (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities) are distributed to the holders of the mortgage-backed securities. Other types of asset-backed securities typically represent interests in, or are backed by, pools of
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receivables such as credit, automobile, student and home equity loans. Mortgage- and other asset-backed securities can have a fixed or an adjustable rate. Mortgage- and other asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the possibility that the underlying mortgage or other asset may be refinanced or prepaid prior to maturity during periods of declining or low interest rates, causing the Fund to have to reinvest the money received in securities that have lower yields. In addition, the impact of prepayments on the value of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities may be difficult to predict and may result in greater volatility. Rising or high interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, making them more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage-backed securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed (i) by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (in the case of securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association) or (ii) by its agencies, authorities, enterprises or instrumentalities (in the case of securities guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)), which are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government (although FNMA and FHLMC may be able to access capital from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations under such securities). Mortgage-backed securities issued by non-governmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may be supported by various credit enhancements, such as pool insurance, guarantees issued by governmental entities, letters of credit from a bank or senior/subordinated structures, and may entail greater risk than obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government, whether or not such obligations are guaranteed by the private issuer.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk.  The Fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it will invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund. This increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more volatile than the value of a more diversified fund.
Prepayment and Extension Risk. Prepayment risk is the risk that a bond or other security or investment might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and extension risk is the risk that the investment might not be called as expected. In the case of prepayment risk, if the investment is converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, particularly during a time of declining interest rates or spreads, the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in other investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. Conversely, in the case of extension risk, as interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases and the maturity of the investment may extend the life of the investment beyond the prepayment time. If the Fund's investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for a longer period of time, the portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Quantitative Model Risk. The Fund may use quantitative methods to select investments. Securities or other investments selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance for many reasons, including factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, and changing sources of market returns, among others. Any errors or imperfections in the Fund portfolio manager’s quantitative analyses or models, or in the data on which they are based, could adversely affect the portfolio manager’s effective use of such analyses or models, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. It is not possible or practicable for a manager to factor all relevant, available data into quantitative model forecasts and/or trading decisions. Quantitative managers will use their discretion to determine what data to gather with respect to an investment strategy and what data the models will take into account to produce forecasts that may have an impact on ultimate trading decisions. Shareholders should be aware that there is no guarantee that a quantitative manager will use any specific data or type of data in making trading decisions on behalf of the Fund, nor is there any guarantee that the data actually utilized in generating forecasts or making trading decisions on behalf of the Fund will be the most accurate data available or free from errors. There can be no assurance that these methodologies will enable the Fund to achieve its objective.
Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to reinvest income or principal at the same return it is currently earning.
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Sector Risk. At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within an economic sector. Companies in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. The more broadly a Fund invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.
Short Positions Risk. The Fund may establish short positions which introduce more risk to the Fund than long positions (where the Fund owns the instrument or other asset) because the maximum sustainable loss on an instrument or other asset purchased (held long) is limited to the amount paid for the instrument or other asset plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum price of the shorted instrument or other asset when purchased in the open market. Therefore, in theory, short positions have unlimited risk. The Fund’s use of short positions in effect “leverages” the Fund. Leverage potentially exposes the Fund to greater risks of loss due to unanticipated market movements, which may magnify losses and increase the volatility of returns. To the extent the Fund takes a short position in a derivative instrument or other asset, this involves the risk of a potentially unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument or other asset.
Sovereign Debt Risk. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
With respect to sovereign debt of emerging market issuers, investors should be aware that certain emerging market countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis and that has led to defaults and the restructuring of certain indebtedness to the detriment of debtholders. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.
Additional Investment Strategies and Policies
This section describes certain investment strategies and policies that the Fund may utilize in pursuit of its investment objective and some additional factors and risks involved with investing in the Fund.
Investment Guidelines
As a general matter, and except as specifically described in the discussion of the Fund's principal investment strategies in this prospectus or as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset or sets forth a policy regarding an investment standard, compliance with that percentage limitation or standard will be determined solely at the time of the Fund's investment in the security or asset.
Holding Other Kinds of Investments
The Fund may hold investments that are not part of its principal investment strategies. These investments and their risks are described below and/or in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The Fund may choose not to invest in certain securities described in this prospectus and in the SAI, although it has the ability to do so. Information on the Fund’s holdings can be found in the Fund’s shareholder reports.
Transactions in Derivatives
The Fund may enter into derivative transactions or otherwise have exposure to derivative transactions through underlying investments. Derivatives are financial contracts whose values are, for example, based on (or “derived” from) traditional securities (such as a stock or bond), assets (such as a commodity like gold or a foreign currency), reference rates (such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly known as LIBOR)) or market indices (such as the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 ® Index). The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses or may limit the Fund's potential gain from favorable market movements. Derivative strategies often involve leverage, which may exaggerate a loss, potentially causing the Fund to lose more money than it would have lost had it invested in the underlying security or other
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asset directly. The values of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in unusual market conditions, and may result in increased volatility in the value of the derivative and/or the Fund’s shares, among other consequences. Other risks arise from the Fund's potential inability to terminate or to sell derivative positions. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund's derivative positions at times when the Fund might wish to terminate or to sell such positions. Over-the-counter instruments (investments not traded on an exchange) may be illiquid, and transactions in derivatives traded in the over-the-counter market are subject to the risk that the other party will not meet its obligations. The use of derivatives also involves the risks of mispricing or improper valuation and that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security, asset, reference rate or index. The Fund also may not be able to find a suitable derivative transaction counterparty, and thus may be unable to engage in derivative transactions when it is deemed favorable to do so, or at all. U.S. federal legislation has been enacted that provides for new clearing, margin, reporting and registration requirements for participants in the derivatives market. These changes could restrict and/or impose significant costs or other burdens upon the Fund’s participation in derivatives transactions. For more information on the risks of derivative investments and strategies, see the SAI.
Investing in Affiliated Funds
The Investment Manager or an affiliate serves as investment adviser to mutual funds using the Columbia brand (Columbia Funds), including those that are structured as “fund-of-funds”, and provides asset-allocation services to (i) shareholders by investing in shares of other Columbia Funds, which may include the Fund (collectively referred to in this section as Underlying Funds), and (ii) discretionary managed accounts (collectively referred to as affiliated products) that invest exclusively in Underlying Funds. These affiliated products, individually or collectively, may own a significant percentage of the outstanding shares of one or more Underlying Funds, and the Investment Manager seeks to balance potential conflicts of interest between the affiliated products and the Underlying Funds in which they invest. The affiliated products’ investment in the Underlying Funds may have the effect of creating economies of scale, possibly resulting in lower expense ratios for the Underlying Funds, because the affiliated products may own substantial portions of the shares of Underlying Funds. However, redemption of Underlying Fund shares by one or more affiliated products could cause the expense ratio of an Underlying Fund to increase, as its fixed costs would be spread over a smaller asset base. Because of large positions of certain affiliated products, the Underlying Funds may experience relatively large inflows and outflows of cash due to affiliated products’ purchases and sales of Underlying Fund shares. Although the Investment Manager or its affiliate may seek to minimize the impact of these transactions where possible, for example, by structuring them over a reasonable period of time or through other measures, Underlying Funds may experience increased expenses as they buy and sell portfolio securities to manage the cash flow effect related to these transactions. Further, when the Investment Manager or its affiliate structures transactions over a reasonable period of time in order to manage the potential impact of the buy and sell decisions for the affiliated products, those affiliated products, including funds-of-funds, may pay more or less (for purchase activity), or receive more or less (for redemption activity), for shares of the Underlying Funds than if the transactions were executed in one transaction. In addition, substantial redemptions by affiliated products within a short period of time could require the Underlying Fund to liquidate positions more rapidly than would otherwise be desirable, which may have the effect of reducing or eliminating potential gain or causing it to realize a loss. Substantial redemptions may also adversely affect the ability of the Underlying Fund to implement its investment strategy. The Investment Manager or its affiliate also has an economic conflict of interest in determining the allocation of affiliated products’ assets among the Underlying Funds, as it earns different fees from the various Underlying Funds.
Investing in Money Market Funds
The Fund may invest cash in, or hold as collateral for certain investments, shares of registered or unregistered money market funds, including funds advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates. These funds are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. The Fund and its shareholders indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any money market fund or other fund in which the Fund may invest.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries on a fully collateralized basis in order to earn additional income. The Fund may lose money from securities lending if, for example, it is delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral after the loan is made or recovering the securities loaned or if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.
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The Fund currently does not participate in the securities lending program but the Board of Trustees (the Board) may determine to renew participation in the future. For more information on lending of portfolio securities and the risks involved, see the Fund’s SAI and its annual and semiannual reports to shareholders.
Investing Defensively
The Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive investment positions that may be inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing some or all of its assets in money market instruments or shares of affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or holding some or all of its assets in cash or cash equivalents. The Fund may take such defensive investment positions for as long a period as deemed necessary.
The Fund may not achieve its investment objective while it is investing defensively. Investing defensively may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and decreased Fund performance. See also Investing in Money Market Funds above for more information.
Other Strategic and Investment Measures
The Fund may also from time to time take temporary portfolio positions that may or may not be consistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing in derivatives, such as futures (e.g., index futures) or options on futures, for various purposes, including among others, investing in particular derivatives to achieve indirect investment exposures to a sector, country or region where the Investment Manager believes such positioning is appropriate. The Fund may take such portfolio positions for as long a period as deemed necessary. While the Fund is so positioned, derivatives could comprise a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Investing in this manner may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and decreased Fund performance. For information on the risks of investing in derivatives, see Transactions in Derivatives above.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Board has adopted policies and procedures that govern the timing and circumstances of disclosure to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the securities owned by the Fund. A description of these policies and procedures is included in the SAI. Fund policy generally permits the disclosure of portfolio holdings information only after a certain amount of time has passed, as described in the SAI.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities can take place at any time, so the portfolio holdings information may not always be current.
FUNDamentals
Portfolio Holdings Versus the Benchmarks
The Fund does not limit its investments to the securities within its benchmark(s), and accordingly the Fund's holdings may diverge significantly from those of its benchmark(s). In addition, the Fund may invest in securities outside any industry and geographic sectors represented in its benchmark(s). The Fund's weightings in individual securities, and in industry and geographic sectors, may also vary considerably from those of its benchmark(s).
Cash Flows
The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying Fund shares could prevent the Fund from always being fully invested. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to shareholders redeeming Fund shares could require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at less than opportune times or to hold ready reserves of uninvested cash in amounts larger than might otherwise be the case to meet shareholder redemptions. Either situation could adversely impact the Fund’s performance.
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More Information About the Fund (continued)
Understanding Annual Fund Operating Expenses
The Fund’s annual operating expenses, as presented in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table in the Fees and Expenses of the Fund section of this prospectus, generally are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year and are expressed as a percentage (expense ratio) of the Fund’s average net assets during that fiscal year. The expense ratios reflect the Fund’s fee arrangements as of the date of this prospectus and, unless indicated otherwise, are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most recent fiscal year. The Fund’s assets will fluctuate, but no adjustments have been or will be made to the expense ratios to reflect any differences in the Fund’s average net assets between the most recently completed fiscal year, the date of this prospectus or a later date. In general, the Fund’s expense ratios will increase as its net assets decrease, such that the Fund’s actual expense ratios may be higher than the expense ratios presented in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table if assets fall. Any commitment by the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates to waive fees and/or cap (reimburse) expenses is expected, in part, to limit the impact of any increase in the Fund’s operating expense ratios that would otherwise result because of a decrease in the Fund’s assets in the current fiscal year. The Fund’s annual operating expenses are comprised of (i) investment management fees, (ii) distribution and/or service fees, and (iii) other expenses. Management fees do not vary by class, but distribution and/or service fees and other expenses may vary by class.
FUNDamentals
Other Expenses
“Other expenses” consist of the fees the Fund pays to its administrator, custodian, transfer agent, auditors, lawyers and trustees, costs relating to compliance and miscellaneous expenses. Generally, these expenses are the same for each share class and are allocated on a pro rata basis across all share classes. Certain shareholder servicing fees, however, are class specific. They differ by share class because the shareholder services provided to each share class may be different. Accordingly, the differences in “other expenses” among share classes are primarily the result of the different shareholder servicing fees applicable to each share class. For more information on these fees, see About Fund Shares and Transactions — Selling Agent Compensation.
Expense Reimbursement Arrangements and Impact on Past Performance
The Investment Manager and certain of its affiliates have voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses (excluding certain fees and expenses described below), so that the Fund’s net operating expenses, after giving effect to fees waived/expenses reimbursed and any balance credits and/or overdraft charges from the Fund’s custodian, do not exceed the annual rates of:
    
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Class 1 [_____]%
Class 2 [_____]%
Class 3 [_____]%
Under the arrangement, the following fees and expenses are excluded from the Fund’s operating expenses when calculating the waiver/reimbursement commitment, and therefore will be paid by the Fund, if applicable: taxes (including foreign transaction taxes), expenses associated with investment in affiliated and non-affiliated pooled investment vehicles (including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds), transaction costs and brokerage commissions, costs related to any securities lending program, dividend expenses associated with securities sold short, inverse floater program fees and expenses, transaction charges and interest on borrowed money, interest and extraordinary expenses. This arrangement may be revised or discontinued at any time.
Effect of Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements on Past Performance. The Fund’s returns shown in the Performance Information section of this prospectus reflect the effect of any fee waivers and/or reimbursements of Fund expenses by the Investment Manager and/or any of its affiliates that were in place during the performance period shown. Without such fee waivers/expense reimbursements, the Fund’s returns might have been lower.
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More Information About the Fund (continued)
Primary Service Providers
The Investment Manager, which also serves as the Fund’s administrator (the Administrator), the Distributor and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. (the Transfer Agent) are all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial). They and their affiliates currently provide key services, including investment advisory, administration, distribution, shareholder servicing and transfer agency services, to the Fund and various other funds, including the Columbia Funds, and are paid for providing these services. These service relationships are described below.
The Investment Manager
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 and serves as investment adviser to the Columbia Funds. The Investment Manager is a registered investment adviser and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Investment Manager’s management experience covers all major asset classes, including equity securities, fixed-income securities and money market instruments. In addition to serving as an investment adviser to traditional mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds, the Investment Manager acts as an investment adviser for itself, its affiliates, individuals, corporations, retirement plans, private investment companies and financial intermediaries.
Subject to oversight by the Board, the Investment Manager manages the day-to-day operations of the Fund, determining what securities and other investments the Fund should buy or sell and executing portfolio transactions. The Investment Manager may use the research and other capabilities of its affiliates and third parties in managing the Fund’s investments.
The SEC has issued an order that permits the Investment Manager, subject to the approval of the Board, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement for the Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The order permits the Fund to add or to change unaffiliated subadvisers or to change the fees paid to subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change. The Investment Manager and its affiliates may have other relationships, including significant financial relationships, with current or potential subadvisers or their affiliates, which may create certain conflicts of interest. When making recommendations to the Board to appoint or to change a subadviser, or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement, the Investment Manager does not consider any other relationship it or its affiliates may have with a subadviser, and the Investment Manager discloses to the Board the nature of any material relationships it has with a subadviser or its affiliates. At present, the Investment Manager has not engaged any investment subadviser for the Fund.
The Investment Manager and its investment advisory affiliates (Participating Affiliates) around the world may coordinate in providing services to their clients. From time to time, the Investment Manager (or any affiliated investment subadviser to the Fund, as the case may be) may engage its Participating Affiliates to provide a variety of services such as investment research, investment monitoring, trading, and discretionary investment management (including portfolio management) to certain accounts managed by the Investment Manager, including the Fund. These Participating Affiliates will provide services to the Investment Manager (or any affiliated investment subadviser to the Fund, as the case may be) either pursuant to subadvisory agreements, personnel-sharing agreements or similar inter-company arrangements and the Fund will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements. These Participating Affiliates, like the Investment Manager, are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Ameriprise Financial and are registered with the appropriate respective regulators in their home jurisdictions and, where required, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in the United States.
Pursuant to some of these arrangements, certain employees of these Participating Affiliates may serve as “associated persons” of the Investment Manager and, in this capacity, subject to the oversight and supervision of the Investment Manager and consistent with the investment objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Fund’s prospectus and SAI, may provide such services to the Fund on behalf of the Investment Manager.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a fee for its investment advisory services. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund and is paid monthly. For the Fund’s most recent fiscal year, aggregate advisory fees paid to the Investment Manager by the Fund amounted to [___]% of average daily net assets of the Fund. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the renewal of the Fund's investment management services agreement with the Investment Manager is available in the Fund’s semiannual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2014.
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More Information About the Fund (continued)
Portfolio Managers
Information about the portfolio managers primarily responsible for overseeing the Fund’s investments is shown below. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including information relating to compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and ownership by the portfolio managers of Fund shares.
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Jim Cielinski   Portfolio Manager and Global Head of Fixed Income   Lead manager   2013
Matthew Cobon   Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   2013
Zach Pandl   Senior Interest Rate Strategist and Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   2014
Gene Tannuzzo, CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   2014
Mr. Cielinski joined Threadneedle, a Participating Affiliate, in 2010 as Head of Fixed Income. Prior to joining Threadneedle, Mr. Cielinski was Head of Global Credit – Investment Grade at Goldman Sachs. Mr. Cielinski began his investment career in 1983 and earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Utah and an M.B.A. from New York University.
Mr. Cobon joined Threadneedle, a Participating Affiliate, in 2011 as a fund manager. Prior to joining Threadneedle, he was the global head of currency fund management at Aberdeen Asset Management/Deutche Asset Management from 2001 to 2011. Mr. Cobon began his investment career in 1996 and earned a B.S. in Economics from the University of Warwick (U.K.).
Mr. Pandl joined the Investment Manager in 2012. Prior to 2012, Mr. Pandl was a senior economist at Goldman Sachs and was an economist at Nomura Securities from 2009-2011 and Lehman Brothers from 2006-2008. Mr. Pandl began his investment career in 2006 and earned a B.S. from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota and an M.S. from New York University.
Mr. Tannuzzo joined the Investment Manager in 2003. Mr. Tannuzzo began his investment career in 2003 and earned a B.S.B. from University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.
The Administrator
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is responsible for overseeing the administrative operations of the Fund, including the general supervision of the Fund’s operations, the coordination of the Fund’s service providers and the provision of related clerical and administrative services. The Fund pays the Administrator a fee (plus certain out-of-pocket expenses) for the administrative services it provides to the Fund.
The Distributor
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., which is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Distributor and its affiliates may pay commissions, distribution and service fees and/or other compensation to entities, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for selling shares and providing services to investors.
The Transfer Agent
Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. is a registered transfer agent and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Transfer Agent is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, and its responsibilities include processing purchases, redemptions and transfers of Fund shares, calculating and paying distributions, maintaining shareholder records, preparing account statements and providing customer service. The Fund pays the Transfer Agent monthly fees on a per-account basis. The Transfer Agent has engaged Boston Financial Data Services (BFDS) to provide various sub-transfer agency services. Fees paid to the Transfer Agent also include reimbursements for certain out-of pocket expenses paid by the Transfer Agent on the Fund’s behalf. The Transfer Agent may pay a portion of these fees to participating insurance companies or other financial intermediaries that provide sub-recordkeeping and other services to Contract owners, Qualified Plan participants and the separate accounts.
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More Information About the Fund (continued)
Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest
The Investment Manager, Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent, all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, provide various services to the Fund and other Columbia Funds for which they are compensated. Ameriprise Financial and its other affiliates may also provide other services to these funds and be compensated for them.
The Investment Manager and its affiliates may provide investment advisory and other services to other clients and customers substantially similar to those provided to the Columbia Funds. These activities, and other financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, may present actual and potential conflicts of interest and introduce certain investment constraints.
Ameriprise Financial is a major financial services company, engaged in a broad range of financial activities beyond the mutual fund-related activities of the Investment Manager, including, among others, insurance, broker-dealer (sales and trading), asset management, banking and other financial activities. These additional activities may involve multiple advisory, financial, insurance and other interests in securities and other instruments, and in companies that issue securities and other instruments, that may be bought, sold or held by the Columbia Funds.
Conflicts of interest and limitations that could affect a Columbia Fund may arise from, for example, the following:
compensation and other benefits received by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates related to the management/administration of a Columbia Fund and the sale of its shares;
the allocation of, and competition for, investment opportunities among the Fund, other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, or Ameriprise Financial itself and its affiliates;
separate and potentially divergent management of a Columbia Fund and other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates;
regulatory and other investment restrictions on investment activities of the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates and accounts advised/managed by them;
insurance and other relationships of Ameriprise Financial affiliates with companies and other entities in which a Columbia Fund invests;
regulatory and other restrictions relating to the sharing of information between Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, and a Columbia Fund; and
insurance companies investing in the Fund may be affiliates of Ameriprise Financial; these affiliated insurance companies, individually and collectively, may hold through separate accounts a significant portion of the Fund's shares and may also invest in separate accounts managed by the Investment Manager that have the same or substantially similar investment objectives and strategies as the Fund.
The Investment Manager and Ameriprise Financial have adopted various policies and procedures that are intended to identify, monitor and address conflicts of interest. However, there is no assurance that these policies, procedures and disclosures will be effective.
Additional information about Ameriprise Financial and the types of conflicts of interest and other matters referenced above are set forth in the Investment Management and Other Services — Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest section of the SAI. Investors in the Columbia Funds should carefully review these disclosures and consult with their financial advisor if they have any questions.
Certain Legal Matters
Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Fund is not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Fund. Information regarding certain pending and settled legal proceedings may be found in the
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More Information About the Fund (continued)
Fund’s shareholder reports and in the SAI. Additionally, Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the SEC on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at sec.gov.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions
Description of the Share Classes
Share Class Features
The Fund offers the classes of shares set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Each share class has its own cost structure and other features. The following summarizes the primary features of the Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 shares.
    
  Class 1 Shares Class 2 Shares Class 3 Shares
Eligible Investors Shares of the Fund are available only to separate accounts of participating insurance companies as underlying investments for variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance policies (collectively, Contracts) or qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans) or other eligible investors authorized by the Distributor.
Investment Limits none none none
Conversion Features none none none
Front-End Sales Charges none none none
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSCs) none none none
Maximum Distribution and/or Service Fees none 0.25% 0.125%
FUNDamentals
Selling and/or Servicing Agents
The terms “selling agent” and “servicing agent” (collectively, selling agents) refer to the insurance company that issued your contract, qualified pension or retirement plan sponsors or the financial intermediary that employs your financial advisor. Selling agents also include broker-dealers and financial advisors as well as firms that employ such broker-dealers and financial advisors, including, for example, brokerage firms, banks, investment advisers, third party administrators and other financial intermediaries, including Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates.
Distribution and/or Service Fees
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the Board has approved, and the Fund has adopted, a distribution plan which sets the distribution fees that are periodically deducted from the Fund’s assets for Class 2 and Class 3 shares. The distribution fee for Class 2 shares is 0.25% and the distribution fee for Class 3 shares is 0.125%. These fees are calculated daily, may vary by share class and are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or selling agents for selling shares of the Fund and/or providing services to investors. Because the fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment over time.
The Fund will pay these fees to the Distributor and/or to eligible selling agents for as long as the distribution plan continues. The Fund may reduce or discontinue payments at any time.
Selling Agent Compensation
The Distributor and the Investment Manager make payments, from their own resources, to selling agents, including to affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies (each an intermediary), for marketing/sales support services relating to the Columbia Funds. The amount and computation of such payments varies by Fund, although such payments are generally based upon one or more of the following factors: average net assets of the Columbia Funds sold by the Distributor attributable to that intermediary, gross sales of the Columbia Funds distributed by the Distributor attributable to that intermediary, or a negotiated lump sum payment. While the financial arrangements may vary for each intermediary, the support payments to any one intermediary are generally between 0.05% and 0.50% on an annual basis for payments based on average net assets of the Fund attributable to the intermediary, and between 0.05% and 0.25% on an annual basis for an intermediary receiving a payment based on gross sales of the Columbia Funds attributable to the intermediary. The Distributor and the Investment Manager may make payments in larger amounts or on a basis other than those described above when dealing with certain intermediaries, including certain affiliates of Bank of America Corporation. Such increased payments may enable such selling agents to offset credits that they may provide to customers. Employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including employees of affiliated broker-dealers and insurance companies, may be separately incented to include shares of the Columbia Funds in Contracts offered by affiliated insurance
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About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
companies, as employee compensation and business unit operating goals at all levels are generally tied to the success of Ameriprise Financial. Certain employees, directly or indirectly, may receive higher compensation and other benefits as investment in the Columbia Funds increases. In addition, management, sales leaders and other employees may spend more of their time and resources promoting Ameriprise Financial and its subsidiary companies, including the Distributor and the Investment Manager, and the products they offer, including the Fund.
In addition to the payments described above, the Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates may make other payments or allow promotional incentives to broker-dealers to the extent permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
Amounts paid by the Distributor and the Investment Manager and their affiliates are paid out of the Distributor’s and the Investment Manager’s own resources and do not increase the amount paid by you or the Fund. You can find further details in the SAI about the payments made by the Distributor and the Investment Manager and their affiliates, as well as a list of the selling agents, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, to which the Distributor and the Investment Manager have agreed to make marketing/sales support payments.
Your selling agent may charge you fees and commissions in addition to those described herein. You should consult with your selling agent and review carefully any disclosure your selling agent provides regarding its services and compensation. Depending on the financial arrangement in place at any particular time, a selling agent may have a conflict of interest or financial incentive with respect to its recommendations regarding the Fund or any Contract that includes the Fund.
Share Price Determination
The price you pay or receive when you buy, sell or transfer shares is the Fund's next determined net asset value (or NAV) per share for a given share class. The Fund calculates the NAV per share for each class of shares of the Fund at the end of each business day.
FUNDamentals
NAV Calculation
Each of the Fund's share classes calculates its NAV as follows:
NAV =   (Value of assets of the share class) – (Liabilities of the share class)
Number of outstanding shares of the class
FUNDamentals
Business Days
A business day is any day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. A business day ends at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. If the NYSE closes early, the business day ends as of the time the NYSE closes. On holidays and other days when the NYSE is closed, the Fund's NAV is not calculated and the Fund does not accept buy or sell orders. However, the value of the Fund's assets may still be affected on such days to the extent that the Fund holds foreign securities that trade on days that foreign securities markets are open.
Equity securities are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations or valuations reported on stock exchanges and other securities markets around the world. If an equity security is listed on a national exchange, the security is valued at the closing price or, if the closing price is not readily available, the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Certain equity securities, debt securities and other assets are valued differently. For instance, bank loans trading in the secondary market are valued primarily on the basis of indicative bids, fixed-income investments maturing in 60 days or less are valued primarily using the amortized cost method and those maturing in excess of 60 days are valued primarily using a market-based price obtained from a pricing service, if available. Investments in other open-end funds are valued at their latest NAVs. Both market quotations and indicative bids are obtained from outside pricing services approved and monitored pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund's Board. For a money market fund, the Fund's investments are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
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About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
If a market price is not readily available or is deemed not to reflect market value, the Fund will determine the price of the portfolio security based on a determination of the security's fair value pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund's Board. In addition, the Fund may use fair valuation to price securities that trade on a foreign exchange when a significant event has occurred after the foreign exchange closes but before the time at which the Fund's share price is calculated. Foreign exchanges typically close before the time at which Fund share prices are calculated, and may be closed altogether on some days when the Fund is open. Such significant events affecting a foreign security may include, but are not limited to: (1) corporate actions, earnings announcements, litigation or other events impacting a single issuer; (2) governmental action that affects securities in one sector or country; (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts affecting a country or region; or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations. The Fund uses various criteria, including an evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in determining whether a foreign security's market price is readily available and reflective of market value and, if not, the fair value of the security. To the extent the Fund has significant holdings of small cap stocks, high yield bonds, floating rate loans, or tax-exempt, foreign or other securities that may trade infrequently, fair valuation may be used more frequently than for other funds.
Fair valuation may have the effect of reducing stale pricing arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares. However, when the Fund uses fair valuation to price securities, it may value those securities higher or lower than another fund would have priced the security. Also, the use of fair valuation may cause the Fund's performance to diverge to a greater degree from the performance of various benchmarks used to compare the Fund's performance because benchmarks generally do not use fair valuation techniques. Because of the judgment involved in fair valuation decisions, there can be no assurance that the value ascribed to a particular security is accurate. The Fund has retained one or more independent fair valuation pricing services to assist in the fair valuation process for foreign securities.
Shareholder Information
Each share class has its own cost structure and other features. Your product may not offer every share class. The Fund encourages you to consult with a financial advisor who can help you with your investment decisions and for more information about the share classes offered by the Fund and available under your product. Shares of the Fund are generally available for purchase only by participating insurance companies in connection with Contracts and Qualified Plan sponsors.
Shares of the Fund may not be purchased or sold directly by individual Contract owners or participants in a Qualified Plan. When you sell your shares through your Contract or Qualified Plan, the Fund is effectively buying them back. This is called a redemption. The right of redemption may be suspended or payment postponed whenever permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
Depending on the context, references to “you” or “your” herein refer either to the holder of a Contract, participant in a Qualified Plan or qualified institutional investor who may select Fund shares to fund his or her investment in the Contract or Qualified Plan or to the participating insurance company as the holder of Fund shares through one or more separate accounts or the Qualified Plan.
Potential Conflicts of Interest – Mixed and Shared Funding
The Fund is available for purchase only through Contracts offered by participating insurance companies, Qualified Plans and other qualified institutional investors authorized by the Distributor. Due to differences in tax treatment and other considerations, the interests of various Contract owners, and the interests of Qualified Plan participants, if any, may conflict. The Fund does not foresee any disadvantages to investors arising from these potential conflicts of interest at this time. Nevertheless, the Board of the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to any conflicts. If such a conflict were to arise, one or more separate accounts might be required to withdraw its investments in the Fund or shares of another mutual fund may be substituted. This might force the Fund to sell securities at disadvantageous prices.
Order Processing
Orders to buy and sell shares of the Fund that are placed by your participating insurance company or Qualified Plan sponsor are processed on business days. Orders received in “good form” by the Transfer Agent or a selling agent, including your participating insurance company or Qualified Plan sponsor, before the end of a business day are priced at the Fund’s NAV per
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
share on that day. Orders received after the end of a business day will receive the next business day’s NAV per share. The market value of the Fund’s investments may change between the time you submit your order and the time the Fund next calculates its NAV per share. The business day that applies to your order is also called the trade date.
There is no sales charge associated with the purchase of Fund shares, but there may be charges associated with your Contract or Qualified Plan. Any charges that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan, and any charges that apply to separate accounts of participating insurance companies or Qualified Plans that may own shares directly, are described in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents.
You may transfer all or part of your investment in the Fund to one or more of the other investment options available under your Contract or Qualified Plan. You may provide instructions to sell any amount allocated to the Fund. Proceeds will be mailed within seven days after your surrender or withdrawal request is accepted by an authorized agent. The amount you receive may be more or less than the amount you invested.
Please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, as applicable, for more information about transfers as well as surrenders and withdrawals.
Information Sharing Agreements
As required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act, the Funds or certain of their service providers will enter into information sharing agreements with selling agents, including participating life insurance companies and selling agents that sponsor or offer retirement plans through which shares of the Funds are made available for purchase. Pursuant to Rule 22c-2, selling agents are required, upon request, to: (i) provide shareholder account and transaction information and (ii) execute instructions from the Fund to restrict or prohibit further purchases of Fund shares by shareholders who have been identified by the Fund as having engaged in transactions that violate the Fund's excessive trading policies and procedures.
Excessive Trading Practices Policy of Non-Money Market Funds
Right to Reject or Restrict Share Transaction Orders — The Fund is intended for investors with long-term investment purposes and is not intended as a vehicle for frequent trading activity (market timing) that is excessive. Investors should transact in Fund shares primarily for investment purposes. The Board has adopted excessive trading policies and procedures that are designed to deter excessive trading by investors (the Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures). The Fund discourages and does not accommodate excessive trading.
The Fund reserves the right to reject, without any prior notice, any buy or transfer order for any reason, and will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected orders. For example, the Fund may in its sole discretion restrict or reject a buy or transfer order even if the transaction is not subject to the specific limitation described below if the Fund or its agents determine that accepting the order could interfere with efficient management of the Fund's portfolio or is otherwise contrary to the Fund's best interests. The Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures apply equally to buy or transfer transactions communicated directly to the Transfer Agent and to those received by selling agents.
Specific Buying and Transferring Limitations — If a Fund detects that an investor has made two “material round trips” in any 28-day period, it will generally reject the investor's future purchase orders, including transfer buy orders, involving any Fund.
For these purposes, a “round trip” is a purchase or transfer into the Fund followed by a sale or transfer out of the Fund, or a sale or transfer out of the Fund followed by a purchase or transfer into the Fund. A “material” round trip is one that is deemed by the Fund to be material in terms of its amount or its potential detrimental impact on the Fund. Independent of this limit, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reject future buy orders by any person, group or account that appears to have engaged in any type of excessive trading activity.
These limits generally do not apply to automated transactions or transactions by registered investment companies in a “fund-of-funds” structure. These limits do not apply to payroll deduction contributions by retirement plan participants, transactions initiated by a retirement plan sponsor or certain other retirement plan transactions consisting of rollover transactions, loan repayments and disbursements, and required minimum distribution redemptions. They may be modified or rescinded for accounts held by certain retirement plans to conform to plan limits, for considerations relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or regulations of the Department of Labor, and for certain asset allocation or wrap programs. Accounts known to be under common ownership or control generally will be counted together, but accounts maintained or
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About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
managed by a common intermediary generally will not be considered to be under common ownership or control. The Fund retains the right to modify these restrictions at any time without prior notice to shareholders. In addition, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reinstate trading privileges that have been revoked under the Fund's Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures.
Limitations on the Ability to Detect and Prevent Excessive Trading Practices — The Fund takes various steps designed to detect and prevent excessive trading, including daily review of available shareholder transaction information. However, the Fund receives buy, sell or transfer orders through selling agents, and cannot always know of or reasonably detect excessive trading that may be facilitated by selling agents or by the use of the omnibus account arrangements they offer. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of mutual funds, particularly among certain selling agents such as broker-dealers, retirement plans and variable insurance products. These arrangements often permit selling agents to aggregate their clients' transactions and accounts, and in these circumstances, the identity of the shareholders is often not known to the Fund.
Some selling agents apply their own restrictions or policies to underlying investor accounts, which may be more or less restrictive than those described here. This may impact the Fund's ability to curtail excessive trading, even where it is identified. For these and other reasons, it is possible that excessive trading may occur despite the Fund's efforts to detect and prevent it.
Although these restrictions and policies involve judgments that are inherently subjective and may involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund seeks to act in a manner that it believes is consistent with the best interests of shareholders in making any such judgments.
Risks of Excessive Trading — Excessive trading creates certain risks to the Fund's long-term shareholders and may create the following adverse effects:
negative impact on the Fund's performance;
potential dilution of the value of the Fund's shares;
interference with the efficient management of the Fund's portfolio, such as the need to maintain undesirably large cash positions, the need to use its line of credit or the need to buy or sell securities it otherwise would not have bought or sold;
losses on the sale of investments resulting from the need to sell securities at less favorable prices; and
increased brokerage and administrative costs.
To the extent that the Fund invests significantly in foreign securities traded on markets that close before the Fund's valuation time, it may be particularly susceptible to dilution as a result of excessive trading. Because events may occur after the close of foreign markets and before the Fund's valuation time that influence the value of foreign securities, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of foreign securities as of the Fund's valuation time. This is often referred to as price arbitrage. The Fund has adopted procedures designed to adjust closing market prices of foreign securities under certain circumstances to reflect what the Fund believes to be the fair value of those securities as of its valuation time. To the extent the adjustments don't work fully, investors engaging in price arbitrage may cause dilution in the value of the Fund's shares held by other shareholders.
Similarly, to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in thinly traded high-yield bonds (junk bonds) or equity securities of small-capitalization companies, because these securities are often traded infrequently, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of these securities. This is also a type of price arbitrage. Any such frequent trading strategies may interfere with efficient management of the Fund's portfolio to a greater degree than would be the case for mutual funds that invest in highly liquid securities, in part because the Fund may have difficulty selling those portfolio securities at advantageous times or prices to satisfy large and/or frequent sell orders. Any successful price arbitrage may also cause dilution in the value of Fund shares held by other shareholders.
Excessive Trading Practices Policy of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund
A money market fund is designed to offer investors a liquid cash option that they may buy and sell as often as they wish. Accordingly, the Board has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund shares. However, since frequent purchases and sales of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund shares could in certain instances harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs (such as spreads paid to dealers who trade money market instruments with Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund) and disrupting portfolio management strategies, Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund reserves the right, but has no obligation, to reject any purchase or transfer
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
transaction at any time. Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund has no limits on purchase or transfer transactions. In addition, Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund reserves the right to impose or modify restrictions on purchases, transfers or trading of Fund shares at any time.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions to Shareholders
A mutual fund can make money two ways:
It can earn income on its investments. Examples of fund income are interest paid on money market instruments and bonds, and dividends paid on common stocks.
A mutual fund can also have capital gains if the value of its investments increases. While a fund continues to hold an investment, any gain is generally unrealized. If the fund sells an investment, it generally will realize a capital gain if it sells that investment for a higher price than its adjusted cost basis, and will generally realize a capital loss if it sells that investment for a lower price than its adjusted cost basis. Capital gains and losses are either short-term or long-term, depending on whether the fund holds the securities for one year or less (short-term) or more than one year (long-term).
FUNDamentals
Distributions
Mutual funds make payments of fund earnings to shareholders, distributing them among all shareholders of the fund. As a shareholder, you are entitled to your portion of a fund's distributed income, including capital gains. Reinvesting your distributions buys you more shares of a fund which lets you take advantage of the potential for compound growth. Putting the money you earn back into your investment means it, in turn, may earn even more money. Over time, the power of compounding has the potential to significantly increase the value of your investment. There is no assurance, however, that you'll earn more money if you reinvest your distributions rather than receive them in cash.
The Fund intends to pay out, in the form of distributions to shareholders, a sufficient amount of its income and gains so that the Fund will qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and generally will not have to pay any federal excise tax. The Fund generally intends to distribute any net realized capital gain (whether long-term or short-term gain) at least once a year. Normally, the Fund will declare and pay distributions of net investment income according to the following schedule:
    
Declaration and Distribution Schedule
Declarations Quarterly
Distributions Quarterly
The Fund may, however, declare or pay distributions of net investment income more frequently.
Different share classes of the Fund usually pay different net investment income distribution amounts, because each class has different expenses. Each time a distribution is made, the net asset value per share of the share class is reduced by the amount of the distribution.
The Fund will automatically reinvest distributions in additional shares of the same share class of the Fund unless you inform us you want to receive your distributions to be paid in cash.
Taxes and Your Investment
The Fund intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are distributed to shareholders. However, the Fund’s failure to qualify as a regulated investment company would result in fund level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to you.
Shares of the Fund are only offered to separate accounts of participating insurance companies, Qualified Plans, and certain other eligible persons or plans permitted to hold shares of the Fund pursuant to the applicable Treasury Regulations without impairing the ability of participating insurance companies to satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. You should consult with the participating insurance company that issued your Contract, plan sponsor, or other eligible investor through which your investment in the Fund is made regarding the U.S. federal income taxation of your investment.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Distributions and Taxes (continued)
For Variable Annuity Contracts and Variable Life Insurance Policies: Your Contract may qualify for favorable tax treatment. As long as your Contract continues to qualify for favorable tax treatment, you will only be taxed on your investment in the Fund through such Contract, even if the Fund makes distributions and/or you change your investment options under the Contract. In order to qualify for such treatment, among other things, the separate accounts of participating insurance companies, which maintain and invest net proceeds from Contracts, must be “adequately diversified.” The Fund intends to operate in such a manner so that a separate account investing only in Fund shares on behalf of a holder of a Contract will be “adequately diversified.” If the Fund does not meet such requirements because its investments are not adequately diversified, your Contract could lose its favorable tax treatment and income and gain allocable to your Contract could be taxable currently to you. This could also occur if Contract holders are found to have an impermissible level of control over the investments underlying their Contracts.
FUNDamentals
Taxes
The information provided above is only a summary of how U.S. federal income taxes may affect your investment in the Fund. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. It does not apply to certain types of investors who may be subject to special rules, including foreign or tax-exempt investors or those holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA. Please see the SAI for more detailed tax information. You should consult with your own tax advisor about the particular tax consequences to you of an investment in the Fund, including the effect of any foreign, state and local taxes, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund
Financial Highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five fiscal years or, if shorter, the Fund’s period of operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Per share net investment income (loss) amounts are calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund assuming all dividends and distributions had been reinvested. Total returns do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed under your Contract and/or Qualified Plan, as applicable; such fees and expenses would reduce the total returns for all periods shown. Total return and portfolio turnover are not annualized for periods of less than one year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to purchase and sales transactions of short-term instruments and certain derivatives, if any. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher. The information for the three most recent fiscal years has been audited by [___________], an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request. The information for the prior fiscal years has been derived from the financial statements audited by the Fund’s former independent registered public accounting firm.
[To Be Inserted]
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Table of Contents
For More Information
The Fund is generally available only to owners of Contracts issued by participating insurance companies and participants in Qualified Plans. Please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents for information about how to buy, sell and transfer shares of the Fund.
Additional Information About the Fund
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the 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 SAI also provides additional information about the Fund and its policies. The SAI, which has been filed with the SEC, is legally part of this prospectus (incorporated by reference). To obtain these documents free of charge, to request other information about the Fund and to make shareholder inquiries, please contact the Fund as follows:
By Mail:   Columbia Funds
c/o Columbia Management Investment Services Corp.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
By Telephone: 800.345.6611
The Fund’s offering documents and shareholder reports are not available on the Columbia Funds’ website because they are generally available only through participating insurance companies or retirement plans.
The website references in this prospectus are inactive links and information contained in or otherwise accessible through the referenced websites does not form a part of this prospectus.
Information Provided by the SEC
You can review and copy information about the Fund (including this prospectus, the SAI and shareholder reports) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. To find out more about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 202.551.8090. Reports and other information about the Fund are also available in the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You can receive copies of this information, for a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
The investment company registration number of Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, of which the Fund is a series, is 811-22127.
© 2015 Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
800.345.6611
S-6466


Table of Contents
Prospectus
May 1, 2015
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
(formerly known as Columbia Variable Portfolio - International Opportunity Fund)

  
The Fund may offer Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 shares to separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (Contracts) issued by affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies as well as qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans) and other qualified institutional investors authorized by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor). There are no exchange ticker symbols associated with shares of the Fund.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
Summary of the Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees or expenses imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents. If the additional fees or expenses were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
  Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Management fees [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Other expenses [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Total annual Fund operating expenses [_____]% [_____]% [_____]%
Example
The following 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 illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over the time periods indicated, and assumes that:
you invest $10,000 in the applicable class of Fund shares for the periods indicated,
your investment has a 5% return each year, and
the Fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same as shown in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table above.
The example does not reflect any fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on the assumptions listed above, your costs would be:
    
  1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
Class 1 $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Class 2 $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Class 3 $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. 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
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities (including common stock, preferred stock, and depositary receipts) of companies located in at least three countries other than the United States, including emerging market countries. The Fund invests in companies that are believed to have the potential for growth. The Fund typically employs a focused portfolio investing style, which results in fewer holdings than a fund that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a greater number of issuers.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
The Fund may invest in derivatives, including futures and forward foreign currency contracts, in an effort to enhance returns, to hedge existing positions, to manage the Fund’s currency and overall risk exposure, to increase market or other exposure, and/or to increase investment flexibility (including using the derivative as a substitute for a position in an underlying security, currency, asset, or other instrument or reference). Derivatives may be used by the Fund to obtain net long and/or net negative (short) exposure to a security, currency, asset, or other instrument or reference.
The Fund may invest in companies involved in initial public offerings, tender offers, mergers, other corporate restructurings and other special situations.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves risk, including those described below. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money . The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share price may go down.
Active Management Risk. Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are receipts issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies. Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Depositary receipts involve risks similar to the risks associated with investments in foreign securities, including those of the particular country, which may be related to the particular political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country and fluctuations in its currency, as well as market risk tied to the underlying foreign company. In addition, ADR holders may have limited voting rights and may not have the same rights afforded typical company stockholders in the event of a corporate action such as an acquisition, merger or rights offering and may experience difficulty in receiving company stockholder communications.
Derivatives Risk. Losses involving derivative instruments may be substantial, because a relatively small movement in the price of an underlying security, instrument, commodity, currency or index may result in a substantial loss for the Fund. In addition to the potential for increased losses, the use of derivative instruments may lead to increased volatility for the Fund. Derivative investments will typically increase the Fund’s exposure to principal risks to which it is otherwise exposed, and may expose the Fund to additional risks, including correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk and/or liquidity risk.
Derivatives Risk/Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. These instruments are a type of derivative contract whereby the Fund may agree to buy or sell a country’s or region’s currency at a specific price on a specific date in the future. These instruments may fall in value (sometimes dramatically) due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations, subjecting the Fund to foreign currency risk. Investment in these instruments also subjects the Fund to counterparty risk. The Fund’s strategy of investing in these instruments may not be successful and the Fund may experience significant losses as a result.
Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk. The loss that may be incurred in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses for the Fund. Futures contracts may be illiquid. Furthermore, exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a trading session by imposing a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Futures contracts executed on foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. These transactions involve additional risks, including counterparty risk, hedging risk and pricing risk.
Emerging Market Securities Risk. Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk. In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity (i.e., lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries, and some have a higher risk of currency devaluations.
Focused Portfolio Risk. Because the Fund may invest in a limited number of companies, the Fund as a whole is subject to greater risk of loss if any of those securities decline in price.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. Foreign securities subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country of an issuer, including the political, regulatory, economic, social, diplomatic and other conditions or events occurring in the country or region, as well as risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices. Foreign securities may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of U.S. companies, and are subject to the risks associated with potential imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country. The performance of the Fund may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency’s strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Geographic Concentration Risk. The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries within the specific geographic regions in which the Fund invests. The Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund.
Geographic Concentration Risk/Asia Pacific Region Risk. Many of the countries in the Asia Pacific region are considered underdeveloped or developing, including from a political, economic and/or social perspective, and may have relatively unstable governments and economies based on limited business, industries and/or natural resources or commodities. Events in any one country within the region may impact other countries in the region or the region as a whole. As a result, events in the region will generally have a greater effect on the Fund than if the Fund were more geographically diversified. This could result in increased volatility in the value of the Fund’s investments and losses for the Fund. Also, securities of some companies in the region can be less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities, potentially making it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at a desirable time and price.
Geographic Concentration Risk/Europe Risk. The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries in Europe. Currency devaluations could occur in countries that have not yet experienced currency devaluation to date, or could continue to occur in countries that have already experienced such devaluations. In addition, the private and public sectors’ debt problems of a single European Union (EU) country can pose significant economic risks to the EU as a whole. As a result, the Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund. If securities of issuers in Europe fall out of favor, it may cause the Fund to underperform other funds that do not concentrate in this region of the world.
Growth Securities Risk. Growth securities typically trade at a higher multiple of earnings than other types of equity securities. Accordingly, the market values of growth securities may never reach their expected market value and may decline in price. In addition, growth securities, at times, may not perform as well as value securities or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.
Issuer Risk. An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors.
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. Although equity securities generally tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities, under certain market conditions, debt securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Special Situations Risk. Securities of companies that are involved in an initial public offering or a major corporate event, such as a business consolidation or restructuring, may be exposed to heightened special risk because of the high degree of uncertainty that can be associated with such events. Securities issued in initial public offerings often are issued by companies that are in the early stages of development, have a history of little or no revenues and may operate at a loss following the offering. It is possible
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
that there will be no active trading market for the securities after the offering, and that the market price of the securities may be subject to significant and unpredictable fluctuations. Certain “special situation” investments are investments in securities or other instruments that are determined to be illiquid or lacking a readily ascertainable fair value. Certain special situation investments prevent ownership interest therein from being withdrawn until the special situation investment, or a portion thereof, is realized or deemed realized, which may negatively impact Fund performance. Investing in special situations may have a magnified effect on the performance of funds with small amounts of assets.
Performance Information
The following bar chart and table show you how the Fund has performed in the past, and can help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s Class 3 share performance has varied for each full calendar year shown. The table below the bar chart compares the Fund’s returns for the periods shown with a broad measure of market performance.
The performance of one or more share classes shown in the table below begins before the indicated inception date for such share class. The returns shown for each such share class include the returns of the Fund’s Class 3 shares (adjusted to reflect the higher class-related operating expenses of such classes, where applicable) for periods prior to its inception date. Except for differences in annual returns resulting from differences in expenses (where applicable), the share classes of the Fund would have substantially similar annual returns because all share classes of the Fund invest in the same portfolio of securities.
The returns shown do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed under your Contract or Qualified Plan and would be lower if they did.
The Fund’s past performance is no guarantee of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information can be obtained by calling toll-free 800-345-6611 or visiting columbiamanagement.com.
    
Year by Year Total Return (%)
as of December 31 Each Year
Best and Worst Quarterly Returns
During the Period Shown in the Bar Chart

Best [ ] Quarter [ ]
Worst

[ ] Quarter [ ]
Average Annual Total Returns (for periods ended December 31, 2014)
  Share Class
Inception Date
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Class 1 05/03/2010
Class 2 05/03/2010
Class 3 01/13/1992
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes but reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or other taxes)  
  
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
Fund Management
Investment Manager: Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
Subadviser: Threadneedle International Limited
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Simon Haines, CFA   Fund Manager   Portfolio Manager   2013
William Davies   Head of Global Equities and Deputy Head of Equities of Threadneedle   Deputy Portfolio Manager   2013
David Dudding, CFA   Fund Manager   Deputy Portfolio Manager   May 2015
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The Fund is available for purchase through Contracts offered by the separate accounts of participating insurance companies or Qualified Plans or by other eligible investors authorized by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor). Shares of the Fund may not be purchased or sold by individual owners of Contracts or Qualified Plans. If you are a Contract holder or Qualified Plan participant, please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents for information about minimum investment requirements and how to purchase and redeem shares of the Fund.
Tax Information
The Fund normally distributes its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders, which are generally the participating insurance companies and Qualified Plans investing in the Fund through separate accounts. These distributions may not be taxable to you as the holder of a Contract or a participant in a Qualified Plan. Please consult the prospectus or other information provided to you by your participating insurance company and/or Qualified Plan regarding the U.S. federal income taxation of your contract, policy and/or plan.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you make allocations to the Fund, the Fund, its Distributor or other related companies may pay participating insurance companies or other financial intermediaries for the allocation (sale) of Fund shares and related services in connection with such allocations to the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the participating insurance company, other financial intermediary or your salesperson to recommend an allocation to the Fund over another fund or other investment option. Ask your financial advisor or salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
More Information About the Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with capital appreciation. Only shareholders can change the Fund’s investment objective. Because any investment involves risk, there is no assurance the Fund’s objective will be achieved.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities (including common stock, preferred stock, and depositary receipts) of companies located in at least three countries other than the United States, including emerging market countries. The Fund invests in companies that are believed to have the potential for growth. The Fund typically employs a focused portfolio investing style, which results in fewer holdings than a fund that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a greater number of issuers.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, including futures and forward foreign currency contracts, in an effort to enhance returns, to hedge existing positions, to manage the Fund’s currency and overall risk exposure, to increase market or other exposure, and/or to increase investment flexibility (including using the derivative as a substitute for a position in an underlying security, currency, asset, or other instrument or reference). Derivatives may be used by the Fund to obtain net long and/or net negative (short) exposure to a security, currency, asset, or other instrument or reference.
The Fund may invest in companies involved in initial public offerings, tender offers, mergers, other corporate restructurings and other special situations.
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the Investment Manager) serves as the investment manager to the Fund and is responsible for oversight of the Fund’s subadviser, Threadneedle International Limited (Threadneedle or the Subadviser), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., the parent company of the Investment Manager.
Threadneedle chooses investments for the Fund by:
Deploying an integrated approach to equity research that incorporates regional analyses, an international sector strategy, and stock specific perspectives;
Conducting detailed research on companies in a consistent strategic and macroeconomic framework;
Looking for catalysts of change and identifying the factors driving markets, which will vary over economic and market cycles; and
Implementing rigorous risk control processes that seek to ensure that the risk and return characteristics of the Fund’s portfolio are consistent with established portfolio management parameters.
A number of factors may prompt the portfolio management team to sell securities. A sale may result from a change in the composition of the Fund’s benchmark or a change in sector strategy. A sale may also be prompted by factors specific to a stock, such as valuation or company fundamentals.
The Fund’s investment policy with respect to 80% of its net assets may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval as long as shareholders are given 60 days advance written notice of the change.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves risk, including those described below. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money . The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share price may go down.
Active Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and its performance therefore will reflect, in part, the ability of the portfolio managers to make investment decisions that will achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are receipts issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies. Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Depositary receipts involve risks similar to the risks associated with investments in foreign securities, including those of the particular country, which may be related to the particular political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country and fluctuations in its currency, as well as market risk tied to the underlying foreign company. In addition, ADR holders may have limited voting rights and may not have the same rights afforded typical company stockholders in the event of a corporate action such as an acquisition, merger or rights offering and may experience difficulty in receiving company stockholder communications.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of other underlying assets. Losses involving derivative instruments may be substantial, because a relatively small movement in the price of an underlying security, instrument, commodity, currency or index may result in a substantial loss for the Fund. In addition to the potential for increased losses, the use of derivative instruments may lead to increased volatility for the Fund. Derivative investments will typically increase the Fund’s exposure to principal risks to which it is otherwise exposed, and may expose the Fund to additional risks. Depending on the type and purpose of the Fund’s derivative investments, these risks may include: correlation risk (there may be an imperfect correlation between the hedge and the opposite position, which is related to hedging risk), counterparty risk (the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), leverage risk (losses from the derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), and/or liquidity risk (it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate the instrument at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. The use of these derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. These instruments are a type of derivative contract, whereby the Fund may agree to buy or sell a country's or region’s currency at a specific price on a specific date in the future. These instruments may fall in value (sometimes dramatically) due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations, subjecting the Fund to foreign currency risk (the risk that Fund performance may be negatively impacted by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund exposes a significant percentage of its assets to currencies other than the U.S. dollar). The effectiveness of any currency strategy by a Fund may be reduced by the Fund's inability to precisely match forward contract amounts and the value of securities involved. Forward foreign currency contracts used for hedging may also limit any potential gain that might result from an increase or decrease in the value of the currency. Unanticipated changes in the currency markets could result in reduced performance for the Fund or losses. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been movement in forward contract prices. When the Fund converts its foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, it may incur currency conversion costs due to the spread between the prices at which it may buy and sell various currencies in the market. Investment in these instruments also subjects the Fund, among other factors, to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument). The Fund’s strategy of investing in these instruments may not be successful and the Fund may experience significant losses as a result.
Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the Fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. The loss that the Fund may incur in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures
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trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses for the Fund. Investments in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains) and pricing risk (the risk that the instrument may be difficult to value), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Emerging Market Securities Risk. Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk . In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity ( i.e. , lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries. Some emerging market countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates and may have hostile relations with other countries.
Focused Portfolio Risk. The Fund, because it may invest in a limited number of companies, may have more volatility in its NAV and is considered to have more risk than a fund that invests in a greater number of companies because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Fund’s NAV. To the extent the Fund invests its assets in fewer securities, the Fund is subject to greater risk of loss if any of those securities decline in price.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. For example, foreign markets can be extremely volatile. The performance of the Fund may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency’s strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities may also be less liquid than securities of U.S. companies so that the Fund may, at times, be unable to sell foreign securities at desirable times or prices. Brokerage commissions, custodial costs and other fees are also generally higher for foreign securities. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments. In addition, foreign governments may impose potentially confiscatory withholding or other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or proceeds from the disposition of foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. Other risks include: possible delays in the settlement of transactions or in the payment of income; generally less publicly available information about foreign companies; the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other conditions or events; possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of a company or its assets or the assets of a particular investor or category of investors; possible imposition of currency exchange controls; accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards that may be less comprehensive and stringent than those applicable to domestic companies; the imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country; and the generally less stringent standard of care to which local agents may be held in the local markets. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about the securities and business operations of certain foreign issuers. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the level of risks. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets.
Geographic Concentration Risk. The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries within the specific geographic regions in which the Fund invests. Currency devaluations could occur in countries that have not yet experienced currency devaluation to date, or could continue to occur in countries that have already experienced such devaluations. As a result, the Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund.
Geographic Concentration Risk/Asia Pacific Region Risk. A number of countries in the Asia Pacific region are considered underdeveloped or developing, including from a political, economic and/or social perspective, and may have relatively unstable governments and economies based on limited business, industries and/or natural resources or commodities. Events in any one country within the region may impact that country, other countries in the region or the region as a whole. As a result, events in
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the region will generally have a greater effect on the Fund than if the Fund were more geographically diversified in areas with more developed countries and economies. This could result in increased volatility in the value of the Fund’s investments and losses for the Fund. Continued growth of economies and securities markets in the region will require sustained economic and fiscal discipline, as well as continued commitment to governmental and regulatory reforms. Development also may be influenced by international economic conditions, including those in the United States and Japan, and by world demand for goods or natural resources produced in countries in the Asia Pacific region. Securities markets in the region are generally smaller and have a lower trading volume than those in the United States, which may result in the securities of some companies in the region being less liquid than U.S. or other foreign securities. Some currencies, inflation rates or interest rates in the Asia Pacific region are or can be volatile, and some countries in the region may restrict the flow of money in and out of the country. The risks described under “Emerging Markets Securities Risk” and “Foreign Securities Risk” may be more pronounced due to concentration of the Fund’s investments in the region.
Geographic Concentration Risk/Europe Risk. The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries in Europe. Most developed countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union (EU), and many are also members of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the EMU imposes on its members and with which candidates for EMU membership are required to comply. In addition, the private and public sectors’ debt problems of a single EU country can pose significant economic risks to the EU as a whole. Unemployment in Europe has historically been higher than in the United States and public deficits are an ongoing concern in many European countries. Currency devaluations could occur in countries that have not yet experienced currency devaluation to date, or could continue to occur in countries that have already experienced such devaluations. As a result, the Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund. If securities of issuers in Europe fall out of favor, it may cause the Fund to underperform other funds that do not concentrate in this region of the world.
Growth Securities Risk. Growth securities typically trade at a higher multiple of earnings than other types of equity securities. Accordingly, the market values of growth securities may never reach their expected market value and may decline in price. In addition, growth securities, at times, may not perform as well as value securities or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.
Issuer Risk. An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors.
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. Security values may fall or fail to rise because of a variety of actual or perceived factors affecting an issuer (e.g., an unfavorable earnings report), the industry or sector in which it operates, or the market as a whole, which may reduce the value of an investment in the Fund. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. The market values of the securities the Fund holds can be affected by changes or perceived changes in U.S. or foreign economies and financial markets, and the liquidity of these securities, among other factors. Although equity securities generally tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities, under certain market conditions, debt securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. In addition, stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase.
Special Situations Risk. Securities of companies that are involved in an initial public offering or a major corporate event, such as a business consolidation or restructuring, may be exposed to heightened special risk because of the high degree of uncertainty that can be associated with such events. Securities issued in initial public offerings often are issued by companies that are in the early stages of development, have a history of little or no revenues and may operate at a loss following the offering. It is possible that there will be no active trading market for the securities after the offering, and that the market price of the securities may be subject to significant and unpredictable fluctuations. Initial public offerings are subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. To the extent the Fund determines to invest in initial public offerings, it may not be able to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an initial public offering are available to the Fund. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in initial public offerings may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. Securities purchased in initial public offerings which are sold within 12 months of purchase may result in increased short-term capital
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gains, which will be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders as ordinary income. Certain “special situation” investments are investments in securities or other instruments that are determined to be illiquid or lacking a readily ascertainable fair value. Certain special situation investments prevent ownership interest therein from being withdrawn until the special situation investment, or a portion thereof, is realized or deemed realized, which may negatively impact Fund performance. Investing in special situations may have a magnified effect on the performance of funds with small amounts of assets.
Additional Investment Strategies and Policies
This section describes certain investment strategies and policies that the Fund may utilize in pursuit of its investment objective and some additional factors and risks involved with investing in the Fund.
Investment Guidelines
As a general matter, and except as specifically described in the discussion of the Fund's principal investment strategies in this prospectus or as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset or sets forth a policy regarding an investment standard, compliance with that percentage limitation or standard will be determined solely at the time of the Fund's investment in the security or asset.
Holding Other Kinds of Investments
The Fund may hold investments that are not part of its principal investment strategies. These investments and their risks are described below and/or in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The Fund may choose not to invest in certain securities described in this prospectus and in the SAI, although it has the ability to do so. Information on the Fund’s holdings can be found in the Fund’s shareholder reports or by visiting columbiamanagement.com.
Transactions in Derivatives
The Fund may enter into derivative transactions or otherwise have exposure to derivative transactions through underlying investments. Derivatives are financial contracts whose values are, for example, based on (or “derived” from) traditional securities (such as a stock or bond), assets (such as a commodity like gold or a foreign currency), reference rates (such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly known as LIBOR)) or market indices (such as the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 ® Index). The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses or may limit the Fund's potential gain from favorable market movements. Derivative strategies often involve leverage, which may exaggerate a loss, potentially causing the Fund to lose more money than it would have lost had it invested in the underlying security or other asset directly. The values of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in unusual market conditions, and may result in increased volatility in the value of the derivative and/or the Fund’s shares, among other consequences. Other risks arise from the Fund's potential inability to terminate or to sell derivative positions. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund's derivative positions at times when the Fund might wish to terminate or to sell such positions. Over-the-counter instruments (investments not traded on an exchange) may be illiquid, and transactions in derivatives traded in the over-the-counter market are subject to the risk that the other party will not meet its obligations. The use of derivatives also involves the risks of mispricing or improper valuation and that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security, asset, reference rate or index. The Fund also may not be able to find a suitable derivative transaction counterparty, and thus may be unable to engage in derivative transactions when it is deemed favorable to do so, or at all. U.S. federal legislation has been enacted that provides for new clearing, margin, reporting and registration requirements for participants in the derivatives market. These changes could restrict and/or impose significant costs or other burdens upon the Fund’s participation in derivatives transactions. For more information on the risks of derivative investments and strategies, see the SAI.
Investing in Affiliated Funds
The Investment Manager or an affiliate serves as investment adviser to mutual funds using the Columbia brand (Columbia Funds), including those that are structured as “fund-of-funds”, and provides asset-allocation services to (i) shareholders by investing in shares of other Columbia Funds, which may include the Fund (collectively referred to in this section as Underlying Funds), and (ii) discretionary managed accounts (collectively referred to as affiliated products) that invest exclusively in
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Underlying Funds. These affiliated products, individually or collectively, may own a significant percentage of the outstanding shares of one or more Underlying Funds, and the Investment Manager seeks to balance potential conflicts of interest between the affiliated products and the Underlying Funds in which they invest. The affiliated products’ investment in the Underlying Funds may have the effect of creating economies of scale, possibly resulting in lower expense ratios for the Underlying Funds, because the affiliated products may own substantial portions of the shares of Underlying Funds. However, redemption of Underlying Fund shares by one or more affiliated products could cause the expense ratio of an Underlying Fund to increase, as its fixed costs would be spread over a smaller asset base. Because of large positions of certain affiliated products, the Underlying Funds may experience relatively large inflows and outflows of cash due to affiliated products’ purchases and sales of Underlying Fund shares. Although the Investment Manager or its affiliate may seek to minimize the impact of these transactions where possible, for example, by structuring them over a reasonable period of time or through other measures, Underlying Funds may experience increased expenses as they buy and sell portfolio securities to manage the cash flow effect related to these transactions. Further, when the Investment Manager or its affiliate structures transactions over a reasonable period of time in order to manage the potential impact of the buy and sell decisions for the affiliated products, those affiliated products, including funds-of-funds, may pay more or less (for purchase activity), or receive more or less (for redemption activity), for shares of the Underlying Funds than if the transactions were executed in one transaction. In addition, substantial redemptions by affiliated products within a short period of time could require the Underlying Fund to liquidate positions more rapidly than would otherwise be desirable, which may have the effect of reducing or eliminating potential gain or causing it to realize a loss. Substantial redemptions may also adversely affect the ability of the Underlying Fund to implement its investment strategy. The Investment Manager or its affiliate also has an economic conflict of interest in determining the allocation of affiliated products’ assets among the Underlying Funds, as it earns different fees from the various Underlying Funds.
Investing in Money Market Funds
The Fund may invest cash in, or hold as collateral for certain investments, shares of registered or unregistered money market funds, including funds advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates. These funds are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. The Fund and its shareholders indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any money market fund or other fund in which the Fund may invest.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries on a fully collateralized basis in order to earn additional income. The Fund may lose money from securities lending if, for example, it is delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral after the loan is made or recovering the securities loaned or if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.
The Fund currently does not participate in the securities lending program but the Board of Trustees (the Board) may determine to renew participation in the future. For more information on lending of portfolio securities and the risks involved, see the Fund’s SAI and its annual and semiannual reports to shareholders.
Investing Defensively
The Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive investment positions that may be inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing some or all of its assets in money market instruments or shares of affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or holding some or all of its assets in cash or cash equivalents. The Fund may take such defensive investment positions for as long a period as deemed necessary.
The Fund may not achieve its investment objective while it is investing defensively. Investing defensively may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and decreased Fund performance. See also Investing in Money Market Funds above for more information.
Other Strategic and Investment Measures
The Fund may also from time to time take temporary portfolio positions that may or may not be consistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing in derivatives, such as futures (e.g., index futures) or options on futures, for various
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purposes, including among others, investing in particular derivatives to achieve indirect investment exposures to a sector, country or region where the Investment Manager believes such positioning is appropriate. The Fund may take such portfolio positions for as long a period as deemed necessary. While the Fund is so positioned, derivatives could comprise a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Investing in this manner may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and decreased Fund performance. For information on the risks of investing in derivatives, see Transactions in Derivatives above.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Board has adopted policies and procedures that govern the timing and circumstances of disclosure to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the securities owned by the Fund. A description of these policies and procedures is included in the SAI. Fund policy generally permits the disclosure of portfolio holdings information on the Fund's website (columbiamanagement.com) only after a certain amount of time has passed, as described in the SAI.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities can take place at any time, so the portfolio holdings information available on the Fund's website may not always be current.
FUNDamentals
Portfolio Holdings Versus the Benchmarks
The Fund does not limit its investments to the securities within its benchmark(s), and accordingly the Fund's holdings may diverge significantly from those of its benchmark(s). In addition, the Fund may invest in securities outside any industry and geographic sectors represented in its benchmark(s). The Fund's weightings in individual securities, and in industry and geographic sectors, may also vary considerably from those of its benchmark(s).
Cash Flows
The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying Fund shares could prevent the Fund from always being fully invested. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to shareholders redeeming Fund shares could require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at less than opportune times or to hold ready reserves of uninvested cash in amounts larger than might otherwise be the case to meet shareholder redemptions. Either situation could adversely impact the Fund’s performance.
Understanding Annual Fund Operating Expenses
The Fund’s annual operating expenses, as presented in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table in the Fees and Expenses of the Fund section of this prospectus, generally are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year and are expressed as a percentage (expense ratio) of the Fund’s average net assets during that fiscal year. The expense ratios reflect the Fund’s fee arrangements as of the date of this prospectus and, unless indicated otherwise, are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most recent fiscal year. The Fund’s assets will fluctuate, but no adjustments have been or will be made to the expense ratios to reflect any differences in the Fund’s average net assets between the most recently completed fiscal year, the date of this prospectus or a later date. In general, the Fund’s expense ratios will increase as its net assets decrease, such that the Fund’s actual expense ratios may be higher than the expense ratios presented in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table if assets fall. Any commitment by the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates to waive fees and/or cap (reimburse) expenses is expected, in part, to limit the impact of any increase in the Fund’s operating expense ratios that would otherwise result because of a decrease in the Fund’s assets in the current fiscal year. The Fund’s annual operating expenses are comprised of (i) investment management fees, (ii) distribution and/or service fees, and (iii) other expenses. Management fees do not vary by class, but distribution and/or service fees and other expenses may vary by class.
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FUNDamentals
Other Expenses
“Other expenses” consist of the fees the Fund pays to its administrator, custodian, transfer agent, auditors, lawyers and trustees, costs relating to compliance and miscellaneous expenses. Generally, these expenses are the same for each share class and are allocated on a pro rata basis across all share classes. Certain shareholder servicing fees, however, are class specific. They differ by share class because the shareholder services provided to each share class may be different. Accordingly, the differences in “other expenses” among share classes are primarily the result of the different shareholder servicing fees applicable to each share class. For more information on these fees, see About Fund Shares and Transactions — Selling Agent Compensation.
Expense Reimbursement Arrangements and Impact on Past Performance
The Investment Manager and certain of its affiliates have voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses (excluding certain fees and expenses described below), so that the Fund’s net operating expenses, after giving effect to fees waived/expenses reimbursed and any balance credits and/or overdraft charges from the Fund’s custodian, do not exceed the annual rates of:
    
Columbia Variable Portfolio - Select International Equity Fund
Class 1 [_____]%
Class 2 [_____]%
Class 3 [_____]%
Under the arrangement, the following fees and expenses are excluded from the Fund’s operating expenses when calculating the waiver/reimbursement commitment, and therefore will be paid by the Fund, if applicable: taxes (including foreign transaction taxes), expenses associated with investment in affiliated and non-affiliated pooled investment vehicles (including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds), transaction costs and brokerage commissions, costs related to any securities lending program, dividend expenses associated with securities sold short, inverse floater program fees and expenses, transaction charges and interest on borrowed money, interest and extraordinary expenses. This arrangement may be revised or discontinued at any time.
Effect of Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements on Past Performance. The Fund’s returns shown in the Performance Information section of this prospectus reflect the effect of any fee waivers and/or reimbursements of Fund expenses by the Investment Manager and/or any of its affiliates that were in place during the performance period shown. Without such fee waivers/expense reimbursements, the Fund’s returns might have been lower.
Primary Service Providers
The Investment Manager, which also serves as the Fund’s administrator (the Administrator), the Distributor and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. (the Transfer Agent) are all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial). They and their affiliates currently provide key services, including investment advisory, administration, distribution, shareholder servicing and transfer agency services, to the Fund and various other funds, including the Columbia Funds, and are paid for providing these services. These service relationships are described below.
The Investment Manager
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 and serves as investment adviser to the Columbia Funds. The Investment Manager is a registered investment adviser and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Investment Manager’s management experience covers all major asset classes, including equity securities, fixed-income securities and money market instruments. In addition to serving as an investment adviser to traditional mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds, the Investment Manager acts as an investment adviser for itself, its affiliates, individuals, corporations, retirement plans, private investment companies and financial intermediaries.
Subject to oversight by the Board, the Investment Manager manages the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The Investment Manager is responsible for the investment management of the Fund, but has delegated certain of its duties, including day-to-day portfolio management of all or a portion of the Fund’s assets to one or more investment subadvisers that determine what securities and other investments the Fund should buy or sell and executes these portfolio transactions.
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The SEC has issued an order that permits the Investment Manager, subject to the approval of the Board, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement for the Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The order permits the Fund to add or to change unaffiliated subadvisers or to change the fees paid to subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change. The Investment Manager and its affiliates may have other relationships, including significant financial relationships, with current or potential subadvisers or their affiliates, which may create certain conflicts of interest. When making recommendations to the Board to appoint or to change a subadviser, or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement, the Investment Manager does not consider any other relationship it or its affiliates may have with a subadviser, and the Investment Manager discloses to the Board the nature of any material relationships it has with a subadviser or its affiliates.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a fee for its investment advisory services. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund and is paid monthly. For the Fund’s most recent fiscal year, aggregate advisory fees paid to the Investment Manager by the Fund amounted to [___]% of average daily net assets of the Fund. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the renewal of the Fund's investment management services agreement with the Investment Manager is available in the Fund’s semiannual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2014.
The Investment Manager has, with the approval of the Board, engaged an investment subadviser(s) to make the day-to-day investment decisions for the Fund. The Investment Manager pays the subadviser(s) for investment advisory services and retains ultimate responsibility (subject to Board oversight) for overseeing any subadviser it engages and for evaluating the Fund’s needs and the subadvisers’ skills and abilities on an ongoing basis. Based on its evaluations, the Investment Manager may at times recommend to the Board that the Fund change, add or terminate one or more subadvisers; continue to retain a subadviser even though the subadviser’s ownership or corporate structure has changed; or materially change a subadvisory agreement with a subadviser. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the renewal of the investment subadvisory agreement with Threadneedle is available in the Fund’s semiannual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2014.
Subadviser
Threadneedle, which has served as Subadviser to the Fund since July 2004, is located at 60 St. Mary Axe, London EC3A 8JQ, England. Threadneedle is an affiliate of the Investment Manager, and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. Threadneedle was founded in 1994 and has experience managing investment strategies covering equities, fixed income, real estate, asset allocation and alternatives.
Portfolio Managers
Information about the portfolio managers primarily responsible for overseeing the Fund’s investments is shown below. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including information relating to compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and ownership by the portfolio managers of Fund shares.
Subadviser: Threadneedle International Limited
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Simon Haines, CFA   Fund Manager   Portfolio Manager   2013
William Davies   Head of Global Equities and Deputy Head of Equities of Threadneedle   Deputy Portfolio Manager   2013
David Dudding, CFA   Fund Manager   Deputy Portfolio Manager   May 2015
Mr. Haines joined Threadneedle in 1999 as a trainee UK fund manager, progressing to fund manager effective January 2005. Mr. Haines began his investment career in 1999 and earned a degree from Oxford University.
Mr. Davies joined Threadneedle in 1994. Prior to assuming his current roles, Mr. Davies was Head of European Equities. Prior to joining Threadneedle, Mr. Davies worked for Eagle Star Investments and Hambros Bank. At Hambros Bank Mr. Davies was a European Investment Manager and led the European Equity team. Mr. Davies began his investment career in 1984 and earned a B.A (Hons) in Economics from Exter University.
Mr. Dudding joined Threadneedle in 1999 as an analyst. Mr. Dudding began his investment career in 1999 and earned a Modern History degree and a European Politics Masters degree from Oxford University.
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More Information About the Fund (continued)
The Administrator
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is responsible for overseeing the administrative operations of the Fund, including the general supervision of the Fund’s operations, the coordination of the Fund’s service providers and the provision of related clerical and administrative services. The Fund pays the Administrator a fee (plus certain out-of-pocket expenses) for the administrative services it provides to the Fund.
The Distributor
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., which is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Distributor and its affiliates may pay commissions, distribution and service fees and/or other compensation to entities, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for selling shares and providing services to investors.
The Transfer Agent
Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. is a registered transfer agent and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Transfer Agent is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, and its responsibilities include processing purchases, redemptions and transfers of Fund shares, calculating and paying distributions, maintaining shareholder records, preparing account statements and providing customer service. The Fund pays the Transfer Agent monthly fees on a per-account basis. The Transfer Agent has engaged Boston Financial Data Services (BFDS) to provide various sub-transfer agency services. Fees paid to the Transfer Agent also include reimbursements for certain out-of pocket expenses paid by the Transfer Agent on the Fund’s behalf. The Transfer Agent may pay a portion of these fees to participating insurance companies or other financial intermediaries that provide sub-recordkeeping and other services to Contract owners, Qualified Plan participants and the separate accounts.
Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest
The Investment Manager, Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent, all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, provide various services to the Fund and other Columbia Funds for which they are compensated. Ameriprise Financial and its other affiliates may also provide other services to these funds and be compensated for them.
The Investment Manager and its affiliates may provide investment advisory and other services to other clients and customers substantially similar to those provided to the Columbia Funds. These activities, and other financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, may present actual and potential conflicts of interest and introduce certain investment constraints.
Ameriprise Financial is a major financial services company, engaged in a broad range of financial activities beyond the mutual fund-related activities of the Investment Manager, including, among others, insurance, broker-dealer (sales and trading), asset management, banking and other financial activities. These additional activities may involve multiple advisory, financial, insurance and other interests in securities and other instruments, and in companies that issue securities and other instruments, that may be bought, sold or held by the Columbia Funds.
Conflicts of interest and limitations that could affect a Columbia Fund may arise from, for example, the following:
compensation and other benefits received by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates related to the management/administration of a Columbia Fund and the sale of its shares;
the allocation of, and competition for, investment opportunities among the Fund, other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, or Ameriprise Financial itself and its affiliates;
separate and potentially divergent management of a Columbia Fund and other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates;
regulatory and other investment restrictions on investment activities of the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates and accounts advised/managed by them;
insurance and other relationships of Ameriprise Financial affiliates with companies and other entities in which a Columbia Fund invests;
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More Information About the Fund (continued)
regulatory and other restrictions relating to the sharing of information between Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, and a Columbia Fund; and
insurance companies investing in the Fund may be affiliates of Ameriprise Financial; these affiliated insurance companies, individually and collectively, may hold through separate accounts a significant portion of the Fund's shares and may also invest in separate accounts managed by the Investment Manager that have the same or substantially similar investment objectives and strategies as the Fund.
The Investment Manager and Ameriprise Financial have adopted various policies and procedures that are intended to identify, monitor and address conflicts of interest. However, there is no assurance that these policies, procedures and disclosures will be effective.
Additional information about Ameriprise Financial and the types of conflicts of interest and other matters referenced above are set forth in the Investment Management and Other Services — Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest section of the SAI. Investors in the Columbia Funds should carefully review these disclosures and consult with their financial advisor if they have any questions.
Certain Legal Matters
Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Fund is not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Fund. Information regarding certain pending and settled legal proceedings may be found in the Fund’s shareholder reports and in the SAI. Additionally, Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the SEC on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at sec.gov.
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About Fund Shares and Transactions
Description of the Share Classes
Share Class Features
The Fund offers the classes of shares set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Each share class has its own cost structure and other features. The following summarizes the primary features of the Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 shares.
    
  Class 1 Shares Class 2 Shares Class 3 Shares
Eligible Investors Shares of the Fund are available only to separate accounts of participating insurance companies as underlying investments for variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance policies (collectively, Contracts) or qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans) or other eligible investors authorized by the Distributor.
Investment Limits none none none
Conversion Features none none none
Front-End Sales Charges none none none
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSCs) none none none
Maximum Distribution and/or Service Fees none 0.25% 0.125%
FUNDamentals
Selling and/or Servicing Agents
The terms “selling agent” and “servicing agent” (collectively, selling agents) refer to the insurance company that issued your contract, qualified pension or retirement plan sponsors or the financial intermediary that employs your financial advisor. Selling agents also include broker-dealers and financial advisors as well as firms that employ such broker-dealers and financial advisors, including, for example, brokerage firms, banks, investment advisers, third party administrators and other financial intermediaries, including Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates.
Distribution and/or Service Fees
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the Board has approved, and the Fund has adopted, a distribution plan which sets the distribution fees that are periodically deducted from the Fund’s assets for Class 2 and Class 3 shares. The distribution fee for Class 2 shares is 0.25% and the distribution fee for Class 3 shares is 0.125%. These fees are calculated daily, may vary by share class and are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or selling agents for selling shares of the Fund and/or providing services to investors. Because the fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment over time.
The Fund will pay these fees to the Distributor and/or to eligible selling agents for as long as the distribution plan continues. The Fund may reduce or discontinue payments at any time.
Selling Agent Compensation
The Distributor and the Investment Manager make payments, from their own resources, to selling agents, including to affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies (each an intermediary), for marketing/sales support services relating to the Columbia Funds. The amount and computation of such payments varies by Fund, although such payments are generally based upon one or more of the following factors: average net assets of the Columbia Funds sold by the Distributor attributable to that intermediary, gross sales of the Columbia Funds distributed by the Distributor attributable to that intermediary, or a negotiated lump sum payment. While the financial arrangements may vary for each intermediary, the support payments to any one intermediary are generally between 0.05% and 0.50% on an annual basis for payments based on average net assets of the Fund attributable to the intermediary, and between 0.05% and 0.25% on an annual basis for an intermediary receiving a payment based on gross sales of the Columbia Funds attributable to the intermediary. The Distributor and the Investment Manager may make payments in larger amounts or on a basis other than those described above when dealing with certain intermediaries, including certain affiliates of Bank of America Corporation. Such increased payments may enable such selling agents to offset credits that they may provide to customers. Employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including employees of affiliated broker-dealers and insurance companies, may be separately incented to include shares of the Columbia Funds in Contracts offered by affiliated insurance
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About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
companies, as employee compensation and business unit operating goals at all levels are generally tied to the success of Ameriprise Financial. Certain employees, directly or indirectly, may receive higher compensation and other benefits as investment in the Columbia Funds increases. In addition, management, sales leaders and other employees may spend more of their time and resources promoting Ameriprise Financial and its subsidiary companies, including the Distributor and the Investment Manager, and the products they offer, including the Fund.
In addition to the payments described above, the Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates may make other payments or allow promotional incentives to broker-dealers to the extent permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
Amounts paid by the Distributor and the Investment Manager and their affiliates are paid out of the Distributor’s and the Investment Manager’s own resources and do not increase the amount paid by you or the Fund. You can find further details in the SAI about the payments made by the Distributor and the Investment Manager and their affiliates, as well as a list of the selling agents, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, to which the Distributor and the Investment Manager have agreed to make marketing/sales support payments.
Your selling agent may charge you fees and commissions in addition to those described herein. You should consult with your selling agent and review carefully any disclosure your selling agent provides regarding its services and compensation. Depending on the financial arrangement in place at any particular time, a selling agent may have a conflict of interest or financial incentive with respect to its recommendations regarding the Fund or any Contract that includes the Fund.
Share Price Determination
The price you pay or receive when you buy, sell or transfer shares is the Fund's next determined net asset value (or NAV) per share for a given share class. The Fund calculates the NAV per share for each class of shares of the Fund at the end of each business day.
FUNDamentals
NAV Calculation
Each of the Fund's share classes calculates its NAV as follows:
NAV =   (Value of assets of the share class) – (Liabilities of the share class)
Number of outstanding shares of the class
FUNDamentals
Business Days
A business day is any day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. A business day ends at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. If the NYSE closes early, the business day ends as of the time the NYSE closes. On holidays and other days when the NYSE is closed, the Fund's NAV is not calculated and the Fund does not accept buy or sell orders. However, the value of the Fund's assets may still be affected on such days to the extent that the Fund holds foreign securities that trade on days that foreign securities markets are open.
Equity securities are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations or valuations reported on stock exchanges and other securities markets around the world. If an equity security is listed on a national exchange, the security is valued at the closing price or, if the closing price is not readily available, the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Certain equity securities, debt securities and other assets are valued differently. For instance, bank loans trading in the secondary market are valued primarily on the basis of indicative bids, fixed-income investments maturing in 60 days or less are valued primarily using the amortized cost method and those maturing in excess of 60 days are valued primarily using a market-based price obtained from a pricing service, if available. Investments in other open-end funds are valued at their latest NAVs. Both market quotations and indicative bids are obtained from outside pricing services approved and monitored pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund's Board. For a money market fund, the Fund's investments are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
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About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
If a market price is not readily available or is deemed not to reflect market value, the Fund will determine the price of the portfolio security based on a determination of the security's fair value pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund's Board. In addition, the Fund may use fair valuation to price securities that trade on a foreign exchange when a significant event has occurred after the foreign exchange closes but before the time at which the Fund's share price is calculated. Foreign exchanges typically close before the time at which Fund share prices are calculated, and may be closed altogether on some days when the Fund is open. Such significant events affecting a foreign security may include, but are not limited to: (1) corporate actions, earnings announcements, litigation or other events impacting a single issuer; (2) governmental action that affects securities in one sector or country; (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts affecting a country or region; or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations. The Fund uses various criteria, including an evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in determining whether a foreign security's market price is readily available and reflective of market value and, if not, the fair value of the security. To the extent the Fund has significant holdings of small cap stocks, high yield bonds, floating rate loans, or tax-exempt, foreign or other securities that may trade infrequently, fair valuation may be used more frequently than for other funds.
Fair valuation may have the effect of reducing stale pricing arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares. However, when the Fund uses fair valuation to price securities, it may value those securities higher or lower than another fund would have priced the security. Also, the use of fair valuation may cause the Fund's performance to diverge to a greater degree from the performance of various benchmarks used to compare the Fund's performance because benchmarks generally do not use fair valuation techniques. Because of the judgment involved in fair valuation decisions, there can be no assurance that the value ascribed to a particular security is accurate. The Fund has retained one or more independent fair valuation pricing services to assist in the fair valuation process for foreign securities.
Shareholder Information
Each share class has its own cost structure and other features. Your product may not offer every share class. The Fund encourages you to consult with a financial advisor who can help you with your investment decisions and for more information about the share classes offered by the Fund and available under your product. Shares of the Fund are generally available for purchase only by participating insurance companies in connection with Contracts and Qualified Plan sponsors.
Shares of the Fund may not be purchased or sold directly by individual Contract owners or participants in a Qualified Plan. When you sell your shares through your Contract or Qualified Plan, the Fund is effectively buying them back. This is called a redemption. The right of redemption may be suspended or payment postponed whenever permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
Depending on the context, references to “you” or “your” herein refer either to the holder of a Contract, participant in a Qualified Plan or qualified institutional investor who may select Fund shares to fund his or her investment in the Contract or Qualified Plan or to the participating insurance company as the holder of Fund shares through one or more separate accounts or the Qualified Plan.
Potential Conflicts of Interest – Mixed and Shared Funding
The Fund is available for purchase only through Contracts offered by participating insurance companies, Qualified Plans and other qualified institutional investors authorized by the Distributor. Due to differences in tax treatment and other considerations, the interests of various Contract owners, and the interests of Qualified Plan participants, if any, may conflict. The Fund does not foresee any disadvantages to investors arising from these potential conflicts of interest at this time. Nevertheless, the Board of the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to any conflicts. If such a conflict were to arise, one or more separate accounts might be required to withdraw its investments in the Fund or shares of another mutual fund may be substituted. This might force the Fund to sell securities at disadvantageous prices.
Order Processing
Orders to buy and sell shares of the Fund that are placed by your participating insurance company or Qualified Plan sponsor are processed on business days. Orders received in “good form” by the Transfer Agent or a selling agent, including your participating insurance company or Qualified Plan sponsor, before the end of a business day are priced at the Fund’s NAV per
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
share on that day. Orders received after the end of a business day will receive the next business day’s NAV per share. The market value of the Fund’s investments may change between the time you submit your order and the time the Fund next calculates its NAV per share. The business day that applies to your order is also called the trade date.
There is no sales charge associated with the purchase of Fund shares, but there may be charges associated with your Contract or Qualified Plan. Any charges that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan, and any charges that apply to separate accounts of participating insurance companies or Qualified Plans that may own shares directly, are described in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents.
You may transfer all or part of your investment in the Fund to one or more of the other investment options available under your Contract or Qualified Plan. You may provide instructions to sell any amount allocated to the Fund. Proceeds will be mailed within seven days after your surrender or withdrawal request is accepted by an authorized agent. The amount you receive may be more or less than the amount you invested.
Please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, as applicable, for more information about transfers as well as surrenders and withdrawals.
Information Sharing Agreements
As required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act, the Funds or certain of their service providers will enter into information sharing agreements with selling agents, including participating life insurance companies and selling agents that sponsor or offer retirement plans through which shares of the Funds are made available for purchase. Pursuant to Rule 22c-2, selling agents are required, upon request, to: (i) provide shareholder account and transaction information and (ii) execute instructions from the Fund to restrict or prohibit further purchases of Fund shares by shareholders who have been identified by the Fund as having engaged in transactions that violate the Fund's excessive trading policies and procedures.
Excessive Trading Practices Policy of Non-Money Market Funds
Right to Reject or Restrict Share Transaction Orders — The Fund is intended for investors with long-term investment purposes and is not intended as a vehicle for frequent trading activity (market timing) that is excessive. Investors should transact in Fund shares primarily for investment purposes. The Board has adopted excessive trading policies and procedures that are designed to deter excessive trading by investors (the Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures). The Fund discourages and does not accommodate excessive trading.
The Fund reserves the right to reject, without any prior notice, any buy or transfer order for any reason, and will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected orders. For example, the Fund may in its sole discretion restrict or reject a buy or transfer order even if the transaction is not subject to the specific limitation described below if the Fund or its agents determine that accepting the order could interfere with efficient management of the Fund's portfolio or is otherwise contrary to the Fund's best interests. The Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures apply equally to buy or transfer transactions communicated directly to the Transfer Agent and to those received by selling agents.
Specific Buying and Transferring Limitations — If a Fund detects that an investor has made two “material round trips” in any 28-day period, it will generally reject the investor's future purchase orders, including transfer buy orders, involving any Fund.
For these purposes, a “round trip” is a purchase or transfer into the Fund followed by a sale or transfer out of the Fund, or a sale or transfer out of the Fund followed by a purchase or transfer into the Fund. A “material” round trip is one that is deemed by the Fund to be material in terms of its amount or its potential detrimental impact on the Fund. Independent of this limit, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reject future buy orders by any person, group or account that appears to have engaged in any type of excessive trading activity.
These limits generally do not apply to automated transactions or transactions by registered investment companies in a “fund-of-funds” structure. These limits do not apply to payroll deduction contributions by retirement plan participants, transactions initiated by a retirement plan sponsor or certain other retirement plan transactions consisting of rollover transactions, loan repayments and disbursements, and required minimum distribution redemptions. They may be modified or rescinded for accounts held by certain retirement plans to conform to plan limits, for considerations relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or regulations of the Department of Labor, and for certain asset allocation or wrap programs. Accounts known to be under common ownership or control generally will be counted together, but accounts maintained or
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
managed by a common intermediary generally will not be considered to be under common ownership or control. The Fund retains the right to modify these restrictions at any time without prior notice to shareholders. In addition, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reinstate trading privileges that have been revoked under the Fund's Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures.
Limitations on the Ability to Detect and Prevent Excessive Trading Practices — The Fund takes various steps designed to detect and prevent excessive trading, including daily review of available shareholder transaction information. However, the Fund receives buy, sell or transfer orders through selling agents, and cannot always know of or reasonably detect excessive trading that may be facilitated by selling agents or by the use of the omnibus account arrangements they offer. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of mutual funds, particularly among certain selling agents such as broker-dealers, retirement plans and variable insurance products. These arrangements often permit selling agents to aggregate their clients' transactions and accounts, and in these circumstances, the identity of the shareholders is often not known to the Fund.
Some selling agents apply their own restrictions or policies to underlying investor accounts, which may be more or less restrictive than those described here. This may impact the Fund's ability to curtail excessive trading, even where it is identified. For these and other reasons, it is possible that excessive trading may occur despite the Fund's efforts to detect and prevent it.
Although these restrictions and policies involve judgments that are inherently subjective and may involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund seeks to act in a manner that it believes is consistent with the best interests of shareholders in making any such judgments.
Risks of Excessive Trading — Excessive trading creates certain risks to the Fund's long-term shareholders and may create the following adverse effects:
negative impact on the Fund's performance;
potential dilution of the value of the Fund's shares;
interference with the efficient management of the Fund's portfolio, such as the need to maintain undesirably large cash positions, the need to use its line of credit or the need to buy or sell securities it otherwise would not have bought or sold;
losses on the sale of investments resulting from the need to sell securities at less favorable prices; and
increased brokerage and administrative costs.
To the extent that the Fund invests significantly in foreign securities traded on markets that close before the Fund's valuation time, it may be particularly susceptible to dilution as a result of excessive trading. Because events may occur after the close of foreign markets and before the Fund's valuation time that influence the value of foreign securities, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of foreign securities as of the Fund's valuation time. This is often referred to as price arbitrage. The Fund has adopted procedures designed to adjust closing market prices of foreign securities under certain circumstances to reflect what the Fund believes to be the fair value of those securities as of its valuation time. To the extent the adjustments don't work fully, investors engaging in price arbitrage may cause dilution in the value of the Fund's shares held by other shareholders.
Similarly, to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in thinly traded high-yield bonds (junk bonds) or equity securities of small-capitalization companies, because these securities are often traded infrequently, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of these securities. This is also a type of price arbitrage. Any such frequent trading strategies may interfere with efficient management of the Fund's portfolio to a greater degree than would be the case for mutual funds that invest in highly liquid securities, in part because the Fund may have difficulty selling those portfolio securities at advantageous times or prices to satisfy large and/or frequent sell orders. Any successful price arbitrage may also cause dilution in the value of Fund shares held by other shareholders.
Excessive Trading Practices Policy of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund
A money market fund is designed to offer investors a liquid cash option that they may buy and sell as often as they wish. Accordingly, the Board has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund shares. However, since frequent purchases and sales of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund shares could in certain instances harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs (such as spreads paid to dealers who trade money market instruments with Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund) and disrupting portfolio management strategies, Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund reserves the right, but has no obligation, to reject any purchase or transfer
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About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
transaction at any time. Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund has no limits on purchase or transfer transactions. In addition, Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund reserves the right to impose or modify restrictions on purchases, transfers or trading of Fund shares at any time.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions to Shareholders
A mutual fund can make money two ways:
It can earn income on its investments. Examples of fund income are interest paid on money market instruments and bonds, and dividends paid on common stocks.
A mutual fund can also have capital gains if the value of its investments increases. While a fund continues to hold an investment, any gain is generally unrealized. If the fund sells an investment, it generally will realize a capital gain if it sells that investment for a higher price than its adjusted cost basis, and will generally realize a capital loss if it sells that investment for a lower price than its adjusted cost basis. Capital gains and losses are either short-term or long-term, depending on whether the fund holds the securities for one year or less (short-term) or more than one year (long-term).
FUNDamentals
Distributions
Mutual funds make payments of fund earnings to shareholders, distributing them among all shareholders of the fund. As a shareholder, you are entitled to your portion of a fund's distributed income, including capital gains. Reinvesting your distributions buys you more shares of a fund which lets you take advantage of the potential for compound growth. Putting the money you earn back into your investment means it, in turn, may earn even more money. Over time, the power of compounding has the potential to significantly increase the value of your investment. There is no assurance, however, that you'll earn more money if you reinvest your distributions rather than receive them in cash.
The Fund intends to pay out, in the form of distributions to shareholders, a sufficient amount of its income and gains so that the Fund will qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and generally will not have to pay any federal excise tax. The Fund generally intends to distribute any net realized capital gain (whether long-term or short-term gain) at least once a year. Normally, the Fund will declare and pay distributions of net investment income according to the following schedule:
    
Declaration and Distribution Schedule
Declarations Quarterly
Distributions Quarterly
The Fund may, however, declare or pay distributions of net investment income more frequently.
Different share classes of the Fund usually pay different net investment income distribution amounts, because each class has different expenses. Each time a distribution is made, the net asset value per share of the share class is reduced by the amount of the distribution.
The Fund will automatically reinvest distributions in additional shares of the same share class of the Fund unless you inform us you want to receive your distributions to be paid in cash.
Taxes and Your Investment
The Fund intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are distributed to shareholders. However, the Fund’s failure to qualify as a regulated investment company would result in fund level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to you.
Shares of the Fund are only offered to separate accounts of participating insurance companies, Qualified Plans, and certain other eligible persons or plans permitted to hold shares of the Fund pursuant to the applicable Treasury Regulations without impairing the ability of participating insurance companies to satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. You should consult with the participating insurance company that issued your Contract, plan sponsor, or other eligible investor through which your investment in the Fund is made regarding the U.S. federal income taxation of your investment.
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Distributions and Taxes (continued)
For Variable Annuity Contracts and Variable Life Insurance Policies: Your Contract may qualify for favorable tax treatment. As long as your Contract continues to qualify for favorable tax treatment, you will only be taxed on your investment in the Fund through such Contract, even if the Fund makes distributions and/or you change your investment options under the Contract. In order to qualify for such treatment, among other things, the separate accounts of participating insurance companies, which maintain and invest net proceeds from Contracts, must be “adequately diversified.” The Fund intends to operate in such a manner so that a separate account investing only in Fund shares on behalf of a holder of a Contract will be “adequately diversified.” If the Fund does not meet such requirements because its investments are not adequately diversified, your Contract could lose its favorable tax treatment and income and gain allocable to your Contract could be taxable currently to you. This could also occur if Contract holders are found to have an impermissible level of control over the investments underlying their Contracts.
FUNDamentals
Taxes
The information provided above is only a summary of how U.S. federal income taxes may affect your investment in the Fund. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. It does not apply to certain types of investors who may be subject to special rules, including foreign or tax-exempt investors or those holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA. Please see the SAI for more detailed tax information. You should consult with your own tax advisor about the particular tax consequences to you of an investment in the Fund, including the effect of any foreign, state and local taxes, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.
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Financial Highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five fiscal years or, if shorter, the Fund’s period of operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Per share net investment income (loss) amounts are calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund assuming all dividends and distributions had been reinvested. Total returns do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed under your Contract and/or Qualified Plan, as applicable; such fees and expenses would reduce the total returns for all periods shown. Total return and portfolio turnover are not annualized for periods of less than one year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to purchase and sales transactions of short-term instruments and certain derivatives, if any. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher. The information for the three most recent fiscal years has been audited by [___________], an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request. The information for the prior fiscal years has been derived from the financial statements audited by the Fund’s former independent registered public accounting firm.
[To Be Inserted]
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For More Information
The Fund is generally available only to owners of Contracts issued by participating insurance companies and participants in Qualified Plans. Please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents for information about how to buy, sell and transfer shares of the Fund.
Additional Information About the Fund
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the 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 SAI also provides additional information about the Fund and its policies. The SAI, which has been filed with the SEC, is legally part of this prospectus (incorporated by reference). To obtain these documents free of charge, to request other information about the Fund and to make shareholder inquiries, please contact the Fund as follows:
By Mail:   Columbia Funds
c/o Columbia Management Investment Services Corp.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
By Telephone: 800.345.6611
The Fund’s offering documents and shareholder reports are not available on the Columbia Funds’ website because they are generally available only through participating insurance companies or retirement plans.
The website references in this prospectus are inactive links and information contained in or otherwise accessible through the referenced websites does not form a part of this prospectus.
Information Provided by the SEC
You can review and copy information about the Fund (including this prospectus, the SAI and shareholder reports) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. To find out more about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 202.551.8090. Reports and other information about the Fund are also available in the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You can receive copies of this information, for a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
The investment company registration number of Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, of which the Fund is a series, is 811-22127.
© 2015 Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
800.345.6611
S-6493-99 F (5/15)


Table of Contents
Prospectus
May 1, 2015
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
(formerly Variable Portfolio – Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fund)

  
The Fund may offer Class 1 and Class 2 shares to separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (Contracts) issued by affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies as well as qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans) and other qualified institutional investors authorized by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor). There are no exchange ticker symbols associated with shares of the Fund.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Summary of the Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees or expenses imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents. If the additional fees or expenses were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.
    
