As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2015
1933 Act File No. 333-30810
1940 Act File No. 811-09819
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | x | |||
Post-Effective Amendment No. 151 | x |
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | x |
Amendment No. 152
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
P.O. Box 5049, Boston, Massachusetts 02206
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(617) 662-1742
(Registrants Telephone Number)
David James, Secretary
State Street Bank and Trust Company
100 Huntington Avenue, 3 rd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Timothy W. Diggins, Esq.
Ropes & Gray LLP
800 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-3600
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
¨ | Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
x | On October 1, 2015 pursuant to paragraph (b) |
¨ | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
¨ | On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485. |
¨ | 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. |
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
STATE STREET 60 DAY MONEY MARKET FUND
Institutional Class (CCDXX)
Administration Class (CCEXX)
Investment Class (CCHXX)
Investor Class (CCJXX)
Premier Class (CCKXX)
Prospectus Dated October 1, 2015
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE FUND IS A FLOATING NET ASSET VALUE MONEY MARKET FUND. THE SHARE PRICE OF THE FUND WILL FLUCTUATE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND.
THE FUND MAY OFFER MULTIPLE CLASSES OF SHARES. THIS PROSPECTUS. COVERS ONLY THE INSTITUTIONAL CLASS, ADMINISTRATION CLASS, INVESTMENT CLASS, INVESTOR CLASS AND PREMIER CLASS.
NONE OF STATE STREET CORPORATION, STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, STATE STREET GLOBAL ADVISORS, SSGA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC. OR THEIR AFFILIATES (STATE STREET ENTITIES) GUARANTEE THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT AT $1.0000 PER SHARE. INVESTORS SHOULD HAVE NO EXPECTATION OF CAPITAL SUPPORT TO THE FUND FROM STATE STREET ENTITIES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Additional Information About the Funds Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Risks |
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Investment Objective
The State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund (the Fund) will seek to provide preservation of capital while generating current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown in the table and the Example reflect the expenses of the Fund and the Funds proportionate share of the expenses of the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio (the Portfolio).
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Institutional | Administration | Investment | Investor | Premier | ||||||
Management Fee |
0.08% | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.08% | |||||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
0.03% | 0.25% | 0.35% | 0.08% | None | |||||
Other Expenses |
1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | |||||
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.56% | 1.78% | 1.88% | 1.61% | 1.53% | |||||
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Fee Waiver
and/or
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(1.38)% | (1.38)% | (1.38)% | (1.38)% | (1.38)% | |||||
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Total Annual Fund
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0.18% | 0.40% | 0.50% | 0.23% | 0.15% | |||||
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(1) |
The Funds investment adviser, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the Adviser or SSGA FM), is contractually obligated until April 30, 2017 to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund for expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of non-recurring account fees, extraordinary expenses, acquired fund fees and any class specific expenses such as Distribution, Shareholder Servicing, Administration, and Sub-Transfer Agency Fees, as measured on an annualized basis) exceed 0.10% of average daily net assets on an annual basis. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated prior to April 30, 2017 except with approval of the Funds Board of Trustees. |
(2) |
The Adviser may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to avoid a negative yield (the Voluntary Reduction), or a yield below a specified level, which may vary from time to time in the Advisers sole discretion. The Fund has agreed, subject to certain limitations, to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of |
any Voluntary Reduction. As of October 1, 2015, the Adviser had not waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses under the Voluntary Reduction. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Fund. Any future reimbursement by the Fund of the Voluntary Reduction would increase the Funds expenses and reduce the Funds yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that the Fund will be able to avoid a negative yield. |
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Funds operating expenses remain the same. The Example reflects the Funds contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only in the period from the date of this Prospectus through April 30, 2017. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 year | 3 years | |||||||
Institutional Class |
$ | 18 | $ | 212 | ||||
Administration Class |
$ | 41 | $ | 282 | ||||
Investment Class |
$ | 51 | $ | 313 | ||||
Investor Class |
$ | 24 | $ | 228 | ||||
Premier Class |
$ | 15 | $ | 203 |
Principal Investment Strategies
In managing the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, the Adviser follows a disciplined investment process, basing its investment decisions on the relative attractiveness of different money market instruments. In the Advisers opinion the attractiveness of an instrument may vary depending on a variety of factors, including for example the general level of interest rates, imbalances of supply and demand in the market, and the credit quality of the obligors. Although the Fund is a money market fund, the net asset value (NAV) of the Funds shares will float, fluctuating with changes in the values of the Funds portfolio securities. The Fund typically accepts purchase and redemption orders multiple times per day, and calculates its NAV at each such time.
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The Fund attempts to meet its investment objective by investing primarily in a broad range of short-term, high credit quality money market instruments. Under normal circumstances the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments with remaining maturities of 60 days or less.
The Funds investments may include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposits and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. These instruments may bear fixed, variable or floating rates of interest or may be zero-coupon securities. The Fund also may invest in shares of other money market funds, including funds advised by the Adviser. A substantial portion of the Fund may be invested in securities that are issued or traded pursuant to exemptions from registration under the federal securities laws.
The Fund purchases assets that have received a top tier (without regard to subcategories or gradations) short-term debt rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated A-1 by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P), P-1 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys), or F1 by Fitch Ratings (Fitch)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
The Fund invests in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to money market funds, which require, among other things, the Fund to invest only in short-term, high quality debt obligations, to maintain a maximum dollar weighted average maturity of 60 days or less, and to meet requirements as to portfolio diversification and liquidity. For the purposes of determining the Funds weighted average maturity, a securitys final maturity date will be used, unless the security is a floating rate or variable rate security in which case the maturity will be determined in accordance with the rules applicable to money market funds.
The Fund currently intends to invest nearly all of its assets in the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio, another open-end investment company managed by the Adviser, with an investment objective and policies substantially identical to those of the Fund.
Principal Investment Risks
You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Because the share price of the Fund will fluctuate, when you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you originally paid for them. The Fund may impose a fee upon the sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Funds liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Funds sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time. In addition, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
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Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, and illiquidity in debt securities markets. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of the Funds fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. |
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Financial Institutions Risk. Changes in the creditworthiness of financial institutions (such as banks and broker-dealers) may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Fund to underperform relative to other funds that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition of a financial institution. |
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Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program. |
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Liquidity Risk. Lack of a ready market or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. Illiquidity of the Funds holdings may limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. |
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Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at historically low levels, and so the Funds yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Fund will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Fund will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income. |
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Market Risk. The Funds investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, and general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. |
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Master/Feeder Structure Risk. The Fund pursues its objective by investing substantially all of its assets in another pooled investment vehicle (a |
master fund). The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the ability of the master fund to meet its investment objective. The Adviser or an affiliate serves as investment adviser to the master fund, leading to potential conflicts of interest. The Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the expenses incurred by the master fund. Substantial redemptions by other investors in a master fund may affect the master funds investment program adversely and limit the ability of the master fund to achieve its objective. |
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Money Market Risk Floating NAV . The Fund does not maintain a constant net asset value per share. The value of the Funds shares will be calculated to four decimal places and will vary reflecting the value of the portfolio of investments held by the Fund. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. |
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Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem Fund shares, and possibly cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests. |
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Repurchase Agreement Risk. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. If the Funds counterparty should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss. |
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Restricted Securities Risk . The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws. There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. |
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Significant Exposure to U.S. Government Agencies Risk. To the extent the Fund focuses its investments in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, any market movements, regulatory changes or changes in political or economic conditions that affect the U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities in which the Fund invests may have a significant impact on the Funds performance. Events that |
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would adversely affect the market prices of securities issued or guaranteed by one government agency or instrumentality may adversely affect the market price of securities issued or guaranteed by other government agencies or instrumentalities. |
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Variable and Floating Rate Securities. During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. |
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U.S. Government Securities Risk. Certain U.S. Government securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencys obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, and involve increased credit risks. |
Performance
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Funds returns based on net assets. Updated performance information for the Fund, including its current yield, is available toll free by calling (877) 521-4083 or by visiting our website at www.ssga.com/cash .
Investment Adviser
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Purchase Minimums
Institutional Class |
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To establish an account |
$25,000,000 | |
To add to an existing account |
No minimum | |
Administration Class |
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To establish an account |
$5,000,000 | |
To add to an existing account |
No minimum | |
Investment Class |
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To establish an account |
$25,000,000 | |
To add to an existing account |
No minimum | |
Investor Class |
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To establish an account |
$10,000,000 | |
To add to an existing account |
No minimum | |
Premier Class |
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To establish an account |
$500,000,000 | |
To add to an existing account |
No minimum |
You may redeem Fund shares on any day the Fund is open for business.
You may redeem Fund shares by written request or wire transfer. Written requests should be sent to:
By Mail: State Street Institutional Trust Funds P.O. Box 8048 Boston, MA 02205-8048 |
By Overnight: State Street Institutional Trust Funds 30 Dan Road Canton, MA 02021-2809 |
By Intermediary: If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.
Intermediaries may contact State Street Dealer Services Group at 617-662-7300 or email them at brokerdealerservices@statestreet.com with questions. |
By Telephone: For wire transfer instructions, please call (866) 392-0869 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time. Redemptions by telephone are permitted only if you previously have been authorized for these transactions.
If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open. |
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Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediarys Website for more information.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND AND PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Fund, as stated in the Fund Summary, may be changed without shareholder approval.
Principal Investment Strategies
In managing the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, the Adviser follows a disciplined investment process, basing its investment decisions on the relative attractiveness of different money market instruments. In the Advisers opinion the attractiveness of an instrument may vary depending on a variety of factors, including for example the general level of interest rates, imbalances of supply and demand in the market, and the credit quality of the obligors. Although the Fund is a money market fund, the net asset value (NAV) of the Funds shares will float, fluctuating with changes in the values of the Funds portfolio securities. The Fund typically accepts purchase and redemption orders multiple times per day, and calculates its NAV at each such time.
The Fund attempts to meet its investment objective by investing primarily in a broad range of short-term, high credit quality money market instruments. Under normal circumstances the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments with remaining maturities of 60 days or less.
The Funds investments may include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposits and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. These instruments may bear fixed, variable or floating rates of interest or may be zero-coupon securities. The Fund also may invest in shares of other money market funds, including funds advised by the Adviser. A substantial portion of the Fund may be invested in securities that are issued or traded pursuant to exemptions from registration under the federal securities laws.
The Fund purchases assets that have received a top tier (without regard to subcategories or gradations) short-term debt rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated A-1 by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P), P-1 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys), or F1 by Fitch Ratings (Fitch)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
The Fund invests in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to money market funds, which require, among other things, the Fund to invest only in short-term, high quality debt obligations, to maintain a maximum dollar weighted average maturity of 60 days or less, and to meet requirements as to portfolio diversification and liquidity. For the purposes of determining the Funds weighted average maturity, a securitys final maturity date will be used, unless the security is a floating rate or variable rate security in which case the maturity will be determined in accordance with the rules applicable to money market funds.
The Fund currently intends to invest nearly all of its assets in the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio, another open-end investment company managed by the Adviser, with an investment objective and policies substantially identical to those of the Fund.
Additional Information About Risks
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Call/Prepayment Risk. Call/prepayment risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund earlier than expected or required. This may occur, for example, when there is a decline in interest rates, and an issuer of bonds or preferred stock redeems the bonds or stock in order to replace them with obligations on which it is required to pay a lower interest or dividend rate. It may also occur when there is an unanticipated increase in the rate at which mortgages or other receivables underlying mortgage- or asset-backed securities held by the Fund are prepaid. In any such case, the Fund may be forced to invest the prepaid amounts in lower-yielding investments, resulting in a decline in the Funds income. |
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Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer, guarantor or liquidity provider of a fixed-income security held by the Fund may be unable or unwilling, or may be perceived (whether by market participants, ratings agencies, pricing |
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services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. It includes the risk that the security will be downgraded by a credit rating agency; generally, lower credit quality issuers present higher credit risks. An actual or perceived decline in creditworthiness of an issuer of a fixed-income security held by the Fund may result in a decrease in the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when the Fund owns securities of the issuer or that the issuer will default on its obligations or that the obligations of the issuer will be limited or restructured. |
The credit rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuers current financial condition and does not reflect an assessment of an investments volatility or liquidity. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. If a security held by the Fund loses its rating or its rating is downgraded, the Fund may nonetheless continue to hold the security in the discretion of the Adviser. In the case of asset-backed or mortgage-related securities, changes in the actual or perceived ability of the obligors on the underlying assets or mortgages to make payments of interest and/or principal may affect the values of those securities
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Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, illiquidity in debt securities market, prepayments of principal, which often must be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates, and slower-than-expected principal payments, which may lock in a below-market interest rate. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of the Funds fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund |
may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. |
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Extension Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower-than-expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the securitys duration and reduce the value of the security. Extension risk may be heightened during periods of adverse economic conditions generally, as payment rates decline due to higher unemployment levels and other factors. |
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Financial Institution Risk. Some instruments are issued or guaranteed by financial institutions, such as banks and brokers, or are collateralized by securities issued or guaranteed by financial institutions. Changes in the creditworthiness of any of these institutions may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Financial institutions may be particularly sensitive to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Fund to underperform relative to other funds that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition or the earnings or operations of a financial institution and on the types and amounts of businesses in which a financial institution may engage. An investor may be delayed or prevented from exercising certain remedies against a financial institution. The amount of the Funds assets that may be invested in any financial institution, or financial institutions generally, may be limited by applicable law. |
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Interest Rate Risk. The values of bonds and other debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally result in increases in the values of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally result in declines in the values of existing debt instruments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer durations or maturities. Adjustable rate |
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instruments also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than fixed-income securities (depending, however, on the characteristics of the reset terms, including the index chosen, frequency of reset, and reset caps or floors, among other factors). When interest rates decline, the income received by the Fund may decline, and the Funds yield may also decline. Changes in governmental policy, rising inflation rates, and general economic developments, among other factors, could cause interest rates to increase and could have a substantial and immediate negative effect on the values of the Funds investments. A rising interest rate environment could cause the value of the Funds fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. |
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Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio are highly concentrated or held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program. For example, they could require the Portfolio to sell portfolio securities or purchase portfolio securities unexpectedly and incur substantial transaction costs and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and/or gains to shareholders, or the Portfolio may be required to sell its more liquid Portfolio investments to meet a large redemption, in which case the Portfolios remaining assets may be less liquid, more volatile, and more difficult to price. The Portfolio may hold a relatively large proportion of its assets in cash in anticipation of large redemptions, diluting its investment returns. |
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Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may not be able to dispose of securities readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. For example, certain investments are subject to restrictions on resale, |
may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. The Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Fund. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may choose to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind. |
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Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at historically low levels, and so the Funds yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Fund will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Fund will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income. |
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Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters and systemic market dislocations may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in foreign and domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, |
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and other factors affecting the value of the Funds investments. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. Any partial or complete dissolution of the European Monetary Union, or any increased uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Funds investments. |
Securities and financial markets may be susceptible to market manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the values of investments traded in these markets, including investments held by the Fund.
To the extent the Fund has focused its investments in the market or index of a particular region, adverse geopolitical and other events could have a disproportionate impact on the Fund.