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
  Class 1 Class 2
Management fees (a) [_____]% [_____]%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees [_____]% [_____]%
Other expenses [_____]% [_____]%
Total annual Fund operating expenses [_____]% [_____]%
(a) Management fees have been restated to reflect current investment management fee rates.
Example
The following 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 illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over the time periods indicated, and assumes that:
you invest $10,000 in the applicable class of Fund shares for the periods indicated,
your investment has a 5% return each year, and
the Fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same as shown in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table above.
The example does not reflect any fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on the assumptions listed above, your costs would be:
    
  1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
Class 1 $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Class 2 $[_____] $[_____] $[_____] $[_____]
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. 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
Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in equity securities of U.S. companies.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests a majority of its net assets in the common stock of small- and mid-sized companies with market capitalizations under $5 billion at the time of initial investment. However, if the Fund's investments in such companies represent less than a majority of its net assets, the Fund may continue to hold and to make additional investments in an existing company in its portfolio even if that company's capitalization has grown to exceed $5 billion.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities. The Fund may invest directly in foreign securities or indirectly through depositary receipts. The Fund may from time to time emphasize one or more economic sectors in selecting its investments.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, such as futures and options, for hedging or investment purposes.
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management or the Investment Manager) serves as the investment manager for the Fund and will attempt to achieve the Fund’s objective by managing a portion of the Fund’s assets (the Columbia Management sleeve) and selecting one or more subadvisers to manage other sleeves independently of each other and Columbia Management. A portion of the Fund’s assets is subadvised by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC (CWAM), a wholly-owned affiliate of the Investment Manager. The subadviser and Columbia Management each make investment decisions for their respective sleeves independently of one another.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves risk, including those described below. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money . The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share price may go down.
Active Management Risk. Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are receipts issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies. Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Depositary receipts involve risks similar to the risks associated with investments in foreign securities, including those of the particular country, which may be related to the particular political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country and fluctuations in its currency, as well as market risk tied to the underlying foreign company. In addition, ADR holders may have limited voting rights and may not have the same rights afforded typical company stockholders in the event of a corporate action such as an acquisition, merger or rights offering and may experience difficulty in receiving company stockholder communications.
Derivatives Risk. Losses involving derivative instruments may be substantial, because a relatively small movement in the price of an underlying security, instrument, commodity, currency or index may result in a substantial loss for the Fund. In addition to the potential for increased losses, the use of derivative instruments may lead to increased volatility for the Fund. Derivative investments will typically increase the Fund’s exposure to principal risks to which it is otherwise exposed, and may expose the Fund to additional risks, including correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk and/or liquidity risk.
Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk. The loss that may be incurred in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses for the Fund. Futures contracts may be illiquid. Furthermore, exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a trading session by imposing a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Futures contracts executed on foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. These transactions involve additional risks, including counterparty risk, hedging risk and pricing risk.
Derivatives Risk/Options Risk. The use of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Fund sells a put option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price. If the Fund sells a call option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to sell the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price, and if the call option sold is not covered (for example, by owning the underlying asset), the Fund's losses are potentially unlimited. These transactions involve other risks, including counterparty risk and hedging risk.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. Foreign securities subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country of an issuer, including the political, regulatory, economic, social, diplomatic and other conditions or events
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
occurring in the country or region, as well as risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices. Foreign securities may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of U.S. companies, and are subject to the risks associated with potential imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country. The performance of the Fund may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency’s strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Issuer Risk. An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors.
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. Although equity securities generally tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities, under certain market conditions, debt securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Multi-Adviser Risk. The Fund has multiple advisory firms that each manage a portion of the Fund’s net assets on a daily basis. Each adviser makes investment decisions independently from the other adviser(s). It is possible that the security selection process of one adviser will not complement or may conflict or even contradict that of the other adviser(s), including making off-setting trades that have no net effect to the Fund, but which may increase Fund expenses. As a result, the Fund's exposure to a given security, industry, sector or market capitalization could be smaller or larger than if the Fund were managed by a single adviser, which could adversely affect the Fund's performance.
Sector Risk. At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within an economic sector. Companies in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. The more broadly a Fund invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies (small- and mid-cap companies) often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies (larger companies) because small- and mid-cap companies tend to have less predictable earnings and may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths of larger companies. Securities of small- and mid-cap companies may be less liquid and more volatile than the securities of larger companies.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
Performance Information
The following bar chart and table show you how the Fund has performed in the past, and can help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s Class 2 share performance has varied for each full calendar year shown. The table below the bar chart compares the Fund’s returns for the periods shown with a broad measure of market performance.
Except for differences in annual returns resulting from differences in expenses (where applicable), the share classes of the Fund would have substantially similar annual returns because all share classes of the Fund invest in the same portfolio of securities.
The returns shown do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed under your Contract or Qualified Plan and would be lower if they did.
The Fund’s past performance is no guarantee of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information can be obtained by calling toll-free 800.345.6611.
    
Year by Year Total Return (%)
as of December 31 Each Year*
Best and Worst Quarterly Returns
During the Period Shown in the Bar Chart

Best [ ] Quarter [ ] 0.00%
Worst

[ ] Quarter [ ] 0.00%
Average Annual Total Returns After Applicable Sales Charges (for periods ended December 31, 2013)
  Share Class
Inception Date
1 Year Life
Class 1 05/07/2010    
Class 2 05/07/2010
Russell 2000 Index (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)  
  
Fund Management
Investment Manager: Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Alfred Alley III, CFA   Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
Brian Condon, CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Quantitative Strategies   Co-manager   May 2015
Jarl Ginsberg, CFA, CAIA   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
Christian Stadlinger, Ph.D., CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
David Hoffman   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
Subadviser: Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Robert A. Mohn, CFA   Portfolio Manager, Analyst and Domestic Chief Investment Officer of CWAM   Co-manager   2010
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Summary of the Fund (continued)
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
David L. Frank, CFA   Portfolio Manager and Analyst   Co-manager   2012
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The Fund is available for purchase through Contracts offered by the separate accounts of participating insurance companies or Qualified Plans or by other eligible investors authorized by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor). Shares of the Fund may not be purchased or sold by individual owners of Contracts or Qualified Plans. If you are a Contract holder or Qualified Plan participant, please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents for information about minimum investment requirements and how to purchase and redeem shares of the Fund.
Tax Information
The Fund expects to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and does not expect to make regular distributions (other than in redemption of Fund shares) to shareholders which are generally the participating insurance companies investing in the Fund through separate accounts or Qualified Plans or certain other eligible investors authorized by the Distributor. You should consult with the participating insurance company that issued your Contract, plan sponsor or other eligible investor through which your investment in the Fund is made regarding the U.S. federal income taxation of your investment.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you make allocations to the Fund, the Fund, its Distributor or other related companies may pay participating insurance companies or other financial intermediaries for the allocation (sale) of Fund shares and related services in connection with such allocations to the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the participating insurance company, other financial intermediary or your salesperson to recommend an allocation to the Fund over another fund or other investment option. Ask your financial advisor or salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth. The Fund’s investment objective is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. Because any investment involves risk, there is no assurance the Fund’s objective will be achieved.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in equity securities of U.S. companies.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests a majority of its net assets in the common stock of small- and mid-sized companies with market capitalizations under $5 billion at the time of initial investment. However, if the Fund's investments in such companies represent less than a majority of its net assets, the Fund may continue to hold and to make additional investments in an existing company in its portfolio even if that company's capitalization has grown to exceed $5 billion.
The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities. The Fund may invest directly in foreign securities or indirectly through depositary receipts. The Fund may from time to time emphasize one or more economic sectors in selecting its investments.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, such as futures and options, for hedging or investment purposes.
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management or the Investment Manager) serves as the investment manager for the Fund and will attempt to achieve the Fund’s objective by managing a portion of the Fund’s assets (the Columbia Management sleeve) and selecting one or more subadvisers to manage other sleeves independently of each other and Columbia Management. A portion of the Fund’s assets is subadvised by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC (CWAM), a wholly-owned affiliate of the Investment Manager. The subadviser and Columbia Management each make investment decisions for their respective sleeves independently of one another.
Columbia Management
Columbia Management combines fundamental and quantitative analysis with risk management in identifying investment opportunities and constructing its sleeve. The relative attractiveness of potential investments is evaluated across a variety of factors which may include, among others, valuation, quality and momentum.
In selecting investments, Columbia Management considers, among other factors:
businesses that are believed to be fundamentally sound and undervalued due to investor indifference, investor misperception of company prospects, or other factors;
various measures of valuation, including price-to-cash flow, price-to-earnings, price-to-sales, and price-to-book value. The Investment Manager believes that companies with lower valuations are generally more likely to provide opportunities for capital appreciation;
a company’s current operating margins relative to its historic range and future potential; and
potential indicators of stock price appreciation, such as anticipated earnings growth, company restructuring, changes in management, business model changes, new product opportunities or anticipated improvements in macroeconomic factors.
The Investment Manager may sell a security when the security’s price reaches a target set by the Investment Manager; if the Investment Manager believes that there is deterioration in the issuer’s financial circumstances or fundamental prospects; if other investments are more attractive; or for other reasons.
CWAM (the Subadviser)
The Subadviser believes that stocks of companies with market capitalizations under $5 billion, which generally are not as well known by financial analysts as larger companies, may offer higher return potential than stocks of larger companies.
The Subadviser typically seeks companies with:
A strong business franchise that offers growth potential.
Products and services in which the company has a competitive advantage.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
A stock price the Subadviser believes is reasonable relative to the assets and earning power of the company.
The Subadviser may sell a portfolio holding if the security reaches the Subadviser's price target, if the company has a deterioration of fundamentals, such as failing to meet key operating benchmarks, or if the Subadviser believes other securities are more attractive. The Subadviser also may sell a portfolio holding to fund redemptions.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves risk, including those described below. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money . The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share price may go down.
Active Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and its performance therefore will reflect, in part, the ability of the portfolio managers to make investment decisions that will achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are receipts issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies. Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Depositary receipts involve risks similar to the risks associated with investments in foreign securities, including those of the particular country, which may be related to the particular political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country and fluctuations in its currency, as well as market risk tied to the underlying foreign company. In addition, ADR holders may have limited voting rights and may not have the same rights afforded typical company stockholders in the event of a corporate action such as an acquisition, merger or rights offering and may experience difficulty in receiving company stockholder communications.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of other underlying assets. Losses involving derivative instruments may be substantial, because a relatively small movement in the price of an underlying security, instrument, commodity, currency or index may result in a substantial loss for the Fund. In addition to the potential for increased losses, the use of derivative instruments may lead to increased volatility for the Fund. Derivative investments will typically increase the Fund’s exposure to principal risks to which it is otherwise exposed, and may expose the Fund to additional risks. Depending on the type and purpose of the Fund’s derivative investments, these risks may include: correlation risk (there may be an imperfect correlation between the hedge and the opposite position, which is related to hedging risk), counterparty risk (the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), leverage risk (losses from the derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), and/or liquidity risk (it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate the instrument at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the Fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. The loss that the Fund may incur in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses for the Fund. Investments in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains) and pricing risk (the risk that the instrument may be difficult to value), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Options Risk. The use of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Fund sells a put option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price. If the Fund sells a call option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to sell the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price, and if the call option sold is not covered (for example, by owning the underlying asset), the Fund's losses are potentially unlimited. Options may be traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. These transactions involve other risks, including counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument) and hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. For example, foreign markets can be extremely volatile. The performance of the Fund may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency’s strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities may also be less liquid than securities of U.S. companies so that the Fund may, at times, be unable to sell foreign securities at desirable times or prices. Brokerage commissions, custodial costs and other fees are also generally higher for foreign securities. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments. In addition, foreign governments may impose potentially confiscatory withholding or other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or proceeds from the disposition of foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. Other risks include: possible delays in the settlement of transactions or in the payment of income; generally less publicly available information about foreign companies; the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other conditions or events; possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of a company or its assets or the assets of a particular investor or category of investors; possible imposition of currency exchange controls; accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards that may be less comprehensive and stringent than those applicable to domestic companies; the imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country; and the generally less stringent standard of care to which local agents may be held in the local markets. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about the securities and business operations of certain foreign issuers. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the level of risks. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets.
Issuer Risk. An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors.
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. Security values may fall or fail to rise because of a variety of actual or perceived factors affecting an issuer (e.g., an unfavorable earnings report), the industry or sector in which it operates, or the market as a whole, which may reduce the value of an investment in the Fund. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. The market values of the securities the Fund holds can be affected by changes or perceived changes in U.S. or foreign economies and financial markets, and the liquidity of these securities, among other factors. Although equity securities generally tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities, under certain market conditions, debt securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. In addition, stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
Multi-Adviser Risk. The Fund has multiple advisory firms that each manage a portion of the Fund’s net assets on a daily basis. Each adviser makes investment decisions independently from the other adviser(s). It is possible that the security selection process of one adviser will not complement or may conflict or even contradict that of the other adviser(s), including making off-setting trades that have no net effect to the Fund, but which may increase Fund expenses. As a result, the Fund's exposure to a given security, industry, sector or market capitalization could be smaller or larger than if the Fund were managed by a single adviser, which could adversely affect the Fund's performance.
Sector Risk. At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within an economic sector. Companies in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. The more broadly a Fund invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk. Securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies (small- and mid-cap companies) can, in certain circumstances, have a higher potential for gains than securities of larger, more established companies (larger companies) but may also have more risk. For example, small- and mid-cap companies may be more vulnerable to market downturns and adverse business or economic events than larger companies because they may have more limited financial resources and business operations. Small- and mid-cap companies are also more likely than larger companies to have more limited product lines and operating histories and to depend on smaller management teams. Securities of small- and mid-cap companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes and may be less liquid and fluctuate more sharply in value than securities of larger companies. When the Fund takes significant positions in small- and mid-cap companies with limited trading volumes, the liquidation of those positions, particularly in a distressed market, could be prolonged and result in losses to the Fund. In addition, some small- and mid-cap companies may not be widely followed by the investment community, which can lower the demand for their stocks.
Additional Investment Strategies and Policies
This section describes certain investment strategies and policies that the Fund may utilize in pursuit of its investment objective and some additional factors and risks involved with investing in the Fund.
Investment Guidelines
As a general matter, and except as specifically described in the discussion of the Fund's principal investment strategies in this prospectus or as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset or sets forth a policy regarding an investment standard, compliance with that percentage limitation or standard will be determined solely at the time of the Fund's investment in the security or asset.
Holding Other Kinds of Investments
The Fund may hold investments that are not part of its principal investment strategies. These investments and their risks are described below and/or in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The Fund may choose not to invest in certain securities described in this prospectus and in the SAI, although it has the ability to do so. Information on the Fund’s holdings can be found in the Fund’s shareholder reports.
Transactions in Derivatives
The Fund may enter into derivative transactions or otherwise have exposure to derivative transactions through underlying investments. Derivatives are financial contracts whose values are, for example, based on (or “derived” from) traditional securities (such as a stock or bond), assets (such as a commodity like gold or a foreign currency), reference rates (such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly known as LIBOR)) or market indices (such as the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 ® Index). The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses or may limit the Fund's potential gain from favorable market movements. Derivative strategies often involve leverage, which may exaggerate a loss, potentially causing the Fund to lose more money than it would have lost had it invested in the underlying security or other asset directly. The values of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in unusual market conditions, and may result
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
in increased volatility in the value of the derivative and/or the Fund’s shares, among other consequences. Other risks arise from the Fund's potential inability to terminate or to sell derivative positions. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund's derivative positions at times when the Fund might wish to terminate or to sell such positions. Over-the-counter instruments (investments not traded on an exchange) may be illiquid, and transactions in derivatives traded in the over-the-counter market are subject to the risk that the other party will not meet its obligations. The use of derivatives also involves the risks of mispricing or improper valuation and that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security, asset, reference rate or index. The Fund also may not be able to find a suitable derivative transaction counterparty, and thus may be unable to engage in derivative transactions when it is deemed favorable to do so, or at all. U.S. federal legislation has been enacted that provides for new clearing, margin, reporting and registration requirements for participants in the derivatives market. These changes could restrict and/or impose significant costs or other burdens upon the Fund’s participation in derivatives transactions. For more information on the risks of derivative investments and strategies, see the SAI.
Investing in Affiliated Funds
The Investment Manager or an affiliate serves as investment adviser to mutual funds using the Columbia brand (Columbia Funds), including those that are structured as “fund-of-funds”, and provides asset-allocation services to (i) shareholders by investing in shares of other Columbia Funds, which may include the Fund (collectively referred to in this section as Underlying Funds), and (ii) discretionary managed accounts (collectively referred to as affiliated products) that invest exclusively in Underlying Funds. These affiliated products, individually or collectively, may own a significant percentage of the outstanding shares of one or more Underlying Funds, and the Investment Manager seeks to balance potential conflicts of interest between the affiliated products and the Underlying Funds in which they invest. The affiliated products’ investment in the Underlying Funds may have the effect of creating economies of scale, possibly resulting in lower expense ratios for the Underlying Funds, because the affiliated products may own substantial portions of the shares of Underlying Funds. However, redemption of Underlying Fund shares by one or more affiliated products could cause the expense ratio of an Underlying Fund to increase, as its fixed costs would be spread over a smaller asset base. Because of large positions of certain affiliated products, the Underlying Funds may experience relatively large inflows and outflows of cash due to affiliated products’ purchases and sales of Underlying Fund shares. Although the Investment Manager or its affiliate may seek to minimize the impact of these transactions where possible, for example, by structuring them over a reasonable period of time or through other measures, Underlying Funds may experience increased expenses as they buy and sell portfolio securities to manage the cash flow effect related to these transactions. Further, when the Investment Manager or its affiliate structures transactions over a reasonable period of time in order to manage the potential impact of the buy and sell decisions for the affiliated products, those affiliated products, including funds-of-funds, may pay more or less (for purchase activity), or receive more or less (for redemption activity), for shares of the Underlying Funds than if the transactions were executed in one transaction. In addition, substantial redemptions by affiliated products within a short period of time could require the Underlying Fund to liquidate positions more rapidly than would otherwise be desirable, which may have the effect of reducing or eliminating potential gain or causing it to realize a loss. Substantial redemptions may also adversely affect the ability of the Underlying Fund to implement its investment strategy. The Investment Manager or its affiliate also has an economic conflict of interest in determining the allocation of affiliated products’ assets among the Underlying Funds, as it earns different fees from the various Underlying Funds.
Investing in Money Market Funds
The Fund may invest cash in, or hold as collateral for certain investments, shares of registered or unregistered money market funds, including funds advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates. These funds are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. The Fund and its shareholders indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any money market fund or other fund in which the Fund may invest.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries on a fully collateralized basis in order to earn additional income. The Fund may lose money from securities lending if, for example, it is delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral after the loan is made or recovering the securities loaned or if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
The Fund currently does not participate in the securities lending program but the Board of Trustees (the Board) may determine to renew participation in the future. For more information on lending of portfolio securities and the risks involved, see the Fund’s SAI and its annual and semiannual reports to shareholders.
Investing Defensively
The Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive investment positions that may be inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing some or all of its assets in money market instruments or shares of affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or holding some or all of its assets in cash or cash equivalents. The Fund may take such defensive investment positions for as long a period as deemed necessary.
The Fund may not achieve its investment objective while it is investing defensively. Investing defensively may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and decreased Fund performance. See also Investing in Money Market Funds above for more information.
Other Strategic and Investment Measures
The Fund may also from time to time take temporary portfolio positions that may or may not be consistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing in derivatives, such as futures (e.g., index futures) or options on futures, for various purposes, including among others, investing in particular derivatives to achieve indirect investment exposures to a sector, country or region where the Investment Manager believes such positioning is appropriate. The Fund may take such portfolio positions for as long a period as deemed necessary. While the Fund is so positioned, derivatives could comprise a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Investing in this manner may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and decreased Fund performance. For information on the risks of investing in derivatives, see Transactions in Derivatives above.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Board has adopted policies and procedures that govern the timing and circumstances of disclosure to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the securities owned by the Fund. A description of these policies and procedures is included in the SAI. Fund policy generally permits the disclosure of portfolio holdings information only after a certain amount of time has passed, as described in the SAI.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities can take place at any time, so the portfolio holdings information may not always be current.
FUNDamentals
Portfolio Holdings Versus the Benchmarks
The Fund does not limit its investments to the securities within its benchmark(s), and accordingly the Fund's holdings may diverge significantly from those of its benchmark(s). In addition, the Fund may invest in securities outside any industry and geographic sectors represented in its benchmark(s). The Fund's weightings in individual securities, and in industry and geographic sectors, may also vary considerably from those of its benchmark(s).
Cash Flows
The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying Fund shares could prevent the Fund from always being fully invested. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to shareholders redeeming Fund shares could require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at less than opportune times or to hold ready reserves of uninvested cash in amounts larger than might otherwise be the case to meet shareholder redemptions. Either situation could adversely impact the Fund’s performance.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
Understanding Annual Fund Operating Expenses
The Fund’s annual operating expenses, as presented in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table in the Fees and Expenses of the Fund section of this prospectus, generally are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year and are expressed as a percentage (expense ratio) of the Fund’s average net assets during that fiscal year. The expense ratios reflect the Fund’s fee arrangements as of the date of this prospectus and, unless indicated otherwise, are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most recent fiscal year. The Fund’s assets will fluctuate, but no adjustments have been or will be made to the expense ratios to reflect any differences in the Fund’s average net assets between the most recently completed fiscal year, the date of this prospectus or a later date. In general, the Fund’s expense ratios will increase as its net assets decrease, such that the Fund’s actual expense ratios may be higher than the expense ratios presented in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table if assets fall. Any commitment by the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates to waive fees and/or cap (reimburse) expenses is expected, in part, to limit the impact of any increase in the Fund’s operating expense ratios that would otherwise result because of a decrease in the Fund’s assets in the current fiscal year. The Fund’s annual operating expenses are comprised of (i) investment management fees, (ii) distribution and/or service fees, and (iii) other expenses. Management fees do not vary by class, but distribution and/or service fees and other expenses may vary by class.
FUNDamentals
Other Expenses
“Other expenses” consist of the fees the Fund pays to its administrator, custodian, transfer agent, auditors, lawyers and trustees, costs relating to compliance and miscellaneous expenses. Generally, these expenses are the same for each share class and are allocated on a pro rata basis across all share classes. Certain shareholder servicing fees, however, are class specific. They differ by share class because the shareholder services provided to each share class may be different. Accordingly, the differences in “other expenses” among share classes are primarily the result of the different shareholder servicing fees applicable to each share class. For more information on these fees, see About Fund Shares and Transactions — Selling Agent Compensation.
Expense Reimbursement Arrangements and Impact on Past Performance
The Investment Manager and certain of its affiliates have voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses (excluding certain fees and expenses described below), so that the Fund’s net operating expenses, after giving effect to fees waived/expenses reimbursed and any balance credits and/or overdraft charges from the Fund’s custodian, do not exceed the annual rates of:
    
Columbia Variable Portfolio - U.S. Equities Fund
Class 1 [_____]%
Class 2 [_____]%
Under the arrangement, the following fees and expenses are excluded from the Fund’s operating expenses when calculating the waiver/reimbursement commitment, and therefore will be paid by the Fund, if applicable: taxes (including foreign transaction taxes), expenses associated with investment in affiliated and non-affiliated pooled investment vehicles (including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds), transaction costs and brokerage commissions, costs related to any securities lending program, dividend expenses associated with securities sold short, inverse floater program fees and expenses, transaction charges and interest on borrowed money, interest and extraordinary expenses. This arrangement may be revised or discontinued at any time.
Effect of Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements on Past Performance. The Fund’s returns shown in the Performance Information section of this prospectus reflect the effect of any fee waivers and/or reimbursements of Fund expenses by the Investment Manager and/or any of its affiliates that were in place during the performance period shown. Without such fee waivers/expense reimbursements, the Fund’s returns might have been lower.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
Primary Service Providers
The Investment Manager, which also serves as the Fund’s administrator (the Administrator), the Distributor and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. (the Transfer Agent) are all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial). They and their affiliates currently provide key services, including investment advisory, administration, distribution, shareholder servicing and transfer agency services, to the Fund and various other funds, including the Columbia Funds, and are paid for providing these services. These service relationships are described below.
The Investment Manager
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 and serves as investment adviser to the Columbia Funds. The Investment Manager is a registered investment adviser and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Investment Manager’s management experience covers all major asset classes, including equity securities, fixed-income securities and money market instruments. In addition to serving as an investment adviser to traditional mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds, the Investment Manager acts as an investment adviser for itself, its affiliates, individuals, corporations, retirement plans, private investment companies and financial intermediaries.
Subject to oversight by the Board, the Investment Manager manages the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The Investment Manager is responsible for the investment management of the Fund, but has delegated certain of its duties, including day-to-day portfolio management of all or a portion of the Fund’s assets to one or more investment subadvisers that determine what securities and other investments the Fund should buy or sell and executes these portfolio transactions.
The SEC has issued an order that permits the Investment Manager, subject to the approval of the Board, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement for the Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The order permits the Fund to add or to change unaffiliated subadvisers or to change the fees paid to subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change. The Investment Manager and its affiliates may have other relationships, including significant financial relationships, with current or potential subadvisers or their affiliates, which may create certain conflicts of interest. When making recommendations to the Board to appoint or to change a subadviser, or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement, the Investment Manager does not consider any other relationship it or its affiliates may have with a subadviser, and the Investment Manager discloses to the Board the nature of any material relationships it has with a subadviser or its affiliates.
The Investment Manager and its investment advisory affiliates (Participating Affiliates) around the world may coordinate in providing services to their clients. From time to time, the Investment Manager (or any affiliated investment subadviser to the Fund, as the case may be) may engage its Participating Affiliates to provide a variety of services such as investment research, investment monitoring, trading, and discretionary investment management (including portfolio management) to certain accounts managed by the Investment Manager, including the Fund. These Participating Affiliates will provide services to the Investment Manager (or any affiliated investment subadviser to the Fund, as the case may be) either pursuant to subadvisory agreements, personnel-sharing agreements or similar inter-company arrangements and the Fund will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements. These Participating Affiliates, like the Investment Manager, are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Ameriprise Financial and are registered with the appropriate respective regulators in their home jurisdictions and, where required, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in the United States.
Pursuant to some of these arrangements, certain employees of these Participating Affiliates may serve as “associated persons” of the Investment Manager and, in this capacity, subject to the oversight and supervision of the Investment Manager and consistent with the investment objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Fund’s prospectus and SAI, may provide such services to the Fund on behalf of the Investment Manager.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a fee for its investment advisory services. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund and is paid monthly. For the Fund’s most recent fiscal year, aggregate advisory fees paid to the Investment Manager by the Fund amounted to [___]% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
In January 2015, the Board approved a reduction in the investment advisory fee rates payable to the Investment Manager by Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund. The new investment management services fee, which became effective May 1, 2015, is equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets that declines as the Fund’s net assets increase, as follows:
    
Annual Advisory Fee, as a % of Average Daily Net Assets:
Up to $500 million 0.790%
$500 million to $1 billion 0.745%
$1 billion and over 0.700%
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the renewal of the Fund's investment management services agreement with the Investment Manager is available in the Fund’s semiannual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2014.
The Investment Manager has, with the approval of the Board, engaged an investment subadviser(s) to make the day-to-day investment decisions for the Fund. The Investment Manager pays the subadviser(s) for investment advisory services and retains ultimate responsibility (subject to Board oversight) for overseeing any subadviser it engages and for evaluating the Fund’s needs and the subadvisers’ skills and abilities on an ongoing basis. Based on its evaluations, the Investment Manager may at times recommend to the Board that the Fund change, add or terminate one or more subadvisers; continue to retain a subadviser even though the subadviser’s ownership or corporate structure has changed; or materially change a subadvisory agreement with a subadviser. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the renewal of the investment subadvisory agreement with CWAM is available in the Fund’s semiannual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2014.
Subadviser
CWAM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager, which has served as Subadviser to the Fund since May 2010, is located at 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. CWAM, subject to the supervision of Columbia Management, provides day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, as well as investment research and statistical information, under a Subadvisory Agreement with Columbia Management.
Portfolio Managers
Information about the portfolio managers primarily responsible for overseeing the Fund’s investments is shown below. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including information relating to compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and ownership by the portfolio managers of Fund shares.
Investment Manager: Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Alfred Alley III, CFA   Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
Brian Condon, CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Quantitative Strategies   Co-manager   May 2015
Jarl Ginsberg, CFA, CAIA   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
Christian Stadlinger, Ph.D., CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
David Hoffman   Senior Portfolio Manager   Co-manager   May 2015
Mr. Alley joined the Investment Manager in May 2010 when it acquired the long-term asset management business of Columbia Management Group, where he worked as an investment professional since 2005. Mr. Alley began his investment career in 2000 and earned a B.S. from Northeastern University.
Mr. Condon joined the Investment Manager in May 2010 when it acquired the long-term asset management business of Columbia Management Group, where he was a portfolio manager since 1999. Mr. Condon began his investment career in 1993 and earned a B.A. from Bryant University and an M.S. in finance from Bentley University.
Mr. Ginsberg joined the Investment Manager in May 2010 when it acquired the long-term asset management business of Columbia Management Group, where he worked as an investment professional since 2003. Mr. Ginsberg began his investment career in 1987 and earned an A.B. from Brown University and an M.P.P.M. in finance from Yale School of Management.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
Dr. Stadlinger joined the Investment Manager in May 2010 when it acquired the long-term asset management business of Columbia Management Group, where he worked as an investment professional since 2002. Dr. Stadlinger began his investment career in 1989 and earned an M.S. in economics from the University of Vienna and a Ph.D. in economics from Northwestern University.
Mr. Hoffman joined the Investment Manager in May 2010 when it acquired the long-term asset management business of Columbia Management Group, where he worked as an investment professional since 2001. He currently serves as Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Hoffman began his investment career in 1986 and earned a B.A. from Grinnell College and a Masters from Columbia University.
Subadviser: Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC
    
Portfolio Manager   Title   Role with Fund   Managed Fund Since
Robert A. Mohn, CFA   Portfolio Manager, Analyst and Domestic Chief Investment Officer of CWAM   Lead manager   2010
David L. Frank, CFA   Portfolio Manager and Analyst   Co-manager   2012
Mr. Mohn has been associated with CWAM or its predecessors as an investment professional since 1992. Mr. Mohn began his investment career in 1983 and earned a B.S. from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Mr. Frank has been associated with CWAM or its predecessors since 2002. Mr. Frank began his investment career in 1998 and earned a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
The Administrator
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is responsible for overseeing the administrative operations of the Fund, including the general supervision of the Fund’s operations, the coordination of the Fund’s service providers and the provision of related clerical and administrative services. The Fund pays the Administrator a fee (plus certain out-of-pocket expenses) for the administrative services it provides to the Fund.
The Distributor
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., which is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Distributor and its affiliates may pay commissions, distribution and service fees and/or other compensation to entities, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for selling shares and providing services to investors.
The Transfer Agent
Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. is a registered transfer agent and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Transfer Agent is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, and its responsibilities include processing purchases, redemptions and transfers of Fund shares, calculating and paying distributions, maintaining shareholder records, preparing account statements and providing customer service. The Fund pays the Transfer Agent monthly fees on a per-account basis. The Transfer Agent has engaged Boston Financial Data Services (BFDS) to provide various sub-transfer agency services. Fees paid to the Transfer Agent also include reimbursements for certain out-of pocket expenses paid by the Transfer Agent on the Fund’s behalf. The Transfer Agent may pay a portion of these fees to participating insurance companies or other financial intermediaries that provide sub-recordkeeping and other services to Contract owners, Qualified Plan participants and the separate accounts.
Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest
The Investment Manager, Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent, all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, provide various services to the Fund and other Columbia Funds for which they are compensated. Ameriprise Financial and its other affiliates may also provide other services to these funds and be compensated for them.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
More Information About the Fund (continued)
The Investment Manager and its affiliates may provide investment advisory and other services to other clients and customers substantially similar to those provided to the Columbia Funds. These activities, and other financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, may present actual and potential conflicts of interest and introduce certain investment constraints.
Ameriprise Financial is a major financial services company, engaged in a broad range of financial activities beyond the mutual fund-related activities of the Investment Manager, including, among others, insurance, broker-dealer (sales and trading), asset management, banking and other financial activities. These additional activities may involve multiple advisory, financial, insurance and other interests in securities and other instruments, and in companies that issue securities and other instruments, that may be bought, sold or held by the Columbia Funds.
Conflicts of interest and limitations that could affect a Columbia Fund may arise from, for example, the following:
compensation and other benefits received by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates related to the management/administration of a Columbia Fund and the sale of its shares;
the allocation of, and competition for, investment opportunities among the Fund, other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, or Ameriprise Financial itself and its affiliates;
separate and potentially divergent management of a Columbia Fund and other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates;
regulatory and other investment restrictions on investment activities of the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates and accounts advised/managed by them;
insurance and other relationships of Ameriprise Financial affiliates with companies and other entities in which a Columbia Fund invests;
regulatory and other restrictions relating to the sharing of information between Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, and a Columbia Fund; and
insurance companies investing in the Fund may be affiliates of Ameriprise Financial; these affiliated insurance companies, individually and collectively, may hold through separate accounts a significant portion of the Fund's shares and may also invest in separate accounts managed by the Investment Manager that have the same or substantially similar investment objectives and strategies as the Fund.
The Investment Manager and Ameriprise Financial have adopted various policies and procedures that are intended to identify, monitor and address conflicts of interest. However, there is no assurance that these policies, procedures and disclosures will be effective.
Additional information about Ameriprise Financial and the types of conflicts of interest and other matters referenced above are set forth in the Investment Management and Other Services — Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest section of the SAI. Investors in the Columbia Funds should carefully review these disclosures and consult with their financial advisor if they have any questions.
Certain Legal Matters
Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Fund is not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Fund. Information regarding certain pending and settled legal proceedings may be found in the Fund’s shareholder reports and in the SAI. Additionally, Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the SEC on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at sec.gov.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions
Description of the Share Classes
Share Class Features
The Fund offers the classes of shares set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Each share class has its own cost structure and other features. The following summarizes the primary features of the Class 1 and Class 2 shares.
    
  Class 1 Shares Class 2 Shares
Eligible Investors Shares of the Fund are available only to separate accounts of participating insurance companies as underlying investments for variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance policies (collectively, Contracts) or qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans) or other eligible investors authorized by the Distributor.
Investment Limits none none
Conversion Features none none
Front-End Sales Charges none none
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSCs) none none
Maximum Distribution and/or Service Fees none 0.25%
FUNDamentals
Selling and/or Servicing Agents
The terms “selling agent” and “servicing agent” (collectively, selling agents) refer to the insurance company that issued your contract, qualified pension or retirement plan sponsors or the financial intermediary that employs your financial advisor. Selling agents also include broker-dealers and financial advisors as well as firms that employ such broker-dealers and financial advisors, including, for example, brokerage firms, banks, investment advisers, third party administrators and other financial intermediaries, including Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates.
Distribution and/or Service Fees
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the Board has approved, and the Fund has adopted, a distribution plan which sets the distribution fees that are periodically deducted from the Fund’s assets for Class 2 shares. The distribution fee for Class 2 shares is 0.25%. These fees are calculated daily, may vary by share class and are intended to compensate the Distributor and/or selling agents for selling shares of the Fund and/or providing services to investors. Because the fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment over time.
The Fund will pay these fees to the Distributor and/or to eligible selling agents for as long as the distribution plan continues. The Fund may reduce or discontinue payments at any time.
Selling Agent Compensation
The Distributor and the Investment Manager make payments, from their own resources, to selling agents, including to affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies (each an intermediary), for marketing/sales support services relating to the Columbia Funds. The amount and computation of such payments varies by Fund, although such payments are generally based upon one or more of the following factors: average net assets of the Columbia Funds sold by the Distributor attributable to that intermediary, gross sales of the Columbia Funds distributed by the Distributor attributable to that intermediary, or a negotiated lump sum payment. While the financial arrangements may vary for each intermediary, the support payments to any one intermediary are generally between 0.05% and 0.50% on an annual basis for payments based on average net assets of the Fund attributable to the intermediary, and between 0.05% and 0.25% on an annual basis for an intermediary receiving a payment based on gross sales of the Columbia Funds attributable to the intermediary. The Distributor and the Investment Manager may make payments in larger amounts or on a basis other than those described above when dealing with certain intermediaries, including certain affiliates of Bank of America Corporation. Such increased payments may enable such selling agents to offset credits that they may provide to customers. Employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including employees of affiliated broker-dealers and insurance companies, may be separately incented to include shares of the Columbia Funds in Contracts offered by affiliated insurance companies, as employee compensation and business unit operating goals at all levels are generally tied to the success of
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
Ameriprise Financial. Certain employees, directly or indirectly, may receive higher compensation and other benefits as investment in the Columbia Funds increases. In addition, management, sales leaders and other employees may spend more of their time and resources promoting Ameriprise Financial and its subsidiary companies, including the Distributor and the Investment Manager, and the products they offer, including the Fund.
In addition to the payments described above, the Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates may make other payments or allow promotional incentives to broker-dealers to the extent permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
Amounts paid by the Distributor and the Investment Manager and their affiliates are paid out of the Distributor’s and the Investment Manager’s own resources and do not increase the amount paid by you or the Fund. You can find further details in the SAI about the payments made by the Distributor and the Investment Manager and their affiliates, as well as a list of the selling agents, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, to which the Distributor and the Investment Manager have agreed to make marketing/sales support payments.
Your selling agent may charge you fees and commissions in addition to those described herein. You should consult with your selling agent and review carefully any disclosure your selling agent provides regarding its services and compensation. Depending on the financial arrangement in place at any particular time, a selling agent may have a conflict of interest or financial incentive with respect to its recommendations regarding the Fund or any Contract that includes the Fund.
Share Price Determination
The price you pay or receive when you buy, sell or transfer shares is the Fund's next determined net asset value (or NAV) per share for a given share class. The Fund calculates the NAV per share for each class of shares of the Fund at the end of each business day.
FUNDamentals
NAV Calculation
Each of the Fund's share classes calculates its NAV as follows:
NAV =   (Value of assets of the share class) – (Liabilities of the share class)
Number of outstanding shares of the class
FUNDamentals
Business Days
A business day is any day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. A business day ends at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. If the NYSE closes early, the business day ends as of the time the NYSE closes. On holidays and other days when the NYSE is closed, the Fund's NAV is not calculated and the Fund does not accept buy or sell orders. However, the value of the Fund's assets may still be affected on such days to the extent that the Fund holds foreign securities that trade on days that foreign securities markets are open.
Equity securities are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations or valuations reported on stock exchanges and other securities markets around the world. If an equity security is listed on a national exchange, the security is valued at the closing price or, if the closing price is not readily available, the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Certain equity securities, debt securities and other assets are valued differently. For instance, bank loans trading in the secondary market are valued primarily on the basis of indicative bids, fixed-income investments maturing in 60 days or less are valued primarily using the amortized cost method and those maturing in excess of 60 days are valued primarily using a market-based price obtained from a pricing service, if available. Investments in other open-end funds are valued at their latest NAVs. Both market quotations and indicative bids are obtained from outside pricing services approved and monitored pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund's Board. For a money market fund, the Fund's investments are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
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Table of Contents
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
If a market price is not readily available or is deemed not to reflect market value, the Fund will determine the price of the portfolio security based on a determination of the security's fair value pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund's Board. In addition, the Fund may use fair valuation to price securities that trade on a foreign exchange when a significant event has occurred after the foreign exchange closes but before the time at which the Fund's share price is calculated. Foreign exchanges typically close before the time at which Fund share prices are calculated, and may be closed altogether on some days when the Fund is open. Such significant events affecting a foreign security may include, but are not limited to: (1) corporate actions, earnings announcements, litigation or other events impacting a single issuer; (2) governmental action that affects securities in one sector or country; (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts affecting a country or region; or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations. The Fund uses various criteria, including an evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in determining whether a foreign security's market price is readily available and reflective of market value and, if not, the fair value of the security. To the extent the Fund has significant holdings of small cap stocks, high yield bonds, floating rate loans, or tax-exempt, foreign or other securities that may trade infrequently, fair valuation may be used more frequently than for other funds.
Fair valuation may have the effect of reducing stale pricing arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares. However, when the Fund uses fair valuation to price securities, it may value those securities higher or lower than another fund would have priced the security. Also, the use of fair valuation may cause the Fund's performance to diverge to a greater degree from the performance of various benchmarks used to compare the Fund's performance because benchmarks generally do not use fair valuation techniques. Because of the judgment involved in fair valuation decisions, there can be no assurance that the value ascribed to a particular security is accurate. The Fund has retained one or more independent fair valuation pricing services to assist in the fair valuation process for foreign securities.
Shareholder Information
Each share class has its own cost structure and other features. Your product may not offer every share class. The Fund encourages you to consult with a financial advisor who can help you with your investment decisions and for more information about the share classes offered by the Fund and available under your product. Shares of the Fund are generally available for purchase only by participating insurance companies in connection with Contracts and Qualified Plan sponsors.
Shares of the Fund may not be purchased or sold directly by individual Contract owners or participants in a Qualified Plan. When you sell your shares through your Contract or Qualified Plan, the Fund is effectively buying them back. This is called a redemption. The right of redemption may be suspended or payment postponed whenever permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
Depending on the context, references to “you” or “your” herein refer either to the holder of a Contract, participant in a Qualified Plan or qualified institutional investor who may select Fund shares to fund his or her investment in the Contract or Qualified Plan or to the participating insurance company as the holder of Fund shares through one or more separate accounts or the Qualified Plan.
Potential Conflicts of Interest – Mixed and Shared Funding
The Fund is available for purchase only through Contracts offered by participating insurance companies, Qualified Plans and other qualified institutional investors authorized by the Distributor. Due to differences in tax treatment and other considerations, the interests of various Contract owners, and the interests of Qualified Plan participants, if any, may conflict. The Fund does not foresee any disadvantages to investors arising from these potential conflicts of interest at this time. Nevertheless, the Board of the Fund intends to monitor events to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which may arise, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to any conflicts. If such a conflict were to arise, one or more separate accounts might be required to withdraw its investments in the Fund or shares of another mutual fund may be substituted. This might force the Fund to sell securities at disadvantageous prices.
Order Processing
Orders to buy and sell shares of the Fund that are placed by your participating insurance company or Qualified Plan sponsor are processed on business days. Orders received in “good form” by the Transfer Agent or a selling agent, including your participating insurance company or Qualified Plan sponsor, before the end of a business day are priced at the Fund’s NAV per
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
share on that day. Orders received after the end of a business day will receive the next business day’s NAV per share. The market value of the Fund’s investments may change between the time you submit your order and the time the Fund next calculates its NAV per share. The business day that applies to your order is also called the trade date.
There is no sales charge associated with the purchase of Fund shares, but there may be charges associated with your Contract or Qualified Plan. Any charges that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan, and any charges that apply to separate accounts of participating insurance companies or Qualified Plans that may own shares directly, are described in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents.
You may transfer all or part of your investment in the Fund to one or more of the other investment options available under your Contract or Qualified Plan. You may provide instructions to sell any amount allocated to the Fund. Proceeds will be mailed within seven days after your surrender or withdrawal request is accepted by an authorized agent. The amount you receive may be more or less than the amount you invested.
Please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, as applicable, for more information about transfers as well as surrenders and withdrawals.
Information Sharing Agreements
As required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act, the Funds or certain of their service providers will enter into information sharing agreements with selling agents, including participating life insurance companies and selling agents that sponsor or offer retirement plans through which shares of the Funds are made available for purchase. Pursuant to Rule 22c-2, selling agents are required, upon request, to: (i) provide shareholder account and transaction information and (ii) execute instructions from the Fund to restrict or prohibit further purchases of Fund shares by shareholders who have been identified by the Fund as having engaged in transactions that violate the Fund's excessive trading policies and procedures.
Excessive Trading Practices Policy of Non-Money Market Funds
Right to Reject or Restrict Share Transaction Orders — The Fund is intended for investors with long-term investment purposes and is not intended as a vehicle for frequent trading activity (market timing) that is excessive. Investors should transact in Fund shares primarily for investment purposes. The Board has adopted excessive trading policies and procedures that are designed to deter excessive trading by investors (the Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures). The Fund discourages and does not accommodate excessive trading.
The Fund reserves the right to reject, without any prior notice, any buy or transfer order for any reason, and will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected orders. For example, the Fund may in its sole discretion restrict or reject a buy or transfer order even if the transaction is not subject to the specific limitation described below if the Fund or its agents determine that accepting the order could interfere with efficient management of the Fund's portfolio or is otherwise contrary to the Fund's best interests. The Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures apply equally to buy or transfer transactions communicated directly to the Transfer Agent and to those received by selling agents.
Specific Buying and Transferring Limitations — If a Fund detects that an investor has made two “material round trips” in any 28-day period, it will generally reject the investor's future purchase orders, including transfer buy orders, involving any Fund.
For these purposes, a “round trip” is a purchase or transfer into the Fund followed by a sale or transfer out of the Fund, or a sale or transfer out of the Fund followed by a purchase or transfer into the Fund. A “material” round trip is one that is deemed by the Fund to be material in terms of its amount or its potential detrimental impact on the Fund. Independent of this limit, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reject future buy orders by any person, group or account that appears to have engaged in any type of excessive trading activity.
These limits generally do not apply to automated transactions or transactions by registered investment companies in a “fund-of-funds” structure. These limits do not apply to payroll deduction contributions by retirement plan participants, transactions initiated by a retirement plan sponsor or certain other retirement plan transactions consisting of rollover transactions, loan repayments and disbursements, and required minimum distribution redemptions. They may be modified or rescinded for accounts held by certain retirement plans to conform to plan limits, for considerations relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or regulations of the Department of Labor, and for certain asset allocation or wrap programs. Accounts known to be under common ownership or control generally will be counted together, but accounts maintained or
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
managed by a common intermediary generally will not be considered to be under common ownership or control. The Fund retains the right to modify these restrictions at any time without prior notice to shareholders. In addition, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reinstate trading privileges that have been revoked under the Fund's Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures.
Limitations on the Ability to Detect and Prevent Excessive Trading Practices — The Fund takes various steps designed to detect and prevent excessive trading, including daily review of available shareholder transaction information. However, the Fund receives buy, sell or transfer orders through selling agents, and cannot always know of or reasonably detect excessive trading that may be facilitated by selling agents or by the use of the omnibus account arrangements they offer. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of mutual funds, particularly among certain selling agents such as broker-dealers, retirement plans and variable insurance products. These arrangements often permit selling agents to aggregate their clients' transactions and accounts, and in these circumstances, the identity of the shareholders is often not known to the Fund.
Some selling agents apply their own restrictions or policies to underlying investor accounts, which may be more or less restrictive than those described here. This may impact the Fund's ability to curtail excessive trading, even where it is identified. For these and other reasons, it is possible that excessive trading may occur despite the Fund's efforts to detect and prevent it.
Although these restrictions and policies involve judgments that are inherently subjective and may involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund seeks to act in a manner that it believes is consistent with the best interests of shareholders in making any such judgments.
Risks of Excessive Trading — Excessive trading creates certain risks to the Fund's long-term shareholders and may create the following adverse effects:
negative impact on the Fund's performance;
potential dilution of the value of the Fund's shares;
interference with the efficient management of the Fund's portfolio, such as the need to maintain undesirably large cash positions, the need to use its line of credit or the need to buy or sell securities it otherwise would not have bought or sold;
losses on the sale of investments resulting from the need to sell securities at less favorable prices; and
increased brokerage and administrative costs.
To the extent that the Fund invests significantly in foreign securities traded on markets that close before the Fund's valuation time, it may be particularly susceptible to dilution as a result of excessive trading. Because events may occur after the close of foreign markets and before the Fund's valuation time that influence the value of foreign securities, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of foreign securities as of the Fund's valuation time. This is often referred to as price arbitrage. The Fund has adopted procedures designed to adjust closing market prices of foreign securities under certain circumstances to reflect what the Fund believes to be the fair value of those securities as of its valuation time. To the extent the adjustments don't work fully, investors engaging in price arbitrage may cause dilution in the value of the Fund's shares held by other shareholders.
Similarly, to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in thinly traded high-yield bonds (junk bonds) or equity securities of small-capitalization companies, because these securities are often traded infrequently, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of these securities. This is also a type of price arbitrage. Any such frequent trading strategies may interfere with efficient management of the Fund's portfolio to a greater degree than would be the case for mutual funds that invest in highly liquid securities, in part because the Fund may have difficulty selling those portfolio securities at advantageous times or prices to satisfy large and/or frequent sell orders. Any successful price arbitrage may also cause dilution in the value of Fund shares held by other shareholders.
Excessive Trading Practices Policy of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund
A money market fund is designed to offer investors a liquid cash option that they may buy and sell as often as they wish. Accordingly, the Board has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund shares. However, since frequent purchases and sales of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund shares could in certain instances harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs (such as spreads paid to dealers who trade money market instruments with Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund) and disrupting portfolio management strategies, Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund reserves the right, but has no obligation, to reject any purchase or transfer
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
About Fund Shares and Transactions (continued)
transaction at any time. Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund has no limits on purchase or transfer transactions. In addition, Columbia Variable Portfolio - Cash Management Fund reserves the right to impose or modify restrictions on purchases, transfers or trading of Fund shares at any time.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions to Shareholders
A mutual fund can make money two ways:
It can earn income on its investments. Examples of fund income are interest paid on money market instruments and bonds, and dividends paid on common stocks.
A mutual fund can also have capital gains if the value of its investments increases. While a fund continues to hold an investment, any gain is generally unrealized. If the fund sells an investment, it generally will realize a capital gain if it sells that investment for a higher price than its adjusted cost basis, and will generally realize a capital loss if it sells that investment for a lower price than its adjusted cost basis. Capital gains and losses are either short-term or long-term, depending on whether the fund holds the securities for one year or less (short-term) or more than one year (long-term).
FUNDamentals
Distributions
Because the Fund expects to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, it is not required to and does not expect to make regular distributions to its shareholders (other than in redemption of Fund shares), but may do so in the sole discretion of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (or its delegates).
Taxes and Your Investment
The Fund expects to be treated as a partnership that is not a “publicly traded partnership” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Fund were not to qualify for such treatment, the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the Fund level, which would reduce the value of an investment in the Fund.
As a partnership that is not a “publicly traded partnership,” the Fund is not itself subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, each shareholder will be required to take into account for U.S. federal income tax purposes its allocable share of a Fund’s income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, and other tax items, without regard to whether such shareholder has received or will receive corresponding distributions from the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are only offered to separate accounts of participating insurance companies, Qualified Plans, and certain other eligible persons or plans permitted to hold shares of the Fund pursuant to the applicable Treasury Regulations without impairing the ability of participating insurance companies to satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. You should consult with the participating insurance company that issued your Contract, plan sponsor, or other eligible investor through which your investment in the Fund is made regarding the U.S. federal income taxation of your investment.
For Variable Annuity Contracts and Variable Life Insurance Policies: Your Contract may qualify for favorable tax treatment. As long as your Contract continues to qualify for favorable tax treatment, you will only be taxed on your investment in the Fund through such Contract, even if the Fund makes allocations or distributions and/or you change your investment options under the Contract. In order to qualify for such treatment, among other things, the separate accounts of participating insurance companies, which maintain and invest net proceeds from Contracts, must be “adequately diversified.” The Fund intends to operate in such a manner so that a separate account investing only in Fund shares on behalf of a holder of a Contract will be “adequately diversified.” If the Fund does not meet such requirements because its investments are not adequately diversified, your Contract could lose its favorable tax treatment and income and gain allocable to your Contract could be taxable currently to you. This could also occur if Contract holders are found to have an impermissible level of control over the investments underlying their Contracts, or if the Fund does not qualify for treatment as a partnership that is not a “publicly traded partnership.”
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Distributions and Taxes (continued)
FUNDamentals
Taxes
The information provided above is only a summary of how U.S. federal income taxes may affect your investment in the Fund. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. It does not apply to certain types of investors who may be subject to special rules, including foreign or tax-exempt investors or those holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA. Please see the SAI for more detailed tax information. You should consult with your own tax advisor about the particular tax consequences to you of an investment in the Fund, including the effect of any foreign, state and local taxes, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.
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Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund
Financial Highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five fiscal years or, if shorter, the Fund’s period of operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Per share net investment income (loss) amounts are calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund assuming all dividends and distributions had been reinvested. Total returns do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed under your Contract and/or Qualified Plan, as applicable; such fees and expenses would reduce the total returns for all periods shown. Total return and portfolio turnover are not annualized for periods of less than one year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to purchase and sales transactions of short-term instruments and certain derivatives, if any. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher. The information for the three most recent fiscal years has been audited by [___________], an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request. The information for the prior fiscal periods has been derived from the financial statements audited by the Fund’s former independent registered public accounting firm.
[To Be Inserted]
Prospectus 2015 27

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For More Information
The Fund is generally available only to owners of Contracts issued by participating insurance companies and participants in Qualified Plans. Please refer to your Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents for information about how to buy, sell and transfer shares of the Fund.
Additional Information About the Fund
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the 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 SAI also provides additional information about the Fund and its policies. The SAI, which has been filed with the SEC, is legally part of this prospectus (incorporated by reference). To obtain these documents free of charge, to request other information about the Fund and to make shareholder inquiries, please contact the Fund as follows:
By Mail:   Columbia Funds
c/o Columbia Management Investment Services Corp.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
By Telephone: 800.345.6611
The Fund’s offering documents and shareholder reports are not available on the Columbia Funds’ website because they are generally available only through participating insurance companies or retirement plans.
The website references in this prospectus are inactive links and information contained in or otherwise accessible through the referenced websites does not form a part of this prospectus.
Information Provided by the SEC
You can review and copy information about the Fund (including this prospectus, the SAI and shareholder reports) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. To find out more about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 202.551.8090. Reports and other information about the Fund are also available in the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You can receive copies of this information, for a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
The investment company registration number of Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, of which the Fund is a series, is 811-22127.
© 2015 Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
800.345.6611
S-6546


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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[May 1, 2015]
Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust I
Columbia Variable Portfolio – International Opportunities Fund: Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Marsico 21st Century Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Marsico Focused Equities Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Marsico Growth Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Balanced Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Cash Management Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Commodity Strategy Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Core Equity Fund*: single class of shares
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Diversified Bond Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Dividend Opportunity Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Bond Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – High Yield Bond Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Income Opportunities Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Large Cap Growth Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Large Core Quantitative Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Limited Duration Credit Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund: Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – S&P 500 Index Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select Large-Cap Value Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Seligman Global Technology Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Variable Portfolio – Aggressive Portfolio: Class 2 & Class 4
Variable Portfolio – American Century Diversified Bond Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Variable Portfolio – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Conservative Portfolio: Class 2 & Class 4
Variable Portfolio – DFA International Value Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Invesco International Growth Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – MFS Value Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Moderate Portfolio: Class 2 & Class 4
Variable Portfolio – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio: Class 2 & Class 4
Variable Portfolio – Moderately Conservative Portfolio: Class 2 & Class 4
Variable Portfolio – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – NFJ Dividend Value Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Partners Small Cap Value Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Variable Portfolio – Pyramis ® International Equity Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Sit Dividend Growth Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3


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Variable Portfolio – Victory Established Value Fund: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
Variable Portfolio – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
Variable Portfolio – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund: Class 1 & Class 2
* This Fund is closed to new investors.
Each Fund may offer shares to separate accounts (Accounts) funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (Contracts) issued by affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies as well as qualified pension and retirement plans (Qualified Plans) and other qualified institutional investors authorized by the Funds’ distributor (the “Distributor”). There are no exchange ticker symbols associated with shares of the Funds.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, references herein to “each Fund”, “the Funds”, “a Fund” or “Funds” refers to each Fund listed above.
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus, is not a substitute for reading any prospectus and is intended to be read in conjunction with each Fund’s current prospectus dated the same date as this SAI. The most recent annual report for each Fund, which includes the Fund’s audited financial statements for the period ended [December 31, 2014], is incorporated by reference into this SAI.
Copies of the Funds' current prospectuses and annual and semiannual reports may be obtained without charge by writing Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., P.O. Box 8081, Boston, MA 02266-8081, by calling Columbia Funds at 800.345.6611, by contacting the applicable Participating Insurance Company or sponsor of a qualified pension or retirement plan (Qualified Plan), or by contacting the broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries offering certain variable annuity contracts (VA contracts) or variable life insurance policies (VLI policies) issued by the Participating Insurance Company through which shares of the Funds are available.


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Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 1


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SAI PRIMER
The SAI is a part of the Funds' registration statement that is filed with the SEC. The registration statement includes the Funds' prospectuses, the SAI and certain exhibits. The SAI, and any supplements to it, can be found online by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
For purposes of any electronic version of this SAI, all references to websites, or universal resource locators (URLs), are intended to be inactive and are not meant to incorporate the contents of any such website or URL into this SAI.
The SAI generally provides additional information about the Funds that is not required to be in the Funds' prospectuses. The SAI expands discussions of certain matters described in the Funds' prospectuses and provides certain additional information about the Funds that may be of interest to some investors. Among other things, the SAI provides information about:
the organization of each Trust;
the Funds' investments;
the Funds' investment adviser, investment subadviser(s) (if any) and other service providers, including roles and relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, and conflicts of interest;
the governance of the Funds;
the Funds' brokerage practices;
the share classes offered by the Funds;
the purchase, redemption and pricing of Fund shares; and
the application of U.S. federal income tax laws.
Investors may find this information important and helpful. If you have any questions about the Funds, please call Columbia Funds at 800.345.6611 or contact your financial advisor.
Before reading the SAI, you should consult the Glossary below, which defines certain of the terms used in the SAI.
Glossary
1933 Act Securities Act of 1933, as amended
1934 Act Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
1940 Act Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
Administrative Services Agreement The Administrative Services Agreement, as amended, if applicable, between a Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Administrator
Administrator Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
American Century American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Ameriprise Financial Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
BANA Bank of America, National Association
Bank of America Bank of America Corporation
BFDS/DST Boston Financial Data Services, Inc./DST Systems, Inc.
Barrow Hanley Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
BlackRock BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
Board The Trusts' Board of Trustees
Board Services Board Services Corporation
Business Day Any day on which the NYSE is open for business
CEA Commodity Exchange Act
CFTC The United States Commodities Futures Trading Commission
CFVITI Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust I
CFVSTII Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II
CMOs Collateralized mortgage obligations
Code Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 2


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Codes of Ethics The codes of ethics adopted by the Funds, the Investment Manager, the Distributor and/or any sub-adviser, as applicable, pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act
Columbia Funds Complex The fund complex that is comprised of the registered investment companies advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates
Columbia Funds or Columbia Fund Family The open-end investment management companies, including the Funds, advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates or principally underwritten by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
Columbia Management Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
Columbia WAM Columbia Wanger Asset Management LLC
Custodian JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Denver Denver Investment Advisers LLC
DFA Dimensional Fund Advisers LP
Distribution Agreement The Distribution Agreement between a Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Distributor
Distribution Plan(s) One or more of the plans adopted by the Board pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for the distribution of the Funds’ shares
Distributor Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
Donald Smith Donald Smith & Co., Inc.
Eaton Vance Eaton Vance Management
FDIC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FHLMC The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
Fitch Fitch, Inc.
FNMA Federal National Mortgage Association
The Fund(s) or a Fund One or more of the open-end management investment companies listed on the front cover of this SAI
GNMA Government National Mortgage Association
Holland Holland Capital Management LLC
Independent Trustees The Trustees of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds
Interested Trustees The Trustees of the Board who are currently treated as “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds
Invesco Invesco Advisers, Inc.
Investment Management Services Agreement The Investment Management Services Agreements, as amended, between a Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Investment Manager
Investment Manager Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
Sub-Advisory Agreement The Subadvisory Agreement among the Trust on behalf of the Fund(s), the Investment Manager and a Fund’s investment subadviser(s), as the context may require
IRS United States Internal Revenue Service
Jennison Jennison Associates LLC
JPMIM J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
JPMorgan JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the Funds' custodian
Nations Funds The funds within the Columbia Funds Complex that historically bore the Nations brand and includes series of Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust I
RiverSource Funds The funds within the Columbia Funds Complex that historically bore the RiverSource brand and includes series of Columbia Funds Series Trust II
Seligman Funds The funds within the Columbia Fund Complex that historically bore the Seligman brand and includes series of Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 3


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LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate
Loomis Sayles Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.
Marsico Capital Marsico Capital Management, LLC
MFS Massachusetts Financial Services
Moody’s Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MSIM Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc.
NASDAQ National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations system
NAV Net asset value of a Fund
NFJ NFJ Investment Group LLC
NRSRO Nationally recognized statistical ratings organization (such as, for example, Moody’s, Fitch or S&P)
NSCC National Securities Clearing Corporation
NYSE New York Stock Exchange
Palisade Palisade Capital Management, LLC
Participating Insurance Companies Life insurance companies that issue the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies through separate accounts for which the Funds serve as underlying investment vehicles
Previous Administrator Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, the administrator of certain Columbia Funds prior to May 1, 2010 when Ameriprise Financial acquired the long-term asset management business of the Previous Adviser, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America.
Previous Adviser Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, the investment adviser of certain Columbia Funds prior to May 1, 2010 when Ameriprise Financial acquired the long-term asset management business of the Previous Adviser, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America.
Previous Distributor Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., the distributor of certain Columbia Funds prior to May 1, 2010 when Ameriprise Financial acquired the long-term asset management business of the Previous Adviser, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America.
Previous Transfer Agent Columbia Management Services, Inc., the transfer agent of certain Columbia Funds prior to May 1, 2010 when Ameriprise Financial acquired the long-term asset management business of the Previous Adviser, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America.
Pyramis Pyramis Global Advisers, LLC
REIT Real estate investment trust
REMIC Real estate mortgage investment conduit
Retirement Plan A qualified plan or retirement arrangement or account through which shares of a Fund are made available.
RIC A “regulated investment company,” as such term is used in the Code
River Road River Road Asset Management LLC
S&P Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“Standard & Poor’s” and “S&P” are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by the Investment Manager. The Columbia Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s and Standard & Poor’s makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Columbia Funds)
SAI This Statement of Additional Information, as amended and supplemented from time-to-time
SBH Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC
SEC United States Securities and Exchange Commission
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Selling Agent(s) Participating Insurance Companies, Retirement Plan sponsors, banks, broker-dealers and financial advisors as well as firms that employ such broker-dealers and financial advisors, including, for example, brokerage firms, banks, investment advisors, third party administrators and other financial intermediaries, including Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates.
Shares Shares of a Fund
Sit Investment Sit Investment Associates, Inc.
Snow Capital Snow Capital Management L.P.
State Street State Street Bank and Trust Company, the former custodian for series of CFVST I
Subsidiary One or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of a Fund
TCW TCW Investment Management Company
Threadneedle Threadneedle International Limited
TLC The London Company
Transfer Agency Agreement The Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Transfer Agent
Transfer Agent Columbia Management Investment Services Corp.
Treasury Regulations Regulations promulgated under the Code by the United States Treasury Department
Trustee(s) One or more of the Board’s Trustees
Trusts Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust I and Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, the registered investment companies in the Columbia Fund Family to which this SAI relates
Turner Turner Investments, L.P.
Victory Capital Victory Capital Management Inc.
Throughout this SAI, the Funds are referred to as follows:
Fund Name:   Referred to as:
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Balanced Fund   VP – Balanced Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Cash Management Fund   VP – Cash Management Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Commodity Strategy Fund   VP – Commodity Strategy Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Core Equity Fund   VP – Core Equity Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Diversified Bond Fund   VP – Diversified Bond Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Dividend Opportunity Fund   VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Bond Fund   VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Fund   VP – Emerging Markets Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Bond Fund   VP – Global Bond Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – High Yield Bond Fund   VP – High Yield Bond Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Income Opportunities Fund   VP – Income Opportunities Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – International Opportunities Fund   VP – International Opportunities Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Large Cap Growth Fund   VP – Large Cap Growth Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Large Core Quantitative Fund   VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Limited Duration Credit Fund   VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund   VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Marsico 21st Century Fund   VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Marsico Focused Equities Fund   VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Marsico Growth Fund   VP – Marsico Growth Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund   VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund
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Fund Name:   Referred to as:
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund   VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – S&P 500 Index Fund   VP – S&P 500 Index Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund   VP – Select International Equity Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select Large-Cap Value Fund   VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund   VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Seligman Global Technology Fund   VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Equities Fund   VP – U.S. Equities Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund   VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund
Variable Portfolio – Aggressive Portfolio   VP – Aggressive Portfolio
Variable Portfolio – American Century Diversified Bond Fund   VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund
Variable Portfolio – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund   VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected
Securities Fund
Variable Portfolio – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund   VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund
Variable Portfolio – Conservative Portfolio   VP – Conservative Portfolio
Variable Portfolio – DFA International Value Fund   VP – DFA International Value Fund
Variable Portfolio – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund   VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund
Variable Portfolio – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund   VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund
Variable Portfolio – Invesco International Growth Fund   VP – Invesco International Growth Fund
Variable Portfolio – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund   VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund
Variable Portfolio – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund   VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund
Variable Portfolio – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund   VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund
Variable Portfolio – MFS Value Fund   VP – MFS Value Fund
Variable Portfolio – Moderate Portfolio   VP – Moderate Portfolio
Variable Portfolio – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio   VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio
Variable Portfolio – Moderately Conservative Portfolio   VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio
Variable Portfolio – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund   VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund
Variable Portfolio – NFJ Dividend Value Fund   VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund
Variable Portfolio – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund   VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund
Variable Portfolio – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund   VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund
Variable Portfolio – Partners Small Cap Value Fund   VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund
Variable Portfolio – Pyramis International Equity Fund   VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund
Variable Portfolio – Sit Dividend Growth Fund   VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund
Variable Portfolio – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund   VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund
Variable Portfolio – Victory Established Value Fund   VP – Victory Established Value Fund
Variable Portfolio – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund   VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund
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ABOUT THE Trusts
The Trusts are open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
CFVITI was organized as a Delaware business trust, a form of entity now known as a statutory trust, on November 24, 1997. On May 1, 2006, CFVITI changed its name from Nations Separate Account Trust to Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust I and prior to May 1, 2001 was known as Nations Annuity Trust. CFVSTII was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 11, 2007. CFVSTII was formerly named RiverSource Variable Series Trust, and was renamed Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II as of April 25, 2011. The offering of the shares is registered under the 1933 Act.
Each Fund has a fiscal year end of December 31. Each Fund’s prospectus is dated [May 1, 2015].
Fund Date Began Operations* Diversified** Fund Investment Category***
VP – Aggressive Portfolio May 7, 2010 Yes Fund-of-funds – Equity
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Fixed Income
VP – Balanced Fund September 11, 2007 Yes Flexible
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund September 13, 2004 No Fixed Income
VP – Cash Management Fund October 31, 1981 Yes Money Market
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Commodity Strategy April 30, 2013 Yes Equity
VP – Conservative Portfolio May 7, 2010 Yes Fund-of-funds – Fixed Income
VP – Core Equity Fund September 10, 2004 Yes Equity
VP – DFA International Value Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Diversified Bond Fund October 13, 1981 Yes Fixed Income
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund September 15, 1999 Yes Equity
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Fixed Income
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund April 30, 2012 No Fixed Income
VP – Emerging Markets Fund May 1, 2000 Yes Equity
VP – Global Bond Fund May 1, 1996 No Fixed Income
VP – High Yield Bond Fund May 1, 1996 Yes Fixed Income
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund May 1, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Income Opportunities Fund June 1, 2004 Yes Fixed Income
VP – International Opportunities Fund March 27, 1998 Yes Equity
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Fixed Income
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund September 15, 1999 Yes Equity
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund October 13, 1981 Yes Equity
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Fixed Income
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund April 19, 2012 Yes Fund-of-funds – Equity
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund March 27, 1998 Yes Equity
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund March 27, 1998 No Equity
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Fund Date Began Operations* Diversified** Fund Investment Category***
VP – Marsico Growth Fund March 27, 1998 Yes Equity
VP – MFS Value Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund May 1, 2001 Yes Equity
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund May 2, 2005 Yes Equity
VP – Moderate Portfolio May 7, 2010 Yes Fund-of-funds – Equity
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio May 7, 2010 Yes Fund-of-funds – Equity
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio May 7, 2010 Yes Fund-of-funds – Fixed Income
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund August 14, 2001 Yes Equity
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund May 1, 2000 Yes Equity
VP – Select International Equity Fund January 13, 1992 Yes Equity
VP – Select Large-Cap Value February 4, 2004 Yes Equity
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund September 15, 1999 Yes Equity
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund May 1, 1996 No Equity
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund May 1, 2006 Yes Equity
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Fixed Income
VP – U.S. Equities Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Equity
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund September 15, 1999 Yes Fixed Income
VP – Victory Established Value Fund February 4, 2004 Yes Equity
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund May 7, 2010 Yes Fixed Income
* Certain Funds reorganized into series of the Trust. The date of operations for these Funds represents the date on which the predecessor funds began operation.
** A “diversified” Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, except obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and except securities of other investment companies. A “non-diversified” Fund may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund, which increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a “diversified” fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, a “non-diversified” Fund’s value will likely be more volatile than the value of a more diversified fund. If a “non-diversified” fund is managed as if it were a “diversified” fund for a period of three years, its status under the 1940 Act will convert automatically from “non-diversified” to “diversified”. A “diversified” fund may convert to “non-diversified” status only with shareholder approval.
*** The Fund Investment Category is used as a convenient way to describe Funds in this SAI and should not be deemed a description of the Fund’s principal investment strategies, which are described in the Fund’s prospectus.
Name Changes. The table below identifies the Funds whose names have changed in the past five years, the effective date of the name change and the former name.
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Fund Effective Date of
Name Change
Previous Fund Name
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund May 1, 2012 Columbia Variable Portfolio – Global Inflation Protected Securities Fund
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund June 29, 2012 Columbia Variable Portfolio – Diversified Equity Income Fund
VP – Emerging Markets Fund August 28, 2012
May 2, 2011
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Opportunity Fund
Threadneedle Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Fund
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund March 25, 2013 Variable Portfolio – Marsico Growth Fund
VP – International Opportunities Fund May 1, 2015
May 2, 2011
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Marsico International Opportunities Fund
Columbia Marsico International Opportunities Fund, Variable Series
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund May 2, 2011
May 1, 2009
Seligman Variable Portfolio – Growth Fund
RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Growth Fund
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund August 28, 2012
May 1, 2009
Columbia Variable Portfolio – Dynamic Equity Fund
RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Large Cap Equity Fund
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund May 2, 2011 RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Limited Duration Bond Fund
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund March 21, 2014 Variable Portfolio – American Century Growth Fund
VP – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund April 29, 2013 Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Fund
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund May 2, 2011 Columbia Marsico 21st Century Fund, Variable Series
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund May 2, 2011 Columbia Marsico Focused Equities Fund, Variable Series
VP – Marsico Growth Fund May 2, 2011 Columbia Marsico Growth Fund, Variable Series
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund May 2, 2011 RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Mid Cap Growth Fund
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund May 2, 2011 RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Mid Cap Value Fund
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund May 1, 2010 RiverSource Partners Variable Portfolio – Small Cap Value Fund
VP – Select International Equity Fund May 1, 2015 Columbia Variable Portfolio – International Opportunity Fund
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund May 2, 2011
May 1, 2009
Seligman Variable Portfolio – Larger Cap Value Fund
RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Large Cap Value Fund
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund May 2, 2011
May 1, 2009
Seligman Variable Portfolio – Smaller Cap Value Fund
RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Small Cap Advantage Fund
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund May 2, 2011 Seligman Global Technology Portfolio
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund November 16, 2012
May 1, 2010
Variable Portfolio – Davis New York Venture Fund
RiverSource Partners Variable Portfolio – Fundamental Value Fund
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund March 21, 2014 Variable Portfolio – PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund
VP – U.S. Equities Fund May 1, 2015 Variable Portfolio – Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fund
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund May 1, 2013 Columbia Variable Portfolio – Short Duration U.S. Government Fund
VP – Victory Established Value Fund November 16, 2012
May 1, 2010
Variable Portfolio – Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Fund
RiverSource Partners Variable Portfolio – Select Value Fund
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FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The following discussion of “fundamental” and “non-fundamental” investment policies and limitations for each Fund supplements the discussion of investment policies in the Funds' prospectuses. A fundamental policy may be changed only with Board and shareholder approval. A non-fundamental policy may be changed only with Board approval and does not require shareholder approval.
Unless otherwise noted in a Fund’s Prospectus or this SAI, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of a Fund’s assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding an investment standard, compliance with such percentage limitation or standard will be determined solely at the time of the Fund’s acquisition of such security or asset (Time of Purchase Standard).
Notwithstanding any of a Fund’s other investment policies, the Fund, subject to certain limitations, may invest its assets in another investment company. These underlying funds have adopted their own investment policies that may be more or less restrictive than those of the Fund. Unless a Fund has a policy to consider the policies of underlying funds, the Fund may engage in investment strategies indirectly that would otherwise be prohibited under the Fund’s investment policies.
In adhering to the fundamental and non-fundamental investment restrictions and policies applicable to VP – Commodity Strategy Fund, the Fund will, to the extent possible, treat any assets of its Subsidiary generally as if the assets were held directly by the Fund.
For all series of CFVST II except VP – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund: Notwithstanding any of a Fund’s other investment policies, the Fund may invest its assets in an open-end management investment company having substantially the same investment objectives, policies, and restrictions as the Fund for the purpose of having those assets managed as part of a combined pool.
Fundamental Policies
The table below shows fund-specific policies that may be changed only with a “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund, which means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy. The table indicates whether or not the fund has a policy on a particular topic. A dash indicates that the Fund does not have a Fundamental policy on a particular topic. The specific policy is stated in the paragraphs that follow the table.
Fundamental Policies
Fund A
Buy or
sell real
estate
B
Buy or sell
commodities
C
Issuer Diversification
D
Lending
E
Act as an
underwriter
F
Borrow
money
G
Issue
Senior
Securities
H
Concentration
VP – Aggressive Portfolio A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Balanced Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund A1 B1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Cash Management Fund A2 A2 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund A1 B6 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H5
VP – Conservative Portfolio A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Core Equity Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – DFA International Value Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Diversified Bond Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Emerging Markets Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund A1 B5 D1 E1 F1 G1 H3
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Fund A
Buy or
sell real
estate
B
Buy or sell
commodities
C
Issuer Diversification
D
Lending
E
Act as an
underwriter
F
Borrow
money
G
Issue
Senior
Securities
H
Concentration
VP – Global Bond Fund A1 B1 C5 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – High Yield Bond Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Income Opportunities Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – International Opportunities Fund A4 B7 C4 D3 E3 F3 F3 H7
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund A1 B1 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H6
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund A4 B7 C4 D3 E3 F3 F3 H7
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund A4 B7 D3 E3 F3 F3 H7
VP – Marsico Growth Fund A4 B7 C4 D3 E3 F3 F3 H7
VP – MFS Value Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Moderate Portfolio A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H4
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund A1 B2 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Select International Equity Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund A1 B2 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund A3 B3 D2 E2 F2 F2 H2
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund A1 B2 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – U.S. Equities Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Victory Established Value Fund A1 B2 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund A1 B4 C3 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
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A. Buy or sell real estate
A1 – The Fund will not buy or sell real estate, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business or real estate investment trusts. For purposes of this policy, real estate includes real estate limited partnerships.
A2 – The Fund will not buy or sell real estate, commodities or commodity contracts. For purposes of this policy, real estate includes real estate limited partnerships.
A3 – The Fund will not purchase or hold any real estate, except the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by persons (including real estate investment trusts) which deal in real estate or interests therein.
A4 – The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate, except a Fund may purchase securities of issuers which deal or invest in real estate and may purchase securities which are secured by real estate or interests in real estate.
B. Buy or sell physical commodities
B1 – The Fund will not buy or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except this shall not prevent the Fund from buying or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by, or whose value is derived from, physical commodities.
B2 – The Fund will not buy or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except this shall not prevent the Fund from buying or selling options, futures contracts and foreign currency or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by, or whose value is derived from, physical commodities.
B3 – The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except to the extent permissible under applicable law and interpretations, as they may be amended from time to time.
B4 – The Fund will not buy or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except this shall not prevent the Fund from buying or selling options, futures contracts and foreign currency or from entering into forward currency contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by, or whose value is derived from, physical commodities.
B5 – The fund will not buy or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except this shall not prevent the fund from transacting in derivative instruments relating to commodities, including but not limited to, buying or selling options, swap contracts or futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by, or whose value is derived from, commodities.
B6 – The Fund will not buy or sell commodities, except that the Fund may to the extent consistent with its investment objective(s), invest in securities of companies that purchase or sell commodities or which invest in such programs, and purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, and options on futures contracts and enter into swap contracts and other financial transactions relating to commodities. This restriction does not apply to foreign currency transactions including without limitation forward currency contracts. This restriction also does not prevent the Fund from investing up to 25% of its total assets in one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries (as described further herein and referred to herein collectively as the “Subsidiary”), thereby gaining exposure to the investment returns of commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements.*
B7 – The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities, except that a Fund may to the extent consistent with its investment objective, invest in securities of companies that purchase or sell commodities or which invest in such programs, and purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, and options on futures contracts. This limitation does not apply to foreign currency transactions including without limitation forward currency contracts.

* For purposes of the fundamental investment policy on buying and selling physical commodities above, at the time of the establishment of the restriction for certain Funds, swap contracts on financial instruments or rates were not within the understanding of the term “commodities.” Notwithstanding any federal legislation or regulatory action by the CFTC that subjects such swaps to regulation by the CFTC, these Funds will not consider such instruments to be commodities for purposes of this restriction.
C. Issuer Diversification
C1 – The Fund will not purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer, except that up to 25% of the Fund’s assets may be invested without regard to this 10% limitation.
C2 – The Fund will not make any investment inconsistent with its classification as a diversified company under the 1940 Act.
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C3 – The Fund will not purchase securities (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) of any one issuer if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets will be invested in the securities of such issuer or it would own more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer, except that: (a) up to 25% of its total assets may be invested without regard to these limitations and (b) a Fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or any applicable exemptive relief.
C4 – The Fund will not purchase securities (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) of any one issuer if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets will be invested in the securities of such issuer or it would own more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer, except that: (i) up to 25% of its total assets may be invested without regard to these limitations; and (ii) a Fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or any applicable exemptive relief obtained by the Funds.
C5 – The Fund will not purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer, except that up to 25% of the Fund’s assets may be invested without regard to this 10% limitation. For tax-exempt Funds, for purposes of this policy, the terms of a municipal security determine the issuer.
D. Lending
D1 – The Fund will not lend securities or participate in an interfund lending program if the total of all such loans would exceed 33  1 3 % of the Fund’s total assets, except this fundamental investment policy shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing money market securities, loans, loan participation or other debt securities, or from entering into repurchase agreements.
D2 – The Fund will not make loans, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder, any SEC or SEC staff interpretations thereof or any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the SEC.
D3 – The Fund will not make loans, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
E. Act as an underwriter
E1 – The Fund will not act as an underwriter (sell securities for others). However, under the securities laws, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when it purchases securities directly from the issuer and later resells them.
E2 – The Fund will not underwrite the securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the 1933 Act in disposing of a portfolio security or in connection with investments in other investment companies.
E3 – The Fund will not underwrite any issue of securities issued by other persons within the meaning of the 1933 Act except when it might be deemed to be an underwriter either: (i) in connection with the disposition of a portfolio security; or (ii) in connection with the purchase of securities directly from the issuer thereof in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective. This restriction shall not limit the Fund’s ability to invest in securities issued by other registered investment companies.
F. Borrowing
F1 – The Fund will not borrow money, except for temporary purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33  1 3 % of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings) immediately after the borrowings.
F2 – The Fund will not issue senior securities or borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder, any SEC or SEC staff interpretations thereof or any exceptions therefrom which may be granted by the SEC. For borrowing, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow up to 33  1 3 % of its total assets (including the amounts borrowed) from banks, plus an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, which may be borrowed from banks or other sources.
F3 – The Fund will not borrow money or issue senior securities except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
G. Issue senior securities
G1 – The Fund will not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
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H. Concentration*
H1 – The Fund will not concentrate in any one industry. According to the present interpretation by the SEC, this means that up to 25% of the Fund’s total assets, based on current market value at time of purchase, can be invested in any one industry.
H2 – The Fund will, under normal market conditions, invest at least 25% of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase in the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the technology and related group of industries, provided that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii) notwithstanding this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies or subsidiaries to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
H3 – While the Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of foreign governmental and corporate entities located in the same country, it will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in any single foreign governmental issuer.
H4 – The Fund will not invest more than 25% of the market value of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any particular industry, except the Fund will invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers principally engaged in the real estate industry and may invest without limit in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
H5 – The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of corporate issuers engaged in any one industry. The foregoing restriction does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or repurchase agreements secured by them. In addition, the foregoing restriction shall not apply to or limit the Fund’s counterparties in commodities-related transactions.
H6 – The Fund will not purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii) notwithstanding this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
H7 – The Fund will not purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii) notwithstanding this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief obtained by the Funds.

* For purposes of applying the limitation set forth in its concentration policy, above, a Fund will generally use the industry classifications provided by the Global Industry Classification System (GICS) for classification of issuers of equity securities and the classifications provided by the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index for classification of issues of fixed-income securities. To the extent that a Fund’s concentration policy requires the Fund to consider the concentration policies of any underlying funds in which it invests, the Fund will consider, in the case of unaffiliated underlying funds, the portfolio positions at the time of purchase of such unaffiliated underlying funds based on portfolio information made publicly available by them. The Fund does not consider futures or swaps clearinghouses or securities clearinghouses, where the Fund has exposure to such clearinghouses in the course of making investments in futures and securities, to be part of any industry.
In addition to the policies described above and any fundamental policy described in the prospectus:
Additionally for VP Cash Management, the Fund will not:
Buy on margin or sell short or deal in options to buy or sell securities.
Purchase common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, other equity securities, corporate bonds or debentures, state bonds, municipal bonds, or industrial revenue bonds.
Intentionally invest more than 25% of the Fund’s assets taken at market value in any particular industry, except with respect to investing in U.S. government or agency securities and bank obligations. Investments are varied according to what is judged advantageous under different economic conditions.
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Additionally for VP-Seligman Global Technology, the Fund will not:
Purchase securities on margin except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder, any Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or SEC staff interpretations thereof or any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the SEC.
Non-fundamental Policies
The following non-fundamental policies may be changed by the Board at any time and may be in addition to those described in the prospectus.
Investment in Illiquid Securities
No more than 5% of a money market Fund’s total assets will be held in securities and other instruments that are illiquid. No more than 15% of the net assets of any other Fund will be held in securities and other instruments that are illiquid. “Illiquid Securities” are defined in accordance with the SEC staff’s current guidance and interpretations which provide that an illiquid security is a 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.
Investment in Other Investment Companies
The Funds may not purchase securities of other investment companies except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
The 1940 Act, in summary, provides that a fund generally may not: (i) purchase more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of another investment company; (ii) purchase securities issued by another registered investment company representing more than 5% of the investing fund’s total assets; and (iii) purchase securities issued by investment companies that in the aggregate represent more than 10% of the acquiring fund’s total assets (the “3, 5 and 10 Rule”). Affiliated funds-of-funds ( i.e. , those funds that invest in other funds within the same fund family), with respect to investments in such affiliated underlying funds, are not subject to the 3, 5 and 10 Rule and, therefore, may invest in affiliated underlying funds without restriction. A fund-of-funds may also invest its assets in unaffiliated funds, but the fund-of-funds generally may not purchase more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one unaffiliated fund. Additionally, certain exceptions to these limitations apply to investments in money market mutual funds. If shares of the Fund are purchased by an affiliated fund beyond the 3, 5 and 10 Rule in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, for so long as shares of the Fund are held by such other affiliated fund, the Fund will not purchase securities of a registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust Section in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act or in reliance on other exemptive relief.
Investment in Foreign Securities
For all funds EXCEPT Fund-of-funds, VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund, VP – Cash Management Fund, VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund, VP – Commodity Strategy Fund, VP – DFA International Value Fund, VP – Emerging Markets Fund, VP – Global Bond Fund, VP – International Opportunities Fund, VP – Invesco International Growth Fund, VP – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund, VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund, VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund, VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund, VP – S&P 500 Index Fund and VP – Select International Equity Fund:
Up to 25% of the Fund’s net assets may be invested in foreign investments.*

* For VP – Balanced Fund and VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund, the 20% limitation stated in the prospectus is an investment policy.
For VP – Cash Management Fund:
Up to 25% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign investments.
Additionally, for VP – International Opportunities Fund, VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund, VP – Marsico Growth Fund and VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund (the series of CFVIT I):
The Fund may invest in futures or options contracts regulated by the CFTC for: (i) bona fide hedging purposes within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC; and (ii) for other purposes if, as a result, no more than 5% of a Fund’s net assets would be invested in initial margin and premiums (excluding amounts “in-the-money”) required to establish the contracts.
The Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, in amounts not to exceed (in the aggregate) one-third of the Fund’s total assets. Any such loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized based on values that are marked to market daily.
The Fund may not make investments for the purpose of exercising control of management. (Investments by the Fund in entities created under the laws of foreign countries solely to facilitate investment in securities in that country will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control.)
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The Fund may not sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short (short sales “against the box”) or the Fund segregates assets in the amount at least equal to the underlying security or asset.
Additionally, for VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund:
The Fund may not purchase securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government Obligations) if, immediately after such purchase, more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of one issuer, and with respect to 50% of such Fund’s total assets, more than 5% of its assets would be invested in the securities of one issuer.
Additionally, for VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund:
The Fund will not invest in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs; provided, however, that this investment restriction shall not prohibit the fund from purchasing publicly-traded securities of companies engaging in whole or in part in such activities.
The Fund will not purchase securities from or sell securities to any of its officers or Trustees, except with respect to its own shares and as permissible under applicable statutes, rule ad regulations.
The Fund will not invest more than 5% of the value of its net assets, valued at the lower of cost or market, in warrants, of which no more than 2% of net assets may be invested in warrants and rights not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange. For this purpose, warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to have been purchased without cost.
Names Rule Policy
To the extent a Fund is subject to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the Names Rule), and does not otherwise have a fundamental policy in place to comply with the Names Rule, such Fund has adopted the following non-fundamental policy: Shareholders will receive at least 60 days’ notice of any change to the Fund’s investment objective or principal investment strategies made in order to comply with the Names Rule. The notice will be provided in plain English in a separate written document, and will contain the following prominent statement or similar statement in bold-face type: “Important Notice Regarding Change in Investment Policy.” This statement will appear on both the notice and the envelope in which it is delivered, unless it is delivered separately from other communications to investors, in which case the statement will appear either on the notice or the envelope in which the notice is delivered.
Summary of 1940 Act Restrictions on Certain Activities
Certain of the Fund’s fundamental and non-fundamental policies set forth above prohibit transactions “except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief”. The following discussion summarizes the flexibility that the Fund currently gains from these exceptions. To the extent the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder may, in the future, be amended to provide greater flexibility, or to the extent the SEC may in the future grant exemptive relief providing greater flexibility, the Fund will be able to use that flexibility without seeking shareholder approval of its fundamental policies.
Borrowing money – The 1940 Act permits a Fund to borrow up to 33  1 3 % of its total assets (including the amounts borrowed) from banks, plus an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, which may be borrowed from banks or other sources. The exception in the fundamental policy allows the Funds to borrow money subject to these conditions. Compliance with this limitation is not measured under the Time of Purchase Standard.
Issuing senior securities – A “senior security” is an obligation with respect to the earnings or assets of a company that takes precedence over the claims of that company’s common stock with respect to the same earnings or assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a mutual fund from issuing senior securities other than certain borrowings from a bank, but SEC staff interpretations allow a Fund to engage in certain types of transactions that otherwise might raise senior security concerns (such as short sales, buying and selling financial futures contracts and other derivative instruments and selling put and call options), provided that the Fund segregates or designates on the Fund’s books and records liquid assets, or otherwise covers the transaction with offsetting portfolio securities, in amounts sufficient to offset any liability associated with the transaction. The exception in the fundamental policy allows the Fund to operate in reliance upon these staff interpretations.
Making loans (Lending) – Under the 1940 Act, a mutual fund may loan money or property to persons who do not control and are not under common control with the Fund, except that a Fund may make loans to a wholly-owned subsidiary. In addition, the SEC staff takes the position that a Fund may not lend portfolio securities representing more than one-third of the Fund’s total value. A Fund must receive from the borrower collateral at least equal in value to the loaned securities, marked to market daily. The exception in the fundamental policy allows the Fund to make loans to third parties, including loans of its portfolio securities, subject to these conditions.
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Purchase of securities on margin – A purchase on margin involves a loan from the broker-dealer arranging the transaction. The “margin” is the cash or securities that the buyer/borrower places with the broker-dealer as collateral against the loan. However, the purchase of securities on margin is effectively prohibited by the 1940 Act because the Fund generally may borrow only from banks. Thus, under current law, this exception does not provide any additional flexibility to the Fund.
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ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS
Each Fund’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and related principal risks are discussed in each Fund’s prospectus. Each Fund’s prospectus identifies the types of securities in which the Fund invests principally and summarizes the principal risks to the Fund’s portfolio as a whole associated with such investments. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus or this SAI, the investment objective and policies of a Fund may be changed without shareholder approval.
To the extent that a type of security identified in the table below for a Fund is not described in the Fund’s prospectus (or as a sub-category of such security type in this SAI), the Fund generally invests in such security type, if at all, as part of its non-principal investment strategies.
Information about individual types of securities (including certain of their associated risks) in which some or all of the Funds may invest is set forth below. Each Fund may invest in these types of securities, subject to its investment objective and fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies. A Fund is not required to invest in any or all of the types of securities listed below.
Funds-of-funds invest in a combination of underlying funds, although they may also invest directly in stocks, bonds and other securities. These underlying funds have their own investment strategies and types of investments they are allowed to engage in and purchase. Funds-of-funds may invest directly or indirectly through investments in underlying funds, in securities and other instruments and may engage in the investment strategies indicated in the table below.
Certain Investment Activity Limits. The overall investment and other activities of the Investment Manager and its affiliates may limit the investment opportunities for each Fund in certain markets, industries or transactions or in individual issuers where limitations are imposed upon the aggregate amount of investment by the Funds and other accounts managed by the Investment Manager and accounts of its affiliates (collectively, affiliated investors). From time to time, each Fund’s activities also may be restricted because of regulatory restrictions applicable to the Investment Manager and its affiliates and/or because of their internal policies. See Investment Management and Other Services – Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest .
Temporary Defensive Positions. Each Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive investment positions that may be inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation investing some or all of its assets in money market instruments or shares of affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or holding some or all of its assets in cash or cash equivalents. The Fund may take such defensive investment positions for as long a period as deemed necessary.
Other Strategic and Investment Measures. Unless prohibited by its investment policies, a Fund may also from time to time take temporary portfolio positions that may or may not be consistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing in derivatives, such as futures ( e.g. , index futures) or options on futures, for various purposes, including among others, investing in particular derivatives to achieve indirect investment exposure to a sector, country or region where the Investment Manager (or Fund subadviser, if applicable) believes such defensive positioning is appropriate. Each Fund may do so without limit and for as long a period as deemed necessary, when the Investment Manager or the Fund’s subadviser, if applicable: (i) believes that market conditions are not favorable for profitable investing or to avoid losses, including under adverse market, economic, political or other conditions; (ii) is unable to locate favorable investment opportunities; or (iii) determines that a temporary defensive position is advisable or necessary in order to meet anticipated redemption requests, or for other reasons. While the Fund is so positioned, derivatives could comprise a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Investing in this manner may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and decreased Fund performance.
Types of Investments
A black circle indicates that the investment strategy or type of investment generally is authorized for a category of funds. Exceptions are noted following the table. See About the Trusts for fund investment categories.
Type of Investment Equity
and
Flexible
Funds-of-Funds
– Equity
Taxable
Fixed
Income
Money
Market
Asset-Backed Securities
Bank Obligations (Domestic and Foreign)
Collateralized Bond Obligations
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Type of Investment Equity
and
Flexible
Funds-of-Funds
– Equity
Taxable
Fixed
Income
Money
Market
Commercial Paper
Common Stock •A
Convertible Securities •B
Corporate Debt Securities •C
Custody Receipts and Trust Certificates •D
Debt Obligations
Depositary Receipts •E
Derivatives
Dollar Rolls
Foreign Currency Transactions
Foreign Securities
Guaranteed Investment Contracts (Funding Agreements)
High-Yield Securities
Illiquid Securities
Inflation Protected Securities
Initial Public Offerings
Inverse Floaters •F
Investments in Other Investment Companies (Including ETFs)
Listed Private Equity Funds
Money Market Instruments
Mortgage-Backed Securities •G
Municipal Securities
Participation Interests
Partnership Securities
Preferred Stock •H
Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Repurchase Agreements
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Short Sales •I •I •I
Sovereign Debt
Standby Commitments
U.S. Government and Related Obligations
Variable and Floating Rate Obligations •J
A. The following Fund is not authorized to invest in Common Stock: VP - U.S. Government Mortgage Fund.
B. The following Fund is not authorized to invest in Convertible Securities: VP - Commodity Strategy Fund.
C. While the Fund is prohibited from investing in corporate bonds, it may invest in securities classified as corporate bonds if they meet the requirements of Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act.
D. The following Funds are not authorized to invest in Custody Receipts and Trust Certificates: each series of CFVITI.
E. The following Fund is not authorized to invest in Depository Receipts: VP - U.S. Government Mortgage Fund.
F. The following Fund is not authorized to invest in Inverse Floaters: VP - Large Core Quantitative Fund.
G. The following Funds are not authorized to invest in Mortgage-Backed Securities: VP - S&P 500 Index Fund and VP - Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund.
H. The following Fund is not authorized to invest in Preferred Stock: VP - U.S. Government Mortgage Fund.
I. The Funds are not prohibited from engaging in short sales, however, each Fund will seek Board approval prior to utilizing short sales as an active part of its investment strategy.
J. The following Fund is authorized to invest in Variable and Floating Rate Obligations: VP - Commodity Strategy Fund.
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Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities represent interests in, or debt instruments that are backed by, pools of various types of assets that generate cash payments generally over fixed periods of time, such as, among others, motor vehicle installment sales, contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, and receivables from revolving (credit card) agreements. Such securities entitle the security holders to receive distributions ( i.e. , principal and interest) that are tied to the payments made by the borrower on the underlying assets (less fees paid to the originator, servicer, or other parties, and fees paid for credit enhancement), so that the payments made on the underlying assets effectively pass through to such security holders. Asset-backed securities typically are created by an originator of loans or owner of accounts receivable that sells such underlying assets to a special purpose entity in a process called a securitization. The special purpose entity issues securities that are backed by the payments on the underlying assets, and have a minimum denomination and specific term. Asset-backed securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with asset-backed securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Bank Obligations (Domestic and Foreign)
Bank obligations include certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, time deposits and promissory notes that earn a specified rate of return and may be issued by (i) a domestic branch of a domestic bank, (ii) a foreign branch of a domestic bank, (iii) a domestic branch of a foreign bank or (iv) a foreign branch of a foreign bank. Bank obligations may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations for more information.
Certificates of deposit, or so-called CDs, typically are interest-bearing debt instruments issued by banks and have maturities ranging from a few weeks to several years. Yankee dollar certificates of deposit are negotiable CDs issued in the United States by branches and agencies of foreign banks. Eurodollar certificates of deposit are CDs issued by foreign banks with interest and principal paid in U.S. dollars. Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar CDs typically have maturities of less than two years and have interest rates that typically are pegged to the London Interbank Offered Rate or LIBOR. See Types of Investments – Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar and Related Derivatives Instruments . Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on and accepted by banks, are a customary means of effecting payment for merchandise sold in import-export transactions and are a general source of financing. A time deposit can be either a savings account or CD that is an obligation of a financial institution for a fixed term. Typically, there are penalties for early withdrawals of time deposits. Promissory notes are written commitments of the maker to pay the payee a specified sum of money either on demand or at a fixed or determinable future date, with or without interest.
Bank investment contracts are issued by banks. Pursuant to such contracts, a Fund may make cash contributions to a deposit fund of a bank. The bank then credits to the Fund payments at floating or fixed interest rates. A Fund also may hold funds on deposit with its custodian for temporary purposes.
Certain bank obligations, such as some CDs, are insured by the FDIC up to certain specified limits. Many other bank obligations, however, are neither guaranteed nor insured by the FDIC or the U.S. Government. These bank obligations are “backed” only by the creditworthiness of the issuing bank or parent financial institution. Domestic and foreign banks are subject to different governmental regulation. Accordingly, certain obligations of foreign banks, including Eurodollar and Yankee dollar obligations, involve different and/or heightened investment risks than those affecting obligations of domestic banks, including, among others, the possibilities that: (i) their liquidity could be impaired because of political or economic developments; (ii) the obligations may be less marketable than comparable obligations of domestic banks; (iii) a foreign jurisdiction might impose withholding and other taxes at high levels on interest income; (iv) foreign deposits may be seized or nationalized; (v) foreign governmental restrictions such as exchange controls may be imposed, which could adversely affect the payment of principal and/or interest on those obligations; (vi) there may be less publicly available information concerning foreign banks issuing the obligations; and (vii) the reserve requirements and accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements applicable to foreign banks may differ (including, less stringent) from those applicable to domestic banks. Foreign banks generally are not subject to examination by any U.S. Government agency or instrumentality. See Types of Investments – Foreign Securities .
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with bank obligations include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
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Collateralized Bond Obligations
Collateralized bond obligations (CBOs) are investment grade bonds backed by a pool of bonds, which may include junk bonds (which are considered speculative investments). CBOs are similar in concept to collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), but differ in that CBOs represent different degrees of credit quality rather than different maturities. (See Types of Investments – Mortgage-Backed Securities and – Asset-Backed Securities . ) CBOs are often privately offered and sold, and thus not registered under the federal securities laws.
Underwriters of CBOs package a large and diversified pool of high-risk, high-yield junk bonds, which is then structured into “tranches.” Typically, the first tranche represents a senior claim on collateral and pays the lowest interest rate; the second tranche is junior to the first tranche and therefore subject to greater risk and pays a higher rate; the third tranche is junior to both the first and second tranche, represents the lowest credit quality and instead of receiving a fixed interest rate receives the residual interest payments — money that is left over after the higher tranches have been paid. CBOs, like CMOs, are substantially overcollateralized and this, plus the diversification of the pool backing them, may earn certain of the tranches investment-grade bond ratings. Holders of third-tranche CBOs stand to earn higher or lower yields depending on the rate of defaults in the collateral pool. See Types of Investments – High-Yield Securities .
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with CBOs include: Credit Risk, Illiquid Securities Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, High-Yield Securities Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper is a short-term debt obligation, usually sold on a discount basis, with a maturity ranging from 2 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other borrowers. It is sold to investors with temporary idle cash as a way to increase returns on a short-term basis. These instruments are generally unsecured, which increases the credit risk associated with this type of investment. See Types of Investments — Debt Obligations and Types of Investments — Illiquid Securities. See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with commercial paper include: Credit Risk and Liquidity Risk.
Common Stock
Common stock represents a unit of equity ownership of a corporation. Owners typically are entitled to vote on the selection of directors and other important corporate governance matters, and to receive dividend payments, if any, on their holdings. However, ownership of common stock does not entitle owners to participate in the day-to-day operations of the corporation. Common stocks of domestic and foreign public corporations can be listed, and their shares traded, on domestic stock exchanges, such as the NYSE or the NASDAQ Stock Market. Domestic and foreign corporations also may have their shares traded on foreign exchanges, such as the London Stock Exchange or Tokyo Stock Exchange. See Types of Investments – Foreign Securities . Common stock may be privately placed or publicly offered. The price of common stock is generally determined by corporate earnings, type of products or services offered, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and market conditions generally. In the event that a corporation declares bankruptcy or is liquidated, the claims of secured and unsecured creditors and owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock. See Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities – Preferred Stock and – Convertible Securities for more information.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with common stock include: Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio or predetermined price (the conversion price). As such, convertible securities combine the investment characteristics of debt securities and equity securities. A holder of convertible securities is entitled to receive the income of a bond, debenture or note or the dividend of a preferred stock until the conversion privilege is exercised. The market value of convertible securities generally is a function of, among other factors, interest rates, the rates of return of similar nonconvertible securities and the financial strength of the issuer. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, conversely, to rise as interest rates decline. However, a convertible security’s market value tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when that stock price approaches or is greater than its conversion price. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the rate of return of the convertible security. Because both interest rate and common stock’s market movements can influence their value, convertible securities generally are not as sensitive to changes in interest rates as similar non-convertible debt securities
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nor generally as sensitive to changes in share price as the underlying common stock. Convertible securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities, Types of Investments – Common Stock, Types of Investments – Corporate Debt Securities and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Certain convertible securities may have a mandatory conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into common stock or other equity securities (of the same or a different issuer) at a specified date and at a specified exchange ratio. Certain convertible securities may be convertible at the option of the issuer, which may require a holder to convert the security into the underlying common stock, even at times when the value of the underlying common stock or other equity security has declined substantially. In addition, some convertible securities may be rated below investment grade or may not be rated and, therefore, may be considered speculative investments. Companies that issue convertible securities frequently are small- and mid-capitalization companies and, accordingly, carry the risks associated with such companies. In addition, the credit rating of a company’s convertible securities generally is lower than that of its conventional debt securities. Convertible securities are senior to equity securities and have a claim to the assets of an issuer prior to the holders of the issuer’s common stock in the event of liquidation but generally are subordinate to similar non-convertible debt securities of the same issuer. Some convertible securities are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates when their predetermined conversion price is much higher than the price for the issuing company’s common stock.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with convertible securities include: Convertible Securities Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Market Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk, and Reinvestment Risk.
Corporate Debt Securities
Corporate debt securities are long and short term fixed income securities typically issued by businesses to finance their operations. Corporate debt securities are issued by public or private companies, as distinct from debt securities issued by a government or its agencies. The issuer of a corporate debt security often has a contractual obligation to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal periodically or on a specified maturity date. Corporate debt securities typically have four distinguishing features: (1) they are taxable; (2) they have a par value of $1,000; (3) they have a term maturity, which means they come due at a specified time period; and (4) many are traded on major securities exchanges. Notes, bonds, debentures and commercial paper are the most common types of corporate debt securities, with the primary difference being their interest rates, maturity dates and secured or unsecured status. Commercial paper has the shortest term and usually is unsecured, as are debentures. The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by domestic or foreign companies of all kinds, including those with small-, mid- and large-capitalizations. The category also includes bank loans, as well as assignments, participations and other interests in bank loans. Corporate debt securities may be rated investment grade or below investment grade and may be structured as fixed-, variable or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. They may also be senior or subordinated obligations. See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities, Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities, Types of Investments – Debt Obligations, Types of Investments – Commercial Paper and Types of Investments – High-Yield Securities for more information.
Extendible commercial notes (ECNs) are very similar to commercial paper except that, with ECNs, the issuer has the option to extend the notes’ maturity. ECNs are issued at a discount rate, with an initial redemption of not more than 90 days from the date of issue. If ECNs are not redeemed by the issuer on the initial redemption date, the issuer will pay a premium (step-up) rate based on the ECN’s credit rating at the time.
Because of the wide range of types and maturities of corporate debt securities, as well as the range of creditworthiness of issuers, corporate debt securities can have widely varying risk/return profiles. For example, commercial paper issued by a large established domestic corporation that is rated by an NRSRO as investment grade may have a relatively modest return on principal but present relatively limited risk. On the other hand, a long-term corporate note issued, for example, by a small foreign corporation from an emerging market country that has not been rated by an NRSRO may have the potential for relatively large returns on principal but carries a relatively high degree of risk.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with corporate debt securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, High Yield Securities Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk and Reinvestment Risk.
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Custody Receipts and Trust Certificates
Custody receipts and trust certificates are derivative products that evidence direct ownership in a pool of securities. Typically, a sponsor will deposit a pool of securities with a custodian in exchange for custody receipts evidencing interests in those securities. The sponsor generally then will sell the custody receipts or trust certificates in negotiated transactions at varying prices. Each custody receipt or trust certificate evidences the individual securities in the pool and the holder of a custody receipt or trust certificate generally will have all the rights and privileges of owners of those securities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with custody receipts and trust certificates include: Liquidity Risk and Counterparty Risk. In addition, custody receipts and trust certificates generally are subject to the same risks as the securities evidenced by the receipts or certificates.
Debt Obligations
Many different types of debt obligations exist (for example, bills, bonds, and notes). Issuers of debt obligations have a contractual obligation to pay interest at a fixed, variable or floating rate on specified dates and to repay principal by a specified maturity date. Certain debt obligations (usually intermediate and long-term bonds) have provisions that allow the issuer to redeem or “call” a bond before its maturity. Issuers are most likely to call these securities during periods of falling interest rates. When this happens, an investor may have to replace these securities with lower yielding securities, which could result in a lower return.
The market value of debt obligations is affected primarily by changes in prevailing interest rates and the issuer’s perceived ability to repay the debt. The market value of a debt obligation generally reacts inversely to interest rate changes. When prevailing interest rates decline, the market value of the bond usually rises, and when prevailing interest rates rise, the market value of the bond usually declines.
In general, the longer the maturity of a debt obligation, the higher its yield and the greater the sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Conversely, the shorter the maturity, the lower the yield and the lower the sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
As noted, the values of debt obligations also may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of their issuers. Generally, the lower the quality rating of a security, the higher the degree of risk as to the payment of interest and return of principal. To compensate investors for taking on such increased risk, those issuers deemed to be less creditworthy generally must offer their investors higher interest rates than do issuers with better credit ratings. See Types of Investments – Corporate Debt Securities, Types of Investments – High-Yield Securities. See Types of Investments – Trust-Preferred Securities for information with respect to the trust-preferred or trust-issued securities.
Determining Investment Grade for Purposes of Investment Policies. Unless otherwise stated in the Fund’s prospectus, when determining, under a Fund’s investment policies, whether a debt instrument is investment grade or below investment grade for purposes of purchase by the Fund, the Fund will apply a particular credit quality rating methodology, as described within the Fund’s shareholder reports, when available. These methodologies typically make use of credit quality ratings assigned by a third-party rating agency or agencies, when available. Credit quality ratings assigned by a rating agency are subjective opinions, not statements of fact, and are subject to change, including daily. Credit quality ratings apply to the Fund’s debt instrument investments and not the Fund itself.
Ratings limitations under a Fund’s investment policies are applied at the time of purchase by a Fund. Subsequent to purchase, a debt instrument may cease to be rated by a rating agency or its rating may be reduced by a rating agency(ies) below the minimum required for purchase by a Fund. Neither event will require the sale of such debt instrument, but it may be a factor in considering whether to continue to hold the instrument. Unless otherwise stated in a Fund’s prospectus or in this SAI, a Fund may invest in debt instruments that are not rated by a rating agency. When a debt instrument is not rated by a rating agency, the Investment Manager or, as applicable, a Fund subadviser determines, at the time of purchase, whether such debt instrument is of investment grade or below investment grade (e.g., junk bond) quality. A Fund’s debt instrument holdings that are not rated by a rating agency are typically referred to as “Not Rated” within the Fund’s shareholder reports.
See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with debt obligations include: Confidential Information Access Risk, Credit Risk, Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk, Impairment of Collateral Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk and Reinvestment Risk.
Determining Average Maturity. When determining the average maturity of a Fund's portfolio, the Fund may use the effective maturity of a portfolio security by, among other things, adjusting for interest rate re-set dates, call dates or “put” dates.
Depositary Receipts
See Types of Investments – Foreign Securities below.
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Derivatives
General
Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are based on (or “derived” from) traditional securities (such as a stock or a bond), assets (such as a commodity, like gold), reference rates (such as LIBOR), market indices (such as the S& P 500 ® Index) or customized baskets of securities or instruments. Some forms of derivatives, such as exchange-traded futures and options on securities, commodities, or indices, are traded on regulated exchanges. These types of derivatives are standardized contracts that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and published daily. Non-standardized derivatives, on the other hand, tend to be more specialized or complex, and may be harder to value. Many derivative instruments often require little or no initial payment and therefore often create inherent economic leverage. Derivatives, when used properly, can enhance returns and be useful in hedging portfolios and managing risk. Some common types of derivatives include futures; options; options on futures; forward foreign currency exchange contracts; forward contracts on securities and securities indices; linked securities and structured products; CMOs; stripped securities; warrants and rights; swap agreements and swaptions.
A Fund may use derivatives for a variety of reasons, including, for example: (i) to enhance its return; (ii) to attempt to protect against possible unfavorable changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for its portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations ( i.e. , to hedge); (iii) to protect its unrealized gains reflected in the value of its portfolio securities; (iv) to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes; (v) to reduce transaction costs; (vi) to manage the effective maturity or duration of its portfolio; and/or (vii) to maintain cash reserves while remaining fully invested.
A Fund may use any or all of the above investment techniques and may purchase different types of derivative instruments at any time and in any combination. The use of derivatives is a function of numerous variables, including market conditions. See also Types of Investments – Warrants and Rights and When Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions .
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with transactions in derivatives (including the derivatives instruments discussed below) include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Derivatives Risk, Derivatives Risk/Credit Default Swaps Risk, Derivatives Risk/Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk, Derivatives Risk/Commodity-Linked Futures Contracts Risk, Derivatives Risk/Commodity-Linked Structured Notes Risk, Derivatives Risk/Commodity-Linked Swaps, Derivatives Risk/Forward Interest Rate Agreements Risk, Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk, Derivatives Risk/Interest Rate Swaps Risk, Derivatives Risk/Inverse Floaters Risk, Derivatives Risk/Options Risk, Derivatives Risk/Portfolio Swaps and Total Return Swaps Risk, Derivatives Risk/Total Return Swaps Risk, and Derivatives Risk/Warrants Risk.
Indexed or Linked Securities (Structured Products)
General . Indexed or linked securities, also often referred to as “structured products,” are instruments that may have varying combinations of equity and debt characteristics. These instruments are structured to recast the investment characteristics of the underlying security or reference asset. If the issuer is a unit investment trust or other special purpose vehicle, the structuring will typically involve the deposit with or purchase by such issuer of specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans or securities) and/or the execution of various derivative transactions, and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities (structured securities) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments.
Indexed and Inverse Floating Rate Securities. A Fund may invest in securities that provide a potential return based on a particular index or interest rates. For example, a Fund may invest in debt securities that pay interest based on an index of interest rates. The principal amount payable upon maturity of certain securities also may be based on the value of the index. To the extent a Fund invests in these types of securities, a Fund’s return on such securities will rise and fall with the value of the particular index: that is, if the value of the index falls, the value of the indexed securities owned by a Fund will fall. Interest and principal payable on certain securities may also be based on relative changes among particular indices.
A Fund may also invest in so-called “inverse floaters” or “residual interest bonds” on which the interest rates vary inversely with a floating rate (which may be reset periodically by a dutch auction, a remarketing agent, or by reference to a short-term tax-exempt interest rate index). A Fund may purchase synthetically-created inverse floating rate bonds evidenced by custodial or trust receipts. A trust funds the purchase of a bond by issuing two classes of certificates: short-term floating rate notes (typically sold to third parties) and the inverse floaters (also known as residual certificates). No additional income beyond that provided by the trust’s underlying bond is created; rather, that income is merely divided-up between the two classes of certificates. Generally, income on inverse floating rate bonds will decrease when interest rates increase, and will increase when interest rates decrease. Such securities can have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in response to changes in market interest rates at a rate that is a multiple of the actual rate at which fixed-rate securities increase or
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decrease in response to such changes. As a result, the market values of such securities will generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate securities. To seek to limit the volatility of these securities, a Fund may purchase inverse floating obligations that have shorter-term maturities or that contain limitations on the extent to which the interest rate may vary. Certain investments in such obligations may be illiquid. Furthermore, where such a security includes a contingent liability, in the event of an adverse movement in the underlying index or interest rate, a Fund may be required to pay substantial additional margin to maintain the position.
Credit-Linked Securities. Among the income-producing securities in which a Fund may invest are credit linked securities. The issuers of these securities frequently are limited purpose trusts or other special purpose vehicles that, in turn, invest in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain fixed income markets. For instance, a Fund may invest in credit-linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to a certain market and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income-producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, investments in these credit linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on or linked to the issuer’s receipt of payments from, and the issuer’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the issuer invests. For instance, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the issuer would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and/or principal that a Fund would receive. A Fund’s investments in these securities are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments. These securities generally are exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.
Index-, Commodity- and Currency-Linked Securities. “Index-linked” or “commodity-linked” notes are debt securities of companies that call for interest payments and/or payment at maturity in different terms than the typical note where the borrower agrees to make fixed interest payments and to pay a fixed sum at maturity. Principal and/or interest payments on an index-linked or commodity-linked note depend on the performance of one or more market indices, such as the S&P 500 ® Index, a weighted index of commodity futures such as crude oil, gasoline and natural gas or the market prices of a particular commodity or basket of commodities or securities. Currency-linked debt securities are short-term or intermediate-term instruments having a value at maturity, and/or an interest rate, determined by reference to one or more foreign currencies. Payment of principal or periodic interest may be calculated as a multiple of the movement of one currency against another currency, or against an index.
Index-, commodity- and currency-linked securities may entail substantial risks. Such instruments may be subject to significant price volatility. The company issuing the instrument may fail to pay the amount due on maturity. The underlying investment may not perform as expected by a Fund’s portfolio manager. Markets and underlying investments and indexes may move in a direction that was not anticipated by a Fund’s portfolio manager. Performance of the derivatives may be influenced by interest rate and other market changes in the United States and abroad, and certain derivative instruments may be illiquid.
Linked securities are often issued by unit investment trusts. Examples of this include such index-linked securities as S&P Depositary Receipts (SPDRs), which is an interest in a unit investment trust holding a portfolio of securities linked to the S&P 500 ® Index, and a type of exchange-traded fund (ETF). Because a unit investment trust is an investment company under the 1940 Act, a Fund’s investments in SPDRs are subject to the limitations set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, although the SEC has issued exemptive relief permitting investment companies such as the Funds to invest beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A) subject to certain conditions. SPDRs generally closely track the underlying portfolio of securities, trade like a share of common stock and pay periodic dividends proportionate to those paid by the portfolio of stocks that comprise the S&P 500 ® Index. As a holder of interests in a unit investment trust, a Fund would indirectly bear its ratable share of that unit investment trust’s expenses. At the same time, a Fund would continue to pay its own management and advisory fees and other expenses, as a result of which a Fund and its shareholders in effect would be absorbing levels of fees with respect to investments in such unit investment trusts.
Because linked securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Investments in structured products may be structured as a class that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated linked securities typically have higher rates of return and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured products. Structured products sometimes are sold in private placement transactions and often have a limited trading market.
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Investments in linked securities have the potential to lead to significant losses because of unexpected movements in the underlying financial asset, index, currency or other investment. The ability of a Fund to utilize linked securities successfully will depend on its ability correctly to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Because currency-linked securities usually relate to foreign currencies, some of which may be currencies from emerging market countries, there are certain additional risks associated with such investments.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
Futures Contracts. A futures contract sale creates an obligation by the seller to deliver the type of security or other asset called for in the contract at a specified delivery time for a stated price. A futures contract purchase creates an obligation by the purchaser to take delivery of the type of security or other asset called for in the contract at a specified delivery time for a stated price. The specific security or other asset delivered or taken at the settlement date is not determined until on or near that date. The determination is made in accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the futures contract was made. A Fund may enter into futures contracts which are traded on national or foreign futures exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying security or other asset. Futures exchanges and trading in the United States are regulated under the CEA by the CFTC, a U.S. Government agency. See Types of Investments – Derivatives – CFTC Regulation below for information on CFTC regulation.
Traders in futures contracts may be broadly classified as either “hedgers” or “speculators.” Hedgers use the futures markets primarily to offset unfavorable changes (anticipated or potential) in the value of securities or other assets currently owned or expected to be acquired by them. Speculators less often own the securities or other assets underlying the futures contracts which they trade, and generally use futures contracts with the expectation of realizing profits from fluctuations in the value of the underlying securities or other assets.
Upon entering into futures contracts, in compliance with regulatory requirements, cash or liquid securities, equal in value to the amount of a Fund’s obligation under the contract (less any applicable margin deposits and any assets that constitute “cover” for such obligation), will be segregated with a Fund’s custodian.
Unlike when a Fund purchases or sells a security, no price is paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract, although a Fund is required to deposit with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash and/or U.S. Government securities in order to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. This amount is known as “initial margin.” The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in security transactions, in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by a Fund to finance the transactions. Rather, initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying security or other asset) that is returned to a Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Minimum initial margin requirements are established by the relevant futures exchange and may be changed. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin which may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded. Subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the broker (or the custodian) are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying security or other asset fluctuates, a process known as “marking to market.” If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of additional variation margin will be required. Conversely, a change in the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made for as long as the contract remains open. A Fund expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.
Although futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery or acceptance of securities or other assets (stock index futures contracts or futures contracts that reference other intangible assets do not permit delivery of the referenced assets), the contracts usually are closed out before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery. A Fund may elect to close some or all of its futures positions at any time prior to their expiration. The purpose of taking such action would be to reduce or eliminate the position then currently held by a Fund. Closing out an open futures position is done by taking an opposite position (“buying” a contract which has previously been “sold,” “selling” a contract previously “purchased”) in an identical contract ( i.e. , the same aggregate amount of the specific type of security or other asset with the same delivery date) to terminate the position. Final determinations are made as to whether the price of the initial sale of the futures contract exceeds or is below the price of the offsetting purchase, or whether the purchase price exceeds or is below the offsetting sale price. Final determinations of variation margin are then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to a Fund, and a Fund realizes a loss or a gain. Brokerage commissions are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold.
Successful use of futures contracts by a Fund is subject to its portfolio manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and other factors affecting securities and commodities markets. This requires different skills and techniques than those required to predict changes in the prices of individual securities. A Fund, therefore, bears the risk that future market trends will be incorrectly predicted.
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The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some strategies can be substantial, due both to the relatively low margin deposits required and the potential for an extremely high degree of leverage involved in futures contracts. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in an immediate and substantial loss to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit if the contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount posted as initial margin for the contract.
In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments in order to maintain its required margin. In such a situation, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities in order to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The inability to close the futures position also could have an adverse impact on the ability to hedge effectively.
To reduce or eliminate a hedge position held by a Fund, a Fund may seek to close out a position. The ability to establish and close out positions will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that this market will develop or continue to exist for a particular futures contract, which may limit a Fund’s ability to realize its profits or limit its losses. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain contracts; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions, closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of contracts, or underlying securities; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances, such as volume in excess of trading or clearing capability, may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or a clearing corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of contracts (or a particular class or series of contracts), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in the class or series of contracts) would cease to exist, although outstanding contracts on the exchange that had been issued by a clearing corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
Interest Rate Futures Contracts. Bond prices are established in both the cash market and the futures market. In the cash market, bonds are purchased and sold with payment for the full purchase price of the bond being made in cash, generally within five business days after the trade. In the futures market, a contract is made to purchase or sell a bond in the future for a set price on a certain date. Historically, the prices for bonds established in the futures markets have tended to move generally in the aggregate in concert with the cash market prices and have maintained fairly predictable relationships. Accordingly, a Fund may use interest rate futures contracts as a defense, or hedge, against anticipated interest rate changes. A Fund presently could accomplish a similar result to that which it hopes to achieve through the use of interest rate futures contracts by selling bonds with long maturities and investing in bonds with short maturities when interest rates are expected to increase, or conversely, selling bonds with short maturities and investing in bonds with long maturities when interest rates are expected to decline. However, because of the liquidity that is often available in the futures market, the protection is more likely to be achieved, perhaps at a lower cost and without changing the rate of interest being earned by a Fund, through using futures contracts.
Interest rate futures contracts are traded in an auction environment on the floors of several exchanges — principally, the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange. Each exchange guarantees performance under contract provisions through a clearing corporation, a nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership. A public market exists in futures contracts covering various financial instruments including long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes; GNMA modified pass-through mortgage backed securities; three-month U.S. Treasury Bills; and ninety-day commercial paper. A Fund may also invest in exchange-traded Eurodollar contracts, which are interest rate futures on the forward level of LIBOR. These contracts are generally considered liquid securities and trade on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Such Eurodollar contracts are generally used to “lock-in” or hedge the future level of short-term rates. A Fund may trade in any interest rate futures contracts for which there exists a public market, including, without limitation, the foregoing instruments.
Index Futures Contracts. An index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of an index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Entering into a contract to buy units of an index is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position in the index. Entering into a contract to sell units of an index is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position in the index. A unit is the current value of the index. A Fund may enter into stock index futures contracts, debt index futures contracts, or other index futures contracts appropriate to its objective(s).
Municipal Bond Index Futures Contracts. Municipal bond index futures contracts may act as a hedge against changes in market conditions. A municipal bond index assigns values daily to the municipal bonds included in the index based on the independent assessment of dealer-to-dealer municipal bond brokers. A municipal bond index futures contract represents a firm
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commitment by which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount equal to a specified dollar amount multiplied by the difference between the municipal bond index value on the last trading date of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the underlying securities in the index is made.
Commodity-Linked Futures Contracts. Commodity-linked futures contracts are traded on futures exchanges. These futures exchanges offer a central marketplace in which to transact in futures contracts, a clearing corporation to process trades, and standardization of expiration dates and contract sizes. Futures markets also specify the terms and conditions of delivery as well as the maximum permissible price movement during a trading session. Additionally, the commodity futures exchanges may have position limit rules that limit the amount of futures contracts that any one party may hold in a particular commodity at any point in time. These position limit rules are designed to prevent any one participant from controlling a significant portion of the market.
Commodity-linked futures contracts are generally based upon commodities within six main commodity groups: (1) energy, which includes, among others, crude oil, brent crude oil, gas oil, natural gas, gasoline and heating oil; (2) livestock, which includes, among others, feeder cattle, live cattle and hogs; (3) agriculture, which includes, among others, wheat (Kansas wheat and Chicago wheat), corn and soybeans; (4) industrial metals, which includes, among others, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel and zinc; and (5) precious metals, which includes, among others, gold and silver; and (6) softs, which includes cotton, coffee, sugar and cocoa. A Fund may purchase commodity futures contracts, swaps on commodity futures contracts, options on futures contracts and options and futures on commodity indices with respect to these six main commodity groups and the individual commodities within each group, as well as other types of commodities.
The price of a commodity futures contract will reflect the storage costs of purchasing the physical commodity. These storage costs include the time value of money invested in the physical commodity plus the actual costs of storing the commodity less any benefits from ownership of the physical commodity that are not obtained by the holder of a futures contract (this is sometimes referred to as the “convenience yield”). To the extent that these storage costs change for an underlying commodity while a Fund is long futures contracts on that commodity, the value of the futures contract may change proportionately.
In the commodity futures markets, if producers of the underlying commodity wish to hedge the price risk of selling the commodity, they will sell futures contracts today to lock in the price of the commodity at delivery tomorrow. In order to induce speculators to take the corresponding long side of the same futures contract, the commodity producer must be willing to sell the futures contract at a price that is below the expected future spot price. Conversely, if the predominant hedgers in the futures market are the purchasers of the underlying commodity who purchase futures contracts to hedge against a rise in prices, then speculators will only take the short side of the futures contract if the futures price is greater than the expected future spot price of the commodity.
The changing nature of the hedgers and speculators in the commodity markets will influence whether futures contract prices are above or below the expected future spot price. This can have significant implications for a Fund when it is time to replace an existing contract with a new contract. If the nature of hedgers and speculators in futures markets has shifted such that commodity purchasers are the predominant hedgers in the market, a Fund might open the new futures position at a higher price or choose other related commodity-linked investments.
The values of commodities which underlie commodity futures contracts are subject to additional variables which may be less significant to the values of traditional securities such as stocks and bonds. Variables such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes and tariffs may have a larger impact on commodity prices and commodity-linked investments, including futures contracts, commodity-linked structured notes, commodity-linked options and commodity-linked swaps, than on traditional securities. These additional variables may create additional investment risks which subject a Fund’s commodity-linked investments to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.
Options on Futures Contracts. A Fund may purchase and write call and put options on those futures contracts that it is permitted to buy or sell. A Fund may use such options on futures contracts in lieu of writing options directly on the underlying securities or other assets or purchasing and selling the underlying futures contracts. Such options generally operate in the same manner as options purchased or written directly on the underlying investments. A futures option gives the holder, in return for the premium paid, the right, but not the obligation, to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the writer of the option a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise, the writer of the option is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of the futures contract and the exercise price. Like the buyer or seller of a futures contract, the holder or writer of an option has the right to terminate its position prior to the scheduled expiration of the option by selling or purchasing an option of the same series, at which time the person entering into the closing purchase transaction will realize a gain or loss. There is no guarantee that such closing purchase transactions can be effected.
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A Fund will enter into written options on futures contracts only when, in compliance with regulatory requirements, it has segregated cash or liquid securities equal in value to the underlying security’s or other asset’s value (less any applicable margin deposits). A Fund will be required to deposit initial margin and maintenance margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it pursuant to brokers’ requirements similar to those described above.
Options on Index Futures Contracts. A Fund may also purchase and sell options on index futures contracts. Options on index futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in an index 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 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 index 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 index future. 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 index on which the future is 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.
Options on Stocks, Stock Indices and Other Indices. A Fund may purchase and write ( i.e. , sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular stocks or stock indices, and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC). Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks.
There is a key difference between stock options and index options in connection with their exercise. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the securities included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the S&P 500 ® Index or a narrower market index, such as the S&P 100 ® Index. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment.
A Fund may, for the purpose of hedging its portfolio, subject to applicable securities regulations, purchase and write put and call options on foreign stock indices listed on foreign and domestic stock exchanges.
As an alternative to purchasing call and put options on index futures, a Fund may purchase call and put options on the underlying indices themselves. Such options could be used in a manner identical to the use of options on index futures. Options involving securities indices provide the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option based on movements in the relevant index. Such options must be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the OCC. Such options may relate to particular securities or to various stock indices, except that a Fund may not write covered options on an index.
Writing Covered Options. A Fund may write covered call options and covered put options on securities held in its portfolio. Call options written by a Fund give the purchaser the right to buy the underlying securities from a Fund at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the security’s market price; put options give the purchaser the right to sell the underlying securities to a Fund at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the security’s market price.
A Fund may write covered options, which means that, so long as a Fund is obligated as the writer of a call option, it will own the underlying securities subject to the option (or comparable securities satisfying the cover requirements of securities exchanges). In the case of put options, a Fund will hold liquid assets equal to the price to be paid if the option is exercised. In addition, a Fund will be considered to have covered a put or call option if and to the extent that it holds an option that offsets some or all of the risk of the option it has written. A Fund may write combinations of covered puts and calls (straddles) on the same underlying security.
A Fund will receive a premium from writing a put or call option, which increases a Fund’s return on the underlying security if the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. The amount of the premium reflects, among other things, the relationship between the exercise price and the current market value of the underlying security, the volatility of the underlying security, the amount of time remaining until expiration, current interest rates, and the effect of supply and demand in the options market and in the market for the underlying security. By writing a call option, a Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option but continues to bear the risk of a
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decline in the value of the underlying security. By writing a put option, a Fund assumes the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security for an exercise price higher than the security’s then-current market value, resulting in a potential capital loss unless the security subsequently appreciates in value.
A Fund’s obligation to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by a Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an offsetting option of the same series ( i.e. , same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected in order to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. A Fund realizes a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction (option premium plus transaction costs) is less or more than the premium received from writing the option. Because increases in the market price of a call option generally reflect increases in the market price of the security underlying the option, any loss resulting from a closing purchase transaction may be offset in whole or in part by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security.
If a Fund writes a call option but does not own the underlying security, and when it writes a put option, a Fund may be required to deposit cash or securities with its broker as “margin” or collateral for its obligation to buy or sell the underlying security. As the value of the underlying security varies, a Fund may also have to deposit additional margin with the broker. Margin requirements are complex and are fixed by individual brokers, subject to minimum requirements currently imposed by the Federal Reserve Board and by stock exchanges and other self-regulatory organizations.
Purchasing Put Options. A Fund may purchase put options to protect its portfolio holdings in an underlying security against a decline in market value. Such hedge protection is provided during the life of the put option since a Fund, as holder of the put option, is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise price regardless of any decline in the underlying security’s market price. For a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. By using put options in this manner, a Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have realized from appreciation of the underlying security by the premium paid for the put option and by transaction costs.
Purchasing Call Options. A Fund may purchase call options, including call options to hedge against an increase in the price of securities that a Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection is provided during the life of the call option since a Fund, as holder of the call option, is able to buy the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any increase in the underlying security’s market price. In order for a call option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. These costs will reduce any profit a Fund might have realized had it bought the underlying security at the time it purchased the call option.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options. OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) are generally established through negotiation with the other party to the options contract. A Fund will enter into OTC options transactions only with primary dealers in U.S. Government securities and, in the case of OTC options written by a Fund, only pursuant to agreements that will assure that a Fund will at all times have the right to repurchase the option written by it from the dealer at a specified formula price. A Fund will treat the amount by which such formula price exceeds the amount, if any, by which the option may be “in-the-money” as an illiquid investment. It is the present policy of a Fund not to enter into any OTC option transaction if, as a result, more than 15% (10% in some cases; refer to your Fund’s prospectuses) of a Fund’s net assets would be invested in (i) illiquid investments (determined under the foregoing formula) relating to OTC options written by a Fund, (ii) OTC options purchased by a Fund, (iii) securities which are not readily marketable, and (iv) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
Swap Agreements
Swap agreements are derivative instruments that can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease a Fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. A Fund may enter into a variety of swap agreements, including interest rate, index, commodity, commodity futures, equity, equity index, credit default, bond futures, total return, portfolio and currency exchange rate swap agreements, and other types of swap agreements such as caps, collars and floors. A Fund also may enter into swaptions, which are options to enter into a swap agreement.
Swap agreements are usually entered into without an upfront payment because the value of each party’s position is the same. The market values of the underlying commitments will change over time, resulting in one of the commitments being worth more than the other and the net market value creating a risk exposure for one party or the other.
In a typical interest rate swap, one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a floating interest rate times a “notional principal amount,” in return for payments equal to a fixed rate times the same amount, for a specified period of time. If a swap agreement provides for payments in different currencies, the parties might agree to exchange notional principal amounts as well.
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In a total return swap agreement, the non-floating rate side of the swap is based on the total return of an individual security, a basket of securities, an index or another reference asset. Swaps may also depend on other prices or rates, such as the value of an index or mortgage prepayment rates.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. A collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor. In interest rate collar transactions, one party sells a cap and purchases a floor, or vice versa, in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels or collar amounts.
Swap agreements will tend to shift a Fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if a Fund agreed to pay fixed rates in exchange for floating rates while holding fixed-rate bonds, the swap would tend to decrease a Fund’s exposure to long-term interest rates. Another example is if a Fund agreed to exchange payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency. In that case, the swap agreement would tend to decrease a Fund’s exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates.
Because swaps are two-party contracts that may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. If a swap is not liquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.
Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. When a counterparty’s obligations are not fully secured by collateral, then the Fund is essentially an unsecured creditor of the counterparty. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund will have contractual remedies, but there is no assurance that a counterparty will be able to meet its obligations pursuant to such contracts or that, in the event of default, the Fund will succeed in enforcing contractual remedies. Counterparty risk still exists even if a counterparty’s obligations are secured by collateral because the Fund’s interest in collateral may not be perfected or additional collateral may not be promptly posted as required. Counterparty risk also may be more pronounced if a counterparty’s obligations exceed the amount of collateral held by the Fund (if any), the Fund is unable to exercise its interest in collateral upon default by the counterparty, or the termination value of the instrument varies significantly from the marked-to-market value of the instrument.
Counterparty risk with respect to derivatives will be affected by new rules and regulations affecting the derivatives market. Some derivatives transactions are required to be centrally cleared, and a party to a cleared derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivative transaction. Credit risk of market participants with respect to derivatives that are centrally cleared is concentrated in a few clearing houses, and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system. A clearing member is obligated by contract and by applicable regulation to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to cleared derivatives transactions from the clearing member’s proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are generally held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account, and the clearing member may invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. The assets of a Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of a Fund’s clearing member, because the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing broker’s customers for a relevant account class. Also, the clearing member is required to transfer to the clearing organization the amount of margin required by the clearing organization for cleared derivatives, which amounts are generally held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization for all customers of the clearing member. Regulations promulgated by the CFTC require that the clearing member notify the clearing house of the amount of initial margin provided by the clearing member to the clearing organization that is attributable to each customer. However, if the clearing member does not provide accurate reporting, the Funds are subject to the risk that a clearing organization will use a Fund’s assets held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. In addition, clearing members generally provide to the clearing organization the net amount of variation margin required for cleared swaps for all of its customers in the aggregate, rather than the gross amount of each customer. The Funds are therefore subject to the risk that a clearing organization will not make variation margin payments owed to a Fund if another customer of the clearing member has suffered a loss and is in default, and the risk that a Fund will be required to provide additional variation margin to the clearing house before the clearing house will move the Fund’s cleared derivatives transactions to another clearing member. In addition, if
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a clearing member does not comply with the applicable regulations or its agreement with the Funds, or in the event of fraud or misappropriation of customer assets by a clearing member, a Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the clearing member with respect to the margin held by the clearing member.
Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swap agreements are often used to obtain or preserve a desired return or spread at a lower cost than through a direct investment in an instrument that yields the desired return or spread. They are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate cash flow for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. In a standard interest rate swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange their respective commitments to pay fixed or floating interest rates on a predetermined specified (notional) amount. The swap agreement’s notional amount is the predetermined basis for calculating the obligations that the swap counterparties have agreed to exchange. Under most swap agreements, the obligations of the parties are exchanged on a net basis. The two payment streams are netted out, with each party receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Interest rate swaps can be based on various measures of interest rates, including LIBOR, swap rates, Treasury rates and foreign interest rates.
Credit Default Swap Agreements. A Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements, which may have as reference obligations one or more securities or a basket of securities that are or are not currently held by a Fund. The protection “buyer” in a credit default contract is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap. If a Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, a Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, a Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, a Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
Credit default swap agreements may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly since, in addition to risks relating to the reference obligation, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. A Fund will enter into credit default swap agreements generally with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. A buyer generally will lose its investment and recover nothing if no credit event occurs and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the seller.
A Fund’s obligations under a credit default swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund). In connection with credit default swaps in which a Fund is the buyer, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or other liquid assets, or enter into certain offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the Fund’s exposure (any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed by the Fund to any counterparty), on a mark-to-market basis. In connection with credit default swaps in which a Fund is the seller, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or other liquid assets, or enter into offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the full notional amount of the swap (minus any amounts owed to the Fund). Such segregation or “earmarking” will ensure that a Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction. Such segregation or “earmarking” will not limit a Fund’s exposure to loss.
Equity Swaps. A Fund may engage in equity swaps. Equity swaps allow the parties to the swap agreement to exchange components of return on one equity investment ( e.g. , a basket of equity securities or an index) for a component of return on another non-equity or equity investment, including an exchange of differential rates of return. Equity swaps may be used to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances where direct investment may be restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impractical. Equity swaps also may be used for other purposes, such as hedging or seeking to increase total return.
Total Return Swap Agreements. Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of the assets underlying the contract, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. Total return swap agreements may effectively add leverage to a Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
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Total return swap agreements are subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations to a Fund thereunder, and conversely, that a Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, a Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis ( i.e. , the two payment streams are netted against one another with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by a Fund. If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of a Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of a Fund’s obligations will be segregated by a Fund in an amount equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the total return swap agreement or the amount it would have cost a Fund initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount a Fund is obligated to pay or is to receive under the total return swap agreement.
Variance, Volatility and Correlation Swap Agreements. Variance and volatility swaps are contracts that provide exposure to increases or decreases in the volatility of certain referenced assets. Correlation swaps are contracts that provide exposure to increases or decreases in the correlation between the prices of different assets or different market rates.
Commodity-Linked Swaps. Commodity-linked swaps are two-party contracts in which the parties agree to exchange the return or interest rate on one instrument for the return of a particular commodity, commodity index or commodities futures or options contract. The payment streams are calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. A one-period swap contract operates in a manner similar to a forward or futures contract because there is an agreement to swap a commodity for cash at only one forward date. A Fund may engage in swap transactions that have more than one period and therefore more than one exchange of commodities.
A Fund may invest in total return commodity swaps to gain exposure to the overall commodity markets. In a total return commodity swap, a Fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If the commodity swap is for one period, the Fund will pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, the Fund will pay an adjustable or floating fee. With a “floating” rate, the fee is pegged to a base rate such as LIBOR, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, a Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.
Cross Currency Swaps. Cross currency swaps are similar to interest rate swaps, except that they involve multiple currencies. A Fund may enter into a cross currency swap when it has exposure to one currency and desires exposure to a different currency. Typically, the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. In addition to paying and receiving amounts at the beginning and termination of the agreements, both sides will have to pay in full periodically based upon the currency they have borrowed. Changes in foreign exchange currency rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.
Contracts for Differences. Contracts for differences are swap arrangements in which the parties agree that their return (or loss) will be based on the relative performance of two different groups or baskets of securities. Often, one or both baskets will be an established securities index. A Fund’s return will be based on changes in value of theoretical long futures positions in the securities comprising one basket (with an aggregate face value equal to the notional amount of the contract for differences) and theoretical short futures positions in the securities comprising the other basket. A Fund also may use actual long and short futures positions and achieve similar market exposure by netting the payment obligations of the two contracts. A Fund typically enters into contracts for differences (and analogous futures positions) when its portfolio manager believes that the basket of securities constituting the long position will outperform the basket constituting the short position. If the short basket outperforms the long basket, a Fund will realize a loss — even in circumstances when the securities in both the long and short baskets appreciate in value.
Swaptions. A swaption is an options contract on a swap agreement. These transactions give a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into new swap agreements or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement (which are described herein) at some designated future time on specified terms, in return for payment of the purchase price (the “premium”) of the option. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions to the same extent it may make use of standard options on securities or other instruments. The writer of the contract receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the market value on the underlying swap agreement. Swaptions can be bundled and sold as a package. These are commonly called interest rate caps, floors and collars (which are described herein).
Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively. Many over-the-counter derivatives are complex and their valuation often requires modeling and judgment, which increases the risk of mispricing or incorrect valuation. The pricing models used may not produce valuations that are consistent with the values the Fund realizes when it closes or sells an over-the-counter derivative. Valuation risk is more pronounced when the Fund enters into over-the-counter derivatives with specialized terms because the
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market value of those derivatives in some cases is determined in part by reference to similar derivatives with more standardized terms. Incorrect valuations may result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties, undercollateralization and/or errors in calculation of the Fund’s net asset value.
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) established a framework for the regulation of OTC swap markets; the framework outlined the joint responsibility of the CFTC and the SEC in regulating swaps. The CFTC is responsible for the regulation of swaps, the SEC is responsible for the regulation of security-based swaps and they are both jointly responsible for the regulation of mixed swaps.
Risk of Potential Governmental Regulation of Derivatives
It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures and swap agreements, may limit or prevent the Funds from using such instruments as a part of their investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent the Funds from being able to achieve their investment objectives. The effects of present or future legislation and regulation in this area are not known, but the effects could be substantial and adverse.
The futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. In addition, the SEC, CFTC and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the implementation or reduction of speculative position limits, the implementation of higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension of trading.
The regulation of swaps and futures transactions in the U.S. is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. There is a possibility of future regulatory changes altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in a Fund or the ability of a Fund to continue to implement its investment strategies. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law in July 2010, will change the way in which the U.S. financial system is supervised and regulated. Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act sets forth a new legislative framework for OTC derivatives, such as swaps, in which the Funds may invest. Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act makes broad changes to the OTC derivatives market, grants significant new authority to the SEC and the CFTC to regulate OTC derivatives and market participants, and will require clearing of many OTC derivatives transactions.
Additional Risk Factors in Cleared Derivatives Transactions
Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps (including interest rate swaps and credit default swaps on North American and European indices) are required to be centrally cleared. In a transaction involving those swaps (“cleared derivatives”), a Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Funds are not members of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Funds will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Funds will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house.
In many ways, centrally cleared derivative arrangements are less favorable to mutual funds than bilateral arrangements. For example, the Funds may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives positions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to a bilateral derivatives position, following a period of notice to a Fund, a clearing member generally can require termination of an existing cleared derivatives position at any time or increases in margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing positions or to terminate those positions at any time. Any increase in margin requirements or termination of existing cleared derivatives positions by the clearing member or the clearing house could interfere with the ability of a Fund to pursue its investment strategy. Further, any increase in margin requirements by a clearing member could also expose a Fund to greater credit risk to its clearing member, because margin for cleared derivatives transactions in excess of clearing house’s margin requirements typically is held by the clearing member. Also, a Fund is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or that the Adviser expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund’s behalf. While the documentation in place between the Funds and their clearing members generally provides that the clearing members will accept for clearing all transactions submitted for clearing that are within credit limits (specified in advance) for each Fund, the Funds are still subject to the risk that no clearing member will be willing or able to clear a transaction. In those cases, the position might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the position, including loss of an increase in the value of the position and/or loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Funds and clearing members is developed by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Funds than typical bilateral derivatives documentation. For example, documentation relating to cleared derivatives generally includes a one-way indemnity by the Funds in favor of the clearing member for losses the clearing member incurs as the Funds’ clearing member and typically does not provide the Funds any remedies if the clearing member defaults or becomes insolvent. While futures contracts entail similar risks, the risks likely are more pronounced for cleared swaps due to their more limited liquidity and market history.
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Some types of cleared derivatives are required to be executed on an exchange or on a swap execution facility. A swap execution facility is a trading platform where multiple market participants can execute derivatives by accepting bids and offers made by multiple other participants in the platform. While this execution requirement is designed to increase transparency and liquidity in the cleared derivatives market, trading on a swap execution facility can create additional costs and risks for the Funds. For example, swap execution facilities typically charge fees, and if a Fund executes derivatives on a swap execution facility through a broker intermediary, the intermediary may impose fees as well. Also, a Fund may indemnify a swap execution facility, or a broker intermediary who executes cleared derivatives on a swap execution facility on the Fund’s behalf, against any losses or costs that may be incurred as a result of the Fund’s transactions on the swap execution facility.
These and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, further restrict a Fund’s ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations are new and evolving, so their potential impact on the Funds and the financial system are not yet known. While the new regulations and the central clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk ( i.e. , the risk that the interdependence of large derivatives dealers could cause a number of those dealers to suffer liquidity, solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that the new clearing mechanisms will achieve that result, and in the meantime, as noted above, central clearing and related requirements expose the Funds to new kinds of risks and costs.
CFTC Regulation
Neither the Investment Manager nor the Funds are subject to dual regulation by the SEC and the CFTC. Compliance with the CFTC’s new regulatory requirements could increase Fund expenses, adversely affecting a Fund’s total return.
Each of the other Funds listed on the cover of this SAI qualifies for an exclusion from the definition of a commodity pool under the CEA and has filed a notice of exclusion under CFTC Rule 4.5. Accordingly, the Investment Manager is not subject to registration or regulation as a “commodity pool operator” under the CEA with respect to these Funds. To remain eligible for the exclusion, each of these Funds is limited in its ability to use certain financial instruments regulated under the CEA (“commodity interests”), including futures and options on futures and certain swaps transactions. In the event that a Fund’s investments in commodity interests are not within the thresholds set forth in the exclusion, the Investment Manager may be required to register as a “commodity pool operator” with the CFTC with respect to that Fund. The Investment Manager’s eligibility to claim the exclusion with respect to a Fund will be based upon, among other things, the level and scope of a Fund’s investments in commodity interests, the purposes of such investments and the manner in which the Fund holds out its use of commodity interests. Each such Fund’s ability to invest in commodity interests (including, but not limited to, futures and swaps on broad-based securities indexes and interest rates) is limited by the Investment Manager’s intention to operate the Fund in a manner that would permit the Investment Manager to continue to claim the exclusion under CFTC Rule 4.5, which may adversely affect the Fund’s total return. In the event the Investment Manager becomes unable to rely on the exclusion in Rule 4.5 and is required to register with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator with respect to a Fund, the Fund’s expenses may increase, adversely affecting that Fund’s total return.
Dollar Rolls
Dollar rolls involve selling securities ( e.g. , mortgage-backed securities or U.S. Treasury securities) and simultaneously entering into a commitment to purchase those or similar securities on a specified future date and price from the same party. Mortgage dollar rolls and U.S. Treasury rolls are types of dollar rolls. A Fund foregoes principal and interest paid on the securities during the “roll” period. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase of the securities, as well as the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The investor also could be compensated through the receipt of fee income equivalent to a lower forward price.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with mortgage dollar rolls include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk and Interest Rate Risk.
Equity-Linked Notes
An equity-linked note (ELN) is a debt instrument whose value is based on the value of a single equity security, basket of equity securities or an index of equity securities (each, an Underlying Equity). An ELN typically provides interest income, thereby offering a yield advantage over investing directly in an Underlying Equity. The Fund may purchase ELNs that trade on a securities exchange or those that trade on the over-the-counter markets, including Rule 144A securities. The Fund may also purchase ELNs in a privately negotiated transaction with the issuer of the ELNs (or its broker-dealer affiliate). The Fund may or may not hold an ELN until its maturity.
Equity-linked securities also include issues such as Structured Yield Product Exchangeable for Stock (STRYPES), Trust Automatic Common Exchange Securities (TRACES), Trust Issued Mandatory Exchange Securities (TIMES) and Trust Enhanced Dividend Securities (TRENDS). The issuers of these equity-linked securities generally purchase and hold a portfolio
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of stripped U.S. Treasury securities maturing on a quarterly basis through the conversion date, and a forward purchase contract with an existing shareholder of the company relating to the common stock. Quarterly distributions on such equity-linked securities generally consist of the cash received from the U.S. Treasury securities and such equity-linked securities generally are not entitled to any dividends that may be declared on the common stock.
Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar and Related Derivatives Instruments
Eurodollar instruments are bonds that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars held in banks outside the United States, primarily in Europe. Eurodollar instruments are usually issued on behalf of multinational companies and foreign governments by large underwriting groups composed of banks and issuing houses from many countries. Yankee Dollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated bonds issued in the United States by foreign banks and corporations. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers.
Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. A Fund may use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in the LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments are linked.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar instruments include: Credit Risk, Foreign Securities Risk, Interest Rate Risk and Issuer Risk.
Foreign Currency Transactions
Because investments in foreign securities usually involve currencies of foreign countries and because a Fund may hold cash and cash equivalent investments in foreign currencies, the value of a Fund’s assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. Also, a Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing a Fund’s NAV to fluctuate. Currency exchange rates are generally determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets, actual or anticipated changes in interest rates, and other complex factors. Currency exchange rates also can be affected by the intervention of U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments.
Spot Rates and Derivative Instruments . A Fund may conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either at the spot (cash) rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or by entering into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (forward contracts). (See Types of Investments – Derivatives .) These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of such derivative instruments, a Fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
A Fund may enter into forward contracts for a variety of reasons, including for risk management (hedging) or for investment purposes.
When a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency or has been notified of a dividend or interest payment, it may desire to lock in the price of the security or the amount of the payment, usually in U.S. dollars, although it could desire to lock in the price of the security in another currency. By entering into a forward contract, a Fund would be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between different currencies from the date the security is purchased or sold to the date on which payment is made or received or when the dividend or interest is actually received.
A Fund may enter into forward contracts when management of the Fund believes the currency of a particular foreign country may decline in value relative to another currency. When selling currencies forward in this fashion, a Fund may seek to hedge the value of foreign securities it holds against an adverse move in exchange rates. The precise matching of forward contract amounts and the value of securities involved generally will not be possible since the future value of securities in foreign currencies more than likely will change between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult and successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
This method of protecting the value of a Fund’s securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange that can be achieved at some point in time. Although forward contracts can be used to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in value of hedged currency, they will also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of such currency increase.
A Fund may also enter into forward contracts when the Fund’s portfolio manager believes the currency of a particular country will increase in value relative to another currency. A Fund may buy currencies forward to gain exposure to a currency without incurring the additional costs of purchasing securities denominated in that currency.
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For example, the combination of U.S. dollar-denominated instruments with long forward currency exchange contracts creates a position economically equivalent to a position in the foreign currency, in anticipation of an increase in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar. Conversely, the combination of U.S. dollar-denominated instruments with short forward currency exchange contracts is economically equivalent to borrowing the foreign currency for delivery at a specified date in the future, in anticipation of a decrease in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar.
Unanticipated changes in the currency exchange results could result in poorer performance for Funds that enter into these types of transactions.
A Fund may designate cash or securities in an amount equal to the value of the Fund’s total assets committed to consummating forward contracts entered into under the circumstance set forth above. If the value of the securities declines, additional cash or securities will be designated on a daily basis so that the value of the cash or securities will equal the amount of the Fund’s commitments on such contracts.
At maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may either deliver (if a contract to sell) or take delivery of (if a contract to buy) the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation by entering into an offsetting contract with the same currency trader, having the same maturity date, and covering the same amount of foreign currency.
If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it will incur a gain or loss to the extent there has been movement in forward contract prices. If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to buy or sell the foreign currency.
Although a Fund values its assets each business day in terms of U.S. dollars, it may not intend to convert its foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. However, it will do so from time to time, and such conversions involve certain currency conversion costs. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (spread) between the prices at which they buy and sell various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should a Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
It is possible, under certain circumstances, including entering into forward currency contracts for investment purposes, that a Fund will be required to limit or restructure its forward contract currency transactions to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code.
Options on Foreign Currencies. A Fund may buy put and call options and write covered call and cash-secured put options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes and to gain exposure to foreign currencies. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which securities are denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In order to protect against the diminutions in the value of securities, a Fund may buy put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency does decline, a Fund would have the right to sell the currency for a fixed amount in dollars and would thereby offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on its portfolio that otherwise would have resulted.
Conversely, where a change in the dollar value of a currency would increase the cost of securities a Fund plans to buy, or where a Fund would benefit from increased exposure to the currency, a Fund may buy call options on the foreign currency, giving it the right to purchase the currency for a fixed amount in dollars. The purchase of the options could offset, at least partially, the changes in exchange rates.
As in the case of other types of options, however, the benefit to a Fund derived from purchases of foreign currency options would be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, a Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options that would require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in rates.
A Fund may write options on foreign currencies for similar purposes. For example, when a Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value of foreign-denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates, it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant currency, giving the option holder the right to purchase that currency from the Fund for a fixed amount in dollars. If the expected decline occurs, the option would most likely not be exercised and the diminution in value of securities would be offset, at least partially, by the amount of the premium received.
Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option when a foreign currency is expected to appreciate, a Fund could write a put option on the relevant currency, giving the option holder the right to that currency from the Fund for a fixed amount in dollars. If rates move in the manner projected, the put option would expire unexercised and allow the Fund to hedge increased cost up to the amount of the premium.
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As in the case of other types of options, however, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction. If this does not occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund would be required to buy or sell the underlying currency at a loss that may not be offset by the amount of the premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund also may be required to forego all or a portion of the benefits that might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements on exchange rates.
An option written on foreign currencies is covered if a Fund holds currency sufficient to cover the option or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that currency without additional cash consideration upon conversion of assets denominated in that currency or exchange of other currency held in its portfolio. An option writer could lose amounts substantially in excess of its initial investments, due to the margin and collateral requirements associated with such positions.
Options on foreign currencies are traded through financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign currency options also are traded on certain national securities exchanges, such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange, subject to SEC regulation. In an over-the-counter trading environment, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there are no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time. Although the purchaser of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount could be lost.
Foreign currency option positions entered into on a national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the OCC, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the over-the-counter market, potentially permitting a Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.
Foreign Currency Futures and Related Options. A Fund may enter into currency futures contracts to buy or sell currencies. It also may buy put and call options and write covered call and cash-secured put options on currency futures. Currency futures contracts are similar to currency forward contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures call for payment of delivery in U.S. dollars. A Fund may use currency futures for the same purposes as currency forward contracts, subject to CFTC limitations.
Currency futures and options on futures values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but will not reflect other factors that may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-denominated bond against a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a Fund against price decline if the issuer’s creditworthiness deteriorates. Because the value of a Fund’s investments denominated in foreign currency will change in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of a forward contract to the value of a Fund’s investments denominated in that currency over time.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with foreign currency transactions include: Foreign Currency Risk, Derivatives Risk, Interest Rate Risk, and Liquidity Risk.
Foreign Securities
Unless otherwise stated in a Fund’s prospectus, stocks, bonds and other securities or investments are deemed to be “foreign” based primarily on the issuer’s place of organization/incorporation, but the Fund may also consider the issuer’s domicile, its principal place of business, its primary stock exchange listing, the source of its revenue or other factors. A Fund’s investments in foreign markets, may include issuers in emerging markets, as well as frontier markets, each of which carry heightened risks as compared with investments in other typical foreign markets. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than typical emerging market countries (which themselves have increased investment risk relative to investing in more developed markets) and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. Foreign securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Due to the potential for foreign withholding taxes, MSCI publishes two versions of its indices reflecting the reinvestment of dividends using two different methodologies: gross dividends and net dividends. While both versions reflect reinvested dividends, they differ with respect to the manner in which taxes associated with dividend payments are treated. In calculating the net dividends version, MSCI incorporates reinvested dividends applying the withholding tax rate applicable to foreign non-resident institutional investors that do not benefit from double taxation treaties. The Investment Manager believes that the net dividends version of MSCI indices better reflects the returns U.S. investors might expect were they to invest directly in the component securities of an MSCI index.
There is a practice in certain foreign markets under which an issuer’s securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where such shares are voted. This is referred to as “share blocking”. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent a
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Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country. As a consequence of these restrictions, the Investment Manager, on behalf of a Fund, may abstain from voting proxies in markets that require share blocking.
Foreign securities may include depositary receipts, such as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts issued in registered form by a domestic bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. EDRs are foreign currency-denominated receipts issued in Europe, typically by foreign banks or trust companies and foreign branches of domestic banks, that evidence ownership of foreign or domestic securities. GDRs are receipts structured similarly to ADRs and EDRs and are marketed globally. Depositary receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. In general, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Fund may invest in depositary receipts through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute interest holder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities. The issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be limited information available regarding such issuers and/or limited correlation between available information and the market value of the depositary receipts.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with foreign securities include: Emerging Markets Securities Risk, Foreign Currency Risk, Foreign Securities Risk, Frontier Market Risk, Geographic Concentration Risk, Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
Guaranteed Investment Contracts (Funding Agreements)
Guaranteed investment contracts, or funding agreements, are short-term, privately placed debt instruments issued by insurance companies. Pursuant to such contracts, a Fund may make cash contributions to a deposit fund of the insurance company’s general account. The insurance company then credits to a Fund payments at negotiated, floating or fixed interest rates. A Fund will purchase guaranteed investment contracts only from issuers that, at the time of purchase, meet certain credit and quality standards. In general, guaranteed investment contracts are not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance companies, and an active secondary market does not exist for these investments. In addition, the issuer may not be able to pay the principal amount to a Fund on seven days’ notice or less, at which time the investment may be considered illiquid under applicable SEC regulatory guidance and subject to certain restrictions. See Types of Investments – Illiquid Securities .
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with guaranteed investment contracts (funding agreements) include: Credit Risk and Liquidity Risk.
High-Yield Securities
High-yield, or low and below investment grade securities (below investment grade securities are also known as “junk bonds”) are debt securities with the lowest investment grade rating ( e.g. , BBB by S&P and Fitch or Baa by Moody’s), that are below investment grade ( e.g. , lower than BBB by S&P and Fitch or Baa by Moody’s) or that are unrated but determined by a Fund’s portfolio manager to be of comparable quality. These types of securities may be issued to fund corporate transactions or restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, debt reclassifications or similar events, are more speculative in nature than securities with higher ratings and tend to be more sensitive to credit risk, particularly during a downturn in the economy. These types of securities generally are issued by unseasoned companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by companies or municipalities that have questionable credit strength. High-yield securities and comparable unrated securities: (i) likely will have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of one or more NRSROs, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions; (ii) are speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; and (iii) may have a less liquid secondary market, potentially making it difficult to value or sell such securities. Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of lower-quality securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the securities. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. High-yield securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon,
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pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
The rates of return on these types of securities generally are higher than the rates of return available on more highly rated securities, but generally involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income, including the possibility of default by or insolvency of the issuers of such securities. Accordingly, a Fund may be more dependent on the Investment Manager’s (or, if applicable, a subadviser’s) credit analysis with respect to these types of securities than is the case for more highly rated securities.
The market values of certain high-yield securities and comparable unrated securities tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than are the market values of more highly rated securities. In addition, issuers of high-yield and comparable unrated securities often are highly leveraged and may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired.
The risk of loss due to default is greater for high-yield and comparable unrated securities than it is for higher rated securities because high-yield securities and comparable unrated securities generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to more senior indebtedness. A Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its holdings of such securities. The existence of limited markets for lower-rated debt securities may diminish a Fund’s ability to: (i) obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing such securities and calculating portfolio net asset value; and (ii) sell the securities at fair market value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or in financial markets.
Many lower-rated securities are not registered for offer and sale to the public under the 1933 Act. Investments in these restricted securities may be determined to be liquid (able to be sold within seven days at approximately the price at which they are valued by a Fund) pursuant to policies approved by the Fund’s Trustees. Investments in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that have not been determined to be liquid, may not exceed 15% of a Fund’s net assets. A Fund is not otherwise subject to any limitation on its ability to invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities may be less liquid than other lower-rated securities, potentially making it difficult to value or sell such securities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with high-yield securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, High-Yield Securities Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Illiquid Securities
Illiquid securities are defined by a Fund consistent with the SEC staff’s current guidance and interpretations which provide that an illiquid security is an asset which may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which a Fund has valued the investment on its books. Some securities, such as those not registered under U.S. securities laws, cannot be sold in public transactions. Some securities are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale. Subject to its investment policies, a Fund may invest in illiquid investments and may invest in certain restricted securities that are deemed to be illiquid securities at the time of purchase.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risk typically associated with illiquid securities include: Liquidity Risk.
Inflation-Protected Securities
Inflation is a general rise in prices of goods and services. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of an investor’s assets. For example, if an investment provides a total return of 7% in a given year and inflation is 3% during that period, the inflation-adjusted, or real, return is 4%. Inflation-protected securities are debt securities whose principal and/or interest payments are adjusted for inflation, unlike debt securities that make fixed principal and interest payments. One type of inflation-protected debt security is issued by the U.S. Treasury. The principal of these securities is adjusted for inflation as indicated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban consumers and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The CPI is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy.
If the CPI falls, the principal value of inflation-protected securities will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Conversely, if the CPI rises, the principal value of inflation-protected securities will be adjusted upward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities will be increased. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the inflation-protected securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Other inflation-indexed securities include inflation-related bonds, which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. 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.
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Other issuers of inflation-protected debt securities include other U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, corporations and foreign governments. There can be no assurance that the CPI or any foreign inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a foreign country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States. 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.
Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by IRS regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. Similarly, a Fund holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments in the form of cash or reinvested shares.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with inflation-protected securities include: Inflation-Protected Securities Risk, Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk. In addition, inflation-protected securities issued by non-U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities are subject to Credit Risk.
Initial Public Offerings
A Fund may invest in initial public offerings (IPOs) of common stock or other primary or secondary syndicated offerings of equity or debt securities issued by a corporate issuer. Fixed income funds frequently invest in these types of offerings of debt securities. A purchase of IPO securities often involves higher transaction costs than those associated with the purchase of securities already traded on exchanges or markets. A Fund may hold IPO securities for a period of time, or may sell them soon after the purchase. Investments in IPOs could have a magnified impact — either positive or negative — on a Fund’s performance while the Fund’s assets are relatively small. The impact of an IPO on a Fund’s performance may tend to diminish as the Fund’s assets grow. In circumstances when investments in IPOs make a significant contribution to a Fund’s performance, there can be no assurance that similar contributions from IPOs will continue in the future.
Although one or more risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with IPOs include: Initial Public Offering (IPO) Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk and Small Company Securities Risk.
Inverse Floater
See Types of Investments – Derivatives – Index or Linked Securities (Structured Products) above.
Investments in Other Investment Companies (Including ETFs)
Investing in other investment companies may be a means by which a Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective. A Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any exemptive relief currently or in the future available to a Fund. These securities include shares of other open-end investment companies ( i.e. , mutual funds), closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), UCITS funds (pooled investment vehicles established in accordance with the Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities adopted by European Union member states) and business development companies.
Except with respect to funds structured as funds-of-funds or so-called master/feeder funds or other funds whose strategies otherwise allow such investments, the 1940 Act generally requires that a fund limit its investments in another investment company or series thereof so that, as determined at the time a securities purchase is made: (i) no more than 5% of the value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of any one investment company; (ii) no more than 10% of the value of its total assets will be invested in the aggregate in securities of other investment companies; and (iii) no more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company or series thereof will be owned by a fund or by companies controlled by a fund. Such other investment companies may include ETFs, which are shares of publicly traded unit investment trusts, open-end funds or depositary receipts that may be passively managed ( e.g. , they seek to track the performance of specific indexes or companies in related industries) or they may be actively managed. The SEC has granted orders for exemptive relief to certain ETFs that permit investments in those ETFs by certain other registered investment companies in excess of these limits.
ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the secondary market on a per-share basis, which allows investors to purchase and sell ETF shares at their market price throughout the day. Certain ETFs, such as passively managed ETFs, hold portfolios of securities that are designed to replicate, as closely as possible before expenses, the price and yield of a specified market index. The performance results of these ETFs will not replicate exactly the performance of the pertinent index due to transaction and other expenses, including fees to service providers borne by ETFs. ETF shares are sold and redeemed at net asset value only in large blocks called creation units.
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Although a Fund may derive certain advantages from being able to invest in shares of other investment companies, such as to be fully invested, there may be potential disadvantages. Investing in other investment companies may result in higher fees and expenses for a Fund and its shareholders. A shareholder may be charged fees not only on Fund shares held directly but also on the investment company shares that a Fund purchases. Because these investment companies may invest in other securities, they are also subject to the risks associated with a variety of investment instruments as described in this SAI.
Under the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder, a Fund may purchase shares of affiliated funds, subject to certain conditions. Investing in affiliated funds may present certain actual or potential conflicts of interest. For more information about such actual and potential conflicts of interest, see Investment Management and Other Services – Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest .
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with the securities of other investment companies include: Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risk, Investing in Other Funds Risk, Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
Listed Private Equity Funds
A Fund may invest directly in listed private equity funds, which may include, among others, business development companies, investment holding companies, publicly traded limited partnership interests (common units), publicly traded venture capital funds, publicly traded venture capital trusts, publicly traded private equity funds, publicly traded private equity investment trusts, publicly traded closed-end funds, publicly traded financial institutions that lend to or invest in privately held companies and any other publicly traded vehicle whose purpose is to invest in privately held companies.
A Fund may invest in listed private equity funds that hold investments in a wide array of businesses and industries at various stages of development, from early to later stage to fully mature businesses. A Fund may invest in listed private equity funds that emphasize making equity and equity-like (preferred stock, convertible stock and warrants) investments in later stage to mature businesses, or may invest in listed private equity funds making debt investments or investments in companies at other stages of development. In addition, a Fund may invest in the common stock of closed-end management investment companies, including business development companies that invest in securities of listed private equity companies.
Money Market Instruments
Money market instruments include cash equivalents and short-term debt obligations which include: (i) bank obligations, including certificates of deposit (CDs), time deposits and bankers’ acceptances, and letters of credit of banks or savings and loan associations having capital surplus and undivided profits (as of the date of its most recently published annual financial statements) in excess of $100 million (or the equivalent in the instance of a foreign branch of a U.S. bank) at the date of investment; (ii) funding agreements; (iii) repurchase agreements; (iv) obligations of the United States, foreign countries and supranational entities, and each of their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities; (v) certain corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper, short-term corporate obligations and extendible commercial notes; (vi) participation interests; and (vii) municipal securities. Money market instruments may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations and may be privately placed or publicly offered. A Fund may also invest in affiliated and unaffiliated money market mutual funds, which invest primarily in money market instruments. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
With respect to money market securities, certain U.S. Government obligations are backed or insured by the U.S. Government, its agencies or its instrumentalities. Other money market securities are backed only by the claims paying ability or creditworthiness of the issuer.
Bankers’ acceptances are marketable short-term credit instruments used to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods. They are termed “accepted” when a bank unconditionally guarantees their payment at maturity.
A Fund may invest its daily cash balance in Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund, a money market fund established for the exclusive use of the funds in the Columbia Fund Complex and other institutional clients of the Investment Manager.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with money market instruments include: Credit Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Money Market Fund Risk and Regulatory Risk.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed securities are a type of asset-backed security that represent interests in, or debt instruments backed by, pools of underlying mortgages. In some cases, these underlying mortgages may be insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Mortgage-backed securities entitle the security holders to receive distributions that are tied to the payments made on the underlying mortgage collateral (less fees paid to the originator, servicer, or other parties, and fees paid for credit enhancement), so that the payments made on the underlying mortgage collateral effectively pass through to such security holders. Mortgage-backed securities are created when mortgage originators (or mortgage loan sellers who have purchased
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mortgage loans from mortgage loan originators) sell the underlying mortgages to a special purpose entity in a process called a securitization. The special purpose entity issues securities that are backed by the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, and have a minimum denomination and specific term. Mortgage-backed securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued or guaranteed by GNMA (also known as Ginnie Mae), FNMA (also known as Fannie Mae), or FHLMC (also known as Freddie Mac), but also may be issued or guaranteed by other issuers, including private companies. GNMA is a government-owned corporation that is an agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It guarantees, with the full faith and credit of the United States, full and timely payment of all monthly principal and interest on its mortgage-backed securities. Until recently, FNMA and FHLMC were government-sponsored corporations owned entirely by private stockholders. Both issue mortgage-related securities that contain guarantees as to timely payment of interest and principal but that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The value of the companies’ securities fell sharply in 2008 due to concerns that the firms did not have sufficient capital to offset losses. The U.S. Treasury has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In addition, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the U.S. Treasury with additional authority to lend Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac emergency funds and to purchase the companies’ stock, as described below. In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed in conservatorship.
In the past Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have received significant capital support through U.S. Treasury preferred stock purchases and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage-backed securities. There can be no assurance that these or other agencies of the government will provide such support in the future. The future status of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac could be impacted by, among other things, the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s operations and activities under the senior stock purchase agreements, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership structure and/or mission of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are a type of mortgage-backed security that receives differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from the underlying assets. Generally, there are two classes of stripped mortgage-backed securities: Interest Only (IO) and Principal Only (PO). IOs entitle the holder to receive distributions consisting of all or a portion of the interest on the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. POs entitle the holder to receive distributions consisting of all or a portion of the principal of the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. See Types of Investments – Stripped Securities for more information.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) are hybrid mortgage-related instruments issued by special purpose entities secured by pools of mortgage loans or other mortgage-related securities, such as mortgage pass-through securities or stripped mortgage-backed securities. CMOs may be structured into multiple classes, often referred to as “tranches,” with each class bearing a different stated maturity and entitled to a different schedule for payments of principal and interest, including prepayments. Principal prepayments on collateral underlying a CMO may cause it to be retired substantially earlier than its stated maturity or final distribution dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of the premium if any has been paid. The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of other debt securities. Among the differences are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently on mortgage-backed securities, usually monthly, and principal may be repaid at any time. These factors may reduce the expected yield. Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a periodic basis. The principal and interest payments on the underlying mortgage assets may be allocated among the various classes of CMOs in several ways. Typically, payments of principal, including any prepayments, on the underlying mortgage assets are applied to the classes in the order of their respective stated maturities or final distribution dates, so that no payment of principal is made on CMOs of a class until all CMOs of other classes having earlier stated maturities or final distribution dates have been paid in full.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) are a specific type of mortgage-backed security collateralized by a pool of mortgages on commercial real estate.
CMO residuals are mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses and any management fee of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO
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will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the pre-payment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to pre-payments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an interest-only (“IO”) class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances an ETF may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual. CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have been registered under the 1933 Act. CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed “illiquid” and subject to a Fund’s limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
Mortgage pass-through securities are interests in pools of mortgage-related securities that differ from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these securities 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 or commercial 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 property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities (such as securities issued by the GNMA) are described as “modified pass-through.” These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
REMICs are entities that own mortgages and elect REMIC status under the Code and, like CMOs, issue debt obligations collateralized by underlying mortgage assets that have characteristics similar to those issued by CMOs.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with mortgage- and asset-backed securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk and Reinvestment Risk.
Municipal Securities
Municipal securities include debt obligations issued by governmental entities, including states, political subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, and authorities, as well as U.S. territories (such as Guam and Puerto Rico) and their political subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, and authorities, to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities, the refunding of outstanding obligations, the payment of general operating expenses, and the extension of loans to public institutions and facilities.
Municipal securities may include municipal bonds, municipal notes and municipal leases, which are described below. Municipal bonds are debt obligations of a governmental entity that obligate the municipality to pay the holder a specified sum of money at specified intervals and to repay the principal amount of the loan at maturity. Municipal securities can be classified into two principal categories, including “general obligation” bonds and other securities and “revenue” bonds and other securities. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer’s full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue securities are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source, such as the user of the facility being financed. Municipal securities also may include “moral obligation” securities, which normally are issued by special purpose public authorities. If the issuer of moral obligation securities is unable to meet its debt service obligations from current revenues, it may draw on a reserve fund, the restoration of which is a moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the governmental entity that created the special purpose public authority. Municipal securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Municipal notes may be issued by governmental entities and other tax-exempt issuers in order to finance short-term cash needs or, occasionally, to finance construction. Most municipal notes are general obligations of the issuing entity payable from taxes or designated revenues expected to be received within the relevant fiscal period. Municipal notes generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes can be subdivided into two sub-categories: (i) municipal commercial paper and (ii) municipal demand obligations.
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Municipal commercial paper typically consists of very short-term unsecured negotiable promissory notes that are sold, for example, to meet seasonal working capital or interim construction financing needs of a governmental entity or agency. While these obligations are intended to be paid from general revenues or refinanced with long-term debt, they frequently are backed by letters of credit, lending agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility agreements offered by banks or institutions. See Types of Investments – Commercial Paper for more information.
Municipal demand obligations can be subdivided into two general types: variable rate demand notes and master demand obligations. Variable rate demand notes are tax-exempt municipal obligations or participation interests that provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the notes. They permit the holder to demand payment of the notes, or to demand purchase of the notes at a purchase price equal to the unpaid principal balance, plus accrued interest either directly by the issuer or by drawing on a bank letter of credit or guaranty issued with respect to such note. The issuer of the municipal obligation may have a corresponding right to prepay at its discretion the outstanding principal of the note plus accrued interest upon notice comparable to that required for the holder to demand payment. The variable rate demand notes in which a Fund may invest are payable, or are subject to purchase, on demand, usually on notice of seven calendar days or less. The terms of the notes generally provide that interest rates are adjustable at intervals ranging from daily to six months.
Master demand obligations are tax-exempt municipal obligations that provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid and permit daily changes in the amount borrowed. The interest on such obligations is, in the opinion of counsel for the borrower, excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes (but not necessarily for alternative minimum tax purposes). Although there is no secondary market for master demand obligations, such obligations are considered by a Fund to be liquid because they are payable upon demand.
Municipal lease obligations are participations in privately arranged loans to state or local government borrowers and may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment, and facilities. An investor may purchase these obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such obligations. In general, municipal lease obligations are unrated, in which case they will be determined by a Fund’s portfolio manager to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase to rated instruments that may be acquired by a Fund. Frequently, privately arranged loans have variable interest rates and may be backed by a bank letter of credit. In other cases, they may be unsecured or may be secured by assets not easily liquidated.
Moreover, such loans in most cases are not backed by the taxing authority of the issuers and may have limited marketability or may be marketable only by virtue of a provision requiring repayment following demand by the lender.
Municipal leases may be subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds. State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet in order to issue municipal obligations. Municipal leases may contain a covenant by the state or municipality to budget for and make payments due under the obligation. Certain municipal leases may, however, provide that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year.
Although lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipal issuer to which the government’s taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation ordinarily is backed by the government’s covenant to budget for, appropriate, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses that provide that the government has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a periodic basis. In the case of a “non-appropriation” lease, a Fund’s ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default likely will be limited to the repossession of the leased property in the event that foreclosure proves difficult.
Tender option bonds are municipal securities having relatively long maturities and bearing interest at a fixed interest rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax-exempt rates that is coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, to grant the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. The financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the municipal security’s coupon rate and the rate that would cause the security to trade at face value on the date of determination.
There are variations in the quality of municipal securities, both within a particular classification and between classifications, and the rates of return on municipal securities can depend on a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer, general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. The ratings of NRSROs represent their opinions as to the quality of municipal securities. It should be emphasized, however, that these ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and municipal securities with the same maturity, interest rate, and rating may have different rates of return while municipal securities of the same maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same rate of return. The municipal bond market is characterized by a large number of different issuers, many having smaller sized bond issues, and a wide choice of different
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maturities within each issue. For these reasons, most municipal bonds do not trade on a daily basis and many trade only rarely. Because many of these bonds trade infrequently, the spread between the bid and offer may be wider and the time needed to develop a bid or an offer may be longer than for other security markets. See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings. (See Types of Investments – Debt Obligations .)
Standby Commitments. Standby commitments are securities under which a purchaser, usually a bank or broker-dealer, agrees to purchase, for a fee, an amount of a Fund’s municipal obligations. The amount payable by a bank or broker-dealer to purchase securities subject to a standby commitment typically will be substantially the same as the value of the underlying municipal securities. A Fund may pay for standby commitments either separately in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities that are acquired subject to such a commitment.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with standby commitments include: Counterparty Risk, Market Risk and Municipal Securities Risk.
Taxable Municipal Obligations. Interest or other investment return is subject to federal income tax for certain types of municipal obligations for a variety of reasons. These municipal obligations do not qualify for the federal income tax exemption because (a) they did not receive necessary authorization for tax-exempt treatment from state or local government authorities, (b) they exceed certain regulatory limitations on the cost of issuance for tax-exempt financing or (c) they finance public or private activities that do not qualify for the federal income tax exemption. These non-qualifying activities might include, for example, certain types of multi-family housing, certain professional and local sports facilities, refinancing of certain municipal debt, and borrowing to replenish a municipality’s underfunded pension plan.
See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings. (See Types of Investments – Debt Obligations .)
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with municipal securities include: Credit Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Market Risk, Municipal Securities Risk and Municipal Securities Risk/Health Care Sector Risk.
Participation Interests
Participation interests (also called pass-through certificates or securities) represent an interest in a pool of debt obligations, such as municipal bonds or notes that have been “packaged” by an intermediary, such as a bank or broker-dealer. Participation interests typically are issued by partnerships or trusts through which a Fund receives principal and interest payments that are passed through to the holder of the participation interest from the payments made on the underlying debt obligations. The purchaser of a participation interest receives an undivided interest in the underlying debt obligations. The issuers of the underlying debt obligations make interest and principal payments to the intermediary, as an initial purchaser, which are passed through to purchasers in the secondary market, such as a Fund. Mortgage-backed securities are a common type of participation interest. Participation interests may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in- kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, Types of Investments – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities and Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Loan participations also are a type of participation interest. Loans, loan participations, and interests in securitized loan pools are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to a lender or consortium of lenders (typically banks, insurance companies, investment banks, government agencies, or international agencies).
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with loan participations include: Confidential Information Access Risk, Credit Risk and Interest Rate Risk.
Partnership Securities
The Fund may invest in securities issued by publicly traded partnerships or master limited partnerships or limited liability companies (together referred to as “PTPs/MLPs”). These entities are limited partnerships or limited liability companies that may be publicly traded on stock exchanges or markets such as the NYSE, the NYSE Alternext US LLC (“NYSE Alternext”) (formerly the American Stock Exchange) and NASDAQ. PTPs/MLPs often own businesses or properties relating to energy, natural resources or real estate, or may be involved in the film industry or research and development activities. Generally PTPs/MLPs are operated under the supervision of one or more managing partners or members. Limited partners, unit holders, or members (such as a fund that invests in a partnership) are not involved in the day-to-day management of the company. Limited partners, unit holders, or members are allocated income and capital gains associated with the partnership project in accordance with the terms of the partnership or limited liability company agreement.
At times PTPs/MLPs may potentially offer relatively high yields compared to common stocks. Because PTPs/MLPs are generally treated as partnerships or similar limited liability “pass-through” entities for tax purposes, they do not ordinarily pay income taxes, but pass their earnings on to unit holders (except in the case of some publicly traded firms that may be taxed as corporations). For tax purposes, unit holders may initially be deemed to receive only a portion of the distributions attributed to
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them because certain other portions may be attributed to the repayment of initial investments and may thereby lower the cost basis of the units or shares owned by unit holders. As a result, unit holders may effectively defer taxation on the receipt of some distributions until they sell their units. These tax consequences may differ for different types of entities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with partnership securities include: Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk and Market Risk.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock represents units of ownership of a corporation that frequently have dividends that are set at a specified rate. Preferred stock has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock shares some of the characteristics of both debt and equity. Preferred stock ordinarily does not carry voting rights. Most preferred stock is cumulative; if dividends are passed ( i.e. , not paid for any reason), they accumulate and must be paid before common stock dividends. Participating preferred stock entitles its holders to share in profits above and beyond the declared dividend, along with common shareholders, as distinguished from nonparticipating preferred stock, which is limited to the stipulated dividend. Convertible preferred stock is exchangeable for a given number of shares of common stock and thus tends to be more volatile than nonconvertible preferred stock, which generally behaves more like a fixed income bond. Preferred stock may be privately placed or publicly offered. The price of a preferred stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which the stock trades. See Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Auction preferred stock (APS) is a type of adjustable-rate preferred stock with a dividend determined periodically in a Dutch auction process by corporate bidders. An APS is distinguished from standard preferred stock because its dividends change from time to time. Shares typically are bought and sold at face values generally ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per share. Holders of APS may not be able to sell their shares if an auction fails, such as when there are more shares of APS for sale at an auction than there are purchase bids.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with preferred stock include: Convertible Securities Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk and Market Risk.
Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
Private placement securities are securities that have been privately placed and are not registered under the 1933 Act. They are generally eligible for sale only to certain eligible investors. Private placements often may offer attractive opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market. Private placement and other “restricted” securities often cannot be sold to the public without registration under the 1933 Act or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or they are “not readily marketable” because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Asset-backed securities, common stock, convertible securities, corporate debt securities, foreign securities, high-yield securities, money market instruments, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, participation interests, preferred stock and other types of equity and debt instruments may be privately placed or restricted securities.
Private placements typically may be sold only to qualified institutional buyers (or, in the case of the initial sale of certain securities, such as those issued in collateralized debt obligations or collateralized loan obligations, to accredited investors (as defined in Rule 501(a) under the 1933 Act), or in a privately negotiated transaction or to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption from registration.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with private placement and other restricted securities include: Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk and Confidential Information Access Risk.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, such as shopping centers, nursing homes, office buildings, apartment complexes, and hotels, 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. REITs can be subject to extreme volatility due to fluctuations in the demand for real estate, changes in interest rates, and adverse economic conditions.
Partnership units of real estate and other types of companies sometimes are organized as master limited partnerships in which ownership interests are publicly traded.
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Similar to investment companies, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with certain requirements under the Code. The failure of a REIT to continue to qualify as a REIT for tax purposes can materially affect its value. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by a REIT in which it invests. REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund investing in REITs to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. In the alternative, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with REITs include: Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Market Risk and Real Estate-Related Investment Risk.
Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are agreements under which a Fund acquires a security for a relatively short period of time (usually within seven days) subject to the obligation of a seller to repurchase and a Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund’s cost plus interest). The repurchase agreement specifies the yield during the purchaser’s holding period. Repurchase agreements also may be viewed as loans made by a Fund that are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase, which may consist of a variety of security types. A Fund typically will enter into repurchase agreements only with commercial banks, registered broker-dealers and the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation. Such transactions are monitored to ensure that the value of the underlying securities will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including any accrued interest.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with repurchase agreements include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Issuer Risk, Market Risk and Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements under which a Fund temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed-upon time (normally within 7 days) and price which reflects an interest payment. A Fund generally retains the right to interest and principal payments on the security. Reverse repurchase agreements also may be viewed as borrowings made by a Fund.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with reverse repurchase agreements include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Market Risk and Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Short Sales
A Fund may sometimes sell securities short when it owns an equal amount of the securities sold short. This is a technique known as selling short “against the box.” If a Fund makes a short sale “against the box,” it would not immediately deliver the securities sold and would not receive the proceeds from the sale. The seller is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers the securities sold, at which time it receives the proceeds of the sale. To secure its obligation to deliver securities sold short, a Fund will deposit in escrow in a separate account with the custodian an equal amount of the securities sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such securities. A Fund can close out its short position by purchasing and delivering an equal amount of the securities sold short, rather than by delivering securities already held by a Fund, because a Fund might want to continue to receive interest and dividend payments on securities in its portfolio that are convertible into the securities sold short.
Short sales “against the box” entail many of the same risks and considerations described below regarding short sales not “against the box.” However, when a Fund sells short “against the box” it typically limits the amount of its effective leverage. A Fund’s decision to make a short sale “against the box” may be a technique to hedge against market risks when a Fund’s portfolio manager believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by a Fund or a security convertible into or exchangeable for such security. In such case, any future losses in a Fund’s long position would be reduced by a gain in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses in the long position are reduced will depend upon the amount of securities sold short relative to the amount of the securities a Fund owns, either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where a Fund owns convertible securities, changes in the investment values or conversion premiums of such securities.
Subject to its fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies, a Fund may engage in short sales that are not “against the box,” which are sales by a Fund of securities, contracts or instruments that it does not own in hopes of purchasing the same security, contract or instrument at a later date at a lower price. The technique is also used to protect a profit in a long-term position in a security, commodity futures contract or other instrument. To make delivery to the buyer, a Fund must borrow or purchase the security. If borrowed, a Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed from the third party, so a Fund must purchase the security at the market price at a later time. If the price of the security has increased during this time, then a Fund will incur a loss equal to the increase in price of the security from the time of the short sale plus any premiums and interest paid
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to the third party. (Until the security is replaced, a Fund is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest which accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, a Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet the margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.) Short sales of forward commitments and derivatives do not involve borrowing a security. These types of short sales may include futures, options, contracts for differences, forward contracts on financial instruments and options such as contracts, credit-linked instruments, and swap contracts.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with short sales include: Leverage Risk, Market Risk and Short Selling Risk.
Sovereign Debt
Sovereign debt obligations are issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their agencies. It may be in the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan participations. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. (See also Types of Investments – Foreign Securities .) In addition, there may be no legal recourse against a sovereign debtor in the event of a default.
Sovereign debt includes Brady Bonds, which are securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external commercial bank indebtedness.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with sovereign debt include: Credit Risk, Emerging Markets Securities Risk, Foreign Securities Risk, Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
Standby Commitments
See Types of Investments – Municipal Securities above.
Stripped Securities
Stripped securities are the separate income or principal payments of a debt security and evidence ownership in either the future interest or principal payments on an instrument. There are many different types and variations of stripped securities. For example, Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal Securities (STRIPS) can be component parts of a U.S. Treasury security where the principal and interest components are traded independently through DTC, a clearing agency registered pursuant to Section 17A of the 1934 Act and created to hold securities for its participants, and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic computerized book-entries, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Treasury Investor Growth Receipts (TIGERs) are U.S. Treasury securities stripped by brokers. Stripped mortgage-backed securities, (SMBS) also can be issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Stripped securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations for more information.
SMBS usually are structured with two or more classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from a pool of mortgage-backed assets. Common types of SMBS will be structured so that one class receives some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage-backed assets, while another class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with stripped securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk and Stripped Securities Risk
Trust-Preferred Securities
Trust-preferred securities, also known as trust-issued securities, are securities that have characteristics of both debt and equity instruments and are typically treated by the Funds as debt investments.
Generally, trust-preferred securities are cumulative preferred stocks issued by a trust that is created by a financial institution, such as a bank holding company. The financial institution typically creates the trust with the objective of increasing its capital by issuing subordinated debt to the trust in return for cash proceeds that are reflected on the financial institutions balance sheet.
The primary asset owned by the trust is the subordinated debt issued to the trust by the financial institution. The financial institution makes periodic interest payments on the debt as discussed further below. The financial institution will subsequently own the trust’s common securities, which may typically represent a small percentage of the trust’s capital structure. The remainder of the trust’s capital structure typically consists of trust-preferred securities which are sold to investors. The trust uses
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the sales proceeds to purchase the subordinated debt issued by the financial institution. The financial institution uses the proceeds from the subordinated debt sale to increase its capital while the trust receives periodic interest payments from the financial institution for holding the subordinated debt.
The trust uses the interest received to make dividend payments to the holders of the trust-preferred securities. The dividends are generally paid on a quarterly basis and are often higher than other dividends potentially available on the financial institution’s common stocks. The interests of the holders of the trust-preferred securities are senior to those of common stockholders in the event that the financial institution is liquidated, although their interests are typically subordinated to those of other holders of other debt issued by the institution.
The primary benefit for the financial institution in using this particular structure is that the trust-preferred securities issued by the trust are treated by the financial institution as debt securities for tax purposes (as a consequence of which the expense of paying interest on the securities is tax deductible), but are treated as more desirable equity securities for purposes of the calculation of capital requirements.
In certain instances, the structure involves more than one financial institution and thus, more than one trust. In such a pooled offering, an additional separate trust may be created. This trust will issue securities to investors and use the proceeds to purchase the trust-preferred securities issued by other trust subsidiaries of the participating financial institutions. In such a structure, the trust-preferred securities held by the investors are backed by other trust-preferred securities issued by the trust subsidiaries.
If a financial institution is financially unsound and defaults on interest payments to the trust, the trust will not be able to make dividend payments to holders of the trust-preferred securities such as the Fund, as the trust typically has no business operations other than holding the subordinated debt issued by the financial institution(s) and issuing the trust-preferred securities and common stock backed by the subordinated debt.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with trust-preferred securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
U.S. Government and Related Obligations
U.S. Government obligations include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. Government or by various agencies or instrumentalities established or sponsored by the U.S. Government. U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government differ in their interest rates, maturities and time of issuance, as well as with respect to whether they are guaranteed by the U.S. Government. U.S. Government and related obligations may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations. See Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations for more information.
Investing in U.S. Government and related obligations is subject to certain risks. While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, such securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk ( i.e. , the risk that the U.S. Government may be, or be perceived to be, unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments). Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality and, as a result, may be subject to greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises historically have involved limited risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, no assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law.
Government-sponsored entities issuing securities include privately owned, publicly chartered entities created to reduce borrowing costs for certain sectors of the economy, such as farmers, homeowners, and students. They include the Federal Farm Credit Bank System, Farm Credit Financial Assistance Corporation, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), and Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Government-sponsored entities may issue discount notes (with maturities ranging from overnight to 360 days) and bonds. On Sept. 7, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), an agency of the U.S. Government, placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship, a statutory process with the objective of returning the entities to normal business operations. FHFA will act as the conservator to operate the enterprises until they are stabilized.
On August 5, 2011, S& P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating for the United States of America to “AA+” from “AAA”. Because a Fund may invest in U.S. Government obligations, the value of a Fund’s shares may be adversely affected by S&P’s downgrade or any future downgrades of the U.S. Government’s credit rating. The long-term impact of the downgrade is uncertain. See Appendix A for a description of securities ratings.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with U.S. Government and related obligations include: Credit Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk, Reinvestment Risk and U.S. Government Obligations Risk.
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Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations
Variable- and floating-rate obligations are debt instruments that provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate and, under certain circumstances, varying principal amounts. Unlike a fixed interest rate, a variable, or floating, rate is one that rises and declines based on the movement of an underlying index of interest rates and may pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified formula. Variable- or floating-rate securities frequently include a demand feature enabling the holder to sell the securities to the issuer at par. In many cases, the demand feature can be exercised at any time. Some securities that do not have variable or floating interest rates may be accompanied by puts producing similar results and price characteristics. Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes that are obligations that permit the investor to invest fluctuating amounts, which may change daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the investor (as lender), and the borrower. The interest rates on these notes fluctuate. The issuer of such obligations normally has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days’ notice to the holders of such obligations. Because these obligations are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments generally will be traded. There generally is not an established secondary market for these obligations. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the lender’s right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies and may involve heightened risk of default by the issuer. Asset-backed securities, bank obligations, convertible securities, corporate debt securities, foreign securities, high-yield securities, money market instruments, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, participation interests, stripped securities, U.S. Government and related obligations and other types of debt instruments may be structured as variable- and floating-rate obligations.
Most floating rate loans are acquired directly from the agent bank or from another holder of the loan by assignment. Most such loans are secured, and most impose restrictive covenants on the borrower. These loans are typically made by a syndicate of banks and institutional investors, represented by an agent bank which has negotiated and structured the loan and which is responsible generally for collecting interest, principal, and other amounts from the borrower on its own behalf and on behalf of the other lending institutions in the syndicate, and for enforcing its rights and the rights of the syndicate against the borrower. Each of the lending institutions, including the agent bank, lends to the borrower a portion of the total amount of the loan, and retains the corresponding interest in the loan. Floating rate loans may include delayed draw term loans and prefunded or synthetic letters of credit.
A Fund’s ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loans held by it will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan would adversely affect the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets, which would be reflected in a reduction in the Fund’s NAV. Banks and other lending institutions generally perform a credit analysis of the borrower before originating a loan or purchasing an assignment in a loan. In selecting the loans in which the Fund will invest, however, the Investment Manager will not rely on that credit analysis of the agent bank, but will perform its own investment analysis of the borrowers. The Investment Manager’s analysis may include consideration of the borrower’s financial strength and managerial experience, debt coverage, additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. Investments in loans may be of any quality, including “distressed” loans, and will be subject to the Fund’s credit quality policy.
Loans may be structured in different forms, including assignments and participations. In an assignment, a Fund purchases an assignment of a portion of a lender’s interest in a loan. In this case, the Fund may be required generally to rely upon the assigning bank to demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower, but would otherwise be entitled to all of such bank’s rights in the loan.
The borrower of a loan may, either at its own election or pursuant to terms of the loan documentation, prepay amounts of the loan from time to time. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to reinvest the proceeds of any loan prepayment at the same interest rate or on the same terms as those of the original loan.
Corporate loans in which a Fund may purchase a loan assignment are made generally to finance internal growth, mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, stock repurchases, leveraged buy-outs, dividend payments to sponsors and other corporate activities. The highly leveraged capital structure of certain borrowers may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. The Fund may hold investments in loans for a very short period of time when opportunities to resell the investments that a Fund’s Portfolio Manager believes are attractive arise.
Certain of the loans acquired by a Fund may involve revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the Fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan assignment. To the extent that the Fund is committed to make additional loans under such an assignment, it will at all times designate cash or securities in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments.
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Notwithstanding its intention in certain situations to not receive material, non-public information with respect to its management of investments in floating rate loans, the Investment Manager may from time to time come into possession of material, non-public information about the issuers of loans that may be held in a Fund’s portfolio. Possession of such information may in some instances occur despite the Investment Manager’s efforts to avoid such possession, but in other instances the Investment Manager may choose to receive such information (for example, in connection with participation in a creditors’ committee with respect to a financially distressed issuer). As, and to the extent, required by applicable law, the Investment Manager’s ability to trade in these loans for the account of the Fund could potentially be limited by its possession of such information. Such limitations on the Investment Manager’s ability to trade could have an adverse effect on the Fund by, for example, preventing the Fund from selling a loan that is experiencing a material decline in value. In some instances, these trading restrictions could continue in effect for a substantial period of time.
In some instances, other accounts managed by the Investment Manager may hold other securities issued by borrowers whose floating rate loans may be held in a Fund’s portfolio. These other securities may include, for example, debt securities that are subordinate to the floating rate loans held in the Fund’s portfolio, convertible debt or common or preferred equity securities.
In certain circumstances, such as if the credit quality of the issuer deteriorates, the interests of holders of these other securities may conflict with the interests of the holders of the issuer’s floating rate loans. In such cases, the Investment Manager may owe conflicting fiduciary duties to the Fund and other client accounts. The Investment Manager will endeavor to carry out its obligations to all of its clients to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that in some cases certain clients may achieve a lower economic return, as a result of these conflicting client interests, than if the Investment Manager’s client accounts collectively held only a single category of the issuer’s securities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with variable- or floating-rate obligations include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Warrants and Rights
Warrants and rights are types of securities that give a holder a right to purchase shares of common stock. Warrants usually are issued together with a bond or preferred stock and entitle a holder to purchase a specified amount of common stock at a specified price typically for a period of years. Rights usually have a specified purchase price that is lower than the current market price and entitle a holder to purchase a specified amount of common stock typically for a period of only weeks. Warrants may be used to enhance the marketability of a bond or preferred stock. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. Warrants may be considered to have more speculative characteristics 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, if any.
The potential exercise price of warrants or rights may exceed their market price, such as when there is no movement in the market price or the market price of the common stock declines.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with warrants and rights include: Convertible Securities Risk, Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions
When-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by a Fund, with payment and delivery taking place in the future after the customary settlement period for that type of security. Normally, the settlement date occurs within 45 days of the purchase although in some cases settlement may take longer. The investor does not pay for the securities or receive dividends or interest on them until the contractual settlement date. When engaging in when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions, a Fund typically will designate liquid assets in an amount equal to or greater than the purchase price. The payment obligation and, if applicable, the interest rate that will be received on the securities, are fixed at the time that a Fund agrees to purchase the securities. A Fund generally will enter into when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions only with the intention of completing such transactions.
However, a Fund’s portfolio manager may determine not to complete a transaction if he or she deems it appropriate to close out the transaction prior to its completion. In such cases, a Fund may realize short-term gains or losses.
To Be Announced Securities (“TBAs”). As with other delayed delivery transactions, a seller agrees to issue a TBA security at a future date. However, the seller does not specify the particular securities to be delivered. Instead, the Fund agrees to accept any security that meets specified terms. For example, in a TBA mortgage-backed security transaction, the Fund and the seller would
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agree upon the issuer, interest rate and terms of the underlying mortgages. The seller would not identify the specific underlying mortgages until it issues the security. TBA mortgage-backed securities increase market risks because the underlying mortgages may be less favorable than anticipated by the Fund. See Types of Investments – Mortgage-Backed Securities and – Asset-Backed Securities .
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk and Market Risk.
Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities
Zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities are types of debt instruments that do not necessarily make payments of interest in fixed amounts or at fixed intervals. Asset-backed securities, convertible securities, corporate debt securities, foreign securities, high-yield securities, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, participation interests, stripped securities, U.S. Government and related obligations and other types of debt instruments may be structured as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities.
Zero-coupon securities do not pay interest on a current basis but instead accrue interest over the life of the security. These securities include, among others, zero-coupon bonds, which either may be issued at a discount by a corporation or government entity or may be created by a brokerage firm when it strips the coupons from a bond or note and then sells the bond or note and the coupon separately. This technique is used frequently with U.S. Treasury bonds, and zero-coupon securities are marketed under such names as CATS (Certificate of Accrual on Treasury Securities), TIGERs or STRIPS. Zero-coupon bonds also are issued by municipalities. Buying a municipal zero-coupon bond frees its purchaser of the obligation to pay regular federal income tax on imputed interest, since the interest is exempt for regular federal income tax purposes. Zero-coupon certificates of deposit and zero-coupon mortgages are generally structured in the same fashion as zero-coupon bonds; the certificate of deposit holder or mortgage holder receives face value at maturity and no payments until then.
Pay-in-kind securities normally give the issuer an option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or to give the holder of the security a similar security with the same coupon rate and a face value equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
Step-coupon securities trade at a discount from their face value and pay coupon interest that gradually increases over time. The coupon rate is paid according to a schedule for a series of periods, typically lower for an initial period and then increasing to a higher coupon rate thereafter. The discount from the face amount or par value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issue.
Zero-coupon, step-coupon and pay-in-kind securities holders generally have substantially all the rights and privileges of holders of the underlying coupon obligations or principal obligations. Holders of these securities typically have the right upon default on the underlying coupon obligations or principal obligations to proceed directly and individually against the issuer and are not required to act in concert with other holders of such securities.
See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings.
Although one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk and Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk.
Information Regarding Risks
The following is a summary of risks of investing in the Funds and the risk characteristics associated with the various investment instruments available to the Funds for investment. A Fund’s risk profile is largely defined by the Fund’s primary portfolio holdings and principal investment strategies (for the description of a Fund’s principal investment strategies and principal risks, please see that Fund’s prospectus). However, the Funds are allowed to use securities, instruments, strategies and other assets and investments other than those described in the Fund’s principal investment strategies, subjecting the Fund to the risks associated with these securities, instruments, strategies and other assets and investments. One or more of the following risks may be associated with investment in a Fund at any time:
Active Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and its performance therefore will reflect, in part, the ability of the portfolio managers to make investment decisions that will achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
Activist Strategies Risk. The Fund may purchase securities of a company that is the subject of a proxy contest or which activist investors are attempting to influence, in the expectation that new management or a change in business strategies will cause the price of the company’s securities to increase. If the proxy contest, or the new management, is not successful, the market price of the company’s securities will typically fall.
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In addition, where an acquisition or restructuring transaction or proxy fight is opposed by the subject company’s management, the transaction often becomes the subject of litigation. Such litigation involves substantial uncertainties and may impose substantial cost and expense on the Fund.
Allocation Risk. For any Fund that uses an asset allocation strategy in pursuit of its investment objective, there is a risk that the Fund's allocation among asset classes, investments, managers, strategies and/or investment styles will cause the Fund's shares to lose value or cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective and/or strategies, or that the investments themselves will not produce the returns expected.
Arbitrage Strategies Risk. The Fund may purchase securities at prices only slightly below the anticipated value to be paid or exchanged for such securities in a merger, exchange offer or cash tender offer, and substantially above the prices at which such securities traded immediately prior to announcement of the transaction. If there is a perception that the proposed transaction will not be consummated or will be delayed, the market price of the security may decline sharply, which would result in a loss to the Fund. In addition, if the manager determines that the offer is likely to be increased, either by the original bidder or by another party, the Fund may purchase securities above the offer price; such purchases are subject to a high degree of risk.
The consummation of mergers and tender and exchange offers can be prevented or delayed by a variety of factors, including opposition by the management or shareholders of the target company, private litigation or litigation involving regulatory agencies, and approval or non-action of regulatory agencies. The likelihood of occurrence of these and other factors, and their impact on an investment, can be very difficult to evaluate.
Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The value of the Fund's asset-backed securities may be affected by, among other things, changes in interest rates, factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the receivables, the creditworthiness of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements, or the market's assessment of the quality of underlying assets. Asset-backed securities represent interests in, or are backed by, pools of receivables such as credit card, auto, student and home equity loans. They may also be backed by securities backed by these types of loans and others, such as mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities can have a fixed or an adjustable rate. Most asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the possibility that the underlying debt may be refinanced or prepaid prior to maturity during periods of declining or low interest rates, causing the Fund to have to reinvest the money received in securities that have lower yields. In addition, the impact of prepayments on the value of asset-backed securities may be difficult to predict and may result in greater volatility. Rising or high interest rates tend to extend the duration of asset-backed securities, resulting in valuations that are volatile and sensitive to changes in interest rates.
Bankruptcy Process Risk. The Fund may purchase bankruptcy claims. There are a number of significant risks inherent in the bankruptcy process. The effect of a bankruptcy filing on a company may adversely and permanently affect the company by causing it to lose its market position and key employees and otherwise become incapable of restoring itself as a viable business. Many events in a bankruptcy are the product of contested matters and adversarial proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. The duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is difficult to predict and a creditor’s return on investment can be adversely affected by delays while the plan of reorganization is being negotiated, approved by the creditors, confirmed by the bankruptcy court, and until it ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and are paid out of the debtor’s estate before any return to creditors. Furthermore, bankruptcy law permits the classification of “substantially similar” claims in determining the classification of claims in a bankruptcy reorganization. Because the standard for classification is vague, there exists the risk that the Fund’s influence with respect to the class of securities it owns can be impaired as a result of increases in the number and amount of claims in that class or by different classification and treatment of that class. Finally, amounts previously paid to the Fund may be challenged as fraudulent conveyances or preferences as part of a bankruptcy proceeding.
Changing Distribution Level Risk. The amount of the distributions paid by the Fund will vary and generally depends on the amount of interest income and/or dividends received by the Fund on the securities it holds. The Fund may not be able to pay distributions or may have to reduce its distribution level if the interest income and/or dividends the Fund receives from its investments decline.
Commodity-related Investment Risk. The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include demand for the commodity, weather, embargoes, tariffs, and economic health, political, international, regulatory and other developments. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may, in turn, reduce market prices and cause the value of Fund shares to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the value of the underlying fund’s investments to greater volatility than other types of investments. No, or limited, active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments. Certain types of commodities instruments are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be unable to perform in accordance
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with the terms of the instrument. The Fund may make commodity-related investments through, and may invest in one or more underlying funds that make commodity-related investments through, one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries organized outside the U.S. that are generally not subject to U.S. laws (including securities laws) and their protections. However, any such subsidiary is wholly owned and controlled by the Fund and any underlying fund subsidiary is wholly-owned and controlled by the underlying fund, making it unlikely that the subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund or the underlying fund and their shareholders. Further, any such subsidiaries will be subject to the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, and can be adversely affected by developments in that jurisdiction.
Concentration Risk. To the extent that the Fund concentrates its investment in particular issuers, countries, geographic regions, industries or sectors, the Fund may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund that invests in a wider variety of issuers, countries, geographic regions, industries, sectors or investments.
Confidential Information Access Risk. Portfolio managers may avoid the receipt of material, non-public information (Confidential Information) about the issuers of floating rate loans being considered for acquisition by the Fund, or held in the Fund. In many instances, issuers of floating rate loans offer to furnish Confidential Information to prospective purchasers or holders of the issuer’s floating rate loans to help potential investors assess the value of the loan. A decision not to receive Confidential Information from these issuers may disadvantage the Fund as compared to other floating rate loan investors, and may adversely affect the price the Fund pays for the loans it purchases, or the price at which the Fund sells the loans. Further, in situations when holders of floating rate loans are asked, for example, to grant consents, waivers or amendments, the ability to assess the desirability of such consents, waivers or amendments may be compromised. For these and other reasons, it is possible that the decision not to receive Confidential Information could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are subject to the usual risks associated with debt securities, such as interest rate risk (the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates) and credit risk (the risk that the issuer of a debt security will default or otherwise become unable, or be perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor a financial obligation, such as making payments to the Fund when due). Convertible securities also react to changes in the value of the common stock into which they convert, and are thus subject to market risk (the risk that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise). Because the value of a convertible security can be influenced by both interest rates and the common stock's market movements, a convertible security generally is not as sensitive to interest rates as a similar debt security, and generally will not vary in value in response to other factors to the same extent as the underlying common stock. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities would typically be paid before the company's common stockholders but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company. The Fund may be forced to convert a convertible security before it otherwise would choose to do so, which may decrease the Fund's return.
Counterparty Risk. The risk exists that a counterparty to a financial instrument held by the Fund or by a special purpose or structured vehicle in which the Fund invests may become insolvent or otherwise fail to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, including making payments to the Fund. The Fund may obtain no or limited recovery in a bankruptcy or other organizational proceedings, and any recovery may be significantly delayed. Transactions that the Fund enters into may involve counterparties in the financial services sector and, as a result, events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.
Credit Risk. The value of loans or fixed-income securities may decline if the borrower or the issuer of the security defaults or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling, or is perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments to the Fund when due. Various factors could affect the actual or perceived willingness or ability of the borrower or the issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, including changes in the financial condition of the borrower or the issuer or in general economic conditions. Fixed-income securities backed by an issuer's taxing authority may be subject to legal limits on the issuer's power to increase taxes or otherwise to raise revenue, or may be dependent on legislative appropriation or government aid. Certain fixed-income securities are backed only by revenues derived from a particular project or source, rather than by an issuer's taxing authority, and thus may have a greater risk of default. Rating agencies assign credit ratings to certain loans and fixed-income securities to indicate their credit risk. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk as compared to higher-rated securities. Non-investment grade loans or fixed-income securities (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk”) are subject to greater price fluctuations and are more likely to experience a default than investment grade loans or securities and therefore may expose the Fund to increased credit risk. If the Fund purchases unrated loans or fixed-income securities, or if the ratings of securities held by the Fund are lowered after purchase, the Fund will depend on analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual. If the issuer of a loan declares bankruptcy or is declared bankrupt, there may be a delay before the Fund can act on the collateral securing the loan, which may adversely affect the Fund. Further, there is a risk that a court could take action with respect to a loan that is adverse to the holders of the loan. Such actions may include invalidating the loan, the lien on the collateral, the priority status of the loan, or ordering the refund of interest previously paid by the borrower. Any such actions by a court could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. A default or expected default of a loan could also make it difficult for the Fund to sell the loan at a price approximating the value previously
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placed on it. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy or similar situation, the Fund may be required to retain legal or similar counsel. This may increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect its NAV. Loans that have a lower priority for repayment in an issuer’s capital structure may involve a higher degree of overall risk than more senior loans of the same borrower.
Cyber Security Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, investment companies such as the Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks. In general, cyber-attacks result from deliberate attacks but unintentional events may have effects similar to those caused by cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial-of-service attacks on fund websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, a Fund or its adviser, subadviser(s), distributor, custodians, transfer agent, Selling Agents and/or other third party service providers may adversely impact a Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject the Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may also incur substantial costs for cyber security risk management in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Fund or the Fund’s service providers have established business continuity plans and systems designed to prevent such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities or other instruments in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investment therein to lose value.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are receipts issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies. Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Depositary receipts involve risks similar to the risks associated with investments in foreign securities, including those of the particular country, which may be related to the particular political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country and fluctuations in its currency, as well as market risk tied to the underlying foreign company. In addition, ADR holders may have limited voting rights and may not have the same rights afforded typical company stockholders in the event of a corporate action such as an acquisition, merger or rights offering and may experience difficulty in receiving company stockholder communications. A potential conflict of interest exists to the extent that the Fund invests in ADRs for which JPMorgan serves as depository bank.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of other underlying assets. Losses involving derivative instruments may be substantial, because a relatively small movement in the price of an underlying security, instrument, commodity, currency or index may result in a substantial loss for the Fund. In addition to the potential for increased losses, the use of derivative instruments may lead to increased volatility for the Fund. Derivative investments will typically increase the Fund’s exposure to principal risks to which it is otherwise exposed, and may expose the Fund to additional risks. Depending on the type and purpose of the Fund’s derivative investments, these risks may include: correlation risk (there may be an imperfect correlation between the hedge and the opposite position, which is related to hedging risk), counterparty risk (the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), leverage risk (losses from the derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), and/or liquidity risk (it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate the instrument at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Commodity-Linked Futures Contracts Risk. The loss that may be incurred by the Fund in entering into futures contracts is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures by the Fund may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally required in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund. Futures contracts may be illiquid. The liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. Furthermore, exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a trading session by imposing a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the Fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.
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Derivatives Risk/Commodity-Linked Structured Notes Risk. The use of commodity-linked structured notes is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The Fund’s investments in commodity-linked structured notes involve substantial risks, including risk of loss of interest and principal, lack of a secondary ( i.e. , liquid) market, and risk of greater volatility than investments in traditional equity and debt markets.
If payment of interest on a commodity-linked structured note is linked to the value of a particular commodity, commodity index or other economic variable, the Fund might receive lower interest payments (or not receive any of the interest due) on its investments if there is a loss of value of the underlying investment. Further, to the extent that the amount of principal to be repaid upon maturity is linked to the value of a particular commodity, commodity index or other economic variable, the Fund might not receive a portion (or any) of the principal at maturity of the investment or upon earlier exchange. At any time, the risk of loss associated with a particular structured note in the Fund’s portfolio may be significantly higher than the value of the note.
A liquid secondary market may not exist for the commodity-linked structured notes held in the Fund’s portfolio, which may make it difficult for the notes to be sold at a price acceptable to the portfolio managers or to accurately value them. Investment in commodity-linked structured notes also subjects the Fund to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument) and hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
The value of the commodity-linked structured notes may fluctuate significantly because the values of the underlying investments to which they are linked are themselves volatile. Additionally, the particular terms of a commodity-linked structured note may create economic leverage by requiring payment by the issuer of an amount that is a multiple of the price increase or decrease of the underlying commodity, commodity index, or other economic variable. Economic leverage will increase the volatility of the value of these commodity-linked notes as they may increase or decrease in value more quickly than the underlying commodity, commodity index or other economic variable.
Derivatives Risk/Commodity-Linked Swaps Risk. The use of commodity-linked swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Commodity-linked swaps could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund. Such transactions can have the potential for unlimited losses. Such risk is heightened in the case of short swap transactions. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in the underlying asset, because swaps may be leveraged (creating leverage risk) and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), pricing risk (swaps may be difficult to value) and liquidity risk (the risk that it may not be possible to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Credit Default Swap Indexes Risk. A credit default swap (CDS) is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make one or more payments to the second party, while the second party assumes the risk of certain defaults, generally a failure to pay on a referenced debt obligation or the bankruptcy of the obligation’s issuer. As such, a CDS generally enables an investor to buy or sell protection against a credit event. A credit default index (CDX) is an index of CDS. Credit default swap indexes (CDSX) are swap agreements that are intended to track the performance of a CDX. CDSX allow an investor, such as the Fund, to manage credit risk or to take a position on a basket of debt obligations more efficiently than transacting in single name CDS. If a credit event occurs in one of the reference issuers, the protection is paid out through the delivery of the defaulted bond by the buyer of protection in return for payment of the notional value of the defaulted bond by the seller of protection or through a cash settlement between the two parties. The reference issuer is then removed from the index. CDSX are subject to the risk that the Fund’s counterparty will default on its obligations. If such a default were to occur, any contractual remedies that the Fund may have may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws, which could delay or limit the Fund's recovery. Thus, if the counterparty under a CDSX defaults on its obligation to make payments thereunder, as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, the Fund may lose such payments altogether, or collect only a portion thereof, which collection could involve costs or delays. The Fund’s return from investment in CDSX may not match the return of the referenced index. Further, investment in CDSX could result in losses if the referenced index does not perform as expected. Unexpected changes in the composition of the index may also affect performance of CDSX. If a referenced index has a dramatic intraday move that causes a material decline in the Fund’s net assets, the terms of the Fund’s CDSX may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the transaction. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another CDSX or otherwise achieve desired exposure, even if the referenced index reverses all or a portion of its intraday move.
Derivatives Risk/Credit Default Swaps Risk. The use of credit default swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A credit default swap enables an investor to buy or sell protection against a credit event, such as an issuer’s failure to make timely payments of
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interest or principal, bankruptcy or restructuring. A credit default swap may be embedded within a structured note or other derivative instrument. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in the underlying securities, because swaps, among other factors, may be leveraged (creating leverage risk, the risk that losses from the derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument) and subject the Fund to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), pricing risk (the risk that swaps may be difficult to value) and liquidity risk (it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund. If the Fund is selling credit protection, there is a risk that a credit event will occur and that the Fund will have to pay the counterparty. If the Fund is buying credit protection, there is a risk that no credit event will occur.
Derivatives Risk/Contracts for Difference Risk. Contracts for differences are swap arrangements in which the parties agree that their return (or loss) will be based on the relative performance of two different groups or baskets of securities or other instruments. Often, one or both baskets will be an established securities index. The Fund’s return will be based on changes in value of theoretical long futures positions in the securities comprising one basket (with an aggregate face value equal to the notional amount of the contract for differences) and theoretical short futures positions in the securities comprising the other basket. The Fund also may use actual long and short futures positions and achieve similar market exposure by netting the payment obligations of the two contracts. If the short basket outperforms the long basket, the Fund will realize a loss – even in circumstances when the securities in both the long and short baskets appreciate in value.
Derivatives Risk/Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. The use of these derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. These instruments are a type of derivative contract, whereby the Fund may agree to buy or sell a country's or region’s currency at a specific price on a specific date in the future. These instruments may fall in value (sometimes dramatically) due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations, subjecting the Fund to foreign currency risk (the risk that Fund performance may be negatively impacted by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund exposes a significant percentage of its assets to currencies other than the U.S. dollar). The effectiveness of any currency hedging strategy by a Fund may be reduced by the Fund’s inability to precisely match forward contract amounts and the value of securities involved. Forward foreign currency contracts used for hedging may also limit any potential gain that might result from an increase or decrease in the value of the currency. Unanticipated changes in the currency markets could result in reduced performance for the Fund or losses. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been movement in forward contract prices. When the Fund converts its foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, it may incur currency conversion costs due to the spread between the prices at which it may buy and sell various currencies in the market. Investment in these instruments also subjects the Fund, among other factors, to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument) and leverage risk (i.e., the risk that losses from the derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instruments). The Fund’s strategy of investing in these instruments may not be successful and the Fund may experience significant losses as a result.
Derivatives Risk/Forward Interest Rate Agreements Risk. Under forward interest rate agreements, the buyer locks in an interest rate at a future settlement date. If the interest rate on the settlement date exceeds the lock rate, the buyer pays the seller the difference between the two rates (based on the notional value of the agreement). If the lock rate exceeds the interest rate on the settlement date, the seller pays the buyer the difference between the two rates (based on the notional value of the agreement). The Fund may act as a buyer or a seller. Investment in these instruments subjects the Fund to risks, including counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains) and interest rate risk (the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Futures Contracts Risk. The use of futures contracts is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. A futures contract is a sales contract between a buyer (holding the “long” position) and a seller (holding the “short” position) for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay a fixed price at the agreed future date and the seller agrees to deliver the asset. The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. Moreover, to the extent the Fund engages in futures contracts on foreign exchanges, such exchanges may not provide
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the same protection as U.S. exchanges. The loss that the Fund may incur in entering into futures contracts may exceed the amount of the premium paid and may be potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Additionally, as a result of the low collateral deposits normally involved in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses for the Fund. Investments in these instruments involve risks, including counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains) and pricing risk (the risk that the instrument may be difficult to value), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Inflation Rate Swaps Risk. An inflation rate swap is a derivative instrument used to transfer inflation risk from one party to another through an exchange of cash flows. In an inflation rate swap, one party pays a fixed rate on a notional principal amount, while the other party pays a floating rate linked to an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Investments in inflation rate swaps subject the Fund (and, therefore, shareholders) to risks, including hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), and inflation risk (the risk that inflation rates may change drastically as a result of unexpected shifts in the global economy), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Inverse Floaters Risk. Inverse floaters (or inverse variable or floating rate securities) are a type of derivative, long-term fixed income obligation with a variable or floating interest rate that moves in the opposite direction of short-term interest rates. As short-term interest rates go down, the holders of the inverse floaters receive more income and, as short-term interest rates go up, the holders of the inverse floaters receive less income. Variable rate securities provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate securities have interest rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated benchmark rate or the issuer’s credit quality. While inverse floaters tend to provide more income than similar term and credit quality fixed-rate bonds, they also exhibit greater volatility in price movement. There is a risk that the current interest rate on variable and floating rate securities may not accurately reflect current market interest rates or adequately compensate the holder for the current creditworthiness of the issuer. Some variable or floating rate securities are structured with liquidity features and some may include market-dependent liquidity features that may present greater liquidity risk. Other risks associated with transactions in inverse floaters include interest rate risk (the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates), counterparty risk (the risk that the issuer of a security may or will default or otherwise become unable, or be perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor a financial obligation, such as making payments when due) and hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Options Risk. The use of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Fund sells a put option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price. If the Fund sells a call option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to sell the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price, and if the call option sold is not covered (for example, by owning the underlying asset), the Fund's losses are potentially unlimited. Options may be traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. These transactions involve other risks, including counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument) and hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Swaps Risk. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In a swap transaction, one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the return, based upon an agreed-upon notional value, of a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference (such as an index) during a specified period of time. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference based upon an agreed-upon notional value. Swaps could result in Fund losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund. Such transactions can have the potential for unlimited losses. Such risk is heightened in the case of swap transactions involving short exposures. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in the underlying asset, because swaps may be leveraged (creating leverage risk in that the Fund’s exposure and potential losses are greater than the amount invested) and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), pricing risk (swaps may be difficult to value) and liquidity risk (it may not be possible to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
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Derivatives Risk/Portfolio Swaps and Total Return Swaps Risk. The use of portfolio swaps or total return swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In a swap transaction, one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return of a defined underlying asset (such as an equity security or basket of such securities) or a non-asset reference (such as an index) during a specified period of time. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference. Portfolio swaps and equity swaps could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund. Such transactions can have the potential for unlimited losses. Such risk is heightened in the case of short swap transactions. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in the underlying asset, because swaps may be leveraged (creating leverage risk) and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset), pricing risk (swaps may be difficult to value) and liquidity risk ( it may not be possible to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant and unanticipated losses to the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Total Return Swaps Risk. The use of total return swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. In a total return swap transaction, one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return of a defined underlying asset (such as an equity security or basket of such securities) or a non-asset reference (such as an index) during a specified period of time. In return, the other party makes periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference. Total return swaps could result in Fund losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Such transactions can have the potential for unlimited losses. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities, because swaps may be leveraged (creating leverage risk in that the Fund’s exposure and potential losses are greater than the amount invested), and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, and may offset gains), pricing risk (swaps may be difficult to value) and liquidity risk (the risk that it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price), which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk/Warrants Risk. Warrants are securities giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of issuance) during a specified period or perpetually. Warrants may be acquired separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. 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 may be subject to the risk that the securities could lose value. There also is the risk that the potential exercise price may exceed the market price of the warrants or rights. Investment in these instruments also subject the Fund to liquidity risk (the risk that it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate the instrument at an advantageous time or price), which may result in significant losses for the Fund.
Distressed Securities Risk. The Fund may purchase distressed securities of business enterprises involved in workouts, liquidations, reorganizations, bankruptcies and similar situations. Since there is typically substantial uncertainty concerning the outcome of transactions involving business enterprises in these situations, there is a high degree of risk of loss, including loss of the entire investment.
In bankruptcy, there can be considerable delay in reaching accord on a restructuring plan acceptable to a bankrupt company’s lenders, bondholders and other creditors and then obtaining the approval of the bankruptcy court. Such delays could result in substantial losses to the investments in such company’s securities or obligations. Moreover, there is no assurance that a plan favorable to the class of securities held by the Fund will be adopted or that the subject company might not eventually be liquidated rather than reorganized.
In liquidations (both in and out of bankruptcy) and other forms of corporate reorganization, there exists the risk that the reorganization either will be unsuccessful, will be delayed or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security, the value of which will be less than the purchase price of the security in respect of which such distribution is received. It may be difficult to obtain accurate information concerning a company in financial distress, with the result that the analysis and valuation are especially difficult. The market for securities of such companies tends to be illiquid and sales may be possible only at substantial discounts.
Dollar Rolls Risk. Dollar rolls are transactions in which the Fund sells securities to a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to purchase those or similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price, or that the counterparty may default
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on its obligations. These transactions may also increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of the security sold, the Fund will also be subject to the risk that the investments purchased with such proceeds will decline in value (a form of leverage risk).
Derivatives Risk/Equity-Linked Notes Risk. An equity-linked note (ELN) is a debt instrument whose value is based on the value of a single equity security, basket of equity securities or an index of equity securities (each, an Underlying Equity). An ELN typically provides interest income, thereby offering a yield advantage over investing directly in an Underlying Equity. The Fund may purchase ELNs that trade on a securities exchange or those that trade on the over-the-counter markets, including securities offered and sold under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Fund may also purchase an ELN in a privately negotiated transaction with the issuer of the ELN (or its broker-dealer affiliate). The Fund's investment in ELNs has the potential to lead to significant losses because ELNs are subject to the market and volatility risks associated with their Underlying Equity, and to additional risks not typically associated with investments in listed equity securities, such as liquidity risk, credit risk of the issuer and concentration risk. The liquidity of unlisted ELNs is normally determined by the willingness of the issuer to make a market in the ELN. While the Fund will seek to purchase ELNs only from issuers that it believes to be willing to, and capable of, repurchasing the ELN at a reasonable price, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell any ELN at such a price or at all. This may impair the Fund’s ability to enter into other transactions at a time when doing so might be advantageous. In addition, because ELNs often take the form of unsecured notes of the issuer, the Fund would be subject to the risk that the issuer may default on its obligations under the ELN, thereby subjecting the Fund to the further risk of being too concentrated in the securities (including ELNs) of that issuer. The Fund may or may not hold an ELN until its maturity.
Emerging Market Securities Risk. Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk . In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity ( i.e. , lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries. Some emerging market countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates and may have hostile relations with other countries.
Operational and Settlement Risks of Securities in Emerging Markets. In addition to having less developed securities markets, banks in emerging markets that are eligible foreign sub-custodians may be recently organized, lack extensive operating experience or lack effective government oversight or regulation. In addition, there may be legal restrictions or limitations on the ability of the Fund to recover assets held in custody by a foreign sub-custodian in the event of the bankruptcy of the sub-custodian. Because settlement systems may be less organized than in developed markets and because delivery versus payment settlement may not be possible or reliable, there may be a greater risk that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities of the Fund may be lost because of failures of or defects in the system, including fraud or corruption. Settlement systems in emerging markets also have a higher risk of failed trades.
Risks Related to Currencies and Corporate Actions in Emerging Markets. Risks related to currencies and corporate actions are also greater in emerging market countries than in developed countries. For example, some emerging market countries may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. Further, certain currencies may not be traded internationally, or countries may have varying exchange rates. Some emerging market countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience sustained periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates which can have negative effects on a country’s economy and securities markets. Corporate action procedures in emerging market countries may be less reliable and have limited or no involvement by the depositories and central banks. Lack of standard practices and payment systems can lead to significant delays in payment.
Risks Related to Corporate and Securities Laws in Emerging Markets. Securities laws in emerging markets may be relatively new and unsettled and, consequently, there is a risk of rapid and unpredictable change in laws regarding foreign investment, securities regulation, title to securities and shareholder rights. Accordingly, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which issuers in certain emerging markets are subject may be less advanced than the systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and therefore, shareholders of such issuers may not receive many of the protections available to shareholders of issuers located in more developed countries. These risks may be heightened in China and Russia.
China Stock Connect Risk. The risks noted here are in addition to the risks described under Emerging Market Securities Risk. A Fund may purchase shares in mainland China-based companies that trade on Chinese stock exchanges such as the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (China A-Shares) through the Shanghai—Hong Kong Stock Connect (Stock
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Connect), a mutual market access program designed to, among other things, enable foreign investment in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) via brokers in Hong Kong. There are significant risks inherent in investing in China A-Shares through Stock Connect. The underdeveloped state of PRC’s investment and banking systems subjects the settlement, clearing, and registration of China A-Shares transactions to heightened risks. Stock Connect can only operate when both PRC and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. As such, if either or both markets are closed on a U.S. trading day, a Fund may not be able to dispose of its China A-Shares in a timely manner, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. PRC regulations require that a fund that wishes to sell its China A-Shares pre-deliver the China A-Shares to a broker. If the China A-Shares are not in the broker’s possession before the market opens on the day of sale, the sell order will be rejected. This requirement could also limit a fund’s ability to dispose of its China A-Shares purchased through Stock Connect in a timely manner. Additionally, Stock Connect is subject to daily quota limitations on purchases of China A-Shares. Once the daily quota is reached, orders to purchase additional China A-Shares through Stock Connect will be rejected. A Fund’s investment in China A-Shares may only be traded through Stock Connect and is not otherwise transferable. Stock Connect utilizes an omnibus clearing structure, and the Fund’s shares will be registered in its custodian’s name on the Central Clearing and Settlement System. This may limit the ability of the Investment Manager (and/or any subadviser, as the case may be) to effectively manage a Fund, and may expose the Fund to the credit risk of its custodian or to greater risk of expropriation. Investment in China A-Shares through Stock Connect may be available only through a single broker that is an affiliate of the Fund’s custodian, which may affect the quality of execution provided by such broker. Stock Connect restrictions could also limit the ability of a Fund to sell its China A-Shares in a timely manner, or to sell them at all. Further, different fees, costs and taxes are imposed on foreign investors acquiring China A-Shares acquired through Stock Connect, and these fees, costs and taxes may be higher than comparable fees, costs and taxes imposed on owners of other securities providing similar investment exposure.
Event-Driven Trading Risk. The Fund may seek to profit from the occurrence of specific corporate or other events. A delay in the timing of these events, or the failure of these events to occur at all, may have a significant negative effect on the Fund’s performance.
Event-driven investing requires the relevant manager to make predictions about (i) the likelihood that an event will occur and (ii) the impact such event will have on the value of a company’s securities. If the event fails to occur or it does not have the effect foreseen, losses can result. For example, the adoption of new business strategies, a meaningful change in management or the sale of a division or other significant assets by a company may not be valued as highly by the market as the manager had anticipated, resulting in losses. In addition, a company may announce a plan of restructuring which promises to enhance value and fail to implement it, resulting in losses to investors.
Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risk. An ETF’s share price may not track its specified market index (if any) and may trade below its net asset value. Certain ETFs use a “passive” investment strategy and do not take defensive positions in volatile or declining markets. Other ETFs in which the Fund may invest are actively managed ETFs ( i.e. , they do not track a particular benchmark), which indirectly subjects the Fund to active management risk. An active secondary market in an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained and may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions or other reasons. There can be no assurance an ETF’s shares will continue to be listed on an active exchange. In addition, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of the Fund’s expenses and similar expenses incurred through ownership of the ETF.
The Fund generally expects to purchase shares of ETFs through broker-dealers in transactions on a securities exchange, and in such cases the Fund will pay customary brokerage commissions for each purchase and sale. Shares of an ETF may also be acquired by depositing a specified portfolio of the ETF’s underlying securities, as well as a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends of the securities (net of expenses) up to the time of deposit, with the ETF’s custodian, in exchange for which the ETF will issue a quantity of new shares sometimes referred to as a “creation unit”. Similarly, shares of an ETF purchased on an exchange may be accumulated until they represent a creation unit, and the creation unit may be redeemed in kind for a portfolio of the underlying securities (based on the ETF’s net asset value) together with a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends as of the date of redemption. The Funds may redeem creation units for the underlying securities (and any applicable cash), and may assemble a portfolio of the underlying securities (and any required cash) to purchase creation units. The Funds’ ability to redeem creation units may be limited by the 1940 Act, which provides that ETFs, the shares of which are purchased in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, will not be obligated to redeem such shares in an amount exceeding one percent of their total outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days.
Foreign Currency Risk. The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate
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significantly over short or long periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, imposition of currency controls and economic or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also incur currency conversion costs when converting foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa.
Foreign Currency-related Tax Risk. As a regulated investment company (RIC), the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from sources treated as “qualifying income” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Fund may gain exposure to local currency markets through forward currency contracts. Although foreign currency gains currently constitute “qualifying income,” the Treasury Department has the authority to issue regulations excluding from the definition of “qualifying income” a RIC’s foreign currency gains not “directly related” to its “principal business” of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect thereto). Such regulations might treat gains from some of the Fund’s foreign currency-denominated positions as not qualifying income and there is a remote possibility that such regulations might be applied retroactively, in which case, the Fund might not qualify as a RIC for one or more years. In the event the Treasury Department issues such regulations, the Fund’s Board may authorize a significant change in investment strategy or the Fund’s liquidation.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. For example, foreign markets can be extremely volatile. The performance of the Fund may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency’s strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities may also be less liquid than securities of U.S. companies so that the Fund may, at times, be unable to sell foreign securities at desirable times or prices. Brokerage commissions, custodial costs and other fees are also generally higher for foreign securities. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments. In addition, foreign governments may impose potentially confiscatory withholding or other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or proceeds from the disposition of foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. Other risks include: possible delays in the settlement of transactions or in the payment of income; generally less publicly available information about foreign companies; the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other conditions or events; possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of a company or its assets or the assets of a particular investor or category of investors; possible imposition of currency exchange controls; accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards that may be less comprehensive and stringent than those applicable to domestic companies; the imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country; and the generally less stringent standard of care to which local agents may be held in the local markets. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about the securities and business operations of certain foreign issuers. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the level of risks. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets.
Operational and Settlement Risks of Foreign Securities. The Fund’s foreign securities are generally held outside the United States in the primary market for the securities in the custody of certain eligible foreign banks and trust companies (“foreign sub-custodians”), as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). Settlement practices for foreign securities may differ from those in the United States. Some countries have limited governmental oversight and regulation of industry practices, stock exchanges, depositories, registrars, brokers and listed companies, which increases the risk of corruption and fraud and the possibility of losses to the Fund. In particular, under certain circumstances, foreign securities may settle on a delayed delivery basis, meaning that the Fund may be required to make payment for securities before the Fund has actually received delivery of the securities or deliver securities prior to the receipt of payment. Typically, in these cases, the Fund will receive evidence of ownership in accordance with the generally accepted settlement practices in the local market entitling the Fund to delivery or payment at a future date, but there is a risk that the security will not be delivered to the Fund or that payment will not be received, although the Fund and its foreign sub-custodians take reasonable precautions to mitigate this risk. Losses can also result from lost, stolen or counterfeit securities; defaults by brokers and banks; failures or defects of the settlement system; or poor and improper record keeping by registrars and issuers.
Share Blocking. Share blocking refers to a practice in certain foreign markets under which an issuer’s securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders takes place. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country. As a consequence of these restrictions, the Investment Manager, on behalf of the Fund, may abstain from voting proxies in markets that require share blocking.
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Forward Commitments on Mortgage-backed Securities (including Dollar Rolls) Risk. When purchasing mortgage-backed securities in the “to be announced” (TBA) market (MBS TBAs), the seller agrees to deliver mortgage-backed securities for an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date, but may make no guarantee as to the specific securities to be delivered. In lieu of taking delivery of mortgage-backed securities, the Fund could enter into dollar rolls, which are transactions in which the Fund sells securities to a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to purchase those or similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price, or that the counterparty may default on its obligations. These transactions may also increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of the security sold, the Fund will also be subject to the risk that the investments purchased with such proceeds will decline in value (a form of leverage risk). MBS TBAs and dollar rolls are subject to counterparty risk.
Frontier Market Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than typical emerging market countries (which themselves have increased investment risk relative to more developed market countries) and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified when the Fund invests in frontier market countries. The increased risks include: the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity in frontier market countries; government ownership or control of parts of the private sector and of certain companies; trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which frontier market countries trade; and the relatively new and unsettled securities laws in many frontier market countries. Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in frontier market countries are even more likely than emerging markets securities to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk .
Fund-of-Funds Risk. Determinations regarding asset classes or underlying funds and the Fund’s allocations thereto may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective, in whole or in part. The selected underlying funds’ performance may be lower than the performance of the asset class they were selected to represent or may be lower than the performance of alternative underlying funds that could have been selected to represent the asset class. The Fund also is exposed to the same risks as the underlying funds in direct proportion to the allocation of its assets among the underlying funds. By investing in a combination of underlying funds, the Fund has exposure to the risks of many areas of the market. The ability of the Fund to realize its investment objective will depend, in large part, on the extent to which the underlying funds realize their investment objectives. There is no guarantee that the underlying funds will achieve their respective investment objectives. The performance of underlying funds could be adversely affected if other entities that invest in the same underlying funds make relatively large investments or redemptions in such underlying funds. The Fund, and its shareholders, indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any funds in which the Fund invests. Because the expenses and costs of each underlying fund are shared by its investors, redemptions by other investors in an underlying fund could result in decreased economies of scale and increased operating expenses for such fund. These transactions might also result in higher brokerage, tax or other costs for an underlying fund. This risk may be particularly important when one investor owns a substantial portion of an underlying fund. The Investment Manager may have potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated funds over unaffiliated funds for investment by the Fund, and may also face potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated funds, because the fees the Investment Manager receives from some underlying funds may be higher than the fees paid by other underlying funds.
Geographic Concentration Risk. The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries within the specific geographic regions in which the Fund invests. Currency devaluations could occur in countries that have not yet experienced currency devaluation to date, or could continue to occur in countries that have already experienced such devaluations. As a result, the Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund.
Growth Securities Risk. Growth securities typically trade at a higher multiple of earnings than other types of equity securities. Accordingly, the market values of growth securities may never reach their expected market value and may decline in price. In addition, growth securities, at times, may not perform as well as value securities or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.
Hedging Transactions Risk. The Fund may invest in securities and utilize financial instruments for a variety of hedging purposes. Hedging transactions may limit the opportunity for gain if the value of the portfolio position should increase. There can be no assurance that the Fund will engage in hedging transactions at any given time, even under volatile market conditions, or that any hedging transactions the Fund engages in will be successful. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to enter into a hedging transaction at a price sufficient to protect its assets. The Fund may not anticipate a particular risk so as to hedge against it.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a portfolio position does not eliminate fluctuations in the values of portfolio positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline, but establishes other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thus moderating the decline in the portfolio positions’ value. Such hedging transactions also limit the opportunity
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for gain if the value of the portfolio position should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against an exchange rate, interest rate or security price fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to enter into a hedging transaction at a price sufficient to protect its assets from the decline in value of the portfolio positions anticipated as a result of such fluctuations.
The Fund is not required to attempt to hedge portfolio positions and, for various reasons, may determine not to do so. Furthermore, the Fund may not anticipate a particular risk so as to hedge against it. While the Fund may enter into hedging transactions to seek to reduce risk, such transactions may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if the Fund had not engaged in any such hedging transaction. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio position being hedged may vary. For a variety of reasons, the Fund may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Such imperfect correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. The successful utilization of hedging and risk management transactions requires skills complementary to those needed in the selection of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Moreover, it should be noted that a portfolio will always be exposed to certain risks that cannot be hedged, such as credit risk (relating both to particular securities and counterparties), liquidity risk and widening risk.
High-Yield Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) and unrated securities of comparable quality tend to be more sensitive to credit risk than higher-rated securities and may experience greater price fluctuations in response to perceived changes in the ability of the issuing entity or obligor to pay interest and principal when due than to changes in interest rates. These investments are generally more likely to experience a default than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. These securities typically pay a premium — a higher interest rate or yield — because of the increased risk of loss, including default. High-yield securities may require a greater degree of judgment to establish a price, may be difficult to sell at the time and price the Fund desires, may carry high transaction costs, and also are generally less liquid than higher-rated securities. The securities ratings provided by third party rating agencies are based on analyses by these ratings agencies of the credit quality of the securities and may not take into account every risk related to whether interest or principal will be timely repaid. In adverse economic and other circumstances, issuers of lower-rated securities are more likely to have difficulty making principal and interest payments than issuers of higher-rated securities.
Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk. The loans or other securities in which the Fund invests may consist of transactions involving refinancings, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions and other financings for general corporate purposes. The Fund’s investments also may include senior obligations of a borrower issued in connection with a restructuring pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (commonly known as “debtor-in-possession” financings), provided that such senior obligations are determined by the Fund’s portfolio managers to be a suitable investment for the Fund. In such highly leveraged transactions, the borrower assumes large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to attempt to achieve its business objectives. Such business objectives may include but are not limited to: management’s taking over control of a company (leveraged buy-out); reorganizing the assets and liabilities of a company (leveraged recapitalization); or acquiring another company. Loans or securities that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a greater risk (including default and bankruptcy) than other investments.
Impairment of Collateral Risk. The value of collateral, if any, securing a loan can decline, and may be insufficient to meet the borrower’s obligations or difficult or costly to liquidate. In addition, the Fund’s access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Further, certain floating rate and other loans may not be fully collateralized and may decline in value.
Inflation-Protected Securities Risk. Inflation-protected debt securities tend to react to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates can be described as nominal interest rates minus the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-protected debt security falls when real interest rates rise, and rises when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation and may be more volatile than interest paid on ordinary bonds. In periods of deflation, the Fund may have no income at all from such investments. Income earned by a shareholder depends on the amount of principal invested, and that principal will not grow with inflation unless the shareholder reinvests the portion of Fund distributions that comes from inflation adjustments. A Fund’s investment in certain inflation-protected debt securities may generate taxable income in excess of the interest they pay to the Fund, which may cause the Fund to sell investments to obtain cash to make income distributions to shareholders, including at times when it may not be advantageous to do so.
IPO Risk. IPOs are subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. To the extent the Fund determines to invest in IPOs, it may not be able to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO are available to the Fund. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able
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to do so. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease. IPOs sold within 12 months of purchase may result in increased short-term capital gains, which will be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders as ordinary income.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates rise, the values of debt securities tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of debt securities tend to rise. Changes in the value of a debt security usually will not affect the amount of income the Fund receives from it but will usually affect the value of the Fund's shares. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate declines also may increase prepayments of debt obligations, which, in turn, would increase prepayment risk. Similarly, a period of rising interest rates may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Actions by governments and central banking authorities can result in increases in interest rates. Such actions may negatively affect the value of fixed-income securities held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on the Fund's performance and NAV. Securities with floating coupon rates are typically less sensitive to interest rate changes, but these securities may decline in value if their coupon rates do not rise as much as, or keep pace with, yields on such types of securities. Because rates on certain floating rate loans and other debt securities reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV.
Investing in Other Funds Risk. The Fund’s investment in other funds (affiliated and/or unaffiliated funds, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs)) subjects the Fund to the investment performance (positive or negative) and risks of the underlying funds in direct proportion to the Fund’s investment therein. In addition, investments in ETFs have unique characteristics, including, but not limited to, the expense structure and additional expenses associated with investing in ETFs. The performance of the underlying funds could be adversely affected if other investors in the same underlying funds make relatively large investments or redemptions in such underlying funds. The Fund, and its shareholders, indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any funds in which the Fund invests. Because the expenses and costs of a fund are shared by its investors, redemptions by other investors in the underlying funds could result in decreased economies of scale and increased operating expenses for such fund. These transactions might also result in higher brokerage, tax or other costs for the underlying funds. This risk may be particularly important when one investor owns a substantial portion of the underlying funds. The Investment Manager may have potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated underlying funds for investment by the Fund because the fees paid to it by some underlying funds are higher than the fees paid by other underlying funds, as well as a potential conflict in selecting affiliated funds over unaffiliated funds. Also, to the extent that the Fund is constrained/restricted from investing (or investing further) in a particular underlying fund for one or more reasons (e.g., underlying fund capacity constraints or regulatory restrictions) or if the Fund chooses to sell its investment in an underlying fund because of poor investment performance or for other reasons, the Fund may have to invest in one or more other underlying funds, including less desirable funds – from a strategy or investment performance standpoint – which could have a negative impact on Fund performance. In addition, Fund performance could be negatively impacted if one or more appropriate alternate underlying funds are not identified or available for investment timely or at all.
Issuer Risk. An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors.
Leverage Risk. Leverage occurs when the Fund increases its assets available for investment using borrowings, short sales, derivatives, or similar instruments or techniques. Because short sales involve borrowing securities and then selling them, the Fund’s short sales effectively leverage the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s assets that are used as collateral to secure the Fund’s obligations to return the securities sold short may decrease in value while the short positions are outstanding, which may force the Fund to use its other assets to increase the collateral. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund's overall returns. Leverage presents the opportunity for increased net income and capital gains, but may also exaggerate the Fund’s volatility and risk of loss. There can be no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of investments which may make it difficult to sell the investment at a desirable time or price. Decreases in the number of financial institutions willing to make markets in the Fund’s investments or in their capacity or willingness to trade such investments may increase the Fund’s exposure to this risk. Changing regulatory, market or other conditions or environments (for example, the interest rate or credit environments) may also adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investments. The Fund may have to accept a lower selling price for the holding, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity. Judgment plays a larger role in valuing these investments as compared to valuing more liquid investments. Price volatility may be higher for illiquid investments as a result of, for example, the relatively less frequent pricing of such securities (as compared to liquid investments). Generally, the less liquid
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the market at the time the Fund sells a portfolio investment, the greater the risk of loss or decline of value to the Fund. Price volatility, liquidity of the market and other factors can lead to an increase in Fund redemptions, which may negatively impact Fund performance and NAV, including, for example, if the Fund is forced to sell securities in a down market.
Listed Private Equity Fund Investment Risk. Private equity funds include financial institutions or vehicles whose principal business is to invest in and lend capital to privately held companies. The Fund is subject to the underlying risks that affect private equity funds in which it invests, which may include increased liquidity risk, valuation risk, sector risk and credit risk. Limited or incomplete information about the companies in which private equity funds invest, and relatively concentrated investment portfolios of private equity funds, may expose the Fund to greater volatility and risk of loss. Fund investment in private equity funds subjects Fund shareholders indirectly to the fees and expenses incurred by private equity funds.
Macro Strategy Risk. The profitability of any macro program depends primarily on the ability of its manager to predict derivative contract price movements to implement investment theses regarding macroeconomic trends. Price movements for commodity interests are influenced by, among other things: changes in interest rates; governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies; weather and climate conditions; natural disasters, such as hurricanes; changing supply and demand relationships; changes in balances of payments and trade; U.S. and international rates of inflation and deflation; currency devaluations and revaluations; U.S. and international political and economic events; and changes in philosophies and emotions of market participants. The manager’s trading methods may not take all of these factors into account.
The global macro programs to which the Fund’s investments are exposed typically use derivative financial instruments that are actively traded using a variety of strategies and investment techniques that involve significant risks. The derivative financial instruments traded include commodities, currencies, futures, options and forward contracts and other derivative instruments that have inherent leverage and price volatility that result in greater risk than instruments used by typical mutual funds, and the systematic programs used to trade them may rely on proprietary investment strategies that are not fully disclosed, which may in turn result in risks that are not anticipated.
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. Security values may fall or fail to rise because of a variety of actual or perceived factors affecting an issuer (e.g., an unfavorable earnings report), the industry or sector in which it operates, or the market as a whole, which may reduce the value of an investment in the Fund. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. The market values of the securities the Fund holds can be affected by changes or perceived changes in U.S. or foreign economies and financial markets, and the liquidity of these securities, among other factors. Although equity securities generally tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities, under certain market conditions, debt securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. In addition, stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase.
Master Limited Partnership Risk. Investments in securities (units) of master limited partnerships involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. Holders of these units have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. These units may be subject to cash flow and dilution risks. There are also certain tax risks associated with such an investment. In particular, the Fund’s investment in master limited partnerships can be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and can limit the Fund’s ability to so qualify. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of a master limited partnership, including a conflict arising as a result of incentive distribution payments. In addition, there are risks related to the general partner’s right to require unit holders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price.
Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk. Securities of mid-capitalization companies (mid-cap companies) can, in certain circumstances, have more risk than securities of larger capitalization companies (larger companies). For example, mid-cap companies may be more vulnerable to market downturns and adverse business or economic events than larger companies because they may have more limited financial resources and business operations. Mid-cap companies are also more likely than larger companies to have more limited product lines and operating histories and to depend on smaller management teams. Securities of mid-cap companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes and may fluctuate more sharply in value than securities of larger companies. When the Fund takes significant positions in mid-cap companies with limited trading volumes, the liquidation of those positions, particularly in a distressed market, could be difficult and result in Fund investment losses. In addition, some mid-cap companies may not be widely followed by the investment community, which can lower the demand for their stocks.
Model and Technology Risk. Investment strategies or programs that are fundamentally dependent on proprietary or licensed technology, such as, among other things, hardware, software, model-based strategies, data gathering systems, order execution, and trade allocation systems, and/or risk management systems may not be successful on an ongoing basis or could contain errors, omissions, imperfections, or malfunctions. Any such errors, imperfections or limitations in a model could affect the
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ability of the manager to implement strategies. Despite testing, monitoring and independent safeguards, these errors may result in, among other things, execution and allocation failures and failures to properly gather and organize data — all of which may have a negative effect on the Fund.
Such errors are often extremely difficult to detect and some may go undetected for long periods of time and some may never be detected. The adverse impact caused by these errors can compound over time. A manager (and/or the licensor of the models or technology) may detect certain errors that it chooses, in its sole discretion, not to address or fix. By necessity, models make simplifying assumptions that limit their efficacy. Models that appear to explain prior market data can fail to predict future market events. Moreover, an increasing number of market participants may rely on models that are similar to those used by a manager (or an affiliate of a manager), which may result in a substantial number of market participants taking the same action with respect to an investment. Should one or more of these other market participants begin to divest themselves of one or more portfolio investments, the Fund could suffer losses.
Money Market Fund Investment Risk. An investment in a money market fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the FDIC or any other government agency. Although money market funds seek to preserve the value of investments at $1.00 per share, it is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds. In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund directly bears, the Fund indirectly bears the fees and expenses of any money market funds in which it invests, including affiliated money market funds. To the extent these fees and expenses, along with the fees and expenses of any other funds in which the Fund may invest, are expected to equal or exceed 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, they will be reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses set forth in the table under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund.” By investing in a money market fund, the Fund will be exposed to the investment risks of the money market fund in direct proportion to such investment. The money market fund may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund, through its investment in the money market fund, may not achieve its investment objective. To the extent the Fund invests in instruments such as derivatives, the Fund may hold investments, which may be significant, in money market fund shares to cover its obligations resulting from the Fund’s investments in derivatives.
Mortgage- and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The value of any mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities held by the Fund may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in: interest rates; factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgages or other assets; the creditworthiness of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements; or the market's assessment of the quality of underlying assets. Mortgage-backed securities represent interests in, or are backed by, pools of mortgages from which payments of interest and principal (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities) are distributed to the holders of the mortgage-backed securities. Other types of asset-backed securities typically represent interests in, or are backed by, pools of receivables such as credit, automobile, student and home equity loans. Mortgage- and other asset-backed securities can have a fixed or an adjustable rate. Mortgage- and other asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the possibility that the underlying mortgage or other asset may be refinanced or prepaid prior to maturity during periods of declining or low interest rates, causing the Fund to have to reinvest the money received in securities that have lower yields. In addition, the impact of prepayments on the value of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities may be difficult to predict and may result in greater volatility. Rising or high interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, making them more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage-backed securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed (i) by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (in the case of securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association) or (ii) by its agencies, authorities, enterprises or instrumentalities (in the case of securities guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)), which are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government (although FNMA and FHLMC may be able to access capital from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations under such securities). Mortgage-backed securities issued by non-governmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may be supported by various credit enhancements, such as pool insurance, guarantees issued by governmental entities, letters of credit from a bank or senior/subordinated structures, and may entail greater risk than obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government, whether or not such obligations are guaranteed by the private issuer.
Multi-Strategy Risk. The multi-strategy approach employed by the Fund involves special risks, which include the risk that investment decisions, at the Fund or the underlying fund level, may conflict with each other; for example, at any particular time, one manager may be purchasing shares of an issuer whose shares are being sold by another manager. Consequently, the Fund could indirectly incur transaction costs without accomplishing any net investment result. Also, managers may use proprietary or licensed investment strategies that are based on considerations and factors that are not fully disclosed to the Fund or other investors.
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Moreover, consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, these proprietary or licensed investment strategies, which may include quantitative mathematical models or systems, may be changed or refined over time. A manager (or the licensor of the strategies used by the manager) may make certain changes to the strategies the manager has previously used, may not use such strategies at all (or the manager’s license may be revoked), or may use additional strategies, where such changes or discretionary decisions, and the reasons for such changes or decisions, are also not disclosed to the Fund or other investors. These strategies may involve risks under some market conditions that are not anticipated by the Investment Manager or the Fund.
Municipal Securities Risk. Municipal securities are debt obligations generally issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including general financing for state and local governments, or financing for a specific project or public facility, and include obligations of the governments of the U.S. territories, commonwealths and possessions such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to the extent such obligations are exempt from state and federal income taxes. Municipal securities can be significantly affected by political and legislative changes at the state or federal level. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed by the taxing authority of the local government, by the credit of a private issuer, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets or by domestic or foreign entities providing credit support, such as letters of credit, guarantees or insurance, and are generally classified into general obligation bonds and special revenue obligations. General obligation bonds are backed by an issuer's taxing authority and may be vulnerable to limits on a government's power or ability to raise revenue or increase taxes. They may also depend for payment on legislative appropriation and/or funding or other support from other governmental bodies. Revenue obligations are payable from revenues generated by a particular project or other revenue source, and are typically subject to greater risk of default than general obligation bonds because investors can look only to the revenue generated by the project or other revenue source backing the project, rather than to the general taxing authority of the state or local government issuer of the obligations. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance projects in sectors such as education, health care, transportation and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. Municipal securities generally pay interest that, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from U.S. federal income tax (and, in some cases, the federal alternative minimum tax). There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with this opinion or that U.S. federal income tax law will not change. In the event the IRS determines that the issuer does not comply with relevant tax requirements or U.S. federal income tax law changes, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued, and the value of the security would likely fall. As a shareholder of the Fund, you may be required to file an amended tax return and pay additional taxes as a result. The amount of publicly available information for municipal issuers is generally less than for corporate issuers.
Certain of the municipalities or territories in which the Fund may invest have recently experienced significant financial difficulties. A credit rating downgrade relating to, default by, or insolvency or bankruptcy of, one or several municipal security issuers of a state, territory, commonwealth or possession in which the Fund invests could affect the market values and marketability of many or all municipal obligations of such state, territory, commonwealth or possession.
Opportunistic Investing Risk. Undervalued securities involve the risk that they may never reach their expected full market value, either because the market fails to recognize the security's intrinsic worth or the expected value was misgauged. Undervalued securities also may decline in price even though the Investment Manager believes they are already undervalued. Turnaround companies may never improve their fundamentals, may take much longer than expected to improve, or may improve much less than expected. Development stage companies could fail to develop and deplete their assets, resulting in large percentage losses.
Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stock is a type of stock that generally pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights. The price of a preferred stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which the stock trades. The most significant risks associated with investments in preferred stock include issuer risk, market risk and interest rate risk ( i.e. , the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates).
Prepayment and Extension Risk. Prepayment risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security or investment might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and extension risk is the risk that the investment might not be called as expected. In the case of prepayment risk, if the investment is converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, particularly during a time of declining interest rates or spreads, the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in other investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. Conversely, in the case of extension risk, as interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases and the maturity of the investment may extend the life of the investment beyond the prepayment time. If the Fund's investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for a longer period of time, the portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
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Quantitative Model Risk. The Fund may use quantitative methods to select investments. Securities or other investments selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance for many reasons, including factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, and changing sources of market returns, among others. Any errors or imperfections in the Fund portfolio manager’s quantitative analyses or models, or in the data on which they are based, could adversely affect the portfolio manager’s effective use of such analyses or models, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. It is not possible or practicable for a manager to factor all relevant, available data into quantitative model forecasts and/or trading decisions. Quantitative managers will use their discretion to determine what data to gather with respect to an investment strategy and what data the models will take into account to produce forecasts that may have an impact on ultimate trading decisions. Shareholders should be aware that there is no guarantee that a quantitative manager will use any specific data or type of data in making trading decisions on behalf of the Fund, nor is there any guarantee that the data actually utilized in generating forecasts or making trading decisions on behalf of the Fund will be the most accurate data available or free from errors. There can be no assurance that these methodologies will enable the Fund to achieve its objective.
Real Estate-Related Investment Risk. Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and in securities of other companies (wherever organized) principally engaged in the real estate industry subject the Fund to, among other things, risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general. These include risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of financing and changes in interest rates or property values. REITs are entities that either own properties or make construction or mortgage loans, and also may include operating or finance companies. The value of interests in a REIT may be affected by, among other factors, changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT, changes in the prospect for earnings and/or cash flow growth of the REIT itself, defaults by borrowers or tenants, market saturation, decreases in market rates for rents, and other economic, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry, including REITs. REITs and similar non-U.S. entities depend upon specialized management skills, may have limited financial resources, may have less trading volume in their securities, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. REITs are also subject to the risk of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income. Some REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are affected by risks similar to those associated with investments in debt securities including changes in interest rates and the quality of credit extended.
Redemption Risk. The Fund may need to sell portfolio securities to meet redemption requests. The Fund could experience a loss when selling portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if there is (i) significant redemption activity by shareholders, including, for example, when a single investor or few large investors make a significant redemption of Fund shares, (ii) a disruption in the normal operation of the markets in which the Fund buys and sells portfolio securities or (iii) the inability of the Fund to sell portfolio securities because such securities are illiquid. In such events, the Fund could be forced to sell portfolio securities at unfavorable prices in an effort to generate sufficient cash to pay redeeming shareholders. The Fund may suspend redemptions or the payment of redemption proceeds when permitted by applicable regulations.
Regulatory Risk — Alternative Investments. Legal, tax, and regulatory developments may adversely affect the Fund and its investments. The regulatory environment for the Fund and certain of its investments is evolving, and changes in the regulation of investment funds, their managers, and their trading activities and capital markets, or a regulator’s disagreement with the Fund’s or other’s interpretation of the application of certain regulations, may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy, its ability to obtain leverage and financing, and the value of investments held by the Fund. There has been an increase in governmental, as well as self-regulatory, scrutiny of the investment industry in general and the alternative investment industry in particular. It is impossible to predict what, if any, changes in regulations may occur, but any regulation that restricts the ability of the Fund or any underlying funds or other investments to trade in securities or other instruments or the ability of the Fund or underlying funds to employ, or brokers and other counterparties to extend, credit in their trading (as well as other regulatory changes that result) could have a material adverse impact on the Fund’s performance.
Shareholders should understand that the Fund’s business is dynamic and is expected to change over time. Therefore, the Fund and its underlying investments may be subject to new or additional regulatory constraints in the future. Such regulations may have a significant impact on shareholders or the operations of the Fund, including, without limitation, restricting the types of investments the Fund may make, preventing the Fund from exercising its voting rights with regard to certain financial instruments, requiring the Fund to disclose the identity of its investors or otherwise. To the extent the Fund or its underlying investments are subject to such regulation, such regulations may have a detrimental effect on one or more shareholders. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult their own advisors regarding an investment in the Fund.
Regulatory Risk — Money Market Funds. Money market funds and the securities they invest in are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money market funds. For example, in July, 2014 the SEC adopted amendments to money market regulation designed to address, among other things, systemic risks associated with money market funds and to enhance transparency for money market fund investors. These rules provide for liquidity fees or redemption
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gates for non-government money market funds if portfolio liquidity drops below specified levels and will require institutional prime money market funds to price shares with a floating net asset value. These rule changes may impact the future operations, performance and/or yields of the Columbia money market funds and other money market funds. Non-governmental money market funds will be required to restrict beneficial owners to natural persons if they want to maintain a stable net asset value. Because government money market funds will not be required to float their net asset value or impose liquidity fees or redemption gates, money market funds may decide to change investment strategies to qualify as government money market funds. Money market funds are required to comply with the liquidity fees, redemption gates and floating net asset value rules by October 2016 and most of the other rules by April 2016.
Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to reinvest income or principal at the same return it is currently earning.
Repurchase Agreements Risk. Repurchase agreements are agreements in which the seller of a security to the Fund agrees to repurchase that security from the Fund at a mutually agreed upon price and time. Repurchase agreements carry the risk that the counterparty may not fulfill its obligations under the agreement. This could cause the Fund's income and the value of your investment in the Fund to decline.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk. Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements in which a Fund sells a security to a counterparty, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at a mutually agreed upon price and time. Reverse repurchase agreements carry the risk that the market value of the security sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which the Fund must repurchase the security. Reverse repurchase agreements also may be viewed as a form of borrowing, and borrowed assets used for investment creates leverage risk. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund's overall returns. Leverage presents the opportunity for increased net income and capital gains, but may also exaggerate the Fund’s volatility and risk of loss. There can be no guarantee that this strategy will be successful.
Rule 144A Securities Risk. The Fund may invest significantly in privately placed “Rule 144A” securities that are determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board. However, an insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing Rule 144A securities at a particular time could affect adversely the marketability of such securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. Accordingly, even if determined to be liquid, the Fund’s holdings of Rule 144A securities may increase the level of Fund illiquidity if eligible buyers become uninterested in buying them at a particular time. The Fund may also have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Additionally, the purchase price and subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the market price of comparable securities for which a more liquid market exists. Issuers of Rule 144A securities are required to furnish information to potential investors upon request. However, the required disclosure is much less extensive than that required of public companies and is not publicly available since it is not filed with the SEC. Further, issuers of Rule 144A securities can require recipients of the information (such as the Fund) to agree contractually to keep the information confidential, which could also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to dispose of the security.
Sector Risk. At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within an economic sector. Companies in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. The more broadly a Fund invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.
Sector Risk — Consumer Discretionary Sector Investments. To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the consumer discretionary sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to certain risks, including fluctuations in the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rate changes, increased competition and consumer confidence. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, changing demographics and consumer tastes.
Sector Risk — Energy Sector Investments. To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the energy sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the energy sector are subject to certain risks, including legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions and increased competition. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, among others, fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, events occurring in nature and local and international politics. In addition, rising interest rates and high inflation may affect the demand for certain natural resources and, therefore, the performance of companies in the energy sector.
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Sector Risk — Financial Services Sector Investments. To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the financial services sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the financial services sector are subject to certain risks, including the risk of regulatory change, decreased liquidity in credit markets and unstable interest rates. Such companies may have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to real estate developers, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect that industry. Performance of such companies may be affected by competitive pressures and exposure to investments or agreements that, under certain circumstances, may lead to losses ( e.g. , subprime loans). Companies in the financial services sector are subject to extensive governmental regulation that may limit the amount and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and interest rates and fees that they may charge. In addition, profitability of such companies is largely dependent upon the availability and the cost of capital.
Sector Risk — Health Care Sector Investments. To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the health care sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the health care sector are subject to certain risks, including restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, government approval of medical products and services, competitive pricing pressures, and the rising cost of medical products and services (especially for companies dependent upon a relatively limited number of products or services). Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, government regulation, obtaining and protecting patents (or the failure to do so), product liability and other similar litigation as well as product obsolescence.
Sector Risk — Industrials Sector Investments. To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the industrials sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the industrials sector are subject to certain risks, including changes in supply and demand for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general, including decline in demand for such products due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including government regulation, world events and economic conditions and risks for environmental damage and product liability claims.
Sector Risk — Technology and Technology-Related Sector Investment Risk. To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in technology and technology related sectors, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in those sectors, as well as other technology-related sectors (collectively, the technology sectors) than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the technology sectors are subject to certain risks, including the risk that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including obtaining and protecting patents (or the failure to do so) and significant competitive pressures, including aggressive pricing of their products or services, new market entrants, competition for market share and short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments. Such competitive pressures may lead to limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. As a result, the value of their securities may fall or fail to rise. In addition, many technology sector companies have limited operating histories and prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.
Short Positions Risk. A Fund that establishes short positions introduces more risk to the Fund than a fund that only takes long positions (where the Fund owns the instrument or other asset) because the maximum sustainable loss on an instrument or other asset purchased (held long) is limited to the amount paid for the instrument or other asset plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum price of the shorted instrument or other asset when purchased in the open market. Therefore, in theory, short positions have unlimited risk. The Fund’s use of short positions in effect “leverages” the Fund. Leverage potentially exposes the Fund to greater risks of loss due to unanticipated market movements, which may magnify losses and increase the volatility of returns. To the extent the Fund takes a short position in a derivative instrument or other asset, this involves the risk of a potentially unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument or other asset.
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk. Securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies (small- and mid-cap companies) can, in certain circumstances, have a higher potential for gains than securities of larger, more established companies (larger companies) but may also have more risk. For example, small- and mid-cap companies may be more vulnerable to market downturns and adverse business or economic events than larger companies because they may have more limited financial resources and business operations. Small- and mid-cap companies are also more likely than larger companies to have more limited product lines and operating histories and to depend on smaller management teams. Securities of small- and mid-cap companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes and may be less liquid and fluctuate more sharply in value than securities of larger companies. When the Fund takes significant positions in small- and mid-cap companies with limited trading volumes, the liquidation of those positions, particularly in a distressed market, could be prolonged and result in losses to the Fund. In addition, some small- and mid-cap companies may not be widely followed by the investment community, which can lower the demand for their stocks.
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Sovereign Debt Risk. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
With respect to sovereign debt of emerging market issuers, investors should be aware that certain emerging market countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis and that has led to defaults and the restructuring of certain indebtedness to the detriment of debtholders. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.
Special Situations Risk. Securities of companies that are involved in an initial public offering or a major corporate event, such as a business consolidation or restructuring, may be exposed to heightened special risk because of the high degree of uncertainty that can be associated with such events. Securities issued in initial public offerings often are issued by companies that are in the early stages of development, have a history of little or no revenues and may operate at a loss following the offering. It is possible that there will be no active trading market for the securities after the offering, and that the market price of the securities may be subject to significant and unpredictable fluctuations. Initial public offerings are subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. To the extent the Fund determines to invest in initial public offerings, it may not be able to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an initial public offering are available to the Fund. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in initial public offerings may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. Certain “special situation” investments are investments in securities or other instruments that are determined to be illiquid or lacking a readily ascertainable fair value. Certain special situation investments prevent ownership interest therein from being withdrawn until the special situation investment, or a portion thereof, is realized or deemed realized, which may negatively impact Fund performance. Investing in special situations may have a magnified effect on the performance of funds with small amounts of assets.
Stripped Securities Risk. Stripped securities are the separate income or principal components of debt securities. These securities are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, and therefore subject to greater fluctuations in price than typical interest bearing debt securities. For example, stripped mortgage-backed securities have greater interest rate risk than mortgage-backed securities with like maturities, and stripped treasury securities have greater interest rate risk than traditional government securities with identical credit ratings.
Trade Claims Risk. The Fund may also purchase trade claims against companies, including companies in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings, which include claims of suppliers for goods delivered and not paid, claims for unpaid services rendered, claims for contract rejection damages and claims related to litigation. An investment in trade claims is very speculative and carries a high degree of risk. Trade claims may be illiquid instruments that generally do not pay interest and there can be no guarantee that the debtor will ever be able to satisfy the obligation on the trade claim. Trade claims are typically unsecured and may be subordinated to other unsecured obligations of a debtor, and generally are subject to defenses of the debtor with respect to the underlying transaction giving rise to the trade claim. The markets in trade claims are not regulated by U.S. federal securities laws or the SEC.
U.S. Government Obligations Risk. While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, such securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk ( i.e. , the risk that the U.S. Government may be, or may be perceived to be, unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments). Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. For example, securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Banks are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency, authority, instrumentality or enterprise and, as a result, are subject to greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.
Valuation Risk. The sales price the Fund (or an underlying fund or other investment vehicle) could receive for any particular investment may differ from the Fund’s (or an underlying fund’s or other investment vehicle’s) valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology that produces an estimate of the fair value of the security/instrument, which may prove to be inaccurate. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding securities or other instruments (or holding shares of underlying funds or other investment vehicles that have fair-valued securities or other instruments in their portfolios) may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund (or underlying fund or other investment vehicle)
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had not fair-valued the security or instrument or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the market on which they are valued, but before the Fund determines its net asset value.
Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk. Zero-coupon bonds are bonds that do not pay interest in cash on a current basis, but instead accrue interest over the life of the bond. As a result, these securities are issued at a discount and their values may fluctuate more than the values of similar securities that pay interest periodically. Although these securities pay no interest to holders prior to maturity, interest accrued on these securities is reported as income to the Fund and affects the amounts distributed to its shareholders, which may cause the Fund to sell investments to obtain cash to make income distributions to shareholders, including at times when it may not be advantageous to do so.
Borrowings
In general, pursuant to the 1940 Act, a Fund may borrow money only from banks in an amount not exceeding 33  1 3 % of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed this amount must be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33  1 3 % limitation.
The Funds participate in a committed line of credit (Line of Credit). Any advance under the Line of Credit is contemplated primarily for temporary or emergency purposes.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
To generate additional income, a Fund may lend up to 33%, or such lower percentage specified by the Fund or Adviser, of the value of its total assets (including securities out on loan) to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. JPMorgan serves as lending agent (the Lending Agent) to the Funds pursuant to a securities lending agreement (the Securities Lending Agreement) approved by the Board. Under the Securities Lending Agreement, the Lending Agent loans Fund securities to approved borrowers pursuant to borrower agreements in exchange for collateral at least equal in value to the loaned securities, marked to market daily. Collateral may consist of cash, securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities (collectively, “U.S. Government securities”) or such other collateral as may be approved by the Board. For loans secured by cash, the Fund retains the interest earned on cash collateral, but the Fund is required to pay the borrower a rebate for the use of the cash collateral. For loans secured by U.S. Government securities, the borrower pays a borrower fee to the Lending Agent on behalf of the Fund.
If the market value of the loaned securities goes up, the Fund will require additional collateral from the borrower. If the market value of the loaned securities goes down, the borrower may request that some collateral be returned. During the existence of the loan, the Fund will receive from the borrower amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities, as well as interest on such amounts.
Loans are subject to termination by a Fund or a borrower at any time. A Fund may choose to terminate a loan in order to vote in a proxy solicitation, as described in this SAI under Investment Management and Other Services – Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures – General.
Securities lending involves counterparty risk, including the risk that a borrower may not provide sufficient or any collateral when required or may not return the loaned securities, timely or at all. Counterparty risk also includes a potential loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower or the Lending Agent defaults or fails financially. This risk is increased if a Fund’s loans are concentrated with a single borrower or limited number of borrowers. There are no limits on the number of borrowers a Fund may use and a Fund may lend securities to only one or a small group of borrowers. Funds participating in securities lending also bear the risk of loss in connection with investments of cash collateral received from the borrowers. Cash collateral is invested in accordance with investment guidelines contained in the Securities Lending Agreement and approved by the Board. Some or all of the cash collateral received in connection with the securities lending program may be invested in one or more pooled investment vehicles, including, among other vehicles, money market funds managed by the Lending Agent (or its affiliates). The Lending Agent shares in any income resulting from the investment of such cash collateral, and an affiliate of the Lending Agent may receive asset-based fees for the management of such pooled investment vehicles, which may create a conflict of interest between the Lending Agent (or its affiliates) and the Fund with respect to the management of such cash collateral. To the extent that the value or return of a Fund’s investments of the cash collateral declines below the amount owed to a borrower, a Fund may incur losses that exceed the amount it earned on lending the security. The Lending Agent will indemnify a fund from losses resulting from a borrower’s failure to return a loaned security when due, but such indemnification does not extend to losses associated with declines in the value of cash collateral investments. The Investment Manager is not responsible for any loss incurred by the Funds in connection with the securities lending program.
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The Funds currently do not participate in the securities lending program, but the Board may determine to renew participation in the future.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
The Investment Manager and Subadvisers
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, is the investment adviser of the Funds and also serves as the investment adviser and administrator of other funds in the Columbia Fund Family. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, which is located at 1099 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474. Ameriprise Financial is a holding company, which primarily conducts business through its subsidiaries to provide financial planning, products and services that are designed to be utilized as solutions for clients’ cash and liquidity, asset accumulation, income, protection and estate and wealth transfer needs.
The Investment Manager and its investment advisory affiliates (Participating Affiliates) around the world may coordinate in providing services to their clients. Such coordination may include functional leadership of the business (the “Global” business). From time to time the Investment Manager (or any affiliated investment subadviser to the Fund, as the case may be) may engage its Participating Affiliates to provide a variety of services such as investment research, investment monitoring, trading, and discretionary investment management (including portfolio management) to certain accounts managed by the Investment Manager, including the Fund. These Participating Affiliates will provide services to the Investment Manager (or any affiliated investment subadviser to the Fund as the case may be) either pursuant to sub-advisory agreements, personnel-sharing agreements or similar inter-company arrangements and the Fund will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements. These Participating Affiliates, like the Investment Manager, are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Ameriprise and are registered with the appropriate respective regulators in their home jurisdictions and, where required, the SEC and the CFTC in the United States.
Pursuant to some of these arrangements, certain employees of these Participating Affiliates may serve as “associated persons” of the Investment Manager and, in this capacity, subject to the oversight and supervision of the Investment Manager and consistent with the investment objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Fund’s prospectus and this SAI may provide such services to the Fund on behalf of the Investment Manager.
Services Provided
Under the Investment Management Services Agreement, the Investment Manager has contracted to furnish each Fund with investment research and advice. For these services, unless otherwise noted, each Fund pays a monthly fee to the Investment Manager based on the average of the daily closing value of the total net assets of a Fund for such month. Under the Investment Management Services Agreement, any liability of the Investment Manager to the Trusts, a Fund and/or its shareholders is limited to situations involving the Investment Manager’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence in the performance of its duties or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties. Neither the Investment Manager nor any of its respective directors, officers, partners, principals, employees, or agents shall be liable for any acts or omissions or for any losses suffered by a Fund or its shareholders or creditors.
The Investment Management Services Agreement may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any time on 60 days’ written notice by the Investment Manager or by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund. The Investment Management Services Agreement will automatically terminate upon any assignment thereof, will continue in effect for two years from its initial effective date and thereafter will continue from year to year with respect to a Fund only so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Investment Manager or the Trusts, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Investment Manager pays all compensation of the Trustees and officers of the Trusts who are employees of the Investment Manager or its affiliates. Except to the extent expressly assumed by the Investment Manager and except to the extent required by law to be paid or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager does not have a duty to pay any Fund operating expenses incurred in the organization and operation of a Fund, including, but not limited to, auditing, legal, custodial, investor servicing and shareholder reporting expenses. The Trust pays the cost of printing and mailing Fund prospectuses to shareholders.
The Investment Manager, at its own expense, provides office space, facilities and supplies, equipment and personnel for the performance of its functions under each Fund’s Investment Management Services Agreement.
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Management Fee Rates Paid by the Funds
Each Fund, unless otherwise noted, pays the Investment Manager an annual fee for its investment management services, as set forth in the Investment Management Services Agreement, and as shown in the section entitled Fees and Expenses of the Fund – Annual Fund Operating Expenses in each Fund’s prospectus. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund and is paid monthly. The Investment Manager and/or its affiliates may from time to time waive fees and/or reimburse a Fund’s expenses. See the Funds’ prospectuses for more information.
Investment Management Fee Rates. The Investment Manager receives a monthly investment advisory fee based on each Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
Investment Management Services Agreement Fee Schedule
Fund Assets
(billions)
Annual rate at
each asset level
VP – Aggressive Portfolio
VP – Conservative Portfolio
VP – Moderate Portfolio
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio
N/A N/A
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund (a)
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund
First $1.0 0.480%
Next $1.0 0.450%
Next $1.0 0.400%
Over $3.0 0.375%
VP – Balanced Fund First $0.5 0.660%
  Next $0.5 0.615%
  Next $0.5 0.570%
  Next $1.5 0.520%
  Next $3.0 0.510%
  Over $6.0 0.490%
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund First $1.0 0.440%
  Next $1.0 0.415%
  Next $1.0 0.390%
  Next $3.0 0.365%
  Next $1.5 0.340%
  Next $1.5 0.325%
  Next $1.0 0.320%
  Next $5.0 0.310%
  Next $5.0 0.300%
  Next $4.0 0.290%
  Next $26.0 0.270%
  Over $50.0 0.250%
VP – Cash Management Fund First $1.0 0.330%
  Next $0.5 0.313%
  Next $0.5 0.295%
  Next $0.5 0.278%
  Next $2.5 0.260%
  Next $1.0 0.240%
  Next $1.5 0.220%
  Next $1.5 0.215%
  Next $1.0 0.190%
  Next $5.0 0.180%
  Next $5.0 0.170%
  Next $4.0 0.160%
  Over $24.0 0.150%
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund First $0.25 0.950%
  Next $0.25 0.900%
  Next $0.50 0.850%
  Next $2.0 0.750%
  Over $3.0 0.720%
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund First $0.25 0.900%
Next $0.25 0.850%
  Over $0.50 0.800%
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Fund Assets
(billions)
Annual rate at
each asset level
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund First $0.5 0.550%
  Next $0.5 0.505%
  Next $2.0 0.480%
  Next $3.0 0.460%
  Over $6.0 0.440%
VP – Core Equity Fund All 0.400%
VP – DFA International Value Fund
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund
First $1.0 0.850%
Next $1.0 0.800%
Over $2.0 0.700%
VP – Diversified Bond Fund First $1.0 0.430%
  Next $1.0 0.420%
  Next $4.0 0.400%
  Next $1.5 0.380%
  Next $1.5 0.365%
  Next $3.0 0.360%
  Next $8.0 0.350%
  Next $4.0 0.340%
  Next $26.0 0.320%
  Over $50.0 0.300%
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund First $0.5 0.660%
  Next $0.5 0.615%
  Next $0.5 0.570%
  Next $1.5 0.520%
  Next $3.0 0.510%
  Over $6.0 0.490%
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund First $1.0 0.630%
  Next $1.0 0.580%
  Over $2.0 0.530%
VP – Emerging Markets Fund First $0.25 1.100%
  Next $0.25 1.080%
  Next $0.25 1.060%
  Next $0.25 1.040%
  Next $1.0 1.020%
  Next $5.5 1.000%
  Next $2.5 0.985%
  Next $5.0 0.970%
  Next $5.0 0.960%
  Next $4.0 0.935%
  Next $26.0 0.920%
  Over $50.0 0.900%
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund First $0.5 0.530%
  Next $0.5 0.525%
  Next $1.0 0.515%
  Next $1.0 0.495%
  Next $3.0 0.480%
  Next $1.5 0.455%
  Next $1.5 0.440%
  Next $1.0 0.431%
  Next $5.0 0.419%
  Next $5.0 0.409%
  Next $4.0 0.393%
  Next $26.0 0.374%
  Over $50.0 0.353%
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Fund Assets
(billions)
Annual rate at
each asset level
VP – Global Bond Fund First $1.0 0.570%
  Next $1.0 0.525%
  Next $1.0 0.520%
  Next $3.0 0.515%
  Next $1.5 0.510%
  Next $4.5 0.500%
  Next $8.0 0.490%
  Next $30.0 0.480%
  Over $50.0 0.470%
VP – High Yield Bond Fund
VP – Income Opportunities Fund
First $0.25 0.590%
Next $0.25 0.575%
  Next $0.25 0.570%
  Next $0.25 0.560%
  Next $1.0 0.550%
  Next $1.0 0.540%
  Next $3.0 0.515%
  Next $1.5 0.490%
  Next $1.5 0.475%
  Next $1.0 0.450%
  Next $5.0 0.435%
  Next $5.0 0.425%
  Next $4.0 0.400%
  Next $26.0 0.385%
  Over $50.0 0.360%
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund First $1.0 0.650%
  Next $0.5 0.600%
  Next $0.5 0.550%
  Over $2.0 0.500%
VP – International Opportunities Fund First $0.5 0.790%
  Next $0.5 0.745%
  Next $0.5 0.700%
  Next $1.5 0.650%
  Next $3.0 0.640%
  Over $6.0 0.620%
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund First $1.0 0.750%
  Next $1.0 0.700%
  Over $2.0 0.650%
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund
VP – Marsico Growth Fund
First $0.5 0.710%
Next $0.5 0.665%
Next $0.5 0.620%
Next $1.5 0.570%
  Next $3.0 0.560%
  Over $6.0 0.540%
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund
First $0.5 0.710%
Next $0.5 0.660%
  Next $2.0 0.565%
  Next $3.0 0.560%
  Over $6.0 0.540%
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund First $1.0 0.410%
  Next $1.0 0.405%
  Next $1.0 0.400%
  Next $3.0 0.395%
  Next $1.5 0.380%
  Next $1.5 0.365%
  Next $1.0 0.360%
  Next $5.0 0.350%
  Next $5.0 0.340%
  Next $4.0 0.330%
  Next $26.0 0.310%
  Next $50.0 0.290%
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Fund Assets
(billions)
Annual rate at
each asset level
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund First $1.0 0.650%
VP – MFS Value Fund Next $1.0 0.600%
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund Over $2.0 0.500%
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund    
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund
First $0.5 0.760%
Next $0.5 0.715%
  Next $0.5 0.670%
  Over $1.5 0.620%
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund First $1.0 0.850%
  Next $1.0 0.800%
  Over $2.0 0.750%
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund First $0.25 0.970%
  Next $0.25 0.945%
  Next $0.25 0.920%
  Next $0.25 0.895%
  Over $1.00 0.870%
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund All 0.100%
VP – Select International Equity Fund First $0.25 0.800%
  Next $0.25 0.775%
  Next $0.25 0.750%
  Next $0.25 0.725%
  Next $0.5 0.700%
  Next $1.5 0.650%
  Next $3.0 0.640%
  Next $14.0 0.620%
  Next $4.0 0.610%
  Next $26.0 0.600%
  Over $50.0 0.570%
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund First $0.5 0.790%
  Next $0.5 0.745%
  Over $1.0 0.700%
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund First $2.0 0.950%
  Next $2.0 0.910%
  Over $4.0 0.870%
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund First $0.5 0.730%
  Next $0.5 0.705%
  Next $1.0 0.680%
  Next $1.0 0.655%
  Next $3.0 0.630%
  Over $6.0 0.600%
VP – U.S. Equities Fund First $0.25 0.790%
Next $0.25 0.745%
  Over $0.50 0.700%
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund First $1.0 0.360%
  Next $1.0 0.355%
  Next $1.0 0.350%
  Next $3.0 0.345%
  Next $1.5 0.330%
  Next $1.5 0.315%
  Next $1.0 0.310%
  Next $5.0 0.300%
  Next $5.0 0.290%
  Next $4.0 0.280%
  Next $26.0 0.260%
  Over $50.0 0.240%
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Fund Assets
(billions)
Annual rate at
each asset level
VP – Victory Established Value Fund First $0.50 0.780%
  Next $0.50 0.755%
  Next $1.00 0.730%
  Next $1.00 0.705%
  Next $3.00 0.680%
  Over $6.00 0.650%
(a) Effective April 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015, the Investment Manager has contractually agreed to waive 0.05% of its management fee (from 0.48% to 0.43%) on the first $1 billion of assets of the Fund.
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund. The Investment Manager has implemented a schedule for the investment advisory fees for VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund, whereby the Fund pays (i) 0.00% advisory fee on its assets that are invested in affiliated underlying mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end funds that pay an investment management services fee to the Investment Manager; and (ii) an advisory fee rate according to the following schedule on securities, instruments and other assets not described in category (i) above, including without limitation affiliated mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end funds that do not pay an investment management services fee to the Investment Manager, third party funds, derivatives and individual securities:
Fund Assets
(billions)
Annual rate at
each asset level
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund First $0.5 0.660%
$0.5 to $1.0 0.615%
$1.0 to $1.5 0.570%
$1.5 to $3.0 0.520%
$3.0 to $6.0 0.510%
  Over $6.0 0.490%
In no event shall the advisory fee be negative even if the value of one of the categories is a negative amount. Although the fee for each category is calculated separately and there is no negative advisory fee, the Investment Manager currently intends to calculate the advisory fee by reducing (but not below $0) any advisory fee payable on one category by any negative advisory fee in another category. The Investment Manager may change this calculation methodology at any time.
Under the Investment Management Services Agreement, a Fund also pays taxes, brokerage commissions and nonadvisory expenses, which include custodian fees and charges; fidelity bond premiums; certain legal fees; registration fees for shares; consultants’ fees; compensation of Board members, officers and employees not employed by the Investment Manager or its affiliates; corporate filing fees; organizational expenses; expenses incurred in connection with lending securities; interest and fee expense related to a Fund’s participation in inverse floater structures; and expenses properly payable by a Fund, approved by the Board.
Management Fees Paid. The table below shows the total management fees paid by each Fund for the last three fiscal periods. For amounts waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, see Expense Limitations .
Management Fees
  Management Fees
  2014 2013 2012
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – Aggressive Portfolio
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund $13,534,389 $11,875,032
VP – Balanced Fund 5,741,640 5,550,568
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 10,799,396 12,218,818
VP – Cash Management Fund 2,456,629 2,682,784
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund 6,014,993 5,330,651
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund 375,784 (a) N/A
VP – Conservative Portfolio
VP – Core Equity Fund 790,582 745,601
VP – DFA International Value Fund 11,146,735 12,281,090
VP – Diversified Bond Fund 14,337,171 16,699,775
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  Management Fees
  2014 2013 2012
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund $18,303,119 $17,216,129
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund 5,025,504 5,555,916
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund 2,042,868 1,357,106 (b)
VP – Emerging Markets Fund 10,264,830 10,035,922
VP – Global Bond Fund 7,117,801 9,060,398
VP – High Yield Bond Fund 3,593,524 3,633,642
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund 9,260,537 11,082,407
VP – Income Opportunities Fund 6,555,407 6,709,516
VP – International Opportunities Fund 1,160,168 1,234,620
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund 15,941,717 15,854,822
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund 13,276,176 11,366,816
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund 7,902,768 7,554,543
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund 7,398,534 1,820,957
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund 10,052,221 8,381,157
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund 12,948,571 12,445,306
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund 8,136,151 11,182,980
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund 908,785 946,168
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund 471,245 506,588
VP – Marsico Growth Fund 2,061,988 2,241,441
VP – MFS Value Fund 12,928,038 11,537,154
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund 4,062,237 3,212,665
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund 5,962,092 7,159,532
VP – Moderate Portfolio
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund 3,480,903 3,781,503
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund 7,412,515 1,507,654 (c)
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund 12,244,636 11,561,280
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund 8,549,820 11,157,060
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund 4,904,827 4,512,348
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund 15,444,776 14,279,048
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund 10,608,722 9,783,655
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund 240,079 213,053
VP – Select International Equity Fund 3,222,200 3,160,755
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund 4,725,013 2,513,810
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund 1,334,597 1,167,468
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund 937,719 874,647
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund 8,633,548 8,219,560
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund 6,633,228 6,574,663
VP – U.S. Equities Fund 6,329,700 6,072,109
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund 6,637,700 4,700,984
VP – Victory Established Value Fund 8,129,483 7,273,227
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund 10,683,724 9,225,726
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(a) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
(b) For the period from April 30, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
(c) For the period from April 19, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
Manager of Managers Exemption
The SEC has issued an order that permits the Investment Manager, subject to the approval of the Board, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement for the Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The order permits the Fund to add or to change unaffiliated subadvisers or to change the fees paid to subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change.
The Investment Manager and its affiliates may have other relationships, including significant financial relationships, with current or potential subadvisers or their affiliates, which may create certain conflicts of interest. When making recommendations to the Board to appoint or to change a subadviser, or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement, the Investment Manager does not consider any other relationship it or its affiliates may have with a subadviser, and the Investment Manager discloses to the Board the nature of any material relationships it has with a subadviser or its affiliates.
Subadvisory Agreements
The assets of certain Funds are managed by subadvisers that have been selected by the Investment Manager, subject to the review and approval of the Board. The Investment Manager has recommended the subadvisers to the Board based upon its assessment of the skills of the subadvisers in managing other assets in accordance with objectives and investment strategies substantially similar to those of the applicable Fund. Short-term investment performance is not the only factor in selecting or terminating a subadviser, and the Investment Manager does not expect to make frequent changes of subadvisers. Subadvisers affiliated with the Investment Manager must be approved by shareholders.
The Investment Manager allocates the assets of a Fund with multiple subadvisers among the subadvisers. Each subadviser has discretion, subject to oversight by the Board and the Investment Manager, to purchase and sell portfolio assets, consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and restrictions. Generally, the services that a subadviser provides to the Fund are limited to asset management and related recordkeeping services.
The Investment Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement with each subadviser under which the subadviser provides investment advisory assistance and day-to-day management of some or all of the Fund’s portfolio, as well as investment research and statistical information. A subadviser may also serve as a discretionary or non-discretionary investment adviser to management or advisory accounts that are unrelated in any manner to the Investment Manager or its affiliates.
The following table shows the subadvisory fee schedules for fees paid by the Investment Manager to subadvisers for Funds that have subadvisers.
Subadvisers and Subadvisory Agreement Fee Schedules
Fund Subadviser Parent
Company/Other
Information
Fee Schedule
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund American Century
(effective May 10, 2010)
A 0.16% on all asset levels
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund BlackRock
(effective Oct. 19, 2012)
B 0.15% on the first $250 million, reducing to 0.05% as assets increase
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund Columbia WAM
(effective May 10, 2010)
C 0.70% on the first $150 million, reducing to 0.60% as assets increase
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund Threadneedle (effective April 30, 2013) F 0.25% on all assets
VP – DFA International Value Fund DFA
(effective November 16, 2011)
D 0.21% on all asset levels
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund Eaton Vance
(effective May 10, 2010)
E 0.30% on all asset levels
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund Holland
(effective March 25, 2013)
V 0.40% on the first $100 million, reducing to 0.20% as assets increase
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Fund Subadviser Parent
Company/Other
Information
Fee Schedule
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund Invesco
(effective May 10, 2010)
W 0.35% on the first $250 million, reducing to 0.25% as assets increase
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund JPMIM
(effective May 10, 2010)
G 0.15% on all asset levels
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund Jennison
(effective May 10, 2010)
H 0.40% on assets up to $160 million, decreasing to 0.30% as assets increase; if assets are less than $210 million, then 0.55% on all asset levels
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund Loomis Sayles
(effective March 21, 2014)
P 0.27% on all asset levels
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund Marsico Capital (effective May 1, 2001) R 0.35% on the first $1.5 billion, decreasing to 0.23% as assets increase (a)
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund Marsico Capital (effective March 27, 1998) R 0.35% on the first $1.5 billion, decreasing to 0.23% as assets increase (a)
VP – Marsico Growth Fund Marsico Capital (effective October 1, 2003) R 0.35% on the first $1.5 billion, decreasing to 0.23% as assets increase (a)
VP – MFS Value Fund MFS
(effective May 10, 2010)
I 0.35% on the first $100 million, reducing to 0.275% as assets increase
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund MSIM
(effective May 10, 2010)
J 0.50% on assets up to $200 million, reducing to 0.40% thereafter
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund NFJ
(effective May 10, 2010)
K 0.27% on all asset levels
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund Winslow Capital
(effective November 17, 2010)
L 0.40% on the first $100 million, reducing to 0.25% as assets increase
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund Palisade
(effective Nov. 16, 2012)
X 0.45% on the first $100 million, and 0.40% on the next $100 million
TLC
(effective May 10, 2010)
Y 0.45% on all asset levels
WellsCap
(effective May 10, 2010)
M 0.48% on all asset levels
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund Barrow Hanley
(effective March 12, 2004)
N 1.00% on the first $10 million, reducing to 0.30% as assets increase (b)
Denver Investments
(effective July 16, 2007)
Z 0.55% on all assets levels
Donald Smith
(effective March 12, 2004)
S 0.60% on the first $175 million, reducing to 0.55% as assets increase (b)
SBH
(effective August 20, 2014)
T 0.55% on the first $10 million, reducing to 0.40% as assets increase (b)
Snow Capital
(effective August 20, 2014)
AA 0.50% on the first $100 million, reducing to 0.40% as assets increase
River Road
(effective April 24, 2006)
O 0.50% on all assets
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Fund Subadviser Parent
Company/Other
Information
Fee Schedule
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund Pyramis
(effective May 10, 2010)
Q 0.36% on the first $350 million, reducing to 0.32% as assets increase
VP – Select International Equity Fund Threadneedle
(effective July 9, 2004)
F 0.35% on all assets
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund Sit Investment
(effective Nov. 16, 2012)
BB 0.65% on the first $50 million, reducing to 0.20% as assets increase
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund TCW
(effective March 21, 2014)
U 0.18% on the first $500 million, reducing to 0.05% as asset levels increase (b)
VP – U.S. Equities Fund Columbia WAM
(effective May 10, 2010)
C 0.60% on the first $100 million, reducing to 0.50% as assets increase
VP – Victory Established Value Fund Victory Capital
(effective Nov. 16, 2012)
CC 0.32% on the first $400 million, reducing to 0.30% as assets increase
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund WellsCap
(effective May 10, 2010)
M 0.15% on assets up to $1 billion, reducing to 0.12% thereafter
(a) The fee is calculated based on the combined net assets of Columbia Funds, or portions thereof, managed by Marsico Capital. This fee schedule became effective on January 23, 2013. Prior to January 23, 2013, the Investment Manager paid Marsico Capital, with respect to Marsico Flexible Capital Fund, a fee rate of 0.45% on all assets and, with respect to the other Funds, (i) a subadvisory fee for certain Columbia U.S. equity funds, or portions thereof, managed by Marsico Capital (U.S. Funds) at a rate equal to 0.45% on the first $18 billion of aggregate assets of U.S. Funds declining to 0.35% as assets increase; and (ii) a subadvisory fee for certain Columbia international funds, or portions thereof, managed by Marsico Capital (International Funds) at a rate equal to 0.45% on the first $6 billion of aggregate assets of International Funds declining to 0.35% as assets increase.
(b) The fee is calculated based on the combined net assets of Columbia Funds subject to the subadviser’s investment management.
A – American Century Investment Management, Inc., located at 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of American Century Companies, Inc. (“ACC”). The Stowers Institute for Medical Research (“SIMR”) controls ACC by virtue of its beneficial ownership of more than 25% of the voting securities of ACC. SIMR is part of a not-for-profit biomedical research organization dedicated to finding the keys to the causes, treatments and prevention of disease.
B – BlackRock, located at 55 East 52nd Street, NewYork, NY 10055, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.
C – Columbia WAM, located at 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial.
D – Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, located at 6300 Bee Cave Road, Building One, Austin, Texas 78746, is controlled and operated by its general partner, Dimensional Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation.
E – Eaton Vance Management, located at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp.
F – Threadneedle is a direct subsidiary of Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Limited and an affiliate of the Investment Manager, and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. Threadneedle and Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Limited are located at 60 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8JQ, United Kingdom.
G – J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., located at 270 Park Avenue, NewYork, NewYork 10017, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
H – Jennison Associates LLC, located at 466 Lexington Avenue, NewYork, NY 10017, is organized under the laws of Delaware as a single member limited liability company whose sole member is Prudential Investments Management, Inc. which is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Asset Management Holding Company LLC, which is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc.
I – Massachusetts Financial Services Company, located at 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199, is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial, Inc. (a diversified financial services company).
J – Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., located at 522 Fifth Avenue, NewYork, NewYork 10036, is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley & Co.
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K – NFJ Investment Group LLC, located at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75201, is a direct subsidiary of Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC, which is an indirect subsidiary of Allianz SE.
L – Winslow Capital Management, LLC, located at 4720 IDS Tower, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments Inc.
M – Wells Capital Management Incorporated, located at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94105, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which is indirectly-owned by Wells Fargo & Company.
N – Barrow Hanley, an independent-operating subsidiary of Old Mutual Asset Management, is located at 2200 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201-2761.
O – River Road Asset Management LLC, located at 462 South Fourth Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, Kentucky, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aviva Investors, a subsidiary of Aviva plc.
P – Loomis Sayles is a subsidiary of Natixis US, which is part of Natixis Asset Management, an international asset management group based in Paris, France. It is located at One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111.
Q – Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC, located at 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917, is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC (Fidelity Investments).
R – Marsico Capital, located at 1200 17th Street, Suite 1600, Denver, CO 80202, was organized in September 1997 as a Delaware limited liability company and provides investment management services to mutual funds and private accounts. Marsico Capital is an indirect subsidiary of Marsico Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
S – Donald Smith, located at 152 West 57th Street 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019, is an employee-owned registered investment adviser.
T – SBH, located at 540 West Madison Street, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2551, is majority owned by Thomas Bravo LLC, a private equity firm, with approximately 55% ownership. The remaining approximately 45% is employee-owned.
U – TCW, which is located at 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc. On February 6, 2013, The Carlyle Group acquired The TCW Group, Inc. from Société Générale, S.A.
V – Holland is located at 303 W. Madison Ave., Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
W - Invesco is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
X – Palisade is located at One Bridge Plaza North, Suite 695, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024.
Y – TLC is located at 1801 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, Virginia 23226.
Z – Denver Investments is located at 1225 17th Street, 26th Floor, Denver, Colorado.
AA – Snow Capital is located at 2000 Georgetowne Drive, Suite 200, Sewickley, PA 15143.
BB – Sit Investment is located at 3300 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.
CC – Victory Capital is located at 4900 Tiedeman Road, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144.
The following table shows the subadvisory fees paid by the Investment Manager to subadvisers in the last three fiscal periods or, if shorter, since the Fund’s commencement of operations.
    Subadvisory Fees Paid
Fund Subadviser 2014 2013 2012
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund American Century $4,903,138 $4,220,836
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund BlackRock 1,837,079 392,687 (a)
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund Columbia WAM 4,207,960 3,715,193
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund Threadneedle 171,027 (b) N/A
VP – DFA International Value Fund DFA 2,793,114 3,086,381
Former subadviser:
AllianceBernstein L.P.
(May 10, 2010 to Nov. 15, 2011)
N/A N/A
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund Eaton Vance 2,392,786 2,637,034
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    Subadvisory Fees Paid
Fund Subadviser 2014 2013 2012
VP – Emerging Markets Fund Former subadviser:
Threadneedle
(July 9, 2004 to June 29, 2012
N/A $3,007,438 (c)
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund Former subadviser:
Marsico Capital
(May 10, 2010 to March 24, 2013)
$1,139,530 (d) 7,914,955
Holland 2,440,128 (e) N/A (f)
VP – International Opportunities Fund Marsico Capital (since inception to May 1, 2015) 433,533 692,445
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund Invesco 5,205,273 5,162,342
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund JPMIM 4,497,491 3,768,116
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund Jennison 3,332,936 1,378,679
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund Former subadviser:
American Century
(May 10, 2010 to March 20, 2014)
3,686,260 5,149,107
Loomis Sayles N/A (f) N/A
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund Marsico Capital 376,805 573,724
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund Marsico Capital 195,336 307,141
VP – Marsico Growth Fund Marsico Capital 854,771 1,358,949
VP – MFS Value Fund MFS 5,917,944 5,220,766
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund MSIM 1,836,538 1,975,732
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund NFJ 5,292,394 4,964,816
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund Winslow Capital 3,706,305 4,567,793
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund Former subadviser:
TCW
(May 10, 2010 to Nov. 15, 2012)
N/A 603,114 (g)
Palisade 741,270 68,523 (h)
TLC 876,442 835,270
WellsCap 956,284 887,630
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund BHMS 1,719,897 1,528,403
Denver Investments 1,794,210 1,677,690
Donald Smith 1,830,966 1,786,820
Former subadviser:
Turner Investments
(June 6, 2008 to Aug. 19, 2014) (i)
1,292,298 1,232,193
River Road 1,729,612 1,581,348
SBH (since August 20, 2014) (j) N/A N/A
Snow Capital (since August 20, 2014) (j) N/A N/A
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund Pyramis 4,255,536 3,914,253
VP – Select International Equity Fund Threadneedle 1,308,014 1,396,858
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund Former subadviser:
Davis Selected Advisers, LP
(April 24, 2006 to Nov. 15, 2012)
N/A 3,498,584 (g)
Sit Investment 2,887,191 276,113 (h)
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund Former subadviser:
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
(May 10, 2010 to March 20, 2014)
2,813,497 2,782,867
TCW N/A (f) N/A
VP – U.S. Equities Fund Columbia WAM 3,870,714 3,701,527
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    Subadvisory Fees Paid
Fund Subadviser 2014 2013 2012
VP – Victory Established Value Fund Former subadviser:
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
(Feb. 19, 2010 to Nov. 15, 2012)
N/A $3,730,410 (g)
Victory Capital $3,308,206 353,854 (h)
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund WellsCap 3,114,446 2,679,565
(a) For the period from October 19, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
(b) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
(c) For the period from January 1, 2012 to June 29, 2012.
(d) For the period from January 1, 2013 to March 24, 2013.
(e) For the period from March 25, 2013 to December 31, 2013.
(f) The subadviser began managing the Fund after the most recently completed last fiscal year end; therefore there are no fees to report.
(g) For the period from January 1, 2012 to November 15, 2012.
(h) For the period from November 16, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
(i) For the period from January 1, 2014 to August 19, 2014.
(j) For the period from August 20, 2014 to December 31, 2014.
Portfolio Managers. The following table provides information about the portfolio managers of each Fund (other than VP – Cash Management Fund) as of [December 31, 2014], unless otherwise noted. All shares of the Variable Portfolio funds are owned by life insurance companies and Qualified Plans, and are not available for purchase by individuals. Consequently, no portfolio manager owns any shares of Variable Portfolio funds.
    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Aggressive Portfolio Jeffrey Knight 19 RICs
3 other accounts
$60.52 billion
$1.63 million
None (1) (32)
Kent M. Bergene 10 RICs
14 other accounts
$53.09 billion
$2.54 million
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund American Century:
Alejandro H. Aguilar