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Market Risk. Market prices of investments held by the Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The Funds investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in the Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices. |
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Market Volatility; Government Intervention Risk. Market dislocations and other external events, such as the failures or near failures of significant financial institutions, dislocations in investment or currency markets, corporate or governmental defaults or credit downgrades, or |
poor collateral performance, may subject the Fund to significant risk of substantial volatility and loss. Governmental and regulatory authorities have taken, and may in the future take, actions to provide or arrange credit supports to financial institutions whose operations have been compromised by credit market dislocations and to restore liquidity and stability to financial systems in their jurisdictions; the implementation of such governmental interventions and their impact on both the markets generally and the Funds investment program in particular can be uncertain. In recent periods, governmental and non-governmental issuers have defaulted on, or have been forced to restructure, their debts, and many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including, without limitation, in Europe or Asia. Defaults or restructurings by governments or others of their debts could have substantial adverse effects on economies, financial markets, and asset valuations around the world. In recent periods, financial regulators, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, have taken steps to maintain historically low interest rates, such as by purchasing bonds. Some governmental authorities have taken steps to devalue their currencies substantially or have taken other steps to counter actual or anticipated market or other developments. Steps by those regulators to implement, or to curtail or taper, such activities could have substantial negative effects on financial markets. The withdrawal of support, failure of efforts in response to a financial crisis, or investor perception that these efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the values and liquidity of certain securities. |
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Master/Feeder Structure Risk. The Fund pursues its objective by investing substantially all of its assets in another pooled investment vehicle (a master fund). The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the ability of the master fund to meet its investment objective. The ability of the Fund to meet its objective may be adversely affected by the purchase and redemption activities of other investors in the master fund. The ability of the Fund to meet redemption requests will depend on its ability to redeem its interest in the master fund. |
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The Adviser or an affiliate serves as investment adviser to the master fund, leading to potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates will receive fees based on the amount of assets invested in the master fund. Investment by the Fund in the master fund may be beneficial in the management of the master fund, by helping to achieve economies of scale or enhancing cash flows. Due to this and other factors, the Adviser may have an incentive to invest the Funds assets in a master fund sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates in lieu of investments by the Fund directly in portfolio securities, or may have an incentive to invest in such master fund over a master fund sponsored or managed by others. Similarly, the Adviser may have an incentive to delay or decide against the sale of interests held by the Fund in a master fund sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. It is possible that other clients of the Adviser or its affiliates will purchase or sell interests in a master fund sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates at prices and at times more favorable than those at which the Fund does so. The Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the expenses incurred by the master fund. |
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Money Market Risk Floating NAV . The Fund does not maintain a constant net asset value per share. The value of the Funds shares will be calculated to four decimal places and will vary reflecting the value of the portfolio of investments held by the Fund. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. |
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Money Market Fund Regulatory Risk . In July 2014, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted regulatory changes that will affect the structure and operation of money market funds. The revised regulations impose new liquidity requirements on money market funds, permit (and in some cases require) money market funds to impose liquidity fees on redemptions, and permit money market funds to impose gates restricting redemptions from the funds. Institutional money market funds will be required to have a floating NAV. (U.S. government money market funds are exempt from a number of the new regulations.) There are a number of other changes under the revised regulations that relate to diversification, disclosure, reporting and stress testing requirements. These changes and |
other proposed amendments to the regulations governing money market funds could significantly affect the money market fund industry generally and the operation or performance of the Fund specifically and may have significant adverse effects on a money market funds investment return and on the liquidity of investments in money market funds. |
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Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. The values of most instruments held by the Fund are adversely affected by changes in interest rates generally, especially increases in interest rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem the Funds shares, and possibly cause the Fund to sell Fund securities at a loss to satisfy those requests. |
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Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security from a seller at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price, typically representing the purchase price plus interest. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The Funds investment return on such transactions will depend on the counterpartys willingness and ability to perform its obligations under a repurchase agreement. If the Funds counterparty should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss |
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Restricted Securities Risk. The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws pursuant to an exemption from registration (including so-called Section 4(2) paper and Rule 144A securities). These securities may be less liquid than securities registered for sale to the general public. The liquidity of a restricted security may be affected by a number of factors, including, among others: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer; (ii) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (iv) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (v) the nature of any legal restrictions governing trading in the security; and (vi) the nature of the security and the nature of marketplace trades. There can be no assurance that a |
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liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. |
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Significant Exposure to U.S. Government Agencies Risk. To the extent the Fund focuses its investments in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, any market movements, regulatory changes or changes in political or economic conditions that affect the U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities in which the Fund invests may have a significant impact on the Funds performance. Events that would adversely affect the market prices of securities issued or guaranteed by one government agency or instrumentality may adversely affect the market price of securities issued or guaranteed by other government agencies or instrumentalities. |
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Variable and Floating Rate Securities. Variable or floating rate securities are debt securities with variable or floating interest rates payments. Variable or floating rate securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended generally to reflect market rates of interest and allow the Fund to participate (determined in accordance with the terms of the securities) in increases in interest rates through upward adjustments of the coupon rates on the securities. However, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. The Fund may also invest in variable or floating rate equity securities, whose dividend payments vary based on changes in market rates of interest or other factors. |
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U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencys obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, |
instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, and involve increased credit risks. There is no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so. In addition, certain governmental entities have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit quality, availability, or investment character of securities issued by these entities. The value and liquidity of U.S. Government securities may be affected adversely by changes in the ratings of those securities. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury historically have been considered to present minimal credit risk. The downgrade in the long-term U.S. credit rating by at least one major rating agency has introduced greater uncertainty about the ability of the U.S. to repay its obligations. A further credit rating downgrade or a U.S. credit default could decrease the value and increase the volatility of the Funds investments. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Temporary Defensive Positions. In response to actual or perceived adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, the Fund may (but will not necessarily), without notice, depart from its principal investment strategies by temporarily investing for defensive purposes. Temporary defensive positions may include, but are not limited to, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, money market funds, and high-quality debt investments. If the Fund invests for defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, the defensive strategy may not work as intended.
Conflicts of Interest Risk. An investment in the Fund may be subject to a number of actual or potential
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conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to the Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which the Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser may have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of the Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest.
The Adviser and its affiliates serve as investment adviser to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund. For example, the Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for the Fund and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The Adviser and its affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, pari passu or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Fund. The Adviser or its affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material non-public confidential information that may restrict the Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Fund) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.
The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect the Fund. The Fund may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.
Cyber Security Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform business and operational functions, funds (such as the Funds) and their service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Fund, the Adviser, or a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect the Funds ability to calculate its net asset value, 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 additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. A Fund may also incur substantial costs for cyber security risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. A Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified given the evolving nature of this threat. Each Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect the Fund from cyber-attack. Similar types of cyber security risks or technical malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Funds investment in such securities to lose value.
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The Funds portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the SAI.
The Fund and the Portfolio. The Fund is a separate, diversified series of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the Trust), which is an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Fund invests as part of a master-feeder structure. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its investable assets in the Portfolio, a separate mutual fund, that has a substantially identical investment objective, investment policies, and risks as the Fund. Descriptions of the investment activities of the Fund also generally describe the expected investment activities of the Portfolio. The Portfolios shares are offered exclusively to investors (including without limitation, registered investment companies, private investment pools, bank collective funds, and investment separate accounts) that, like the Fund, pay fees to SSGA FM or its affiliates. The fees paid by those investment vehicles to SSGA FM (or its affiliates) vary depending on a number of factors, including by way of example, the services provided, the risks borne by SSGA FM (or its affiliates), fee rates paid by competitive investment vehicles, and in some cases direct negotiation with investors in the Portfolio.
The Fund can withdraw its investment in the Portfolio if, at any time, the Funds Board of Trustees determines that it would be in the best interests of the Funds shareholders, or if the investment objectives of the Portfolio changed so that they were inconsistent with the objectives of the Fund. If the Fund withdraws its investment from the Portfolio, the Fund may invest all of its assets in another mutual fund that has the same investment objective as the Fund, the Adviser may directly manage the Funds assets, or the Board may take such other action it deems appropriate and in the best interests of shareholders of the Fund, which may include liquidation of the Fund.
The Adviser. State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. SSGA is one of the worlds largest institutional money managers, and uses quantitative and traditional
techniques to manage approximately $2.37 trillion in assets as of June 30, 2015. SSGA FM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, is the investment adviser to the Fund and the Portfolio, and is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. SSGA FM had approximately $376.28 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2015.
The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with the Adviser pursuant to which the Adviser will manage the Funds assets directly, for compensation paid at an annual rate of 0.08% of the Funds average daily net assets. The Portfolio pays no investment advisory fees to SSGA FM.
The Adviser also may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund to the extent necessary to avoid negative yield which may vary from time to time in the Advisers sole discretion. Under an agreement with the Adviser relating to the Voluntary Reduction, the Fund has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction, subject to certain limitations. The Fund will not be obligated to reimburse the Adviser:
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more than three years after the end of the fiscal year in which the Adviser provided a Voluntary Reduction; |
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in respect of any business day for which the net annualized one-day yield is less than 0.00%; |
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to the extent that the amount of the reimbursement to the Adviser on any day exceeds fifty percent of the yield (net of all expenses, exclusive of the reimbursement) of the Fund on that day; |
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to the extent that the amount of such reimbursement would cause the Funds net yield to fall below the Funds minimum net yield as determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion; or |
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in respect of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements that are necessary to maintain the Funds contractual total expense limit which is effective at the time of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
A reimbursement to the Adviser would increase fund expenses and negatively impact the Funds future yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that the Fund
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will be able to avoid a negative yield. Reimbursement payments by the Fund to the Adviser in connection with the Voluntary Reduction are considered extraordinary expenses and are not subject to any contractual expense limitation agreement in effect for the Fund at the time of such payment. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Fund.
A summary of the factors considered by the Board of Trustees in connection with the initial approval of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund will be available in the Funds annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable, after the Fund commences operations.
The Advisers principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
The Administrator, Sub-Administrator and Custodian. The Adviser serves as administrator of the Fund. The amount of the fee paid to the Adviser for administrative services varies by share class. The Fund pays the Adviser an administrative fee at an annual rate of 0.05%. State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), a subsidiary of State Street Corporation, serves as the sub-administrator for the Fund for a fee that is paid by the Adviser. State Street also serves as custodian of the Fund for a separate fee that is paid by the Fund.
The Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent. Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. is the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent (the Transfer Agent).
The Distributor. State Street Global Markets, LLC serves as the Funds distributor (the Distributor or SSGM) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between the Distributor and the Trust.
Additional Information. The Trustees of the Trust oversee generally the operations of the Fund and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others the Funds investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Fund. Neither this prospectus, nor the related statement of additional information, is intended, or should be read, to be or to give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.
Determination of Net Asset Value. The Fund determines its NAV per share four times each business day at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Eastern Time (ET) except for days when the NYSE closes earlier than its regular closing time, in which event the Fund will determine its NAVs at the earlier closing time (each time when the Fund determines its NAV per share is referred to herein as a Valuation Time). Pricing does not occur on NYSE holidays. The Fund calculates its NAV to four decimal places. Trade instructions received by mail will receive end of day NAV.
A business day is one on which the NYSE is open for regular trading. The Federal Reserve is closed on certain holidays on which the NYSE is open. These holidays are Columbus Day and Veterans Day. On these holidays, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because Federal Funds wiring does not occur on days when the Federal Reserve is closed. The Fund reserves the right to accept orders to purchase or redeem shares, or to continue to accept such orders following the close of the NYSE, on any day that is not a business day or any day on which the NYSE closes early, provided the Federal Reserve remains open. The Fund also may establish special hours on those days to determine the Funds NAV. In the event that the Fund invokes the right to accept orders to purchase or redeem shares on any day that is not a business day or adopt special hours of operation, the Fund will post advance notice of these events at www.ssga.com/cash.
The NAV per share is based on the market value of the investments held in the Fund. The NAV of each class of the Funds shares is calculated by dividing the value of the assets of the Fund attributable to that class less the liabilities of the Fund attributable to that class by the number of shares in the class outstanding. The Fund values each security or other investment pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Securities or other investments may be valued at fair value,
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as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Portfolios Board of Trustees, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing may be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, such as when (i) trading for a security is restricted; or (ii) a significant event, as determined by the Adviser, that may affect the value of one or more securities or other investments held by the Fund occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of the Funds NAV. Attempts to determine the fair value of securities or other investments introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities or other investments. As a result, the price of a security or other investment determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the price the Fund would have received had it sold the investment. To the extent that the Fund invests in the shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not traded on an exchange (mutual funds), such shares are valued at their published net asset values per share as reported by the funds. The prospectuses of these funds explain the circumstances under which the funds will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
If you hold shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, your intermediary may offer additional services and account features that
are not described in this Prospectus. Please contact your intermediary directly for an explanation of these services.
Purchasing Shares. The Fund offers five classes of shares through this Prospectus: Institutional Class, Administration Class, Investment Class, Investor Class and Premier Class, available to you subject to the eligibility requirements set forth below. All classes of the Fund share the same investment objective and investments, but the different share classes have different expense structures and eligibility requirements. You should choose the class with the expense structure that best meets your needs for which you are eligible. Some factors to consider are the amount you plan to invest, the time period before you expect to sell your shares, and whether you might invest more money in the Fund in the future. Your investment professional can help you choose the share class that best suits your investment needs.
The chart below summarizes the features of the different share classes. This chart is only a general summary, and you should read the description of the Funds expenses in the Fund Summary in this Prospectus.
The minimum purchase amount may be waived by for specific investors or types of investors, including, without limitation, retirement plans, employees of State Street Corporation and its affiliates and their family.
Institutional |
Administration |
Investment |
Investor |
Premier |
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Minimum Initial Investment | $25,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $25,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $500,000,000 | |||||
Maximum Investment | None. | None. | None. | None. | None. | |||||
Initial Sales Charge | No. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of a Fund. | No. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of a Fund. | No. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of a Fund. | No. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of a Fund. | No. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of a Fund. | |||||
Deferred Sales Charge | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | |||||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.03% annual fee. | 0.25% annual fee. | 0.35% annual fee. | 0.08% annual fee. | No. | |||||
Redemption Fees |
No. | No. | No. | No. | No. |
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Investors pay no sales load to invest in the shares of the Fund. The price for Fund shares is the NAV per share. Orders will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the order is accepted by the Fund. The 9:00 am ET, 12:00 pm ET, 3:00 pm ET NAV calculation times are intended to facilitate same day settlement. The 5:00 pm ET NAV is intended for next day settlement. Investors should NOT send money same day for orders placed after 3 pm ET. Trade instructions received by mail will receive end of day NAV.
Purchase orders in good form (a purchase request is in good form if it meets the requirements implemented from time to time by the Transfer Agent or the Fund, and for new accounts includes submission of a completed and signed application and all documentation necessary to open an account) on a business day will, if payment is received the same day by Fed Wire before the close of the Federal Reserve, if accepted, receive the NAV next calculated after the order is accepted by the Fund and will earn dividends declared on the date of the purchase. All purchases that are made by check will begin earning dividends the following business day after the settlement day the order is accepted. (If you purchase shares by check, your order will not be in good form until the Transfer Agent receives federal funds for the check.) All purchase orders are subject to acceptance by the Fund. The Fund intends to be as fully invested as is practicable; therefore, investments must be made in Federal Funds (i.e., monies credited to the account of the Funds custodian bank by a Federal Reserve Bank).
The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class, Administration, Investment, Investor and Premier shares of the Fund is $25 million, $5 million, $25 million, $10 million and $500 million, respectively. Holdings of related customer accounts may be aggregated for purposes of determining the minimum investment amount. Related customer accounts include accounts held by the same investment or retirement plan, financial institution, broker, dealer or intermediary. The Fund and the Adviser reserve the right to increase or decrease the minimum amount required to open or maintain an account. There is no minimum subsequent investment, except in relation to maintaining certain minimum account balances (See Redeeming Shares below).
The Fund reserves the right to cease accepting investments at any time or to reject any investment order. In addition, the Fund may limit the amount of a purchase order.
How to Purchase Shares
By Mail:
An initial investment in the Fund must be preceded or accompanied by a completed, signed Institutional Account Application Form, sent to: State Street Institutional Trust Funds P.O. Box 8048 Boston, MA 02205-8048 |
By Overnight:
State Street Institutional Trust Funds 30 Dan Road Canton, MA 02021-2809 |
By Telephone/Fax:
An initial investment in the Fund must be preceded or accompanied by a completed, signed Institutional Account Application Form, faxed to (816) 218-0400. Call the Fund at (866) 392-0869 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. ET to:
Ø confirm receipt of the faxed Institutional Account Application Form (initial purchases only), Ø request your new account number (initial purchases only), Ø confirm the amount being wired and wiring bank, and Ø receive a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Fund).
For your initial investment, send the original, signed Institutional Account Application Form to the address above. |
By Intermediary:
If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.
Intermediaries may contact Boston Financial Dealer Services Group at 877-332-6207 or email them at nsccresearch@boston financial.com with questions. |
Wire Instructions:
Instruct your bank to transfer money by Federal Funds wire to: State Street Bank and Trust Company 1 Iron Street Boston, MA 02110
ABA# 011000028 DDA# 9905-801-8 State Street Institutional Investment Trust Fund name Institutional Class Account Number Account Registration
On Columbus Day and Veterans Day, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because the Federal Funds wiring does not occur on those days. Payment for Fund shares must be in Federal Funds (or converted to Federal Funds by the Transfer Agent) by the close of the Federal Reserve.
You will not be able to redeem shares from the account until the original Application has been received. The Fund and the Funds agents are not responsible for transfer errors by the sending or receiving bank and will not be liable for any loss incurred due to a wire transfer not having been received. |
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In accordance with certain federal regulations, the Trust is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each entity that applies to open an account. For this reason, when you open (or change ownership of) an account, the Trust will request certain information, including your name, residential/business address, date of birth (for individuals) and taxpayer identification number or other government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you which will be used to verify your identity. The Trust may also request to review other identification documents such as driver license, passport or documents showing the existence of the business entity. If you do not provide sufficient information to verify your identity, the Trust will not open an account for you. As required by law, the Trust may employ various procedures, such as comparing your information to fraud databases or requesting additional information and documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct. The Trust reserves the right to reject any purchase for any reason, including failure to provide the Trust with information necessary to confirm your identity as required by law.