10 RICs
1 PIV
2 other accounts

$11.38 billion
$9.0 million
$1.28 billion
None (2) (33)
Robert V. Gahagan 18 RICs
2 PIVs
2 other accounts
$17.4 billion
$98.59 million
$1.28 billion
Jeffrey L. Houston 9 RICs
1 PIV
1 other account
$9.21 billion
$9.0 million
$866.19 million
Brian Howell 17 RICs
2 PIVs
2 other accounts
$15.87 billion
$95.59 million
$1.28 billion
G. David MacEwen 37 RICs
24 PIVs
6 other accounts
$26.41 billion
$3.91 billion
$1.22 billion
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Balanced Fund Leonard Aplet 6 RICs
17 PIVs
65 other accounts
$13.36 billion
$2.58 billion
$7.74 billion
None (3) (32)
Brian Lavin 12 RICs
2 PIVs
5 other accounts
$24.86 billion
$67.99 million
$3.31 million
Gregory Liechty 2 RICs
14 PIVs
44 other accounts
$2.29 billion
$2.58 billion
$6.89 billion
Guy Pope 9 RICs
4 PIVs
246 other accounts
$10.04 billion
$332.27 million
$1.53 billion
Ronald Stahl 2 RICs
14 PIVs
37 other accounts
$2.29 billion
$2.58 billion
$6.89 billion
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund BlackRock:
Gargi Chaudhuri