Redeeming Shares. An investor may redeem all or any portion of its investment at the NAV next determined after it submits a redemption request, in proper form, to the Fund. Redemption orders are processed at the NAV next determined after the Fund receives a redemption order in good form. If the Fund receives a redemption order in good form prior to a Valuation Time on a business day, the Fund may send payment for redeemed shares on that day. The final same day settlement Valuation Time is 3 pm ET. No dividends will accrue on shares the day redemption proceeds are sent, including when redemption proceeds are wired the same day as the redemption order is received. When a redemption order is received after 3 pm ET, dividends will normally arrive on that day, as the 5 pm ET NAV is intended for next day settlement. Payment for redeemed shares is sent no later than the next business day following acceptance of the redemption order.
If your account is held through a financial intermediary, please contact them for additional assistance and advice on how to redeem your shares.
Certain special limitations affecting redemptions. The SEC has implemented a number of requirements, including liquidity fees and redemption gates, for money market funds based on the amount of Fund assets are weekly liquid assets, which generally
includes cash, direct obligations of the U.S. government, certain other U.S. government or agency securities, and securities that will mature or are subject to a demand feature that is exercisable and payable within five business days. The Fund will pass through to its investors any liquidity fee or suspension of redemptions imposed by the Portfolio on the same terms and conditions as imposed by the Portfolio on the Fund.
If the Portfolios weekly liquid assets fall below 30% of its total assets and the Portfolios Board of Trustees determines it is in the best interests of the Portfolio, the Portfolio may immediately impose a liquidity fee of no more than 2% and/or temporarily suspend redemptions for up to 10 business days in any 90 day period. If the Portfolios weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of its total assets at the end of any business day, the Portfolio will impose a liquidity fee of 1% on all redemptions beginning on the next business day, unless the Portfolios Board determines that imposing such a fee would not be in the best interests of the Portfolio or determines that a lower or higher fee (not to exceed 2%) would be in the best interests of the Portfolio, which would remain in effect until weekly liquid assets return to 30% or the Portfolios Board determines that the fee is no longer in the best interests of the Portfolio. All liquidity fees payable by shareholders of the Fund would be payable to the Fund and could offset any losses realized by the Fund and/or Portfolio when seeking to honor redemption requests during times of market stress. If liquidity fees are imposed or redemptions are suspended, the Fund will notify shareholders on the Funds website or by press release. There may be circumstances under which the Fund may impose its own liquidity fees and/or suspend redemptions based on the level of the Funds own weekly liquid assets. The Fund expects to treat such liquidity fees as not constituting income to the Fund.
In addition, the right of any investor to receive payment with respect to any redemption may be suspended or the payment of the redemption proceeds postponed during any period in which the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays) or trading on the NYSE is restricted or, to the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, if an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets. In addition, the SEC may by order permit suspension of redemptions for the protection of shareholders of the Fund.
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If the Portfolios weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of its assets on a business day, the Portfolio may cease honoring redemptions and liquidate in the discretion of the Portfolios Board. If the Fund is notified that the Portfolios weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of the Portfolios assets and the Portfolio has suspended redemptions and intends to liquidate, the Fund may also do so in the discretion of the Funds Board. There may be circumstances under which the Fund may cease honoring redemptions and liquidate in the discretion of its Board based on the level of the Funds own weekly liquid assets. If the Fund ceases honoring redemptions and determines to liquidate, the Fund expects that it would notify shareholders on the Funds website or by press release. Distributions to shareholders of liquidation proceeds may occur in one or more disbursements.
A request for a partial redemption by an investor whose account balance is below $50,000 or a request for partial redemption by an investor that would bring the account below $50,000 may be treated as a request for a complete redemption of the account. These minimums may be different for investments made through certain financial intermediaries as determined by their policies and may be waived in the Advisers discretion. The Fund reserves the right to modify minimum account requirements at any time with or without prior notice. The Fund also reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an investors account if the investors account balance falls below $50,000 due to transaction activity.
How to Redeem Shares
By Mail |
Send a signed letter to: State Street Institutional Investment Trust Funds P.O. Box 8048 Boston, MA 02205-8048
The letter should include information necessary to process your request as described below. The Fund may require a medallion guarantee in certain circumstances. See Medallion Guarantees below. |
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By Overnight |
State Street Institutional Investment Trust Funds 30 Dan Road Canton, MA 02021-2809 |
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By Telephone | Please Call (866) 392-0869 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET. |
By Intermediary |
If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.
Intermediaries may contact Boston Financial Dealer Services Group at 877-332-6207 or email them at nsccresearch@boston financial.com with questions. |
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The Fund will need the following information to process your redemption request:
Ø name(s) of account owners;
Ø account number(s);
Ø the name of the Fund;
Ø your daytime telephone number; and
Ø the dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed. |
On any day that the Fund calculates NAV earlier than normal, the Fund reserves the right to adjust the times noted above for purchasing and redeeming shares.
Medallion Guarantees. Certain redemption requests must include a medallion guarantee for each registered account owner if any of the following apply:
Ø |
Your account address has changed within the last 10 business days. |
Ø |
Redemption proceeds are being transferred to an account with a different registration. |
Ø |
A wire is being sent to a financial institution other than the one that has been established on your Fund account. |
Ø |
Other unusual situations as determined by the Transfer Agent. |
All redemption requests regarding shares of the Fund placed for same day settlement may only be placed by telephone or pre-established other means such as a transmission. The Fund reserves the right to postpone payments for redemption requests received after 2:00 pm ET until the next business day. The Fund reserves the right to waive medallion guarantee requirements, require a medallion guarantee under other circumstances or reject or delay redemption if the medallion guarantee is not in good form. Medallion guarantees may be provided by an eligible financial institution such as a commercial bank, a FINRA member firm such
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as a stock broker, a savings association or a national securities exchange. A notary public cannot provide a medallion guarantee. The Fund reserves the right to reject a medallion guarantee if it is not provided by a STAMP Medallion guarantor.
About Telephone Transactions. Telephone transactions are convenient but are not free from risk. Neither the Fund nor the Funds agents will be responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized telephone transactions if reasonable security procedures are followed. In addition, you are responsible for: (i) verifying the accuracy of all data and information transmitted by telephone, (ii) verifying the accuracy of your account statements immediately upon receipt, and (iii) promptly notifying the Fund of any errors or inaccuracies including, without limitation, any errors or inaccuracies relating to shareholder data or information transmitted by telephone. During periods of heavy market activity or other times, it may be difficult to reach the Fund by telephone. If you are unable to reach us by telephone, consider sending written instructions.
The Fund may terminate the receipt of redemption orders by telephone at any time, in which case you may redeem shares by other means.
If you choose to purchase or redeem shares by sending instructions by regular mail, they will not be deemed received in good order until they are released by the post office and redelivered to the Transfer Agents physical location at 30 Dan Road in Canton, MA 02021. There will be a time lag, which may be one or more days, between regular mail receipt at the Boston post office box and redelivery to such physical location in Canton, and the Funds net asset value may change over those days. You might consider using express rather than regular mail if you believe time of receipt of your transaction request to be sensitive.
Excessive Trading. Because the Fund is a money market fund, the Funds Board of Trustees has not adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Nonetheless, the Fund may take any reasonable action that they deem necessary or appropriate to prevent excessive trading in Fund shares without providing prior notification to the account holder. Such action may include rejecting any purchase, in whole or part, including, without limitation, by a person whose trading activity in Fund shares may be deemed harmful to the Fund. While the Fund attempts to discourage such excessive trading, there can be no guarantee that they
will be able to identify investors who are engaging in excessive trading or limit their trading practices. Additionally, frequent trades of small amounts may not be detected. The Fund recognizes that they may not always be able to detect or prevent excessive trading or other activity that may disadvantage the Fund or its shareholders.
Exchanging Shares
An exchange occurs when you use the proceeds from the redemption of shares of a mutual fund advised by SSGA FM (a State Street Fund) to simultaneously purchase shares of a different State Street Fund. Exchanges may be made within the same class or between classes that impose no sales charge. Any exchange for shares of a different class are subject to the conditions applicable to investments in such class, as described in the prospectus for that class of shares. The account holding the original shares must be registered in the same name as the account holding the new shares received in the exchange. You may make exchange requests by telephone, or by mail. See Purchasing Shares and Redeeming Shares . Exchanges are subject to the terms applicable to the purchases of the State Street Fund into which you are exchanging. Exchange privileges may not be available for all State Street Funds and may be suspended or rejected.
Distribution Arrangements and Rule 12b-1 Fees
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act under which the Fund may compensate its distributor (or others) for services in connection with the distribution of the Funds shares and for services provided the Fund shareholders (the Plan). The Plan calls for payments at an annual rate (based on average daily net assets) of 0.03%, 0.25%, 0.35% and 0.08% of the Funds net assets attributable to its Institutional Call, Administration Class, Investment Class and Investor Class shares, respectively. Because these fees are paid out of the assets of the Fund attributable to its shares on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more over time than paying other types of sales charges. Long-term shareholders of the Fund may pay more in Rule 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA).
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In addition to payments under the Plan, the Fund may reimburse the Distributor or its affiliates for payments it makes to financial intermediaries that provide certain administrative, recordkeeping, and account maintenance services, including services described below under Payments to Financial Intermediaries. The amount of the reimbursement and the manner in which it is calculated are reviewed by the Trustees periodically.
Because the Fund pays distribution and other fees for the sale of their shares and for services provided to shareholders out of the Funds assets on an ongoing basis, over time those fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales loads.
The Fund may pay distribution fees and other amounts described in this Prospectus at a time when shares of that Fund are unavailable for purchase.
INTERMEDIARIES
Financial intermediaries are firms that, for compensation, sell shares of mutual funds, including the Fund, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. Financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisors, banks, and insurance companies.
In some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its clients Fund shares in nominee or street name. Shareholder services provided by a financial intermediary may (though they will not necessarily) include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semiannual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.
The compensation paid by SSGM or its affiliates to a financial intermediary is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the intermediarys clients hold investments in the Fund. The amount of continuing compensation paid by SSGM or its affiliates
to different financial intermediaries for distribution and/or shareholder services varies. The compensation is typically a percentage of the value of the financial intermediarys clients investments in the Fund or a per account fee. The variation in compensation may, but will not necessarily, reflect enhanced or additional services provided by the intermediary.
SSGM and its affiliates (including SSGA FM), at their own expense and out of their own assets, may also provide compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of the Funds shares or the servicing of shareholders or shareholder accounts. Such compensation may include, but is not limited to, financial assistance to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for their employees; seminars for the public; advertising or sales campaigns; or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Dealers may not use sales of the Funds shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA.
If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial advisor and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please speak with your financial advisor to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial advisor and his or her firm by SSGM and its affiliates and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase.
Third-Party Transactions. Mutual funds advised by SSGA FM (the State Street Funds) have authorized certain financial intermediaries to accept purchase, redemption and exchange orders on the State Street Funds behalf. The financial intermediary is responsible transmitting your purchase request and funds in good form and in a timely manner to the applicable State Street Fund(s). The State Street Funds will not be responsible for delays by the financial intermediary in transmitting your purchase request, including timely transfer of payment, to a fund. Therefore, orders received for an State Street Fund by a financial intermediary that has been authorized to accept orders
22
on the funds behalf (or other intermediaries designated by the intermediary) prior to the time the funds share price is determined will be deemed accepted by the fund the same day and will be executed at that days closing share price.
If you are purchasing, selling, exchanging or holding State Street Fund shares through a program of services offered by a financial intermediary, you may be required by the intermediary to pay additional fees. You should contact the intermediary for information concerning what additional fees, if any, may be charged.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO ACCOUNTS SHARING AN ADDRESS
To reduce expenses, we may mail only one copy of the Funds prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call us at (800) 647-7327, or contact your financial institution. We will begin sending you individual copies thirty (30) days after receiving your request.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The Fund intends to declare dividends on shares from net investment income daily and pay them as of the last business day of each month. Distributions from capital gains, if any, will be made annually in December.
The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about foreign, federal, state, local or other tax laws applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, should consult the Statement of Additional Information tax section for additional disclosure.
The Fund invests substantially all of its assets in the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio (the Portfolio), which is expected to be treated as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes, and so substantially all of the Funds income will result from distributions or deemed distributions from the Portfolio.
The Fund intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends each year to qualify and to be eligible to be treated as such. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at the corporate level on income and gains that are timely distributed to shareholders. In to order qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, satisfy diversification, 90% gross income and distribution requirements. The Funds failure to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company would result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
The Fund generally expects to satisfy the requirements to qualify and be eligible to be treated as a regulated investment company, provided that the Portfolio also meets these requirements; the Fund currently expects that the Portfolio will meet these requirements. Because the Fund will invest substantially all its assets in the Portfolio, if the Portfolio were to fail to satisfy the diversification, 90% gross income, or distribution requirement and were not to cure that failure, the Fund itself would be unable to satisfy the diversification requirement. Such a failure to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company could subject the Fund or the Portfolio to regular corporate income taxes.
For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income generally are taxable to you as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains generally are determined by how long the Portfolio owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your Fund shares. Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your shares). Distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes and are taxable whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) from the sale of investments that the Portfolio owned for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio and the Fund as capital gain dividends generally will be treated as long-term capital gain includible in your net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates. Distributions of gains from investments that the Portfolio owned for one year or less generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income.
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When the NAV of the Fund shares varies from $1.0000 per share, shareholders will realize a gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or redemption of such Funds shares. Any gain resulting from the redemption of Fund shares generally will be taxable to you as either short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long you held your shares in the Fund.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the net investment income of individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends paid by the Fund, including any capital gain dividends, and net gains recognized on the redemption of shares of the Fund.
The Portfolios income from or proceeds of dispositions of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. This will decrease the Portfolios, and thus the Funds, return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Portfolio.
Certain of the Portfolios investment practices, investments in debt obligations issued or purchased at a discount will be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions. These special rules may affect the timing, character, and/or amount of the Portfolios distributions to the Fund, and, in turn, the Funds distributions to shareholders, and may require the Portfolio to liquidate its investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.
The Funds investment in the Portfolio may cause the tax treatment of the Funds gains, losses and distributions to differ at times from the tax treatment that would apply if the Fund invested directly in the types of securities held by the Portfolio. As a result, investors may receive taxable distributions earlier and recognize higher amounts of capital gain or ordinary income than they otherwise would.
If you are not a U.S. person, the Funds dividends other than capital gain dividends generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning before January 1, 2015, a regulated investment company was permitted, but was not
required, to report in a written notice to shareholders all or a portion of a dividend as an interest-related dividend or a short-term capital gain dividend that if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally was exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements were met. This exemption from withholding for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015, or what the terms of such an extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.
Cost Basis Reporting. Department of the Treasury regulations mandate cost basis reporting to shareholders and the IRS for redemptions of Fund shares. If you acquire and hold shares directly through the Fund and not through a Financial Intermediary, BFDS will use a default average cost basis methodology for tracking and reporting your cost basis, unless you request, in writing, another cost basis reporting methodology.
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The Financial Highlights table is not presented for the Fund because the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
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Contacting the State Street Funds
Online: |
SSGAFUNDS.com | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | ||||
Phone: |
800-647-7327 | Monday Friday 8 am 5 pm EST | ||||
Written requests should be sent to: | ||||||
Regular mail State Street Funds P.O. Box 8317 Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8317 |
Registered, Express, Certified Mail State Street Funds 30 Dan Road Canton, Massachusetts 02021 |
The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such services or receipt at the Funds post office box, or purchase orders or redemption requests, do not constitute receipt by the Fund or the Transfer Agent.
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For more information about the Fund:
The Funds SAI includes additional information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference into this document. Additional information about the Funds investments will be available in the Funds annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.
The Prospectus and SAI are available, and the Funds annual and semi-annual reports will be available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders in the Fund may make inquiries to the Fund to receive such information by calling State Street Global Markets, LLC at (877) 521-4083 or by writing to the Fund, c/o State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2900.
Information about the Fund (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Fund are available free of charge on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information also may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER
ONE LINCOLN STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02111
The State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Investment Company Act File Number is 811-09819.
SS60DSTATPRO
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
(the Trust)
P.O. Box 5049
Boston, Massachusetts 02206
STATE STREET 60 DAY MONEY MARKET FUND
Premier Class (CCDXX)
Institutional Class (CCEXX)
Investor Class (CCHXX)
Administration Class (CCJXX)
Investment Class (CCKXX)
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
October 1, 2015
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) relates to the prospectus dated October 1 2015, as amended from time to time thereafter for the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund (the Prospectus).
The SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. A copy of the Prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling (866) 392-0869 or by written request to the Trust at the address listed above.
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Appendix C - Advisers Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines |
C-1 |
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The Trust was organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on February 16, 2000.