None

N/A
N/A (4) (34)
Martin Hegarty 7 RICs
4 PIVs
31 other accounts
$7.08 billion
$242.40 million
$15.27 billion
1 other account
($0.65 M)
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund Columbia WAM:
Christopher J. Olson

3 RICs
1 other account

$1.17 billion
$0.60 million
None (5) (35)
Louis Mendes III 2 RICs
5 other accounts
$9.12 billion
$392.10 million
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund Threadneedle:
David Donora

1 RIC
3 PIVs

$54.8 million
$1.14 billion
3 PIVs ($1.14 B) (6) (36)
Nicolas Robin
VP – Conservative Portfolio Jeffrey Knight 19 RICs
3 other accounts
$62.05 billion
$1.63 million
None (1) (32)
Kent M. Bergene 10 RICs
14 other accounts
$54.62 billion
$2.54 million
VP – Core Equity Fund Brian M. Condon 9 RICs
4 PIVs
24 other accounts
$8.88 billion
$217.94 million
$4.44 billion
1 PIV ($0.01 M) (3) (32)
Peter Albanese      
VP – DFA International Value Fund DFA:
Joseph Chi

105 RICs
19 PIVs
73 other accounts

$198.56 billion
$10.58 billion
$188.85 billion
1 PIV
($234.41 M);
1 other account
($343.9 M)
(7) (37)
Henry Gray 93 RICs
15 PIVs
73 other accounts
$198.86 billion
$10.58 billion
$18.85 billion
1 PIV
($234.41 M);
1 other account
($343.9 M)
Karen Umland 58 RICs
9 PIVs
30 other accounts
$198.56 billion
$10.58 billion
$13.38 billion
1 other account
($343.9 M)
Jed Fogdall 105 RICs
19 PIVs
73 other accounts
$198.56 billion
$10.58 billion
$18.85 billion
1 PIV
($234.41 M);
1 other account
($343.9 M)
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Diversified Bond Fund Brian Lavin 12 RICs
2 PIVs
5 other accounts
$22.88 billion
$67.99 million
$3.31 million
None (3) (32)
Carl Pappo 4 RICs
5 PIVs
19 other accounts
$10.96 billion
$1.47 billion
$2.09 billion
Michael Zazzarino 5 RICs
1 PIV
10 other accounts
$12.21 billion
$46.26 million
$83.90 million
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund Steve Schroll 5 RICs
1 PIV
379 other accounts
$9.61 billion
$6.14 million
$594.56 million
None (3) (32)
Paul Stocking 5 RICs
1 PIV
384 other accounts
$9.61 billion
$6.14 million
$604.07 million
Dean Ramos 5 RICs
1 PIV
379 other accounts
$9.61 billion
$6.14 million
$592.01 million
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund Eaton Vance:
Scott H. Page

16 RICs
8 PIVs
2 other accounts

$36.11 billion
$9.29 billion
$1.51 billion
1 PIV ($253 M) (8) (38)
Craig P. Russ 12 RICs
1 PIV
2 other accounts
$31.03 billion
$5.88 billion
$1.51 billion
None
Andrew Sveen 5 RICs $3.19 billion None
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund James Carlen 3 RICs
4 PIVs
7 other accounts
$902.49 million
$13.13 billion
$134.76 million
None (3) (32)
Henry Stipp 2 RICs
3 PIVs
4 other accounts
$859.2 million
$385.4 million
$565.5 million
3 PIVs ($385.4 M) (6) (36)
VP – Emerging Markets Fund Dara J. White 3 RICs
1 PIV
7 other accounts
$1.40 billion
$419.36 million
$87.10 million
None (3) (32)
Robert B. Cameron 1 RIC
1 PIV
7 other accounts
$1.31 billion
$419.36 million
$87.18 million
Jasmine Huang 3 RICs
1 PIV
13 other accounts
$1.75 billion
$419.36 million
$86.95 million
Young Kim (a) 6 other accounts $153,904.11
VP – Global Bond Fund Gene Tannuzzo 4 RICs
72 other accounts
$4.92 billion
$1.27 billion
None (3) (32)
Zach Pandl 3 RICs
7 other accounts
$4.61 billion
$0.23 million
None
Jim Cielinski 2 RICs
4 PIVs
1 other accounts
$216.99 million
$994.4 million
$34.4 million
1 PIV ($13.9 M) (6) (36)
Matthew Cobon 2 RICs
2 PIVs
$216.99 million
$732.10 million
2 PIVs ($732.1 M)
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – High Yield Bond Fund Brian Lavin 12 RICs
2 PIVs
5 other accounts
$25.21 billion
$67.99 million
$3.31 million
None (3) (32)
Jennifer Ponce de Leon 1 RIC
30 PIVs
37 other accounts
$1.95 billion
$31.62 billion
$5.47 billion
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund Holland:
Monica Walker

1 RIC
55 other accounts

$95.1 million
$2.20 billion
1 RIC ($95.1 M);
2 other accounts
($1.02 B)
(9) (39)
Carl Bhathena
VP – Income Opportunities Fund Brian Lavin 12 RICs
2 PIVs
5 other accounts
$24.64 billion
$67.99 million
$3.31 million
None (3) (32)
VP – International Opportunities Fund Simon Haines (b)     None (6) (36)
William Davies (b)    
David Dudding (b)    
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund Invesco:
Clas G. Olsson

13 RICs
9 PIVs
9,698 other accounts

$15.82 billion
$2.49 billion
$4.38 billion
None (10) (40)
Brent Bates 10 RICs
9,697 other accounts
$14.24 billion
$4.07 billion
Matthew Dennis 12 RICs
5 PIVs
9,697 other accounts
$15.54 billion
$786.10 million
$4.07 billion
Shuxin Cao 16 RICs
2 PIVs
9,698 other accounts
$19.68 billion
$579.90 million
$4.38 billion
Jason Holzer 16 RICs
9 PIV
9,698 other accounts
$17.68 billion
$2.49 billion
$4.38 billion
Mark Jason 12 RICs
1 PIVs
9,697 other accounts
$18.12 billion
$278.10 million
$4.07 billion
Richard Nield 10 RICs
7 PIVs
9,697 other accounts
$15.09 billion
$1.91 billion
$4.07 billion
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund JPMIM:
Peter Simons

9 RICs
3 PIVs
29 other accounts

$9.02 billion
$6.81 billion
$6.59 billion
1 other account
($33.26 B)
(11) (41)
Douglas S. Swanson 13 RICs
8 PIVs
60 other accounts
$37.94 billion
$10.40 billion
$13.35 billion
4 other accounts
($2.06 B)
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund Jennison:
John Mullman

5 RICs
4 PIVs
12 other accounts (d)

$13.98 billion
$1.09 billion
$2.23 billion
None (12) (42)
Jeffrey Rabinowitz 2 RICs
1 PIV
1 other account (d)
$10.49 billion
$232 million
$147 million
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund Peter Deininger 2 RICs
1 PIV
9 other accounts
$3.13 billion
$80.71 million
$218.64 million
None (3) (32)
John Wilson 2 RICs
1 PIV
10 other accounts
$3.13 billion
$80.71 million
$230.06 million
Tchintcia S. Barros (c) 6 other accounts $350,077.42
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund Brian Condon 9 RICs
4 PIVs
24 other accounts
$7.07 billion
$217.94 million
$4.44 billion
1 PIV ($0.01 M) (3) (32)
Peter Albanese      
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund Tom Murphy 7 RICs
29 PIVs
32 other accounts
$2.53 billion
$31.60 billion
$3.68 billion
3 other accounts
($209.81 M)
(3) (32)
Tim Doubek 6 RICs
27 other accounts
$2.53 billion
$2.35 billion
3 other accounts
($209.81 M)
Royce Wilson 1 RIC
2 other accounts
$1.10 billion
$0.22 million
None
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund Loomis Sayles:
Aziz Hamzogullari

7 RICs
6 PIVs
52 other accounts

$5.28 billion
$470.0 million
$2.93 billion
None (13) (43)
VP – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund Kent Bergene 10 RICs
14 other accounts
$50.87 billion
$2.54 million
None (1) (32)
Jeffrey Knight 19 RICs
3 other accounts
$58.30 billion
$1.63 million
Melda Mergen 10 RICs
3 other accounts
$9.01 billion
$0.79 million
Kent Petersen 8 RICs
4 PIVs
6 other accounts
$3.01 billion
$10.07 million
$0.44 million
Todd White 7 RICs
4 PIVs
11 other accounts
$2.98 billion
$10.07 million
$7.47 million
Brian Virginia 9 other accounts $3.20 million
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund Marsico Capital:
Brandon Geisler

2 RICs
1 other account

$1.45 billion
$66.50 billion
None (14) (44)
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund Marsico Capital:
Thomas Marsico

18 RICs
9 PIVs
43 other accounts

$7.96 billion
$1.25 billion
$3.89 billion
None (14) (44)
Coralie Witter 11 RICs
8 PIVs
37 other accounts
$6.98 billion
$1.23 billion
$3.81 billion
VP – Marsico Growth Fund Marsico Capital:
Thomas Marsico

18 RICs
9 PIVs
43 other accounts

$7.73 billion
$1.25 billion
$3.89 billion
None (14) (44)
Coralie Witter 11 RICs
8 PIVs
37 other accounts
$6.75 billion
$1.23 billion
$3.81 billion
Kevin Boone (a) None None
VP – MFS Value Fund MFS:
Nevin P. Chitkara

18 RICs
6 PIVs
42 other accounts

$56.4 billion
$5.1 billion
$16.9 billion
None (15) (45)
Steven R. Gorham 17 RICS
6 PIVs
42 other accounts
$56.3 billion
$5.1 billion
$16.9 billion
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund George Myers 2 RICs
3 PIVs
10 other accounts
$2.84 billion
$345.37 million
$27.19 million
None (3) (32)
Brian Neigut 2 RICs
3 PIVs
10 other accounts
$2.84 billion
$345.37 million
$26.68 million
James King 2 RICs
2 PIVs
9 other accounts
$2.84 billion
$329.34 million
$154.43 million
William Chamberlain 1 RIC
2 PIVs
5 other accounts
$2.65 billion
$329.34 million
$154.43 million
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund David Hoffman 3 RICs
1 PIV
7 other accounts
$5.72 billion
$314.38 million
$135.73 million
None (3) (32)
Jonas Patrikson 6 other accounts $0.64 million
Diane Sobin 1 RIC
4 PIVs
12 other accounts
$3.87 billion
$1.5 billion
$5.41 billion
2 other accounts
($439.8 M)
(6) (36)
VP – Moderate Portfolio Jeffrey Knight 19 RICs
3 other accounts
$40.85 billion
$1.63 million
None (1) (32)
Kent M. Bergene 10 RICs
14 other accounts
$33.41 billion
$2.54 million
None
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio Jeffrey Knight 19 RICs
3 other accounts
$50.80 billion
$1.63 million
None (1) (32)
Kent M. Bergene 10 RICs
14 other accounts
$43.37 billion
$2.54 million
None
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio Jeffrey Knight 19 RICs
3 other accounts
$58.76 billion
$1.63 million
None (1) (32)
Kent M. Bergene 10 RICs
14 other accounts
$51.33 billion
$2.54 million
None
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund MSIM:
Theodore R. Bigman

13 RICs
14 PIVs
53 other accounts

$5.84 billion
$7.18 billion
$6.74 billion
14 other accounts
($1.16 B)
(17) (47)
Michiel te Paske 5 RICs
10 PIVs
45 other accounts
$2.83 billion
$5.71 billion
$4.66 billion
9 other accounts
($322.43 M)
Sven van Kemenade 5 RICs
10 PIVs
45 other accounts
$2.83 billion
$5.71 billion
$4.66 billion
9 other accounts
($322.43 M)
Angeline Ho 5 RICs
9 PIVs
44 other accounts
$2.83 billion
$5.80 billion
$4.53 billion
9 other accounts
($322.43 M)
Bill Grant None N/A N/A
VP – NFJ Dividend Value
Fund
NFJ:
Benno J. Fischer

23 RICs
4 PIVs
66 other accounts

$27.98 billion
$400.0 million
$12.98 billion
None (17) (48)
R. BurnsMcKinney 15 RICs
2 PIVs
51 other accounts
$17.38 billion
$307.0 million
$11.89 billion
Thomas W. Oliver 17 RICs
2 PIVs
55 other accounts
$17.45 billion
$307.0 million
$12.24 billion
Paul Magnuson 20 RICs
4 PIVs
66 other accounts
$27.83 billion
$400.0 million
$12.31 billion
L. Baxter Hines 13 RICs
2 PIVs
49 other accounts
$16.53 billion
$307.0 million
$11.68 billion
Jeff Reed 11 RICs
33 other accounts
$12.78 billion
$7.62 billion
Morley Campbell 12 RICs
2 PIVs
38 other accounts
$20.31 billion
$92.0 million
$7.79 billion
John Mowrey 10 RICs
4 PIVs
32 other accounts
$5.9 billion
$401.0 million
$5.16 billion
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund Winslow Capital:
Justin H. Kelly

7 RICs
7 PIVs
1,638 other accounts

$23.55 billion
$2.14 billion
$10.15 billion
4 other accounts
($545 M)
(18) (49)
Patrick M. Burton
Clark J. Winslow
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund Palisade:
Sammy Oh

2 RICs
4 PIVs
24 other accounts

$361.0 million
$170.0 million
$1.04 billion
3 other accounts
($371 M)
(19) (50)
TLC:
Stephen M. Goddard

4 RICs
641 other accounts

$1.66 billion
$6.53 billion
2 other accounts
($6.45 M)
(20) (51)
Jonathan T. Moody 4 RICs
641 other accounts
$1.66 billion
$6.53 billion
None
J. Brian Campbell 4 RICs
641 other accounts
$1.66 billion
$6.53 billion
None
Mark E. DeVaul 4 RICs
641 other accounts
$1.66 billion
$6.53 billion
None
WellsCap:
Thomas C. Ognar

7 RICs
7 PIVs
74 other accounts

$20.86 billion
$2.53 billion
$2.90 billion
2 other accounts
($517.57 M)
(21) (52)
Joseph M. Eberhardy
Bruce C. Olson
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund BHMS:
James S. McClure

4 RICs
19 other accounts

$1.70 billion
$1.38 billion
None (22) (53)
John P. Harloe
Denver:
Kris Herrick

4 RICs
1 PIV
162 other accounts

$489.0 million
$48.0 million
$827.0 million
2 other accounts
($234 M)
(23) (54)
Troy Dayton
Mark Adelmann
Derek Anguilm
Lisa Ramirez
Donald Smith:
Donald G. Smith

2 RICs
1 PIV
43 other accounts

$1.98 billion
$76.0 million
$3.75 billion
1 RIC ($1.93 M);
1 other account
($131 M)
(24) (55)
Richard L. Greenberg
SBH:
Mark Dickherber
      (25) (56)
Shaun Nicholson      
Snow Capital:
Joshua Schachter
      (31) (46)
Anne Wickland      
River Road:
James C. Shircliff

6 RICs
24 PIVs
151 other accounts

$2.03 billion
$1.94 billion
$4.80 billion
1 other account
($380 M)
(26) (57)
R. Andrew Beck 3 RICs
1 PIV
47 other accounts
$657.0 million
$5.0 million
$1.14 billion
None
J. Justin Akin 3 RICs
1 PIV
43 other accounts
$657.0 million
$5.0 million
$1.13 billion
None
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund Pyramis:
Cesar Hernandez

4 RICs
17 PIVs
50 other accounts

$839.0 million
$8.45 billion
$20.10 billion
1 PIV ($5.3 B);
11 other accounts
($9.73 B)
(27) (58)
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund Christopher Lo 162 other accounts $647.2 million None (3) (32)
Vadim Shteyn 3 RICs
1 PIV
7 other accounts
$9.53 billion
$355.25 million
$641.92 million
VP – Select International Equity Fund Threadneedle:
Simon Haines (b)
    None (6) (36)
William Davies 2 PIVs
4 other accounts
$1.33 billion
$4.44 billion
David Dudding 1 other account $357.3 million
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund Richard S. Rosen 4 RICs
1 PIV
876 other accounts
$1.44 billion
$62.04 million
$3.34 billion
None (3) (32)
Kari Montanus 4 other accounts $0.94 million
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund Richard S. Rosen 4 RICs
1 PIV
876 other accounts
$2.06 billion
$62.04 million
$3.34 billion
None (3) (32)
Kari Montanus 4 other accounts $0.94 million
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund Paul Wick 3 RICs
1 PIV
4 other accounts
$3.65 billion
$113.09 million
$4.69 million
1 PIV ($113.09 M) (3) (59)
Ajay Diwan 3 RICs
5 other accounts
$3.65 billion
$1.36 million
None
Shekhar Pramanick 1 RIC
5 other accounts
$3.39 billion
$2.22 million
None
Sanjay Devgan 2 RICs
2 other accounts
$3.48 billion
$0.31 million
None
Rahul Narang 3 RICs
10 other accounts
$1.65 billion
$86.09 million
None (3) (32)
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund Sit Investment:
Roger J. Sit

8 RICs
11 PIVs
41 other accounts

$1.67 billion
$223.0 million
$1.72 billion
None (28) (60)
Kent L. Johnson 4 RICs
6 PIVs
21 other accounts
$1.42 billion
$164.0 million
$1.0 billion
Michael J. Stellmacher 3 RICs
6 PIVs
31 other accounts
$1.43 billion
$154.0 million
$1.47 billion
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund TCW:
Tad Rivelle

23 RICs
36 PIVs
213 other accounts

$45.55 billion
$4.95 billion
$26.23 billion
2 RICs
($261.2 M);
29 PIVs ($3.8 B);
5 other accounts
($1.91 B)
(29) (61)
Laird Landmann 24 RICs
36 PIVs
213 other accounts
$41.99 billion
$4.95 billion
$26.34 billion
1 RIC ($253.7 M);
29 PIVs ($3.8 B);
5 other accounts
($1.91 B)
Steve Kane 25 RICs
40 PIVs
213 other accounts
$41.98 billion
$5.74 billion
$26.34 billion
2 RICs
($261.2 M);
30 PIVs ($4.2 B);
5 other accounts
($1.91 B)
Bryan Whalen 16 RICs
34 PIVs
212 other accounts
$16.73 billion
$4.92 billion
$24.18 billion
29 PIVs ($3.8 B);
5 other accounts
($1.91 B)
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    Other Accounts Managed (excluding the fund)    
Fund Portfolio Manager Number and type
of account*
Approximate
Total Net Assets
Performance
Based
Accounts**
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
Structure of
Compensation
VP – U.S. Equities Fund Columbia
Management
Alfred Alley (b)


  (3) (32)
Brian Condon (b)      
Jarl Ginsberg (b)      
Christian Stadlinger (b)      
David Hoffman (b)      
Columbia WAM:
Robert A. Mohn

3 RICs
1 PIV
3 other accounts

$24.29 billion
$53.70 million
$1.12 billion
None (5) (35)
David L. Frank 4 other accounts $2.60 million
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund Jason J. Callan 2 RICs
2 PIVs
4 other accounts
$1.81 billion
$78.28 million
$0.89 million
None (3) (32)
Tom Heuer 1 RIC
6 other accounts
$1.78 billion
$1.09 million
VP – Victory Established Value Fund Victory Capital:
Gary H. Miller

1 RIC
1 PIV
1 other account

$2.03 billion
$25.4 million
$57.5 million
None (30) (62)
Gregory M. Conners
Jeffrey M. Graff
James Albers
Mike Rodarte
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund WellsCap:
Thomas O’Connor

9 RICs
2 PIVs
33 other accounts

$8.61 billion
$1.34 billion
$10.05 billion
1 other account
($513.91 M)
(21) (52)
Troy Ludgood
* RIC refers to a Registered Investment Company; PIV refers to a Pooled Investment Vehicle.
** Number of accounts for which the advisory fee paid is based in part or wholly on performance and the aggregate net assets in those accounts.
(a) The portfolio manager began managing the Fund after its fiscal year end; reporting information is provided as of December 31, 2014.
(b) The portfolio manager began managing the Fund after its fiscal year end; reporting information is provided as of March 31, 2015.
(c) The portfolio manager began managing the Fund after its fiscal year end; reporting information is provided as of January 31, 2015.
(d) Other accounts excludes the assets and number of accounts in wrap fee programs that are managed using model portfolios.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
(1) Columbia Management: Management of funds-of-funds differs from that of the other Funds. The portfolio management process is set forth generally below and in more detail in the Funds’ prospectus.
  Portfolio managers of the fund-of-funds may be involved in determining each funds-of-fund’s allocation among the three main asset classes (equity, fixed income and cash) and the allocation among investment categories within each asset class, as well as each funds-of-fund’s allocation among the underlying funds.
Because of the structure of the funds-of-funds, the potential conflicts of interest for the portfolio managers may be different than the potential conflicts of interest for portfolio managers who manage other Funds.
The Investment Manager and its affiliates may receive higher compensation as a result of allocations to underlying funds with higher fees.
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In addition to the accounts above, portfolio managers may manage accounts in a personal capacity that may include holdings that are similar to, or the same as, those of the Fund. The Investment Manager has in place a Code of Ethics that is designed to address conflicts and that, among other things, imposes restrictions on the ability of the portfolio managers and other “investment access persons” to invest in securities that may be recommended or traded in the Fund and other client accounts.
To the extent a fund-of-funds invest in securities and instruments other than other Funds, the portfolio manager is subject to the potential conflicts of interest described in (2) below.
A Fund’s portfolio manager(s) also may have other potential conflicts of interest in managing the Fund, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could exist in managing the fund and other accounts. Many of the potential conflicts of interest to which the Investment Manager’s portfolio managers are subject are essentially the same or similar to the potential conflicts of interest related to the Investment Management activities of the Investment Manager and its affiliates.
(2) American Century: Certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple portfolios. Potential conflicts include, for example, conflicts among investment strategies, such as one portfolio buying or selling a security while another portfolio has a differing, potentially opposite position in such security. This may include one portfolio taking a short position in the security of an issuer that is held long in another portfolio (or vice versa). Other potential conflicts may arise with respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, which are discussed in more detail below. American Century has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to minimize the effects of these conflicts.
  Responsibility for managing American Century client portfolios is organized according to investment discipline. Investment disciplines include, for example, quantitative equity, U.S. growth mid and small-cap, U.S. growth large-cap, value, global and non-U.S., fixed income, and asset allocation. Within each discipline are one or more portfolio teams responsible for managing specific client portfolios. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by the same team using the same objective, approach, and philosophy. Accordingly, portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest. In addition, American Century Investments maintains an ethical wall around each of its equity disciplines (U.S. growth large-cap, U.S. growth mid- and small-cap, value, quantitative equity and global and non-U.S.), meaning that access to information regarding any portfolio’s transactional activities is only available to team members of the investment discipline that manages such portfolio. The ethical wall is intended to aid in preventing the misuse of portfolio holdings information and trading activity in the other disciplines.
  For each investment strategy, one portfolio is generally designated as the “policy portfolio.” Other portfolios with similar investment objectives, guidelines and restrictions are referred to as “tracking portfolios.” When managing policy and tracking portfolios, a portfolio team typically purchases and sells securities across all portfolios that the team manages. American Century’s trading systems include various order entry programs that assist in the management of multiple portfolios, such as the ability to purchase or sell the same relative amount of one security across several funds. In some cases a tracking portfolio may have additional restrictions or limitations that cause it to be managed separately from the policy portfolio. Portfolio managers make purchase and sale decisions for such portfolios alongside the policy portfolio to the extent the overlap is appropriate, and separately, if the overlap is not. American Century may aggregate orders to purchase or sell the same security for multiple portfolios when it believes such aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution on behalf of its clients. Orders of certain client portfolios may, by investment restriction or otherwise, be determined not available for aggregation. American Century has adopted policies and procedures to minimize the risk that a client portfolio could be systematically advantaged or disadvantaged in connection with the aggregation of orders. To the extent equity trades are aggregated, shares purchased or sold are generally allocated to the participating portfolios pro rata based on order size. Because initial public offerings (IPOs) are usually available in limited supply and in amounts too small to permit across-the-board pro rata allocations, American Century has adopted special procedures designed to promote a fair and equitable allocation of IPO securities among clients over time. Fixed income securities transactions are not executed through a centralized trading desk. Instead, fund teams are responsible for executing trades with broker/dealers in a predominantly dealer marketplace. Trade allocation decisions are made by the portfolio manager at the time of trade execution and orders entered on the fixed income order management system.
  Finally, investment of American Century’s corporate assets in proprietary accounts may raise additional conflicts of interest. To mitigate these potential conflicts of interest, American Century has adopted policies and procedures intended to provide that trading in proprietary accounts is performed in a manner that does not give improper advantage to American Century to the detriment of client portfolios.
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(3) Columbia Management: Like other investment professionals with multiple clients, a Fund’s portfolio manager(s) may face certain potential conflicts of interest in connection with managing both the Fund and other accounts at the same time. The Investment Manager and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that attempt to address certain of the potential conflicts that portfolio managers face in this regard. Certain of these conflicts of interest are summarized below.
  The management of accounts with different advisory fee rates and/or fee structures, including accounts that pay advisory fees based on account performance (performance fee accounts), may raise potential conflicts of interest for a portfolio manager by creating an incentive to favor higher fee accounts.
  Potential conflicts of interest also may arise when a portfolio manager has personal investments in other accounts that may create an incentive to favor those accounts. As a general matter and subject to the Investment Manager’s Code of Ethics and certain limited exceptions, the Investment Manager’s investment professionals do not have the opportunity to invest in client accounts, other than the funds.
  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. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where Funds and/or accounts managed by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.
  A portfolio manager may be able to select or influence the selection of the broker/dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the Funds. A portfolio manager’s decision as to the selection of broker/dealers could produce disproportionate costs and benefits among the Funds and the other accounts the portfolio manager manages.
  A potential conflict of interest may arise when a portfolio manager buys or sells the same securities for a Fund and other accounts. On occasions when a portfolio manager considers the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund as well as other accounts, the Investment Manager’s trading desk may, to the extent consistent with applicable laws and regulations, aggregate the securities to be sold or bought in order to obtain the best execution and lower brokerage commissions, if any. Aggregation of trades may create the potential for unfairness to a Fund or another account if a portfolio manager favors one account over another in allocating the securities bought or sold. In addition, although the Investment Manager has entered into a personnel sharing arrangement with Threadneedle, the Investment Manager and Threadneedle maintain separate trading operations for their clients. By maintaining separate trading operations in this manner, the Funds may forego certain opportunities including the aggregation of trades across certain accounts managed by Threadneedle. This could result in the Funds competing in the market with one or more accounts managed by Threadneedle for similar trades. In addition, it is possible that the separate trading desks of the Investment Manager and Threadneedle may be on opposite sides of a trade execution for a Fund at the same time.
  “Cross trades,” in which a portfolio manager sells a particular security held by a Fund to another account (potentially saving transaction costs for both accounts), could involve a potential conflict of interest if, for example, a portfolio manager is permitted to sell a security from one account to another account at a higher price than an independent third party would pay. The Investment Manager and the Funds have adopted compliance procedures that provide that any transactions between a Fund and another account managed by the Investment Manager are to be made at a current market price, consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
  Another potential conflict of interest may arise based on the different investment objectives and strategies of a Fund and other accounts managed by its portfolio manager(s). Depending on another account’s objectives and other factors, a portfolio manager may give advice to and make decisions for a Fund that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of decisions made, with respect to another account. A portfolio manager’s investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular account involved. Thus, a portfolio manager may buy or sell a particular security for certain accounts, and not for a Fund, even though it could have been bought or sold for the Fund at the same time. A portfolio manager also may buy a particular security for one or more accounts when one or more other accounts are selling the security (including short sales). There may be circumstances when a portfolio manager’s purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more accounts may have an adverse effect on other accounts, including the Funds.
  To the extent a Fund invests in underlying Funds, a portfolio manager will be subject to the potential conflicts of interest described in (1) above.
  A Fund’s portfolio manager(s) also may have other potential conflicts of interest in managing the Fund, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could exist in managing the Fund and other accounts. Many of the potential conflicts of interest to which the Investment Manager’s portfolio managers are subject are essentially the same or similar to the potential conflicts of interest related to the Investment Management activities of the Investment Manager and its affiliates.
(4) BlackRock: BlackRock has built a professional working environment, firm-wide compliance culture and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against potential incentives that may favor one account over another. BlackRock has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities, execution of portfolio
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  transactions, personal trading by employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated equitably over time. Nevertheless, BlackRock furnishes investment management and advisory services to numerous clients in addition to the Fund, and BlackRock may, consistent with applicable law, make investment recommendations to other clients or accounts (including accounts which are hedge funds or have performance or higher fees paid to BlackRock, or in which portfolio managers have a personal interest in the receipt of such fees), which may be the same as or different from those made to the Fund. In addition, BlackRock, its affiliates and significant shareholders and any officer, director, shareholder or employee may or may not have an interest in the securities whose purchase and sale BlackRock recommends to the Fund. BlackRock, or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders, or any officer, director, shareholder, employee or any member of their families may take different actions than those recommended to the Fund by BlackRock with respect to the same securities. Moreover, BlackRock may refrain from rendering any advice or services concerning securities of companies of which any of BlackRock’s (or its affiliates’ or significant shareholders’) officers, directors or employees are directors or officers, or companies as to which BlackRock or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders or the officers, directors and employees of any of them has any substantial economic interest or possesses material non-public information. Certain portfolio managers also may manage accounts whose investment strategies may at times be opposed to the strategy utilized for a fund. It should also be noted that Messrs. Hegarty and Weinstein may be managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, or may be part of a team managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, subject to incentive fees. Messrs. Hegarty and Weinstein may therefore be entitled to receive a portion of any incentive fees earned on such accounts.
  As a fiduciary, BlackRock owes a duty of loyalty to its clients and must treat each client fairly. When BlackRock purchases or sells securities for more than one account, the trades must be allocated in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties. BlackRock attempts to allocate investments in a fair and equitable manner among client accounts, with no account receiving preferential treatment. To this end, BlackRock has adopted policies that are intended to ensure reasonable efficiency in client transactions and provide BlackRock with sufficient flexibility to allocate investments in a manner that is consistent with the particular investment discipline and client base, as appropriate.
(5) Columbia WAM: Like other investment professionals with multiple clients, a Fund’s portfolio manager(s) may face certain potential conflicts of interest in connection with managing both the Fund and other accounts at the same time. Columbia WAM and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that attempt to address certain of the potential conflicts that portfolio managers face in this regard. Certain of these conflicts of interest are summarized below.
  The management of accounts with different advisory fee rates and/or fee structures, including accounts that pay advisory fees based on account performance (performance fee accounts), if any, may raise potential conflicts of interest for a portfolio manager by creating an incentive to favor higher fee accounts.
  Potential conflicts of interest also may arise when a portfolio manager has personal investments in other accounts that may create an incentive to favor those accounts. As a general matter and subject to Columbia WAM’s Code of Ethics and certain limited exceptions, Columbia WAM’s investment professionals do not have the opportunity to invest in client accounts, other than the Funds. 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. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts managed by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.
  A portfolio manager may be able to select or influence the selection of the broker/dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the Funds. A portfolio manager’s decision as to the selection of broker/dealers could produce disproportionate costs and benefits among the Funds and the other accounts the portfolio manager manages.
  A potential conflict of interest may arise when a portfolio manager buys or sells the same securities for a Fund and other accounts. On occasions when a portfolio manager considers the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund as well as other accounts, Columbia WAM’s trading desk may, to the extent consistent with applicable laws and regulations, aggregate the securities to be sold or bought in order to obtain the best execution and lower brokerage commissions, if any. Aggregation of trades may create the potential for unfairness to a Fund or another account if a portfolio manager favors one account over another in allocating the securities bought or sold.
  “Cross trades,” in which a portfolio manager sells a particular security held by a Fund to another account (potentially saving transaction costs for both accounts), could involve a potential conflict of interest if, for example, a portfolio manager is permitted to sell a security from one account to another account at a higher price than an independent third party would pay. Columbia WAM and the Funds have adopted compliance procedures that provide that any transactions between the Fund and another account managed by Columbia WAM are to be made at an independent current market price, consistent with applicable laws and regulation.
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  Another potential conflict of interest may arise based on the different investment objectives and strategies of a Fund and other accounts managed by its portfolio manager(s). Depending on another account’s objectives and other factors, a portfolio manager may give advice to and make decisions for a Fund that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of decisions made, with respect to another account. A portfolio manager’s investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular account involved. Thus, a portfolio manager may buy or sell a particular security for certain accounts, and not for a Fund, even though it could have been bought or sold for the Fund at the same time. A portfolio manager also may buy a particular security for one or more accounts when one or more other accounts are selling the security (including short sales). There may be circumstances when a portfolio manager’s purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more accounts may have an adverse effect on other accounts, including the Funds.
  A Fund’s portfolio manager(s) also may have other potential conflicts of interest in managing the Fund, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could be deemed to exist in managing both the Fund and other accounts. Many of the potential conflicts of interest to which Columbia WAM’s portfolio managers are subject are essentially the same as or similar to the potential conflicts of interest related to the investment management activities of Columbia WAM and its affiliates.
(6) Threadneedle: Threadneedle portfolio managers may manage one or more mutual funds as well as other types of accounts, including proprietary accounts, separate accounts for institutions, and other pooled investment vehicles. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for an account or portfolio based on its investment objectives and policies, and other relevant investment considerations. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle whose fees may be materially greater than the management fees paid by the Fund and may include a performance-based fee. Management of multiple funds and accounts may create potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities, and the aggregation and allocation of trades. In addition, a portfolio manager’s responsibilities at Threadneedle include working as a securities analyst. This dual role may give rise to conflicts with respect to making investment decisions for accounts that he/she manages versus communicating his/her analyses to other portfolio managers concerning securities that he/she follows as an analyst.
  Threadneedle has a fiduciary responsibility to all of the clients for which it manages accounts. Threadneedle seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. Threadneedle has developed policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the management of multiple types of accounts for multiple clients.
(7) DFA: Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has the primary day-to-day responsibilities with respect to a mutual fund, such as the Variable Portfolio – DFA International Value Fund (“Fund”), and other accounts. Other accounts include registered mutual funds (including proprietary mutual funds advised by DFA or its affiliates), other unregistered pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals (“Accounts”). An Account may have similar investment objectives to the Fund, or may purchase, sell or hold securities that are eligible to be purchased, sold or held by a fund. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest include:
Time Management. The management of the Fund and other Accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of the fund and/or Accounts. DFA seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most Accounts managed by a portfolio manager within an investment discipline are managed using the same investment models.
Investment Opportunities. It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by the Fund and one or more Accounts. However, positions in the same security may vary and the length of time that the Fund may hold investments in the same security may likewise vary. If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for the Fund and one or more Accounts, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible Accounts. To address these situations, DFA has adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple Accounts.
Broker Selection. With respect to securities transactions for the Fund, DFA determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain Accounts (such as separate accounts), DFA may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, DFA or its affiliates may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for the Fund and another Account that may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of the Fund or the Account.
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Performance-Based Fees. For some Accounts, DFA may be compensated based on the profitability of the Account, such as by a performance-based management fee. These incentive compensation structures may create a conflict of interest for DFA with regard to Accounts where DFA is paid based on a percentage of assets because the portfolio manager may have an incentive to allocate securities preferentially to the Accounts where DFA might share in investment gains.
Investment in an Account. A portfolio manager or his/her relatives may invest in an Account that he or she manages and a conflict may arise where he or she may therefore have an incentive to treat the Account in which the portfolio manager or his/her relatives invest preferentially as compared to other Accounts for which he or she has portfolio management responsibilities.
DFA has adopted certain compliance procedures that are reasonably designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
(8) Eaton Vance: It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager’s management of the fund’s investments on the one hand and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio manager is responsible on the other. For example, a portfolio manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among the fund and other accounts he advises. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the fund and the other accounts, a portfolio manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the fund. In some cases, another account managed by a portfolio manager may compensate the investment adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account. The existence of such a performance based fee may create additional conflicts of interest for the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. Whenever conflicts of interest arise, the portfolio managers will endeavor to exercise their discretion in a manner that they believe is equitable to all interested persons. Eaton Vance has adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies which govern Eaton Vance’s trading practices, including among other things the aggregation and allocation of trades among clients, brokerage allocation, cross trades and best execution.
(9) Holland: Portfolio Managers at the subadviser manage portfolios for multiple clients. These accounts may include mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, insurance companies, or foundations), commingled trust accounts, and investment programs. They may have investment objectives, strategies and risk profiles that are similar to or differ from those of the Fund. Portfolio Managers make investment decisions for each portfolio, including the Fund, based on the investment objectives, policies, practices and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that client portfolio. In managing other accounts, certain material conflicts of interest may arise. Potential conflicts include, for example, conflicts between the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategy of other accounts managed by the Fund’s Portfolio Managers and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities between the Fund and such other accounts. Potential material conflicts may also arise in connection with the Portfolio Managers’ management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other, or where the other accounts have higher or performance-based fee arrangements. The subadviser has a fiduciary responsibility to treat all clients fairly. The sub-advisor has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures that it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, the sub-advisor monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with the account’s guidelines, the allocation of securities, and compliance with its Code of Ethics.
(10) Invesco: Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following potential conflicts:
The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or other account. Invesco seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the funds.
If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, Invesco and the funds have adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts.
Invesco determines which broker to use to execute each order for securities transactions for the funds, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, for certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which Invesco or an affiliate acts as subadviser, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), Invesco may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of
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  brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for a fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the fund or other account(s) involved.
Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where Invesco has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of one fund or account but not all funds and accounts for which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.
Invesco and the funds have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
(11) JPMIM: The potential for conflicts of interest exists when portfolio managers manage other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies as the Fund (“Similar Accounts”). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities.
  Responsibility for managing J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JP Morgan)’s and its affiliates’ clients’ portfolios is organized according to investment strategies within asset classes. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by portfolio managers in the same portfolio management group using the same objectives, approach and philosophy. Underlying sectors or strategy allocations within a larger portfolio are likewise managed by portfolio managers who use the same approach and philosophy as similarly managed portfolios. Therefore, portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios and strategies, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest.
  JP Morgan and/or its affiliates may receive more compensation with respect to certain Similar Accounts than that received with respect to the Fund or may receive compensation based in part on the performance of certain Similar Accounts. This may create a potential conflict of interest for JP Morgan and its affiliates or its portfolio managers by providing an incentive to favor these Similar Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. In addition, JP Morgan or its affiliates could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that JP Morgan or an affiliate has a proprietary investment in Similar Accounts, the portfolio managers have personal investments in Similar Accounts or the Similar Accounts are investment options in JP Morgan’s or its affiliate’s employee benefit plans. Potential conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of investment opportunities because of market factors or investment restrictions imposed upon JP Morgan and its affiliates by law, regulation, contract or internal policies.
  Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as JP Morgan or its affiliates may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. JP Morgan and its affiliates may be perceived as causing accounts they manage to participate in an offering to increase JP Morgan’s and its affiliates’ overall allocation of securities in that offering.
  A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account. If JP Morgan or its affiliates manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, JP Morgan or its affiliates could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.
  As an internal policy matter, JP Morgan or its affiliates may from time to time maintain certain overall investment limitations on the securities positions or positions in other financial instruments JP Morgan or its affiliates will take on behalf of its various clients due to, among other things, liquidity concerns and regulatory restrictions. Such policies may preclude a Fund from purchasing particular securities or financial instruments, even if such securities or financial instruments would otherwise meet the Fund’s objectives.
  The goal of JP Morgan and its affiliates is to meet their fiduciary obligation with respect to all clients. JP Morgan and its affiliates have policies and procedures that seek to manage conflicts. JP Morgan and its affiliates monitor a variety of areas, including compliance with fund guidelines, review of allocation decisions and compliance with JP Morgan’s Codes of Ethics and JPMC’s Code of Conduct. With respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, JP Morgan and its affiliates also have certain policies designed to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example:
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  Orders for the same equity security traded through a single trading desk or system are aggregated on a continual basis throughout each trading day consistent with JP Morgan’s and its affiliates’ duty of best execution for its clients. If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially completed orders generally will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. For example, accounts that would receive a de minimis allocation relative to their size may be excluded from the order. Another exception may occur when thin markets or price volatility require that an aggregated order be completed in multiple executions over several days. If partial completion of the order would result in an uneconomic allocation to an account due to fixed transaction or custody costs, JP Morgan and its affiliates may exclude small orders until 50% of the total order is completed. Then the small orders will be executed. Following this procedure, small orders will lag in the early execution of the order, but will be completed before completion of the total order.
  Purchases of money market instruments and fixed income securities cannot always be allocated pro rata across the accounts with the same investment strategy and objective. However, JP Morgan and its affiliates attempt to mitigate any potential unfairness by basing non-pro rata allocations traded through a single trading desk or system upon objective predetermined criteria for the selection of investments and a disciplined process for allocating securities with similar duration, credit quality and liquidity in the good faith judgment of JP Morgan or its affiliates so that fair and equitable allocation will occur over time.
(12) Jennison: Jennison manages accounts with asset-based fees alongside accounts with performance-based fees. This side-by-side management can create an incentive for Jennison and its investment professionals to favor one account over another. Specifically, Jennison has the incentive to favor accounts for which it receives performance fees, and possibly take greater investment risks in those accounts, in order to bolster performance and increase its fees.
  Other types of side-by-side management of multiple accounts can also create incentives for Jennison to favor one account over another. Examples are detailed below, followed by a discussion of how Jennison addresses these conflicts.
Long only accounts/long-short accounts:
Jennison manages accounts in strategies that only hold long securities positions as well as accounts in strategies that are permitted to sell securities short. Jennison may hold a long position in a security in some client accounts while selling the same security short in other client accounts. Jennison permits quantitatively hedged strategies to short securities that are held long in other strategies. Additionally, Jennison permits securities that are held long in quantitatively derived strategies to be shorted by other strategies. The strategies that sell a security short held long by another strategy could lower the price for the security held long. Similarly, if a strategy is purchasing a security that is held short in other strategies, the strategies purchasing the security could increase the price of the security held short.
Multiple strategies:
Jennison may buy or sell, or may direct or recommend that one client buy or sell, securities of the same kind or class that are purchased or sold for another client, at prices that may be different. Jennison may also, at any time, execute trades of securities of the same kind or class in one direction for an account and in the opposite direction for another account, due to differences in investment strategy or client direction. Different strategies effecting trading in the same securities or types of securities may appear as inconsistencies in Jennison’s management of multiple accounts side-by-side.
Affiliated accounts/unaffiliated accounts and seeded/nonseeded accounts and accounts receiving asset allocation assets from affiliated investment advisers:
Jennison manages accounts for its affiliates and accounts in which it has an interest alongside unaffiliated accounts. Jennison could have an incentive to favor its affiliated accounts over unaffiliated accounts. Additionally, Jennison’s affiliates may provide initial funding or otherwise invest in vehicles managed by Jennison. When an affiliate provides “seed capital” or other capital for a fund, it may do so with the intention of redeeming all or part of its interest at a particular future point in time or when it deems that sufficient additional capital has been invested in that fund. Jennison typically requests seed capital to start a track record for a new strategy or product. Managing “seeded” accounts alongside “non-seeded” accounts can create an incentive to favor the “seeded” accounts to establish a track record for a new strategy or product. Additionally, Jennison’s affiliated investment advisers could allocate their asset allocation clients’ assets to Jennison. Jennison could favor accounts used by its affiliate for their asset allocation clients to receive more assets from the affiliate.
Non-discretionary accounts or models:
Jennison provides non-discretionary model portfolios to some clients and manages other portfolios on a discretionary basis. The non-discretionary clients may be disadvantaged if Jennison delivers the model investment portfolio to them after Jennison initiates trading for the discretionary clients, or vice versa.
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Higher fee paying accounts or products or strategies:
Jennison receives more revenues from (1) larger accounts or client relationships than smaller accounts or client relationships and from (2) managing discretionary accounts than advising nondiscretionary models and from (3) non-wrap fee accounts than from wrap fee accounts and from (4) charging higher fees for some strategies than others. The differences in revenue that Jennison receives could create an incentive for Jennison to favor the higher fee paying or higher revenue generating account or product or strategy over another.
Personal interests:
The performance of one or more accounts managed by Jennison’s investment professionals is taken into consideration in determining their compensation. Jennison also manages accounts that are investment options in its employee benefit plans such as its defined contribution plans or deferred compensation arrangements and where its employees may have personally invested alongside other accounts where there is no personal interest. These factors could create an incentive for Jennison to favor the accounts where it has a personal interest over accounts where Jennison does not have a personal interest.
How Jennison Addresses These Conflicts of Interest
The conflicts of interest described above could create incentives for Jennison to favor one or more accounts or types of accounts over others in the allocation of investment opportunities, time, aggregation and timing of investments. Generally, portfolios in a particular strategy with similar objectives are managed similarly to the extent possible. Accordingly, portfolio holdings and industry and sector exposure tend to be similar across a group of accounts in a strategy that have similar objectives, which tends to minimize the potential for conflicts of interest among accounts within a product strategy. While these accounts have many similarities, the investment performance of each account will be different primarily due to differences in guidelines, individual portfolio manager’s decisions, timing of investments, fees, expenses and cash flows.
Additionally, Jennison has developed policies and procedures that seek to address, mitigate and monitor these conflicts of interest. Jennison cannot guarantee, however, that its policies and procedures will detect and prevent, or assure disclosure of,each and every situation in which a conflict may arise.
Jennison has adopted trade aggregation and allocation procedures that seek to treat all clients (including affiliated accounts) fairly and equitably. These policies and procedures address the allocation of limited investment opportunities, such as initial public offerings (IPOs) and new issues, the allocation of transactions across multiple accounts, and the timing of transactions between its non-wrap accounts and its wrap fee accounts.
Jennison has policies that limit the ability to short securities in portfolios that primarily rely on its fundamental research and investment processes (fundamental portfolios) if the security is held long in other fundamental portfolios.
Jennison has adopted procedures to monitor allocations between accounts with performance fees and non-performance fee based accounts and to monitor overlapping long and short positions among long accounts and long-short accounts.
Jennison has adopted a code of ethics and policies relating to personal trading.
Jennison provides disclosure of these conflicts as described in its Form ADV.
(13) Loomis Sayles: Conflicts of interest may arise in the allocation of investment opportunities and the allocation of aggregated orders among the funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers. A portfolio manager potentially could give favorable treatment to some accounts for a variety of reasons, including favoring larger accounts, accounts that pay higher fees, accounts that pay performance-based fees or accounts of affiliated companies. Such favorable treatment could lead to more favorable investment opportunities or allocations for some accounts. Loomis Sayles makes investment decisions for all accounts (including institutional accounts, mutual funds, hedge funds and affiliated accounts) based on each account’s availability of other comparable investment opportunities and Loomis Sayles’ desire to treat all accounts fairly and equitably over time. The goal of Loomis Sayles is to meet its fiduciary obligation with respect to all clients. Loomis Sayles maintains trade allocation and aggregation policies and procedures to address these potential conflicts. Conflicts of interest also may arise to the extent a portfolio manager short sells a stock in one client account but holds that stock long in other accounts, including the Fund, or sells a stock for some accounts while buying the stock for others, and through the use of “soft dollar arrangements.”
(14) Marsico Capital: A portfolio manager may manage accounts for other clients. These accounts may include registered investment companies, other types of pooled accounts ( e.g. , collective investment funds), and separate accounts ( i.e. , accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private institutions). Portfolio managers of Marsico Capital make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account. The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. Although Marsico Capital does not track the time a portfolio manager spends on a single portfolio, it does assess whether a portfolio manager has adequate time and resources to
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  effectively manage all of the accounts for which he is responsible. Marsico Capital seeks to manage competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline or complementary investment disciplines. Accounts within a particular investment discipline may often be managed by using generally similar investment strategies, subject to factors including particular account restrictions and objectives, account opening dates, cash flows, and other considerations. Even where multiple accounts are managed by the same portfolio manager within the same investment discipline, however, Marsico Capital may take action with respect to one account that may differ from the timing or nature of action taken with respect to another account because of different client-specific objectives or restrictions or for other reasons such as different cash flows. Accordingly, the performance of each account managed by a portfolio manager will vary.
  Potential conflicts of interest may also arise when allocating and/or aggregating trades. Marsico Capital often aggregates into a single trade order several individual contemporaneous client trade orders in a single security. Under Marsico Capital’s trade management policy and procedures, when trades are aggregated on behalf of more than one account, such transactions will be allocated to participating client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. With respect to initial public offerings and other syndicated or limited offerings, it is Marsico Capital’s policy to seek to ensure that over the long term, accounts with the same or similar investment objectives or strategies will receive an equitable opportunity to participate meaningfully in such offerings and will not be unfairly disadvantaged. To deal with these situations, Marsico Capital has adopted policies and procedures for allocating transactions across multiple accounts. Marsico Capital’s policies also seek to ensure that portfolio managers do not systematically allocate other types of trades in a manner that would be more beneficial to one account than another. Marsico Capital’s compliance department monitors transactions made on behalf of multiple clients to seek to ensure adherence to its policies.
  Marsico Capital has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, that seek to minimize potential conflicts of interest that may arise because Marsico Capital advises multiple accounts. In addition, Marsico Capital monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with account investment guidelines and/or restrictions and compliance with the policies and procedures of Marsico Capital, including Marsico Capital’s Code of Ethics.
(15) MFS: MFS seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio manager’s management of both the Fund and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential conflicts.
  The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) gives rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives and strategies, benchmarks, time horizons and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In certain instances there are securities which are suitable for the Fund’s portfolio as well as for accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries with similar investment objectives. MFS trade allocation policies may give rise to conflicts of interest if the Fund’s orders do not get fully executed or are delayed in getting executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Investments selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform investments selected for the Fund.
  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 by MFS to be fair and equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Fund is concerned. In most cases, however, MFS believes that the Fund’s ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Fund.
  MFS and/or a portfolio manager may have a financial incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor accounts other than the Fund, for instance, those that pay a higher advisory fee and/or have a performance adjustment and/or include an investment by the portfolio manager.
(16) MSIM: Because the portfolio managers may manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, and/or other accounts (including institutional clients, pension plans and certain high net worth individuals), there may be an incentive to favor one client over another resulting in conflicts of interest. For instance, the Subadviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio managers may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over the fund. In addition, a conflict of interest could exist to the extent the Subadviser has proprietary investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal investments in certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in the Subadviser’s employee benefits and/or deferred compensation plans. The portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor these accounts over others. If the Subadviser manages accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the fund invests, the Subadviser could be seen as harming the performance of the
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  Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall. The Subadviser has adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.
(17) NFJ: Like other investment professionals with multiple clients, a portfolio manager for a Fund may face certain potential conflicts of interest in connection with managing both the Fund and other accounts at the same time. The paragraphs below describe some of these potential conflicts, which NFJ believes are faced by investment professionals at most major financial firms. NFJ, the Adviser and the Trustees have adopted compliance policies and procedures that attempt to address certain of these potential conflicts. The management of accounts with different advisory fee rates and/or fee structures, including accounts that pay advisory fees based on account performance (“performance fee accounts”), may raise potential conflicts of interest by creating an incentive to favor higher-fee accounts. These conflicts may include, among others:
The most attractive investments could be allocated to higher-fee accounts or performance fee accounts.
The trading of higher-fee accounts could be favored as to timing and/or execution price. For example, higher fee accounts could be permitted to sell securities earlier than other accounts when a prompt sale is desirable or to buy securities at an earlier and more opportune time.
The investment management team could focus their time and efforts primarily on higher-fee accounts due to a personal stake in compensation.
A potential conflict of interest may arise when a Fund and other accounts purchase or sell the same securities. On occasions when a portfolio manager considers the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund as well as other accounts, the NFJ’s trading desk may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased in order to obtain the best execution and lower brokerage commissions, if any. Aggregation of trades may create the potential for unfairness to a Fund or another account if one account is favored over another in allocating securities purchased or sold – for example, by allocating a disproportionate amount of a security that is likely to increase in value to a favored account.
Another potential conflict of interest may arise based on the different investment objectives and strategies of a Fund and other accounts. For example, another account may have a shorter-term investment horizon or different investment objectives, policies or restrictions than a Fund. Depending on another account’s objectives or other factors, a portfolio manager may give advice and make decisions that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of decisions made, with respect to a Fund. In addition, investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular account involved. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for certain accounts even though it could have been bought or sold for other accounts at the same time. More rarely, a particular security may be bought for one or more accounts managed by a portfolio manager when one or more other accounts are selling the security. There may be circumstances when purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more accounts may have an adverse effect on other accounts.
A Fund’s 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.
A Fund’s 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. 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the Fund and NFJ’s other clients, a portfolio manager’s decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts that he or she manages. See “Brokerage and Research Services”.
A Fund’s portfolio managers may also face other potential conflicts of interest in managing a Fund, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could be deemed to exist in managing both the Funds and other accounts. In addition, a Fund’s portfolio manager may also manage other accounts (including their personal assets or the assets of family members) in their personal capacity. The management of these accounts may also involve certain of the potential conflicts described above. Front-running could also exist if a portfolio manager transacted in his own account prior
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to placing an order for a Fund or other clients. NFJ’s investment personnel, including each Fund’s portfolio manager, are subject to restrictions on engaging in personal securities transactions, pursuant to a code of ethics adopted by NFJ, which contains provisions and requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest between personal investment activities and the interests of the Funds.
(18) Winslow Capital: A portfolio manager who makes investment decisions with respect to multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following potential conflicts:
The management of multiple funds and/or accounts may result in the portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or account;
If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one fund or account managed by the portfolio manager, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and accounts managed by the portfolio manager; and
An apparent conflict may arise where an adviser receives higher fees from certain funds or accounts that it manages than from others, or where an adviser receives a performance-based fee from certain funds or accounts that it manages and not from others. In these cases, there may be an incentive for a portfolio manager to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee funds or accounts over other funds or accounts managed by the portfolio manager.
To address potential conflicts of interest, Winslow has adopted various policies and procedures to provide for equitable treatment of trading activity and to ensure that investment opportunities are allocated in a fair and appropriate manner. In addition, Winslow has adopted a Code of Ethics that recognizes the manager’s obligation to treat all of its clients, including the Fund, fairly and equitably. These policies, procedures and the Code of Ethics are designed to restrict the portfolio manager from favoring one client over another. There is no guarantee that the policies, procedures and the Code of Ethics will be successful in every instance, however because Winslow offers only one investment product: Large Cap Growth, and all accounts are managed essentially identically, Winslow does not believe any material conflicts of interest exist between the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategy of the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, nor in allocation of investment opportunities.
(19) Palisade: Like every investment adviser, Palisade is confronted with conflicts of interest when providing investment management services to multiple accounts with different fee structures. Palisade receives both asset-based and performance-based fees for managing three other accounts in the same strategy as the Fund. Palisade has adopted and implemented policies and procedures intended to address conflicts of interest relating to the management of multiple accounts, including accounts with multiple fee arrangements, and the allocation of investment opportunities. Palisade generally employs a “block” trading and pro-rata allocation procedure to avoid conflicts between similarly managed accounts. Palisade reviews investment decisions for the purpose of ensuring that all accounts with substantially similar investment objectives are treated equitably. The performance of similarly managed accounts is also regularly compared to determine whether there are any unexplained significant discrepancies. In addition, Palisade’s procedures relating to the allocation of investment opportunities require that similarly managed accounts participate in investment opportunities pro rata based on asset size, using equivalent investment weightings, giving consideration to client restrictions, liquidity requirements, and available cash in the accounts, and require that, to the extent orders are aggregated, the client orders are price-averaged. Finally, Palisade’s procedures require the objective allocation for limited opportunities (such as initial public offerings and private placements) to ensure fair and equitable allocation among accounts. These areas are monitored by Palisade’s Chief Compliance Officer and the entire Palisade compliance department. Palisade has a Conflicts of Interest Committee to address any potential conflicts among its investment portfolios. Whenever a portfolio manager, analyst, or trader has a question concerning a conflict regarding allocation of investment opportunities, such conflict is directed to a member of the Committee. The available members of the Committee can meet or conference quickly to resolve issues.
(20) TLC: As an investment advisor, London Company understands that certain conflicts of interest may arise when managing multiple accounts. TLC has adopted policies and procedures intended to minimize the effects of any conflicts. Though the Portfolio Managers have a general model they follow based on common account objectives, each account is managed individually. Every effort is made to block trades and allocate executed trades on a pro-rata basis. However, due to the firm’s desire to manage accounts on a case by case basis, there are times when a security may be bought in one account and not other accounts. Portfolio managers look at each account on an individual basis and when a trade order is given, the manager cannot always control that an order for that security may have been given in the recent past or will be given in the immediate future for that same security in another account. As a result, while every effort will be made to maintain fair and equitable allocation, the portfolio manager may supply trade directives for the same security over the course of several days as he adjusts account positions for each account.
(21) WellsCap: Wells Capital Management’s portfolio managers often provide investment management for separate accounts advised in the same or similar investment style as that provided to mutual funds. While management of multiple accounts
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  could potentially lead to conflicts of interest over various issues such as trade allocation, fee disparities and research acquisition, Wells Capital Management has implemented policies and procedures for the express purpose of ensuring that clients are treated fairly and that potential conflicts of interest are minimized.
(22) Barrow Hanley: Actual or potential conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has management responsibilities to more than one account (including the Fund). Barrow Hanley manages potential conflicts between funds or with other types of accounts through allocation policies and procedures, internal review processes and oversight by directors and independent third parties to ensure that no client, regardless of type or fee structure, is intentionally favored at the expense of another. Allocation policies are designed to address potential conflicts in situations where two or more funds or accounts participate in investment decisions involving the same securities.
(23) Denver: Denver Investment Advisors LLC (“Denver Investments”) has adopted policies and procedures that address potential conflicts of interest that may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account, such as conflicts relating to the allocation of limited investment opportunities, the order of executing transactions when the aggregation of the order is not possible, personal investing activities, structure of portfolio manager compensation. While there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective in all cases, Denver Investments believes that its policies and procedures and associated controls relating to potential material conflicts of interest involving the fund and its other managed funds and accounts have been reasonably designed.
(24) Donald Smith: Donald Smith & Co., Inc. is very sensitive to conflicts of interest that could possibly arise in its capacity of serving as an investment adviser. It remains committed to resolving any and all conflicts in the best interest of its clients.
  Donald Smith & Co., Inc. is an independent investment advisor with no parent or subsidiary organizations. Additionally, it has no brokerage or investment banking activities.
  Clients include mutual funds, public and corporate pension plans, endowments and foundations, and other separate accounts. Donald Smith & Co., Inc. has put in place systems, policies and procedures, which have been designed to maintain fairness in portfolio management across all clients. Potential conflicts between funds or with other types of accounts are managed via allocation policies and procedures, internal review processes, and direct oversight by Donald G. Smith, President.
(25) SBH: The Code of Ethics and the Compliance Manual detail the requirements that each employee must disclose all potential conflicts of interest to the Chief Compliance Officer. Where warranted issuers (securities) may be placed on a watchlist to prevent any real or perceived conflict.
(26) River Road: Portfolio managers at River Road Asset Management (River Road) may manage one or more mutual funds as well as other types of accounts, including separate accounts for institutions and individuals, and other pooled investment vehicles. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for an account or portfolio based on its investment objectives and policies, and other relevant investment considerations. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle whose fees may be materially greater than the management fees paid by the fund and may include a performance-based fee. Management of multiple funds and accounts may create potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities, and the aggregation and allocation of trades. In addition, River Road monitors a variety of areas ( e.g. , allocation of investment opportunities) and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics.
  River Road has a fiduciary responsibility to all of the clients for which it manages accounts. River Road seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. River Road has developed policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the management of multiple types of accounts for multiple clients.
(27) Pyramis: A portfolio managers’ compensation plan (described below) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in a fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, a portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio managers’ base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management, and a portion of the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales.
  When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account, the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio managers must allocate their time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, a fund’s trade allocation policies and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest if the fund’s orders do not get fully executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts managed by Pyramis or an affiliate. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact
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  the value of securities held by the Portfolios. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Portfolios may outperform the securities selected for the Portfolios. Portfolio managers may be permitted to invest in the funds they manage, even if a fund is closed to new investors. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund’s Code of Ethics.
(28) Sit Investment: Sit Investment provides similar fee based investment management services to other clients. Sit Investment’s other clients may have investment objectives and strategies similar the Fund. Sit Investment is subject to various conflicts of interest in the performance of its duties and obligations in connection with Fund’s investments and the investments of the other client accounts managed by Sit Investment. Such conflicts include: the advice and action taken with respect to the Fund’s investments may differ from the advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to other clients; and the allocation of management time, resources, investment opportunities and aggregated transactions among the clients’ accounts including the Fund. Conflicts of interest may be heightened by the existence of Sit Investment’s proprietary investments. Sit Investment has adopted policies and procedures designed to address these conflicts to ensure that whenever conflicts of interest arise Sit Investment will endeavor to exercise its discretion in a manner that it believes is equitable to all interested persons.
(29) TCW: TCW’s portfolio managers could favor one account over another in allocating new investment opportunities that have limited supply, such as (by way of example but not limitation) initial public offerings and private placements. If, for example, an initial public offering that was expected to appreciate in value significantly shortly after the offering was allocated to a single account, that account may be expected to have better investment performance than other accounts that did not receive an allocation of a particular initial public offering.
  A TCW portfolio manager could favor one account over another in the order in which trades for the accounts are placed. If a TCW portfolio manager decides to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions. The less liquid the market for the security or the greater the percentage that the proposed aggregate purchases or sales represent of average daily trading volume, the greater the potential for accounts that make subsequent purchases or sales to receive a less favorable price. When a TCW portfolio manager intends to trade the same security on the same day for more than one account, the trades typically are “bunched,” which means that the trades for the individual accounts are aggregated and each account receives the same price. There are some types of accounts for which bunching may not be possible for contractual reasons. Circumstances may also arise in which the trader believes that bunching the orders may not result in the best possible price. Where those accounts or circumstances are involved, the TCW portfolio manager will place the order in a manner intended to result in as favorable a price as possible for such clients.
  A TCW portfolio manager potentially could favor an account if that portfolio manager’s compensation is tied to the performance of that account to a greater degree than other accounts managed by the TCW portfolio manager. If, for example, the TCW portfolio manager receives a bonus based upon the performance of certain accounts relative to a benchmark while other accounts are disregarded for this purpose, the TCW portfolio manager may have a financial incentive to seek to have the accounts that determine the portfolio manager’s bonus achieve the best possible performance to the possible detriment of other accounts. Similarly, if TCW receives a performance-based advisory fee from an account, the TCW portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor that account, whether or not the performance of that account directly determines the portfolio manager’s compensation. This structure may create inherent pressure to allocate investments having a greater potential for higher returns to those accounts with higher performance fees.
  A portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor an account if the TCW portfolio manager has a beneficial interest in the account, in order to benefit a large client or to compensate a client that had poor returns. For example, if the TCW portfolio manager held an interest in an investment partnership that was one of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager, the TCW portfolio manager would have an economic incentive to favor the account in which the portfolio manager held an interest.
  TCW determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution, and aggregates like orders where it believes doing so is beneficial to its client accounts. However, with respect to certain separate accounts, TCW may be limited by the clients or other constraints with respect to the selection of brokers or it may be instructed to direct trades through particular brokers. In these cases, TCW may place separate, non-simultaneous transactions for the Core Fixed Income and U.S. Fixed Income Funds and another account which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction to the detriment of one or the other.
  If different accounts have materially and potentially conflicting investment objectives or strategies, a conflict of interest could arise. For example, if a TCW portfolio manager purchases a security for one account and sells the same security short for another account, such trading pattern may disadvantage either the account that is long or short. In making portfolio manager assignments, TCW seeks to avoid such potentially conflicting situations. However, where a TCW portfolio
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  manager is responsible for accounts with differing investment objectives and policies, it is possible that the portfolio manager will conclude that it is in the best interest of one account to sell a portfolio security while another account continues to hold or increase the holding in such security.
  TCW has in place a Code of Ethics designed to minimize conflicts of interest between clients and its investment personnel. TCW also reviews potential conflicts of interest through its Trading and Allocation Committee.
(30) Victory Capital: The portfolio managers at Victory Capital typically manage multiple portfolios using a substantially similar investment strategy as the Fund. The management of multiple portfolios may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Victory Capital has developed policies and procedures designed to reasonably mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side account management. Accounts participating in the same strategy are block traded to ensure that no account receives preferential treatment and to ensure consistency. In addition, all qualifying accounts participate in a composite and are, therefore, monitored for deviation via monthly composite reporting. Also, Victory has adopted trade allocation procedures that require equitable allocation of trade orders for a particular security among participating accounts.
(31) Snow Capital: Snow Capital also serves as the investment adviser to various privately managed accounts, some of which may have a similar investment strategy to that of the Funds, which could create certain conflicts of interest with respect to timing and allocation of transactions. All portfolio transactions will be implemented according to Snow Capital’s trade allocation policies. These policies, among other things, ensure that trades are allocated in a manner that fulfills Snow Capital’s fiduciary duty to each advisory client, and is fair and nondiscriminatory.
Structure of Compensation
(32) Columbia Management: Direct compensation is typically comprised of a base salary, and an annual incentive award that is paid either in the form of a cash bonus if the size of the award is under a specified threshold, or, if the size of the award is over a specified threshold, the award is paid in a combination of a cash bonus, an equity incentive award, and deferred compensation. Equity incentive awards are made in the form of Ameriprise Financial restricted stock, or for more senior employees both Ameriprise Financial restricted stock and stock options. The investment return credited on deferred compensation is based on the performance of specified Columbia Funds, in most cases including the Columbia Funds the portfolio manager manages.
  Base salary is typically determined based on market data relevant to the employee’s position, as well as other factors including internal equity. Base salaries are reviewed annually, and increases are typically given as promotional increases, internal equity adjustments, or market adjustments.
  Annual incentive awards are variable and are based on (1) an evaluation of the employee’s investment performance and (2) the results of a peer and/or management review of the employee, which takes into account skills and attributes such as team participation, investment process, communication, and professionalism. Scorecards are used to measure performance of Columbia Funds and other accounts managed by the employee versus benchmarks and peer groups. Performance versus benchmark and peer group is generally weighted for the rolling one, three, and five year periods. One year performance is weighted 10%, three year performance is weighted 60%, and five year performance is weighted 30%. Relative asset size is a key determinant for fund weighting on a scorecard. Typically, weighting would be proportional to actual assets. Consideration may also be given to performance in managing client assets in sectors and industries assigned to the employee as part of his/her investment team responsibilities, where applicable. For leaders who also have group management responsibilities, another factor in their evaluation is an assessment of the group’s overall investment performance.
  Equity incentive awards are designed to align participants’ interests with those of the shareholders of Ameriprise Financial. Equity incentive awards vest over multiple years, so they help retain employees.
  Deferred compensation awards are designed to align participants’ interests with the investors in the Columbia Funds and other accounts they manage. The value of the deferral account is based on the performance of Columbia Funds. Employees have the option of selecting from various Columbia Funds for their deferral account, however portfolio managers must allocate a minimum of 25% of their incentive awarded through the deferral program to the Columbia Fund(s) they manage. Deferrals vest over multiple years, so they help retain employees.
  In addition to the annual incentive award described above, top performing portfolio managers may also receive additional equity awards with extended vesting terms.
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  Exceptions to this general approach to bonuses exist for certain teams and individuals. Funding for the bonus pool is determined by management and depends on, among other factors, the levels of compensation generally in the investment management industry taking into account investment performance (based on market compensation data) and both Ameriprise Financial and Columbia Management profitability for the year, which is largely determined by assets under management.
  For all employees the benefit programs generally are the same, and are competitive within the Financial Services Industry. Employees participate in a wide variety of plans, including options in Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k), and a cash balance pension plan.
(33) American Century: American Century portfolio manager compensation is structured to align the interests of portfolio managers with those of the shareholders whose assets they manage. As of December 31, 2013, it includes the components described below, each of which is determined with reference to a number of factors such as overall performance, market competition, and internal equity. Compensation is not directly tied to the value of assets held in client portfolios.
  BASE SALARY
Portfolio managers receive base pay in the form of a fixed annual salary.
  BONUS
A significant portion of portfolio manager compensation takes the form of an annual incentive bonus tied to performance. Bonus payments are determined by a combination of factors. One factor is fund investment performance. For most American Century mutual funds, investment performance is measured by a combination of one-, three- and five-year pre-tax performance relative to various benchmarks and/or internally-customized peer groups. The performance comparison periods may be adjusted based on a fund’s inception date or a portfolio manager’s tenure on the fund. Custom peer groups are constructed using all the funds in the indicated categories as a starting point. Funds are then eliminated from the peer group based on a standardized methodology designed to result in a final peer group that is both more stable over the long term ( i.e. , has less peer turnover) and that more closely represents the fund’s true peers based on internal investment mandates.
  Portfolio managers may have responsibility for multiple American Century mutual funds. In such cases, the performance of each is assigned a percentage weight appropriate for the portfolio manager’s relative levels of responsibility.
  Portfolio managers also may have responsibility for portfolios that are managed in a fashion similar to that of other American Century mutual funds. This is the case for Variable Portfolio – American Century Diversified Bond Fund. If the performance of a similarly managed account is considered for purposes of compensation, it is either measured in the same way as a comparable American Century mutual fund ( i.e. , relative to the performance of a benchmark and/or peer group) or relative to the performance of such mutual fund. Performance of Variable Portfolio – American Century Diversified Bond Fund is not separately considered in determining portfolio manager compensation.
  A second factor in the bonus calculation relates to the performance of a number of American Century funds managed according to one of the following investment styles: U.S. growth, U.S. value, quantitative, international and fixed-income. Performance is measured for each product individually as described above and then combined to create an overall composite for the product group. These composites may measure one-year performance (equal weighted) or a combination of one-, three- and five-year performance (equal or asset weighted) depending on the portfolio manager’s responsibilities and products managed. This feature is designed to encourage effective teamwork among portfolio management teams in achieving long-term investment success for similarly styled portfolios.
  A portion of portfolio managers’ bonuses may be tied to individual performance goals, such as research projects and the development of new products.
  RESTRICTED STOCK PLANS
Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of restricted stock of ACC. These grants are discretionary, and eligibility and availability can vary from year to year. The size of an individual’s grant is determined by individual and product performance as well as other product-specific considerations. Grants can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the ACC stock during the restriction period (generally three to four years).
  DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of deferred compensation. These grants are used in limited situations, primarily for retention purposes. Grants are fixed and can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the American Century mutual funds in which the portfolio manager chooses to invest them.
(34) BlackRock: BlackRock’s financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a
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  variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The principal components of compensation include a base salary, a performance-based discretionary bonus, participation in various benefits programs and one or more of the incentive compensation programs established by BlackRock.
  Base compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base compensation based on their position with the firm.
  Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is a function of several components: the performance of BlackRock, Inc., the performance of the portfolio manager’s group within BlackRock, the investment performance, including risk-adjusted returns, of the firm’s assets under management or supervision by that portfolio manager relative to predetermined benchmarks, and the individual’s performance and contribution to the overall performance of these portfolios and BlackRock. In most cases, these benchmarks are the same as the benchmark or benchmarks against which the performance of the Fund or other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are measured. Among other things, BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officers make a subjective determination with respect to each portfolio manager’s compensation based on the performance of the Funds and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager relative to the various benchmarks. Performance of fixed income funds is measured on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis over various time periods including 1-, 3- and 5- year periods, as applicable. With respect to these portfolio managers, such benchmarks for the Fund and other accounts are:
    