The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The Trust comprises the following diversified series:
| State Street Equity 500 Index Fund; |
| State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Strategic Real Return Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund; |
| State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund; |
| State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund; |
| State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund; |
| State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund; |
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| State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio; |
| State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio; |
| State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio; |
| State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio; |
| State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio; |
| State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street Cash Reserves Fund; |
| State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio; |
| State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund (the Fund); |
| State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio; |
| State Street Conservative Income Fund; |
| State Street Conservative Income Portfolio; |
| State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio; |
| State Street Current Yield Fund; |
| State Street Current Yield Portfolio; |
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund; and |
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio. |
The Trust includes the following non-diversified series:
| State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund. |
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its investable assets in the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio, a portfolio of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the Portfolio) that has the same investment objective as, and investment policies that are substantially similar to those of, the Fund, and so substantially all of the Funds income will result from distributions or deemed distributions from the Portfolio. Therefore, as applicable, references to the assets owned and the income earned by the Fund will be to or will include such treatment of the Portfolio, and, as applicable, the assets owned and the income earned by the Portfolio.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
The Prospectus contains information about the investment objective and policies of the Fund. This SAI should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.
In addition to the principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Fund and Portfolio described in the Prospectus, the Fund or Portfolio may employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks, which are described below. In reviewing these practices of the Portfolio, you should assume that the practices of the Fund are the same in all material respects.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
To the extent consistent with its investment objective and restrictions, the Fund or Portfolio may invest in the following instruments and use the following techniques, and is subject to the following risks.
Cash Reserves
The Portfolio may hold portions of its assets in short-term debt instruments with remaining maturities of 397 days or less pending investment or to meet anticipated redemptions and day-to-day operating expenses. Short-term debt instruments consist of: (i) short-term obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities, authorities or political subdivisions; (ii) other short-term debt securities rated at the time of purchase Aa or higher by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) or AA or higher by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P) or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the Adviser or SSGA FM); (iii) commercial paper; (iv) bank obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers acceptances; and (v) repurchase agreements.
Cleared Derivatives Transactions
Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Portfolios counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Portfolio is not a member of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, the Portfolio holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, the Portfolio will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less favorable to the Portfolio than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, the Portfolio may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to bilateral derivatives transactions, in some cases following a period of notice to the Portfolio, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time or an increase 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 transactions or to terminate transactions at any time. The Portfolio is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which the Adviser expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Portfolios behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Portfolio could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Portfolio and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Portfolio than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.
These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict the Portfolios ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Portfolio of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Portfolio, 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 Portfolio and the financial system are not yet known.
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Illiquid Securities
The Portfolio may invest in illiquid securities. The absence of a regular trading market for illiquid securities imposes additional risks on investments in these securities. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and may often be disposed of only after considerable expense and delay. The Portfolio and the Fund are managed in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). As a result the Fund and the Portfolio seek to hold assets that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable redemptions. In addition, the Portfolio and the Fund have adopted the following policies in accordance with Rule 2a-7:
1. | The Portfolio/Fund may not purchase an illiquid security if, immediately after purchase, the Portfolio/Fund would have invested more than 5% of its total assets in illiquid securities (securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the market value ascribed to them by the Portfolio/Fund); |
2. | The Portfolio/Fund may not purchase a security other than a security offering daily liquidity if, immediately after purchase, the Portfolio/Fund would have invested less than 10% of its total assets in securities offering daily liquidity (includes securities that mature or are subject to demand within one business day, cash or direct U.S. Government obligations); and |
3. | The Portfolio/Fund may not purchase a security other than a security offering weekly liquidity if, immediately after purchase, the Portfolio/Fund would have invested less than 30% of its total assets in securities offering weekly liquidity (includes securities that mature or are subject to demand within five business days, cash, direct U.S. Government obligations and Government agency discount notes with remaining maturities of 60 days or less). |
Purchase of Other Investment Company Shares
The Portfolio may, to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) and exemptive rules and orders thereunder, invest in shares of other investment companies, which include funds managed by SSGA FM, which invest exclusively in money market instruments or in investment companies with investment policies and objectives which are substantially similar to the Portfolios. These investments may be made temporarily, for example, to invest uncommitted cash balances or, in limited circumstances, to assist in meeting shareholder redemptions.
Repurchase Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements with banks and other financial institutions, such as broker-dealers. Under a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio purchases securities from a financial institution that agrees to repurchase the securities at the Portfolios original purchase price plus interest within a specified time (normally one business day). The Portfolio will limit repurchase transactions to those member banks of the Federal Reserve System and broker-dealers whose creditworthiness the Adviser considers satisfactory. Should the counterparty to a transaction fail financially, the Portfolio may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the securities, or may be prevented from realizing on the securities. Further, the amount realized upon the sale of the securities may be less than that necessary to fully compensate the Portfolio.
Section 4(a)(2) Commercial Paper/Rule 144A Securities
The Portfolio may also invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act) (Section 4(a)(2) paper) or in securities that that can be offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act (Rule 144A securities).
Section 4(a)(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws and generally is sold to institutional investors that agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to public
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distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.
Section 4(a)(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional
investors like the Portfolios through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers that make a market in Section 4(a)(2) paper. Rule 144A securities generally must be sold only to other institutional investors.
Section 4(a)(2) paper and Rule 144A securities will not be considered illiquid for purposes of the Funds and Portfolios percentage limitations on illiquid securities when the Adviser (pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board of Trustees or the Board)) determines that a liquid trading market exists for the securities in question. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular Section 4(a)(2) paper or Rule 144A securities.
U.S. Government Securities
The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government securities, including: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Treasury, (c) discretionary authority of the U.S. Government agency or instrumentality, or (d) the credit of the instrumentality (examples of agencies and instrumentalities are: Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks, General Services Administration, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Development Bank, Asian-American Development Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Federal National Mortgage Association). No assurance can be given that in the future the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government securities it is not obligated to support.
The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government obligations on a forward commitment basis.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities
The Portfolio may invest in Inflation-Protection Securities (IPSs), a type of inflation-indexed Treasury security. IPSs typically provide for semiannual payments of interest and a payment of principal at maturity. In general, each payment will be adjusted to take into account any inflation or deflation that occurs between the issue date of the security and the payment date based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
Each semiannual payment of interest will be determined by multiplying a single fixed rate of interest by the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the security for the date of the interest payment. Thus, although the interest rate will be fixed, the amount of each interest payment will vary with changes in the principal of the security as adjusted for inflation and deflation.
IPSs also provide for an additional payment (a minimum guarantee payment) at maturity if the securitys inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date is less than the securitys principal amount at issuance. The amount of the additional payment will equal the excess of the securitys principal amount at issuance over the securitys inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date.
When-Issued Securities
The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to the Portfolio until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, the Portfolio will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, the Portfolio may be disadvantaged. The Portfolio will not invest more than 25% of its net assets in when-issued securities.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by the Portfolio are subject to changes in market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate
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inversely to changes in interest rates i.e. , they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Therefore, if in order to achieve higher interest income the Portfolio remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a when-issued basis, there will be a greater possibility of fluctuation in the Portfolios NAV.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into reverse repurchase agreements under the circumstances described in Investment Restrictions. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio sells portfolio securities to a financial institution in return for cash in an amount equal to a percentage of the portfolio securities market value and agrees to repurchase the securities at a future date at a prescribed repurchase price equal to the amount of cash originally received plus interest on such amount. The Portfolio retains the right to receive interest and principal payments with respect to the securities while it is in the possession of the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements may create investment leverage and involve the risk that the market value of securities sold by the Portfolio may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve a risk of default by the counterparty, which may adversely affect the Portfolios ability to reacquire the underlying securities.
Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit (ECDs), Eurodollar Time Deposits (ETDs) and Yankee Certificates of Deposit (YCDs)
The Portfolio may invest in ECDs, ETDs and YCDs. ECDs and ETDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by non-U.S. branches of domestic banks and non-U.S. banks. YCDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by U.S. branches of non-U.S. banks.
Different risks than those associated with the obligations of domestic banks may exist for ECDs, ETDs and YCDs because the banks issuing these instruments, or their domestic or non-U.S. branches, are not necessarily subject to the same regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as loan limitations, examinations, and reserve, accounting, auditing, recordkeeping and public reporting requirements. Obligations of non-U.S. issuers also involve risks such as future unfavorable political and economic developments, withholding tax, seizures of non-U.S. deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, and other governmental restrictions that might affect repayment of principal or payment of interest, or the ability to honor a credit commitment.
Forward Commitments
The Portfolio may enter into contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time (forward commitments), consistent with the Portfolios ability to manage its investment portfolio and meet redemption requests. Forward commitments may be considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolios other assets. Where such purchases are made through dealers, the Portfolio relies on the dealer to consummate the sale. The dealers failure to do so may result in the loss to the Portfolio of an advantageous yield or price.
Although the Portfolio will generally enter into forward commitments with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant to options contracts it has entered into, the Portfolio may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. The Portfolio may realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments. When effecting such transactions, cash or other liquid assets (such as liquid high quality debt obligations) held by the Portfolio of a dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the portfolio securities to be purchased will be segregated on the Portfolios records at the trade date and maintained until the transaction is settled. Such segregated assets will be marked to market on a daily basis, and if the market value of such assets declines, additional cash or assets will be segregated so that the market value of the segregated assets will equal the amount of such the Portfolios obligations. Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, or if the other party fails to complete the transaction.
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Investment-Grade Bonds
The Portfolio may invest in corporate notes and bonds that have received a top tier (without regard to subcategories or gradations) short-term debt rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSRO) or, if unrated, are of comparable quality to the rated securities described above, as determined by the Adviser, in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees. Securities with a top tier short-term debt rating include those rated A-1 by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P), P-1 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or F1 by Fitch Ratings (Fitch)).
Mortgage-Related Securities
The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related securities represent an interest in a pool of, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Mortgage-related securities may be issued or guaranteed by (i) US Government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) (also known as Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) (also known as Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) (also known as Freddie Mac) or (ii) other issuers, including private companies.
Many mortgage-related securities provide regular payments which consist of interest and, in most cases, principal. In contrast, other forms of debt securities normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. In effect, payments on many mortgage-related securities are a pass-through of the payments made by the individual borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities.
Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, repayments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will typically result in early payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by a variety of factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage, and other social and demographic conditions. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments usually decreases, thereby tending to increase the life of mortgage-related securities.
Because of the possibility of prepayments (and due to scheduled repayments of principal), mortgage-related securities are less effective than other types of securities as a means of locking in attractive long-term interest rates. Prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Portfolios.
Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) may be issued by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality or by a private issuer. CMOs are typically structured with classes or series that have different maturities and are generally retired in sequence. Each class of obligations receives periodic interest payments according to its terms. However, monthly principal payments and any prepayments from the collateral pool are generally paid first to the holders of the most senior class. Thereafter, payments of principal are generally allocated to the next most senior class of obligations until that class of obligations has been fully repaid. Any or all classes of obligations of a CMO may be paid off sooner than expected because of an increase in the payoff speed of the pool. Changes in prepayment rates may have significant effects on the values and the volatility of the various classes and series of a CMO. Payment of interest or principal on some classes or series of a CMO may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages.
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Stripped mortgage-related securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different portions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on an interest only or IO class of stripped mortgage-related securities is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets. A rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a measurable adverse effect on the Portfolios yield to maturity to the extent it invests in IOs. If the assets underlying the IO experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Portfolio may fail to recoup fully, or at all, its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, principal only securities or POs tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated. The secondary market for stripped mortgage-related securities may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other mortgage-related securities, potentially limiting the Portfolios ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.
Government Mortgage-Related Securities
GNMA is the principal federal government guarantor of mortgage-related securities. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the 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-related securities. GNMA pass-through securities are considered to have a relatively low risk of default in that (1) the underlying mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of government-backed loans and (2) the timely payment of both principal and interest on the securities is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, regardless of whether they have been collected. GNMA pass-through securities are, however, subject to the same interest rate risk as comparable privately issued mortgage-related securities. Therefore, the effective maturity and market value of the Portfolios GNMA securities can be expected to fluctuate in response to changes in interest rate levels.
Residential mortgage loans are also pooled by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government. The mortgage loans in FHLMCs portfolio are not government backed; FHLMC, not the U.S. Government, guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on FHLMC securities. FHLMC also issues guaranteed mortgage certificates, on which it guarantees semiannual interest payments and a specified minimum annual payment of principal.
FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers, which include savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest only by FNMA, not the U.S. Government.
Other Asset-Backed Securities
The Portfolio may invest in asset-backed securities that are not mortgage-related. Asset-backed securities other than mortgage-related securities represent undivided fractional interests in pools of instruments, such as consumer loans, and are typically similar in structure to mortgage-related pass-through securities. Payments of principal and interest are passed through to holders of the securities and are typically supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, limited guarantee by another entity, or by priority to certain of the borrowers other securities. The degree of credit-enhancement, if any, varies, applying only until exhausted and generally covering only a fraction of the securitys par value.
The value of such asset-backed securities is affected by changes in the markets perception of the asset backing the security, changes in the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the instrument pool, the originator of the instruments, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement and the expenditure of any portion of any credit enhancement. The risks of investing in asset-backed securities are ultimately dependent upon payment of the underlying instruments by the obligors, and the Portfolio would generally have no recourse against the obligee of the instruments in the event of default by an obligor. The underlying instruments are subject to prepayments which shorten the duration of asset-backed securities and may lower their return, in generally the same manner as described above for prepayments of pools of mortgage loans underlying mortgage-related securities.
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Variable and Floating Rate Securities
The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate securities. Variable rate securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by entities such as (1) U.S. Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) corporations, (3) financial institutions, (4) insurance companies or (5) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals. A variable rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Interest rates on these securities are ordinarily tied to, and are a percentage of, a widely recognized interest rate, such as the yield on 90-day U.S. Treasury bills or the prime rate of a specified bank. These rates may change as often as twice daily. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. Variable rate obligations will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate.
Variable Amount Master Demand Notes
The Portfolio may invest in variable amount master demand notes which are unsecured obligations that are redeemable upon demand and are typically unrated. These instruments are issued pursuant to written agreements between their issuers and holders. The agreements permit the holders to increase (subject to an agreed maximum) and the holders and issuers to decrease the principal amount of the notes, and specify that the rate of interest payable on the principal fluctuates according to an agreed formula. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of these securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in these securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. There may be no active secondary market with respect to a particular variable rate instrument.
Zero Coupon Securities
The Portfolio may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are notes, bonds and debentures that: (1) do not pay current interest and are issued at a substantial discount from par value; (2) have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons and receipts; or (3) pay no interest until a stated date one or more years into the future. These securities also include certificates representing interests in such stripped coupons and receipts. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a greater impact on the market value of a zero coupon security than on the market value of the comparable securities that pay interest periodically during the life of the instrument. The Portfolio will not receive cash payments on a current basis from the issuer in respect of accrued original issue discount (OID), but investors will be required to accrue OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To generate sufficient cash for the Fund to make the requisite distributions to maintain its qualification for treatment as a regulated investment company (RIC) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), the Fund may be required to redeem a portion of its interest in the Portfolio in order to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement with respect to the OID accrued on zero coupon bonds. The Portfolio in turn may sell investments in order to meet such redemption requests, including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so.
The Portfolio may invest no more than 25% of its respective total assets in stripped securities that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. A number of securities firms and banks have stripped the interest coupons and resold them in custodian receipt programs with different names such as Treasury Income Growth Receipts (TIGRS) and Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries (CATS). Privately-issued stripped securities such as TIGRS and CATS are not themselves guaranteed by the U.S. Government, but the future payment of principal or interest on U.S. Treasury obligations which they represent is so guaranteed.
Interest Rate Environment Risk
In the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve System attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. In addition, the Federal Reserve has purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (the quantitative easing program). As a result, the
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United States is experiencing historically low interest rate levels. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on the Portfolios ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Portfolio assets because of the low yields from the Portfolios portfolio investments.
However, continued economic recovery and the cessation of the quantitative easing program increase the risk that interest rates will rise in the near future and that the Portfolio will face a heightened level of interest rate risk. Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Portfolio investments, which could cause the value of the Portfolios investments and the Portfolios share price to decline or create difficulties for the Portfolio in disposing of investments. A Portfolio that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Portfolio that does not invest in derivatives. The Portfolio could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Portfolio. To the extent a Portfolio experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Portfolio may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Portfolio incurs and lower the Portfolios performance.
Municipal and Municipal-Related Securities
The Portfolio may invest in municipal and municipal-related securities. Municipal securities may bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest or may be zero coupon securities. Municipal securities are generally of two types: general obligations and revenue obligations. General obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer. These securities include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, general obligation bonds and commercial paper. Revenue obligations are backed by the revenues generated from a specific project or facility and include industrial development bonds and private activity bonds. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities and are generally issued in anticipation of future tax revenues. Bond anticipation notes are issued in expectation of the issuer obtaining longer-term financing.
Municipal obligations are affected by economic, business or political developments. These securities may be subject to provisions of litigation, bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, or may become subject to future laws extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or limiting the rights of municipalities to levy taxes. The Portfolio may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than other funds. Because interest income from municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Portfolios ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Concentration of the Portfolios investments in these municipal obligations will subject the Portfolio, to a greater extent than if such investment was not so concentrated, to the risks of adverse economic, business or political developments affecting the particular state, industry or other area of concentration. Issuers, including governmental issuers, of municipal securities may be unable to pay their obligations as they become due. Recent declines in tax revenues, and increases in liabilities, such as pension and health care liabilities, may increase the actual or perceived risk of default on such securities.
Auction Rate Securities.
Auction rate municipal securities permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The dividend or interest is typically reset by Dutch auction in which bids are made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale. While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. The Portfolio will take the time remaining until the next scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the securities duration.
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Industrial Development and Private Activity Bonds
Industrial development bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; ports and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. The principal security for these bonds is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue sources. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuers obligations. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a states ability without obligation to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
Private activity bonds are considered municipal securities if the interest paid thereon is exempt from federal income tax and they are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facilitys user to meet its financial obligations and the value of any real or personal property pledged as security for such payment. Interest income on these bonds may be an item of tax preference subject to federal alternative minimum tax for individuals and corporations.
Insured Municipal Securities
Insured municipal securities are those for which scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles the Portfolio to receive only the face or par value of the securities held by the Portfolio, but the ability to be paid is limited to the claims paying ability of the insurer. The insurance does not guarantee the market value of the municipal securities or the net asset value of the Portfolios shares. Insurers are selected based upon the diversification of their portfolios and the strength of the management team which contributes to the claims paying ability of the entity. However, the Adviser selects securities based upon the underlying credit, with bond insurance viewed as an enhancement only. The Advisers objective is to have an enhancement that provides additional liquidity to insulate against volatility in changing markets.
Municipal Leases
The Portfolio may purchase participation interests in municipal obligations, including municipal lease/purchase agreements. Municipal leases are an undivided interest in a portion of an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities. These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13 months or less. Certain participation interests may permit the Portfolio to demand payment on not more than seven days notice, for all or any part of the Portfolios interest, plus accrued interest.
Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Some leases or contracts include non-appropriation clauses, which provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. To reduce these risks, the Portfolio will only purchase municipal leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by a letter of credit or guarantee of a bank.
Whether a municipal lease agreement will be considered illiquid for the purpose of the Portfolios restriction on investments in illiquid securities will be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees.
Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities
The interest and principal payments on pre-refunded municipal securities are typically paid from the cash flow generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government securities. These payments have been pre-refunded using the escrow fund.
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Tender Option Bonds
A tender option is a municipal obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax exempt rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the municipal obligations fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax exempt rate. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, the Portfolio may buy tender option bonds if the agreement gives the Portfolio the right to tender the bond to its sponsor no less frequently than once every 397 days. The Adviser will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying obligation, any custodian and the third party provider of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in payment of principal or interest on the underlying municipal obligation and for other reasons.
Asset Segregation and Coverage
The Portfolio may be required to earmark or otherwise segregate liquid assets in respect of its obligations under derivatives transactions that involve contractual obligations to pay in the future, or the Portfolio may engage in other measures to cover its obligations with respect to such transactions. The amounts that are earmarked or otherwise segregated may be based on the notional value of the derivative or on the daily mark-to-market obligation under the derivatives contract and may be reduced by amounts on deposit with the applicable broker or counterparty to the derivatives transaction. In certain circumstances, the Portfolio may enter into an offsetting position rather than earmarking or segregating liquid assets. The Portfolio may modify its asset segregation and coverage policies from time to time. Although earmarking or segregating may in certain cases have the effect of limiting the Portfolios ability to engage in derivatives transactions, the extent of any such limitation will depend on a variety of factors, including the method by which the Portfolio determines the nature and amount of assets to be earmarked or segregated.
Tax Exempt Commercial Paper
The Portfolio may invest in tax exempt commercial paper. Tax exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is typically issued to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. Each instrument may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a guarantee by a commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional risk due to the difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject. The Portfolio will only invest in commercial paper rated at the time of purchase not less than Prime-1 by Moodys, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch Ratings. See Appendix A for more information on the ratings of debt instruments.
Fundamental Investment Restrictions
The Portfolio in which the Fund invests has substantially the same investment restrictions as the Fund. In reviewing the description of the Funds investment restrictions below, you should assume that the investment restrictions of the Portfolio are the same in all material respects as those of the Fund.
The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Fund, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, which is defined in the 1940 Act to mean the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund and (2) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the meeting in person or by proxy.
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1. | The Fund may borrow money and issue senior securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
2. | The Fund may make loans, including to affiliated investment companies, to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
3. | The Fund may purchase or sell commodities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
4. | The Fund may purchase, sell or hold real estate to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
5. | The Fund may underwrite securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
6. | The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the Funds total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in a particular industry (for purposes of this restriction, investment companies are not considered to constitute a particular industry or group of industries), except as is consistent with applicable law from time to time and as follows: the Fund is permitted to invest without limit in government securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), tax-exempt securities issued by a U.S. territory or possession, a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing and bankers acceptances, certificates of deposit and similar instruments issued by: (i) U.S. banks, (ii) U.S. branches of foreign banks (in circumstances in which the Adviser determines that the U.S. branches of foreign banks are subject to the same regulation as U.S. banks), (iii) foreign branches of U.S. banks (in circumstances in which the Adviser determines that the Fund will have recourse to the U.S. bank for the obligations of the foreign branch), and (iv) foreign branches of foreign banks (to the extent that the Adviser determines that the foreign branches of foreign banks are subject to the same or substantially similar regulations as U.S. banks). |
With respect to the investment policy on concentration (#6 above), the Fund may concentrate in bankers acceptances, certificates of deposit and similar instruments when, in the opinion of the Adviser, the yield, marketability and availability of investments meeting the Funds quality standards in the banking industry justify any additional risks associated with the concentration of the Funds assets in such industry.
All percentage limitations (except the limitation to borrowings) on investments by the Fund will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Except for the investment restrictions expressly identified as fundamental, or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus with respect to the Fund, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectus are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees without shareholder approval.
The shareholders of the Portfolio have approved the same fundamental investment restrictions as the Fund.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Introduction
The policies set forth below to be followed by the State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street) and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM and, collectively, the Service Providers) for the disclosure of information about the portfolio holdings of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, and State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each, a Trust). These disclosure policies are intended to ensure compliance by the Service Providers and the Trust with applicable regulations of the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to the policy.
15
General Policy
It is the policy of the Service Providers to protect the confidentiality of client holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information concerning the Trust.
Exception
No information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Trust may be disclosed to any party (including shareholders) except as provided below.
Publicly Available Information. Any party may disclose portfolio holdings information after the holdings are publicly available.
Disclosure of the complete holdings of each series of the Trust (each, a Fund) is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of the Funds fiscal quarter in the Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q (filed after the first and third fiscal quarters). These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SECs website at www.sec.gov . The Fund will also make complete portfolio holdings available generally no later than 60 calendar days after the end of such Funds fiscal quarter or subsequent to periodic portfolio holdings disclosure in the Funds filings with the SEC or on the Funds website. The Fund generally will post on its website a full list of its portfolio holdings each Friday reflecting the portfolio holdings of the Fund on the immediately preceding Wednesday. The Fund will also post a full list of its portfolio holdings on its website no later than the fifth business day of each month, reflecting its portfolio holdings as of the last business day of the previous month. Such monthly posting shall contain such information as required by Rule 2a-7(c)(12) under the 1940 Act and remain posted on the website for not less than six months.
Press Interviews Brokers and Other Discussions
Portfolio managers and other senior officers or spokespersons of the Service Providers or the Trust may disclose or confirm the ownership of any individual portfolio holding position to reporters, brokers, shareholders, consultants or other interested persons only if such information has been previously publicly disclosed in accordance with these disclosure policies. For example, a portfolio manager discussing the Trust may indicate that he owns XYZ Company for the Trust only if the Trusts ownership of such company has previously been publicly disclosed.
Trading Desk Reports
State Street Global Advisors trading desk may periodically distribute lists of investments held by its clients (including the Trust) for general analytical research purposes. In no case may such lists identify individual clients or individual client position sizes. Furthermore, in the case of equity securities, such lists shall not show aggregate client position sizes.
Miscellaneous
Confidentiality Agreement . No non-public disclosure of the Trusts portfolio holdings will be made to any party unless such party has signed a written Confidentiality Agreement. For purposes of the disclosure policies, any Confidentiality Agreement must be in a form and substance acceptable to, and approved by, the Trusts officers.
Evaluation Service Providers. There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services (Morningstar and Lipper) and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds in order to monitor and report on various attributes. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the Trust by these services and departments, the Trust may distribute (or authorize the Service Providers and the Trusts custodian or fund accountants to distribute) month-end portfolio holdings to such services and departments only if such entity has executed a confidentiality agreement.
16
Additional Restrictions . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trusts Board of Trustees, State Street and SSGA FM may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information beyond those found in these disclosure policies.
Waivers of Restrictions. These disclosure policies may not be waived, or exceptions made, without the consent of the Trusts officers. All waivers and exceptions involving the Trust will be disclosed to the Board of Trustees of the Trust no later than its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.
Disclosures Required by Law . Nothing contained herein is intended to prevent the disclosure of portfolio holdings information as may be required by applicable law. For example, SSGA FM, State Street, the Trust or any of its affiliates or service providers may file any report required by applicable law (such as Schedules 13D, 13G and 13F or Form N-MFP), respond to requests from regulators and comply with valid subpoenas.
The Trustees are responsible for generally overseeing the Trusts business. The following table provides information with respect to each Trustee, including those Trustees who are not considered to be interested as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the Independent Trustees), and each officer of the Trust.
NAME, ADDRESS, AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) HELD WITH TRUST |
TERM OF
OFFICE
LENGTH
TIME
|
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
|
NUMBER
OF FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
HELD
BY
|
|||||
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | ||||||||||
Michael F. Holland c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company 100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1944 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 |
Chairman, Holland & Company L.L.C. (investment adviser) (1995- present). | 79 | Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Director, the Holland Series Fund, Inc.; Director, The China Fund, Inc.; Director, The Taiwan Fund, Inc.; Director, Reaves Utility Income Fund, Inc.; and Director, Blackstone/GSO Loan Funds. | |||||
Patrick J. Riley c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company 100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1948 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
2002 to May 2010, Associate Justice of the Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; 1985 to 2002, Partner, Riley, Burke & Donahue, L.L.P. (law firm); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment | 79 | Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe 1PLC |
17
company); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Liquidity plc (formerly, SSgA Cash Management Fund plc); January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Fixed Income plc; and January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Qualified Funds PLC. | Board (2011-Present); Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe II, PLC (2013- Present). | |||||||||
William L. Boyan
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1937 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee | Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 | President and Chief Operations Officer, John Hancock Financial Services (1959 1999). Mr. Boyan retired in 1999. Chairman Emeritus, Childrens Hospital, Boston, MA (1984 2011); Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust (investments) (1995 2008); Former Chairman, Boston Plan For Excellence, Boston Public Schools (1995 2010); Member of Advisory Board of Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society; Trustee, Childrens Hospital, Boston, MA. | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust. | |||||
William L. Marshall
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1942 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
April 2011 to Present, Chairman (until April 2011, Chief Executive Officer and President), Wm. L. Marshall Associates, Inc., Wm. L. Marshall Companies, Inc. and the Marshall Financial Group, Inc. (a registered investment adviser and provider of financial and related consulting services); Certified Financial Planner; Member, Financial Planners Association; Director, SPCA of Bucks County, PA; and the Ann Silverman Community Clinic of Doylestown, PA. | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Director, Marshall Financial Group, Inc. | |||||
Richard D. Shirk
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1945 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
March 2001 to April 2002, Chairman (1996 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer), Cerulean Companies, Inc. (holding company) (Retired); 1992 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (health insurer, managed healthcare); 1998 to December 2008, Chairman, Board Member and December 2008 to Present, Investment Committee Member, | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Board member, AeroCare Holdings (privately held healthcare services company) (February 2003-Present); Board member, Regenesis Biomedical (health care services) (April |
18
Healthcare Georgia Foundation (private foundation); September 2002 to 2012, Lead Director and Board Member, Amerigroup Corp. (managed health care); 1999 to 2013, Board Member and (since 2001) Investment Committee Member, Woodruff Arts Center; and 2003 to 2009, Trustee, Gettysburg College. | 2012-Present). | |||||||||
Rina K. Spence
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1948 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee | Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 | President of SpenceCare International LLC (international healthcare consulting) (1999 present); Chief Executive Officer, IEmily.com (health internet company) (2000 2001); Chief Executive Officer of Consensus Pharmaceutical, Inc. (1998 1999); Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spence Center for Womens Health (1994 1998); President and CEO Emerson Hospital (1984 1994); Trustee, Eastern Enterprise (utilities) (1988 2000); Director, Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America (1993 2009); Director, IEmily.com, Inc. (2000 2010); and Trustee, National Osteoporosis Foundation (2005 2008). | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. | |||||
Bruce D. Taber
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1943 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
1999 to Present, Partner, Zenergy LLC (a technology company providing Computer Modeling and System Analysis to the General Electric Power Generation Division); Until December 2008, Independent Director, SSgA Cash Management Fund plc; Until December 2008, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment companies); and Until August 1994, President, Alonzo B. Reed, Inc., (a Boston architect-engineering firm). | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. | |||||
Douglas T. Williams
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1940 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee | Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 | President, Oakmonst Homeowners Association; President, Mariner Sands Chapel; Executive Vice President and member of Executive Committee, Chase Manhattan Bank (1987 -1999); President, Boston Stock Exchange Depository Trust Company, 1981-1982; Treasurer, Nantucket Educational Trust, (2002-2007). | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. |
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INTERESTED TRUSTEES (1) | ||||||||||
Gregory A. Ehret SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1969 |
Trustee |
Term: Indefinite Elected Trustee: 8/15 |
President and Global Chief Operating Officer, State Street Global Advisors (2012-Present); Head of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, State Street Global Advisors (2008-2012); Head of Sales and Distribution in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, State Street Global Advisors (2007-2008). | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. | |||||
James E. Ross SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1965 |
Trustee |
Term: Indefinite Elected Trustee: 2/07 |
Chairman and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2012 present); President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2005 2012); Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (2006 present); and Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2006 present). | 268 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Trustee, SPDR Series Trust; Trustee, SPDR Index Shares Funds; Trustee, Select Sector SPDR Trust; Trustee, SSGA Active ETF Trust; and Trustee, SSGA Master Trust. |
(1) | Mr. Ehret and Mr. Ross are Interested Trustees because of their employment by SSGA Funds Management, Inc., an affiliate of the Trust. |
NAME, ADDRESS, AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) HELD WITH TRUST |
TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF
TIME
|
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST FIVE YEARS |
|||
OFFICERS: |
||||||
Ellen M. Needham SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1967 |
President | Term: Indefinite Elected: 10/12 | President and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June 2012 present); Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May 2010 - June 2012); Senior Managing Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (1992-2012) and Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (1992-present).* | |||
Ann M. Carpenter SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1966 |
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 4/15 |
Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2014 present); Vice President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2008 present); Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2005 2008 present).* |
20
* | Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during noted time period. |
The By-Laws of the Trust provide that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is or was a Trustee of the Trust against all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings if the person in good faith and reasonably believes that his or her conduct was in the Trusts best interest. The Trust, at its expense, provides liability insurance for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.
Summary of Trustees Qualifications
Following is a summary of the experience, attributes and skills which qualify each Trustee to serve on the Trusts Board.
21
Michael F. Holland: Mr. Holland is an experienced business executive with over 44 years of experience in the financial services industry including 19 years as a portfolio manager of another registered mutual fund; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of State Street Institutional Investment Trust and State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
William L. Boyan: Mr. Boyan is an experienced business executive with over 42 years of experience in the insurance industry; his experience includes prior service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies and charities and an executive position with a major insurance company. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
Rina K. Spence: Ms. Spence is an experienced business executive with over 34 years of experience in the health care industry; her experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies, charities and utility companies and chief executive positions for various health care companies. She has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
Douglas T. Williams: Mr. Williams is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the banking industry; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and charities and senior executive positions of major bank organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
James E. Ross: Mr. Ross is an experienced business executive with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for seven years and as President of the trusts for eight years and possesses significant experience regarding the trusts operations and history. Mr. Ross is also a senior executive officer of State Street Global Advisors.
William L. Marshall: Mr. Marshall is an experienced business executive with over 45 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as an advisor trustee or officer of various investment companies and charities. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
Patrick J. Riley: Mr. Riley is an experienced business executive with over 39 years of experience in the legal and financial services industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and Associate Justice of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
Richard D. Shirk: Mr. Shirk is an experienced business executive with over 46 years of experience in the health care and insurance industries and with investment matters; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various health care companies and nonprofit organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
Bruce D. Taber: Mr. Taber is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the power generation, technology and engineering industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 23 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
22
Gregory A. Ehret: Mr. Ehret is an experienced business executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as a senior executive with direct responsibility for global client outreach, product, marketing, operations and technology. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust, SSGA Funds and the State Street Master Funds since 2015 and possesses significant experience regarding the trusts operations and history. Mr. Ehret is the President of State Street Global Advisors.