Portfolio Manager Benchmark
Martin Hegarty A combination of market-based indices ( e.g. , Barclays Capital US TIPS Index), certain customized indices and certain fund industry peer groups.
Brian Weinstein A combination of market-based indices ( e.g. , Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index), certain customized indices and certain fund industry peer groups.
Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a combination of cash and BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units which vest ratably over a number of years. For some portfolio managers, discretionary incentive compensation is also distributed in deferred cash awards that notionally track the returns of select BlackRock investment products they manage and that vest ratably over a number of years. The BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units, upon vesting, will be settled in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. Typically, the cash portion of the discretionary incentive compensation, when combined with base salary, represents more than 60% of total compensation for the portfolio managers. Paying a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in BlackRock stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given year “at risk” based on BlackRock’s ability to sustain and improve its performance over future periods. Providing a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in deferred cash awards that notionally track the BlackRock investment products they manage provides direct alignment with investment product results.
Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards — From time to time long-term incentive equity awards are granted to certain key employees to aid in retention, align their interests with long-term shareholder interests and motivate performance. Equity awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that, once vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. Mr. Weinstein has received long-term incentive awards.
Deferred Compensation Program — A portion of the compensation paid to eligible BlackRock employees may be voluntarily deferred at their election for defined periods of time into an account that tracks the performance of certain of the firm’s investment products. All of the eligible portfolio managers have participated in the deferred compensation program.
Other compensation benefits. In addition to base compensation and discretionary incentive compensation, portfolio managers may be eligible to receive or participate in one or more of the following:
Incentive Savings Plans — BlackRock, Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock employees are eligible to participate, including a 401(k) plan, the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The employer contribution components of the RSP include a company match equal to 50% of the first 8% of eligible pay contributed to the plan capped at $5,000 per year, and a company retirement contribution equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation up to the IRS limit ($255,000 for 2013). The RSP offers a range of investment options, including registered investment companies and collective investment funds managed by the firm. BlackRock contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, absent participant investment direction, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the Purchase Date. All of the eligible portfolio managers are eligible to participate in these plans.
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(35) Columbia WAM: For services performed for the 2012 calendar year and incentives paid in early 2013, Messrs. Mendes, Olson, Mohn and Frank, analysts and other key employees of the Adviser received all of their compensation in the form of salary and incentive compensation provided in whole by Ameriprise Financial. Typically, a high proportion of an analyst’s or portfolio manager’s incentive compensation is paid in cash with a smaller proportion going into two separate incentive plans. The first plan is a notional investment based on the performance of certain Columbia Funds, including the Columbia Acorn Funds. The second plan consists of Ameriprise Financial restricted stock and/or options. Both plans vest over three years from the date of issuance.
  Portfolio managers and key analysts are positioned in compensation tiers based on cumulative performance of the portfolios/stocks that they manage and their total responsibilities, the objective being to provide very competitive total compensation for high performing analysts and portfolio managers. Portfolio manager performance is measured versus primary portfolio benchmarks. Analyst performance is measured versus a custom benchmark for each analyst. One- and three-year performance periods primarily drove incentive levels through 2012, and a five-year performance period was added beginning in 2013. Incentive compensation varies by tier and through 2012 ranged from between a fraction of base pay to a multiple of base pay. Beginning in 2013, the range of incentive compensation was widened to zero on the low end, and on the high end to an increased amount equal to the amount by which the low end was decreased. Incentives are adjusted up or down up to 15% of high/low ranges based on qualitative performance factors, which include investment performance impacts not included in benchmarks such as industry (or country) weighting recommendations, plus adherence to compliance standards, business building, and citizenship. Less seasoned analysts’ incentives are also based on performance versus benchmarks, though they are less formulaic in order to emphasize investment process instead of initial investment results. The qualitative factors discussed above are also considered. These analysts participate in an incentive pool which is based on a formula primarily driven by firm-wide investment performance.
  In addition, the incentive amounts available for the entire pool are adjusted up or down based upon the increase/decrease in the Investment Manager’s revenues versus an agreed upon base revenue amount. Investment performance, however, impacts incentives far more than revenues. The Adviser determines incentive compensation adhering to the formulas, subject to review by Columbia Management and Ameriprise Financial.
(36) Threadneedle: To align the interests of its investment staff with those of Threadneedle’s clients, the remuneration plan for senior individuals comprises basic salary and an annual profit share scheme (linked to individual performance and the profitability of the company) delivered partly as a cash incentive, and partly as a deferred long-term incentive which Threadneedle believes encourages longevity of service, split equally between Restricted Stock Units in Ameriprise Financial and reinvestment into a suite of Threadneedle’s own funds. Investment performance is a major factor within that performance appraisal, judged relative to each fund’s targets on a 1- and 3-year basis, with a bias towards 3-year performance in order to incentivize delivery of longer-term performance. Threadneedle Fund Deferral program, through which the deferral is notionally invested in a number of Threadneedle funds, vesting in three equal parts over three years, provides a strong tie for Threadneedle’s investment professionals to client interests.
  The split between each component within the remuneration package varies between investment professionals and will be dependent upon performance and the type of funds they manage.
  Incentives are devised to reward:
investment performance and Threadneedle client requirements, in particular the alignment with Threadneedle clients through a mandatory deferral into Threadneedle’s own products; and
team cooperation and values.
The split of the incentive pool focuses on the:
performance of the individual’s own funds and research recommendations;
performance of all portfolios in the individual’s team;
overall contribution to the wider thinking and success of the investment team, for example, idea generation, interaction with colleagues and commitment to assist with the sales effort; and
Threadneedle performance.
Consideration of the individual’s overall performance is designed to incentivise fund managers to think beyond personal portfolio performance and reflects contributions made in:
inter-team discussions, including asset allocation, global sector themes and weekly investment meetings;
intra-team discussions, stock research and investment insights; and
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a fund manager’s demonstration of Threadneedle values, as part of Threadneedle’s team-based investment philosophy.
It is important to appreciate that for individuals to maximize their rating and hence their incentive remuneration they need to contribute in all areas. Importance is placed not only on producing strong fund performance but also contributing effectively to the team and the wider Investment department and on the Manager’s demonstration of Threadneedle’s corporate values. This structure is closely aligned with Threadneedle’s investment principles of sharing ideas and effective communication.
Investment professionals are formally reviewed once a year, and the performance year runs from January to December. However, Threadneedle also takes into consideration longer-term performance (rolling three and five years) together with a manager’s contribution to the investment dialogue and desk success and their control of and adherence to Threadneedle’s risk controls.
(37) DFA: Portfolio managers receive a base salary and bonus. Compensation of a portfolio manager is determined at the discretion of DFA and is based on a portfolio manager’s experience, responsibilities, the perception of the quality of his or her work efforts and other subjective factors. The compensation of portfolio managers is not directly based upon the performance of the mutual funds or other accounts that the portfolio managers manage. DFA reviews the compensation of each portfolio manager annually and may make modifications in compensation as it deems necessary to reflect changes in the market. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following:
Base salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary. DFA considers the factors described above to determine each portfolio manager’s base salary.
Semi-Annual Bonus. Each portfolio manager may receive a semi-annual bonus. The amount of the bonus paid to each portfolio manager is based upon the factors described above.
Portfolio managers may be awarded the right to purchase restricted shares of the stock of DFA as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of DFA or its delegees. Portfolio managers also participate in benefit and retirement plans and other programs available generally to all employees.
In addition, portfolio managers may be given the option of participating in DFA’s Long Term Incentive Plan. The level of participation for eligible employees may be dependent on overall level of compensation, among other considerations. Participation in this program is not based on or related to the performance of any individual strategies or any particular client accounts.
(38) Eaton Vance: Compensation paid by Eaton Vance to its portfolio managers and other investment professionals has three primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash bonus, and (3) annual stock-based compensation consisting of options to purchase non-voting common stock of Eaton Vance Management’s corporate parent, Eaton Vance Corp., and restricted shares of Eaton Vance Corp.’s non-voting common stock. Eaton Vance management investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance, and other benefits that are broadly available to all Eaton Vance employees.
  Compensation of Eaton Vance’s investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect at or shortly after the October 31st fiscal year end of Eaton Vance Corp.
  Eaton Vance Management compensates its portfolio managers based primarily on the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities and the total return performance of managed funds and accounts versus the benchmark(s) stated in the prospectus, as well as an appropriate peer group (as described below). In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to relative risk-adjusted performance. Risk-adjusted performance measures include, but are not limited to, the Sharpe ratio. Performance is normally based on periods ending on the September 30th preceding fiscal year end. Fund performance is normally evaluated primarily versus peer groups of funds as determined by Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. When a fund’s peer group as determined by Lipper or Morningstar is deemed by Eaton Vance’s management not to provide a fair comparison, performance may instead be evaluated primarily against a custom peer group or market index. In evaluating the performance of a fund and its manager, primary emphasis is normally placed on three-year performance, with secondary consideration of performance over longer and shorter periods. Performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis. For funds with an investment objective other than total return (such as current income) consideration will also be given to the fund’s success in achieving its objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis, based on averages or weighted averages among managed funds and accounts. Funds and accounts that have performance-based advisory fees are not accorded disproportionate weightings in measuring aggregate portfolio manager performance. The compensation of portfolio managers with other job responsibilities (such as heading an investment group or providing analytical support to other portfolios) will include consideration of the scope of such responsibilities and the managers’ performance in meeting those responsibilities.
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  Eaton Vance Management seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. Eaton Vance Management participates in investment-industry compensation surveys and utilizes survey data as a factor in determining salary, bonus, and stock-based compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries, bonuses, and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of Eaton Vance Management and its parent company. Eaton Vance Management’s overall annual cash bonus pool is generally based on a substantially fixed percentage of pre-bonus adjusted operating income. While the salaries of Eaton Vance Management portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in manager performance and other factors described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.
(39) Holland: The subadviser maintains a competitive compensation program. The compensation for Portfolio Managers Monica L. Walker and Carl R. Bhathena, is comprised of base salary and annual cash bonuses dependent upon the performance of product portfolios and overall performance and profitability of the firm. Other factors considered with respect to their overall compensation package includes years of industry experience, competitive market factors and contribution to the subadviser’s success. The Portfolio Managers also have ownership interests in the subadviser and may receive income based upon the overall financial performance of the firm commensurate with their ownership interest.
(40) Invesco: Invesco seeks to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity, and an equity compensation opportunity. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed and may be modified each year as appropriate to reflect changes in the market, as well as to adjust the factors used to determine bonuses to promote competitive fund performance. Invesco evaluates competitive market compensation by reviewing compensation survey results conducted by an independent third party of investment industry compensation. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following three elements:
  Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary. In setting the base salary, Invesco’s intention is to be competitive in light of the particular portfolio manager’s experience and responsibilities.
  Annual Bonus. The portfolio managers are eligible, along with other employees of Invesco, to participate in a discretionary year-end bonus pool. The Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd. reviews and approves the amount of the bonus pool available considering investment performance and financial results in its review. In addition, while having no direct impact on individual bonuses, assets under management are considered when determining the starting bonus funding levels. Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus which is based on quantitative ( i.e. investment performance) and non-quantitative factors (which may include, but are not limited to, individual performance, risk management and teamwork).
  Each portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager as described in Table 1 below.
Table 1
Subadviser Performance time period (1)
Invesco (2) One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group.
(1) Rolling time periods based on calendar year-end.
(2) Portfolio Managers may be granted an annual deferral award that vests on a pro-rata basis over a four year period and final payments are based on the performance of eligible Funds selected by the portfolio manager at the time the award is granted.
High investment performance (against applicable peer group and/or benchmarks) would deliver compensation generally associated with top pay in the industry (determined by reference to the third-party provided compensation survey information) and poor investment performance (versus applicable peer group) would result in low bonus compared to the applicable peer group or no bonus at all. These decisions are reviewed and approved collectively by senior leadership which has responsibility for executing the compensation approach across the organization.
Deferred/Long Term Compensation. Portfolio managers may be granted an annual deferral award that allows them to select receipt of shares of certain Invesco Funds with a vesting period as well as common shares and/or restricted shares of Invesco Ltd. stock from pools determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd.’s Board of Directors. Awards of deferred/long term compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.
Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees.
(41) JPMIM: J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.’s (JP Morgan) portfolio managers participate in a competitive compensation program that is designed to attract and retain outstanding people and closely link the performance of
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  investment professionals to client investment objectives. The total compensation program includes a base salary fixed from year to year and a variable performance bonus consisting of cash incentives and restricted stock and may include mandatory notional investments (as described below) in selected mutual funds advised by JP Morgan or its affiliates. These elements reflect individual performance and the performance of JP Morgan’s business as a whole.
  Each portfolio manager’s performance is formally evaluated annually based on a variety of factors including the aggregate size and blended performance of the portfolios such portfolio manager manages. Individual contribution relative to client goals carries the highest impact. Portfolio manager compensation is primarily driven by meeting or exceeding clients’ risk and return objectives, relative performance to competitors or competitive indices and compliance with firm policies and regulatory requirements. In evaluating each portfolio manager’s performance with respect to the mutual funds he or she manages, the funds’ pre-tax performance is compared to the appropriate market peer group and to each fund’s benchmark index listed in the fund’s prospectus over one, three and five year periods (or such shorter time as the portfolio manager has managed the fund). Investment performance is generally more heavily weighted to the long term.
  Awards of restricted stock are granted as part of an employee’s annual performance bonus and comprise from 0% to 40% of a portfolio manager’s total bonus. As the level of incentive compensation increases, the percentage of compensation awarded in restricted stock also increases. Up to 50% of the restricted stock portion of a portfolio manager’s bonus may instead be subject to a mandatory notional investment in selected mutual funds advised by JP Morgan or its affiliates. When these awards vest over time, the portfolio manager receives cash equal to the market value of the notional investment in the selected mutual funds.
(42) Jennison: Jennison seeks to maintain a highly competitive compensation program designed to attract and retain outstanding investment professionals, which include portfolio managers and research analysts, and to align the interests of its investment professionals with those of its clients and overall firm results. Overall firm profitability determines the total amount of incentive compensation pool that is available for investment professionals. Investment professionals are compensated with a combination of base salary and cash bonus. In general, the cash bonus comprises the majority of the compensation for investment professionals. Jennison sponsors a profit sharing retirement plan for all eligible employees. The contribution to the profit sharing retirement plan for portfolio managers is based on a percentage of the portfolio manager’s total compensation, subject to a maximum determined by applicable law. In addition to eligibility to participate in retirement and welfare plans, senior investment professionals, including portfolio managers and senior research analysts, are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation program where all or a portion of the cash bonus can be invested in a variety of predominantly Jennison-managed investment strategies on a tax-deferred basis.
  Investment professionals’ total compensation is determined through a subjective process that evaluates numerous qualitative and quantitative factors. There is no particular weighting or formula for considering the factors. Some portfolio managers may manage or contribute ideas to more than one product strategy, and the performance of the other product strategies is also considered in determining the portfolio manager’s overall compensation. The factors reviewed for the portfolio manager are listed below in order of importance.
  The following primary quantitative factor is reviewed for the portfolio managers:
_ One, three, five year and longer term pre-tax investment performance of groupings of accounts managed by the portfolio manager in the same strategy (composite) relative to market conditions, pre-determined passive indices, and industry peer group data for the product strategy (e.g., large cap growth, large cap value) for which the portfolio manager is responsible. —Performance for the composite of accounts that includes the Fund managed by the portfolio managers is measured against the Russell Midcap Growth Index.
The qualitative factors reviewed for the portfolio managers may include:
_ The quality of the portfolio manager’s investment ideas and consistency of the portfolio manager’s judgment;
_ Historical and long-term business potential of the product strategies;
_ Qualitative factors such as teamwork and responsiveness; and
_ Individual factors such as years of experience and responsibilities specific to the individual’s role such as being a team leader or supervisor are also factored into the determination of an investment professional’s total compensation.
(43) Loomis Sayles: Loomis Sayles believes that portfolio manager compensation should be driven primarily by the delivery of consistent and superior long-term performance for its clients. Portfolio manager compensation is made up primarily of three main components: base salary, variable compensation and a long-term incentive program. Although portfolio manager compensation is not directly tied to assets under management, a portfolio manager’s base salary and/or variable compensation potential may reflect the amount of assets for which the manager is responsible relative to other portfolio managers. Loomis Sayles also offers a profit sharing plan. Base salary is a fixed amount based on a combination of factors,
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  including industry experience, firm experience, job performance and market considerations. Variable compensation is an incentive-based component and generally represents a significant multiple of base salary. Variable compensation is based on four factors: investment performance, profit growth of the firm, profit growth of the manager’s business unit and team commitment. Investment performance is the primary component of total variable compensation and generally represents at least 60% of the total for fixed-income managers and 70% for equity managers. The other three factors are used to determine the remainder of variable compensation, subject to the discretion of the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) and senior management. The CIO and senior management evaluate these other factors annually.
  Equity Managers . While mutual fund performance and asset size do not directly contribute to the compensation calculation, investment performance for equity managers is measured by comparing the performance of Loomis Sayles’ institutional composites to the performance of the applicable Morningstar peer group and/or the Lipper universe. Generally speaking the performance of the respective product’s fund is compared against the applicable Morningstar peer group and/or the Lipper universe. If the majority of the assets in the product are contained in the mutual fund that comparison will drive compensation. To the extent the majority of assets managed in the fund strategy are for institutional separate accounts, the eVestment Alliance institutional peer group will also be used as an additional comparison. In situations where substantially all of the assets for the strategy are institutional, the institutional peer group will be used as the primary method of comparison. A manager’s performance relative to the peer group for the 1, 3 and 5 year periods (or since the start of the manager’s tenure, if shorter) is used to calculate the amount of variable compensation payable due to performance. The 1 year may be eliminated in regards to the Large Cap Growth strategy. Longer-term performance (3 and 5 years or since the start of the manager’s tenure, if shorter) combined is weighted more than shorter-term performance (1 year). In addition, effective 2013, the performance measurement for equity compensation will incorporate a consistency metric using longer term (3, 5, etc.) rolling excess return compared to peer group over a sustained measurement period (5, 7, etc. years). The exact method may be adjusted to a product’s particular style. If a manager is responsible for more than one product, the rankings of each product are weighted based on either relative revenue or asset size of accounts represented in each product. The external benchmark used for the investment style utilized by the fund is the Russell 1000 Growth Index
  Loomis Sayles uses either an institutional peer group as a point of comparison for equity manager performance, a Morningstar universe and/or the Lipper universe. In cases where the institutional peer groups are used, Loomis Sayles believes they represent the most competitive product universe while closely matching the investment styles offered by the Loomis Sayles fund.
  General. Mutual funds are not included in Loomis Sayles’ composites, so unlike other managed accounts, fund performance and asset size do not directly contribute to this calculation. However, each fund managed by Loomis Sayles employs strategies endorsed by Loomis Sayles and fits into the product category for the relevant investment style. Loomis Sayles may adjust compensation if there is significant dispersion among the returns of the composite and accounts not included in the composite.
  Loomis Sayles has developed and implemented two distinct long-term incentive plans to attract and retain investment talent. The plans supplement existing compensation. The first plan has several important components distinguishing it from traditional equity ownership plans:
the plan grants units that entitle participants to an annual payment based on a percentage of company earnings above an established threshold;
upon retirement, a participant will receive a multi-year payout for his or her vested units; and
participation is contingent upon signing an award agreement, which includes a non-compete covenant.
The second plan is similarly constructed although the participants’ annual participation in company earnings is deferred for two years from the time of award and is only payable if the portfolio manager remains at Loomis Sayles. In this plan, there is no post-retirement payments or non-compete covenants.
Senior management expects that the variable compensation portion of overall compensation will continue to remain the largest source of income for those investment professionals included in the plan. The plan is initially offered to portfolio managers and over time the scope of eligibility is likely to widen. Management has full discretion over what units are issued and to whom.
Portfolio managers also participate in the Loomis Sayles profit sharing plan, in which Loomis Sayles makes a contribution to the retirement plan of each employee based on a percentage of base salary (up to a maximum amount). The portfolio managers also participate in the Loomis Sayles defined benefit pension plan, which applies to all Loomis Sayles employees who joined the firm prior to May 3, 2003. The defined benefit is based on years of service and base compensation (up to a maximum amount).
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(44) Marsico Capital: The compensation package for portfolio managers of Marsico Capital includes a competitive base salary reevaluated periodically, and may also include periodic cash bonuses. Bonuses are typically based on two primary factors: (1) Marsico Capital’s overall profitability for the period, and (2) individual achievements and contributions benefitting the firm and/or clients. Base salaries also may be adjusted upward (or downward) based on similar factors. No other special employee incentive arrangements are currently in place or being planned.
  Portfolio manager compensation generally takes into account, among other factors, the overall performance of accounts for which the portfolio manager provides investment advisory services. In receiving compensation such as bonuses, portfolio managers do not receive special consideration based solely on the performance of particular accounts, and do not receive compensation from accounts charging performance-based fees.
  In addition to salary and bonus, Marsico Capital’s portfolio managers may participate in other Marsico Capital benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans on the same basis as other Marsico Capital employees. Marsico Capital’s portfolio managers also may be offered the opportunity to acquire equity interests in the firm’s parent company.
  As a general matter, Marsico Capital does not tie portfolio manager compensation to specific levels of performance relative to fixed benchmarks ( e.g. , S&P 500 Index). Although performance is a relevant consideration, comparisons with fixed benchmarks may not always be useful. Relevant benchmarks vary depending on specific investment styles and client guidelines or restrictions, and comparisons to benchmark performance may at times reveal more about market sentiment than about a portfolio manager’s performance or abilities. To encourage a long-term horizon for managing client assets and concurrently minimizing potential conflicts of interest and portfolio risks, Marsico Capital evaluates a portfolio manager’s performance over periods longer than the immediate compensation period, and may consider a variety of measures in determining compensation, such as the performance of unaffiliated mutual funds or other portfolios having similar strategies as well as other measurements. Other factors that may be significant in determining portfolio manager compensation include, without limitation, the effectiveness of the manager’s leadership within Marsico Capital’s investment management team, contributions to Marsico Capital’s overall performance, discrete securities analysis, idea generation, ability and willingness to support and train other analysts, and other considerations.
(45) MFS: Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed annually. As of December 31, 2012, portfolio manager total cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus:
  Base Salary — Base salary represents a smaller percentage of portfolio manager total cash compensation than performance bonus.
  Performance Bonus — Generally, the performance bonus represents more than a majority of portfolio manager total cash compensation.
  The performance bonus is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, generally with more weight given to the former and less weight given to the latter.
  The quantitative portion is based on the pre-tax performance of assets managed by the portfolio manager over one-, three-, and five-year periods relative to peer group universes and/or indices (“benchmarks”). As of December 31, 2012, the Russell 1000 Value Index was used to measure the portfolio managers performance for the Fund.
  Additional or different benchmarks, including versions of indices, custom indices, and linked indices that include performance of different indices for different portions of the time period, may also be used. Primary weight is given to portfolio performance over a three-year time period with lesser consideration given to portfolio performance over one-year and five-year periods (adjusted as appropriate if the portfolio manager has served for less than five years).
  The qualitative portion is based on the results of an annual internal peer review process (conducted by other portfolio managers, analysts, and traders) and management’s assessment of overall portfolio manager contributions to investor relations and the investment process (distinct from fund and other account performance). This performance bonus may be in the form of cash and/or a deferred cash award, at the discretion of management. A deferred cash award is issued for a cash value and becomes payable over a three-year vesting period if the portfolio manager remains in the continuous employ of MFS or its affiliates. During the vesting period, the value of the unfunded deferred cash award will fluctuate as though the portfolio manager had invested the cash value of the award in an MFS Fund(s) selected by the portfolio manager. A selected fund may be, but is not required to be, a fund that is managed by the portfolio manager.
  Portfolio managers also typically benefit from the opportunity to participate in the MFS Equity Plan. Equity interests and/or options to acquire equity interests in MFS or its parent company are awarded by management, on a discretionary basis, taking into account tenure at MFS, contribution to the investment process, and other factors.
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  Finally, portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans (including a defined contribution plan and health and other insurance plans) and programs available generally to other employees of MFS. The percentage such benefits represent of any portfolio manager’s compensation depends upon the length of the individual’s tenure at MFS and salary level, as well as other factors.
(46) Snow Capital: Each of the Portfolio Managers receives compensation in the form of a fixed salary. The Portfolio Managers are also eligible for a bonus, which is based on the overall profitability of Snow Capital. Additionally, the Portfolio Managers may receive equity dividends from their ownership in Snow Capital. The Portfolio Managers are eligible to participate in Snow Capital’s retirement plan under the same guidelines and criteria established for all employees of Snow Capital.
(47) MSIM: Morgan Stanley’s compensation structure is based on a total reward system of base salary and Incentive Compensation which is paid partially as a cash bonus and partially as mandatory deferred compensation. Deferred compensation may be granted as deferred cash under the Adviser’s Investment Management Alignment Plan (“IMAP”), as an equity-based awards or it may be granted under other plans as determined annually by Morgan Stanley’s Compensation, Management Development and Succession Committee subject to vesting and other conditions.
  Base salary compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base salary compensation based on the level of their position with the Adviser.
  Incentive compensation. In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary year-end compensation.
  Incentive compensation may include:
Cash Bonus.
Deferred Compensation:
A mandatory program that defers a portion of incentive compensation into restricted stock units or other awards based on Morgan Stanley common stock or other plans that are subject to vesting and other conditions.
IMAP is a mandatory program that defers a portion of incentive compensation and notionally invests it in designated funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates. The award is subject to vesting and other conditions. Portfolio managers must notionally invest a minimum of 25% to a maximum of 100% of their IMAP deferral account into a combination of the designated funds they manage that are included in the IMAP fund menu, which may or may not include one of the Portfolios.
All deferred compensation awards are subject to clawback provisions where awards can be cancelled, in whole or in part, if an employee takes any action, or omits to take any action which; causes a restatement of Morgan Stanley’s consolidated financial results; constitutes a violation by the portfolio manager of Morgan Stanley’s Global Risk Management Principles, Policies and Standards; or constitutes violation of internal risk and control policies involving a subsequent loss.
Several factors determine discretionary compensation, which can vary by portfolio management team and circumstances. These factors include:
Revenues generated by the investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager.
The investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager.
Contribution to the business objectives of the Adviser.
The dollar amount of assets managed by the portfolio manager.
Market compensation survey research by independent third parties.
Other qualitative factors, such as contributions to client objectives.
Performance of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and the overall performance of the investment team(s) of which the portfolio manager is a member.
(48) NFJ: Our compensation system is designed to support our corporate values and culture. While we acknowledge the importance of financial incentives and seek to pay top quartile compensation for top quartile performance, we also believe that compensation is only one of a number of critically important elements that allow the emergence of a strong, winning culture that attracts, retains and motivates talented investors and teams.
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  The primary components of compensation are the base salary and an annual discretionary variable compensation payment. This variable compensation component typically comprises a cash bonus that pays out immediately as well as a deferred component, for members of staff whose variable compensation exceeds a certain threshold. The deferred component for most recipients would be a notional award of the Long Term Incentive Program (LTIP); for members of staff whose variable compensation exceeds an additional threshold, the deferred compensation is itself split 50%/50% between the LTIP and a Deferral into Funds program (DIF). Currently, the marginal rate of deferral of the variable compensation can reach 42% for those in the highest variable compensation bracket. Overall awards, splits and components are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet industry best practice and, where applicable, at a minimum comply with regulatory standards.
  Base salary typically reflects scope, responsibilities and experience required in a particular role, be it on the investment side or any other function in our company. Base compensation is regularly reviewed against peers with the help of compensation survey data. Base compensation is typically a greater percentage of total compensation for more junior positions, while for the most senior roles it will be a comparatively small component, often capped and only adjusted every few years.
  Discretionary variable compensation is primarily designed to reflect the achievements of an individual against set goals, over a certain time period. For an investment professional these goals will typically be 70% quantitative and 30% qualitative. The former will reflect a weighted average of investment performance over a three-year rolling time period (one-year (25%) and three year (75%) results) and the latter reflects contributions to broader team goals, contributions made to client review meetings, product development or product refinement initiatives. Portfolio managers have their performance metric aligned with the benchmarks of the client portfolios they manage.
  The LTIP element of the variable compensation cliff vests three years after each (typically annual) award. Its value is directly tied to the operating result of Allianz Global Investors over the three year period of the award.
  The DIF element of the variable compensation cliff vests three years after each (typically annual) award and enables these members of staff to invest in a range of Allianz Global Investors funds (investment professionals are encouraged to invest into their own funds or funds where they may be influential from a research or product group relationship perspective). Again, the value of the DIF awards is determined by the growth of the fund(s) value over the three year period covering each award.
  Assuming an annual deferral of 33% over a three year period, a typical member of staff will have roughly one year’s variable compensation (3x33%) as a deferred component ‘in the bank’. Three years after the first award, and for as long as deferred components were awarded without break, cash payments in each year will consist of the annual cash bonus for that current year’s performance as well as a payout from LTIP/DIF commensurate with the prior cumulative three-year performance.
  There are a small number of revenue sharing arrangements that generate variable compensation for specialist investment teams, as well as commission payments for a limited number of members of staff in distribution. These payments are subject to the same deferral rules and deferred instruments as described above for the discretionary compensation element.
  In addition to competitive compensation, the firm’s approach to retention includes providing a challenging career path for each professional, a supportive culture to ensure each employee’s progress and a full benefits package.
(49) Winslow Capital: In an effort to retain key personnel, Winslow Capital has structured compensation plans for portfolio managers and other key personnel that it believes are competitive with other investment management firms. The compensation plan is determined by the Winslow Capital Operating Committee and is designed to align manager compensation with investors’ goals by rewarding portfolio managers who meet the long-term objective of consistent, superior investment results, measured by the performance of the product. The portfolio managers have long-term employment agreements and are subject to non-competition/non-solicitation restrictions.
  The Operating Committee establishes salaries at competitive levels, verified through industry surveys, to attract and maintain the best professional and administrative personnel. Portfolio manager compensation packages are independent of advisory fees collected on any given client account under management. In addition, an incentive bonus is paid annually to the employees based upon each individual’s performance, client results and the profitability of the firm. Finally, employees of Winslow Capital, including portfolio managers, have received profit interests in the firm which entitle their holders to participate in the firm’s growth over time.
(50) Palisade: Palisade’s investment professionals each receive a fixed base salary based on his or her experience and responsibilities, as well as revenue sharing. The revenue sharing arrangement rewards investment professionals based on the results of their individual contributions to the portfolio. A percentage of the revenue from the accounts managed, including the Fund, is allocated to the portfolio management team. This amount is then adjusted based on the 1- and 3-year performance of the small/smid growth equity strategy’s investment returns relative to both the applicable benchmark and the peer group. Compensation is also based, in part, on the growth of the assets in the product. The resulting amount is
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  subsequently allocated to team members based on individual performance. Palisade believes this factor helps align the interests of the investment teams and the Fund’s shareholders and promotes long-term performance goals. Management has the ability to increase the amount of incentive compensation paid at its own discretion.
  In 2013, Palisade initiated a Unit Appreciation Right (UAR) Plan, whereby key employees of Palisade, including the portfolio managers, participate in the UAR Plan. This plan provides an opportunity for each participating employee to share in the appreciation of Palisade’s equity value over time, similar to a stock option plan in a publicly traded company.
  All employees are eligible for Palisade’s 401(k) plan. Employees and partners are eligible for Palisade’s group life, health and disability insurance programs.
(51) TLC: Investment professionals are evaluated on specific responsibilities that include investment recommendations, quality of research, client retention, and overall contribution to the firm. Annual reviews are given and above average compensation increases plus bonuses are targeted with firm growth and individual performance. In addition, The London Company has a formal plan to offer ownership to key employees after they have been with the firm for 3-5 years.
(52) WellsCap: The compensation structure for Wells Capital Management’s portfolio managers includes a competitive fixed base salary plus variable incentives (Wells Capital Management utilizes investment management compensation surveys as confirmation). Incentive bonuses are typically tied to relative investment performance of all accounts under his or her management within acceptable risk parameters. Relative investment performance is generally evaluated for 1, 3, and 5 year performance results, with a predominant weighting on the 3- and 5- year time periods, versus the relevant benchmarks and/or peer groups consistent with the investment style. This evaluation takes into account relative performance of the accounts to each account’s individual benchmark and/or the relative composite performance of all accounts to one or more relevant benchmarks consistent with the overall investment style. Research analysts are evaluated on the overall team’s relative investment performance as well as the performance and quality of their individual research.
(53) Barrow Hanley: In addition to base salary, all portfolio managers and analysts at Barrow Hanley share in a bonus pool that is distributed semi-annually. Portfolio managers and analysts are rated on their value added to the team-oriented investment process. Overall compensation applies with respect to all accounts managed and compensation does not differ with respect to distinct accounts managed by a portfolio manager. Compensation is not tied to a published or private benchmark. It is important to understand that contributions to the overall investment process may include not recommending securities in an analyst’s sector if there are no compelling opportunities in the industries covered by that analyst.
  The compensation of portfolio managers is not directly tied to fund performance or growth in assets for any fund or other account managed by a portfolio manager and portfolio managers are not compensated for bringing in new business. Of course, growth in assets from the appreciation of existing assets and/or growth in new assets will increase revenues and profit. The consistent, long-term growth in assets at any investment firm is to a great extent, dependent upon the success of the portfolio management team. The compensation of the portfolio management team at Barrow Hanley will increase over time, if and when assets continue to grow through competitive performance. Lastly, many of our key investment personnel have a longer-term incentive compensation plan in the form of an equity interest in Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC.
(54) Denver: Denver Investments is a limited liability company with “members” or “partners” as the owners of the firm.
  Denver Investments strives to put the interests of clients first at all times and to create an environment that promotes stability. To that end, the firm offers a competitive compensation structure designed to align its interests with those of its clients. All investment professionals are eligible for equity ownership positions, which are based on several factors including performance, product profitability, ability to grow the business and other qualitative factors.
  Senior professionals have a base salary plus an incentive component, as well as equity ownership in the firm. All investment professionals who are non-owners have a base salary, an incentive component and participate in a profit-sharing program.
  Regarding incentive compensation, the single most important measurement is client account returns versus their benchmark. If excess returns are achieved, investment professionals are eligible for annual bonuses which emphasize long-term performance.
  Portfolio managers may also participate in Denver Investments’ defined contribution retirement plan, which includes normal matching provisions and a discretionary contribution in accordance with applicable tax regulations.
(55) Donald Smith: All employees at Donald Smith & Co., Inc. are compensated on incentive plans. The compensation for portfolio managers, analysts and traders at Donald Smith consists of a base salary, a partnership interest in the firm’s profits, and possibly an additional, discretionary bonus. This discretionary bonus can exceed 100% of the base salary if performance for clients exceeds established benchmarks. The current benchmark utilized is the Russell 2000 Value Index. Additional distribution of firm ownership is a strong motivation for continued employment at Donald Smith & Co., Inc. Administrative personnel are also given a bonus as a function of their contribution and the profitability of the firm.
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(56) SBH: Members of the Small Cap team are paid a salary that is competitive with industry standards and an incentive bonus based on a combination of individual and strategy performance. Marketers and client service personnel receive base salary and commission.
(57) RiverRoad: Compensation for portfolio managers includes an annual fixed base salary and a potential performance-based bonus. For portfolio managers with longer-term employment agreements (contractual arrangements), a portion of bonus compensation has been contractually determined at a fixed percentage of their base salary.
(58) Pyramis: Cesar Hernandez is the portfolio manager of the Pyramis ® International Equity Fund and receives compensation for his services. As of December 31, 2013, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of the portfolio manager’s compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by Pyramis or at the election of the portfolio manager.
  The portfolio manager’s base salary is determined by level of responsibility and tenure at Pyramis, FMR (Pyramis’ ultimate parent company) or its affiliates. The primary components of the portfolio manager’s bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager’s fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index and within a defined peer group assigned to each fund or account, if applicable and (ii) the investment performance of other Pyramis equity accounts. The pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager’s fund(s) and account(s) is weighted according to his tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and account(s) over his tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the portfolio manager’s tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with his tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to five years for the comparison to a benchmark index and peer group, if applicable. A smaller, subjective component of the portfolio manager’s bonus is based on the portfolio manager’s overall contribution to and leadership within the Pyramis investment platform. The portion of the portfolio manager’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of the strategy is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the strategy measured against the MSCI EAFE Index (net tax). The portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of Pyramis Global Advisors Holdings Corp, the direct parent company of Pyramis. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of Pyramis and its affiliates.
(59) Columbia Management: Portfolio manager compensation is typically comprised of (i) a base salary and (ii) an annual cash bonus. The annual cash bonus, and in some instances the base salary, are paid from a team bonus pool that is based on fees and performance of the accounts managed by the portfolio management team, which might include mutual funds, wrap accounts, institutional portfolios and hedge funds.
  The percentage of management fees on mutual funds and long-only institutional portfolios that fund the bonus pool is based on the short term (typically one-year) and long-term (typically three-year and five-year) performance of those accounts in relation to the relevant peer group universe.
  A fixed percentage of management fees on hedge funds and separately managed accounts that follow a hedge fund mandate fund the bonus pool.
  The percentage of performance fees on hedge funds and separately managed accounts that follow a hedge fund mandate that fund the bonus pool is based on the absolute level of each hedge fund’s current year investment return.
  For all employees the benefit programs generally are the same, and are competitive within the Financial Services Industry. Employees participate in a wide variety of plans, including options in Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k), and a cash balance pension plan.
(60) Sit Investment: The portfolio managers receive compensation from Sit Investment. The compensation of the portfolio managers is comprised of a fixed base salary, an annual bonus, and periodic deferred compensation bonuses which may include stock plans. Portfolio managers also participate in the profit sharing 401(k) plan of Sit Investment. Competitive pay in the marketplace is considered in determining total compensation. The bonus awards are based on the attainment of personal and company goals which are comprised of a number of factors, including: the annual composite investment performance of Sit Investment’s accounts (which may include the Fund) relative to the investment accounts’ benchmark index (including the primary benchmark the Fund included in the composite, if any); Sit Investment’s growth in assets under management from new assets (which may include assets of the Fund); profitability of Sit Investment; and the quality of investment research efforts. Contributions made to Sit Investment’s profit sharing 401(k) plan are subject to the limitations of the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations.
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(61) TCW: TCW’s ability to attract and retain high-quality investment professionals can be attributed to a compensation philosophy implemented via an incentive-based structure that aligns employee performance and contributions with client and shareholder objectives. Most importantly, key personnel are equity holders and a significant objective of TCW’s management is to expand the number of employee stockholders.
  Portfolio managers are compensated with a base salary and performance-based compensation calculated, in general, as a fixed percentage of revenues earned by the product group. This serves to align their interests with achieving returns for clients and ties their compensation directly to their performance. Senior Investment professionals (analysts, traders) are compensated through base salary as well as a bonus based on performance and/or a percentage of revenues earned by the product group. Individuals are evaluated upon: (1) individual performance, (2) contributions to the efforts of the product group, and (3) the success of the Firm.
  Contributions to the collective efforts of the product group are critical as the management of client portfolios is conducted on a team basis to capture the best ideas in the process of constructing portfolios. The firm’s success signals that stakeholder objectives in the aggregate are being achieved, with equity ownership a desirable means to provide and receive compensation.
  As mentioned, to foster continuity, highly-valued investment professionals are enfranchised as stakeholders with ownership via equity distribution and incremental vesting. In February of 2010, TCW acquired MetWest, in which a part of the purchase price was paid for with shares of common stock of TCW. In association with the acquisition of MetWest, a retention plan was implemented for former MetWest employees that provided for the issuance of additional shares of TCW common stock. Since MetWest is a subsidiary of The TWC Group, MetWest’s investment professionals are compensated under the TCW compensation structure.
  Also in 2010, TCW approved a Restricted Stock Unit Plan for TCW employees, under which approximately 150 TCW employees have received restricted stock units that vest as shares of TCW common stock over a five-year period. Combining the stock issuable under the Restricted Stock Unit Plan and the stock issuable in the MetWest purchase transaction and related retention arrangements, employee-owners will own up to 19% of TCW (on a fully dilutive basis). With the completion of the Carlyle Transaction, it is now estimated that employee-owners own approximately 40% of TCW (on a fully diluted basis).
  Additionally, key members of the team have long term employment contracts that incorporate compensation incentives with associated employment and performance requirements.
  To assess the competitiveness of TCW’s compensation practices, the Firm conducts annual salary surveys to review benchmark and compensation ranges, both on a national and a regional basis. According to McLagan Partners, a leading compensation consultant in the industry, these studies have shown that the Firm is, on average, above the median in terms of salaries and total compensation provided to its employees.
(62) Victory Capital: The portfolio managers for the Fund receive a base salary plus an annual incentive bonus for managing the Fund, other investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts (including any other accounts for which the Adviser receives a performance fee). The firm states that a manager’s base salary is dependent on the manager’s level of experience and expertise and that Victory monitors each manager’s base salary relative to salaries paid for similar positions with peer firms by reviewing data provided by various consultants that specialize in competitive salary information.
  A portfolio manager’s annual incentive bonus is based on the strategy’s investment performance results. Victory establishes a “target” incentive for each portfolio manager based on the manager’s level of experience and expertise in the manager’s investment style. This target is set at a percentage of base salary, generally ranging from 40% to 150%. Individual performance is based on objectives established annually during the first quarter of the fiscal year and are utilized to determine incentive award allocation within the team. Individual performance metrics include portfolio structure and positioning, research, stock selection, asset growth, client retention, presentation skills, marketing to prospective clients and contribution to Victory’s philosophy and values, such as leadership, risk management and teamwork. Investment performance is based on investment performance of each portfolio manager’s portfolio or Fund relative to a selected peer group(s), and is assigned a 50% – 100% weighting. The overall performance results of each Fund and all similarly-managed investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts are compared to the performance information of a peer group of similarly-managed competitors, as supplied by third party analytical agencies. The manager’s performance versus the peer group then determines the final incentive amount, which generally ranges from zero to 150% of the “target,” depending on results. For example, performance in an upper decile may result in an incentive bonus that is 150% of the “target” while below-average performance may result in an incentive bonus as low as zero. Performance results for a manager are based on the composite performance of all accounts managed by that manager on a combination of one, three and five year rolling performance.
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  In addition to the compensation described above, each of the Fund’s portfolio managers may earn additional incentive compensation based on a percentage of the revenue to Victory attributable to fees paid by all investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts that employ strategies similar to those employed by the Fund.
  The Fund’s portfolio managers may participate in the equity ownership plan relating to Victory’s parent company, Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. (“VCH”). There is an ongoing annual equity pool granted to certain employees based on their contribution to the firm. Eligibility for participation in these incentive programs depends on the manager’s performance and seniority.
The Administrator
For Funds other than VP – Core Equity Fund
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (which is also the Investment Manager) serves as Administrator of the Funds.
Services Provided
Pursuant to the terms of the Administrative Services Agreement, the Administrator has agreed to provide all of the services necessary for, or appropriate to, the business and effective operation of each Fund that are not (a) provided by employees or other agents engaged by the Fund or (b) required to be provided by any person pursuant to any other agreement or arrangement with the Fund.
Administration Fee Paid by the Funds
The Administrator receives fees as compensation for its services, which are computed daily and paid monthly, as set forth in the Administrative Services Agreement, and as shown in the table below.
Administrative Services Agreement Fee Schedule
Funds Asset Levels
(in Millions)
Applicable
Fee Rate
VP – Aggressive Portfolio; VP – Conservative Portfolio; VP – Moderate Portfolio; VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio; VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio All Assets 0.020%
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund; VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund; VP – Diversified Bond Fund; VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund; VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund; VP – High Yield Bond Fund; VP – Income Opportunities Fund; VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund; VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund; VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund; VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund; VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund $0-$500 0.070%
>$500-$1,000 0.065%
>$1,000-$3,000 0.060%
>$3,000-$12,000 0.050%
>$12,000 0.040%
VP – Balanced Fund; VP – Cash Management Fund; VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund; VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund; VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund; VP – Large Cap Growth Fund; VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund; VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund; VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund; VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund; VP – Marsico Growth Fund; VP – MFS Value Fund; VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund; VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund; VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund; VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund; VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund; VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund; VP – Victory Established Value Fund $0-$500 0.060%
>$500-$1,000 0.055%
>$1,000-$3,000 0.050%
>$3,000-$12,000 0.040%
>$12,000 0.030%
VP –Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund; VP – Commodity Strategy Fund; VP – DFA International Value Fund; VP – Emerging Markets Fund; VP – Global Bond Fund; VP – International Opportunities Fund; VP – Invesco International Growth Fund; VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund; VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund; VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund; VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund; VP – Select International Equity Fund, VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund; VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund, VP – U.S. Equities Fund $0-$500 0.080%
>$500-$1,000 0.075%
>$1,000-$3,000 0.070%
>$3,000-$12,000 0.060%
>$12,000 0.050%
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund All Assets 0.100%
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund. The Investment Manager has implemented a schedule for the administrative services fees for VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund, whereby the Fund pays (i) 0.020% administrative services fee on its assets that are invested in affiliated underlying mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end funds that pay an investment management fee to the Administrator or its affiliate; and (ii) an administrative services fee rate according to the following schedule on securities, instruments and other
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assets not described in category (i) above, including without limitation affiliated mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end funds that do not pay an investment management fee to the Administrator or its affiliates, third party funds, derivatives and individual securities:
Fund Annual rate at
each asset level
Assets Level
(in billions)
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund 0.060%
0.055%
0.050%
0.040%
0.030%
First $0.5
$0.5 to $1.0
$1.0 to $3.0
$3.0 to $12.0
Over $12.0
The fee is calculated for each calendar day on the basis of net assets as of the close of the preceding day. Fees paid in each of the last three fiscal periods are shown in the table below.
Administrative Fees
  Administrative services fees paid in:
  2014 2013 2012
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – Aggressive Portfolio $702,649 $648,041
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund 1,904,746 1,660,908
VP – Balanced Fund 518,344 501,271
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 1,621,041 1,839,264
VP – Cash Management Fund 434,427 472,187
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund 522,650 462,243
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund 54,660 (a) N/A
VP – Conservative Portfolio 590,763 617,901
VP – Core Equity Fund
VP – DFA International Value Fund 1,006,592 1,105,943
VP – Diversified Bond Fund 2,102,104 2,400,800
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund 1,675,236 1,587,676
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund 543,500 598,310
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund 269,812 179,243 (b)
VP – Emerging Markets Fund 743,599 727,124
VP – Global Bond Fund 964,204 1,223,104
VP – High Yield Bond Fund 427,658 432,292
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund 805,923 956,939
VP – Income Opportunities Fund 764,212 781,169
VP – International Opportunities Fund 130,109 339,519
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund 1,427,580 1,418,677
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund 1,867,915 1,584,678
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund 603,697 578,829
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund 615,650 153,880
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund 858,373 710,399
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund 1,777,095 1,706,806
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund 711,334 965,320
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund 89,495 294,081
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund 46,277 157,454
VP – Marsico Growth Fund 202,549 696,669
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  Administrative services fees paid in:
  2014 2013 2012
VP – MFS Value Fund $1,118,507 $994,834
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund 320,162 253,602
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund 466,303 558,178
VP – Moderate Portfolio 4,572,608 4,239,238
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio 2,657,921 2,526,177
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio 1,254,310 1,244,868
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund 327,617 355,908
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund 1,209,118 136,861 (c)
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund 1,054,773 996,844
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund 745,808 963,160
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund 449,675 412,832
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund 1,267,399 1,173,680
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund 959,516 887,414
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund 240,079 213,053
VP – Select International Equity Fund 326,165 319,803
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund 397,907 212,115
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund 135,151 118,225
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund 78,967 73,655
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund 682,193 651,410
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund 919,418 911,722
VP – U.S. Equities Fund 583,257 559,079
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund 1,188,420 861,270
VP – Victory Established Value Fund 606,126 545,759
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund 1,482,535 1,267,372
(a) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
(b) For the period from April 30, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
(c) For the period from April 19, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
The Distributor
Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor), 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial and an affiliate of the Investment Manager, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor for the continuous offering of shares of the Funds pursuant to a Distribution Agreement. The Distribution Agreement obligates the Distributor to use reasonable efforts to find purchasers for the shares of the Funds.
Distribution Obligations
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, as agent, sells shares of the Funds on a continuous basis and transmits purchase and redemption orders that it receives to the Trusts or the Transfer Agent, or their designated agents. Additionally, the Distributor has agreed to use reasonable efforts to solicit orders for the sale of shares and to undertake advertising and promotion as it believes appropriate in connection with such solicitation. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, at its own expense, finances those activities as it deems reasonable and which are primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Funds, including, but not limited to, advertising, compensation of underwriters, dealers and sales personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than existing shareholders, and the printing and mailing of sales literature. The Distributor, however, may be compensated or reimbursed for all or a portion of such expenses to the extent permitted by a Distribution Plan adopted by the Trusts pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. See Investment Management and Other Services – Distribution and/or Servicing Plans for more information about the share classes for which the Trusts has adopted a Distribution Plan.
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See Investment Management and Other Services – Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest for more information about conflicts of interest, including those that relate to the Investment Manager and its affiliates.
The Distribution Agreement became effective with respect to each Fund after approval by its Board, and, after an initial two-year period, continues from year to year, provided that such continuation of the Distribution Agreement is specifically approved at least annually by the Board, including its Independent Trustees. The Distribution Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable with respect to each Fund at any time without penalty by the Trusts (by vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund) or by the Distributor on 60 days’ written notice.
Distribution and/or Servicing Plans
For Funds other than VP – Core Equity Fund
The Trustees have adopted distribution and/or shareholder servicing plans for certain share classes. See the cover of this SAI for the share classes offered by the Funds.
The table below shows the annual distribution and/or services fees (payable monthly and calculated based on an annual percentage of average daily net assets) and the combined amount of such fees applicable to each share class. The Trust is not aware as to what amount, if any, of the distribution and service fees paid to the Distributor and Previous Distributor were, on a Fund-by-Fund basis, used for advertising, printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders, compensation to broker-dealers, compensation to sales personnel, or interest, carrying or other financing charges.
Share Class Distribution Fee Service Fee Combined Total
Class 1 None None None
Class 2 Up to 0.25% 0.00% Up to 0.25%
Class 3 Up to 0.125% 0.00% Up to 0.125%
Class 4 Up to 0.25% 0.00% Up to 0.25%
Fees Paid
For its most recent fiscal period, each Fund, other than VP – Core Equity Fund, paid distribution and/or service fees as shown in the following table.
12b-1 Fees
Other Services Provided
The Transfer Agent
For Funds other than VP – Core Equity Fund
Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. is the transfer agent for the Funds. The Transfer Agent is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. Under the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement, the Transfer Agent provides transfer agency, dividend disbursing agency and shareholder servicing agency services to the Funds. Under the agreement, the transfer agent will earn a fee equal to 0.06% of the average daily net assets of the funds, payable monthly , with the exception of VP – Aggressive Portfolio, VP – Conservative Portfolio, VP – Moderate Portfolio, VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio and VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio, which do not pay a direct fee for transfer agency services.
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund does not pay a direct fee for transfer agency services on the portion of assets invested in underlying funds that pay a fee for transfer agency services, however the transfer agent will earn a fee equal to 0.06% of the average daily net assets invested in securities (other than underlying mutual funds that pay a transfer agency fee), including other funds that don’t pay a fee for transfer agency services, ETFs, derivatives and individual securities.
The Transfer Agent also may retain as additional compensation for its services revenues for fees for wire, telephone and redemption orders, account transcripts due the Transfer Agent from Fund shareholders and interest (net of bank charges) earned with respect to balances in accounts the Transfer Agent maintains in connection with its services to the Funds. The fees paid to the Transfer Agent may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.
The Transfer Agent retains BFDS/DST, 2 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, MA 02171 as the Funds’ sub-transfer agent. BFDS/DST assists the Transfer Agent in carrying out its duties.
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The Custodian
The Funds' securities and cash are held pursuant to a custodian agreement with JPMorgan, 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005. JPMorgan is responsible for safeguarding the Funds' cash and securities, receiving and delivering securities and collecting the Funds' interest and dividends. The custodian is permitted to deposit some or all of its securities in central depository systems as allowed by federal law. For its services, each Fund pays its custodian a maintenance charge and a charge per transaction in addition to reimbursing the custodian’s out-of-pocket expenses.
As part of this arrangement, securities purchased outside the United States are maintained in the custody of various foreign branches of JPMorgan or in other financial institutions as permitted by law and by the Funds' custodian agreement.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
[___], which is located at [___], is the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm. The financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 or later contained in each Fund’s Annual Report were audited by [___]. The financial statements for the series of CFVST II for the fiscal periods ended on or before December 31, 2011 were audited by the Funds’ former independent registered public accounting firm. The Board has selected [___] as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Funds' books and review their tax returns for their respective fiscal years.
The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the audited financial statements are included in the annual report to shareholders of each Fund, and are incorporated herein by reference. No other parts of the annual or semi-annual reports to shareholders are incorporated by reference herein. The audited financial statements incorporated by reference into the Funds' prospectuses and this SAI have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, given on its authority as an expert in auditing and accounting.
Counsel
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees of the Trusts. Its address is 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. Goodwin Procter LLP serves as legal counsel to the Trusts. Its address is 901 New York Avenue N.W., Washington, DC, 20001.
Board Services Corporation
The Funds have an agreement with Board Services located at 901 S. Marquette Avenue, Suite 2810, Minneapolis, MN 55402. This agreement sets forth the terms of Board Services’ responsibility to serve as an agent of the Funds for purposes of administering the payment of compensation to each Independent Trustee, to provide office space for use by the Funds and their Board, and to provide any other services to the Board or the Independent Trustees, as may be reasonably requested.
Expense Limitations
The Investment Manager and certain of its affiliates have agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse certain expenses, subject to certain exclusions, so that certain Funds’ net operating expenses, after giving effect to fees waived/expenses reimbursed and any balance credits and/or overdraft charges from the Fund’s custodian, do not exceed specified rates for specified time periods, also as described in a Fund’s prospectus. Effective September 24, 2014, the Investment Manager has voluntarily agreed to waive the advisory fee and administrative services fee for VP – Diversified Bond Fund assets that are invested in affiliated mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end funds that pay an investment management services fee to the Investment Manager. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Investment Manager at any time.
The tables below show the expenses reimbursed and fees waived by Investment Manager and its affiliates for the last three fiscal periods.
Expenses Reimbursed
  Amounts Reimbursed
  2014 2013 2012
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – Aggressive Portfolio $0 $795,033
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund 0 0
VP – Balanced Fund 376,197 1,051,707
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 0 0
VP – Cash Management Fund 3,365,897 3,351,515
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund 779,329 630,326
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund 0 (a) N/A
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  Amounts Reimbursed
  2014 2013 2012
VP – Conservative Portfolio $0 $157,538
VP – Core Equity Fund 85,961 103,162
VP – DFA International Value Fund 1,478,653 1,136,599
VP – Diversified Bond Fund 0 0
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund 0 0
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund 576,585 565,068
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund 0 0 (b)
VP – Emerging Markets Fund 428,726 186,179
VP – Global Bond Fund 77,332 N/A
VP – High Yield Bond Fund 253,214 112,594
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund 0 193,375
VP – Income Opportunities Fund 129,846 41,727
VP – International Opportunities Fund 161,626 223,966
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund N/A 247,669
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund N/A N/A
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund 493,927 489,083
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund 224,078 247,319
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund 50 331,372
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund 806,036 1,471,024
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund N/A 319,760
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund 111,120 241,268
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund 132,296 163,025
VP – Marsico Growth Fund 291,138 735,945
VP – MFS Value Fund N/A 199,307
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund 152,568 137,867
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund 54,744 N/A
VP – Moderate Portfolio N/A 2,976,656
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio N/A 1,799,510
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio N/A 593,184
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund 595,238 634,309
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund 274,035 168,807 (c)
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund N/A N/A
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund N/A 70,799
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund 373,085 207,452
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund 2,789,137 1,771,593
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund 31,702 267,805
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund N/A N/A
VP – Select International Equity Fund 9,466 N/A
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund 443,428 176,613
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund 99,478 102,168
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund 230,994 195,578
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund 796,122 670,972
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund N/A 296,888
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  Amounts Reimbursed
  2014 2013 2012
VP – U.S. Equities Fund $309,791 $306,945
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund N/A N/A
VP – Victory Established Value Fund 131,556 237,964
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund N/A 123,444
(a) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
(b) For the period from April 30, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
(c) For the period from April 19, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
Fees Waived
If a Fund is not shown, there were no fees waived for the relevant fiscal periods.
  Fees Waived
  2014 2013 2012
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – Income Opportunities Fund $185,930 N/A
Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and Its Affiliates —
Certain Conflicts of Interest
As described above in the Investment Management and Other Services section of this SAI, and in the More Information About the Fund – Primary Service Providers section of each Fund's prospectus, the Investment Manager, Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent, all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, receive compensation from the Funds for the various services they provide to the Funds. Additional information as to the specific terms regarding such compensation is set forth in these affiliated service providers’ contracts with the Funds, each of which typically is included as an exhibit to Part C of each Fund's registration statement.
In many instances, the compensation paid to the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates for the services they provide to the Funds is based, in some manner, on the size of the Funds' assets under management. As the size of the Funds' assets under management grows, so does the amount of compensation paid to the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates for providing services to the Funds. This relationship between Fund assets and affiliated service provider compensation may create economic and other conflicts of interests of which Fund investors should be aware. These potential conflicts of interest, as well as additional ones, are discussed in detail below and also are addressed in other disclosure materials, including the Funds' prospectuses. These conflicts of interest also are highlighted in account documentation and other disclosure materials of Ameriprise Financial affiliates that make available or offer the Columbia Funds as investments in connection with their respective products and services. In addition, Part 1A of the Investment Manager’s Form ADV, which it must file with the SEC as an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, provides information about the Investment Manager’s business, assets under management, affiliates and potential conflicts of interest. Part 1A of the Investment Manager’s Form ADV is available online through the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The Board monitors events to identify any material conflicts that may arise between the interests of the Participating Insurance Companies or between the interests of owners of variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies, or participants in Qualified Plans. The Trust currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the owners of variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies or participants in Qualified Plans arising from the fact that certain interests of owners may differ.
Additional actual or potential conflicts of interest and certain investment activity limitations that could affect the Funds may arise from the financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including, for example, the investment advisory/management services provided for clients and customers other than the Funds. In this regard, Ameriprise Financial is a major financial services company. Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates are engaged in a wide range of financial activities beyond the fund-related activities of the Investment Manager, including, among others, broker-dealer (sales and trading), asset management, insurance and other financial activities. The broad range of financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may involve multiple advisory, transactional, lending, financial and other interests in securities and other instruments, and in companies, that may be bought, sold or held by the Funds. The following describes certain actual and potential conflicts of interest that may be presented.
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Actual and Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to the Investment Advisory/Management Activities of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates in Connection With Other Advised/Managed Funds and Accounts
The Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other affiliates of Ameriprise Financial may advise or manage funds and accounts other than the Funds. In this regard, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may provide investment advisory/management and other services to other advised/managed funds and accounts that are similar to those provided to the Funds. The Investment Manager and Ameriprise Financial’s other investment adviser affiliates (including, for example, Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC) will give investment advice to and make investment decisions for advised/managed funds and accounts, including the Funds, as they believe to be in that fund’s and/or account’s best interests, consistent with their fiduciary duties. The Funds and the other advised/managed funds and accounts of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates are separately and potentially divergently managed, and there is no assurance that any investment advice Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates give to other advised/managed funds and accounts will also be given simultaneously or otherwise to the Funds.
A variety of other actual and potential conflicts of interest may arise from the advisory relationships of the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates with other clients and customers. Advice given to the Funds and/or investment decisions made for the Funds by the Investment Manager or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may differ from, or may conflict with, advice given to and/or investment decisions made by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates for other advised/managed funds and accounts. As a result, the performance of the Funds may differ from the performance of other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates. Similarly, a position taken by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, on behalf of other funds or accounts may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of the Funds. Moreover, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, may take a position on behalf of other advised/managed funds and accounts, or for their own proprietary accounts, that is adverse to companies or other issuers in which the Funds are invested. For example, the Funds may hold equity securities of a company while another advised/managed fund or account may hold debt securities of the same company. If the portfolio company were to experience financial difficulties, it might be in the best interest of the Funds for the company to reorganize while the interests of the other advised/managed fund or account might be better served by the liquidation of the company. This type of conflict of interest could arise as the result of circumstances that cannot be generally foreseen within the broad range of investment advisory/management activities in which Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates engage.
Investment transactions made on behalf of other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates also may have a negative effect on the value, price or investment strategies of the Funds. For example, this could occur if another advised/managed fund or account implements an investment decision ahead of, or at the same time as, the Funds and causes the Funds to experience less favorable trading results than they otherwise would have experienced based on market liquidity factors. In addition, the other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, including the other Columbia Funds, may have the same or very similar investment objective and strategies as the Funds. In this situation, the allocation of, and competition for, investment opportunities among the Funds and other funds and/or accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may create conflicts of interest especially where, for example, limited investment availability is involved. The Investment Manager has adopted policies and procedures designed to address the allocation of investment opportunities among the Funds and other funds and accounts advised by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other affiliates of Ameriprise Financial. For more information, see Investment Management and Other Services – The Investment Manager and Subadvisers – Portfolio Managers – Potential Conflicts of Interest .
Sharing of Information among Advised/Managed Accounts
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, also may possess information that could be material to the management of a Fund and may not be able to, or may determine not to, share that information with the Fund, even though the information might be beneficial to the Fund. This information may include actual knowledge regarding the particular investments and transactions of other advised/managed funds and accounts, as well as proprietary investment, trading and other market research, analytical and technical models, and new investment techniques, strategies and opportunities. Depending on the context, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates generally will have no obligation to share any such information with the Funds. In general, employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the portfolio managers of the Investment Manager, will make investment decisions without regard to information otherwise known by other employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, and generally will have no obligation to access any such information and may, in some instances, not be able to access such information because of legal and regulatory constraints or the internal policies and procedures of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. For example, if the Investment Manager or another Ameriprise Financial affiliate, or their respective employees, come into possession of non-public information regarding another advised/managed fund or account, they may be prohibited by legal and regulatory constraints, or internal policies and procedures, from using that information in connection with transactions made on behalf of the Funds. For more information, see Investment Management and Other Services – The Investment Manager and Subadvisers – Portfolio Managers – Potential Conflicts of Interest .
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Soft Dollar Benefits
Certain products and services, commonly referred to as “soft dollar services” (including, to the extent permitted by law, research reports, economic and financial data, financial publications, proxy analysis, computer databases and other research-oriented materials), that the Investment Manager may receive in connection with brokerage services provided to a Fund may have the inadvertent effect of disproportionately benefiting other advised/managed funds or accounts. This could happen because of the relative amount of brokerage services provided to a Fund as compared to other advised/managed funds or accounts, as well as the relative compensation paid by a Fund.
Services Provided to Other Advised/Managed Accounts
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent, also may act as an investment adviser, investment manager, administrator, transfer agent, custodian, trustee, broker-dealer, agent, or in another capacity, for advised/managed funds and accounts other than the Funds, and may receive compensation for acting in such capacity. This compensation that the Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent, and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates receive could be greater than the compensation Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates receive for acting in the same or similar capacity for the Funds. In addition, the Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent, and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may receive other benefits, including enhancement of new or existing business relationships. This compensation and/or the benefits that Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may receive from other advised/managed funds and accounts and other relationships could potentially create incentives to favor other advised/managed funds and accounts over the Funds. Trades made by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates for the Funds may be, but are not required to be, aggregated with trades made for other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates. If trades are aggregated among the Funds and those other funds and accounts, the various prices of the securities being traded may be averaged, which could have the potential effect of disadvantaging the Funds as compared to the other funds and accounts with which trades were aggregated.
Proxy Voting
The Investment Manager has adopted proxy voting policies and procedures that are designed to provide that all proxy voting is done in the best interests of its clients, including the Funds, without any resulting benefit or detriment to the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates, including Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Although the Investment Manager endeavors to make all proxy voting decisions with respect to the interests of the Funds for which it is responsible in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures, the Investment Manager’s proxy voting decisions with respect to a Fund’s portfolio securities may or may not benefit other advised/managed funds and accounts, and/or clients, of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. For more information about the Funds' proxy voting policies and procedures, see Investment Management and Other Services – Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures .
Certain Trading Activities
The directors/trustees, officers and employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may buy and sell securities or other investments for their own accounts, and in doing so may take a position that is adverse to the Funds. In order to reduce the possibility that such personal investment activities of the directors/trustees, officers and employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates will materially adversely affect the Funds, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates have adopted policies and procedures, and the Funds, the Board, the Investment Manager and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics that addresses such personal investment activities. For more information, see Investment Management and Other Services – Codes of Ethics .
Affiliate Transactions
Subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, a Fund may enter into transactions in which Ameriprise Financial and/or its affiliates, or companies that are deemed to be affiliates of a Fund because of, among other factors, their or their affiliates’ ownership or control of shares of the Fund, may have an interest that potentially conflicts with the interests of the Fund. For example, an affiliate of Ameriprise Financial may sell securities to a Fund from an offering in which it is an underwriter or that it owns as a dealer, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Applicable legal and regulatory requirements also may prevent a Fund from engaging in transactions with an affiliate of the Fund, which may include Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, or from participating in an investment opportunity in which an affiliate of a Fund participates.
Certain Investment Limitations
Regulatory and other restrictions may limit a Fund’s investment activities in various ways. For example, certain securities may be subject to ownership limitations due to regulatory limits on investments in certain industries (such as, for example, banking and insurance) and markets (such as emerging or international markets), or certain transactions (such as those involving certain derivatives or other instruments) or mechanisms imposed by certain issuers (such as, among others, poison pills). Certain of these restrictions may impose limits on the aggregate amount of investments that may be made by affiliated investors in the
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aggregate or in individual issuers. In these circumstances, the Investment Manager may be prevented from acquiring securities for a Fund (that it might otherwise prefer to acquire) if the acquisition would cause the Fund and its affiliated investors to exceed an applicable limit. These types of regulatory and other applicable limits are complex and vary significantly in different contexts including, among others, from country to country, industry to industry and issuer to issuer. The Investment Manager has policies and procedures designed to monitor and interpret these limits. Nonetheless, given the complexity of these limits, the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates may inadvertently breach these limits, and a Fund may therefore be required to sell securities that it might otherwise prefer to hold in order to comply with such limits. In addition, aggregate ownership limitations could cause performance dispersion among funds and accounts managed by the Investment Manager with similar investment objectives and strategies and portfolio management teams. For example, if further purchases in an issuer are restricted due to regulatory or other reasons, a portfolio manager would not be able to acquire securities or other assets of an issuer for a new Fund that may already be held by other funds and accounts with the same/similar investment objectives and strategies that are managed by the same portfolio management team. The Investment Manager may also choose to limit purchases in an issuer to a certain threshold for risk management purposes. If the holdings of the Investment Manager’s affiliates are included in that limitation, a Fund may be more limited in its ability to purchase a particular security or other asset than if the holdings of the Investment Manager’s affiliates had been excluded from the limitation. At certain times, a Fund may be restricted in its investment activities because of relationships that an affiliate of the Fund, which may include Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, may have with the issuers of securities. This could happen, for example, if a Fund desired to buy a security issued by a company for which Ameriprise Financial or an affiliate serves as underwriter. In any of these scenarios, a Fund’s inability to participate (or participate further) in a particular investment, despite a portfolio manager’s desire to so participate, may negatively impact Fund performance. The internal policies and procedures of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates covering these types of restrictions and addressing similar issues also may at times restrict a Fund’s investment activities. See also About Fund Investments – Certain Investment Activity Limits .
Actual and Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates’ Non-Advisory Relationships with Clients and Customers other than the Funds
The financial relationships that Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may have with companies and other entities in which a Fund may invest can give rise to actual and potential conflicts of interest. Subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, a Fund may invest (a) in the securities of Ameriprise Financial and/or its affiliates and/or in companies in which Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates have an equity, debt or other interest, and/or (b) in the securities of companies held by other Columbia Funds. The purchase, holding and sale of such securities by a Fund may enhance the profitability and the business interests of Ameriprise Financial and/or its affiliates and/or other Columbia Funds. There also may be limitations as to the sharing with the Investment Manager of information derived from the non-investment advisory/management activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates because of legal and regulatory constraints and internal policies and procedures (such as information barriers and ethical walls). Because of these limitations, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates generally will not share information derived from its non-investment advisory/management activities with the Investment Manager.
Actual and Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to Ameriprise Financial Affiliates’ Marketing and Use of the Columbia Funds as Investment Options
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates also provide a variety of products and services that, in some manner, may utilize the Columbia Funds as investment options. For example, the Columbia Funds may be offered as investments in connection with brokerage and other securities products offered by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, and may be utilized as investments in connection with fiduciary, investment management and other accounts offered by affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, as well as for other Columbia Funds structured as “funds-of-funds.” The use of the Columbia Funds in connection with other products and services offered by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may introduce economic and other conflicts of interest. These conflicts of interest are highlighted in account documentation and other disclosure materials for the other products and services offered by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates.
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, may, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, make payments to their affiliates in connection with the promotion and sale of the Funds' shares, in addition to the sales-related and other compensation that these parties may receive from the Funds, if any. As a general matter, personnel of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not receive compensation in connection with their sales or use of the Funds that is greater than that paid in connection with their sales of other comparable products and services. Nonetheless, because the compensation that the Investment Manager and other affiliates of Ameriprise Financial may receive for providing services to the Funds is generally based on the Funds' assets under management and those assets will grow as shares of the Funds are sold, potential conflicts of interest may exist. See Other Practices – Additional Shareholder Servicing Payments and Additional Selling Agent Payments for more information.
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Codes of Ethics
The Funds, the Investment Manager, the subadvisers and the Distributor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act, including Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. These Codes of Ethics permit personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics to invest in securities, including securities that may be bought or held by the Funds. These Codes of Ethics are included as exhibits to Part C of the Funds' registration statement. These Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room and may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202.551.8090; they also are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
General Guidelines, Policies and Procedures
The following description of the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, as well as the Proxy Voting Guidelines attached as Appendix B, apply to the Funds listed on the cover page of this SAI, which are governed by the same Board of Trustees.
The Funds uphold a long tradition of supporting sound and principled corporate governance. In furtherance thereof, the Funds' Board, which consists of a majority of independent Board members, has determined policies and votes proxies. The Funds' Investment Manager and Administrator provide support to the Board in connection with the proxy voting process.
General Guidelines
The Board supports proxy proposals that it believes are tied to the interests of shareholders and votes against proxy proposals that appear to entrench management. For example:
Election of Directors
The Board generally votes in favor of proposals for an independent chairman or, if the chairman is not independent, in favor of a lead independent director.
The Board generally supports annual election of all directors and proposals to eliminate classes of directors.
In a routine election of directors, the Board will generally vote with the recommendations of the company’s nominating committee because the Board believes that nominating committees of independent directors are in the best position to know what qualifications are required of directors to form an effective board. However, the Board will generally vote against a nominee who has been assigned to the audit, compensation, or nominating committee if the nominee is not independent of management based on established criteria. The Board will generally also withhold support for any director who fails to attend 75% of meetings or has other activities that appear to interfere with his or her ability to commit sufficient attention to the company and, in general, will vote against nominees who are determined to have exhibited poor governance such as involvement in options backdating, financial restatements or material weaknesses in control, approving egregious compensation or have consistently disregarded the interests of shareholders.
The Board generally supports proposals requiring director nominees to receive a majority of affirmative votes cast in order to be elected to the board, and in the absence of majority voting, generally will support cumulative voting.
Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Defense Mechanisms
The Board generally supports proposals eliminating provisions requiring supermajority approval of certain actions. The Board generally supports proposals to opt out of control share acquisition statutes and proposals restricting a company’s ability to make greenmail payments. The Board reviews management proposals submitting shareholder rights plans (poison pills) to shareholders on a case-by-case basis.
Auditors
The Board values the independence of auditors based on established criteria. The Board supports a reasonable review of matters that may raise concerns regarding an auditor’s service that may cause the Board to vote against a company’s recommendation for auditor, including, for example, auditor involvement in significant financial restatements, options backdating, conflicts of interest, material weaknesses in control or situations where independence has been compromised.
Management Compensation Issues
The Board expects company management to give thoughtful consideration to providing competitive compensation and incentives, which are reflective of company performance, and are incentives directly tied to the interest of shareholders. The Board generally votes for plans if they are reasonable and consistent with industry and country standards and against plans that it believes dilute shareholder value substantially.
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The Board generally favors minimum holding periods of stock obtained by senior management pursuant to equity compensation plans and will vote against compensation plans for executives that it deems excessive.
Social and Environmental Policy Issues
In general, proposals relating to social and environmental policies issues will be reviewed and, if the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company, the Fund will cast a vote on the proposal. Otherwise, the Funds will generally abstain from voting.
Additional details can be found in the Funds' Proxy Voting Guidelines (see Appendix B).
Policy and Procedures
The policy of the Board is to vote all proxies of the companies in which a Fund holds investments. Because of the volume and complexity of the proxy voting process, including inherent inefficiencies in the process that are outside the control of the Board or the Proxy Team (defined below), not all proxies may be voted. The Board has implemented policies and procedures that have been reasonably designed to vote proxies and to address any conflicts between interests of a Fund’s shareholders and those of Columbia Management or other affiliated persons. In exercising its proxy voting responsibilities, the Board may rely upon the research or recommendations of one or more third party service providers.
The administration of the proxy voting process is handled by the Columbia Management Proxy Administration Team (Proxy Team). In exercising its responsibilities, the Proxy Team may rely upon the research or recommendations of one or more third party service providers. The Proxy Team assists the Board in identifying situations where its guidelines do not clearly require a vote in a particular manner and assists in researching matters and making voting recommendations. The Proxy Team may recommend that a proxy be voted in a manner contrary to the Board’s guidelines. In making recommendations to the Board about voting on a proposal, the Proxy Team relies on Columbia Management investment personnel (or the investment personnel of a Fund’s subadviser(s)) and information obtained from independent research firms. The Proxy Team makes the recommendation in writing. The Board Chair or other Board members who are independent from the Investment Manager will consider the recommendation and decide how to vote the proxy proposal or establish a protocol for voting the proposal.
On an annual basis, or more frequently as determined necessary, the Board reviews recommendations to revise the existing guidelines or add new guidelines. Recommendations are based on, among other things, industry trends and the frequency that similar proposals appear on company ballots.
The Board considers management’s recommendations as set out in the company’s proxy statement. In each instance in which a Fund votes against management’s recommendation (except when withholding votes from a nominated director or proposals on foreign company ballots), the Board generally sends a letter to senior management of the company explaining the basis for its vote. This permits both the company’s management and the Board to have an opportunity to gain better insight into issues presented by the proxy proposal(s).
Voting in Countries Outside the United States (Non-U.S. Countries)
Voting proxies for companies not domiciled in the United States may involve greater effort and cost due to the variety of regulatory schemes and corporate practices. For example, certain non-U.S. countries require trading of securities to be blocked prior to a vote, which means that the securities to be voted may not be traded within a specified number of days before the shareholder meeting. The Board typically will not vote securities in non-U.S. countries that require securities to be blocked as the need for liquidity of the securities in the Funds will typically outweigh the benefit of voting. There may be additional costs associated with voting in non-U.S. countries such that the Board may determine that the cost of voting outweighs the potential benefit.
Securities on Loan
The Funds from time to time engage in lending securities held in certain funds to third parties in order to generate additional income. The Board will generally refrain from recalling securities on loan based upon its determination that the costs and lost revenue to the Funds, combined with the administrative effects of recalling the securities, generally outweigh the benefit of voting the proxy. While in general, neither the Board nor Columbia Management assesses the economic impact and benefits of voting loaned securities on a case-by-case basis, situations may arise where the Board requests that loaned securities be recalled in order to vote a proxy. However, the Board has established a guideline to direct Columbia Management to endeavor to recall a loaned security if (i) a proposal relating to a merger or acquisition, a material restructuring or reorganization, a proxy contest or a shareholder rights plan is expected to be on the ballot or (ii) the prior year’s evaluation of the issuer’s pay-for-performance practices has raised concerns, based upon its determination that, in these situations, the benefits of voting such proxies generally outweigh the costs or lost revenue to the Funds, or any potential adverse administrative effects to the Funds, of not recalling such securities.
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Investment in Affiliated Funds
Certain Funds may invest in shares of other funds managed by Columbia Management (referred to in this context as “underlying funds”) and may own substantial portions of these underlying funds. In general, the proxy policy of the Funds is to ensure that direct public shareholders of underlying funds control the outcome of any shareholder vote. To help manage this potential conflict of interest, the policy of the Funds is to vote proxies of the underlying funds in the same proportion as the vote of the direct public shareholders; provided, however, that if there are no direct public shareholders of an underlying fund or if direct public shareholders represent only a minority interest in an underlying fund, the Fund may cast votes in accordance with instructions from the independent members of the Board.
Obtain a Proxy Voting Record
Each year the Trust files its proxy voting records with the SEC and makes them available by August 31 for the 12-month period ending June 30 of that year. The records can be obtained without charge through columbiamanagement.com or searching the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov.
Organization and Management of Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund (for purposes of this section, referred to as the “Fund”) may invest a portion of its assets, within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code, in one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (previously defined collectively as the “Subsidiary”). The Subsidiary is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, whose registered office is located at P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman Islands.
The Subsidiary is overseen by its own board of directors and is not registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund, as the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, does not have all of the protections offered by the 1940 Act to shareholders of investment companies registered under the 1940 Act. However, the Subsidiary is wholly-owned and controlled by the Fund and the Fund’s Board of Trustees oversees the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. The Investment Manager and the Fund’s subadvisers are responsible for the Subsidiary’s day-to-day business pursuant to their separate agreements with, or in respect of, the Subsidiary. The following individuals serve as a director of the Subsidiary:
Name, address, year of birth Position held with Subsidiary
and length of service
Principal occupation during past five years
Anthony P. Haugen
807 Ameriprise
Financial Center,
Minneapolis, MN 55474-2405
Born 1964
Director since
November 2013
Vice President – Finance, Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
since June 2004
Amy K. Johnson
5228 Ameriprise
Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474-2405
Born 1965
Director since
November 2013
See Fund Governance – Fund Officers .
Christopher O. Petersen
5228 Ameriprise
Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474-2405
Born 1970
Director since
January 2015
See Fund Governance – Fund Officers .
The Subsidiary has entered into separate contracts for the provision of advisory, administrative and custody services with the same service providers who provide those services to the Fund. Threadneedle selects the Subsidiary’s investments pursuant to an addendum to the subadvisory agreement with the Investment Manager. The Subsidiary has also entered into arrangements with [___] to serve as the Subsidiary’s independent registered public accounting firm. Each Subsidiary will bear the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the services that it receives pursuant to those agreements and arrangements. The Fund expects that the expenses borne by the Subsidiary will not be material in relation of the value of the Fund’s assets.
For purposes of adhering to the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures, the Investment Manager will treat the assets of the Subsidiary generally as if the assets were held directly by the Fund. The Chief Compliance Officer makes periodic reports to the Fund’s Board regarding the management and operations of the Subsidiary.
The financial information of the Subsidiary is consolidated into the Fund’s financial statements, as contained within the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports provided to shareholders.
Please refer to the section titled “ Taxation – Taxation of Fund Investments ” for information about certain tax considerations relating to the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary.
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Changes in U.S. laws and/or the laws of the Cayman Islands could prevent the Fund and/or the Subsidiary from operating as described in the Fund’s prospectus and this SAI, and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders. For example, Cayman Islands laws currently do not impose certain taxes on the Subsidiary, including any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax. If Cayman Islands laws were changed to require the Subsidiary to pay Cayman Islands taxes, the investment returns of the Fund would likely decrease.
By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are subject to the same risks that would apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is subject to the same principal risk that the Fund is subject to (which are described in the Fund’s prospectus). There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act and, except as otherwise noted, is not subject to the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Subsidiary are both managed by the Investment Manager, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund’s Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. In managing the Subsidiary’s investment portfolio, the Investment Manager will manage the Subsidiary’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the applicable prospectus and this SAI and could adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. For example, the Cayman Islands laws currently do not impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law were changed and the Subsidiary was required to pay Cayman Islands taxes, the investment returns of the Fund would likely decrease.
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FUND GOVERNANCE
Board of Trustees and Officers
Shareholders elect the Board that oversees the Funds' operations. The Board appoints officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on policies set by the Board. The following table provides basic biographical information about the Funds' Trustees as of the date of this SAI, including their principal occupations during the past five years, although specific titles for individuals may have varied over the period. Under current Board policy, members may serve through the end of the calendar year in which he or she reaches either the mandatory retirement age established by the Board or the fifteenth anniversary of the first Board meeting they attended as a member of the Board.
Trustees
Independent Trustees
Name, address,
year of birth
Position held
with Funds and
length of service
Principal
occupation(s)
during past
five years
and other relevant
professional experience
Number
of funds
in the
Fund
Family
overseen
by Board
member
Other present or past
directorships/trusteeships
(within past 5 years)
Committee
memberships
Kathleen Blatz
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1954
Board member since 1/06 for RiverSource Funds and since 6/11 for Nations Funds Attorney, specializing in arbitration and mediation; Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court, 1998-2006; Associate Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court, 1996-1998; Fourth Judicial District Court Judge, Hennepin County, 1994-1996; Attorney in private practice and public service, 1984-1993; State Representative, Minnesota House of Representatives, 1979-1993, which included service on the Tax and Financial Institutions and Insurance Committees 132 Trustee, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota (Chair of the Business Development Committee) since 2009; Chair of the Robina Foundation since August 2013 Board Governance, Compliance, Contracts, Executive, Investment Review
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1944
Board member since 6/11 for RiverSource Funds and since 1/05 for Nations Funds Managing Director, E.J. Boudreau & Associates (consulting) since 2000; FINRA Industry Arbitrator, 2002 – present; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock Funds (asset management), Chairman and Interested Trustee for open-end and closed-end funds offered by John Hancock, 1989-2000; John Hancock Life Insurance Company, including SVP and Treasurer and SVP Information Technology, 1968-1988 130 Former Trustee, BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds), 2005-2011; Trustee, Boston Museum of Science (Chair of Finance Committee), 1985-2013 Audit, Compliance, Executive, Investment Review
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Name, address,
year of birth
Position held
with Funds and
length of service
Principal
occupation(s)
during past
five years
and other relevant
professional experience
Number
of funds
in the
Fund
Family
overseen
by Board
member
Other present or past
directorships/trusteeships
(within past 5 years)
Committee
memberships
Pamela G. Carlton
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1954
Board member since 7/07 for RiverSource Funds and since 6/11 for Nations Funds President, Springboard- Partners in Cross Cultural Leadership (consulting company) since 2003; Managing Director of US Equity Research, JP Morgan Chase, 1999-2003; Director of US Equity Research, Chase Asset Management, 1996- 1999; Co-Director Latin America Research, 1993-1996, CCO Global Research, 1992-1996, Co-Director of US Research, 1991-1992, Investment Banker, Morgan Stanley, 1982-1991 132 None Audit, Investment Review
William P. Carmichael
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1943
Chair of the Board since 1/14, Board member since 6/11 for RiverSource Funds and since 2003 for Nations Funds Retired; Co-founder, The Succession Fund (provides exit strategies to owners of privately held companies), 1998-2007; Adjunct Professor of Finance, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, 1993-2007; Senior Vice President, Sara Lee Corporation, 1991-1993; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Beatrice Foods Company, 1984-1990; Vice President, Esmark, Inc., 1973-1984; Associate, Price Waterhouse, 1968-1972 132 Director, Cobra Electronics Corporation (electronic equipment manufacturer), 1994-August 2014; The Finish Line (athletic shoes and apparel) since July 2003; Director, International Textile Corp. since 2012; former Director, McMoRan Exploration Company (oil and gas exploration and development) 2010-2013; former Trustee, BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds) 2009-2011; Director, Spectrum Brands, Inc. (consumer products), 2002-2009; Director, Simmons Company (bedding), 2004-2010 Board Governance, Compliance, Contracts, Executive, Investment Review
Patricia M. Flynn
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1950
Board member since 11/04 for RiverSource Funds and since 6/11 for Nations Funds Trustee Professor of Economics and Management, Bentley University since 1976 (also teaches and conducts research on corporate governance); Dean, McCallum Graduate School of Business, Bentley University, 1992-2002 132 None Audit, Compliance, Investment Review
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Name, address,
year of birth
Position held
with Funds and
length of service
Principal
occupation(s)
during past
five years
and other relevant
professional experience
Number
of funds
in the
Fund
Family
overseen
by Board
member
Other present or past
directorships/trusteeships
(within past 5 years)
Committee
memberships
William A. Hawkins
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1942
Board member since 6/11 for RiverSource Funds and since 1/05 for Nations Funds Managing Director, Overton Partners (financial consulting), since August 2010; President and Chief Executive Officer, California General Bank, N.A., January 2008-August 2010; Operation Hope, COO, 2004-2007; IndyMac Bancorp, President, CBG, 1999-2003; American General Bank, President, 1997-1999; Griffin Financial Services, CEO, 1981-1997; The Griffin Funds, CEO, 1992-1998 130 Trustee, BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds) Audit, Executive, Compliance, Investment Review
R. Glenn Hilliard
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1943
Board member since 6/11 for RiverSource Funds and since 1/05 for Nations Funds Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hilliard Group LLC (investing and consulting) since April 2003; Non-Executive Director & Chairman, CNO Financial Group, Inc. (insurance), September 2003-May 2011 130 Chairman, BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds); former Director, CNO Financial Group, Inc. (insurance) 2003-2011 Board Governance, Contracts, Investment Review
Catherine James Paglia
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1952
Board member since 11/04 for RiverSource Funds and since 6/11 for Nations Funds Director, Enterprise Asset Management, Inc. (private real estate and asset management company) since September 1998; Managing Director and Partner, Interlaken Capital, Inc., 1989-1997; Managing Director, Morgan Stanley, 1982-1989; Vice President, Investment Banking, 1980-1982, Associate, Investment Banking, 1976-1980, Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. 132 Director, Valmont Industries, Inc. (irrigation systems manufacturer) since 2012; Trustee, Carleton College (on the Investment Committee); Trustee, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (on the Investment Committee) Board Governance, Contracts, Executive, Investment Review
Leroy C. Richie
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1941
Board member since 2000 for Seligman Funds, since 11/08 for RiverSource Funds and since 6/11 for Nations Funds Counsel, Lewis & Munday, P.C. (law firm) since 2004; Vice President and General Counsel, Automotive Legal Affairs, Chrysler Corporation, 1993-1997 132 Lead Outside Director, Digital Ally, Inc. (digital imaging) since September 2005; Director, Infinity, Inc. (oil and gas exploration and production) since 1994; Director, OGE Energy Corp. (energy and energy services) since November 2007 Contracts, Compliance, Investment Review
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Name, address,
year of birth
Position held
with Funds and
length of service
Principal
occupation(s)
during past
five years
and other relevant
professional experience
Number
of funds
in the
Fund
Family
overseen
by Board
member
Other present or past
directorships/trusteeships
(within past 5 years)
Committee
memberships
Minor M. Shaw
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1947
Board member since 6/11 for RiverSource Funds and since 2003 for Nations Funds President, Micco LLC (private investments) since 2011; President, Micco Corp. (family investment business), 1998-2011 130 Director, Piedmont Natural Gas; Director, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina since April 2008; Chair of the Duke Endowment; Director, National Association of Corporate Directors, Carolinas Chapter, since 2013; former Trustee, BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds), 2003-2011 Board Governance, Contracts, Investment Review
Alison Taunton-Rigby
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1944
Board member since 11/02 for RiverSource Funds and since 6/11 for Nations Funds Managing Director, Forester Biotech (consulting) since 2001; Chief Executive Officer and Director, RiboNovix, Inc., (biotechnology) 2003-2010; President and Chief Executive Officer of CMT Inc., 2001-2003; Aquila Biopharmaceuticals Inc., 1996-2000; Cambridge Biotech Corporation, 1995-1996, Mitotix Inc., 1993-1994 132 Director, Healthways, Inc. (health and well-being solutions) since 2005; Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company, since 2011; Director, Abt Associates (government contractor) since 2001; Director, Boston Children’s Hospital since 2002 Board Governance, Audit, Investment Review
Interested Trustee Not Affiliated with Investment Manager*
Name, address,
year of birth
Position held
with funds and
length of service
Principal occupation
during past five years
Number of
funds in the
Fund Family
overseen by
Board member
Other present or past
directorships/trusteeships
(within past 5 years)
Committee
memberships
Anthony M. Santomero
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1946
Board member since 6/11 for RiverSource Funds and since 1/08 for Nations Funds Richard K. Mellon Professor Emeritus of Finance, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, since 2002; Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company (consulting), 2006-2008; President, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, 2000-2006, Professor of Finance, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1972-2002 130 Director, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. since May 2008; Trustee, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company since March 2008; Director, Citigroup Inc. since 2009; Director, Citibank, N.A. since 2009; former Trustee, BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds), 2008-2011 Compliance, Executive, Investment Review
* Dr. Santomero is not an affiliated person of the Investment Manager or Ameriprise Financial. However, he is currently deemed by the Funds to be an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds because he serves as a Director of Citigroup Inc. and Citibank, N.A., companies that may directly or through subsidiaries and affiliates engage from time-to-time in brokerage execution, principal transactions and lending relationships with the Funds or accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager.
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Interested Trustee Affiliated with Investment Manager*
Name, address,
year of birth
Position held
with funds and
length of service
Principal occupation
during past five years
Number of
funds in the
Fund Family
overseen by
Board member
Other present or past
directorships/trusteeships
(within past 5 years)
Committee
memberships
William F. Truscott
53600 Ameriprise
Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
1960
Board member since 11/01 for RiverSource Funds and since 6/11 for Nations Funds; Senior Vice President since 2002 for RiverSource Funds and since 5/10 for Nations Funds Chairman of the Board and President, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010 and February 2012, respectively (previously President and Chief Investment Officer, 2001 - April 2010); Chief Executive Officer, Global Asset Management, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since September 2012 (previously Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Asset Management & President, Annuities, May 2010 - September 2012 and President – U.S. Asset Management and Chief Investment Officer, 2005 - April 2010); Director and Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. since May 2010 and February 2012, respectively (previously Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, 2006 - April 2010); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, RiverSource Distributors, Inc. since 2006; Director, Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings, SARL since 2014; President and Chief Executive Officer, Ameriprise Certificate Company, 2006 - August 2012. 191 Former Director, Ameriprise Certificate Company, 2006 - January 2013 None
* Interested person (as defined under the 1940 Act) by reason of being an officer, director, security holder and/or employee of the Investment Manager or Ameriprise Financial.
The Officers
The Board has appointed officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on policies it has established. The officers serve at the pleasure of the Board. The following table provides basic information about the Officers or the Trust as of the date of this SAI, including principal occupations during the past five years, although their specific titles may have varied over the period. In addition to Mr. Truscott, who is Senior Vice President, the Funds' other officers are:
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Fund Officers
Name, Address
and Year of Birth
Position and Year
First Appointed to
Position for any Fund in the
Columbia Funds Complex
or a Predecessor Thereof
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
Christopher O. Petersen
5228 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
Born 1970
President and Principal Executive Officer (2015) Vice President and Lead Chief Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since January 2015 (previously, Vice President and Chief Counsel January 2010 – December 2014; and Vice President and Group Counsel or Lead Counsel 2004 - January 2010); officer of Columbia Funds and affiliated funds since 2007.
Michael G. Clarke
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1969
Treasurer (2011) and Chief Financial Officer (2009) Vice President – Mutual Fund Administration, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, since May 2010; Managing Director of Fund Administration, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, September 2004 - April 2010; senior officer of Columbia Funds and affiliated funds since 2002.
Paul B. Goucher
100 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Born 1968
Senior Vice President (2011), Chief Legal Officer (2015) and Assistant Secretary (2008) Vice President and Lead Chief Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since November 2008 and January 2013, respectively (previously Chief Counsel, January 2010 - January 2013 and Group Counsel, November 2008 - January 2010).
Thomas P. McGuire
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1972
Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2012) Vice President – Asset Management Compliance, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., since May 2010; Chief Compliance Officer, Ameriprise Certificate Company since September 2010; Compliance Executive, Bank of America, 2005 - April 2010.
Colin Moore
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1958
Senior Vice President (2010) Executive Vice President and Global Chief Investment Officer, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., since July 2013; Director and Global Chief Investment Officer, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010; Manager, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, 2007 - April 2010.
Michael E. DeFao
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1968
Vice President (2011) and Assistant Secretary (2010) Vice President and Chief Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since May 2010; Associate General Counsel, Bank of America, 2005 - April 2010.
Joseph F. DiMaria
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1968
Vice President (2011), Assistant Treasurer (2012) and Chief Accounting Officer (2008) Vice President – Mutual Fund Treasurer, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010; Director of Fund Administration, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, 2006 - April 2010.
Amy Johnson
5228 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
Born 1965
Vice President (2006) Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010 (previously Chief Administrative Officer, 2009 - April 2010, and Vice President – Asset Management and Trust Company Services, 2006 - 2009).
Lyn Kephart-Strong
5228 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
Born 1960
Vice President (2015) President, Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. since October 2014; Vice President & Resolution Officer, Ameriprise Trust Company since August 2009; President, RiverSource Service Corporation 2004-2010.
Ryan C. Larrenaga
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1970
Vice President and Secretary (2015) Vice President and Group Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since August 2011 (previously, Counsel from May 2010 to August 2011); Assistant General Counsel, Bank of America, 2005 - April 2010; officer of Columbia Funds and affiliated funds since 2005.
Responsibilities of Board with respect to Fund management
The Board is chaired by an Independent Trustee who has significant additional responsibilities compared to the other Board members, including, among other things: setting the agenda for Board meetings, communicating and meeting regularly with Board members between Board and committee meetings on Fund-related matters with the Funds' Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), counsel to the Independent Trustees, and representatives of the Funds' service providers and overseeing Board Services.
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The Board initially approves an Investment Management Services Agreement and other contracts with the Investment Manager and its affiliates, and other service providers. Once the contracts are approved, the Board monitors the level and quality of services including commitments of service providers to achieve expected levels of investment performance and shareholder services. Annually, the Board evaluates the services received under the contracts by reviewing, among other things, reports covering investment performance, shareholder services, marketing, and the Investment Manager’s profitability in order to determine whether to continue existing contracts or negotiate new contracts. The Investment Manager is responsible for day-to-day management and administration of the Funds and management of the risks that arise from the Funds' investments and operations. The Board’s oversight of the Investment Manager and other service providers in the operation of the Funds includes oversight with respect to various risk management functions. The Funds are subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational, and valuation risks, among others. Day-to-day risk management functions are subsumed within the responsibilities of the Investment Manager, the subadvisers and other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) who carry out the Funds' investment management and business affairs. Each of the Investment Manager, the subadvisers and other service providers has its own, independent interest in risk management, and its policies and methods of carrying out risk management functions will depend, in part, on its analysis of the risks, functions and business models.
Risk oversight forms part of the Board’s general oversight of the Funds and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. As part of its regular oversight of the trusts, the Board, directly or through a committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, the Investment Manager, subadvisers, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds, and internal auditors for the Investment Manager or its affiliates, as appropriate, regarding risks faced by the Funds and relevant risk functions. The Board also meets periodically with the Funds' CCO, to receive reports regarding the compliance of the Funds and their principal service providers with the federal securities laws and their internal compliance policies and procedures. The Board, with the assistance of the Investment Review Committee, reviews investment policies in connection with its review of the Funds' performance, and meets periodically with the portfolio managers of the Funds to receive reports regarding the management of the Funds, including various investment risks. As part of the Board’s periodic review of the Funds' advisory, subadvisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of their operations and the functions for which they are responsible. In addition, the Board oversees processes that are in place to assure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and investment policies and addresses possible conflicts of interest.
Committees of the Board
The Board has organized the following standing committees to facilitate its work: Board Governance Committee, Compliance Committee, Contracts Committee, Executive Committee, Investment Review Committee and Audit Committee. These Committees are comprised solely of Independent Trustees (for these purposes, persons who are not affiliated persons of the Investment Manager or Ameriprise Financial). The table above describing each Trustee also includes their respective committee memberships. The duties of these committees are described below.
Mr. Carmichael, as Chair of the Board, acts as a point of contact between the Independent Trustees and the Investment Manager between Board meetings in respect of general matters.
Board Governance Committee. Recommends to the Board the size, structure and composition of the Board and its committees; the compensation to be paid to members of the Board; and a process for evaluating the Board’s performance. The committee also reviews candidates for Board membership, including candidates recommended by shareholders. The committee also makes recommendations to the Board regarding responsibilities and duties of the Board, oversees proxy voting and supports the work of the Board Chair in relation to furthering the interests of the Funds and other funds in the Columbia Family of Funds overseen by the Board and their shareholders on external matters.
To be considered as a candidate for Trustee, recommendations must include a curriculum vitae and be mailed to the Chair of the Board, Columbia Family of Funds, 901 Marquette Avenue South, Suite 2810, Minneapolis, MN 55402-3268. To be timely for consideration by the committee, the submission, including all required information, must be submitted in writing not less than 120 days before the date of the proxy statement for the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders, if such a meeting is held. The committee will consider only one candidate submitted by such a shareholder or group for nomination for election at a meeting of shareholders. The committee will not consider self-nominated candidates or candidates nominated by members of a candidate’s family, including such candidate’s spouse, children, parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, nieces and nephews.
The committee will consider and evaluate candidates submitted by the nominating shareholder or group on the basis of the same criteria as those used to consider and evaluate candidates submitted from other sources. The committee may take into account a wide variety of factors in considering trustee candidates, including (but not limited to): (i) the candidate’s knowledge in matters relating to the investment company industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of other public or private companies; (iii) the candidate’s educational background; (iv) the candidate’s reputation for high ethical standards and personal and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board’s existing mix of skills and qualifications; (vi) the candidate’s perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidate’s ability and
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commitment to attend meetings regularly, work collaboratively with other members of the Board and carry out his or her duties in the best interests of the Funds; (vii) the candidate’s ability to qualify as an independent trustee; and (viii) such other criteria as the committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies or other factors.
Members of the committee (and/or the Board) also meet personally with each nominee to evaluate the candidate’s ability to work effectively with other members of the Board, while also exercising independent judgment. Although the Board does not have a formal diversity policy, the Board endeavors to comprise itself of members with a broad mix of professional and personal backgrounds. Thus, the committee and the Board accorded particular weight to the individual professional background of each Independent Trustee.
The Board believes that the Funds are well-served by a Board, the membership of which consists of persons that represent a broad mix of professional and personal backgrounds. In considering nominations, the Committee takes the following matrix into account in assessing how a candidate’s professional background (which is reflected in the biographical information included in the “Trustees” table above) would fit into the mix of experiences represented by the then-current Board.
    Professional Background
Name Geographic For Profit;
CIO/CFO;
CEO/COO
Non-Profit;
Government;
CEO/Chairman
Investment Legal;
Regulatory
Political Academic Audit
Committee;
Financial
Expert
Blatz MN   X   X X    
Boudreau MA X   X X     X
Carlton NY     X X     X
Carmichael FL X X X X     X
Flynn MA           X  
Hawkins CA X   X       X
Hilliard GA X X X X      
Paglia NY X   X       X
Richie MI X X   X      
Santomero PA   X X X   X X
Shaw SC X X X        
Taunton-Rigby MA X   X       X
With respect to the Board membership of Mr. Truscott on the Board, who is not an Independent Trustee, the committee and the Board have concluded that having a senior member of the Investment Manager serve on the Board can facilitate increased access to information regarding the Funds' Investment Manager for the Independent Trustees, which is the Funds' most significant service provider. With respect to the trusteeship of Dr. Santomero on the Board, the committee and the Board have concluded that, despite his lack of technical independence of the Funds under the 1940 Act (arising from his board service to Citigroup, Inc. and Citibank N.A.), he could serve with “substantive independence” primarily since he has no financial interest or relationship with the Investment Manager or Ameriprise Financial. The committee and the Board also took into account Dr. Santomero’s broad array of experiences from management consulting to academia to public service, which can complement well the mix of experiences represented by the other Board members. The committee held [__] meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Compliance Committee. Supports the Funds' maintenance of a strong compliance program by providing a forum for Independent Trustees to consider compliance matters impacting the Funds or their key service providers; developing and implementing, in coordination with the CCO, a process for the review and consideration of compliance reports that are provided to the Board; and providing a designated forum for the Funds' CCO to meet with Independent Trustees on a regular basis to discuss compliance matters. The committee held [__] meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Contracts Committee. Reviews and oversees the contractual relationships with service providers. Receives and analyzes reports covering the level and quality of services provided under contracts with the Funds and advises the Board regarding actions taken on these contracts during the annual review process. Reviews and considers, on behalf of all Trustees, the Funds' investment advisory, subadvisory (if any), administrative services and principal underwriting contracts to assists the Trustees in fulfilling their responsibilities relating to the Board’s evaluation and consideration of these arrangements. The committee held [__] meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
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Executive Committee. Acts, as needed, for the Board between meetings of the Board. The committee held [_] meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Investment Review Committee. Reviews and oversees the management of the Funds' assets. Considers investment management policies and strategies; investment performance; risk management techniques; and securities trading practices and reports areas of concern to the Board. The committee held [__] meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Audit Committee. Oversees the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Funds and internal controls over financial reporting. Oversees the quality and integrity of the Funds' financial statements and independent audits as well as the Funds' compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Funds' accounting and financial reporting, internal controls over financial reporting and independent audits. The committee also makes recommendations regarding the selection of the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm ( i.e. , independent auditors) and reviews and evaluates the qualifications, independence and performance of the auditor. The committee oversees the Funds' risks by, among other things, meeting with the Funds' internal auditors, establishing procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns about accounting or audit matters, and overseeing the Funds' Disclosure Controls and Procedures. This committee acts as a liaison between the independent auditors and the full Board and must prepare an audit committee report. The committee held [__] meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Beneficial Equity Ownership
The tables below show, for each Trustee, the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of all the Funds in the Columbia Funds Complex, including notional amounts through the Deferred Compensation Plan, where noted. The information is provided as of December 31, [2014].
The tables only include ownership of Columbia Funds overseen by the Trustees; the Trustees and Officers may own shares of other Columbia Funds they do not oversee. The tables do not include ownership of Columbia Funds overseen by other boards of trustees/directors. All shares of the Variable Portfolio funds are owned by life insurance companies and Qualified Plans, and are not available for purchase by individuals. Consequently, no Trustee owns any shares of Variable Portfolio funds.
Independent Trustee Ownership
Board Member Aggregate
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
in all Funds in the
Columbia Funds
Complex Overseen
by the Trustee
Kathleen Blatz Over $100,000
Edward Boudreau Over $100,000 (a)
Pamela G. Carlton Over $100,000 (a)
William Carmichael Over $100,000 (a)
Patricia M. Flynn Over $100,000 (a)
William Hawkins Over $100,000 (a)
R. Glenn Hilliard Over $100,000 (a)
Catherine James Paglia Over $100,000 (a)
Leroy C. Richie Over $100,000
Minor Shaw Over $100,000 (a)
Alison Taunton-Rigby Over $100,000 (a)
(a) Total includes deferred compensation invested in share equivalents and, with respect to Ms. Shaw, the value of interests in a Section 529 plan determined as if her investment in the plan were invested directly in the Columbia Funds pursuant to the plan’s target allocations to such Columbia Funds.
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Interested Trustee Ownership
Board Member Aggregate
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
in all Funds in the
Columbia Funds
Complex Overseen
by the Trustee
Anthony Santomero Over $100,000 (a)
William F. Truscott Over $100,000 (b)
(a) Includes the value of compensation payable under a Deferred Compensation Plan that is determined as if the amounts deferred had been invested, as of the date of deferral, in shares of one or more funds in the Columbia Funds Family overseen by the Trustee as specified by the Trustee.
(b) Includes notional investments through a deferred compensation account. Mr. Truscott’s deferred compensation plan is separate from that of the Independent Trustees (for these purposes, persons who are not affiliated persons of the Investment Manager or Ameriprise Financial).
Compensation
Total compensation. The following table shows the total compensation paid to Independent Trustees (for these purposes, persons who are not affiliated persons of the Investment Manager or Ameriprise Financial) for their services from all the Funds in the Columbia Fund Family overseen by the Trustee for the fiscal year ended [December 31, 2014].
Mr. Truscott is not compensated for his services on the Board.
Trustee (a) Total Compensation
from Fund Complex
Paid to Trustee (b)
Amount Deferred
from Total
Compensation (c)
Kathleen Blatz $287,500 N/A
Edward Boudreau $285,000 $99,750
Pamela Carlton $280,000 $112,000
William Carmichael $277,000 N/A
Patricia Flynn $280,000 $280,000
William Hawkins $287,500 $85,500
R. Glenn Hilliard $277,500 N/A
Stephen Lewis (d) $430,000 $309,600
Catherine Paglia $302,500 $151,250
Leroy Richie $285,000 N/A
Anthony Santomero $270,000 $135,000
Minor Shaw $277,500 $138,750
Alison Taunton-Rigby $295,000 $236,000
(a) Trustee compensation is paid by the Funds and is comprised of a combination of a base fee and meeting fees, with the exception of the Chair of the Board, who receives a base annual compensation. Payment of compensation is administered by a company providing limited administrative services to the Funds and to the Board.
(b) Includes any portion of cash compensation Trustees elected to defer during the fiscal period.
(c) The Trustees may elect to defer a portion of the total cash compensation payable. Additional information regarding the Deferred Compensation Plan is described below.
(d) Mr. Lewis served as Trustee until December 31, 2014.
In addition to the above compensation, all Trustees receive reimbursements for reasonable expenses related to their attendance at meetings of the Board or standing committees, which are not included in the amounts shown.
Trustees did not accrue any pension or retirement benefits as part of Fund expenses, nor will they receive any annual benefits upon retirement.
Deferred Compensation Plan . The Independent Trustees may elect to defer payment of up to 100% of the compensation they receive in accordance with a Deferred Compensation Plan (the Deferred Plan). Under the Deferred Plan, a Board member may elect to have his or her deferred compensation treated as if they had been invested in shares of one or more Fund and the amount paid to the Board member under the Deferred Plan will be determined based on the performance of such investments.
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Distributions may be taken in a lump sum or over a period of years. The Deferred Plan will remain unfunded for federal income tax purposes under the Code. It is anticipated that deferral of Board member compensation in accordance with the Deferred Plan will have, at most, a negligible impact on Fund assets and liabilities.
The Independent Trustees have a policy that each Trustee invests in shares of one or more of the Funds (including the Closed-End Funds) overseen by the Trustee (including shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan) in an aggregate amount that is at least equal to the annual total compensation received by the Trustee from the Columbia Fund Complex. All Independent Trustees meet this standard.
Compensation from each Fund . The following table shows the compensation paid to Independent Trustees from each Fund during its last fiscal period, as well as the amount deferred from each Fund, which is included in the total.
Fund Aggregate Compensation from Fund
Independent Trustees
Blatz Boudreau Carlton Carmichael Flynn Hawkins Hilliard Lewis (a) Paglia Richie Santomero Shaw Taunton-
Rigby
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP - International Opportunities Fund $892 $913 $867 $887 $867 $922 $892 $1,351 $938 $883 $867 $892 $913
Amount Deferred $0 $320 $347 $0 $867 $274 $0 $973 $469 $0 $434 $446 $730
VP - Marsico Growth Fund $1,061 $1,085 $1,031 $1,054 $1,031 $1,095 $1,062 $1,607 $1,115 $1,051 $1,031 $1,062 $1,085
Amount Deferred $0 $380 $412 $0 $1,031 $326 $0 $1,157 $557 $0 $516 $531 $868
VP - Marsico Focused Equities Fund $792 $814 $771 $791 $771 $821 $793 $1,202 $835 $785 $771 $793 $813
Amount Deferred $0 $285 $308 $0 $771 $244 $0 $865 $417 $0 $386 $396 $650
VP - Marsico 21st Century Fund $867 $889 $843 $864 $843 $897 $867 $1,314 $912 $859 $843 $867 $888
Amount Deferred $0 $311 $337 $0 $843 $267 $0 $946 $456 $0 $422 $434 $710
VP - Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund $1,503 $1,532 $1,460 $1,487 $1,460 $1,547 $1,504 $2,272 $1,576 $1,489 $1,460 $1,504 $1,532
Amount Deferred $0 $536 $584 $0 $1,460 $460 $0 $1,636 $788 $0 $730 $752 $1,226
VP - U.S. Equities Fund $1,622 $1,652 $1,573 $1,602 $1,573 $1,669 $1,622 $2,455 $1,701 $1,605 $1,573 $1,622 $1,652
Amount Deferred $0 $578 $629 $0 $1,573 $496 $0 $1,768 $851 $0 $786 $811 $1,322
VP - Holland Large Cap Growth Fund $2,505 $2,535 $2,424 $2,446 $2,424 $2,562 $2,506 $3,791 $2,616 $2,478 $2,425 $2,506 $2,535
Amount Deferred $0 $887 $970 $0 $2,424 $761 $0 $2,729 $1,308 $0 $1,212 $1,253 $2,028
VP - American Century Diversified Bond Fund $4,380 $4,441 $4,245 $4,298 $4,245 $4,486 $4,380 $6,606 $4,575 $4,335 $4,245 $4,380 $4,440
Amount Deferred $0 $1,554 $1,698 $0 $4,245 $1,332 $0 $4,756 $2,288 $0 $2,123 $2,190 $3,552
VP - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund $4,297 $4,359 $4,165 $4,219 $4,165 $4,402 $4,298 $6,481 $4,490 $4,253 $4,166 $4,298 $4,358
Amount Deferred $0 $1,526 $1,666 $0 $4,165 $1,308 $0 $4,667 $2,245 $0 $2,083 $2,149 $3,486
VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund $3,495 $3,552 $3,390 $3,442 $3,390 $3,587 $3,495 $5,275 $3,657 $3,460 $3,390 $3,495 $3,552
Amount Deferred $0 $1,243 $1,356 $0 $3,390 $1,066 $0 $3,798 $1,828 $0 $1,695 $1,748 $2,841
VP - DFA International Value Fund $2,396 $2,421 $2,316 $2,336 $2,316 $2,448 $2,396 $3,620 $2,500 $2,369 $2,316 $2,396 $2,420
Amount Deferred $0 $847 $926 $0 $2,316 $726 $0 $2,607 $1,250 $0 $1,158 $1,198 $1,936
VP - Pyramis International Equity Fund $2,223 $2,257 $2,155 $2,186 $2,155 $2,279 $2,223 $3,356 $2,324 $2,201 $2,156 $2,223 $2,256
Amount Deferred $0 $790 $862 $0 $2,155 $677 $0 $2,416 $1,162 $0 $1,078 $1,112 $1,805
VP - Invesco International Growth Fund $3,091 $3,129 $2,991 $3,024 $2,991 $3,162 $3,092 $4,665 $3,228 $3,058 $2,992 $3,092 $3,128
Amount Deferred $0 $1,095 $1,196 $0 $2,991 $939 $0 $3,359 $1,614 $0 $1,496 $1,546 $2,503
VP - TCW Core Plus Bond Fund $2,455 $2,492 $2,377 $2,410 $2,377 $2,518 $2,455 $3,712 $2,570 $2,429 $2,377 $2,455 $2,492
Amount Deferred $0 $872 $951 $0 $2,377 $748 $0 $2,672 $1,285 $0 $1,189 $1,228 $1,994
VP - Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund $2,011 $2,043 $1,948 $1,978 $1,948 $2,063 $2,011 $3,041 $2,105 $1,990 $1,948 $2,011 $2,042
Amount Deferred $0 $715 $779 $0 $1,948 $613 $0 $2,190 $1,052 $0 $974 $1,006 $1,634
VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund $1,233 $1,257 $1,196 $1,217 $1,196 $1,269 $1,234 $1,869 $1,294 $1,221 $1,196 $1,234 $1,256
Amount Deferred $0 $440 $478 $0 $1,196 $377 $0 $1,346 $647 $0 $598 $617 $1,005
VP - NFJ Dividend Value Fund $3,078 $3,124 $2,982 $3,024 $2,982 $3,156 $3,078 $4,648 $3,219 $3,046 $2,982 $3,078 $3,123
Amount Deferred $0 $1,093 $1,193 $0 $2,982 $937 $0 $3,347 $1,610 $0 $1,491 $1,539 $2,498
VP - MFS Value Fund $3,188 $3,238 $3,090 $3,138 $3,090 $3,270 $3,188 $4,815 $3,335 $3,155 $3,090 $3,188 $3,237
Amount Deferred $0 $1,133 $1,236 $0 $3,090 $971 $0 $3,467 $1,667 $0 $1,545 $1,594 $2,590
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Fund Aggregate Compensation from Fund
Independent Trustees
Blatz Boudreau Carlton Carmichael Flynn Hawkins Hilliard Lewis (a) Paglia Richie Santomero Shaw Taunton-
Rigby
VP - Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund $2,428 $2,449 $2,346 $2,359 $2,346 $2,477 $2,429 $3,673 $2,531 $2,401 $2,346 $2,429 $2,449
Amount Deferred $0 $857 $938 $0 $2,346 $735 $0 $2,644 $1,266 $0 $1,173 $1,214 $1,959
VP - Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund $1,683 $1,716 $1,633 $1,663 $1,633 $1,732 $1,684 $2,548 $1,766 $1,667 $1,633 $1,684 $1,715
Amount Deferred $0 $600 $653 $0 $1,633 $515 $0 $1,834 $883 $0 $817 $842 $1,372
VP - Loomis Sayles Growth Fund $2,376 $2,393 $2,293 $2,303 $2,293 $2,421 $2,376 $3,593 $2,475 $2,348 $2,294 $2,376 $2,393
Amount Deferred $0 $838 $917 $0 $2,293 $718 $0 $2,587 $1,238 $0 $1,147 $1,188 $1,914
VP - Aggressive Portfolio $2,411 $2,608 $2,392 $2,589 $2,392 $2,615 $2,411 $3,712 $2,627 $2,404 $2,392 $2,411 $2,608
Amount Deferred $0 $913 $957 $0 $2,392 $783 $0 $2,673 $1,313 $0 $1,196 $1,206 $2,086
VP - Moderately Aggressive Portfolio $7,059 $7,764 $7,040 $7,745 $7,040 $7,771 $7,059 $10,933 $7,783 $7,053 $7,040 $7,059 $7,764
Amount Deferred $0 $2,718 $2,816 $0 $7,040 $2,329 $0 $7,872 $3,891 $0 $3,520 $3,530 $6,211
VP - Moderate Portfolio $11,485 $12,696 $11,466 $12,676 $11,466 $12,703 $11,485 $17,832 $12,715 $11,478 $11,466 $11,485 $12,696
Amount Deferred $0 $4,444 $4,586 $0 $11,466 $3,809 $0 $12,839 $6,357 $0 $5,733 $5,743 $10,157
VP - Moderately Conservative Portfolio $3,541 $3,899 $3,522 $3,880 $3,522 $3,906 $3,541 $5,502 $3,918 $3,534 $3,522 $3,541 $3,899
Amount Deferred $0 $1,365 $1,409 $0 $3,522 $1,170 $0 $3,962 $1,959 $0 $1,761 $1,771 $3,119
VP - Conservative Portfolio $1,982 $2,166 $1,963 $2,146 $1,963 $2,172 $1,983 $3,075 $2,184 $1,976 $1,964 $1,983 $2,165
Amount Deferred $0 $758 $785 $0 $1,963 $650 $0 $2,214 $1,092 $0 $982 $991 $1,732
VP - Diversified Bond Fund $5,151 $5,204 $4,973 $5,016 $4,973 $5,264 $5,152 $7,761 $5,382 $5,092 $4,974 $5,152 $5,204
Amount Deferred $0 $1,822 $1,989 $0 $4,973 $1,561 $0 $5,588 $2,691 $0 $2,487 $2,576 $4,163
VP - Cash Management Fund $1,622 $1,653 $1,574 $1,601 $1,574 $1,669 $1,623 $2,454 $1,701 $1,606 $1,574 $1,623 $1,653
Amount Deferred $0 $579 $630 $0 $1,574 $496 $0 $1,767 $851 $0 $787 $811 $1,322
VP - Select International Equity Fund $1,205 $1,230 $1,170 $1,193 $1,170 $1,242 $1,205 $1,823 $1,264 $1,193 $1,170 $1,205 $1,230
Amount Deferred $0 $431 $468 $0 $1,170 $369 $0 $1,313 $632 $0 $585 $603 $984
VP - High Yield Bond Fund $1,474 $1,502 $1,430 $1,455 $1,430 $1,516 $1,474 $2,230 $1,545 $1,459 $1,430 $1,474 $1,501
Amount Deferred $0 $526 $572 $0 $1,430 $450 $0 $1,606 $773 $0 $715 $737 $1,201
VP - Large Cap Growth Fund $1,860 $1,915 $1,815 $1,879 $1,815 $1,930 $1,860 $2,799 $1,959 $1,845 $1,816 $1,860 $1,915
Amount Deferred $0 $670 $726 $0 $1,815 $575 $0 $2,016 $980 $0 $908 $930 $1,532
VP - Dividend Opportunity Fund $4,590 $4,654 $4,447 $4,506 $4,447 $4,702 $4,590 $6,931 $4,797 $4,542 $4,447 $4,590 $4,653
Amount Deferred $0 $1,629 $1,779 $0 $4,447 $1,396 $0 $4,990 $2,398 $0 $2,224 $2,295 $3,723
VP - U.S. Government Mortgage Fund $2,900 $2,951 $2,815 $2,863 $2,815 $2,979 $2,901 $4,374 $3,036 $2,872 $2,816 $2,901 $2,950
Amount Deferred $0 $1,033 $1,126 $0 $2,815 $885 $0 $3,150 $1,518 $0 $1,408 $1,450 $2,360
VP - S&P 500 Index Fund $995 $1,019 $968 $991 $968 $1,029 $996 $1,508 $1,047 $986 $968 $996 $1,019
Amount Deferred $0 $357 $387 $0 $968 $306 $0 $1,086 $523 $0 $484 $498 $815
VP - Emerging Markets Fund $1,880 $1,910 $1,822 $1,849 $1,822 $1,929 $1,880 $2,838 $1,967 $1,861 $1,823 $1,880 $1,909
Amount Deferred $0 $668 $729 $0 $1,822 $573 $0 $2,044 $983 $0 $911 $940 $1,527
VP - Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund $1,353 $1,381 $1,314 $1,340 $1,314 $1,394 $1,354 $2,046 $1,420 $1,340 $1,315 $1,354 $1,381
Amount Deferred $0 $483 $526 $0 $1,314 $414 $0 $1,473 $710 $0 $657 $677 $1,104
VP - Select Large-Cap Value Fund $1,510 $1,540 $1,466 $1,495 $1,466 $1,555 $1,511 $2,285 $1,584 $1,496 $1,467 $1,511 $1,540
Amount Deferred $0 $539 $586 $0 $1,466 $462 $0 $1,645 $792 $0 $733 $755 $1,232
VP - Income Opportunities Fund $2,079 $2,122 $2,019 $2,058 $2,019 $2,142 $2,079 $3,139 $2,181 $2,059 $2,019 $2,079 $2,121
Amount Deferred $0 $743 $808 $0 $2,019 $637 $0 $2,260 $1,091 $0 $1,010 $1,040 $1,697
VP - BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund $4,000 $4,043 $3,865 $3,899 $3,865 $4,089 $4,001 $6,053 $4,179 $3,955 $3,865 $4,001 $4,043
Amount Deferred $0 $1,415 $1,546 $0 $3,865 $1,213 $0 $4,358 $2,089 $0 $1,932 $2,000 $3,234
VP - Core Equity Fund $948 $971 $922 $944 $922 $980 $949 $1,437 $997 $939 $922 $949 $971
Amount Deferred $0 $340 $369 $0 $922 $291 $0 $1,035 $499 $0 $461 $474 $777
VP - Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund $1,726 $1,752 $1,671 $1,693 $1,671 $1,770 $1,726 $2,614 $1,807 $1,707 $1,671 $1,726 $1,751
Amount Deferred $0 $613 $668 $0 $1,671 $526 $0 $1,882 $903 $0 $836 $863 $1,401
VP - Sit Dividend Growth Fund $2,100 $2,143 $2,041 $2,082 $2,041 $2,163 $2,100 $3,174 $2,202 $2,080 $2,041 $2,100 $2,143
Amount Deferred $0 $750 $816 $0 $2,041 $643 $0 $2,285 $1,101 $0 $1,021 $1,050 $1,714
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Fund Aggregate Compensation from Fund
Independent Trustees
Blatz Boudreau Carlton Carmichael Flynn Hawkins Hilliard Lewis (a) Paglia Richie Santomero Shaw Taunton-
Rigby
VP - Seligman Global Technology Fund $831 $852 $808 $828 $808 $860 $831 $1,260 $874 $823 $808 $831 $852
Amount Deferred $0 $298 $323 $0 $808 $256 $0 $907 $437 $0 $404 $415 $681
VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund $4,118 $4,177 $3,991 $4,042 $3,991 $4,220 $4,119 $6,217 $4,305 $4,076 $3,991 $4,119 $4,177
Amount Deferred $0 $1,462 $1,596 $0 $3,991 $1,253 $0 $4,476 $2,152 $0 $1,995 $2,059 $3,342
VP - Emerging Markets Bond Fund $1,199 $1,225 $1,164 $1,188 $1,164 $1,237 $1,200 $1,816 $1,260 $1,188 $1,164 $1,200 $1,086
Amount Deferred $0 $429 $466 $0 $1,164 $367 $0 $1,308 $630 $0 $582 $600 $869
VP - Commodity Strategy Fund $483 $526 $483 $526 $483 $526 $483 $718 $526 $483 $483 $483 $526
Amount Deferred $0 $184 $193 $0 $483 $158 $0 $517 $263 $0 $242 $242 $421
VP - Partners Small Cap Growth Fund $1,385 $1,413 $1,345 $1,371 $1,345 $1,426 $1,386 $2,096 $1,453 $1,372 $1,345 $1,386 $1,412
Amount Deferred $0 $494 $538 $0 $1,345 $424 $0 $1,509 $726 $0 $672 $693 $1,130
VP - Large Core Quantitative Fund $2,474 $2,526 $2,405 $2,455 $2,405 $2,549 $2,474 $3,740 $2,595 $2,451 $2,405 $2,474 $2,526
Amount Deferred $0 $884 $962 $0 $2,405 $758 $0 $2,693 $1,297 $0 $1,203 $1,237 $2,021
VP - Balanced Fund $1,789 $1,821 $1,735 $1,765 $1,735 $1,839 $1,789 $2,705 $1,874 $1,771 $1,736 $1,789 $1,820
Amount Deferred $0 $637 $694 $0 $1,735 $546 $0 $1,947 $937 $0 $868 $895 $1,456
VP - Global Bond Fund $2,383 $2,410 $2,302 $2,323 $2,302 $2,437 $2,384 $3,607 $2,490 $2,356 $2,303 $2,384 $2,409
Amount Deferred $0 $843 $921 $0 $2,302 $723 $0 $2,597 $1,245 $0 $1,151 $1,192 $1,927
VP - Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund $910 $933 $885 $907 $885 $941 $910 $1,379 $957 $902 $885 $910 $932
Amount Deferred $0 $327 $354 $0 $885 $280 $0 $993 $479 $0 $443 $455 $746
VP - Partners Small Cap Value Fund $2,748 $2,789 $2,663 $2,700 $2,663 $2,817 $2,749 $4,154 $2,874 $2,720 $2,663 $2,749 $2,788
Amount Deferred $0 $976 $1,065 $0 $2,663 $837 $0 $2,991 $1,437 $0 $1,332 $1,374 $2,231
VP - Victory Established Value Fund $1,991 $2,027 $1,931 $1,965 $1,931 $2,047 $1,992 $3,012 $2,087 $1,971 $1,931 $1,992 $2,026
Amount Deferred $0 $709 $772 $0 $1,931 $608 $0 $2,169 $1,043 $0 $966 $996 $1,621
VP - MV Moderate Growth Fund $4,854 $4,972 $4,731 $4,859 $4,731 $5,013 $4,854 $7,327 $5,094 $4,813 $4,731 $4,854 $4,972
Amount Deferred $0 $1,740 $1,892 $0 $4,731 $1,492 $0 $5,275 $2,547 $0 $2,366 $2,427 $3,977
(a) Mr. Lewis served as Trustee until December 31, 2014.
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BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND RELATED PRACTICES
General Brokerage Policy, Brokerage Transactions and Broker Selection
Subject to policies established by the Board, as well as the terms of the Investment Management Services Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, as applicable, the Investment Manager (and/or the investment subadviser(s) who makes the day-to-day investment decisions for a Fund) is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for a Fund, for the selection of broker-dealers, for the execution of a Fund’s securities transactions and for the allocation of brokerage commissions in connection with such transactions. The Investment Manager effects security transactions for the Fund consistent with its duty to seek the best execution of client (including the Funds) orders under the circumstances of the particular transaction. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected through brokers who charge negotiated commissions for their services. Orders may be directed to any broker to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law and by the policies and procedures of the Investment Manager and/or any investment subadvisers.
In the over-the-counter market, securities generally are traded on a “net” basis with dealers acting as principals for their own accounts without stated commissions, although the price of a security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are bought at a fixed price that includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter’s “concession” or “discount.” On occasion, certain money market instruments may be bought directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid.
The Investment Manager effects security transactions for the Funds consistent with its duty to seek the best execution of client (including the Funds) orders under the circumstances of the particular transaction. In seeking such execution, the Investment Manager will use its best judgment in evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various relevant factors, including, without limitation, the size and type of the transaction, the nature and character of the market for the security, the confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required for the transaction, the general execution and operational capabilities of the broker-dealer, the reputation, reliability, experience and financial condition of the broker-dealer, the value and quality of the services rendered by the broker-dealer in this instance and other transactions and the reasonableness of the spread or commission, if any. Research services received from broker-dealers supplement the Investment Manager’s own research and may include the following types of information: statistical and background information on industry groups and individual companies; forecasts and interpretations with respect to U.S. and foreign economies, securities, markets, specific industry groups and individual companies; information on political developments; Fund management strategies; performance information on securities and information concerning prices of securities; and information supplied by specialized services to the Investment Manager and to the Board with respect to the performance, investment activities and fees and expenses of other funds. Such information may be communicated electronically, orally or in written form.
Broker-dealers may, from time to time, arrange meetings with management of companies and the provide access to consultants who supply research information. The outside research is useful to the Investment Manager since, in certain instances, the broker-dealers utilized by the Investment Manager may follow a different universe of securities issuers and other matters than those that the Investment Manager’s staff follow. In addition, this research provides the Investment Manager with a different perspective on investment matters, even if the securities research obtained relates to issuers followed by the Investment Manager.
Research services that are provided to the Investment Manager by broker-dealers are available for the benefit of all accounts managed or advised by the Investment Manager. In some cases, the research services are available only from the broker-dealer providing such services. In other cases, the research services may be obtainable from alternative sources. Broker-dealer research typically supplements rather than replaces the Investment Manager’s own research, tending to improve the quality of its investment advice. However, to the extent that the Investment Manager would have bought any such research services had such services not been provided by broker-dealers, the expenses of such services to the Investment Manager could be considered to have been reduced accordingly. Certain research services furnished by broker-dealers may be useful to the clients of the Investment Manager other than the Funds. Conversely, any research services received by the Investment Manager through the placement of transactions of other clients may be of value to the Investment Manager in fulfilling its obligations to the Funds. The Investment Manager is of the opinion that this material is beneficial in supplementing its research and analysis; and, therefore, it may benefit the Funds by improving the quality of the Investment Manager’s investment advice. The advisory fees paid by the Funds are not reduced because the Investment Manager receives such services.
Under Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Investment Manager shall not be “deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached its fiduciary duty” solely because under certain circumstances it has caused the account to pay a higher commission than the lowest available. To obtain the benefit of Section 28(e), the Investment Manager must make a good faith determination that the commissions paid are “reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such member, broker, or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or his overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which he exercises investment discretion.” Accordingly, the price to a Fund in any transaction may be less favorable than
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that available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the portfolio execution services offered. Some broker-dealers may indicate that the provision of research services is dependent upon the generation of certain specified levels of commissions and underwriting concessions by the Investment Manager’s clients, including the Funds.
The Investment Manager does not consider sales of shares of the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers through which to execute securities transactions on behalf of the Funds.
Commission rates are established pursuant to negotiations with broker-dealers based on the quality and quantity of execution services provided by broker-dealers in light of generally prevailing rates. On exchanges on which commissions are negotiated, the cost of transactions may vary among different broker-dealers. Transactions on foreign stock exchanges involve payment of brokerage commissions that generally are fixed. Transactions in both foreign and domestic over-the-counter markets generally are principal transactions with dealers, and the costs of such transactions involve dealer spreads rather than brokerage commissions. With respect to over-the-counter transactions, the Investment Manager, where possible, will deal directly with dealers who make a market in the securities involved, except in those circumstances in which better prices and execution are available elsewhere.
The Investment Manager or a subadviser, if applicable, may use step-out transactions. A “step-out” is an arrangement in which the Investment Manager or subadviser executes a trade through one broker-dealer but instructs that broker-dealer to step-out all or a part of the trade to another broker-dealer. The second broker-dealer will clear and settle, and receive commissions for, the stepped-out portion. The Investment Manager or subadviser may receive research products and services in connection with step-out transactions.
Use of Fund commissions may create potential conflicts of interest between the Investment Manager or subadviser and a Fund. However, the Investment Manager and each subadviser has policies and procedures in place intended to mitigate these conflicts and ensure that the use of fund commissions falls within the “safe harbor” of Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act. Some products and services may be used for both investment decision-making and non-investment decision-making purposes (“mixed use” items). The Investment Manager and each subadviser, to the extent it has mixed use items, has procedures in place to assure that fund commissions pay only for the investment decision-making portion of a mixed-use item.
Some broker-dealers with whom the Investment Manager’s Fixed Income Department executes trades provide the Fixed Income Department with proprietary research products and services, though the Fixed Income Department does not put in place any client commission arrangements with such broker-dealers. However, such research may be considered by the Fixed Income Department when determining which broker-dealers to include on its approved broker-dealer list. It is the Investment Manager’s policy not to execute a fixed income trade with a broker-dealer at a lower bid/higher offer than that provided by another broker-dealer in consideration of the value of research products and services received by the Fixed Income Department.
In certain instances, there may be securities that are suitable for a Fund as well as for one or more of the other clients of the Investment Manager. Investment decisions for the Funds and for the Investment Manager’s other clients are made with the goal of achieving their respective investment objectives. A particular security may be bought or sold for only one client even though it may 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 other clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when a number of accounts 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 engaged simultaneously in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. In some cases, this policy could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security in a particular transaction that may affect the Funds.
The Investment Manager operates several separate trading desks in different geographic locations in the United States. The trading desks support different portfolio management teams managing a variety of accounts and products. Nevertheless, the equity desks are functionally and operationally integrated so as to operate as one virtual desk. The fixed income desks, however, function and operate separately but can provide support to each other to assure the continuation of services if necessary. By operating the fixed income trading desks in this manner, the Funds may forego certain opportunities including the aggregation of trades across accounts that trade on different trading desks, which could result in one trading desk competing with another in the market for similar trades. In addition, it is possible that the separate fixed income trading desks may be on opposite sides of a trade at the same time. While the trading desks operate in several locations, the desks do have linkages in oversight and reporting lines and are generally conducted under similar policies and procedures. In addition, certain fixed income portfolio managers currently have the authority to execute trades themselves.
As the Investment Manager seeks to enhance its investment capabilities and services to its clients, including the Funds, the Investment Manager may engage certain of its non-U.S. investment advisory affiliates (“Advisory Affiliates”) around the world to provide a variety of services. For example, the Investment Manager may engage Advisory Affiliates and their personnel to provide (jointly or in coordination with the Investment Manager) services relating to client relations, investment monitoring, account administration, trading and discretionary investment management (including portfolio management and risk
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management) to certain accounts the Investment Manager manages, including the Funds, other pooled vehicles and separately managed accounts. In some circumstances, an Advisory Affiliate may delegate responsibility for providing those services to another Advisory Affiliate. In addition, the Investment Manager may provide certain similar services to its Advisory Affiliates for accounts they manage.
The Investment Manager believes that harnessing the collective expertise of the firm and its Advisory Affiliates will benefit its clients. In this regard, the Investment Manager has certain portfolio management and client servicing teams at both the firm and at Advisory Affiliates (through subadvisory or other intercompany arrangements) operating jointly to provide a better client experience. These joint teams use expanded and shared capabilities that the Investment Manager and its Advisory Affiliates provide, including the sharing of research and other information by investment personnel ( e.g. , portfolio managers and analysts) across the firm and at its Advisory Affiliates relating to economic perspectives, market analysis and equity and fixed income securities analysis.
Advisory Affiliates may provide certain advisory and trading-related services to certain of the Investment Manager’s accounts, including the Funds. The Investment Manager may also provide similar services to certain accounts of Advisory Affiliates. The Investment Manager believes that local trading in certain local markets will benefit its clients, including the Funds. However, such services may result in potential conflicts of interest to such accounts.
The Investment Manager has portfolio management teams in its multiple geographic locations that may share research information regarding leveraged loans. The Investment Manager operates separate and independent trading desks in these locations for the purpose of purchasing and selling leveraged loans. As a result, the Investment Manager does not aggregate orders in leveraged loans across portfolio management teams. For example, funds and other client accounts being managed by these portfolio management teams may purchase and sell the same leveraged loan in the secondary market on the same day at different times and at different prices. There is also the potential for a particular account or group of accounts, including a Fund, to forego an opportunity or to receive a different allocation (either larger or smaller) than might otherwise be obtained if the Investment Manager were to aggregate trades in leveraged loans across the portfolio management teams. Although the Investment Manager does not aggregate orders in leveraged loans across its portfolio management teams in the multiple geographic locations, it operates in this structure subject to its duty to seek best execution.
The Funds may participate, if and when practicable, in bidding for the purchase of portfolio securities directly from an issuer in order to take advantage of the lower purchase price available to members of a bidding group. A Fund will engage in this practice, however, only when the Investment Manager, in its sole discretion, believes such practice to be otherwise in such Fund’s interests.
The Funds will not execute portfolio transactions through, or buy or sell portfolio securities from or to, the Distributor, the Investment Manager, the Administrator or their affiliates acting as principal (including repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements), except to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or order. However, the Investment Manager is authorized to allocate buy and sell orders for portfolio securities to certain broker-dealers and financial institutions, including, in the case of agency transactions, broker-dealers and financial institutions that are affiliated with Ameriprise Financial. To the extent that a Fund executes any securities trades with an affiliate of Ameriprise Financial, such Fund does so in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act and the procedures that such Fund has adopted pursuant to the rule. In this regard, for each transaction, the Board will determine that the transaction is effected in accordance with the Funds’ Rule 17e-1 procedures, which require: (i) the transaction resulted in prices for and execution of securities transactions at least as favorable to the particular Fund as those likely to be derived from a non-affiliated qualified broker-dealer; (ii) the affiliated broker-dealer charged the Fund commission rates consistent with those charged by the affiliated broker-dealer in similar transactions to clients comparable to the Fund and that are not affiliated with the broker-dealer in question; and (iii) the fees, commissions or other remuneration paid by the Fund did not exceed 2% of the sales price of the securities if the sale was effected in connection with a secondary distribution, or 1% of the purchase or sale price of such securities if effected in other than a secondary distribution.
Certain affiliates of Ameriprise Financial may have deposit, loan or commercial banking relationships with the corporate users of facilities financed by industrial development revenue bonds or private activity bonds bought by certain of the Funds. Ameriprise Financial or certain of its affiliates may serve as trustee, custodian, tender agent, guarantor, placement agent, underwriter, or in some other capacity, with respect to certain issues of securities. Under certain circumstances, a Fund may buy securities from a member of an underwriting syndicate in which an affiliate of Ameriprise Financial is a member. The Funds have adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act, and intend to comply with the requirements of Rule 10f-3, in connection with any purchases of securities that may be subject to Rule 10f-3.
Given the breadth of the Investment Manager’s investment management activities, investment decisions for the Funds are not always made independently from those other investment companies and accounts advised or managed by the Investment Manager. To the extent permitted by law, when a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of one or more of the Funds and another investment portfolio, investment company or account, the Investment Manager may aggregate the securities to be sold or bought for the Funds with those to be sold or bought for other investment portfolios,
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investment companies or accounts in executing transactions, and such transactions will be averaged as to price and available investments allocated as to amount in a manner which the Investment Manager believes to be equitable to the Funds and such other investment portfolio, investment company or account. In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained or sold by the Fund. Further, in some cases, the Funds will implement their portfolio changes before similar changes are made for ETFs or other accounts advised or managed by the Investment Manager.
See Investment Management and Other Services – Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest for more information about these and other conflicts of interest.
Brokerage Commissions
The following charts reflect the amounts of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the three most recently completed fiscal years. In certain instances, the Funds may pay brokerage commissions to broker-dealers that are affiliates of Ameriprise Financial. As indicated above, all such transactions involving the payment of brokerage commissions to affiliates are done in compliance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act.
Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Funds
The following chart reflects the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the three most recently completed fiscal years. Differences, year to year, in the amount of brokerage commissions paid by a Fund were primarily the result of increased market volatility as well as shareholder purchase and redemption activity in the Fund.
Total Brokerage Commissions
  Total Brokerage Commissions
Fund 2013 2012 2011
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – Aggressive Portfolio $0 $0 $0
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund 21,431 276 0
VP – Balanced Fund 357,164 410,608 664,792
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 200,886 61,023 62,074
VP – Cash Management Fund 0 0 0
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund 916,080 578,358 551,674
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund 0 (a) N/A (a) N/A (a)
VP – Conservative Portfolio 0 0 0
VP – Core Equity Fund 107,585 9,954 24,088
VP – DFA International Value Fund 476,972 299,856 2,472,812
VP – Diversified Bond Fund 61,455 128,252 134,331
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund 2,978,428 2,701,264 1,502,019
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund 0 0 0
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund 0 0 (b) N/A
VP – Emerging Markets Fund 3,591,865 4,609,042 3,665,627
VP – Global Bond Fund 98,308 89,372 80,035
VP – High Yield Bond Fund 1,723 590 0
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund 797,630 1,647,425 1,441,486
VP – Income Opportunities Fund 4,311 0 0
VP – International Opportunities Fund 342,064 269,913 431,546
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund 1,740,195 1,417,619 1,603,074
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund 0 0 0
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund 628,648 673,413 704,997
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund 1,013,011 315,682 389,658
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund 902,693 252,900 200,789
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  Total Brokerage Commissions
Fund 2013 2012 2011
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund $71,055 $105,536 $116,114
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund 746,013 893,672 1,124,950
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund 116,514 168,437 448,932
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund 54,857 58,154 113,902
VP – Marsico Growth Fund 292,890 328,698 339,024
VP – MFS Value Fund 374,146 432,122 423,186
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund 718,652 706,739 1,099,423
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund 1,103,028 928,328 695,827
VP – Moderate Portfolio 0 0 0
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio 0 0 0
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio 0 0 0
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund 415,840 420,000 296,794
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund 400,521 153,587 (c) N/A
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund 782,548 1,163,079 908,741
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund 1,238,530 1,160,512 1,063,766
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund 732,055 959,931 961,677
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund 2,308,780 1,654,607 1,712,803
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund 2,228,245 1,745,815 1,698,582
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund 630 3,243 5,225
VP – Select International Equity Fund 912,793 700,853 918,156
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund 207,844 568,572 21,304
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund 75,487 40,857 79,545
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund 179,825 182,409 179,470
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund 498,094 748,554 366,732
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund 0 0 82
VP – U.S. Equities Fund 458,888 426,589 275,930
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund 0 22,750 18,375
VP – Victory Established Value Fund 914,783 1,403,276 1,383,150
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund 93 0 0
(a) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
(b) For the period from April 30, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
(c) For the period from April 19, 2012 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2012.
Brokerage Commissions Paid to Brokers Affiliated with the Investment Manager
Affiliates of the Investment Manager may engage in brokerage and other securities transactions on behalf of a Fund according to procedures adopted by the Board and to the extent consistent with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. Subject to approval by the Board, the same conditions apply to transactions with broker-dealer affiliates of any Fund subadviser. The Investment Manager will use an affiliate only if (i) the Investment Manager determines that the Fund will receive prices and executions at least as favorable as those offered by qualified independent brokers performing similar brokerage and other services for the Fund and (ii) the affiliate charges the Fund commission rates consistent with those the affiliate charges comparable unaffiliated customers in similar transactions and if such use is consistent with terms of the Investment Management Services Agreement.
No brokerage commissions were paid by the Funds in the last three fiscal periods to brokers affiliated with the Funds’ Investment Manager or any subadvisers, unless otherwise shown in the following table.
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  Broker Nature of
Affiliation
Aggregate
dollar
amount of
commissions
paid to
broker
Percent of
aggregate
brokerage
commissions
Percent of
aggregate
dollar
amount of
transactions
involving
payment of
commissions
Aggregate
dollar
amount of
commissions
paid to
broker
Aggregate
dollar
amount of
commissions
paid to
broker
Fund 2013 2012 2011
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – International Opportunities Fund MLPFS (1) $17,575 5.14% 0.08% $11,505 $15,108
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner Smith (1) $658 0.06% 0.05% $0 $0
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund MLPFS (1) $2,942 2.52% 0.04% $3,002 $5,619
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund MLPFS (1) $1,171 2.14% 0.04% $906 $2,690
VP – Marsico Growth Fund MLPFS (1) $6,150 2.10% 0.04% $5,204 $9,360
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund MLPFS (1) $0 N/A N/A $0 $353
(1) Prior to May 1, 2010, MLPF&S (as of January 1, 2009) and other broker-dealers affiliated with BANA were affiliated broker-dealers of the Fund by virtue of being under common control with the Previous Adviser. The affiliation created by this relationship ended on May 1, 2010, when the investment advisory agreement with the Previous Adviser was terminated and the Fund entered into a new investment management services agreement with the Investment Manager. However, BANA, on behalf of its fiduciary accounts, continues to have investments in certain of the Columbia Funds. The amounts shown include any brokerage commissions paid to MLPF&S after May 1, 2010.
Directed Brokerage
The Funds or the Investment Manager, through an agreement or understanding with a broker-dealer, or otherwise through an internal allocation procedure, may direct, subject to applicable legal requirements, the Funds’ brokerage transactions to a broker-dealer because of the research services it provides the Funds or the Investment Manager.
Reported numbers include third party soft dollar commissions and portfolio manager directed commissions directed for research. The Investment Manager also receives proprietary research from brokers, but these amounts have not been included in the table.
During each Fund’s most recent applicable fiscal year (or period), the Funds directed certain brokerage transactions and paid related commissions in the amounts as follows:
Brokerage Directed for Research
  Brokerage directed for research
Fund Amount of Transactions Amount of Commissions Imputed or Paid
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – Aggressive Portfolio $0 $0
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund 0 0
VP – Balanced Fund 655,020,344 307,992
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 0 0
VP – Cash Management Fund 0 0
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund 24,698,493 15,765
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund (a) 0 0
VP – Conservative Portfolio 0 0
VP – Core Equity Fund 107,204,339 57,216
VP – DFA International Value Fund 860,612,058 94,426
VP – Diversified Bond Fund 0 0
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  Brokerage directed for research
Fund Amount of Transactions Amount of Commissions Imputed or Paid
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund $1,242,183,963 $1,002,443
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund 0 0
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund 0 0
VP – Emerging Markets Fund 80,721,605 102,248
VP – Global Bond Fund 0 0
VP – High Yield Bond Fund 0 0
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund 1,702,580,834 218,480
VP – Income Opportunities Fund 0 0
VP – International Opportunities Fund 222,500,081 149,253
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund 0 0
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund 0 0
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund 158,866,238 113,958
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund 993,463,375 512,566
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund 913,030,668 484,472
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund 0 0
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund 0 0
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund 178,036,029 45,787
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund 71,548,427 16,423
VP – Marsico Growth Fund 350,292,778 84,809
VP – MFS Value Fund 732,571,597 360,317
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund 168,934,322 89,012
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund 346,286,603 321,856
VP – Moderate Portfolio 0 0
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio 0 0
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio 0 0
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund 330,036,261 234,164
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund 552,221,563 147,528
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund 1,338,844,895 141,472
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund 148,829,223 96,018
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund 139,704,044 21,529
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund 513,025,947 579,511
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund 1,622,884,426 2,021,780
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund 0 0
VP – Select International Equity Fund 579,100,816 739,525
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund 46,928,612 43,875
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund 834,687 1,922
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund 9,812,350 11,843
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund 187,717,301 114,504
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund 0 0
VP – U.S. Equities Fund 148,251,123 93,019
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund 0 0
VP – Victory Established Value Fund 786,672,217 587,007
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  Brokerage directed for research
Fund Amount of Transactions Amount of Commissions Imputed or Paid
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund $0 $0
(a) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers
In certain cases, the Funds, as part of their principal investment strategies, or otherwise as a permissible investment, will invest in the common stock or debt obligations of the regular broker-dealers that the Investment Manager uses to transact brokerage for the Funds.
As of each Fund’s most recent applicable fiscal year (or period) end, the Funds owned securities of their “regular brokers or dealers” or their parents, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act, as shown in the table below:
Investments in Securities of Regular Brokers or Dealers
Fund Issuer Value of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31, 2013
VP – Aggressive Portfolio None N/A
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust $1,603,835
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities $155,846
Chase Corp. $738,868
Citigroup, Inc. $24,462,578
Citigroup/Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust $3,962,091
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. $3,900,719
Credit Suisse Group $3,105,999
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. $2,123,627
GS Mortgage Securities $4,489,591
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II $24,556,620
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) $26,357,416
Jefferies & Co., Inc. $1,405,625
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $17,589,607
JPMorgan Chase Bank $4,735,810
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities $4,939,128
JPMorgan Mortgage Trust $11,939,105
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust $24,901,867
Morgan Stanley $21,365,037
Morgan Stanley Capital I $24,055,005
PNC Bank NA $4,772,692
PNC Funding Corp. $682,720
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Fund Issuer Value of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
VP – Balanced Fund The Bear Stearns Companies LLC $1,796,056
Citigroup, Inc. $22,824,320
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust $845,578
E*TRADE Financial Corp. $25,770
Goldman Sachs Group $1,352,956
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $19,144,598
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities $3,829,708
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust $717,448
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. $638,479
Morgan Stanley $3,237,102
Morgan Stanley Capital I $497,707
Morgan Stanley Re-Remic Trust $1,447,667
Nuveen Investments, Inc. $81,610
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. $994,196
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund None N/A
VP – Cash Management Fund None N/A
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund None N/A
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund (a) None N/A
VP – Conservative Portfolio None N/A
VP – Core Equity Fund Citigroup, Inc. $2,589,867
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) $3,438,844
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $6,029,288
VP – DFA International Value Fund Credit Suisse Group AG $15,655,974
VP – Diversified Bond Fund Citigroup, Inc. $20,926,477
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust $4,838,891
Citigroup/Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust $15,158,730
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. $14,040,923
Citigroup Capital XIII $29,022,613
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates $14,304,789
Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust $4,804,881
E*TRADE Financial Corp. $364,001
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II $6,959,555
GS Mortgage Securities Trust $3,530,753
Jefferies & Co., Inc. $752,216
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $13,387,156
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust $3,560,586
JPMorgan Mortgage Aquistion Corp $5,739
JPMorgan Chase Capital XXI $14,249,440
JPMorgan Chase Capital XXIII $6,436,800
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust $34,736,600
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. $4,546,305
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc. $13,937,577
Morgan Stanley Re-Remic Trust $37,493,508
Nuveen Investments, Inc. $762,209
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) $27,946,888
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund Goldman Sachs Group $97,917,374
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $114,206,586
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund Nuveen Investments, Inc. $7,787,518
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Fund Issuer Value of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund Morgan Stanley $805,346
VP – Emerging Markets Fund None N/A
VP – Global Bond Fund Citigroup, Inc. $3,006,082
Citigroup/Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust $1,428,237
E*TRADE Financial Corp. $208,308
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) $1,831,494
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust $1,694,736
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp. $2,137,749
Morgan Stanley $3,866,108
Morgan Stanley Re-Remic Trust $2,907,353
VP – High Yield Bond Fund E*TRADE Financial Corp. $1,673,976
Nuveen Investments, Inc. $4,465,223
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. $15,762,748
VP – Income Opportunities Fund E*TRADE Financial Corp. $3,563,776
VP – International Opportunities Fund None N/A
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund None N/A
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Fund Issuer Value of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust $170,456
Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust $1,707,428
Bear Stearns Asset-Backed Securities Trust $723,352
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities $1,099,511
Citigroup, Inc. $14,880,150
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust $3,065,080
Citigroup/Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust $2,991,273
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. $16,235,277
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates $15,880,822
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. $6,009,708
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II $4,163,573
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) $13,835,640
Jefferies Group, Inc. (subsidiary) $2,666,542
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities $5,041,366
JPMorgan Mortgage Trust $2,547,145
JPMorgan Resecuritation Trust $809,416
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust $1,794,203
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. $1,055,940
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust $903,499
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. $7,708,399
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust $1,413,310
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust $1,071,690
Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc. $3,682,269
Morgan Stanley $11,908,906
Morgan Stanley Capital I $3,095,641
Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust $811,040
Morgan Stanley Re-Remic Trust $10,530,749
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust $1,361,482
PNC Bank NA $1,182,346
PNC Funding Corp. $2,035,440
The Charles Schwab Corp. $312,802
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund Eaton Vance Corp. $9,547,690
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund Citigroup, Inc. $17,697,129
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund Citigroup, Inc. $24,543,810
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) $31,835,896
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $55,778,224
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund None N/A
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund Franklin Resources, Inc. $12,379,679
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund Citigroup, Inc. $4,033,627
Morgan Stanley $1,977,468
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund Citigroup, Inc. $824,332
VP – Marsico Growth Fund Citigroup, Inc. $11,979,724
VP – MFS Value Fund Franklin Resources, Inc. $21,754,223
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) $48,969,848
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $94,416,135
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. $15,531,749
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. $11,795,453
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Fund Issuer Value of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund Raymond James & Associates $12,462,972
VP – Moderate Portfolio None N/A
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio None N/A
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio None N/A
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund None N/A
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund Citigroup, Inc. $338,670
Goldman Sachs Group $394,926
Morgan Stanley $97,306
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund Citigroup, Inc. $51,526,368
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $80,772,576
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. $51,776,892
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund JPMorgan Chase & Co. $13,152,152
Morgan Stanley $18,947,712
The Charles Schwab Corp. $9,573,200
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund Eaton Vance Corp. $10,005,329
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund Primerica, Inc. $8,264,466
Stifel Financial Corp. $1,103,598
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund Credit Suisse Group AG $10,842,675
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund Ameriprise Financial, Inc. $358,381
Citigroup, Inc. $2,524,417
E*TRADE Financial Corp. $90,265
Franklin Resources, Inc. $372,647
Goldman Sachs Group $1,193,669
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $3,511,256
Legg Mason, Inc. (subsidiary) $73,394
Morgan Stanley $693,965
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. $659,896
Charles Schwab $481,884
VP – Select International Equity Fund None N/A
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund Citigroup, Inc. $30,744,900
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $33,918,400
Morgan Stanley $31,999,744
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund None N/A
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund None N/A
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund Franklin Resources, Inc. $15,148,352
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) $17,247,398
JPMorgan Chase & Co. $34,146,472
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. $1,405,559
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities $8,402,125
VP – U.S. Equities Fund Eaton Vance Corp. $5,134,800
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities $176,745
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust $110,567
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. $40,473,100
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates $67,684,456
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II $5,987,662
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities $188,845
Morgan Stanley Re-Remic Trust $27,172,494
Morgan Stanley Resecuritization Trust $6,660,203
VP – Victory Established Value Fund None N/A
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Fund Issuer Value of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. $4,214,721
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II $18,418,697
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities $2,415,668
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust $1,575,256
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust $5,645,934
Morgan Stanley Capital I $2,651,093
(a) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
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OTHER PRACTICES
Performance Disclosure
Effective beginning with performance reporting for the December 31, 2011 year end, in presenting performance information for newer share classes, if any, of a Fund, the Fund typically includes, for periods prior to the offering of such share classes, the performance of the Fund’s oldest share class (except as otherwise disclosed), adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable, based on the expense ratios of those share classes for the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year for which data was available at December 31, 2011 or, for Funds and classes first offered after January 1, 2011, the expected expense differential at the time the newer share class is first offered. Actual expense differentials across classes will vary over time. The performance of the Fund’s newer share classes would have been substantially similar to the performance of the Fund’s oldest share class because all share classes of a Fund are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and would have differed only to the extent that the classes do not have the same sales charges and/or expenses (and any differences in expenses between share classes may change over time).
Prior to December 31, 2011, in presenting performance information for a newer share class of a Fund, the Fund would typically include, for periods prior to the offering of such newer share class, the performance of an older share class, the class-related operating expense structure of which was most similar to that of the newer share class, and for periods prior to the initial offering of such older share class, would include the performance of successively older share classes with successively less similar expense structures. Such performance information was not restated to reflect any differences in expenses between share classes and if such differences had been reflected, the performance shown might have been lower. Because, prior to December 31, 2011, the Funds used a different methodology for presenting performance information for a newer share class, such performance information published before December 31, 2011 may differ from corresponding performance information published after December 31, 2011.
Portfolio Turnover
A change in the securities held by a Fund is known as “portfolio turnover.” High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other securities. Such sales may also result in adverse tax consequences to a Fund’s shareholders. The trading costs and tax effects associated with portfolio turnover may adversely affect a Fund’s performance. For each Fund’s portfolio turnover rate, see the Fees and Expenses of the Fund — Portfolio Turnover section in the prospectuses for that Fund.
In any particular year, market conditions may result in greater rates than are presently anticipated. The rate of a Fund’s turnover may vary significantly from time to time depending on, among other factors, economic, market and other conditions.
See below for an explanation of any significant variation in a Fund’s portfolio turnover rates over the two most recently completed fiscal years:
The high portfolio turnover rate for VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund for the two most recently completed fiscal year ends is due to the inclusion of forward contracts in the “to be announced” (TBA) market by the Fund’s former subadviser.
For VP – Victory Established Value Fund, the higher portfolio turnover rate in 2012 was largely due to the changes made to the portfolio as a result of a change in Fund subadvisers.
The high portfolio turnover rate for VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund for the most recently completed fiscal year is due to increased investment in treasury futures and mortgage-backed securities transactions in the “to be announced” (TBA) market in order to manage duration and mortgage-backed securities exposure.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information
The Board and the Investment Manager believe that the investment ideas of the Investment Manager and any subadviser with respect to portfolio management of a Fund should seek to benefit the Fund and its shareholders, and do not want to afford speculators an opportunity to profit by anticipating Fund trading strategies. However, the Board also believes that selective disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings can, under appropriate circumstances, be made for purposes beneficial to the Fund and its shareholders or for other purposes under conditions that are designed to protect the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Board has therefore adopted policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities. These policies and procedures are intended to protect the confidentiality of Fund portfolio holdings information and generally prohibit the release of such information until such information is made available to the general public, unless such persons have been authorized to receive such information on a selective basis, as described below. It is the policy of the Fund not to provide or permit others to provide portfolio holdings on a selective basis, and the Investment Manager does not intend to selectively
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disclose portfolio holdings or expect that such holdings information will be selectively disclosed, except where necessary for the Fund’s operation or where there are other legitimate business purposes for doing so and, in any case, where conditions are met that are designed to protect the interests of the Funds and their shareholders.
Although the Investment Manager seeks to limit the selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information and such selective disclosure is monitored under the Fund’s compliance program for conformity with the policies and procedures, there can be no assurance that these policies will protect the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information. Under no circumstances may the Investment Manager, its affiliates or any employee thereof receive any consideration or compensation for disclosing such holdings information.
Public Disclosures
The Funds’ portfolio holdings are currently disclosed to the public through filings with the SEC and postings on the Funds’ website. The information is available on the Funds’ website as described below.
For equity, alternative and flexible funds (other than the equity funds identified below) and funds-of-funds (equity and fixed income), a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of month-end is posted approximately, but no earlier than, 15 calendar days after such month-end.
For Funds that are subadvised by Marsico Capital, Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I and Columbia Variable Portfolio – Small Company Growth Fund, a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of month-end is posted approximately, but no earlier than, 30 calendar days after such month-end.
For fixed-income Funds (other than money market funds), a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of calendar quarter-end is posted approximately, but no earlier than, 30 calendar days after such quarter-end.
For money market Funds, a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of month-end is posted no later than five business days after such month-end. Such month-end holdings are continuously available on the website for at least six months, together with a link to an SEC webpage where a user of the website may obtain access to the Fund’s most recent 12 months of publicly available filings on Form N-MFP. Money market Fund portfolio holdings information posted on the website, at minimum, includes with respect to each holding, the name of the issuer, the category of investment ( e.g. , Treasury debt, government agency debt, asset backed commercial paper, structured investment vehicle note), the CUSIP number (if any), the principal amount, the maturity date (as determined under Rule 2a-7 for purposes of calculating weighted average maturity), the final maturity date (if different from the maturity date previously described), coupon or yield and the amortized cost value. The money market Funds will also disclose on the website the overall weighted average maturity and weighted average life maturity of a holding.
Portfolio holdings of Funds owned solely by the Investment Manager or its affiliates are not disclosed on the website. A complete schedule of each Fund’s portfolio holdings is available semiannually and annually in shareholder reports filed on Form N-CSR and, after the first and third fiscal quarters, in regulatory filings on Form N-Q. These shareholder reports and regulatory filings are filed with the SEC in accordance with federal securities laws. Shareholders may obtain each Fund’s Form N-CSR and N-Q filings on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, each Fund’s Form N-CSR and N-Q filings may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may call the SEC at 202.551.8090 for information about the SEC’s website or the operation of the public reference room.
In addition, the Investment Manager makes publicly available information regarding certain Fund’s largest five to fifteen holdings, as a percentage of the market value of the Funds’ portfolios as of a month-end. This holdings information is made publicly available through the website columbiamanagement.com, approximately 15 calendar days following the month-end. The scope of the information that is made available on the Funds’ websites pursuant to the Funds’ policies may change from time to time without prior notice. This information may not be available on the website for all Funds included in this SAI.
The Investment Manager may also disclose more current portfolio holdings information as of specified dates on the Funds’ website.
The Funds, the Investment Manager and their affiliates may include portfolio holdings information that already has been made public through a website posting or SEC filing in marketing literature and other communications to shareholders, advisors or other parties, provided that the information is disclosed no earlier than when the information is disclosed publicly on the funds’ website or no earlier than the time a fund files such information in a publicly available SEC filing required to include such information.
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Other Disclosures
The Funds’ policies and procedures provide that no disclosures of the Funds’ portfolio holdings may be made prior to the portfolio holdings information being made available to the general public unless (i) the Funds have a legitimate business purpose for making such disclosure, (ii) the Funds or their authorized agents authorize such non-public disclosure of information, and (iii) the party receiving the non-public information enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement or is otherwise subject to a confidentiality obligation.
In determining the existence of a legitimate business purpose for making portfolio disclosures, the following factors, among others, are considered: (i) any prior disclosure must be consistent with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the fiduciary duties of the Investment Manager; (ii) any conflicts of interest between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Investment Manager, the Funds’ Distributor or any affiliated person of a Fund, the Investment Manager or Distributor on the other; and (iii) any prior disclosure to a third party, although subject to a confidentiality agreement, would not make conduct lawful that is otherwise unlawful.
Fund complete portfolio holdings may be disclosed between and among the following persons (collectively, Affiliates and Agents) for legitimate business purposes within the scope of their official duties and responsibilities, subject to Fund policies and procedures designed to prevent the misuse of inside information, by agreement, or under applicable laws, rules, and regulations: (1) persons who are subject to the Code of Ethics or policies and procedures designed to prevent the misuse of inside information; (2) an investment adviser, distributor, administrator, transfer agent, or custodian to the Fund; (3) an accounting firm, an auditing firm, or outside legal counsel retained by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, or the Fund; (4) an investment adviser to whom complete portfolio holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes when the adviser is in merger or acquisition talks with a the Investment Manager or its parent company; and (5) a newly hired subadviser to whom complete portfolio holdings are disclosed prior to the time it commences its duties.
The frequency with which complete portfolio holdings may be disclosed between and among Affiliates and Agents, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed between and among the Affiliates and Agents, is determined by such Affiliates and Agents based on the facts and circumstances, including, without limitation, the nature of the portfolio holdings information to be disclosed, the risk of harm to the Funds and their shareholders, and the legitimate business purposes served by such disclosure. The frequency of disclosure between and among Affiliates and Agents varies and may be as frequent as daily, with no lag. Any disclosure of Fund complete portfolio holdings to any Affiliates and Agents as previously described may also include a list of the other investment positions that make up the Fund, such as cash investments and derivatives.
The Funds also disclose portfolio holdings information as required by federal, state or international securities laws, and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities, or in connection with litigation or potential litigation, a restructuring of a holding, where such disclosure is necessary to participate or explore participation in a restructuring of the holding ( e.g. , as part of a bondholder group), or to the issuer of a holding, pursuant to a request of the issuer or any other party who is duly authorized by the issuer.
In certain limited situations, the Funds may provide portfolio holdings to an institutional client (or its custodian or other agent) when the client is effecting a redemption in-kind from a Fund and the Investment Manager believes that such disclosure will not be harmful to the Fund. In these situations, the Investment Manager makes it clear through non-disclosure agreements or other means that the recipient must ensure that the confidential information is used only as necessary to effect the redemption-in-kind and will maintain the information in a manner designed to protect against unauthorized access or misuse.
The Board has adopted policies to ensure that the Fund’s portfolio holdings information is only disclosed in accordance with these policies. Before any selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information is permitted, the person seeking to disclose such holdings information must submit a written request to the Portfolio Holdings Committee (“PHC”). The PHC, which is chaired by the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer, is comprised of members from the Investment Manager’s legal department and compliance department, and the Funds’ President. The PHC is authorized by the Board to perform an initial review of requests for disclosure of holdings information to evaluate whether there is a legitimate business purpose for selective disclosure, whether selective disclosure is in the best interests of a Fund and its shareholders, to consider any potential conflicts of interest between the Fund, the Investment Manager, and its affiliates, and to safeguard against improper use of holdings information. Factors considered in this analysis are whether the recipient has agreed to or has a duty to keep the holdings information confidential and whether risks have been mitigated such that the recipient has agreed or has a duty to use the holdings information only as necessary to effectuate the purpose for which selective disclosure may be authorized. Before portfolio holdings may be selectively disclosed, requests approved by the PHC must also be authorized by the Funds’ President, Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer or their respective designees. On at least an annual basis, the PHC reviews the approved recipients of selective disclosure and may require a resubmission of the request, in order to re-authorize certain ongoing arrangements. These procedures are intended to be reasonably designed to protect the confidentiality of Fund holdings
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information and to prohibit their release to individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute the Fund’s shares, and other parties, until such holdings information is made public or unless such persons have been authorized to receive such holdings information on a selective basis, as set forth above.
Ongoing Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Arrangements:
The Funds currently have ongoing arrangements with certain approved recipients with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings information prior to such information being made public. Portfolio holdings information disclosed to such recipients is current as of the time of its disclosure, is disclosed to each recipient solely for purposes consistent with the services described below and has been authorized in accordance with the policy. No compensation or consideration is received in exchange for this information. In addition to the daily information provided to a Fund’s custodians, subcustodians, Administrator, Investment Manager and subadvisers, the following disclosure arrangements are in place:
Identity of Recipient   Conditions/restrictions on use of information   Frequency of
Disclosure
Recipients under arrangements with the Funds or Investment Manager:    
Barclays Capital   Used for analytics including risk and attribution assessment.   Daily
BlackRock / Aladdin   Used for fixed income trading and decision support.   Daily
Bloomberg   Used for portfolio analytics, statistical analysis and independent research.   Daily
Capital Markets Services (“CMS”) Group   Used for intraday post-trade information when equity exposures (either via futures or options trades) are modified beyond certain limits for Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Funds.   As Needed
Catapult   Used to provide Edgar filing and typesetting services, as well as printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports.   As Needed
Cenveo, Inc.   Used for printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports.   As Needed
Citigroup   Used for mortgage decision support.   Daily
Cogent Commission Management   Used to facilitate the evaluation of commission rates and to provide flexible commission reporting.   Daily
Equifax   Used to ensure that Columbia does not violate the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanction requirements.   Daily
Ernst & Young, LLP   Used to analyze PFIC investments.   Monthly
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.   Used for provision of quantitative analytics, charting and fundamental data and for portfolio analytics.   Daily
Fiserv (Frontier & GIM)   Used for accounting and reconciliation of positions.   Daily
Fundtech Financial Messaging   Used to send trade messages via SWIFT, to custodians.   Daily
Harte-Hanks   Used for printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports.   As Needed
Index Universe   Used to cover product and marketing developments related to index funds, ETFs, index derivatives, and other sophisticated investment strategies.   Monthly
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”)   Used for proxy voting administration and research on proxy matters.   Daily
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Identity of Recipient   Conditions/restrictions on use of information   Frequency of
Disclosure
Intex Solutions Inc.   Used to provide mortgage analytics.   Periodic
Investment Technology Group, Inc.   Used to evaluate and assess trading activity, execution and practices.   Quarterly
Investor Tools   Used for municipal bond analytics, research and decision support.   As Needed
JDP Marketing Services   Used to write or edit Columbia Fund shareholder reports, quarterly fund commentaries, and communications, including shareholder letters and management’s discussion of Columbia Fund performance.   Monthly, as needed
Kynex   Used to provide portfolio attribution reports for the Columbia Convertible Securities Fund.   Daily
Lipper / Thomson Reuters   Used for statistical analysis.   Monthly
Malaspina Communications   Used to facilitate writing management’s discussion of Columbia Fund performance for Columbia Fund shareholder reports and periodic marketing communications.   Monthly
Markit / Wall Street Office   Used for an asset database for analytics and investor reporting.   As Needed
Merrill Corporation   Used to provide Edgar filing and typesetting services, as well as printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports.   As Needed
MoneyMate   Used to report returns and analytics to client facing materials.   Monthly
Morningstar   Used for independent research and ranking of funds, and to fulfill role as investment consultant for fund-of-funds product. Used also for statistical analysis   Monthly, Quarterly or As Needed
MSCI Inc./ Barra Aegis   Used for risk analysis and reporting.   Daily
MSCI Inc./ BarraOne   Used as a hosted portfolio management platform designed for research, reporting, strategy development, portfolio construction, and performance and risk attribution.   Daily
Print Craft   Used to assemble kits and mailing that include the fact sheets.   As Needed
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company   Used to provide Edgar filing and typesetting services, and printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports.   As Needed
SEI Investment Company   Used for model portfolios for wrap accounts   Daily
StoneRiver RegEd, In.c   Used to review external and certain internal communications prior to dissemination.   Daily
SunGard Investment Systems LLC / Invest One   Used as portfolio accounting system.   Daily
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Identity of Recipient   Conditions/restrictions on use of information   Frequency of
Disclosure
Threadneedle Investments   Used by portfolio managers and research analysts in supporting certain management strategies, and by shared support partners (legal, operations, compliance, risk, etc.) to provide Fund maintenance and development.   As Needed
Universal Wilde   Used to provide printing and mailing services for prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, and supplements.   As Needed
Wilshire Associates, Inc.   Used to provide daily performance attribution reporting based on daily holdings to the investment and investment analytics teams.   Daily
Wolters Kluwer / Gainskeeper tax product   Used to perform tax calculations specific to wash sales.   Monthly
Wolters Kluwer / Straddles   Used to analyze tax straddles (diminution of risk).   Monthly
    