References to the experience, attributes and skills of Trustees above are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Standing Committees
The Board of Trustees has established various committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of various matters of importance to Independent Trustees, the Trust, and the Trusts shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, the Board has created an Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Valuation Committee and Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee.
The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee meets twice a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors the Trusts internal accounting and control structure, its auditing function and its financial reporting process. The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting and retaining the independent accountants for the Trust. The Audit Committee is responsible for approving the audit plans, fees and other material arrangements in respect of the engagement of the independent accountants, including non-audit services performed. The Audit Committee reviews the qualifications of the independent accountants key personnel involved in the foregoing activities and monitors the independent accountants independence. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Audit Committee held five meetings.
The Governance Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the Governance Committee, including the Nominating Committee (a sub-committee of the Governance Committee), is to review and evaluate the composition and performance of the Board; make nominations for membership on the Board and committees; review the responsibilities of each committee; and review governance procedures, and compensation of Independent Trustees. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees to the Board recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter and should be submitted in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trusts Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust. Shareholder recommendations must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Trust not less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of the Board or shareholder meeting at which the nominee candidate would be considered for election. The Governance Committee performs an annual Board self-evaluation. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Governance Committee held two meetings.
The Valuation Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The Valuation Committees primary purpose is to review the actions and recommendations of the Advisers Oversight Committee. The Trust has established procedures and guidelines for valuing portfolio securities and making fair value determinations from time to time. The Valuation Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds valuation determinations, with the assistance of the Oversight Committee, State Street and SSGA FM. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Valuation Committee did not hold any meetings.
The Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee (the QLCC) is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the QLCC are to receive quarterly reports from the Trusts chief compliance officer (the Chief Compliance Officer); to oversee generally the Trusts responses to regulatory inquiries; and to investigate matters referred to it by the Chief Legal Officer and make recommendations to the Board regarding the implementation of an appropriate response to evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers or the Trustees. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee held five meetings.
23
Leadership Structure and Risk Management Oversight
The Board has chosen to select different individuals as Co-Chairpersons of the Board of the Trust and as President of the Trust. Currently, Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley, both Independent Trustees, serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Board, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Audit Committee, Mr. Shirk and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the QLCC, Mr. Boyan and Mr. Taber serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Valuation Committee and Mr. Taber and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Governance Committee.
Mr. Ehret and Mr. Ross, who are also employees of the Adviser, serve as Trustees of the Trust and Ellen Needham, who is also an employee of the Adviser, serves as President of the Trust. The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate, since Mr. Ehret, Mr. Ross and Ms. Needham provide the Board with insight regarding the Trusts day-to-day management, while Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley provide an independent perspective on the Trusts overall operation and Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams provide a specialized perspective on audit matters.
The Board has delegated management of the Trust to service providers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of risks applicable to the Trust. The Board oversees risk management for the Trust in several ways. The Board receives regular reports from both the Chief Compliance Officer and administrator for the Trust, detailing the results of the Trusts compliance with its Board-adopted policies and procedures, the investment policies and limitations of the Funds, and applicable provisions of the federal securities laws and the Code. As needed, the Adviser discusses management issues respecting the Trust with the Board, soliciting the Boards input on many aspects of management, including potential risks to the Fund. The Boards Audit Committee also receives reports on various aspects of risk that might affect the Trust and offers advice to management, as appropriate. The Trustees also meet in executive session with the independent counsel to the Independent Trustees, the independent registered public accounting firm, counsel to the Trust, the Chief Compliance Officer and representatives of management, as needed. Through these regular reports and interactions, the Board oversees the risk management parameters for the Trust, which are effected on a day-to-day basis by service providers to the Trust.
Trustee Ownership of Securities of the Trust, Adviser and Distributor
As of December 31, 2014, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members had any ownership of securities of the Adviser or State Street Global Markets, LLC (SSGM), the Trusts distributor, or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser or SSGM.
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of the Trusts equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2014.
Name of Independent Trustee |
Dollar Range Of Equity Securities
|
Aggregate Dollar Range
Of Equity Securities In All Registered Investment Companies Overseen By Trustees In Family of Investment Companies |
||
William L. Boyan |
None | None | ||
Michael F. Holland |
None | None | ||
William L. Marshall |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Patrick J. Riley |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Richard D. Shirk |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Rina K. Spence |
None | None | ||
Bruce D. Taber |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Douglas T. Williams |
None | None | ||
Name of Interested Trustee |
||||
James E. Ross |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Gregory A. Ehret 1 |
None | None |
1 | Mr. Ehret began serving as Trustee in August 2015. |
24
Trustee Compensation
As of January 24, 2014, each Independent Trustee receives for his or her services to the State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust and SSGA Funds, a $141,500 annual base retainer in addition to $18,000 for each in-person meeting and $2,000 for each telephonic meeting from the Trust. The Trust pays a fixed allocation of $15,000 per Fund. The Co-Chairmen receive an additional $44,000 annual retainer. The Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses in connection with meeting attendance. As of the date of this annual report, the Trustees were not paid pension or retirement benefits as part of the Trusts expenses.
The Trusts officers are compensated by the Adviser and its affiliates.
The following table sets forth the total remuneration of Trustees and officers of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION FROM THE TRUST |
PENSION OR
RETIREMENT BENEFITS ACCRUED AS PART OF TRUST EXPENSES |
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL BENEFITS UPON RETIREMENT |
TOTAL
COMPENSATION FROM TRUST & FUND COMPLEX PAID TO TRUSTEES |
|||||||||||||
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE |
||||||||||||||||
William L. Boyan, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 224,000 | ||||||||
Michael F. Holland, Trustee |
$ | 225,109 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 268,000 | ||||||||
William L. Marshall, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 267,500 | ||||||||
Patrick J. Riley, Trustee |
$ | 225,950 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 266,000 | ||||||||
Richard D. Shirk, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 319,000 | ||||||||
Rina K. Spence, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 224,000 | ||||||||
Bruce D. Taber, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 267,500 | ||||||||
Douglas T. Williams, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 224,000 | ||||||||
NAME OF INTERESTED TRUSTEE |
||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Powers, Trustee 1 |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
James E. Ross, Trustee |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Gregory A. Ehret 2 |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 |
1 | Mr. Powers served as a Trustee until May 2015. |
2 | Mr. Ehret began serving as a Trustee in August 2015. |
Codes of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser and SSGM have each adopted a code of ethics (together, the Codes of Ethics) under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The Codes of Ethics permit personnel, subject to the Codes of Ethics and their provisions, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Trust, Adviser, State Street or SSGM.
25
The Trust has adopted proxy voting procedures pursuant to which the Trust delegates the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Portfolio to the Adviser as part of the Advisers general management of the Portfolio, subject to the Boards continuing oversight. A copy of the Trusts proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix B and a copy of the Advisers proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix C.
Shareholders may receive information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 (i) by calling (877) 521-4083 or (ii) on the SECs website at www.sec.gov .
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
Because the Fund commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, as of October 1, 2015, the Trustees and officers of the Trust owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the shares of each class of the Fund.
Persons or organizations owning 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund may be presumed to control (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the Fund. As a result, these persons or organizations could have the ability to approve or reject those matters submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval. Because the Fund commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, as of October 1, 2015, to the knowledge of the Trust, no persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 25% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of the Fund or 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of the Fund.
Investment Advisory Agreements
The Adviser is responsible for the investment management of the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2001, as amended from time to time (the Advisory Agreement), by and between the Adviser and the Trust. The Adviser and State Street are wholly-owned subsidiaries of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company.
The Fund currently invests all of its assets in the Portfolio, which has the same investment objectives and substantially the same investment policies as the relevant Fund. As long as the Fund remains completely invested in the Portfolio (or any other investment company), the Adviser is not entitled to receive any investment advisory fee with respect to the Fund. The Fund may withdraw its investment from the Portfolio at any time. The Trust has retained the Adviser as investment adviser to manage the Funds assets in the event that the Fund withdraws its investment from its related Portfolio.
The Adviser is also the investment adviser to the Portfolio pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the Portfolio Advisory Agreement) between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio. The Adviser receives an investment advisory fee with respect to the Portfolio. The Portfolio Advisory Agreement is the same in all material respects as the Advisory Agreement between the Trust on behalf of the Funds and the Adviser. The Fund bears a proportionate part of the management fees paid by the Portfolio (based on the percentage of the Portfolios assets attributable to the Fund).
The Advisory Agreement will continue from year to year provided that a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees or a majority of the shareholders of the Trust approve its continuance. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Trust without penalty upon sixty days notice and will terminate automatically upon its assignment.
The Adviser and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and other commercial banking relationships with the issuers of obligations that may be purchased on behalf of the Fund, including outstanding loans to such issuers that could be repaid in whole or in part with the proceeds of securities so purchased. Such affiliates deal, trade and invest for their own accounts in such obligations and are among the leading dealers of various types of such obligations. The
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Adviser has informed the Fund that, in making its investment decisions, it will not obtain or use material non-public information in its possession or in the possession of any of its affiliates. In making investment recommendations for the Fund, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by the Fund is a customer of the Adviser, its parent or its subsidiaries or affiliates and, in dealing with its customers, the Adviser, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates will not inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers were held by any fund managed by the Adviser or any such affiliate.
In certain instances there may be securities that are suitable for the Fund as well as for one or more of the Advisers other clients. Investment decisions for the Trust and for the Advisers other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. The Trust recognizes 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. However, it is believed that the ability of the Fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Fund.
The advisory fees paid to SSGA FM for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Fund has not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Administrator
SSGA FM serves as the administrator for the Fund pursuant to an Amended and Restated Administration Agreement. Under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and the Fund and will generally, subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust. The nature and amount of services provided by SSGA FM under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement may vary as between classes of shares of the Fund, and the Fund may pay fees to SSGA FM under that Agreement at different rates in respect of its different share classes.
As consideration for SSGA FMs services as administrator to the Fund, SSGA FM receives a fee at the annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The fees are accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month.
The administration fees paid by the Fund have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent
State Street serves as the sub-administrator for the Fund pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement among SSGA FM, State Street and, for certain limited purposes, the Trust (the Sub-Administration Agreement). Under the Sub-Administration Agreement State Street is obligated to provide administrative services to the Trust and the Fund.
State Street serves as custodian for the Fund pursuant to the Custody Agreement and holds the Funds assets.
As consideration for State Streets services as custodian for the Fund, State Street receives from the Fund an annual fee as described below. The fees received by State Street in connection with custodian services are accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month, pursuant to the following schedule:
Annual Fee Schedule
$12,000 for Custody and Accounting Services
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The custodian fees paid to State Street for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (BFDS) serves as the Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent for the Fund. BFDS is a joint venture of State Street Corporation and DST Systems, Inc. BFDS is paid for the following annual account services and activities including but limited to: establishment and maintenance of each shareholders account; closing an account; acceptance and processing of trade orders; preparation; and transmission of payments for dividends and distributions declared by the Fund; customer service support including receipt of correspondence and responding to shareholder and financial intermediary inquiries; investigation services; IRA custodial services; tax related support; sales charge and 12b-1 payment processing; and charges related to compliance and regulatory services.
Portfolio fees are allocated to the Fund based on the average net asset value of the Fund and are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 of the annual fee. BFDS is reimbursed by the Fund for supplying certain out-of-pocket expenses including but not limited to: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Delegations, omnibus transparency (market timing) services; confirmation statements and periodic investor statements, fulfillment, banking fees, postage, forms, audio response, telephone, records retention, customized programming/enhancements, reports, transcripts, and expenses incurred at the specific direction of the Fund. BFDSs principal business address is 2000 Crown Colony Drive; Quincy, MA 02169.
The transfer agency fees paid to BFDS for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Distributor
State Street Global Markets, LLC (the SSGM or the Distributor) serves as the distributor of the Fund. SSGM is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. SSGMs mailing address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900.
The distribution expenses paid to SSGM for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan
To compensate SSGM for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears in connection with the distribution of shares of the Fund, the Fund may make payments (Rule 12b-1 Fees) from the assets attributable to certain classes of its shares to SSGM under a distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the Distribution Plan). The Distribution Plan is a compensation plan that provides for payments at annual rates (based on average daily net assets) set out below. Because Rule 12b-1 Fees are paid on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales loads. It is expected that SSGM will pay substantially all of the amounts it receives under the Plan to intermediaries involved in the sale of shares of the Fund, including affiliates of the Adviser.
The Board, including all of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the Independent Trustees) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Plan or any related agreements, (the Qualified Distribution Plan Trustees) approve the Distribution Plan .The Distribution Plan will continue in effect with respect to a class of shares of the Fund only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of both a majority of the Board of Trustees and a majority of the Qualified Distribution Plan Trustees. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Funds permitted expenses thereunder without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the affected share class and may not be materially amended in any case without a vote of the majority of both the Trustees and the Qualified Distribution Plan Trustees. The Rule 12b-1 Plan calls for payments at an annual rate (based on average net assets) as follows:
Premier Class |
0.00 | % | ||
Institutional Class |
0.00 | % | ||
Investor Class |
0.00 | % | ||
Administration Class |
0.05 | % | ||
Investment Class |
0.10 | % |
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The Distribution Plan may benefit the Fund by increasing sales of shares and reducing redemptions of shares, resulting potentially, for example, in economies of scale and more predictable flows of cash into and out of the Fund. Because Rule 12b-1 fees are paid out of the Funds assets, all shareholders share in that expense; however, because shareholders hold their shares through varying arrangements (for example, directly or through financial intermediaries), they may not share equally in the benefits of the Plan.
Pursuant to a Shareholder Servicing Plan, the Trust may pay a shareholder servicing fee for the provision of personal services to and the maintenance of shareholder accounts of investors in the Investment Class, Administration Class, Institutional Class and Investor Class shares of the Fund. Shareholder servicing fees paid for the last fiscal year included amounts paid to State Street Bank and Trust Company, Wealth Management Services (WMS), an affiliate of the Adviser. WMS is among the financial intermediaries which may receive fees from the Rule 12b-1 Plan.
The Shareholder Servicing Plan calls for payments by the Trust at an annual rate (based on average net assets) as follows:
Premier Class |
Investment Class |
Institutional Class |
Administration Class |
Investor Class |
||||
None |
0.25% | 0.03% | 0.20% | 0.08% |
Payments to Financial Intermediaries
Financial intermediaries are firms that, for compensation, sell shares of mutual funds, including the Fund, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. Financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisors, banks, and insurance companies. In some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its clients Fund shares in nominee or street name. Shareholder services provided by a financial intermediary may (though they will not necessarily) include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semi-annual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.
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Some portion of SSGMs payments to financial intermediaries will be made out of amounts received by SSGM under the Funds Distribution Plan.
SSGM and its affiliates (including SSGA FM), at their own expense and out of their own assets, may also provide compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of the Funds shares or the servicing of shareholders or shareholder accounts by financial intermediaries. Such compensation may include, but is not limited to, ongoing payments, financial assistance to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising or sales campaigns, or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Financial intermediaries may not use sales of the Funds shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA). The level of payments made to a financial intermediary in any given year will vary and, in the case of most financial intermediaries, will not exceed 0.05% of the value of assets attributable to the financial intermediary invested in shares of funds in the SSGA FM-fund complex. In certain cases, the payments described in the preceding sentence are subject to minimum payment levels.
If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial advisor and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please speak with your financial advisor to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial advisor and his or her firm by SSGM and its affiliates, and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase.
Because the Fund pays distribution, service and other fees for the sale of its shares and for services provided to shareholders out of the Funds assets on an ongoing basis, over time those fees will increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.
The Fund may pay distribution fees, service fees and other amounts described above at a time when shares of the Fund are not being actively promoted to new investors generally, or when shares of the Fund are unavailable for purchase.
Total Rule 12b-1 Fees paid to SSGM and other intermediaries for the last fiscal year have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Set forth below is a list of those financial intermediaries that are FINRA members and to which SSGM (and its affiliates) expects, as of March 31, 2015, to pay compensation in the manner described in this Payments to Financial Intermediaries section. Other financial intermediaries that are not members of FINRA also may receive compensation that is described in this section.
Highland Capital Management |
Institutional Cash Distributors LLC |
|
Van Eck |
JP Morgan |
|
Neuberger Berman |
Morgan Stanley LLC & Co |
|
Wealth Management Services |
SG AMERICAS SECURITIES LLC |
|
Bancorp |
Sungard |
|
Bank of New York Mellon |
Union Bank |
|
Brown Brothers |
Goldman Sachs & Co |
|
Chicago Mercantile Exchange |
Common Fund |
Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ropes & Gray LLP serves as counsel to the Trust. The principal business address of Ropes & Gray LLP is 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Joseph P. Barri LLC, located at 259 Robbins Street, Milton, Massachusetts 02186, serves as independent counsel to the Independent Trustees.