Identity of Recipient   Conditions/restrictions on use of information   Frequency of
Disclosure
Recipients under arrangements with subadvisers:    
Abel Noser   Used by certain subadvisers for trade execution analysis.   Daily
Advent Software Inc.   Used by certain subadvisers for corporate actions and portfolio accounting.   Quarterly
Barclays Capital   Used by certain subadvisers to obtain analytical information.   Daily
Barra   Used by certain subadvisers for portfolio evaluation or analysis.   Daily
BarraOne   Used by certain subadvisers for risk analysis and reporting.   Daily
Bloomberg   Used by certain subadvisers for trade order management and system support, portfolio and risk analytics, research reports, analytical information, market data, portfolio analysis, and/or execution evaluation.   Daily or Quarterly
Cabot Research LLC   Used by certain subadvisers for portfolio analysis.   Daily
Capital IQ   Used by certain subadvisers for market data.   Daily
Charles River   Used by certain subadvisers for order management.   Daily
CitiDirect (FSR)   Used by certain subadvisers for reporting position and account information.   Daily
Citigroup   Used by certain subadvisers for middle-office operational services.   Daily
Cogent Consulting LLC   Used to facilitate the evaluation of commission rates and to provide flexible commission reporting.   Daily
Compliance 11   Used by certain subadvisers for compliance automation.   Daily
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP   Used by certain subadvisers for independent trustees’ legal counsel.   As Needed
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Identity of Recipient   Conditions/restrictions on use of information   Frequency of
Disclosure
Electra   Used by certain subadvisers for portfolio reconciliation.   As Needed
Eze Castle Software, Inc.   Used by certain subadvisers for trade order management.   Daily
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.   Used by certain subadvisers for analytical information and research, and for portfolio characteristics data, attribution and research reports.   Daily
Financial Tracking Technologies LLC   Used by certain subadvisers for compliance monitoring.   Daily
Fluent   Used by certain subadvisers for printing client reporting.   Monthly
Glass Lewis   Used by certain subadvisers for proxy voting administration and research on proxy matters.   As Needed or Daily
Global Trading Analytics, LLC   Used by certain subadvisers for transaction cost analysis of currency trading.   Daily
GSAL   Used by certain subadvisers for securities lending agent.   As Needed
IDS GmbH   Used by certain subadvisers for analysis and reporting.   Daily
ING Insurance Company   Used by certain subadvisers to provide quarterly fact sheets.   Quarterly
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”)   Used for proxy voting administration and research on proxy matters.   Weekly or As Needed
Interactive Data Corp. (IDC)   Used by certain subadvisers for statistical fair valuation services.   As Needed
Investment Technology Group   Used by certain subadvisers to evaluate trade execution and compliance purposes   As Needed or Daily
JPMorgan Chase Bank NA   Used by certain subadvisers for back office and shadow accounting functions.   Daily
Merrill Corporation   Used by certain subadvisers for prospectus, SAI, supplement and sales material printing services.   Quarterly
Moneymate   Used by certain subadvisers to report returns and analytics to client facing materials.   Daily
Omgeo, LLC   Used by certain subadvisers for trade settlement or trade order management.   Daily
Perkins Cole LLP   Used by certain subadvisers for funds’ legal counsel.   As Needed
Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP   Used by certain subadvisers for funds’ independent registered public accounting firm.   As Needed
Quantitative Services Group   Used by certain subadvisers for trade execution analysis.   Daily
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company   Used by certain subadvisers for prospectus, SAI, supplement and sales material printer.   As Needed
RiskMetrics   Used by certain subadvisers for portfolio analysis.   Daily
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Identity of Recipient   Conditions/restrictions on use of information   Frequency of
Disclosure
SS&C Technology Holdings   Used by certain subadvisers for portfolio accounting purposes.   Daily
State Street Bank and Trust Company   Used by certain subadvisers for investment operations.   Daily
Sungard Invest One   Used as portfolio accounting system.   Daily
SunGard Portfolio Solutions, Inc.   Used by certain subadvisers for portfolio accounting purposes.   Daily
Tamale   Used by certain subadvisers for research management.   Daily
Thomson Reuters   Used by certain subadvisers for portfolio analysis.   Daily
TriOptima   Used by certain subadvisers for derivatives reconciliation.   Daily
Wilshire Associates   Used by certain subadvisers to support performance analysis software and portfolio analysis.   Daily
In addition, portfolio holdings information may be provided from time to time to the Funds’ counsel, counsel to the independent trustees and the Funds’ independent auditors in connection with the services they provide to the Funds or the trustees. Portfolio holdings information may also be provided to affiliates of the Investment Manager to monitor risks and various holdings limitations that must be aggregated with affiliated funds and accounts, among other purposes. The Investment Manager and the subadvisers use a variety of broker-dealers and other agents to effect securities transactions on behalf of the Funds. These broker-dealers may become aware of the Funds’ intentions, transactions and positions in performing their functions.
Additional Selling Agent Payments
Selling Agents may receive different commissions, sales charge reallowances and other payments with respect to sales of different classes of shares of the Funds. These other payments may include servicing payments to retirement plan administrators and other institutions at rates up to those described above under Other Practices — Additional Shareholder Servicing Payments.
The Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may pay additional compensation to selected Selling Agents, including other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, under the categories described below. These categories are not mutually exclusive, and a single Selling Agent may receive payments under all categories. A Selling Agent also may receive payments described above under Other Practices — Additional Shareholder Servicing Payments . These payments may create an incentive for a Selling Agent or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of a Fund to its customers. The amount of payments made to Selling Agents may vary. In determining the amount of payments to be made, the Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, asset mix and length of relationship with the Selling Agent, the size of the customer/shareholder base of the Selling Agent, the manner in which customers of the Selling Agent make investments in the Funds, the nature and scope of marketing support or services provided by the Selling Agent (as described more fully below) and the costs incurred by the Selling Agent in connection with maintaining the infrastructure necessary or desirable to support investments in the Funds.
These additional payments by the Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates are made pursuant to agreements between the Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates and Selling Agents, and do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a share, the amount a Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales or the distribution fees and expenses paid by the Fund as shown under the heading Fees and Expenses of the Fund in the Fund’s prospectuses.
Marketing/Sales Support Payments
The Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates may make payments, from their own resources, to certain Selling Agents, including other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for marketing/sales support services relating to the Funds, including, but not limited to, business planning assistance, educating financial intermediary personnel about the Funds and shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the financial intermediary’s preferred or recommended fund list or otherwise identifying the Funds as being part of a complex to be accorded a higher degree of marketing support than complexes not making such payments, access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial intermediary, client servicing and systems infrastructure support. These payments are generally based upon one or more of the following factors:
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average net assets of the Funds distributed by the Distributor attributable to that Selling Agent, gross sales of the Columbia Funds distributed by the Distributor attributable to that Selling Agent, reimbursement of ticket charges (fees that a Selling Agent firm charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or a negotiated lump sum payment.
While the financial arrangements may vary for each Selling Agent, the marketing support payments to each Selling Agent generally are expected to be between 0.05% and 0.50% on an annual basis for payments based on average net assets of the Funds attributable to the Selling Agent, and between 0.05% and 0.25% on an annual basis for firms receiving a payment based on gross sales of the Funds attributable to the Selling Agent. The Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may make payments in materially larger amounts or on a basis materially different from those described above when dealing with certain Selling Agents. Such increased payments may enable the Selling Agents to offset credits that they may provide to their customers.
As of April 2014, the Distributor, the Investment Manager or their affiliates had agreed to make marketing support payments with respect to the Funds to the Selling Agents or their affiliates shown below.
Recipients of Marketing Support Payments with Respect to the Funds from the Distributor and/or other Ameriprise Financial Affiliates
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York
American United Life Insurance Company
Equitrust Life Insurance Company
First Great West Life & Annuity Company
Genworth Life & Annuity Insurance
Genworth Life Insurance Company of New York
Great West Life & Annuity Company
Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company
Independence Life & Annuity Co
ING USA & Life Insurance Company
Jefferson National Life Insurance Company
Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston
Midland National Life Insurance Company
Monumental Life Insurance Company
National Integrity Life Insurance Company
New York Life Insurance & Annuity Corporation
Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation
RiverSource Life Insurance Company
RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of New York
Security Benefit Life Insurance
SunAmerica Annuity & Life Assurance Company
Sun Life Assurance Co of Canada
Sun Life Insurance & Annuity Co of NY
Symetra Life Insurance Company
Transamerica Financial
Transamerica Advisors Life
Transamerica Advisors Life of NY
Union Central Life Insurance Co
The Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates may enter into similar arrangements with other Selling Agents from time to time. Therefore, the preceding list is subject to change at any time without notice.
Other Payments
From time to time, the Distributor, from its own resources, may provide additional compensation to certain Selling Agents that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Funds to the extent not prohibited by laws or the rules of any self-regulatory agency, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Such compensation provided by the Distributor may include financial assistance to Selling Agents that enable the Distributor to participate in and/or present at Selling Agent-sponsored conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other Selling Agent employees, financial intermediary entertainment and other sponsored events, and travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, retention and due diligence trips. The Distributor makes payments for entertainment events it deems appropriate, subject to the Distributor’s internal guidelines and applicable law. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. Your Selling Agent may charge you fees or commissions in addition to those disclosed in this SAI. You should consult with your financial intermediary and review carefully any disclosure your Selling Agent provides regarding its services and compensation. Depending on the financial arrangement in place at any particular time, a Selling Agent and its financial consultants may have a financial incentive for recommending a particular fund or a particular share class over other funds or share classes. See Investment Management and Other Services — Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest for more information.
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CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
Description of the Trusts' Shares
The Trusts may issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of each Fund, without par value, and to divide or combine the shares of any series into a greater or lesser number of shares of that Fund without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests in that Fund and to divide such shares into classes. Most of the Funds are authorized to issue multiple classes of shares. Such classes are designated as Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. A Fund offers only those classes of shares listed on the cover of its prospectuses. Each share of a class of a Fund represents an equal proportional interest in that Fund with each other share in the same class and is entitled to such distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to that Fund as are declared in the discretion of the Board. However, different share classes of a Fund pay different distribution amounts because each share class has different expenses. Each time a distribution is made, the net asset value per share of the share class is reduced by the amount of the distribution.
Subject to certain limited exceptions discussed in each Fund’s prospectuses and in this SAI, a Fund may no longer be accepting new investments from current shareholders or prospective investors in general or with respect to one or more classes of shares. The Funds, however, may at any time and without notice, accept new investments in general or with respect to one or more previously closed classes of shares.
If investors other than Participating Insurance Companies, Separate Accounts, Qualified Plans or certain other eligible investors were to purchase shares in a Fund, VA contracts or VLI policies funded by that Fund could lose their favorable tax status. See “ Taxation ” below.
Restrictions on Holding or Disposing of Shares
There are no restrictions on the right of shareholders to retain or dispose of the Funds' shares, other than the possible future termination of the Funds or the relevant class, except that the Funds may redeem Fund shares of shareholders holding less than any minimum or more than any maximum investment from time to time established by the Board. The Funds or any class of shares of the Funds may be terminated by reorganization into another mutual fund or by liquidation and distribution of their assets. Unless terminated by reorganization or liquidation, the Funds and classes will continue indefinitely.
Shareholder Liability
CFVIT I. The Trust is organized under Delaware law, which provides that shareholders of a statutory trust are entitled to the same limitations of personal liability as shareholders of a corporation organized under Delaware law. Effectively, this means that a shareholder of the Funds will not be personally liable for payment of the Funds’ debts except by reason of his or her own conduct or acts. In addition, a shareholder could incur a financial loss on account of the Funds’ obligation only if the Funds had no remaining assets with which to meet such obligation. We believe that the possibility of such a situation arising is extremely remote.
CFVST II. The Trust is organized as a business trust under Massachusetts law. Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust disclaims any shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Funds and the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by a Fund or the Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Fund property for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of a Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances (which are considered remote) in which a Fund would be unable to meet its obligations and the disclaimer was inoperative. The risk of a Fund incurring financial loss on account of another series of the Trust also is believed to be remote, because it would be limited to circumstances in which the disclaimer was inoperative and the other series of the Trust was unable to meet its obligations.
Dividend Rights
The shareholders of a Fund are entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions declared for the Fund. No shares have priority or preference over any other shares of the Funds with respect to distributions. Distributions will be made from the assets of the Funds, and will be paid pro rata to all shareholders of each Fund (or class) according to the number of shares of each Fund (or class) held by shareholders on the record date. The amount of income dividends per share may vary between separate share classes of the Funds based upon differences in the way that expenses are allocated between share classes pursuant to a multiple class plan.
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Voting Rights and Shareholder Meetings
Shareholders have the power to vote only as expressly granted under the 1940 Act or under Delaware statutory trust law (in the case of CFVIT I) or Massachusetts business trust law (in the case of CFVST II). Each whole share (or fractional share) outstanding on the record date shall be entitled to (for CFVIT_I) one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote, and each fractional share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote; and for (CFVST II) a number of votes on any matter on which it is entitled to vote equal to the net asset value of the share (or fractional share) in U.S. dollars determined at the close of business on the record date (for example, a share having a net asset value of $10.50 would be entitled to 10.5 votes).
Shareholders have no independent right to vote on any matter, including the creation, operation, dissolution or termination of the Trust. Shareholders have the right to vote on other matters only as the Board authorizes. Currently, the 1940 Act requires that shareholders have the right to vote, under certain circumstances, to: (i) elect Trustees; (ii) approve investment advisory agreements; (iii) approve a change in subclassification of a Fund; (iv) approve any change in fundamental investment policies; (v) approve a distribution plan under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act; and (vi) to terminate the independent accountant. With respect to matters that affect one class but not another, shareholders vote as a class; for example, the approval of a distribution plan applicable to that class is voted on by holders of that class of shares. Subject to the foregoing, all shares of a Trust have equal voting rights and will be voted in the aggregate, and not by Fund, except where voting by Fund is required by law or where the matter involved only affects one Fund. For example, a change in a Fund’s fundamental investment policy affects only one Fund and would be voted upon only by shareholders of the Fund involved. Additionally, approval of an investment advisory agreement or, if shareholder approval is required under exemptive relief, investment subadvisory agreement, since it only affects one Fund, is a matter to be determined separately by each Fund. Approval by the shareholders of one Fund is effective as to that Fund whether or not sufficient votes are received from the shareholders of the other series to approve the proposal as to those Funds. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each whole share held and a proportional fractional vote for each fractional vote held, on matters on which they are entitled to vote. Fund shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights. The Trust is not required to hold, and has no present intention of holding, annual meetings of shareholders. Special meetings may be called for certain purposes.
Previously, CFVIT I had voluntarily undertaken to adhere to certain governance measures contemplated by an SEC settlement order with respect to CFVIT I prior investment adviser in 2005. Over the past several years, the SEC has adopted many rules under the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to strengthen fund governance and compliance oversight of funds and their investment advisers. Accordingly, although CFVIT I may continue to follow certain governance practices noted in the 2005 settlement order, it will do so as the Board deems appropriate and not pursuant to any voluntary undertakings. In this regard, the Board has determined that it is unnecessary to commit to holding a meeting of shareholders to elect trustees at least every five years. Instead, the Board will convene meetings of shareholders to elect trustees as required by the 1940 Act or as deemed appropriate by the Board.
Certain Participating Insurance Companies have voting rights with respect to all Fund shares held in the separate accounts where the Participating Insurance Companies set aside and invest the assets of certain of their VA contracts or VLI policies. To the extent a matter is to be voted upon by Fund shareholders and to the extent required by federal securities laws or regulations, it is expected that the Participating Insurance Companies will: (i) notify each VA contract owner and VLI policy holder (each an “Owner” and collectively, the “Owners”) of the shareholder meeting if shares held for that Owner’s contract or policy may be voted; (ii) send proxy materials and a form of instructions that each Owner can use to tell its Participating Insurance Company how to vote the Fund shares held for such contract or policy; (iii) arrange for the handling and tallying of proxies received from the Owners; (iv) vote all Fund shares attributable to each Owner’s contract or policy according to instructions received from such Owner; and (v) vote all Fund shares for which no voting instructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which instructions have been received.
For further discussion of the rights of Owners and Qualified Plan participants concerning the voting of shares, please see your annuity or life insurance contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, as applicable.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or a Fund, all shares have equal rights and shareholders of a Fund are entitled to a proportionate share of the assets of the Fund that are available for distribution and to a distribution of any general assets not attributable to a particular Fund that are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Board may determine.
Preemptive Rights
There are no preemptive rights associated with Fund shares.
Conversion Rights
Conversion features and exchange privileges, if applicable, are described in the Funds’ prospectuses and Appendix S to this SAI.
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Redemptions
Each Fund’s dividend, distribution and redemption policies can be found in its prospectuses. However, the Board may suspend the right of shareholders to sell shares when permitted or required to do so by law or compel sales of shares in certain cases.
Sinking Fund Provisions
The Trust has no sinking fund provisions.
Calls or Assessment
All Fund shares are issued in uncertificated form only and when issued will be fully paid and non-assessable by its Trust.
Purchase and Redemption
An investor may buy, sell and transfer shares in the Funds utilizing the methods, and subject to the restrictions, described in the Funds’ prospectuses. The following information supplements information in the Funds’ prospectuses.
Fund shares are made available to serve as the underlying investment vehicles for VA contract and VLI policy separate accounts issued by Participating Insurance Companies, for Qualified Plans and for certain other eligible investors. Shares of the Funds are sold at net asset value without the imposition of a sales charge. The separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies or Qualified Plan sponsor place orders to purchase and redeem shares of the Funds based on, among other things, the amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and transfer requests to be effected on that day pursuant to the contracts. In addition, in no instance will the Funds be made available to life insurance separate accounts without the Trust having received any necessary SEC consents or approvals. It is conceivable that in the future it may be disadvantageous for VA contract separate accounts and VLI policy separate accounts to invest in the Funds simultaneously. Although the Trust and the Funds do not currently foresee any such disadvantages either to VA contract owners or VLI policy owners, the Trust’s Board intends to monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts between such VA contract owners and VLI policy owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response thereto. If the Board were to conclude that separate funds should be established for VLI policy and VA contract separate accounts, the VLI policy and VA contract owners would not bear any expenses attendant to the establishment of such separate funds.
Purchases of shares of the Funds may be effected on days on which the NYSE is open for business (a “Business Day”). The Trust and the Distributor reserve the right to reject any purchase order. The issuance of shares is recorded on the books of the Trust, and share certificates are not issued. Purchase orders for shares in the Funds that are received by the Distributor or by the Transfer Agent before the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on any Business Day are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day but are not executed until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Business Day on which immediately available funds in payment of the purchase price are received by the Fund’s Custodian.
Redemption proceeds are normally remitted in Federal funds wired to the redeeming Participating Insurance Company or Qualified Plan sponsor within three Business Days following receipt of the order. It is the responsibility of the Distributor to transmit orders it receives to the Trust. No charge for wiring redemption payments is imposed by the Trust. Redemption orders are effected at the net asset value per share next determined after acceptance of the order by the Transfer Agent.
Should a Fund stop selling shares, the Board may make a deduction from the value of the assets held by the Fund to cover the cost of future liquidations of the assets so as to distribute these costs fairly among all shareholders.
The Trusts also may make payment for sales in readily marketable securities or other property if it is appropriate to do so in light of the Trust’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.
Under the 1940 Act, the Funds may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for shares during any period when (i) trading on the NYSE is restricted by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC; (ii) the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (iii) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; (iv) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC. (The Funds may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of their shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).
The Trusts have elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, as a result of which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares, subject to the exceptions listed above, with respect to any one shareholder during any 90-day period, solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of each Fund at the beginning of the period. Although redemptions in excess of this limitation would normally be paid in cash, the Fund reserves the right to make these payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets in case of an emergency, or if the payment of a redemption in cash would be detrimental to the existing shareholders of the Fund as determined by the Board. In these circumstances, the securities distributed would be valued as set forth in this SAI. Should a Fund distribute securities, a shareholder may incur brokerage fees or other transaction costs in converting the securities to cash.
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The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying Fund shares could prevent a Fund from always being fully invested. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to investors redeeming Fund shares could require large ready reserves of uninvested cash to meet shareholder redemptions. Either situation could adversely impact a Fund’s performance.
Potential Adverse Effects of Large Investors
Each Fund may from time to time sell to one or more investors, including other funds advised by the Investment Manager or third parties, a substantial amount of its shares, and may thereafter be required to satisfy redemption requests by such investors. Such sales and redemptions may be very substantial relative to the size of the Fund. While it is not possible to predict the overall effect of such sales and redemptions over time, such transactions may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is required to invest cash received in connection with a sale or to sell portfolio securities to facilitate a redemption at, in either case, a time when the Fund otherwise would not invest or sell. Such transactions also may increase a Fund’s transaction costs, which would detract from Fund performance.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
The Funds are required to comply with various anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Consequently, the Funds may request additional required information from you to verify your identity. Your application will be rejected if it does not contain your name, social security number, date of birth and permanent street address. If at any time the Funds believe a shareholder may be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of suspicious persons, the Funds may choose not to establish a new account or may be required to “freeze” a shareholder’s account. The Funds also may be required to provide a governmental agency with information about transactions that have occurred in a shareholder’s account or to transfer monies received to establish a new account, transfer an existing account or transfer the proceeds of an existing account to a governmental agency. In some circumstances, the law may not permit the Funds to inform the shareholder that it has taken the actions described above.
Offering Price
The share price of each Fund is based on each Fund’s net asset value per share, which is calculated separately for each class of shares as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (which is usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time unless the NYSE closes earlier) on each day the Fund is open for business, unless the Board determines otherwise. The Funds do not value their shares on days that the NYSE is closed.
For Funds Other than Money Market Funds. The value of each Fund’s portfolio securities is determined in accordance with the Trust’s valuation procedures, which are approved by the Board. Except as described below under “Fair Valuation of Portfolio Securities,” the Fund’s portfolio securities are typically valued using the following methodologies:
Equity Securities. Equity securities (including common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants and ETFs) listed on an exchange are valued at the closing price on their primary exchange (which, in the case of foreign securities, may be a foreign exchange) or, if a closing price is not readily available, at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter equity securities not listed on any national exchange but included in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price or, if the official closing price is not readily available, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Equity securities and ETFs that are not listed on any national exchange and are not included in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Shares of other open-end investment companies (other than ETFs) are valued at the latest net asset value reported by those companies as of the valuation time.
Fixed Income Securities. Debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at their amortized cost value if such value is approximately the same as market value or at market value (based on market-based prices); or, if market value is not available, fair value. Amortized cost is determined by systematically increasing the carrying value of a security if acquired at a discount, or reducing the carrying value if acquired at a premium, so that the carrying value is equal to maturity value on the maturity date. The value of debt securities with remaining maturities in excess of 60 days is the market price, which may be obtained from a pricing service or, if a market-based price is not available from a pricing service, a bid quote from a broker-dealer. Short-term variable rate demand notes are typically valued at their par value. Other debt securities are typically valued using an evaluated bid provided by a pricing service. If pricing information is unavailable from a pricing service or is not believed to be reflective of market value, then a bid quote from a broker-dealer may be used to value the securities. Newly issued debt securities may be valued at purchase price for up to two days following purchase or at fair value if the purchase price is not believed to be reflective of market value.
Futures, Options and Other Derivatives. Futures and options on futures are valued based on the settle price at the close of regular trading on their principal exchange or, in the absence of transactions, they are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices closest to the last reported sale price. Listed options are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. If
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market quotations are not readily available, futures and options are valued using quotations from broker-dealers. Customized derivative products are valued at a price provided by a pricing service or, if such a price is unavailable, a broker quote or at a price derived from an internal valuation model.
Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are generally valued at a price equal to the amount of cash invested in the repurchase agreement, or borrowed in the reverse repurchase agreement, respectively, at the time of valuation.
Bank Loans. Bank loans purchased in the primary market are typically valued at acquisition cost for up to two days, and are then valued using a market quotation from a pricing service or quote from a broker-dealer, or if such quotes are unavailable, fair value. For bank loans trading in the secondary market, prices are obtained from a pricing service and are based upon the average of one or more indicative bids from broker-dealers.
Private Placement Securities. Private placement securities requiring fair valuation are typically valued utilizing prices from broker-dealers or using internal analysis and any issuer-provided financial information.
Foreign Currencies. Foreign currencies, securities denominated in foreign currencies and payables/receivables denominated in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars utilizing spot exchange rates at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Forward foreign currency contracts are valued in U.S. dollars utilizing the applicable forward currency exchange rate as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
For Money Market Funds. In accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, the securities in the portfolio of a money market fund are generally valued at amortized cost if such value is approximately the same as market value or at market value (based on market-based prices); or, if market value is not available, fair value. The amortized cost method of valuation is an approximation of market value determined by systematically increasing the carrying value of a security if acquired at a discount, or reducing the carrying value if acquired at a premium, so that the carrying value is equal to maturity value on the maturity date. Amortized cost does not take into consideration unrealized capital gains or losses.
The Board has established procedures designed to stabilize the Fund’s price per share for purposes of sales and redemptions at $1.00, to the extent that it is reasonably possible to do so. These procedures include review of the Fund’s securities by the Board, at intervals deemed appropriate by it, to determine whether the Fund’s net asset value per share computed by using available market quotations deviates from a share value of $1.00 as computed using the amortized cost method. Deviations are reported to the Board periodically and, if any such deviation exceeds 0.5%, the Board must determine what action, if any, needs to be taken. If the Board determines that a deviation exists that may result in a material dilution or other unfair results for shareholders or investors, the Board must cause the Fund to undertake such remedial action as the Board deems appropriate to eliminate or reduce to the extent reasonably practicable such dilution or unfair results.
Such action may include withholding dividends, calculating net asset value per share for purposes of sales and redemptions using available market quotations, making redemptions in kind, and/or selling securities before maturity in order to realize capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity.
While the amortized cost method provides certainty and consistency in portfolio valuation, it may result in valuations of securities that are either somewhat higher or lower than the prices at which the securities could be sold. This means that during times of declining interest rates the yield on the Fund’s shares may be higher than if valuations of securities were made based on actual market prices and estimates of market prices. Accordingly, if using the amortized cost method were to result in a lower portfolio value, a prospective investor in the Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield than the investor would receive if portfolio valuations were based on actual market values. Existing shareholders, on the other hand, would receive a somewhat lower yield than they would otherwise receive. The opposite would happen during a period of rising interest rates.
Fair Valuation of Portfolio Securities. In the event that (i) market quotations or valuations from other sources are not readily available, such as when trading is halted or securities are not actively traded; (ii) market quotations or valuations from other sources are not reflective of market value (i.e., such prices or values are deemed unreliable in the judgment of the Investment Manager); or (iii) a significant event has been recognized in relation to a security or class of securities that is not reflected in market quotations or valuations from other sources, such as when an event impacting a foreign security occurs after the closing of the security’s foreign exchange but before the closing of the NYSE, a fair value for each such security is determined in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board. The fair value of a security is likely to be different from the quoted or published price and fair value determinations often require significant judgment.
In general, any relevant factors may be taken into account in determining fair value, including but not limited to the following, among others: the fundamental analytical data relating to the security; the value of other financial instruments, including derivative securities traded on other markets or among dealers; trading volumes on markets, exchanges, or among dealers; values of baskets of securities traded on other markets, exchanges, or among dealers; changes in interest rates; observations from financial institutions; government actions or pronouncements; other news events; information as to any transactions or offers
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with respect to the security; price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; nature and expected duration of the event, if any, giving rise to the valuation issue; pricing history; the relative size of the position in the portfolio; internal models; and other relevant information.
With respect to securities traded on foreign markets, relevant factors may include, but not be limited to, the following: the value of foreign securities traded on other foreign markets; ADR and/or GDR trading; closed-end fund trading; foreign currency exchange activity and prices; and the trading of financial products that are tied to baskets of foreign securities, such as certain exchange-traded index funds. A systematic independent fair value pricing service assists in the fair valuation process for foreign securities in order to adjust for possible changes in value that may occur between the close of the foreign exchange and the time at which a Fund’s NAV is determined. Although the use of this service is intended to decrease opportunities for time zone arbitrage transactions, there can be no assurance that it will successfully decrease arbitrage opportunities.
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TAXATION
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Funds’ prospectuses entitled Distributions and Taxes . The prospectuses generally describe the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Funds and their shareholders. This section of the SAI provides additional information concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations, judicial authority, and administrative rulings and practice, all as in effect as of the date of this SAI and all of which are subject to change, including changes with retroactive effect. The following discussion does not address any state, local or foreign tax matters.
The following discussion is generally based on the assumption that the shares of each Fund will be respected as owned by Participating Insurance Companies through their separate accounts, Qualified Plans, and other eligible persons or plans permitted to hold shares of a Fund pursuant to the applicable Treasury Regulations without impairing the ability of the Participating Insurance Company separate accounts to satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code (“Other Eligible Investors”). If this is not the case and shares of a Fund held by separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies are not respected as owned for U.S. federal income tax purposes by those separate accounts, the person(s) determined to own the Fund shares will not be eligible for tax deferral and, instead, will be taxed currently on Fund distributions and on the proceeds of any sale, transfer or redemption of Fund shares under applicable U.S. federal income tax rules that may not be discussed herein.