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Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and provides (i) audit services and (ii) tax services. The principal business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
The Fund invests all of its investable assets in the Portfolio and therefore does not directly incur transactional costs for purchases and sales of portfolio investments. The Fund purchases and redeems shares of the Portfolio each day depending on the number of shares of the Fund purchased or redeemed by investors on that day. Shares of the Portfolio are available for purchase by the Fund at their NAV without any sales charges, transaction fees, or brokerage commissions being charged.
All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of the Portfolio by the Adviser. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions are not charged on over the counter orders (including, for example, debt securities and money market investments) because the Portfolio pays a spread which is included in the cost of the security, and is the difference between the dealers cost and the cost to the Portfolio. When the Portfolio executes an over the counter order with an electronic communications network, an alternative trading system or a non-market maker, a commission is charged because there is no spread on the trade. Securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees. The Portfolio normally does not pay a stated brokerage commission on transactions.
The Portfolios investment advisory agreement authorizes the Adviser to place, in the name of the Portfolio, orders for the execution of the securities transactions in which the Portfolio is authorized to invest, provided the Adviser seeks the best overall terms for the transaction. In selecting brokers or dealers (including affiliates of the Adviser), the Adviser chooses the broker-dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution (the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances). The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to: liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, brokerage and research services, underwriting, and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending on the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker-dealers. The Adviser does not currently use any Portfolios assets for soft-dollar arrangements. The Adviser does not presently participate in any soft dollar arrangements. It may aggregate trades with clients of State Street Global Advisors whose commission dollars are used to generate soft dollar credits for State Street Global Advisors. Although the Advisers clients commissions are not used for soft dollars, the Adviser and State Street Global Advisors clients may benefit from the soft dollar products/services received by State Street Global Advisors.
The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of the Trust for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.
The brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
DECLARATION OF TRUST, CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER INFORMATION
Capitalization
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of the Fund. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Fund, investors are entitled to share pro rata in the Funds net assets available for distribution to its investors. Investments in the Fund have no preference, preemptive, conversion or similar rights, except as determined by the Trustees or as set forth in the Bylaws, and are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
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Declaration of Trust
The Declaration of Trust of the Trust provides that the Trust may redeem shares of the Fund at the redemption price that would apply if the share redemption were initiated by a shareholder. It is the policy of the Trust that, except upon such conditions as may from time to time be set forth in the then current prospectus of the Fund or to facilitate the Trusts or the Funds compliance with applicable law or regulation, the Trust would not initiate a redemption of shares unless it were to determine that failing to do so may have a substantial adverse consequence for the Fund or the Trust.
The Trusts Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust will be deemed independent and disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding. It is the policy of the Trust that it will not assert that provision to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a Trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding; provided, however, that the foregoing policy will not prevent the Trust from asserting applicable law (including Section 2B of Chapter 182 of the Massachusetts General Laws) to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a Trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding.
The Trust will not deviate from the foregoing policies in a manner that adversely affects the rights of shareholders of the Fund without the approval of a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.
Voting
Each shareholder is entitled to a vote in proportion to the number of Fund shares it owns. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees, and shareholders holding more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding shares in the Trust may elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so. The Trust is not required and has no current intention to hold annual meetings of shareholders but the Trust will hold special meetings of shareholders when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote.
Massachusetts Business Trust
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders in a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification out of the property of the applicable series of the Trust for any loss to which the shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder of that series and for reimbursement of the shareholder for all expense arising from such liability. Thus the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability should be limited to circumstances in which the series would be unable to meet its obligations.
Multiple-class funds do not have a single share price. Rather, each class has a share price, called its NAV. Although the Fund is a money market fund, the NAV of the Funds shares will float, fluctuating with changes in the values of the Funds portfolio securities. The Fund typically accepts purchase and redemption orders multiple times per day, and calculates its NAV at each such time.
Pricing of shares of the Fund does not occur on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays. The NYSE is open for trading every weekday except for: (a) the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday, Washingtons Birthday (the third Monday in February), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas; and (b) the preceding Friday or the subsequent Monday when one of the calendar-determined holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Purchases and withdrawals will be effected at the time of determination of NAV next following the receipt of any purchase or withdrawal order which is determined to be in good order.
The Funds securities will be valued pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
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The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular situation and the possible application of foreign, state and local tax laws.
The Fund invests substantially all of its assets in the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio (the Portfolio), and so substantially all of the Funds income will result from distributions or deemed distributions from the Portfolio. Therefore, as applicable, references to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Fund, including to the assets owned and the income earned by the Fund, will be to or will include such treatment of the Portfolio, and, as applicable, the assets owned and the income earned by the Portfolio.
Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situations.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company
The Fund intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Code and intends each year to qualify and be eligible to be treated as such. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Funds taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Funds total assets consists of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of its assets are invested (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades and businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid generally taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt income, for such year.
In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the RIC.
However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (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 income from the qualifying income described in section (a)(i) above), will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, because they meet the passive income requirement under Code section 7704(c)(2). In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.
For purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the term outstanding voting securities of such issuer will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular
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Portfolio investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Funds ability to meet the diversification test in (b) above.
If the Fund qualifies as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including Capital Gain Dividends, as defined below). If the 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, paying interest or disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if the Fund were otherwise to fail to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to tax at the Fund level on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Funds shares (as described below). In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing substantially all of its investable assets in the Portfolio, which itself intends each year to elect to be treated and to qualify and be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Whether the Fund meets the asset diversification test described above will depend on whether the Portfolio meets such test. If the Portfolio were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test and were ineligible to or otherwise were not to cure such failure, the Fund would as a result itself fail to meet the asset diversification test and may be ineligible or unable to or may otherwise not cure such failure.
The Fund intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and its net tax-exempt income (if any), and may distribute its net capital gain. Any taxable income retained by the Fund will be subject to tax at the Fund level at regular corporate rates. If the Fund retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but is permitted to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a timely notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds on a properly-filed U.S. tax return to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If the Fund makes this designation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholders gross income under clause (a) of the preceding sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (b) of the preceding sentence. The Fund is not required to, and there can be no assurance the Fund will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.
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, the Fund 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, its net ordinary loss, if any, from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.
If the Fund were to fail to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal, in general, to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or a later date if the Fund is eligible to elect and so elects), plus any such amounts retained from the prior year, the Fund would be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For purposes of the
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required excise tax distribution, a RICs ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year (or a later date, if the RIC makes the election referred to above) generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. Also, for these purposes, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject to corporate income tax for the taxable year ending within the calendar year. The Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Distributions declared by the Fund during October, November and December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year in which declared.
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (net capital losses) are not permitted to be deducted against the Funds net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain limitations, the Fund may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to subsequent taxable years to offset capital gains, if any, realized during such subsequent taxable years. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains. The Fund may carry incurred net capital losses forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration. The Fund must apply such carryforwards first against gains of the same character. The Funds available capital loss carryforwards, if any, will be set forth in its annual shareholder report for each fiscal year. The Funds ability to use net capital losses to offset gains may be limited as a result of certain (a) acquisitive reorganizations and (b) shifts in the ownership of the Fund by a shareholder owning or treated as owning 5% or more of the stock of the Fund.
Taxation of Distributions Received by Shareholders
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned such shareholders Fund shares.
Distributions of net capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio as capital gain dividends (Capital Gain Dividends) also may be reported as Capital Gain Dividends by the Fund, and generally will be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as long-term capital gains includible in net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryovers. Distributions of net short-term capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less (as reduced by any net long-term capital loss of the Portfolio for the taxable year) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of investment income properly reported by the Portfolio and the Fund as derived from qualified dividend income, if any, will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to net capital gain, provided holding period and other requirements are met at the shareholder, the Fund and Portfolio level. The Fund does not expect to receive distributions from the Portfolio derived from qualified dividend income.
The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. For these purposes, net investment income generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Fund of net investment income and capital gains, and (ii) any net gain from the sale, redemption or exchange of Fund shares. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this additional tax on their investment in the Fund.
If the Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholders tax basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholders tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares.
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Shareholders of the Fund will be subject to federal income taxes as described herein on distributions made by the Fund whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions with respect to the Funds shares are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Funds realized income and gains, even though such distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholders investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Funds net asset value reflects either unrealized gains, or realized but undistributed income or gains, that were therefore included in the price the shareholder paid. Such distributions may reduce the fair market value of the Funds shares below the shareholders cost basis in those shares. As described above, the Fund is required to distribute realized income and gains regardless of whether the Funds net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.
As required by federal law, detailed federal tax information with respect to each calendar year will be furnished to each shareholder early in the succeeding year.
Tax Implications of Certain Fund Investments
Special Rules for Debt Obligations . Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the original issue discount (OID) is treated as interest income and is included in the Funds income and required to be distributed by the Fund over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. In addition, payment-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its revised issue price) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the accrued market discount on such debt security. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Funds income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Funds income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.
If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, or other debt securities subject to special rules under the Code, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or, if necessary, by disposition of portfolio securities including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so. These dispositions may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates) and, in the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger Capital Gain Dividend than if the Fund had not held such securities.
Securities Purchased at a Premium . Very generally, where the 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. In the case of a taxable bond, if the Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, the Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period.
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A portion of the OID accrued on certain high yield discount obligations may not be deductible to the issuer and will instead be treated as a dividend paid by the issuer for purposes of the dividends received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent attributable to the deemed dividend portion of such OID.
At-risk or Defaulted Securities . Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount; whether, when, or to what extent the Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation; when and to what extent the Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities; and how the Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the 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 RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Certain Investments in Mortgage Pooling Vehicles . The Fund may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) (including by investing in residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) with respect to which an election to be treated as a REMIC is in effect) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (TMPs). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Funds income (including income allocated to the Fund from certain pass-through entities) 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 RIC, such as the Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. As a result, a RIC holding such interests may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts, as noted below.
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 other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and that 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. A shareholder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such inclusions notwithstanding any exemption from such income tax otherwise available under the Code.
Foreign Currency Transactions . Any transaction by the Fund in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations or certain foreign currency options, futures contracts or forward contracts (or similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Fund distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.
Options and Futures . In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option ( e.g. , through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Funds basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Funds obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.
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The Funds options activities may include transactions constituting straddles for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is, that trigger the U.S. federal income tax straddle rules contained primarily in Section 1092 of the Code. Such straddles include, for example, positions in a particular security, or an index of securities, and one or more options that offset the former position, including options that are covered by the Funds long position in the subject security. Very generally, where applicable, Section 1092 requires (i) that losses be deferred on positions deemed to be offsetting positions with respect to substantially similar or related property, to the extent of unrealized gain in the latter, and (ii) that the holding period of such a straddle position that has not already been held for the long-term holding period be terminated and begin anew once the position is no longer part of a straddle. Options on single stocks that are not deep in the money may constitute qualified covered calls, which generally are not subject to the straddle rules; the holding period on stock underlying qualified covered calls that are in the money although not deep in the money will be suspended during the period that such calls are outstanding. Thus, the straddle rules and the rules governing qualified covered calls could cause gains that would otherwise constitute long-term capital gains to be treated as short-term capital gains, and distributions that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income or qualify for the dividends-received deduction to fail to satisfy the holding period requirements and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or fail to qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction, as the case may be.
The tax treatment of certain positions entered into by the Fund, including regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency positions and certain listed non-equity options, will be governed by section 1256 of the Code (section 1256 contracts). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (60/40), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are marked to market with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable.
Derivatives, Hedging, and Related Transactions . In addition to the special rules described above in respect of futures and options transactions, the Funds transactions in other derivative instruments ( e.g. , forward contracts and swap agreements), as well as any of its hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules ( e.g. , notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary or capital, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Funds securities, thereby affecting whether capital gains and losses are treated as short-term or long-term. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders.
Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a RIC and avoid a Fund-level tax.
Book-Tax Differences . Certain of the Funds investments in derivative instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and any of the Funds transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any). If such a difference arises, and the Funds book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment and to avoid an entity-level tax. In the alternative, if the Funds book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income (including realized capital gains) and net tax-exempt income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Funds remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipients basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.
Investment in the Portfolio . Because the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in shares of the Portfolio, its distributable income and gains will normally consist substantially of distributions from the Portfolio. To the extent
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that the Portfolio realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Fund will not be able to benefit from those losses until (i) the Portfolio realizes gains that it can reduce by those losses, or (ii) the Fund recognizes its share of those losses when it disposes of shares of the Portfolio. Moreover, even when the Fund does make such a disposition, any loss will be recognized as a capital loss, a portion of which may be a long-term capital loss. The Funds will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of shares of the Portfolio against its ordinary income (including distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized by a Portfolio), and the Funds long-term capital losses first offset its capital gains, increasing the likelihood that the Funds short-term capital gains are distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.
In addition, in certain circumstances, the wash sale rules under Section 1091 of the Code may apply to the Funds sales of the Portfolio shares that have generated losses. A wash sale occurs if shares of an issuer are sold by the Fund at a loss and the Fund acquires additional shares of that same issuer 30 days before or after the date of the sale. The wash-sale rules could defer losses in the Funds hands on Portfolio shares (to the extent such sales are wash sales) for extended (and, in certain cases, potentially indefinite) periods of time.
The foregoing rules may cause the tax treatment of the Funds gains, losses and distributions to differ at times from the tax treatment that would apply if the Fund invested directly in the types of securities held by the Portfolio. As a result, investors may receive taxable distributions earlier and recognize higher amounts of capital gain or ordinary income than they otherwise would.
Foreign Taxation
The Portfolios income from or proceeds of dispositions of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes. This will decrease the Portfolios, and thus the Funds, return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Fund.
Backup Withholding
The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding rate is 28%.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders
Income of a RIC that would be unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt shareholder of the RIC. 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).
A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes excess inclusion income derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICS or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Funds investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).
In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI as a result of investing in a RIC that recognizes excess inclusion income. Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain
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energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a RIC that recognizes excess inclusion income, then the RIC will be subject to a tax on that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholders distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholders interest in the Fund. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.
Redemptions and Exchanges
Redemptions and exchanges of the Funds shares are taxable events and, accordingly, shareholders may realize gain or loss on these transactions. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares held by a shareholder for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any Capital Gain Dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. Upon the redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund, the Fund or, in the case of shares purchased through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may be required to provide you and the IRS with cost basis and certain other related tax information about the Fund shares you redeemed or exchanged.
When the NAV of the Fund shares varies from $1.0000 per share, shareholders will realize a gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or redemption of the Funds shares. The IRS has issued proposed regulations, on which taxpayers may rely, that permit a simplified method of accounting for gains and losses realized upon the disposition of shares of a regulated investment company that is a so-called money market fund, such as the Fund. Very generally, rather than realizing gain or loss upon each redemption of a share, a shareholder using such method of accounting will recognize gain or loss with respect to the Funds shares for a given computation period (the shareholders taxable year or shorter period selected by the shareholder) equal to the value of all the Fund shares held by the shareholder on the last day of the computation period, less the value of all Fund shares held by the shareholder on the last day of the preceding computation period, less the shareholders net investment in the Fund (generally, purchases minus redemptions) made during the computation period. The IRS has also published guidance providing that the wash-sale of the Codedisallowing losses on taxable dispositions of Fund shares where other substantially identical shares are purchased, including by means of dividend reinvestment, within 30 days before or after the dispositionwill not apply to redemptions of shares in a money market fund subject to the floating NAV amendments. The proposed regulations and IRS guidance remain subject to change. Shareholders of the Fund are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their investment in the Fund.
Tax Shelter Reporting
Under 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, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct holders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Non-U.S. Shareholders
Non-U.S. shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of ownership of shares in the Fund. Distributions properly reported as Capital Gain Dividends generally will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. In general, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a U.S. person within the meaning of the Code ( a foreign person) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income)
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that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a RIC beginning before January 1, 2015, a RIC was not required to withhold any amounts (a) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (i) that had not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner was not a U.S. person, (ii) to the extent that the dividend was attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person was the issuer or was a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (iii) that was within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (iv) to the extent the dividend was attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person was a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (interest-related dividends), and (b) with respect to distributions (other than (i) distributions to an individual foreign person who was present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (ii) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests (described below)) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (short-term capital gain dividends). A RIC was permitted to report such parts of its dividends as were eligible to be treated as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends, but was not required to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld even if a RIC reported all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend.
This exemption has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning on or after January 1, 2015, and what the terms of any such extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.
A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or on Capital Gain Dividends or exempt-interest dividends (if any) unless (a) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (b) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (c) the gain or loss realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or the Capital Gain Dividends are attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests.