VP – Core Equity Fund will be treated as an entity disregarded from its owner for federal income tax purposes (a so-called “disregarded entity”). A disregarded entity itself is not subject to U.S. federal income tax nor to any annual tax return filing requirements.
The Trusts have not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the IRS as to the U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the following discussion and the discussions in the prospectuses address only some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Funds. In particular, because Participating Insurance Company separate accounts, Qualified Plans and Other Eligible Investors will be the only shareholders of a Fund, only certain U.S. federal tax aspects of an investment in a Fund are described herein. Holders of VA contracts and VLI policies (together, “Contracts”), Qualified Plan participants, or persons investing through an Other Eligible Investor are urged to consult the Participating Insurance Company, Qualified Plan, or Other Eligible Investor through which their investment is made, as well as to consult their own tax advisors and financial planners, regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund, the application of state, local, or foreign laws, and the effect of any possible changes in applicable tax laws on an investment in a Fund.
Taxation – Funds Intending to Qualify as Regulated Investment Companies
The following sections apply only to the following Funds and their shareholders: VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund, VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund, VP – Cash Management Fund, VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund, VP – Commodity Strategy Fund, VP – DFA International Value Fund, VP – Diversified Bond Fund, VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund, VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund, VP – Emerging Markets Fund, VP – Global Bond Fund, VP – High Yield Bond Fund, VP – Income Opportunities Fund, VP – International Opportunities Fund, VP – Invesco International Growth Fund, VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund, VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund, VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund, VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund, VP – Marsico Growth Fund, VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund, VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund, VP – Select International Equity Fund, VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund, VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund, VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund and VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund (collectively, the “RIC Funds”):
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company
It is intended that each Fund qualify as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1 of the Code. Each Fund will be treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the provisions of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies generally will apply separately to each Fund, even though each Fund is a series of a Trust. Furthermore, each Fund will separately determine its income, gains, losses, and expenses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders under the Code, each Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year generally from (i) dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income attributable to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership, as defined below. In general, for purposes of this 90% gross income requirement, income derived from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent
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such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (generally, defined as a partnership (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that derives less than 90% of its gross income from the qualifying income described in clause (i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes if they meet the passive income requirement under Code section 7704(c)(2). Certain of a Fund’s investments in master limited partnerships (MLPs), if any, may qualify as interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules do not apply to a regulated investment company, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.
Each Fund must also diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year: (i) at least 50% of the fair market value of its total assets consists of (A) cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and (B) other securities, of any one issuer (other than those described in clause (A)) to the extent such securities do not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and are not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets consists of the securities of any one issuer (other than those described in clause (i)(A)), the securities (other than securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
In addition, for purposes of meeting this diversification requirement, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” includes the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership and in the case of a Fund’s investments in loan participations, the Fund shall treat both the financial intermediary and the issuer of the underlying loan as an issuer. The qualifying income and diversification requirements described above may limit the extent to which a Fund can engage in certain derivative transactions, as well as the extent to which it can invest in MLPs and certain commodity-linked ETFs.
In addition, each Fund generally must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for the taxable year, which generally includes its ordinary income and the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income (if any) for the taxable year.
If a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any of the investment company taxable income and net capital gain ( i.e. , the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) it distributes to its shareholders. Each Fund generally intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and its net capital gain. However, no assurance can be given that a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation. Any investment company taxable income or net capital gain retained by a Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates.
If a Fund retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to a tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice mailed within 60 days of the close of the Fund’s taxable year to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of a Fund will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income under clause (i) of the preceding sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.
In determining its net capital gain, including in connection with determining the amount available to support a Capital Gain Dividend (as defined below), its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, a regulated investment company generally may elect to treat part or all of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31 or, if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to such portion of the taxable year) or late-year ordinary loss (generally, the sum of its (i) net ordinary loss from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, if any, and its (ii) other net ordinary loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.
In order to comply with the distribution requirements described above applicable to regulated investment companies, a Fund generally must make the distributions in the same taxable year that it realizes the income and gain, although in certain circumstances, a Fund may make the distributions in the following taxable year in respect of income and gains from the prior taxable year. Shareholders generally are taxed on any distributions from a Fund in the year they are actually distributed. If a Fund declares a distribution to shareholders of record in October, November or December of one calendar year and pays the distribution in January of the following calendar year, however, the Fund and its shareholders will be treated as if the Fund paid the distribution on December 31 of the earlier year.
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If a Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure including by paying a fund-level tax or interest, making additional distributions, or disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or were otherwise to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment under the Code for such year, (i) it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation without any deduction for its distributions to shareholders, and (ii) each Participating Insurance Company separate account invested in the Fund would fail to satisfy the diversification requirements described below (See Taxation – Special Tax Considerations for Separate Accounts of Participating Insurance Companies ), with the result that the Contracts supported by that account may no longer be eligible for tax deferral. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company.
Excise Tax
Amounts not distributed on a timely basis by regulated investment companies in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax at the Fund level. This excise tax, however, is generally inapplicable to any regulated investment company whose sole shareholders are separate accounts of insurance companies funding Contracts, Qualified Plans, Other Eligible Investors, or other regulated investment companies that are also exempt from the excise tax. If a Fund is subject to the excise tax requirements and the Fund fails to distribute by December 31 of each calendar year at least the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for that year (excluding capital gains and losses) and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (adjusted for net ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year (or the last day of the Fund’s taxable year ending in December of that year if the Fund so elects), and any of its ordinary income and capital gain net income from previous years that were not distributed during such years, the Fund will be subject to the excise tax. For these purposes, ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of property that would be taken properly into account after October 31 of a calendar year are generally treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. For purposes of the excise tax, a Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year. Each Fund generally intends to actually distribute or be deemed to have distributed substantially all of its ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, by the end of each calendar year and, thus, expects not to be subject to the excise tax. However, no assurance can be given that a Fund will not be subject to the excise tax.
Capital Loss Carryovers
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a Fund’s net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain limitations, a Fund is able to carry forward a net capital loss from any taxable year to offset its capital gains, if any, realized during a subsequent taxable year.
If a Fund incurs or has incurred net capital losses in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-2010 losses”), those losses will be carried forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration; any such carryover losses will retain their character as short-term or long-term. If a Fund incurred net capital losses in a taxable year beginning on or before December 22, 2010 (“pre-2011 losses”), the Fund is permitted to carry such losses forward for eight taxable years; in the year to which they are carried over, such losses are treated as short-term capital losses that first offset short-term capital gains, and then offset any long-term capital gains. The Fund must use any post 2010-losses, which will not expire, before it uses any pre-2011 losses. This increases the likelihood that pre-2011 losses will expire unused at the conclusion of the eight-year carryover period.
Capital gains that are offset by carried forward capital losses are not subject to fund-level U.S. federal income taxation, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. Accordingly, the Funds do not expect to distribute any such capital gains. The Funds cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses (defined as deductions and ordinary losses in excess of ordinary income).
The total capital loss carryovers below include post-October losses, if applicable.
Fund Total
Capital Loss
Carryovers
Amount Expiring in   Amount not Expiring
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019   Short-term Long-term
For Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
VP – Cash Management Fund $2,534,216 $2,520 $0 $210,492 $2,314,650 $6,554 $0   $0 $0
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund (a) $423 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0   $423 $0
VP – High Yield Bond Fund $87,531,642 $0 $0 $15,274,092 $72,257,550 $0 $0   $0 $0
VP – Income Opportunities Fund $6,367,733 $0 $0 $6,367,733 $0 $0 $0   $0 $0
VP – International Opportunities Fund $57,353,100 $0 $0 $9,160,020 $48,193,080 $0 $0   $0 $0
VP – Select International Equity Fund $114,274,696 $0 $0 $967,669 $113,307,027 $0 $0   $0 $0
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Fund Total
Capital Loss
Carryovers
Amount Expiring in Amount not Expiring
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Short-term Long-term
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund $23,003,298 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $21,829,650 $1,173,648
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund $23,723,085 $0 $0 $0 $6,657,278 $0 $0 $15,164,997 $1,900,810
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund $7,977,168 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $7,977,168 $0
(a) For the period from April 30, 2013 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2013.
Taxation of Fund Investments
In general, realized gains or losses on the sale of securities held by a Fund will be treated as capital gains or losses, and long-term capital gains or losses if the Fund has held or is deemed to have held the securities for more than one year at the time of disposition.
If a Fund purchases a debt obligation with original issue discount (OID) (generally a debt obligation with an issue price less than its stated principal amount, such as a zero-coupon bond), the Fund may be required to annually include in its income a portion of the OID as ordinary income, even though the Fund will not receive cash payments for such discount until maturity or disposition of the obligation, and depending on market conditions and the credit quality of the bond, might not ever receive cash for such discount. OID on tax exempt bonds is generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax (but may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or "AMT").
Inflation-protected bonds generally can be expected to produce OID income as their principal amounts are adjusted upward for inflation. In general, gains recognized on the disposition of (or the receipt of any partial payment of principal on) a debt obligation (including a municipal obligation) purchased by a Fund at a market discount, generally at a price less than its principal amount, will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the portion of market discount which accrued, but was not previously recognized pursuant to an available election, during the term that the Fund held the debt obligation.
A Fund generally will be required to make distributions to shareholders representing the OID or market discount (if an election is made by the Fund to include market discount over the holding period of the applicable debt obligation) on debt securities that is currently includible in income, even though the cash representing such income may not have been received by the Fund, and depending on market conditions and the credit quality of the bond, might not ever be received. Cash to pay such distributions may be obtained from borrowing or from sales proceeds of securities held by a Fund which the Fund otherwise might have continued to hold; obtaining such cash might be disadvantageous for the Fund. In addition, payment-in-kind securities similarly will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though a Fund receives no cash interest payment on the security during the year. A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations (such as high-yield corporate debt securities) may not (and interest paid on debt obligations owned by a Fund that are considered for tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not) be deductible to the issuer, possibly affecting the cash flow of the issuer.
If a Fund invests in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default, special tax issues may exist for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as: (1) whether a Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation and, if so, (2) the amount of market discount the Fund should recognize, (3) when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, (4) when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and (5) how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by a Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Very generally, when a Fund purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity – that is, at a premium – the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond.
If an option granted by a Fund is sold, lapses or is otherwise terminated through a closing transaction, such as a repurchase by the Fund of the option from its holder, the Fund generally will realize a short-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the premium income is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund in the closing transaction, unless the option is subject to section 1256 of the Code, described below. Some capital losses realized by a Fund in the sale, exchange, exercise or other disposition of an option may be deferred if they result from a position that is part of a “straddle,” discussed below. If securities are sold by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a covered call option granted by it, the Fund generally will add the premium received to the sale price of the securities delivered in determining the amount of gain or loss on the sale. If securities are purchased by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option granted by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received from its cost basis in the securities purchased.
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Some regulated futures contracts, foreign currency contracts, and non-equity, listed options that may be used by a Fund will be deemed “Section 1256 contracts.” A Fund will be required to “mark to market” any such contracts held at the end of the taxable year by treating them as if they had been sold on the last day of that year at market value. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss realized on all dispositions of Section 1256 contracts, including deemed dispositions under the “mark-to-market” rule, generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the remaining 40% will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as entirely ordinary income or loss as described below. These provisions may require a Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from the mark-to-market rule and the “60%/40%” rule and may require the Fund to defer the recognition of losses on certain futures contracts, foreign currency contracts, and non-equity options.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by a Fund in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, certain options, futures contracts, forward contracts and similar instruments relating to foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income or loss and may affect the amount and timing of recognition of the Fund’s income. Under future U.S. Treasury Regulations, any such transactions that are not directly related to a Fund’s investments in stock or securities (or its options contracts or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) may have to be limited in order to enable the Fund to satisfy the 90% qualifying income test described above. If the net foreign exchange loss exceeds a Fund’s net investment company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss) for a taxable year, the resulting ordinary loss for such year will not be available as a carryover and thus cannot be deducted by the Fund in future years.
A Fund’s transactions in securities and certain types of derivatives ( e.g. , options, futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements), as well as any of its hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions may be subject to special tax rules, such as the notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash-sale, mark-to-market (“Section 1256”), or short-sale rules, the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, or change the character of the Fund’s income. Rules governing the U.S. federal income tax aspects of certain of these transactions, including certain commodity-linked investments, are in a developing stage and are not entirely clear in certain respects. Accordingly, while each Fund intends to account for such transactions in a manner it deems to be appropriate, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid fund-level tax. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for a Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in certain derivatives or commodity-linked transactions.
If a Fund enters into a “constructive sale” of any appreciated financial position in stock, a partnership interest, or certain debt instruments, the Fund will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and must recognize gain (but not loss) with respect to that position. A constructive sale of an appreciated financial position occurs when a Fund enters into certain offsetting transactions with respect to the same or substantially identical property, including, but not limited to: (i) a short sale; (ii) an offsetting notional principal contract; (iii) a futures or forward contract; or (iv) other transactions identified in future U.S. Treasury Regulations. The character of the gain from constructive sales will depend upon a Fund’s holding period in the appreciated financial position. Losses realized from a sale of a position that was previously the subject of a constructive sale will be recognized when the position is subsequently disposed of. The character of such losses will depend upon a Fund’s holding period in the position beginning with the date the constructive sale was deemed to have occurred and the application of various loss deferral provisions in the Code. Constructive sale treatment does not apply to certain closed transactions, including if such a transaction is closed on or before the 30th day after the close of the Fund’s taxable year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged throughout the 60-day period beginning with the day such transaction was closed.
The amount of long-term capital gain a Fund may recognize from certain derivative transactions with respect to interests in certain pass-through entities is limited under the Code’s constructive ownership rules. The amount of long-term capital gain is limited to the amount of such gain the Fund would have had if the Fund directly invested in the pass-through entity during the term of the derivative contract. Any gain in excess of this amount is treated as ordinary income. An interest charge is imposed on the amount of gain that is treated as ordinary income.
If a Fund receives a payment in lieu of dividends (a “substitute payment”) with respect to securities on loan pursuant to a securities lending transaction, such income will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. A dividends-received deduction is a deduction that may be available to corporate shareholders, subject to limitations and other rules, on Fund distributions attributable to dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations, which, if received directly by the corporate shareholder, would qualify for such a deduction. For eligible corporate shareholders, the dividends-received deduction may be subject to certain reductions, and a distribution by a Fund attributable to dividends of a domestic
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corporation will be eligible for the deduction only if certain holding period and other requirements are met. These requirements are complex; therefore, corporate shareholders of the Funds are urged to consult their own tax advisors and financial planners. Similar consequences may apply to repurchase and other derivative transactions.
A Fund’s transactions in securities and certain types of derivatives (e.g., options, futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements), as well as any of its hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions may be subject to special tax rules, such as the notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash-sale, mark-to-market (“Section 1256”), or short-sale rules, the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund defer losses to the Fund, or change the character of the Fund’s income.
Certain of a Fund’s investments in derivative instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, as well as any of its foreign currency transactions and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund’s book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Rules governing the U.S. federal income tax aspects of derivatives, including swap agreements and certain commodity-linked investments, are in a developing stage and are not entirely clear in certain respects. Accordingly, while each Fund intends to account for such transactions in a manner it deems to be appropriate, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid fund-level tax. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for a Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in certain derivatives or commodity-linked transactions.
Certain of the Funds employ a multi-manager approach in which the Investment Manager and one or more investment subadvisers each provide day-to-day portfolio management for a portion (or “sleeve”) of the Fund’s assets. Due to this multi-manager approach, certain of these Funds’ investments may be more likely to be subject to one or more special tax rules (including, but not limited to, wash sale, constructive sale, short sale, and straddle rules) that may affect the timing, character and/or amount of a Fund’s distributions to shareholders.
Any investment by a Fund in equity securities of a REIT may result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings. Investments in equity securities of a REIT also may require a Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold.
Amounts realized by a Fund from sources within foreign countries ( e.g. , dividends or interest paid on foreign securities) may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries; such taxes would reduce the Fund’s return on those investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
A Fund may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (TMPs). Under an IRS notice, and U.S. Treasury Regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income (including income allocated to the Fund from a REIT, a regulated investment company or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as a Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or certain other tax-exempt entities) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax, and (iv) in the case of a Participating Insurance Company separate account supporting a Contract, cannot be offset by an adjustment to the reserves and thus is currently taxed notwithstanding the more general tax deferral available to Participating Insurance Company separate accounts funding Contracts.
Income of a Fund that would be UBTI if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt shareholder of the Fund. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, 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).
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Some amounts received by a Fund from its investments in MLPs will likely be treated as returns of capital because of accelerated deductions available with respect to the activities of MLPs. On the disposition of an investment in such an MLP, the Fund will likely realize taxable income in excess of economic gain from that asset (or, in later periods, if a Fund does not dispose of the MLP, the Fund will likely realize taxable income in excess of cash flow received by the Fund from the MLP), and the Fund must take such income into account in determining whether the Fund has satisfied its regulated investment company distribution requirements. The Fund may have to borrow or liquidate securities to satisfy its distribution requirements and meet its redemption requests, even though investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for the Fund to borrow money or sell securities at the time. In addition, distributions attributable to gain from the sale of MLPs that are characterized as ordinary income under the Code’s recapture provisions will be taxable to Fund shareholders as ordinary income.
As noted above, certain of the ETFs and MLPs in which a Fund may invest qualify as qualified publicly traded partnerships. In such cases, the net income derived from such investments will constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described earlier for qualification as a regulated investment company. If, however, such a vehicle were to fail to qualify as a qualified publicly traded partnership in a particular year, a Fund’s investment in that vehicle would be treated as an investment in a publicly traded partnership subject to taxation as a corporation, which would reduce the amount of income available for distribution by the vehicle to the Fund, and could adversely affect the Fund’s qualification for the asset diversification test, and thus could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a regulated investment company for a particular year. In addition, as described above, the diversification requirement for regulated investment company qualification will limit a Fund’s investments in one or more vehicles that are qualified publicly traded partnerships to 25% of the Fund’s total assets as of the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year.
“Passive foreign investment companies” (PFICs) are generally defined as foreign corporations where at least 75% of their gross income for their taxable year is income from passive sources (such as certain interest, dividends, rents and royalties, or capital gains) or at least 50% of their assets on average produce or are held for the production of such passive income. If a Fund acquires any equity interest in a PFIC, the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and interest charges on “excess distributions” received from the PFIC or on gain from the sale of such equity interest in the PFIC, even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
Elections may be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections would require a Fund to include its share of the PFIC’s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the PFIC (in the case of a “QEF election”), or to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in its interests in the PFIC “to the market” as though the Fund had sold and repurchased such interests on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year, treating such gains and losses as ordinary income and loss (in the case of a “mark-to-market election”). The QEF and mark-to-market elections may require a Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require a Fund to liquidate other investments prematurely to meet the minimum distribution requirements described above, which also may adversely affect the Fund’s total return. Each Fund may attempt to limit and/or manage its holdings in PFICs to minimize tax liability and/or maximize returns from these investments but there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Moreover, because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation as a PFIC, a Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above in some instances.
A U.S. person, including a Fund, who owns (directly or indirectly) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation is a “U.S. Shareholder” for purposes of the controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) provisions of the Code. Generally, a CFC is a foreign corporation that is owned (directly, indirectly, or constructively) more than 50% (measured by voting power or value) by U.S. Shareholders. The wholly-owned subsidiaries of VP – Commodity Strategy Fund are expected to be CFCs in which the Fund owning the Subsidiary will be a U.S. Shareholder. As a U.S. Shareholder, such a Fund is required to include in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of a CFC’s “subpart F income,” whether or not such income is actually distributed by the CFC. Subpart F income generally includes net gains from the disposition of stocks or securities, receipts with respect to securities loans, net gains from transactions (including futures, forward, and similar transactions) in commodities, and net payments received with respect to equity swaps and similar derivatives. Subpart F income is treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the CFC’s underlying income. Net losses incurred by a CFC during a tax year do not flow through to the Fund and thus will not be available to offset income or capital gain generated from the Fund’s other investments. In addition, net losses incurred by a CFC during a tax year generally cannot be carried forward by the CFC to offset gains realized by it in subsequent taxable years. To the extent the Fund recognizes subpart F income in excess of actual cash distributions from a CFC, the Fund may be required to sell assets (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to generate the cash necessary to distribute as dividends to its shareholders all of its income and gains and therefore to eliminate any tax liability at the Fund level.
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In addition, if any income earned by a Subsidiary were treated as “effectively connected” with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (“effectively connected income” or “ECI”), such income would be subject to both a so-called “branch profits tax” of 30% and a federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. corporations, at the entity level. If, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a Subsidiary were to earn ECI in connection with its direct investment activities, a portion or all of the Subsidiary’s income would be subject to these U.S. taxes. The Fund expects that, in general, the activities of the Subsidiary will be conducted in such a manner that it will not be treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business, but there can be no assurance that the entity will not recognize any effectively connected income. The imposition of U.S. taxes on ECI could significantly reduce shareholders’ returns on their investments in the Fund. The Fund does not expect that income from any Subsidiary will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income. In addition, the Fund does not expect that distributions from any Subsidiary will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
In addition to the investments described above, prospective shareholders should be aware that other investments made by a Fund may involve complex tax rules that may result in income or gain recognition by the Fund without corresponding current cash receipts. Although each Fund seeks to avoid significant noncash income, such noncash income could be recognized by a Fund, in which case the Fund may distribute cash derived from other sources in order to meet the minimum distribution requirements described above. In this regard, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate investments prematurely in order to satisfy its minimum distribution requirements, which may accelerate the recognition of gain and adversely affect the Fund’s total return.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations
Under U.S. Treasury Regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, including a Participating Insurance Company holding separate accounts, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company, such as Participating Insurance Companies that own shares in a Fund through their separate accounts, are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. 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 with their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Taxation – Funds Expecting to Be Treated as Partnerships
The following sections apply only to the following Funds and their shareholders: VP – Aggressive Portfolio, VP – Balanced Fund, VP – Conservative Portfolio, VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund, VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund, VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund, VP – Large Cap Growth Fund, VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund, VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund, VP – MFS Value Fund, VP – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund, VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund, VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund, VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio, VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio, VP – Moderate Portfolio, VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund, VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund, VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund, VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund, VP – S&P 500 Index Fund, VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund, VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund, VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund, VP – U.S. Equities Fund and VP – Victory Established Value Fund (collectively, the “Partnership Funds”):
Fund Status
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each Fund expects to be treated as a partnership and not as an association taxable as a corporation, and does not expect to be a “publicly traded partnership” as defined in Section 7704 of the Code. Each Fund considers itself to be a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, each Fund and its shareholders should not be required to take into account the assets, operations, or shareholders of other series of the Trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes ( e.g. , for purposes of determining possible characterization as a publicly traded partnership). If a Fund were determined to be a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation, (i) it generally would be subject to tax at the Fund level on its earnings and profits at regular corporate income tax rates, and (ii) each Participating Insurance Company separate account invested in the Fund would fail to satisfy the separate diversification requirements described below (See Taxation – Special Tax Considerations for Separate Accounts of Participating Insurance Companies ), with the result that the Contracts supported by that account would no longer be eligible for tax deferral.
As a partnership, a Fund is not itself subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, each shareholder will be required to take into account for U.S. federal income tax purposes its allocable share of a Fund’s income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, and other tax items, without regard to whether such shareholder has received or will receive corresponding distributions from the Fund. Allocations of these tax items, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally will be made in accordance with the economics of the Funds. Such items when allocated to a shareholder will generally retain their character as qualifying for particular tax
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treatment ( e.g., eligibility for dividends-received deduction) when received by a taxable shareholder such as a Participating Insurance Company; this “pass-through” of tax characteristics will generally not affect holders of Contracts funded by a Fund or participants in Qualified Plans investing in a Fund.
Taxation of Fund Investments
Any investment by a Fund in foreign securities may subject the Fund and/or its shareholders (whether or not shareholders receive any distributions with respect to such investments), directly or indirectly, to taxation, including withholding or other taxes on dividends, interest, or capital gains, and/or tax filing obligations in foreign jurisdictions. A Fund and/or its shareholders may otherwise be subject to foreign taxation on repatriation proceeds generated from those securities or to other transaction-based foreign taxes on those securities.
A U.S. person, including a Fund, who owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation is a “U.S. Shareholder” for purposes of the controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) provisions of the Code. A CFC is a foreign corporation that, on any day of its taxable year, is owned (directly, indirectly, or constructively) more than 50% (measured by voting power or value) by U.S. Shareholders. The wholly-owned subsidiary of VP – Commodity Strategy Fund (for purposes of this paragraph, a Fund) is expected to be a CFC in which the Fund will be a U.S. Shareholder. As a U.S. Shareholder, the Fund is required to include in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of a CFC’s “subpart F income,” whether or not such income is actually distributed by the CFC, provided that the foreign corporation has been a CFC for at least 30 uninterrupted days in its taxable year. Subpart F income generally includes interest, OID, dividends, net gains from the disposition of stocks or securities, receipts with respect to securities loans, net gains from transactions (including futures, forward, and similar transactions) in commodities, and net payments received with respect to equity swaps and similar derivatives. Subpart F income is treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the CFC’s underlying income. Net losses incurred by a CFC during a tax year do not flow through to a Fund and thus will not be available to offset income or capital gain generated from a Fund’s other investments. In addition, net losses incurred by a CFC during a tax year generally cannot be carried forward by the CFC to offset gains realized by it in subsequent taxable years.
A Fund may invest in PFICs, which also are subject to special tax rules. Shareholders of a Fund that invests in a CFC, including a Subsidiary, or a PFIC may be subject to special reporting and filing requirements in respect of their indirect investment in such instruments. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors in this regard.
Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have not yet been issued, but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income (including income allocated to a Fund from a pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a partnership, such as the Funds, will be allocated to shareholders of the partnership consistent with their allocation of other items of income, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute UBTI to entities (including a Qualified Plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan, or certain other tax-exempt entities) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, (iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax, and (iv) in the case of a Participating Insurance Company separate account supporting a Contract, cannot be offset by an adjustment to the reserves and thus is currently taxed notwithstanding the more general tax deferral available to Participating Insurance Company separate accounts funding Contracts.
In addition, to the extent that a shareholder has borrowed to finance shares of a Fund or a Fund holds property that constitutes debt-financed property ( e.g., securities purchased on margin), income attributable to such property allocated to a shareholder that is an exempt organization may constitute UBTI. Certain of a Fund’s other investments or activities may also generate UBTI. Furthermore, the IRS may take the position that certain of a Fund’s investments in derivative instruments should be reclassified in a manner that gives rise to UBTI. In addition, reverse repurchase agreements may, under certain conditions, be characterized as secured loans, the proceeds of which could be used to acquire assets that would, therefore, give rise to debt-financed income. If a Fund generates UBTI, a tax-exempt shareholder in the Fund generally would be required to file a tax return and could incur tax liability on such shareholder’s allocable share of that UBTI. Each Fund currently does not expect to leverage its investments.
Qualified Plans and other tax-exempt shareholders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the possible effects of UBTI on their own tax situation as well as the general tax implications of an investment in a Fund.
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U.S. Tax Shelter Rules
A Fund may engage in transactions or make investments that would subject the Fund, its shareholders, and/or its “material advisors,” as defined in Treas. Reg. Sec. 301.6112-1(c)(1), to special rules requiring such transactions or investments by the Fund or investments in the Fund to be reported and/or otherwise disclosed to the IRS, including to the IRS’s Office of Tax Shelter Analysis (the “Tax Shelter Rules”). A transaction may be subject to reporting or disclosure if it is described in any of several categories of “reportable transactions”, which include, among others, transactions that result in the incurrence of a loss or losses exceeding certain thresholds or that are offered under conditions of confidentiality. Although each Fund does not expect to engage in transactions solely or principally for the purpose of achieving a particular tax consequence, there can be no assurance that a Fund will not engage in transactions that trigger the Tax Shelter Rules. In addition, a shareholder may have disclosure obligations with respect to its shares in a Fund if the shareholder (or the Fund in certain cases) participates in a reportable transaction.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors about their obligation to report or disclose to the IRS information about their investment in a Fund and participation in a Fund’s income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit with respect to transactions or investments subject to these rules. In addition, pursuant to these rules, a Fund may provide to its material advisors identifying information about the Fund’s shareholders and their participation in the Fund and the Fund’s income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit from those transactions or investments, and the Fund or its material advisors may disclose this information to the IRS upon its request. Significant penalties may apply for failure to comply with these rules.
In addition, an excise tax and additional disclosure requirements may apply to certain tax-exempt entities that are “parties” to certain types of prohibited tax shelter transactions. Qualified Plans and other tax-exempt shareholders should consult with their tax advisors in this regard.
In certain circumstances, a Fund and/or a Fund’s tax advisor may make special disclosures to the IRS of certain positions taken by the Fund.
Special Tax Considerations for Separate Accounts of Participating Insurance Companies (all Funds except VP – Core Equity Fund)
Under the Code, if the investments of a segregated asset account, such as the separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies, are “adequately diversified,” and certain other requirements are met, a holder of a Contract supported by the account will receive favorable tax treatment in the form of deferral of tax until a distribution is made under the Contract.
In general, the investments of a segregated asset account are considered to be “adequately diversified” only if: (i) no more than 55% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any one investment; (ii) no more than 70% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any two investments; (iii) no more than 80% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any three investments; and (iv) no more than 90% of the value of the total assets of the account is represented by any four investments. Section 817(h) provides as a safe harbor that a segregated asset account is also considered to be “adequately diversified” if it meets the regulated investment company diversification tests described earlier and no more than 55% of the value of the total assets of the account is attributable to cash, cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities, and securities of other regulated investment companies.
In general, all securities of the same issuer are treated as a single investment for such purposes, and each U.S. Government agency and instrumentality is considered a separate issuer. However, Treasury Regulations provide a “look-through rule” with respect to a segregated asset account’s investments in a regulated investment company or partnership for purposes of the applicable diversification requirements, provided certain conditions are satisfied by the regulated investment company or partnership. In particular, (i) if the beneficial interests in the regulated investment company or partnership are held by one or more segregated asset accounts of one or more insurance companies, and (ii) if public access to such regulated investment company or partnership is available exclusively through the purchase of a Contract, then a segregated asset account’s beneficial interest in the regulated investment company or partnership is not treated as a single investment. Instead, a pro rata portion of each asset of the regulated investment company or partnership is treated as an asset of the segregated asset account. Look-through treatment is also available if the two requirements above are met and notwithstanding the fact that beneficial interests in the regulated investment company or partnership are also held by Qualified Plans and Other Eligible Investors. Additionally, to the extent a Fund meeting the above conditions invests in underlying regulated investment companies or partnerships that themselves are owned exclusively by insurance company separate accounts, Qualified Plans, or Other Eligible Investors, the assets of those underlying regulated investment companies or partnerships generally should be treated as assets of the separate accounts investing in the Fund.
As indicated above, the Trust intends that each of the RIC Funds will qualify as a regulated investment company or, in the case of the Partnership Funds, as a partnership that is not a “publicly traded partnership,” under the Code. The Trust also intends to cause each Fund to satisfy the separate diversification requirements imposed by Section 817(h) of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations at all times to enable the corresponding separate accounts to be “adequately diversified.” In addition, the
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Trust intends that each Fund will qualify for the “look-through rule” described above by limiting the investment in each Fund’s shares to Participating Insurance Company separate accounts, Qualified Plans and Other Eligible Investors. Accordingly, the Trust intends that each Participating Insurance Company, through its separate accounts, will be able to treat its interests in a Fund as ownership of a pro rata portion of each asset of the Fund, so that individual holders of the Contracts underlying the separate account will qualify for favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment under the Code. However, no assurance can be made in that regard.
Failure by a Fund to satisfy the Section 817(h) requirements by failing to comply with the “55%-70%-80%-90%” diversification test or the safe harbor described above, or by failing to comply with the “look-through rule,” could cause the Contracts to lose their favorable tax status and require a Contract holder to include currently in ordinary income any income accrued under the Contracts for the current and all prior taxable years. Under certain circumstances described in the applicable Treasury Regulations, inadvertent failure to satisfy the Section 817(h) diversification requirements may be corrected; such a correction would require a payment to the IRS. Any such failure could also result in adverse tax consequences for the Participating Insurance Company issuing the Contracts.
The IRS has indicated that a degree of investor control over the investment options underlying a Contract may interfere with the tax-deferred treatment of such Contracts. The IRS has issued rulings addressing the circumstances in which a Contract holder’s control of the investments of the separate account may cause the holder, rather than the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets held by the separate account. If the holder is considered the owner of the securities underlying the separate account, income and gains produced by those securities would be included currently in the holder’s gross income.
In determining whether an impermissible level of investor control is present, one factor the IRS considers is whether a Fund’s investment strategies are sufficiently broad to prevent a Contract holder from being deemed to be making particular investment decisions through its investment in the separate account. For this purpose, current IRS guidance indicates that typical fund investment strategies, even those with a specific sector or geographical focus, are generally considered sufficiently broad. Most, although not necessarily all, of the Funds have objectives and strategies that are not materially narrower than the investment strategies held not to constitute an impermissible level of investor control in recent IRS rulings (such as large company stocks, international stocks, small company stocks, mortgage-backed securities, money market securities, telecommunications stocks and financial services stocks).
The above discussion addresses only one of several factors that the IRS considers in determining whether a Contract holder has an impermissible level of investor control over a separate account. Contract holders should consult with their Participating Insurance Companies and their own tax advisors, as well as the prospectus relating to their particular Contract, for more information concerning this investor control issue.
In the event that additional rules, regulations or other guidance is issued by the IRS or the Treasury Department concerning this issue, such guidance could affect the treatment of a Fund as described above, including retroactively. In addition, there can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to continue to operate as currently described, or that the Fund will not have to change its investment objective or investment policies in order to prevent, on a prospective basis, any such rules and regulations from causing Contract owners to be considered the owners of the shares of the Fund.
Certain Shareholder Reporting and Withholding Requirements (All Funds)
Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of a Fund could be required to report annually their “financial interest” in the Fund’s “foreign financial accounts,” (if any), on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). Shareholders should consult their intermediaries through which a Fund investment is made (if applicable), as well as their tax advisors to determine the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.
FATCA generally requires a Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA. If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA, a Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on dividends, including Capital Gain Dividends, and the proceeds of the sale, redemption or exchange of Fund shares; depending on the nature of the distribution, such withholding would begin as early as July 1, 2014.
Each prospective investor is urged to consult its tax adviser regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the prospective investor’s own situation, including investments through an intermediary.
Special Considerations for Contract Holders and Plan Participants
The foregoing discussion does not address the tax consequences to Contract holders or Qualified Plan participants of an investment in a Contract or participation in a Qualified Plan. Contract holders investing in a Fund through a Participating Insurance Company separate account, Qualified Plan participants, or persons investing in a Fund through Other Eligible
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Investors are urged to consult with their Participating Insurance Company, Qualified Plan sponsor, or Other Eligible Investor, as applicable, and their own tax advisors, for more information regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund.
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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
Management Ownership
All shares of the Variable Portfolio funds are owned by life insurance companies and Qualified Plans, and are not available for purchase by individuals. Consequently, as of [March 31, 2014] the Trustees and Officers of the Trusts, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of each class of shares of each Fund.
The tables below identify the names, address and ownership percentage of each person who owns of record or is known by the Trusts to own beneficially 5% or more of any class of a Fund’s outstanding shares (Principal Holders) or 25% or more of a Fund’s outstanding shares (Control Persons). A shareholder who beneficially owns more than 25% of a Fund’s shares is presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, and may have a significant impact on matters submitted to a shareholder vote. A shareholder who beneficially owns more than 50% of a Fund’s outstanding shares may be able to approve proposals, or prevent approval of proposals, without regard to votes by other Fund shareholders. Additional information about Control Persons, if any, is provided following the tables. The information provided for each Fund is as of a date no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing a post-effective amendment to the applicable Trust’s registration statement with respect to such Fund.
All the shares of the Funds are held of record by sub-accounts of separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies on behalf of the owners of VLI policies or VA contracts, by Qualified Plans, by the Investment Manager, by the general account of SunLife Insurance Company (SunLife) or by certain other eligible investors. At all meetings of shareholders of the Funds each Participating Insurance Company or Qualified Plan sponsor will vote the shares held of record by sub-accounts of its separate accounts only in accordance with the instructions received from the VLI policy, VA contract owners or Qualified Plan participant on behalf of whom such shares are held. All such shares as to which no instructions are received (as well as, in the case of SunLife, all shares held by its general account) will be voted in the same proportion as shares as to which instructions are received (with SunLife’s general account shares being voted in the proportions determined by instructing owners of SunLife VLI policies or VA contracts). Accordingly, each Participating Insurance Company or Qualified Plan sponsor disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of the Funds held of record by the sub-accounts of its separate accounts (or, in the case of SunLife, its general account).
The information below is as of [March 31, 2014].
Funds with Fiscal Period Ending December 31:
Except as otherwise indicated, the information below is as of March 31, 2014:
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
VP – Balanced Fund RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 93.39% 93.39%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 6.15% N/A
VP – Cash Management Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 48.48% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 28.27% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.49% 55.15%
Class 3 87.52%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 6.96% N/A
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Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.20% N/A
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (U.S.)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 1 11.32% N/A
VP – Commodity Strategy Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.80% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 51.18% 50.77%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 28.85% 28.62%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.97% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 92.79% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.26% N/A
VP – Core Equity Fund RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 1 100.00% 100.00%
VP – Diversified Bond Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.41% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 43.70% 28.49%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 23.12% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.00% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 97.04% 31.94%
Class 3 91.65%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.83% N/A
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Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
VP – Dividend Opportunity Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.46% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.89% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.71% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 37.98% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 27.13% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.13% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 65.06% 34.25%
Class 3 90.38%
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (U.S.)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 26.53% N/A
VP – Emerging Markets Bond Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 60.18% 58.86%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 28.18% 27.57%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.79% N/A
  MIDLAND NATIONAL LIFE INS CO
4350 WESTOWN PKWY
WEST DES MOINES IA 50266-1036
Class 2 19.64% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 76.62% N/A
VP – Emerging Markets Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.64% N/A
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Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.09% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.65% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 38.82% 26.77%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 27.86% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.86% 27.24%
Class 3 87.34%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 7.19% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.23% N/A
VP – Global Bond Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 26.06% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 36.75% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 18.81% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.28% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.36% 34.68%
Class 3 94.25%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.75% N/A
VP – High Yield Bond Fund COLUMBIA MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN AKSHAY RAJPUT
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
Class 1 100.00% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.05% 92.94%
Class 3 92.79%
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Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
VP – Income Opportunities Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP – MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.87% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.22% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 43.64% 30.70%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 20.17% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.34% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 82.09% 26.28%
Class 3 92.90%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 7.73% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.12% N/A
VP – Select International Equity Fund INDEPENDENCE LIFE AND ANNUITY CO
C/O SUN LIFE FINANCIAL
PO BOX 9133
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9133
Class 1 7.25% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 82.75% 89.25%
Class 3 93.06%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 6.74% N/A
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (U.S.)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 1 83.18% N/A
Class 2 14.42%
VP – Large Cap Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.13% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.50% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 196


Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.20% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 37.75% 31.19%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 26.40% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.59% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 55.38% N/A
Class 3 95.81%
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (U.S.)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 35.22% N/A
  SUN LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CO
OF NEW YORK
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 5.51% N/A
VP – Large Core Quantitative Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.55% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 15.27% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.21% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 32.90% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 25.38% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.66% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 97.28% 53.00%
Class 3 91.53%
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 197


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.85% N/A
VP – Limited Duration Credit Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.43% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.50% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 48.51% 48.36%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 19.28% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 14.57% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 93.87% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.06% N/A
VP – Marsico 21st Century Fund HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ATTN DAVID TEN BROECK
P O BOX 2999
HARTFORD CT 06104-2999
Class 1 72.96% N/A
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (US)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 90.93% 85.48%
  SUN LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY
COMPANY OF NEW YORK
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 5.90% N/A
  TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE CO
RETIREMENT BUILDER VARIABLE
ANNUITY ACCOUNT
4333 EDGEWOOD RD NE
ATTN FMD ACCOUNTING
CEDAR RAPIDS IA 52499-0001
Class 1 10.78% N/A
  VARIABLE SEPARATE ACCOUNT OF
ANCHOR NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE CO
2727-A ALLEN PARKWAY, 4-D1
ATTN: VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNTING
HOUSTON TX 77019-2107
Class 1 15.49% N/A
VP – Marsico Focused Equities Fund COLUMBIA MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN AKSHAY RAJPUT
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
Class 2 100.00% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 198


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ATTN DAVID TEN BROECK
P O BOX 2999
HARTFORD CT 06104-2999
Class 1 45.47% 45.46%
  TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE CO
RETIREMENT BUILDER VARIABLE
ANNUITY ACCOUNT
4333 EDGEWOOD RD NE
ATTN FMD ACCOUNTING
CEDAR RAPIDS IA 52499-0001
Class 1 6.40% N/A
  VARIABLE SEPARATE ACCOUNT OF
ANCHOR NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE CO
2727-A ALLEN PARKWAY, 4-D1
ATTN: VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNTING
HOUSTON TX 77019-2107
Class 1 47.17% 47.16%
VP – Marsico Growth Fund GE LIFE & ANNUITY ASSURANCE CO
ATTN VARIABLE ACCOUNTING
6610 W BROAD ST BLDG 3 5TH FL
RICHMOND VA 23230-1702
Class 1 11.81% N/A
  HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ATTN DAVID TEN BROECK
P O BOX 2999
HARTFORD CT 06104-2999
Class 1 8.67% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 1 69.73% 61.34%
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (US)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 91.79% N/A
  SUN LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY
COMPANY OF NEW YORK (NY)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 6.64% N/A
VP – International Opportunities Fund GE LIFE & ANNUITY ASSURANCE CO
ATTN VARIABLE ACCOUNTING
6610 W BROAD ST BLDG 3 5TH FL
RICHMOND VA 23230-1702
Class 2 38.35% 38.35%
  HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ATTN DAVID TEN BROECK
P O BOX 2999
HARTFORD CT 06104-2999
Class 2 12.02% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 31.91% 31.91%
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (US)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 6.64% N/A
VP – MV Moderate Growth Fund RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 91.86% 91.86%
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 199


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.69% N/A
VP – Mid Cap Growth Opportunity Fund HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ATTN UIT OPERATIONS
P O BOX 2999
HARTFORD CT 06104-2999
Class 1 9.32% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.72% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 45.27% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 29.11% N/A
  KANSAS CITY LIFE INS
ATTN ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS-VARIABLE
PO BOX 219139
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9139
Class 2 56.46% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 35.79% 57.64%
Class 3 92.95%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.77% N/A
VP – Mid Cap Value Opportunity Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.03% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.58% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.90% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 39.49% 31.26%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 23.90% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 97.49% N/A
Class 3 94.36%
VP – S&P 500 Index Fund COLUMBIA MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN AKSHAY RAJPUT
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
Class 1 100.00% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 200


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 90.12% 84.85%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.29% N/A
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (U.S.)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 83.40% N/A
  SUN LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CO
OF NEW YORK
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 13.15% N/A
VP – Select Large-Cap Value Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP – MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 17.77% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.81% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.97% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 30.94% 28.48%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 24.69% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 98.04% N/A
Class 3 96.96%
VP – Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund ALLIANZ LIFE
ATTN SCOTT ALLEN
5701 GOLDEN HILLS DR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55416-1297
Class 1 77.47% 31.70%
  KANSAS CITY LIFE INS
ATTN ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS-VARIABLE
PO BOX 219139
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9139
Class 2 10.93% N/A
  MERRILL LYNCH LIFE
VARIABLE ANNUITY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
4333 EDGEWOOD RD NE
CEDAR RAPIDS IA 52499-0001
Class 1 13.45% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 23.63% 47.47%
Class 3 93.95%
  THE UNION CENTRAL LIFE INS CO
LINCOLN NE 68510-2234
Class 2 49.95% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 201


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
VP – Seligman Global Technology Fund GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY
FBO TRILLIUM VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCT
8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
Class 1 78.50% N/A
  GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY
FBO VARIABLE ANNUITY
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
Class 1 14.52% N/A
  GUARDIAN INS & ANNUI
3900 BURGESS PL
BETHLEHEM PA 18017-9097
Class 2 51.55% 39.07%
  GUARDIAN INS & ANNUI
3900 BURGESS PL
BETHLEHEM PA 18017-9097
Class 2 26.31% N/A
  JEFFERSON NATL LIFE
ATTN SEPARATE ACCTS
10350 ORMSBY PARK PL STE 600
LOUISVILLE KY 40223-6175
Class 2 7.78% N/A
VP – U.S. Government Mortgage Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.10% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.20% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 43.32% 38.29%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 19.55% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 15.23% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 20.38% N/A
Class 3 86.17%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 8.14% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 5.26% N/A
  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
OF CANADA (U.S.)
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 63.12% N/A
  SUN LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CO
OF NEW YORK
ATTN ACCOUNTING CONTROL
PO BOX 9134
WELLESLEY HILLS MA 02481-9134
Class 2 10.91% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 202


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
VP – Aggressive Portfolio RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 92.92% 86.21%
Class 4 81.86%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 4 13.04% N/A
VP – American Century Diversified Bond Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.87% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.24% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 49.86% 49.76%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 15.74% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 15.01% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.00% N/A
VP – BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP – MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.59% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 49.37% 44.30%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 18.16% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 13.76% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 93.96% N/A
Class 3 89.82%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 5.95% N/A
Class 3 6.24%
VP – Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.47% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 203


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 15.46% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.65% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 39.68% 38.78%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 19.72% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 95.09% N/A
VP – U.S. Equities Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.23% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.89% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 12.08% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 29.47% 28.81%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 32.90% 32.16%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 97.48% N/A
VP – Conservative Portfolio RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 88.30% 81.59%
Class 4 77.92%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 5.37% N/A
Class 4 16.31%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.28% N/A
Class 4 5.60%
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 204


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
VP – DFA International Value Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.06% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.62% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.07% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 33.17% 33.02%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 32.09% 31.95%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 94.97% N/A
VP – Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 12.66% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.11% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 46.33% 44.38%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 23.68% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.85% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 97.46% N/A
VP – Holland Large Cap Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.77% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.87% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 205


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 41.30% 41.15%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 28.92% 28.81%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.21% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 95.85% N/A
VP – Invesco International Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.03% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.19% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 38.44% 38.27%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 30.98% 30.85%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.00% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 95.18% N/A
VP – J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.98% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.34% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 49.54% 49.47%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 15.90% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 14.73% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 206


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 95.07% N/A
VP – Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP – MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 13.76% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.89% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.58% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 36.55% 36.32%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 22.80% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.02% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 93.81% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.04% N/A
VP – Loomis Sayles Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.01% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.89% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 37.42% 37.31%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 30.56% 30.47%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.18% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.77% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 207


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
VP – MFS Value Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.68% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.35% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.91% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 38.70% 38.54%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 28.27% 28.15%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.45% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.29% N/A
VP – Moderate Portfolio RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 89.51% 83.87%
Class 4 80.83%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 4 13.38% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 5.58% N/A
Class 4 5.62%
VP – Moderately Aggressive Portfolio RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 90.92% 86.12%
Class 4 83.03%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 4 11.52% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 4 5.21% N/A
VP – Moderately Conservative Portfolio RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 89.75% 86.96%
Class 4 85.39%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 4 8.88% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 208


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.01% N/A
Class 4 5.66%
VP – Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.80% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 47.23% 45.30%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 34.78% 33.36%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.04% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.66% N/A
VP – NFJ Dividend Value Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.85% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.51% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.86% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 39.67% 39.52%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 27.96% 27.85%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.58% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 93.97% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 5.92% N/A
VP – Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.11% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 209


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.87% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 38.67% 38.57%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 30.58% 30.51%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.59% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 96.91% N/A
VP – Partners Small Cap Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.94% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 14.63% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.38% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 30.34% 30.19%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 29.92% 29.78%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.16% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 92.81% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.90% N/A
VP – Partners Small Cap Value Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.60% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 210


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 12.51% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.94% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 37.00% 33.07%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 26.48% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.50% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 93.20% N/A
Class 3 78.56%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 16.17% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 6.60% N/A
VP – Pyramis International Equity Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.50% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.65% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 9.63% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 34.01% 33.92%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 30.67% 30.59%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.53% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 94.55% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 211


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 5.26% N/A
VP – Sit Dividend Growth Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.36% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.98% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.64% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 36.13% 34.74%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 26.23% 25.22%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.11% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 95.59% N/A
Class 3 86.59%
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE EXTERNAL
DISTRIBUTION (AEL)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 6.55% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 3 6.71% N/A
VP – TCW Core Plus Bond Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 54.92% 54.78%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 18.03% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 16.58% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 95.62% N/A
VP – Victory Established Value Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 7.14% N/A
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] 212


Table of Contents
Fund Shareholder Name and Address Share Class Percentage
of Class
Percentage of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 11.75% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 10.32% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 42.22% 40.99%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 21.02% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 5.69% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 95.03% N/A
Class 3 95.86%
VP – Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund JPMCB NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-MANAGED VOLATILITY
MODERATE GROWTH FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 6.01% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 8.06% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 46.19% 46.14%
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 22.06% N/A
  JPMCB NA CUST FOR
VP MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
Class 1 15.62% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE ACCOUNT FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 90.02% N/A
  RIVERSOURCE LIFE NY FOR INSIDE
DISTRIBUTION (LIFE OF NY)
222 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0002
Class 2 9.77% N/A
(a) A combination of investments made by the Investment Manager and/or by other Funds managed by the Investment Manager.
The Investment Manager, a Minnesota limited liability company, is a subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Other Columbia Funds managed by the Investment Manager may hold more than 25% of a Fund.
RiverSource Life Account for Inside Distribution (RiverSource Life Insurance Company) is a Minnesota corporation. RiverSource Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) is a Delaware corporation. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial.
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ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company is an Iowa Corporation. ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ING U.S., Inc.
New York Life Insurance & Annuity Corporation is a Delaware Corporation. New York Life Insurance & Annuity Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.
Hartford Life Insurance Company is a Connecticut Corporation. Hartford Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
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INFORMATION REGARDING PENDING AND SETTLED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In December 2005, without admitting or denying the allegations, American Express Financial Corporation (AEFC, which is now known as Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial)) entered into settlement agreements with the SEC and Minnesota Department of Commerce (MDOC) related to market timing activities. As a result, AEFC was censured and ordered to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of certain provisions of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the 1940 Act, and various Minnesota laws. AEFC agreed to pay disgorgement of $10 million and civil money penalties of $7 million. AEFC also agreed to retain an independent distribution consultant to assist in developing a plan for distribution of all disgorgement and civil penalties ordered by the SEC in accordance with various undertakings detailed at http://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/ia-2451.pdf. Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates have cooperated with the SEC and the MDOC in these legal proceedings, and have made regular reports to the Funds’ Board.
Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions, and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Funds are not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds. Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the SEC-on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
There can be no assurance that these matters, or the adverse publicity associated with them, will not result in increased Fund redemptions, reduced sale of Fund shares or other adverse consequences to the Funds. Further, although we believe proceedings are not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds, these proceedings are subject to uncertainties and, as such, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result. An adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other relief that could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of Ameriprise Financial.
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APPENDIX A — DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
The ratings of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch represent their opinions as to quality. These ratings are not absolute standards of quality and are not recommendations to purchase, sell or hold a security. Issuers and issues are subject to risks that are not evaluated by the rating agencies.
S&P’s Debt Ratings
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
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. An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
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.
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.
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.
An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.
An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days – including commercial paper.
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A 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 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.
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A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
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.
A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings
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.
Moody’s Long-Term Debt Ratings
Global Long-Term Rating Scale
Aaa – Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa – Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A – Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa – Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba – Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B – Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa – Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca – Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C – Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Global Short-Term Rating Scale
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 (P-1) have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 (P-2) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 (P-3) have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime (NP) do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
US Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings
While the global short-term ‘prime’ rating scale is applied to U.S. municipal tax-exempt commercial paper, these programs are typically backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities and their short-term prime ratings usually map to the long-term rating of the enhancing bank or financial institution and not to the municipality’s rating. Other short-term municipal obligations, which generally have different funding sources for repayment, are rated using two additional short-term rating scales ( i.e. , the MIG and VMIG scales discussed below).
The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate US municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels — MIG 1 through MIG 3 — while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.
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The MIG 1 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.
The MIG 2 designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
The MIG 3 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.
The SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale, as shown in the diagram below, differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.
The VMIG 1 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.
The VMIG 2 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.
The VMIG 3 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.
The SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Fitch’s Ratings
Corporate Finance Obligations – Long-Term Rating Scales
AAA: Highest credit quality.
‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA: 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 adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB: Good credit quality.
‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB: Speculative.
‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
B: Highly speculative.
‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
CCC: Substantial credit risk.
‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.
CC: Very high levels of credit risk.
‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.
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C: Exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
‘C’ indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned ‘RD’ or ‘D’ ratings, but are instead rated in the ‘B’ to ‘C’ rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers or Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance
F1: Highest short-term credit quality.
Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good short-term credit quality.
Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3: Fair short-term credit quality.
The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B: Speculative short-term credit quality.
Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High short-term default risk.
Default is a real possibility.
RD: Restricted default.
Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
D: Default.
Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
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APPENDIX B — PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
Effective January 1, 2012
Set forth on the following pages are guidelines adopted and used by the Board of the Funds listed on the cover page of the SAI in voting proxies on behalf of the Funds (the Guidelines). The Guidelines are organized by issue and present certain factors that may be considered in making proxy voting determinations. The Board may, in exercising its fiduciary discretion, determine to vote any proxy in a manner contrary to these Guidelines.
Directors, Boards, Committees
Elect Directors
In a routine election of directors, the Board generally votes FOR the slate nominated by the nominating committee of independent directors, who are in the best position to know what qualifications are needed for each director to contribute to an effective board. The Board generally will WITHHOLD support from a nominee who fails to meet one or more of the following criteria:
Independence — A nominee who is deemed an affiliate of the company by virtue of a material business, familial or other relationship with the company but is otherwise not an employee.
Attendance — A nominee who failed to attend at least 75% of the board’s meetings.
Over Boarding — A nominee who serves on more than four other public company boards or an employee director nominee who serves on more than two other public company boards.
Committee Membership — A nominee who has been assigned to the audit, compensation, nominating, or governance committee if that nominee is not independent of management, or if the nominee does not meet the specific independence and experience requirements for audit committees or the independence requirements for compensation committees.
Audit Committee Chair — A nominee who serves as audit committee chair where the committee failed to put forth shareholder proposals for ratification of auditors.
Board Independence — A nominee of a company whose board as proposed to be constituted would have more than one-third of its members from management.
Interlocking Directorship — A nominee who is an executive officer of another company on whose board one of the company’s executive officers sits.
Poor Governance — A nominee involved with options backdating, financial restatements or material weakness in controls, approving egregious compensation, or who has consistently disregarded the interests of shareholders.
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on any director nominee who meets the aforementioned criteria but whose candidacy has otherwise been identified by the third party research provider as needing further consideration for any reason not identified above.
In the case of contested elections, the Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into consideration the above criteria and other factors such as the background of the proxy contest, the performance of the company, current board and management, and qualifications of nominees on both slates.
Shareholder Nominations for Director
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for shareholder-nominated candidates for director, taking into account various factors including, but not limited to: company performance, the circumstances compelling the nomination by the shareholder, composition of the incumbent board, and the criteria listed above the Board uses to evaluate nominees.
Shareholder Nominations for Director — Special Criteria
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which are typically based on the view that board nominating committees are responsible for establishing and implementing policies regarding the composition of the board and are therefore in the best position to make determinations with respect to special nominating criteria.
Director Independence and Committees
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals that require all members of a board’s key committees (audit, compensation, nominating or governance) be independent from management.
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Independent Board Chair/Lead Director
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals supporting an independent board chair or lead director and FOR the separation of the board chair and CEO roles, as independent board leaders foster the effectiveness of the independent directors and ensure appropriate oversight of management.
Removal of Directors
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals that amend governing documents to grant or restore shareholder ability to remove directors with cause, and AGAINST proposals that provide directors may be removed only by supermajority vote. The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals calling for removal of specific directors.
Board Vacancies
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider in the case of vacancies filled by continuing directors, taking into account factors including whether the proposal is in connection with a proxy contest or takeover situation.
Cumulative Voting
In the absence of proxy access rights or majority voting, the Board generally will vote FOR the restoration or provision for cumulative voting and AGAINST its elimination.
Majority Voting
The Board generally will vote FOR amendments to governing documents that provide that nominees standing for election to the board must receive a majority of votes cast in order to be elected to the board.
Number of Directors
The Board generally will vote FOR amendments to governing documents that provide directors the authority to adjust the size of the board to adapt to needs that may arise.
Term Limits
The Board generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking to establish a limit on director terms or mandatory retirement.
General Corporate Governance
Right to Call a Special Meeting
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR adoption, considering factors such as proposed ownership threshold, company size, and shareholder ownership, but will not support proposals allowing for investors with less than 10% ownership to call a special meeting.
Eliminate or Restrict Right to Call Special Meeting
The Board will generally vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate the right of shareholders to call special meetings.
Lead Independent Director Right to Call Special Meeting
The Board will generally vote FOR governance document amendments or other proposals which give the lead independent director the authority to call special meetings of the independent directors at any time.
Adjourn Meeting
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on adjournment proposals and generally in the same direction as the primary proposal ( i.e. , if supporting the primary proposal, favor adjournment; if not supporting the primary proposal, oppose adjournment).
Other Business
The Board generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking to give management the authority to conduct or vote on other business at shareholder meetings on the grounds that shareholders not present at the meeting would be unfairly excluded from such deliberations.
Eliminate or Restrict Action by Written Consent
The Board will generally vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent since it may be appropriate to take such action in some instances.
Vote Unmarked Proxies
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals prohibiting voting of unmarked proxies in favor of management.
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Proxy Contest Advance Notice
The Board generally will vote AGAINST proposals to amend governing documents that require advance notice for shareholder proposals or director nominees beyond notice that allows for sufficient time for company response, SEC review, and analysis by other shareholders.
Minimum Stock Ownership
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals regarding minimum stock ownership levels.
Director and Officer Indemnification
The Board will generally vote FOR the provision of a maximum dollar amount that can be obtained through the course of legal action from a director or officer who acts in good faith and does not benefit from a transaction.
Confidential Voting
The Board generally will vote FOR actions that ensure all proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations which identify shareholders be kept confidential, except where disclosure is mandated by law. The Board supports the proposal to minimize pressure on shareholders, particularly employee shareholders.
Miscellaneous Governing Document Amendments
The Board generally will vote FOR bylaw or charter changes that are of a housekeeping nature ( e.g. , updates or corrections).
Change Company Name
The Board will generally vote FOR routine business matters such as changing the company’s name.
Approve Minutes
The Board will generally vote FOR routine procedural matters such as approving the minutes of a prior meeting.
Change Date/Time/Location of Annual Meeting
The Board will vote in accordance with the recommendation of the third-party research provider on proposals to change the date, time or location of the company’s annual meeting of shareholders.
Approve Annual, Financial and Statutory Reports
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals to approve the annual reports and accounts, financial and statutory reports, provided companies required to comply with U.S. securities laws have included the certifications required by the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
Compensation
Approve or Amend Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR adoption or amendments to omnibus (general) equity compensation plans for employees or non-employee directors if they are reasonable and consistent with industry and country standards, and AGAINST compensation plans that substantially dilute ownership interest in a company, provide participants with excessive awards, or have objectionable structural features.
Approve or Amend Stock Option Plan
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which are typically based on factors including cost, size, and pattern of grants in comparison to peer groups, history of repricing, and grants to senior executives and non-employee directors.
Approve or Amend Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which are typically based on factors including the plan’s cost to shareholders, whether those costs are in line with the company’s peer’s plans, and whether the plan requires shareholder approval within five years.
Approve or Amend Performance-Based 162(m) Compensation Plan
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which are typically based on factors that consider the goal of the plan and in particular the linkage between potential payments to senior executives and the attainment of preset performance-based metrics.
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Approve or Amend Restricted Stock Plan
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which considers such factors as the balance of all equity grants and awards, the term and other restrictions in place for restricted stock.
Stock Option Repricing or Exchanges
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider on matters relating to the repricing of stock options, which are typically based on factors such as whether the amending terms lead to a reduction in shareholder rights, allow the plan to be amended without shareholder approval, or change the terms to the detriment of employee incentives such as excluding a certain class or group of employees. The Board generally will vote FOR proposals to put stock option repricings to a shareholder vote.
Performance-Based Stock Options
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding proposals urging that stock options be performance-based rather than tied to the vagaries of the stock market.
Ban Future Stock Option Grants
The Board generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking to ban or eliminate stock options in equity compensation plans as such an action would preclude the company from offering a balanced compensation program.
Require Stock Retention Period
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requiring senior executives to hold stock obtained by way of a stock option plan for a minimum of three years.
Require Approval of Extraordinary Benefits
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals specifying that companies disclose any extraordinary benefits paid or payable to current or retired senior executives and generally will vote AGAINST proposals requiring shareholder approval of any such extraordinary benefits.
Pay for Performance
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding proposals seeking to align executive compensation with shareholders’ interests.
Say on Pay
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, taking into consideration the company’s pay for performance results and certain elements of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis disclosure.
Executive Severance Agreements
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider on these proposals regarding approval of specific executive severance arrangements in the event of change in control of a company or due to other circumstances.
Approve or Amend Deferred Compensation Plans for Directors
The Board generally will vote FOR approval or amendments to deferred compensation plans for non-employee directors, so that they may defer compensation earned until retirement.
Set Director Compensation
The Board generally will vote AGAINST proposals that seek to limit director compensation or mandate that compensation be paid solely in shares of stock.
Director Retirement Plans
The Board will generally vote AGAINST the adoption or amendment of director retirement plans on the basis that directors should be appropriately compensated while serving and should not view service on a board as a long-term continuing relationship with a company.
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Business Entity and Capitalization
Common or Preferred Stock — Increase in Authorized Shares or Classes
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding proposals to increase authorized shares of common stock or to add a class of common stock, taking into consideration the company’s capital goals that may include stock splits, stock dividends, or financing for acquisitions or general operations. With respect to proposals seeking to increase authorized shares of preferred stock, to add a class of preferred stock, to authorize the directors to set the terms of the preferred stock or to amend the number of votes per share of preferred stock, the Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on the grounds that such actions may be connected to a shareholder rights’ plan that the Board also will consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Common or Preferred Stock – Decrease in Authorized Shares or Classes
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals seeking to decrease authorized shares of common or preferred stock or the elimination of a class of common or preferred stock.
Common Stock — Change in Par Value
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals to change the par value of the common stock, provided that the changes do not cause a diminution in shareholder rights.
Authorize Share Repurchase Program
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals to institute or renew open market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.
Stock Splits
The Board generally will vote FOR stock split proposals on the grounds that they intended to encourage stock ownership of a company.
Private Placements, Conversion of Securities, Issuance of Warrants or Convertible Debentures
The Board will generally vote FOR the issuance of shares for private placements, the conversion of securities from one class to another, and the issuance of warrants or convertible debentures on the grounds that such issuances may be necessary and beneficial for the financial health of the company and may be a low cost source of equity capital. The Board will generally vote AGAINST any such issuance or related action if the proposal would in any way result in new equity holders having superior voting rights, would result in warrants or debentures, when exercised, holding in excess of 20 percent of the currently outstanding voting rights, or if the proposal would in any way diminish the rights of existing shareholders.
Issuance of Equity or Equity-Linked Securities without Subscription Rights (Preemptive Rights)
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals that seek shareholder approval of the issuance of equity, convertible bonds or other equity-linked debt instruments, or to issue shares to satisfy the exercise of such securities that are free of subscription (preemptive) rights on the grounds that companies must retain the ability to issue such securities for purposes of raising capital. The Board generally will vote AGAINST any proposal where dilution exceeds 20 percent of the company’s outstanding capital.
Recapitalization
The Board generally will vote FOR recapitalization plans that combine two or more classes of stock into one class, or that authorize the company to issue new common or preferred stock for such plans. The Board generally will vote AGAINST recapitalization plans that would result in the diminution of rights for existing shareholders.
Merger Agreement
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals seeking approval of a merger or merger agreement and all proposals related to such primary proposals, taking into consideration the particular facts and circumstances of the proposed merger and its potential benefits to existing shareholders.
Going Private
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals that allow listed companies to de-list and terminate registration of their common stock, taking into consideration the cash-out value to shareholders, and weighing the value in continuing as a publicly traded entity.
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Reincorporation
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on reincorporation proposals, taking into consideration whether financial benefits ( e.g. , reduced fees or taxes) likely to accrue to the company as a result of a reincorporation or other change of domicile outweigh any accompanying material diminution of shareholder rights. The Board will generally vote AGAINST the proposal unless the long-term business reasons for doing so are valid. The Board will generally vote FOR proposals to consider reincorporating in the United States if a company left the country for the purpose of avoiding taxes.
Bundled Proposals
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider on “bundled” or otherwise conditioned proposals, which are determined depending on the overall economic effects to shareholders.
Defense Mechanisms
Shareholder Rights’ Plan (Poison Pill)
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding management proposals seeking ratification of a shareholder rights’ plan, including a net operating loss (NOL) shareholder rights’ plan, or stockholder proposals seeking modification or elimination of any existing shareholder rights’ plan.
Supermajority Voting
The Board generally will vote FOR the elimination or material diminution of provisions in company governing documents that require the affirmative vote of a supermajority of shareholders for approval of certain actions, and generally will vote AGAINST the adoption of any supermajority voting clause.
Control Share Acquisition Provisions
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals to opt out of control share acquisition statutes and will generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking approval of control share acquisition provisions in company governing documents on the grounds that such provisions may harm long-term share value by effectively entrenching management. The ability to buy shares should not be constrained by requirements to secure approval of the purchase from other shareholders.
Anti-Greenmail
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals to adopt anti-greenmail governing document amendments or to otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.
Classification of Board of Directors
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals to declassify a board and AGAINST proposals to classify a board, absent special circumstances that would indicate that shareholder interests are better served by voting to the contrary.
Auditors
Ratify or Appoint Auditors
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR ratification or appointment except in situations where there are questions about the relative qualification of the auditors, conflicts of interest, auditor involvement in significant financial restatements, option backdating, material weaknesses in controls, or situations where independence has been compromised.
Prohibit or Limit Auditor’s Non-Audit Services
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which typically recommends votes AGAINST these proposals since it may be necessary or appropriate for auditors to provide a service related to the business of a company and that service will not compromise the auditors’ independence. In addition, Sarbanes-Oxley legislation spells out the types of services that need pre-approval or would compromise independence.
Indemnification of External Auditor
The Board will generally vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify external auditors on the grounds that indemnification agreements may limit pursuit of legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.
Indemnification of Internal Auditor
The Board will generally vote FOR the indemnification of internal auditors, unless the costs associated with the approval are not disclosed.
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] B-6


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Social and Environmental
Disclose Environmental or Social Agenda
Proposals that seek disclosure, often in the form of a report, on items such as military contracts or sales, environmental or conservation initiatives, business relationships with foreign countries, animal welfare or other environmental and social issues, will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal the Board believes the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Board generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Socially Responsible Investing
Proposals that seek to have a company take a position on social or environmental issues will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal the Board believes the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Board generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Prohibit or Disclose Contributions and Lobbying Expenses
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which typically considers the proposal in the context of the company’s current disclosures, Federal and state laws, and whether the proposal is in shareholders’ best interests.
Disclose Prior Government Service
Proposals seeking a company to furnish a list of high-ranking employees who served in any governmental capacity over the last five years will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal the Board believes the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Board generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Change in Operations or Products Manufactured or Sold
Proposals seeking to change the way a company operates (e.g., protect human rights, sexual orientation, stop selling tobacco products, move manufacturing operations to another country, etc.) will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal the Board believes the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Board generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Executive Compensation Report
The Board generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking companies to issue a report on linkages between executive compensation and financial, environmental and social performance on the grounds that executive compensation is a business matter for the company’s board to consider.
Pay Equity
The Board will generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking a cap on the total pay and other compensation of its executive officers to no more than a specified multiple of the pay of the average employee of the company.
Foreign Issues
Foreign Issues — Directors, Boards, Committees
Approve Discharge of Management (Supervisory) Board
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR approval of the board, based on factors including whether there is an unresolved investigation or whether the board has participated in wrongdoing. This is a standard request in Germany and discharge is generally granted unless a shareholder states a specific reason for withholding discharge and intends to take legal action.
Announce Vacancies on Management (Supervisory) Board
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to announce vacancies on the board, as is required under Dutch law.
Approve Director Fees
The Board generally votes in accordance with recommendations made by its third party research provider on proposals seeking approval of director fees.
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] B-7


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Foreign Issues — General Corporate Governance
Digitalization of Certificates
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals seeking shareholder approval to amend a company’s articles of incorporation to eliminate references to share certificates and beneficial owners, and to make other related changes to bring the articles in line with recent regulatory changes for Japanese companies.
Authorize Filing of Required Documents and Other Formalities
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders authorize the holder of a copy of the minutes of the general assembly to accomplish any formalities required by law, as is required in France.
Propose Publications Media
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders approve the designation of a newspaper as the medium to publish the company’s meeting notice, as is common in Chile and other countries.
Clarify Articles of Association or Incorporation
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals seeking shareholder approval of routine housekeeping of the company’s articles, including clarifying items and deleting obsolete items.
Update Articles of Association or Incorporation with Proxy Results
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders approve changes to the company’s articles of association or incorporation to reflect the results of a proxy vote by shareholders, which is a routine proposal in certain country’s proxies.
Conform Articles of Association or Incorporation to Law or Stock Exchange
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to amend the articles of association or incorporation to conform to new requirements in local or national law or rules established by a stock exchange on which its stock is listed.
Authorize Board to Ratify and Execute Approved Resolutions
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to authorize the board to ratify and execute any resolutions approved at the meeting.
Prepare and Approve List of Shareholders
The Board generally votes FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval for the preparation and approval of the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, which is a routine formality in European countries.
Authorize Company to Engage in Transactions with Related Parties
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval for the company, its subsidiaries, and target associated companies to enter into certain transactions with persons who are considered “interested parties” as defined in Chapter 9A of the Listing Manual of the Stock Exchange of Singapore (SES), as the SES related-party transaction rules are fairly comprehensive and provide shareholders with substantial protection against insider trading abuses.
Amend Articles to Lower Quorum Requirement for Special Business
The Board generally will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals seeking to amend the articles to lower the quorum requirement to one-third for special business resolutions at a shareholder meeting, which is common when certain material transactions such as mergers or acquisitions are to be considered by shareholders.
Change Date/Location of Annual Meeting
The Board will vote in accordance with the recommendation of the third-party research provider on proposals to change the date, time or location of the company’s annual meeting of shareholders.
Elect Chairman of the Meeting
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to elect the chairman of the meeting, which is a routine meeting formality in certain European countries.
Authorize New Product Lines
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to amend the company’s articles to allow the company to expand into new lines of business.
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] B-8


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Approve Financial Statements, Directors’ Reports and Auditors’ Reports
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals that request shareholder approval of the financial statements, directors’ reports, and auditors’ reports.
Foreign Issues — Compensation
Approve Retirement Bonuses for Directors/Statutory Auditors
The Board generally will ABSTAIN from voting on proposals requesting shareholder approval for the payment of retirement bonuses to retiring directors and/or statutory auditors, which is a standard request in Japan, because information to justify the proposal is typically insufficient.
Approve Payment to Deceased Director’s/Statutory Auditor’s Family
The Board generally will ABSTAIN from voting on proposals requesting shareholder approval for the payment of a retirement bonus to the family of a deceased director or statutory auditor, which is a standard request in Japan, because information to justify the proposal is typically insufficient.
Foreign Issues — Business Entity, Capitalization
Set or Approve the Dividend
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders approve the dividend rate set by management.
Approve Allocation of Income and Dividends
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders approve a board’s allocation of income for the current fiscal year, as well as the dividend rate.
Approve Scrip (Stock) Dividend Alternative
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders authorize dividend payments in the form of either cash or shares at the discretion of each shareholder, provided the options are financially equal. The Board generally will vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.
Authorize Issuance of Equity or Equity-Linked Securities
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to permit the board to authorize the company to issue convertible bonds or other equity-linked debt instruments or to issue shares to satisfy the exercise of such securities.
Authorize Issuance of Bonds
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval granting the authority to the board to issue bonds or subordinated bonds.
Authorize Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issue or Increase in Par Value
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to increase authorized stock by capitalizing various reserves or retained earnings, which allows shareholders to receive either new shares or a boost in the par value of their shares at no cost.
Increase Issued Capital for Rights Issue
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to increase issued capital in order to offer a rights issue to current registered shareholders, which provides shareholders the option of purchasing additional shares of the company’s stock, often at a discount to market value, and the company will use the proceeds from the issue to provide additional financing.
Board Authority to Repurchase Shares
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting that a board be given the authority to repurchase shares of the company on the open market, with such authority continuing until the next annual meeting.
Authorize Reissuance of Repurchased Shares
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to reissue shares of the company’s stock that had been repurchased by the company at an earlier date.
Approve Payment of Corporate Income Tax
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals seeking approval for the use by a company of its reserves in order to pay corporate taxes, which is common practice in Europe.
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] B-9


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Cancel Pre-Approved Capital Issuance Authority
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders cancel a previously approved authority to issue capital, which may be necessary in Denmark as companies there do not have authorized but unissued capital that they may issue as needed like their counterparts in other countries.
Allotment of Unissued Shares
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting that shareholders give the board the authority to allot or issue unissued shares.
Authority to Allot Shares for Cash
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting that shareholders give the board the ability to allot a set number of authorized but unissued shares for the purpose of employee share schemes and to allot equity securities for cash to persons other than existing shareholders up to a limited aggregate nominal amount (a percentage of the issued share capital of the company).
Foreign Issues – Defense Mechanisms
Authorize Board to Use All Outstanding Capital
The Board will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals requesting shareholders authorize the board, for one year, to use all outstanding capital authorizations in the event that a hostile public tender or exchange offer is made for the company, which is a common anti-takeover measure in France similar to the way U.S. companies use preferred stock.
Foreign Issues — Auditors
Approve Special Auditors’ Report
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals that present shareholders of French companies, as required by French law, with a special auditor’s report that confirms the presence or absence of any outstanding related party transactions. At a minimum, such transactions (with directors or similar parties) must be previously authorized by the board. This part of the French commercial code provides shareholders with a mechanism to ensure an annual review of any outstanding related party transactions.
Appoint Statutory Auditor
The Board generally will vote FOR proposals requesting shareholder approval to appoint the internal statutory auditor, designated as independent internal auditor as required by the revised Japanese Commercial Code.
Foreign Issues — Social and Environmental
Authorize Company to Make EU Political Organization Donations
The Board generally will ABSTAIN from voting on proposals that seek authorization for the company to make EU political organization donations and to incur EU political expenditures.
[___]
Statement of Additional Information – [May 1, 2015] B-10


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PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28. Exhibits

 

(a)(1)

Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective September 11, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(1)), filed on September 28, 2007.

(a)(2)

Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 9, 2008, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(2)), filed on April 21, 2008.

(a)(3)

Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 8, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(3)), filed on April 29, 2009.

(a)(4)

Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 14, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(4)), filed on April 14, 2010.

(a)(5)

Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 6, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(5)), filed on April 29, 2010.

(a)(6)

Amendment No. 6 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective November 11, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(6)), filed on April 29, 2011.

(a)(7)

Amendment No. 7 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 11, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(7)), filed on April 29, 2011.

(a)(8)

Amendment No. 8 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective September 15, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(8)), filed on March 2, 2012.

(a)(9)

Amendment No. 9 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 12, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(9)), filed on March 2, 2012.

(a)(10)

Amendment No. 10 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective June 14, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(10)), filed on April 26, 2013.

(a)(11)

Amendment No. 11 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective September 13, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(11)), filed on April 26, 2013.

(a)(12)

Amendment No. 12 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 16, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(12)), filed on April 26, 2013.

(a)(13)

Amendment No. 13 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 17, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(13)), filed on April 26, 2013.


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(a)(14)

Amendment No. 14 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 11, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (a)(14)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(b)

By-laws, effective September 6, 2007, amended April 25, 2011, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (b)), filed on May 15, 2015.

(c)

Stock Certificate: Not Applicable.

(d)(1)

Investment Management Services Agreement, dated March 1, 2011, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Registrant is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(1)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(d)(2)

Schedule A, as of July 1, 2014, to the Investment Management Services Agreement, dated March 1, 2011, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(2)), filed on August 20, 2014.

(d)(3)

Investment Management Services Agreement, dated April 3, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CVPCSF Offshore Fund, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Variable Portfolio—Commodity Strategy Fund, a series of Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(3)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(4)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and American Century Investment Management, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(4)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(5)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 12, 2004, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly American Express Financial Corporation) and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(5)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(6)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 13, 2012, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(6)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(7)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(7)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(8)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated July 16, 2007, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Denver Investment Advisors LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(8)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(9)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 23, 2011, last amended December 5, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(9)), filed on May 15, 2014.


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(d)(10)

Amendment No. 2, as of June 5, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 23, 2011, amended December 5, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(10)), filed on August 20, 2014.

(d)(11)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 12, 2004, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly American Express Financial Corporation) and Donald Smith & Co., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(10)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(12)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Eaton Vance Management, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(11)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(13)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 16, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Holland Capital Management LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(12)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(14)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Invesco Advisers, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(13)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(15)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(14)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(16)

Amendment No. 1, as of June 17, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(16)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(d)(17)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Jennison Associates LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(15)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(18)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(16)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(19)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and The London Company of Virginia, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(17)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(20)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Massachusetts Financial Services Company, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(18)), filed on May 15, 2014.


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(d)(21)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 15, 2011, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Mondrian Investment Partners Limited, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(19)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(22)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(20)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(23)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and NFJ Investment Group LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(21)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(24)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 13, 2012, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(22)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(25)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(23)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(26)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 11, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and River Road Asset Management, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(23)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(27)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 18, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(27)), filed on August 20, 2014.

(d)(28)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 13, 2012, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Sit Investment Associates, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(25)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(29)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 18, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Snow Capital Management, L.P., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(29)), filed on August 20, 2014.

(d)(30)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and TCW Investment Management Company, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(26)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(31)

Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 11, 2008, last amended January 16, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(27)), filed on May 15, 2014.


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(d)(32)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 19, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Victory Capital Management Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(29)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(33)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Wells Capital Management Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(30)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(d)(34)

Amendment No. 1, as of July 18, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Wells Capital Management Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(34)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(d)(35)

Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 16, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC and Nuveen Investments, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (d)(35)), filed on December 23, 2014.

(e)(1)

Distribution Agreement, dated September 7, 2010, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (e)(1)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(e)(2)

Schedule I, dated April 11, 2014, and Schedule II, dated September 7, 2010, to the Distribution Agreement, dated September 7, 2010, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (e)(2)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(f)

Deferred Compensation Plan, adopted as of December 31, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to Registration Statement No. 333-131683 of Columbia Funds Series Trust II on Form N-1A (Exhibit (f)), filed on February 24, 2012.

(g)(1)

Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (g)(1)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(g)(2)

Addendum (related to Columbia Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Fund, now known as Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund), dated March 9, 2012, and Addendum (related to Columbia Variable Portfolio – Commodity Strategy Fund), dated March 15, 2013, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (g)(2)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(g)(3)

Side letter (related to the China Connect Service on behalf of Columbia Variable Portfolio—Emerging Markets Fund), dated December 19, 2014, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011, is filed herewith as Exhibit (g)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A.

(h)(1)

Administrative Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2011, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to Registration Statement No. 333-131683 of Columbia Funds Series Trust II on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(1)), filed on April 23, 2014.


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(h)(2)

Schedule A and Schedule B, as of April 21, 2014, to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2011, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to Registration Statement No. 333-131683 of Columbia Funds Series Trust II on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(2)), filed on April 23, 2014.

(h)(3)

Administrative Services Agreement, dated April 3, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CVPCSF Offshore Fund, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Variable Portfolio—Commodity Strategy Fund, a series of Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(3)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(h)(4)

Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement, dated September 7, 2010, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(3)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(h)(5)

Schedule A and Schedule B, dated April 17, 2013, to the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement, dated September 7, 2010, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(4)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(h)(6)

Fee Waiver and Expense Cap Agreement, dated April 12, 2012, by and among the Registrant, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to Registration Statement No. 333-131683 of Columbia Funds Series Trust II on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(7)), filed on April 23, 2014.

(h)(7)

Schedule A, as of April 21, 2014, to the Fee Waiver and Expense Cap Agreement, dated April 12, 2012, by and among the Registrant, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to Registration Statement No. 333-131683 of Columbia Funds Series Trust II on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(8)), filed on April 23, 2014.

(h)(8)

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated September 11, 2007, between RiverSource Variable Portfolio Funds, each a series of a Minnesota corporation, and corresponding RiverSource Variable Portfolio Funds, each a series of RiverSource Variable Series Trust, now known as Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, a Massachusetts business trust, and between RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Core Bond Fund, a series of RiverSource Variable Series Trust, and RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Diversified Bond Fund, a series of RiverSource Variable Series Trust, now known as Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(5)), filed on April 21, 2008.

(h)(9)

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated December 20, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(9)), filed on April 29, 2011.

(h)(10)

Agreement and Plan of Redomiciling, dated December 20, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(10)), filed on April 29, 2011.

(h)(11)

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated October 9, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 117 to Registration Statement No. 333-8966 of Columbia Funds Series Trust on Form N-1A (Exhibit (h)(7)), filed on May 30, 2013.


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(i)

Opinion and consent of counsel as to the legality of the securities being registered is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (i)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(j)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP): To be filed by Amendment.

(k)

Omitted Financial Statements: Not Applicable.

(l)

Initial Capital Agreement: Not Applicable.

(m)(1)

Plan of Distribution and Agreement of Distribution , effective May 1, 2009, amended and restated March 7, 2011, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (m)(1)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(m)(2)

Schedule A, dated April 11, 2014, to the Plan of Distribution and Agreement of Distribution, effective May 1, 2009, amended and restated March 7, 2011, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (m)(2)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(n)

Rule 18f – 3(d) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (n)), filed on April 29, 2014.

(p)(1)

Code of Ethics adopted under Rule 17j-1 for Registrant, effective April 14, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(1)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(2)

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and Threadneedle International Ltd Code of Ethics, effective December 8, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 120 to Registration Statement No. 333-131683 of Columbia Funds Series Trust II on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(2)), filed on November 25, 2014.

(p)(3)

American Century Investment Management, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated January 1, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(3)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(4)

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC Code of Ethics, amended December 31, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(4)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(5)

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated July 21, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(5)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(p)(6)

Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC Code of Ethics, effective January 2, 2007, amended February 24, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(6)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(7)

Denver Investment Advisors LLC Code of Ethics, amended, effective June 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(7)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(8)

Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. Code of Ethics, dated March 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(8)), filed on May 15, 2014.


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(p)(9)

Donald Smith & Co., Inc. Code of Ethics, adopted January 1, 2005, revised November 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(9)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(10)

Eaton Vance Management Code of Ethics, effective September 1, 2000, revised December 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(10)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(11)

Holland Capital Management LLC Code of Ethics, revised February, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(11)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(12)

Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated January 1, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(12)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(13)

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. Code of Ethics, effective February 1, 2005, revised May 6, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(13)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(p)(14)

Jennison Associates, LLC Code of Ethics, as amended October 31, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(14)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(15)

The London Company of Virginia Code of Ethics, dated, November, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(15)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(16)

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Code of Ethics, dated January 14, 2010, amended October 16, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(16)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(17)

Massachusetts Financial Services Company Code of Ethics, effective November 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(17)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(18)

Mondrian Investment Partners Limited Code of Ethics, dated January, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(18)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(19)

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. Code of Ethics, dated September 16, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(19)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(20)

NFJ Investment Group LLC Code of Ethics, dated April 1, 2013, Amended May 5, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(20)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(p)(21)

Palisade Capital Management, LLC Code of Ethics, dated February 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(21)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(22)

Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC Code of Ethics, dated 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(22)), filed on May 15, 2014.


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(p)(23)

River Road Asset Management, LLC Code of Ethics, as of January 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(23)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(24)

Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC Code of Ethics, as of July 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(24)), filed on August 20, 2014.

(p)(25)

Sit Investment Associates, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated April 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(24)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(26)

Snow Capital Management L.P. Code of Ethics, as of August 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(26)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(p)(27)

TCW Investment Management Company Code of Ethics, as of December 20, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(25)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(28)

Amendment No. 1 to TCW Investment Management Company Code of Ethics, effective April 4, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(28)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(p)(29)

Victory Capital Management Inc. Code of Ethics, dated August 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(28)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(p)(30)

Wells Capital Management Incorporated Code of Ethics, dated April 24, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(31)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(p)(31)

Winslow Capital Management, LLC. Code of Ethics, dated January 1, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (p)(30)), filed on May 15, 2014.

(q)(1)

Trustees Power of Attorney to sign Amendments to this Registration Statement, dated January 28, 2015, is filed herewith as Exhibit (q)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A.

(q)(2)

Director Power of Attorney to sign Amendments to this Registration Statement for CVPCSF Offshore Fund, Ltd, dated April 10, 2014 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (q)(2)), filed on October 15, 2014.

(q)(3)

Power of Attorney for Joseph F. DiMaria, dated February 16, 2015, is filed herewith as Exhibit (q)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A.

(q)(4)

Power of Attorney for Michael G. Clarke, dated February 16, 2015, is filed herewith as Exhibit (q)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A.

(q)(5)

Power of Attorney for Christopher O. Petersen, dated February 16, 2015, is filed herewith as Exhibit (q)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A.


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Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the investment manager or Columbia Management), as sponsor of the Columbia funds, may make initial capital investments in Columbia funds (seed accounts). Columbia Management also serves as investment manager of certain Columbia funds-of-funds that invest primarily in shares of affiliated funds (the “underlying funds”). Columbia Management does not make initial capital investments or invest in underlying funds for the purpose of exercising control. However, since these ownership interests may be significant, in excess of 25%, such that Columbia Management may be deemed to control certain Columbia funds, procedures have been put in place to assure that public shareholders determine the outcome of all actions taken at shareholder meetings. Specifically, Columbia Management (which votes proxies for the seed accounts) and the Boards of Trustees of the affiliated funds-of-funds (which votes proxies for the affiliated funds-of-funds) vote on each proposal in the same proportion as the vote of the direct public shareholders vote; provided, however, that if there are no direct public shareholders of an underlying fund or if direct public shareholders represent only a minority interest in an underlying fund, the Fund may cast votes in accordance with instructions from the independent members of the Board.

 

Item 30. Indemnification

Article VII of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, provides that no trustee or officer of the Registrant shall be subject to any liability to any person in connection with Registrant property or the affairs of the Registrant, and no trustee shall be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee, investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Registrant or for the act or omission of any other trustee, all as more fully set forth in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is filed as an exhibit to this registration statement. Article 5 of the Registrant’s Bylaws provides that the Registrant shall indemnify and hold harmless its trustees and officers (including persons who serve at the Registrant’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Registrant has any interest) (“Covered Persons”) against liabilities and expenses in connection with the defense or disposition of any proceeding in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved or with which such Covered Person may be or may have been threatened by reason of any alleged act or omission as a trustee or officer or by reason of his or her being or having been such a Covered Person, under specified circumstances, all as more fully set forth in the Bylaws, which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.

Section 17(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) provides that no instrument pursuant to which Registrant is organized or administered shall contain any provision which protects or purports to protect any trustee or officer of Registrant against any liability to Registrant or its shareholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

In accordance with Section 17(h) of the 1940 Act, the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust provides that nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect any trustee or officer against any liabilities to the Registrant or its shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office or position with or on behalf of the Registrant and the Registrant’s Bylaws provides that no Covered Person shall be indemnified against any liability to the Registrant or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person’s office.

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. agrees to indemnify the Registrant, its officers and trustees against claims, demands, liabilities and expenses under specified circumstances, all as more fully set forth in the Registrant’s Distribution Agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.


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The Registrant may be party to other contracts that include indemnification provisions for the benefit of the Registrant’s trustees and officers.

The trustees and officers of the Registrant and the personnel of the Registrant’s investment adviser and principal underwriter are insured under an errors and omissions liability insurance policy. Registrant’s investment adviser, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, maintains investment advisory professional liability insurance to insure it, for the benefit of Registrant and its non-interested trustees, against loss arising out of any effort, omission, or breach of any duty owed to Registrant or any series of Registrant by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant’s organizational instruments or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and, therefore, is unenforceable.

 

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management), the Registrant’s investment adviser, or any subadviser to a series of the Registrant, except as set forth below, are or have been, at any time during the Registrant’s past two fiscal years, engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.

 

(1) Columbia Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., performs investment advisory services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Columbia Management and the directors and principal officers of Columbia Management is also included in the Form ADV filed by Columbia Management with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-25943), which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition to their position with Columbia Management, certain directors and officers of Columbia Management also hold various positions with, and engage in business for, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. or its other subsidiaries. Prior to May 1, 2010, when Ameriprise Financial, Inc. acquired the long-term asset management business of Columbia Management Group, LLC from Bank of America, N.A., certain current directors and officers held various positions with, and engaged in business for, Columbia Management Group, LLC or other direct or indirect subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

 

(2) American Century Investment Management, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of American Century Investment Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by American Century Investment Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of American Century Investment Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of American Century Investment Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by American Century Investment Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-8174), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(3) Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-31237), which is incorporated herein by reference.


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(4) BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-48433), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(5) Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-41391), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6) Denver Investment Advisors LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Denver Investment Advisors LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Denver Investment Advisors LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Denver Investment Advisors LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Denver Investment Advisors LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Denver Investment Advisors LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-47933), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(7) Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. and the directors and principal executive officers of Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-16283), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(8) Donald Smith & Co., Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Donald Smith & Co., Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Donald Smith & Co., Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Donald Smith & Co., Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Donald Smith & Co., Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Donald Smith & Co., Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-10798), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(9) Eaton Vance Management performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Eaton Vance Management is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Eaton Vance Management and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Eaton Vance Management and the directors and principal executive officers of Eaton Vance Management is also included in the Form ADV filed by Eaton Vance Management with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-15930), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(10)

Holland Capital Management LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Holland Capital Management LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Holland


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  Capital Management LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Holland Capital Management LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Holland Capital Management LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Holland Capital Management LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-38709), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(11) Invesco Advisers, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Invesco Advisers, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Invesco Advisers, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Invesco Advisers Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Invesco Advisers, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-33949), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(12) J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-21011), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13) Jennison Associates LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Jennison Associates LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Jennison Associates LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Jennison Associates LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Jennison Associates LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Jennison Associates LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-5608), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(14) The London Company of Virginia performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of The London Company of Virginia is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by London Company of Virginia and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of The London Company of Virginia and the directors and principal executive officers of The London Company of Virginia is also included in the Form ADV filed by The London Company of Virginia with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-46604), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(15) Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. and the directors and principal executive officers of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.is also included in the Form ADV filed by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-170), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(16) Massachusetts Financial Services Company performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Massachusetts Financial Services Company is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Massachusetts Financial Services Company and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Massachusetts Financial Services Company and the directors and principal executive officers of Massachusetts Financial Services Company is also included in the Form ADV filed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-17352), which is incorporated herein by reference.


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(17) Mondrian Investment Partners Limited performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Mondrian Investment Partners Limited is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Mondrian Investment Partners Limited and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Mondrian Investment Partners Limited and the directors and principal executive officers of Mondrian Investment Partners Limited is also included in the Form ADV filed by Mondrian Investment Partners Limited with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-37702), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(18) Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-15757), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(19) NFJ Investment Group LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of NFJ Investment Group LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by NFJ Investment Group LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of NFJ Investment Group LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of NFJ Investment Group LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by NFJ Investment Group LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-47940), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(20) Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C. and the directors and principal executive officers of Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-48401), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(21) Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-63658), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(22) River Road Asset Management, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of River Road Asset Management, LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by River Road Asset Management, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of River Road Asset Management, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of River Road Asset Management, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by River Road Asset Management, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-64175), which is incorporated herein by reference.


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(23) Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Segall Bryan & Hamill LLC is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-47232), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(24) Sit Investment Associates, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Sit Investment Associates, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Sit Investment Associates, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Sit Investment Associates, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Sit Investment Associates, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Sit Investment Associates, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-16350), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(25) Snow Capital Management L.P. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Snow Capital Management L.P. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Snow Capital Management L.P. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Snow Capital Management L.P. and the directors and principal executive officers of Snow Capital Management L.P. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Snow Capital Management L.P. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-34451), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(26) TCW Investment Management Company performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of TCW Investment Management Company is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by TCW Investment Management Company and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of TCW Investment Management Company and the directors and principal executive officers of TCW Investment Management Company is also included in the Form ADV filed by TCW Investment Management Company with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-29075), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(27) Threadneedle International Limited performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Threadneedle International Limited is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Threadneedle International Limited and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Threadneedle International Limited and the directors and principal executive officers of Threadneedle International Limited is also included in the Form ADV filed by Threadneedle International Limited with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-63196), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(28) Victory Capital Management Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Victory Capital Management Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Victory Capital Management Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Victory Capital Management Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Victory Capital Management Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Victory Capital Management Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-46878), which is incorporated herein by reference.


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(29) Wells Capital Management Incorporated performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Wells Capital Management Incorporated is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Wells Capital Management Incorporated and the directors and principal executive officers of Wells Capital Management Incorporated is also included in the Form ADV filed by Wells Capital Management Incorporated with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-21122), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(30) Winslow Capital Management, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Winslow Capital Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Winslow Capital Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Winslow Capital Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Winslow Capital Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Winslow Capital Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-41316), which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriter

 

(a) Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies, including the Registrant:

Columbia Acorn Trust; Columbia Funds Series Trust; Columbia Funds Series Trust I; Columbia Funds Series Trust II; Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II; Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust; Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust I and Wanger Advisors Trust.

 

(b) As to each director, principal officer or partner of Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

 

Name and Principal Business

Address*

  

Position and Offices

with Principal Underwriter

  

Positions and Offices

with Registrant

William F. Truscott

   Chief Executive Officer    Board Member, Senior Vice President

Joseph Kringdon

   President and Head of Intermediary Distribution    None

Amy Unckless

   Managing Director, Head of Private Wealth Management and Investment Only    None

Jeffrey F. Peters

   Managing Director and Head of Global Institutional Distribution    None

Dave K. Stewart

   Chief Financial Officer    None

Scott R. Plummer

   Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Head of Global Asset Management Legal and Assistant Secretary    None

Stephen O. Buff

   Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer    None


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Hector DeMarchena

Vice President – Institutional Asset Management Product Administration and Assistant Treasurer None

Joe Feloney

Vice President – National Sales Manager – U.S. Trust/Private Wealth Management None

Thomas A. Jones

Vice President and head of Strategic Relations None

Gary Rawdon

Vice President – Sales Governance and Administration None

Thomas R. Moore

Secretary None

Michael E. DeFao

Vice President and Assistant Secretary Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Paul B. Goucher

Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Senior Vice President,

Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary

Tara W. Tilbury

Vice President and Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary

Nancy W. LeDonne

Vice President and Assistant Secretary None

Ryan C. Larrenaga

Vice President and Assistant Secretary Vice President and Secretary

Joseph L. D’Alessandro

Vice President and Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary

Christopher O. Petersen

Vice President and Assistant Secretary President and Principal Executive Officer

Eric T. Brandt

Vice President and Assistant Secretary None

James L. Hamalainen

Treasurer None

Ken Murphy

Anti-Money Laundering Officer None

Kevin Wasp

Ombudsman None

Lee Faria

Conflicts Officer None

 

* The principal business address of Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. is 225 Franklin Street, Boston MA 02110.

 

(c) Not Applicable.

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder include:

 

    Fund headquarters, 901 Marquette Avenue South, Suite 2810, Minneapolis, MN 55402;

 

    Registrant’s investment adviser and administrator, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, American Century Investment Management, Inc., 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111;


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    Registrant’s subadviser, Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, 2200 Ross Avenue, 31 st Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., 55 East 52 nd Street, New York, New York 10055;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Columbia Wanger Asset Management LLC, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Denver Investment Advisors LLC, 1225 17 th Street, 26 th Floor, Denver, Colorado 80202;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P., 6300 Bee Cave Road, Building One, Austin, Texas 78746;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Donald Smith & Co., Inc., 152 West 57 th Street, 22 nd Floor, New York, New York 10019;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Eaton Vance Management, Two International Place Boston, Massachusetts 02110;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Holland Capital Management LLC, 303 W. Madison Ave., Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60606;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Invesco Advisers, Inc., 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Jennison Associates LLC, 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P., One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, The London Company of Virginia, 1801 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, Virginia 23226;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, 111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02199;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Mondrian Investment Partners Limited, 10 Gresham Street, 5 th Floor, London, United Kingdom EC2V7JD;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, NFJ Investment Group LLC, 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75201;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C., One Bridge Plaza North, Suite 695, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, River Road Asset Management, LLC, 462 South Fourth Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, Kentucky 40202;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Segall Bryan & Hamill LLC, 10 S Wacker Drive, Suite 3500, Chicago, Illinois 60606;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Sit Investment Associates, Inc., 3300 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Snow Capital Management L.P., 2000 Georgetowne Drive, Suite 200, Sewickley, Pennsylvania 15143;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, TCW Investment Management Company, 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser Threadneedle International Limited, 60 St. Mary Axe, London EC3A 8JQ, England;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Victory Capital Management Inc., 4900 Tiedeman Road, 4 th Floor, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Wells Capital Management Inc., 525 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94105;

 

    Registrant’s subadviser, Winslow Capital Management, LLC, 4720 IDS Tower, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402;

 

    Former subadviser, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, Arizona 85706;

 

    Former subadviser, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282;

 

    Former subadviser, Marsico Capital Management, LLC, 1200 17 th Street, Suite 1600, Denver, Colorado 80202;


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    Former subadviser, Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, 840 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660;

 

    Former subadviser Turner Investments, L.P., 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312;

 

    Registrant’s principal underwriter, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;

 

    Registrant’s transfer agent, Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110; and

 

    Registrant’s custodian, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, NY 10005.

In addition, Iron Mountain Records Management is an off-site storage facility housing historical records that are no longer required to be maintained on-site. Records stored at this facility include various trading and accounting records, as well as other miscellaneous records. The address for Iron Mountain Records Management is 920 & 950 Apollo Road, Eagan, MN 55121.

 

Item 34. Management Services

Not Applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings

Not Applicable.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II, has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Boston, and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 20 th day of February, 2015.

 

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II

By:

 

/s/ Christopher O. Petersen

 

Christopher O. Petersen

President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 20 th day of February, 2015.

 

Signature    Capacity    Signature    Capacity

/s/ Christopher O. Petersen

    Christopher O. Petersen

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

/s/ William A. Hawkins *

    William A. Hawkins

   Trustee

/s/ Michael G. Clarke

    Michael G. Clarke

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  

/s/ R. Glenn Hilliard *

    R. Glenn Hilliard

   Trustee

/s/ Joseph F. DiMaria

    Joseph F. DiMaria

  

Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

  

/s/ Catherine James Paglia*

    Catherine James Paglia

   Trustee

/s/ William P. Carmichael*

    William P. Carmichael

   Chair of the Board   

/s/ Leroy C. Richie*

    Leroy C. Richie

   Trustee

/s/ Kathleen A. Blatz*

    Kathleen A. Blatz

   Trustee   

/s/ Anthony M. Santomero*

    Anthony M. Santomero

   Trustee

/s/ Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.*

    Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.

   Trustee   

/s/ Minor M. Shaw*

    Minor M. Shaw

   Trustee

/s/ Pamela G. Carlton*

    Pamela G. Carlton

   Trustee   

/s/ Alison Taunton-Rigby*

    Alison Taunton-Rigby

   Trustee

/s/ Patricia M. Flynn*

    Patricia M. Flynn

   Trustee   

/s/ William F. Truscott*

    William F. Truscott

   Trustee

 

*        By:

 

/s/ Ryan C. Larrenaga

 

Name: Ryan C. Larrenaga**

              Attorney-in-fact

 

** Executed by Ryan C. Larrenaga pursuant to Trustees Power of Attorney, dated January 28, 2015, filed herewith as Exhibit (q)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374, of the Registrant on Form N-1A.


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Exhibit Index

 

(g)(3) Side letter (related to the China Connect Service on behalf of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Emerging Markets Fund), dated December 19, 2014, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011.
(q)(1) Trustees Power of Attorney to sign Amendments to this Registration Statement, dated January 28, 2015.
(q)(3)     Power of Attorney for Joseph F. DiMaria, dated February 16, 2015.
(q)(4) Power of Attorney for Michael G. Clarke, dated February 16, 2015.
(q)(5) Power of Attorney for Christopher O. Petersen, dated February 16, 2015.

 

LOGO

December 19, 2014        

Amy Johnson

Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer

Columbia Management Investment Advisers

9546 Ameriprise Financial Center

Minneapolis, MN 55474

RE: China Connect Service on behalf of each Registrant listed in Schedule A hereto, on behalf of itself and each of the Funds lists under its name on Schedule A hereto

Dear Amy:

This letter relates to your interest in participating in the China Connect Service (as defined by the Rules of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (“SEHK”)) through your relationships with J.P. Morgan’s global custody business (“J.P. Morgan Custody”) pursuant to your global custody agreement dated March 7, 2011 with us (“Custody Agreement”) and your applicable J.P. Morgan broker-dealer and its affiliates (including the SEHK exchange participant J.P. Morgan Broking (Hong Kong) Limited) (“J.P. Morgan Broker”). As a result, J.P. Morgan is able to facilitate a coordinated settlement process (“coordinated brokerage and custody model”) to safekeep your China Connect Securities (as defined by the Rules of SEHK) and handle trade settlements via J.P. Morgan Broking (Hong Kong) Limited.

By choosing to avail yourself of the coordinated brokerage and custody model, you hereby agree that this letter supplements the Custody Agreement in relation to your trading in China Connect Securities:

1. Disclosure - for stock positions held under the coordinated brokerage and custody model, you authorise J.P. Morgan Custody to disclose information on available China Connect Securities positions to J.P. Morgan Broker prior to the execution of any sale order from you to ensure you have sufficient stock available to sell.

2. Delivery of Stock – J.P. Morgan Custody shall perform instruction matching and subsequent investigation and escalation with J.P. Morgan Broker where any discrepancy is identified between the settlement instruction received and the trade execution to ensure appropriate resolution. Nevertheless, for sale orders executed under the China Connect Service, J.P. Morgan Broker is obligated to deliver securities out of the appropriate CCASS account with Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (“HKSCC”) on trade date to satisfy its Continuous Net Settlement obligation due to HKSCC, even in the event that J.P. Morgan Custody has not received corresponding instructions from you or an alternative settlement date was agreed between you and J.P. Morgan as broker.

Lisa Zippelius | Vice President | J.P. Morgan | 383 Madison Avenue—11th Fl, New York, NY 10179 | T: 212 622 0650 | lisa.zippelius@jpmorgan.com | jpmorgan.com


LOGO

 

With respect to the settlement and custody of China Connect Securities in any of your securities accounts that is or will be opened pursuant to the Custody Agreement, you acknowledge and undertake that you have familiarized yourself with, and fully understand, the rules, regulations, policies or guidelines applicable to China Connect Service and have satisfied yourself as to your eligibility to participate and the resultant implications in connection with participating and trading in China Connect Securities.

The China Connect Service raises a number of investment consideration with which you will need to be familiar. Certain of these considerations are listed in market materials that we will provide you separately and in a supplement to our 17f-7 assessment of the HKSCC.

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter to reflect your understanding of, and agreement to, the above.

Very truly yours

 

/s/ Lisa Zippelius

Relationship Manager

Lisa Zippelius

Vice President

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

EACH REGISTRANT LISTED ON SCHEDULE A

HERETO, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH

OF THE FUNDS LISTED UNDER ITS NAME ON

SCHEDULE A HERETO

 

/s/ Amy K. Johnson

By:

Amy K. Johnson

Title: Managing Director

 

 

Lisa Zippelius | Vice President | J.P. Morgan | 383 Madison Avenue - 11th Fl, New York, NY 10179 | T: 212 622 0650 |

lisa.zippelius@jpmorgan.com | jpmorgan.com


LOGO

 

Schedule A

Columbia Funds Series Trust

Columbia Overseas Value Fund – China Connect (P12934/76569)

Columbia International Value Fund – China Connect (P12899/76591)

Columbia Funds Series Trust I

Columbia Emerging Markets Fund – China Connect (P12889/76543)

Columbia Greater China Fund – China Connect (P12891/76545)

Columbia Pacific/Asia Fund – China Connect (P12935/76570)

Columbia Funds Series Trust II

Columbia Global Opportunities Fund – China Connect (P10215/52346)

Columbia Global Opportunities Fund – China Connect (P01045/52302)

Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II

Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Fund – China Connect (P01022/52292)

 

Lisa Zippelius | Vice President | J.P. Morgan | 383 Madison Avenue - 11th Fl, New York, NY 10179 | T: 212 622 0650 |

lisa.zippelius@jpmorgan.com | jpmorgan.com

COLUMBIA FUNDS MASTER INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST I

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA ETF TRUST

(each a “Registrant”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each of the undersigned, as trustees of the above listed investment companies that previously have filed registration statements and amendments thereto pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, constitutes and appoints Michael G. Clarke, Joseph F. DiMaria, Scott R. Plummer, Christopher O. Petersen, Paul B. Goucher, Michael E. DeFao, Ryan C. Larrenaga, Joseph L. D’Alessandro, Megan E. Garcy, Robert M. Kurucza and George M. Silfen, each individually, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent (each an “Attorney-in-Fact”) with power of substitution or resubstitution, in any and all capacities, including without limitation in the undersigned’s capacity as a trustee of each Registrant, in the furtherance of the business and affairs of each Registrant: (i) to execute any and all instruments which said Attorney-in-Fact may deem necessary or advisable or which may be required to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (together the “Acts”) and any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in respect thereof, in connection with the filing and effectiveness of each Registrant’s Registration Statement regarding the registration of each Registrant or its shares of beneficial interest, and any and all amendments thereto, including without limitation any reports, forms or other filings required by the Acts or any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the SEC; and (ii) to execute any and all federal, state or foreign regulatory or other required filings, including all applications with regulatory authorities, state charter or organizational documents and any amendments or supplements thereto, to be executed by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, each Registrant. The undersigned hereby grants to each Attorney-in-Fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing contemplated above, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that said Attorneys-in-Fact, individually or collectively, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked with respect to any undersigned trustee by any subsequent power of attorney the undersigned may execute unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically refers to this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior general powers of attorney or all prior powers of attorney (and unless otherwise required by a provision of law that cannot be waived). This Power of Attorney shall terminate automatically with respect to a Registrant if the undersigned ceases to hold the above-referenced office of the Registrant.

Dated the 28 th day of January, 2015.


/s/ William P. Carmichael

Chair of the Board

/s/ Catherine James Paglia

Trustee
William P. Carmichael Catherine James Paglia

/s/ Kathleen A. Blatz

Trustee

/s/ Leroy C. Richie

Trustee
Kathleen A. Blatz Leroy C. Richie

/s/ Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.

Trustee

/s/ Anthony M. Santomero

Trustee
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. Anthony M. Santomero

/s/ Pamela G. Carlton

Trustee

/s/ Minor M. Shaw

Trustee
Pamela G. Carlton Minor M. Shaw

/s/ Patricia M. Flynn

Trustee

/s/ Alison Taunton-Rigby

Trustee
Patricia M. Flynn Alison Taunton-Rigby

/s/ William A. Hawkins

Trustee

/s/ William F. Truscott

Trustee
William A. Hawkins William F. Truscott

/s/ R. Glenn Hilliard

Trustee
R. Glenn Hilliard

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST I

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST I

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA FUNDS MASTER INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC

(each a “Registrant”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned does hereby constitute and appoint Michael G. Clarke, Joseph L. D’Alessandro, Paul B. Goucher, Ryan C. Larrenaga, Christopher O. Petersen, Scott R. Plummer, Michael E. DeFao and Megan E. Garcy, each individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent (each an “Attorney-in-Fact”) with power of substitution or resubstitution, in any and all capacities, including without limitation in the undersigned’s capacity as Vice President and/or Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) of each Registrant, in the furtherance of the business and affairs of each Registrant: (i) to execute any and all instruments which said Attorney-in-Fact may deem necessary or advisable or which may be required to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (together the “Acts”) and any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in respect thereof, in connection with the filing and effectiveness of each Registrant’s Registration Statement regarding the registration of each Registrant or its shares of beneficial interest, and any and all amendments thereto, including without limitation any reports, forms or other filings required by the Acts or any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the SEC; and (ii) to execute any and all federal, state or foreign regulatory or other required filings, including all applications with regulatory authorities, state charter or organizational documents and any amendments or supplements thereto, to be executed by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, each Registrant. The undersigned hereby grants to each Attorney-in-Fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing contemplated above, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that said Attorneys-in-Fact, individually or collectively, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically refers to this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior general powers of attorney or all prior powers of attorney (and unless otherwise required by a provision of law that cannot be waived). This Power of Attorney shall terminate automatically with respect to a Registrant if the undersigned ceases to hold the above-referenced office of the Registrant.

Dated: February 16, 2015

 

/s/ Joseph F. DiMaria

Joseph F. DiMaria

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST I

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST I

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA FUNDS MASTER INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC

(each a “Registrant”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned does hereby constitute and appoint Joseph L. D’Alessandro, Joseph F. DiMaria, Paul B. Goucher, Ryan C. Larrenaga, Christopher O. Petersen, Scott R. Plummer, Michael E. DeFao and Megan E. Garcy, each individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent (each an “Attorney-in-Fact”) with power of substitution or resubstitution, in any and all capacities, including without limitation in the undersigned’s capacity as Treasurer and/or Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of each Registrant, in the furtherance of the business and affairs of each Registrant: (i) to execute any and all instruments which said Attorney-in-Fact may deem necessary or advisable or which may be required to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (together the “Acts”) and any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in respect thereof, in connection with the filing and effectiveness of each Registrant’s Registration Statement regarding the registration of each Registrant or its shares of beneficial interest, and any and all amendments thereto, including without limitation any reports, forms or other filings required by the Acts or any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the SEC; and (ii) to execute any and all federal, state or foreign regulatory or other required filings, including all applications with regulatory authorities, state charter or organizational documents and any amendments or supplements thereto, to be executed by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, each Registrant. The undersigned hereby grants to each Attorney-in-Fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing contemplated above, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that said Attorneys-in-Fact, individually or collectively, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically refers to this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior general powers of attorney or all prior powers of attorney (and unless otherwise required by a provision of law that cannot be waived). This Power of Attorney shall terminate automatically with respect to a Registrant if the undersigned ceases to hold the above-referenced office of the Registrant.

Dated: February 16, 2015

 

/s/ Michael G. Clarke

Michael G. Clarke

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST I

COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST I

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II

COLUMBIA FUNDS MASTER INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC

(each a “Registrant”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned does hereby constitute and appoint Michael G. Clarke, Joseph L. D’Alessandro, Joseph F. DiMaria, Paul B. Goucher, Ryan C. Larrenaga, Scott R. Plummer, Michael E. DeFao and Megan E. Garcy, each individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent (each an “Attorney-in-Fact”) with power of substitution or resubstitution, in any and all capacities, including without limitation in the undersigned’s capacity as President (Principal Executive Officer) of each Registrant, in the furtherance of the business and affairs of each Registrant: (i) to execute any and all instruments which said Attorney-in-Fact may deem necessary or advisable or which may be required to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (together the “Acts”) and any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in respect thereof, in connection with the filing and effectiveness of each Registrant’s Registration Statement regarding the registration of each Registrant or its shares of beneficial interest, and any and all amendments thereto, including without limitation any reports, forms or other filings required by the Acts or any other applicable federal securities laws, or rules, regulations or requirements of the SEC; and (ii) to execute any and all federal, state or foreign regulatory or other required filings, including all applications with regulatory authorities, state charter or organizational documents and any amendments or supplements thereto, to be executed by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, each Registrant. The undersigned hereby grants to each Attorney-in-Fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing contemplated above, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that said Attorneys-in-Fact, individually or collectively, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically refers to this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior general powers of attorney or all prior powers of attorney (and unless otherwise required by a provision of law that cannot be waived). This Power of Attorney shall terminate automatically with respect to a Registrant if the undersigned ceases to hold the above-referenced office of the Registrant.

Dated: February 16, 2015

 

/s/ Christopher O. Petersen

Christopher O. Petersen