Foreign persons with respect to whom income from the Fund is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the foreign person within the United States will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income derived from the Fund at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, whether such income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund and, in the case of a foreign corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a foreign person is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, foreign shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may obtain different tax results than those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax advisors.
Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisers and, if holding shares through intermediaries, their intermediaries, concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.
In order for a foreign person to qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or from lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from back back-up withholding, the foreign person must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or substitute form). Non-U.S. investors in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.
Special rules (including withholding and reporting requirements) apply to foreign partnerships and those holding Fund shares through foreign partnerships. Additional considerations may apply to foreign trusts and estates. Investors holding Fund shares through foreign entities should consult their tax advisers about their particular situation.
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A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the U.S. federal income tax on income referred to above.
Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect To Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the Fund by vote or value could be required to report annually their financial interest in the Funds foreign financial accounts, if any, on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Shareholders should consult a tax advisor, and persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary, regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.
Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements
Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, FATCA) generally require the Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an IGA). If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends and 30% of the gross proceeds of share redemptions or exchanges and certain Capital Gain Dividends it pays on or after January 1, 2017 (which date, under recent Treasury guidance, is expected to be delayed until on or after January 1, 2019. If a payment by the Fund is subject to FATCA withholding, the Fund is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above ( e.g. , Capital Gain Dividends).
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 investors own situation, including investments through an intermediary.
General Considerations
The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of shares of the Fund, as well as the effects of state, local, foreign, and other tax law and any proposed tax law changes.
State Street Global Markets, LLC serves as the Funds Distributor (the Distributor) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement by and between the Distributor and the Trust. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund pays the Distributor fees under the Rule 12b-1 Plan in effect for the Fund. For a description of the fees paid to the Distributor under the Rule 12b-1 Plan, see Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan, above. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific number of shares and will sell shares of the Fund on a continuous basis only against orders to purchase shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.
The audited financial statements for the first fiscal year of the Funds operation will be included in the first Annual Report of the Trust (the Annual Report) following the Funds first fiscal year end. The Annual Report will be available, without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 392-0869.
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RATINGS OF DEBT INSTRUMENTS
MOODYS INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODYS) LONG TERM DEBT RATINGS. The following is a description of Moodys debt instrument ratings.
Aaa Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
Aa Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A Bonds that are rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Baa rated bonds are considered medium-grade obligations, and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics and are subject to moderate credit risk.
Ba Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B and Lower Bonds which are rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Bonds which are rated
Caa are of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Moodys applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a midrange ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
P-1 Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers (or supporting institutions) to honor short-term financial obligations. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The designation Prime-1 or P-1 indicates a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
STANDARD & POORS RATING GROUP (S&P). S&Ps ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (i) the likelihood of default capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; (ii) the nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (iii) the protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors rights.
AAA Bonds rated AAA are highest grade debt obligations. This rating indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
AA Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality obligations. Their capacity to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only by a small degree.
A Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher-rated categories.
A-1
BBB Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal.
BB and Lower Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
The ratings AA to C may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
A-1- Standard & Poors short-term issue credit ratings are current assessments of the likelihood of timely payments of debt having original maturity of no more than 365 days. The A-1 designation indicates that the capacity for payment is extremely strong.
A-2- The capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong. However, a short-term debt with this rating is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debts in higher rating categories.
Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
FITCH RATINGS. (FITCH).
Fitch Ratings cover a global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue.
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default 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 default 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 default 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 default 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 default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.
Fitch Ratings appends the modifiers + or - to denote relative status within the major rating categories.
A short-term rating has a time horizon of up to 13 months for most obligations, or up to 36 months for US public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.
A-2
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. A 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 vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C. High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.
D. Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a specific short-term obligation.
E. Restricted Default. Indicates an entity has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations.
A-3
SSGA FUNDS
STATE STREET MASTER FUNDS
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
As of February 13, 2014
The Boards of Trustees of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each a Trust) 1 have adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts investment portfolios.
1. | Proxy Voting Policy |
The policy of the Trust is to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trust to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trusts investment adviser (the Adviser), subject to the Trustees continuing oversight.
2. | Fiduciary Duty |
The right to vote proxies with respect to a portfolio security held by the Trust is an asset of the Trust. The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trust and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Trust and its shareholders.
3. | Proxy Voting Procedures |
A. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies (Policy). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Trustees of material changes to its Policy promptly and not later than the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees after such amendment is implemented.
B. With respect to any proxies that the Adviser has identified as involving a conflict of interest, the Adviser shall submit a report indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy at the next regular meeting of the Board or Trustees. For this purpose, a conflict of interest shall be deemed to occur when the Adviser, the principal underwriter of the Trust (the Principal Underwriter) or an affiliated person of the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter has a financial interest in a matter presented by a proxy to be voted on behalf of a Trust, other than the obligations the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter incurs as a service provider to the Trust, which may compromise the Advisers or Principal Underwriters independence of judgment and action in voting the proxy.
C. At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees that a record is available with respect to each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust during the year. Also see Section 5 below.
4. | Revocation of Authority to Vote |
The delegation by the Trustees of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Trust may be revoked by the Trustees, in whole or in part, at any time.
1 | Unless otherwise noted, the singular term Trust used throughout this document means each of SSgA Funds, State Street Master Funds and State Street Institutional Investment Trust. |
B-1
5. | Annual Filing of Proxy Voting Record |
The Adviser shall provide the required data for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust to the Trust or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to be filed in the Trusts annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.
6. | Disclosures |
A. | The Trust shall include in its registration statement: |
1. A description of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and
2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trusts toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the Securities and Exchange Commissions (the SEC) website.
B. | The Trust shall include in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders: |
1. A statement disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trusts toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SECs website; and
2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trusts toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SECs website.
7. | Review of Policy |
The Trustees shall review this policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.
B-2
APPENDIX C
March 2015
FM Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM), one of the industrys largest institutional asset managers, is the investment management arm of State Street Bank and Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial services to institutional investors. As an investment manager, SSGA FM has discretionary proxy voting authority over most of its client accounts, and SSGA FM votes these proxies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments as described in the SSGA FM Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles.
SSGA FM maintains Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines for select markets, including: the US, the EU, the UK, Australia, emerging markets and Japan. International markets that do not have specific guidelines are reviewed and voted consistent with our Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles; however, SSGA FM also endeavors to show sensitivity to local market practices when voting in these various markets.
SSGA FMs Approach to Proxy Voting and Issuer Engagement
At SSGA FM, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager very seriously. We have a dedicated team of corporate governance professionals who help us carry out our duties as a responsible investor. These duties include engaging with companies, developing and enhancing in-house corporate governance policies, analyzing corporate governance issues on a case-by-case basis at the company level, and exercising our voting rightsall to maximize shareholder value.
SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles (the Principles) may take different perspectives on common governance issues that vary from one market to another and, likewise, engagement activity may take different forms in order to best achieve long-term engagement goals. We believe that proxy voting and engagement with portfolio companies is often the most direct and productive way shareholders can exercise their ownership rights, and taken together, we view these tools to be an integral part of the overall investment process.
We believe engagement and voting activity have a direct relationship. As a result, the integration of our engagement activities, while leveraging the exercise of our voting rights, provides a meaningful shareholder tool that we believe protects and enhances the long-term economic value of the holdings in our client accounts. SSGA FM maximizes its voting power and engagement by maintaining a centralized proxy voting and active ownership process covering all holdings, regardless of strategy. Despite the different investment views and objectives across SSGA FM, depending on the product or strategy, the fiduciary responsibilities of share ownership and voting for which SSGA FM has voting discretion are carried out with a single voice and objective.
The Principles support governance structures that we believe add to, or maximize shareholder value at the companies held in our clients portfolios. SSGA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies to discuss our principles, including sustainability related risks. In addition, we encourage issuers to find ways of increasing the amount of direct communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members and independent non-executive directors is critical to helping companies understand shareholder concerns. Conversely, where appropriate, we conduct collaborative engagement activities with multiple shareholders and communicate with company representatives about common concerns.
In conducting our engagements, SSGA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country, including the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system, the quality of regulatory oversight, the enforcement of property and shareholder rights and the independence of the judiciary to name a few. SSGA FM understands that regulatory requirements and investor expectations relating to governance practices and engagement activities differ from country-to-country. As a result, SSGA FM engages with issuers, regulators, or both, depending on the market. SSGA FM also is a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy at the country level as well as issuer specific concerns at a company level.
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To help mitigate company specific risk, the team may collaborate with members of the active investment teams to engage with companies on corporate governance issues and address any specific concerns, or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. Outside of proxy voting season, SSGA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies covering various corporate governance and sustainability related topics.
The SSGA FM Governance Team uses a blend of quantitative and qualitative research and data to support screens to help identify issuers where active engagement may be necessary to protect and promote shareholder value. Issuer engagement may also be event driven, focusing on issuer specific corporate governance, sustainability concerns or wider industry related trends. SSGA FM also gives consideration to the size of our total position of the issuer in question and/or the potential negative governance, performance profile, and circumstance at hand. As a result, SSGA FM believes issuer engagement can take many forms and be triggered under numerous circumstances. The following methods represent how SSGA FM defines engagement methods:
Active
SSGA FM uses screening tools designed to capture a mix of company specific data including governance and sustainability profiles to help us focus our voting and engagement activity.
SSGA FM will actively seek direct dialogue with the board and management of companies we have identified through our screening processes. Such engagements may lead to further monitoring to ensure the company improves its governance or sustainability practices. In these cases, the engagement process represents the most meaningful opportunity for SSGA FM to protect long-term shareholder value from excessive risk due to poor governance and sustainability practices.
Recurring
SSGA FM has ongoing dialogue with its largest holdings on corporate governance and sustainability issues. SSGA FM maintains regular face-to-face meetings with these issuers, allowing SSGA FM to reinforce key tenets of good corporate governance and actively advise these issuers around concerns that SSGA FM feels may negatively impact long-term shareholder value.
Reactive
Reactive engagement is initiated by the issuers. SSGA FM routinely discusses specific voting issues and items with the issuer community. Reactive engagement is an opportunity to address not only voting items, but also a wide range of governance and sustainability issues.
SSGA FM has established an engagement protocol that further describes our approach to issuer engagement.
Measurement
Assessing the effectiveness of our issuer engagement process is often difficult. To limit the subjectivity of measuring our success we actively seek issuer feedback and monitor the actions issuers take post-engagement to identify tangible changes. By doing so, we are able to establish indicators to gauge how issuers respond to our concerns and to what degree these responses satisfy our requests. It is also important to note that successful engagement activity can be measured over differing time periods depending on the facts and circumstances involved. Engagements can last as short as a single meeting or span multiple years.
Depending on the issue and whether the engagement activity is reactive, recurring, or active, engagement with issuers can take the form of written communication, conference calls, or face-to-face meetings. SSGA FM believes active engagement is best conducted directly with company management or board members. Collaborative engagement, where multiple shareholders communicate with company representatives, can serve as a potential forum for issues that are not identified by SSGA FM as requiring active engagement, such as shareholder conference calls.
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Proxy Voting Procedure
Oversight
The SSGA FM Corporate Governance Team is responsible for developing and implementing the Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines (the Guidelines), case-by-case voting items, issuer engagement activities, and research and analysis of governance-related issues. The implementation of the Guidelines is overseen by the SSGA Global Proxy Review Committee (SSGA PRC), a committee of investment, compliance and legal professionals, who provide guidance on proxy issues as described in greater detail below. Oversight of the proxy voting process is ultimately the responsibility of the SSGA Investment Committee. The SSGA Investment Committee reviews and approves amendments to the Guidelines. The SSGA PRC reports to the SSGA Investment Committee, and may refer certain significant proxy items to that committee.
Proxy Voting Process
In order to facilitate SSGA FMs proxy voting process, SSGA FM retains Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS), a firm with expertise in proxy voting and corporate governance. SSGA FM utilizes ISSs services in three ways: (1) as SSGA FMs proxy voting agent (providing SSGA FM with vote execution and administration services); (2) for applying the Guidelines; and (3) as providers of research and analysis relating to general corporate governance issues and specific proxy items.
The SSGA FM Corporate Governance Team reviews the Guidelines with ISS on an annual basis or on a case-by-case basis as needed. On most routine proxy voting items (e.g., ratification of auditors), ISS will affect the proxy votes in accordance with the Guidelines.
In other cases, the Corporate Governance Team will evaluate the proxy solicitation to determine how to vote based on facts and circumstances, consistent with the Principles, and the accompanying Guidelines, that seek to maximize the value of our client accounts.
In some instances, the Corporate Governance Team may refer significant issues to the SSGA PRC for a determination of the proxy vote. In addition, in determining whether to refer a proxy vote to the SSGA PRC, the Corporate Governance. Team will consider whether a material conflict of interest exists between the interests of our client and those of SSGA FM or its affiliates (as explained in greater detail in our Conflict of Interest Policy).
SSGA FM votes in all markets where it is feasible; however, SSGA FM may refrain from voting meetings when power of attorney documentation is required, where voting will have a material impact on our ability to trade the security, where issuer-specific special documentation is required or where various market or issuer certifications are required. SSGA FM is unable to vote proxies when certain custodians, used by our clients, do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction, or when they charge a meeting specific fee in excess of the typical custody service agreement.
Conflict of Interest
See SSGAs standalone Conflicts of Interest Policy.
Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles
Directors and Boards
The election of directors is one of the most important fiduciary duties SSGA FM performs as a shareholder. SSGA FM believes that well-governed companies can protect and pursue shareholder interests better and withstand the challenges of an uncertain economic environment. As such, SSGA FM seeks to vote director elections in a way which we, as a fiduciary, believe will maximize the long-term value of each portfolios holdings.
Principally, a board acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. This concept establishes the standard by which board and director performance is measured. To achieve this fundamental principle, the role of the board, in SSGA FMs view, is to carry out its responsibilities in the best long-term interest of the company and its shareholders. An independent and effective board oversees management, provides guidance on strategic matters, selects the CEO and other senior executives, creates a succession plan for the board and management, provides risk oversight and assesses the performance of the CEO and management. In contrast, management implements the business and capital allocation strategies and runs the companys day-to-day operations. As part of SSGA FMs engagement process, SSGA FM routinely discusses the importance of these responsibilities with the boards of issuers.
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SSGA FM believes the quality of a board is a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board evaluations and refreshment and company governance practices. In voting to elect nominees, SSGA FM considers many factors. SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will effectively monitor management, maintain appropriate governance practices, and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. SSGA FM also believes the right mix of skills, independence and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and direct experience to deal with risks and operating structures that are often unique and complex from one industry to another.
Accounting and Audit Related Issues
SSGA FM believes audit committees are critical and necessary as part of the boards risk oversight role. The audit committee is responsible for setting out an internal audit function to provide robust audit and internal control systems designed to effectively manage potential and emerging risks to the companys operations and strategy. SSGA FM believes audit committees should have independent directors as members, and SSGA FM will hold the members of the audit committee responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function.
The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. Also, it is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are independent from management as we expect auditors to provide assurance as of a companys financial condition.
Capital Structure, Reorganization and Mergers
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards and in making such a critical decision, SSGA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilute its shareholders.
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In evaluating mergers and acquisitions, SSGA FM considers the adequacy of the consideration and the impact of the corporate governance provisions to shareholders. In all cases, SSGA FM uses its discretion in order to maximize shareholder value.
Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer making an offer, or reducing the likelihood of a successful offer. SSGA FM does not support proposals that reduce shareholders rights, entrench management or reduce the likelihood of shareholders right to vote on reasonable offers.
Compensation
SSGA FM considers the boards responsibility to include setting the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive compensation; SSGA FM believes that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long-term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders interests. SSGA FM may also consider executive compensation practices when re-electing members of the remuneration committee.
SSGA FM recognizes that compensation policies and practices are unique from market to market; often with significant differences between the level of disclosures, the amount and forms of compensation paid, and the ability of shareholders to approve executive compensation practices. As a result, our ability to assess the appropriateness of executive compensation is often dependent on market practices and laws.
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Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors may not only have an impact on the reputation of companies but may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could be the result of anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends to shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on a company, its industry, operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of board members if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder requests to amend them.
General/Routine
Although SSGA FM does not seek involvement in the day-to-day operations of an organization, SSGA FM recognizes the need for conscientious oversight and input into management decisions that may affect a companys value. SSGA FM supports proposals that encourage economically advantageous corporate practices and governance, while leaving decisions that are deemed to be routine or constitute ordinary business to management and the board of directors.
Securities on Loan
For funds where SSGA FM acts as trustee, SSGA FM may recall securities in instances where SSGA FM believes that a particular vote will have a material impact on the fund(s). Several factors shape this process. First, SSGA FM must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before the record date. In many cases, SSGA FM does not receive timely notice, and is unable to recall the shares on or before the record date. Second, SSGA FM, exercising its discretion may recall shares if it believes the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the foregone lending income. This determination requires SSGA FM, with the information available at the time, to form judgments about events or outcomes that are difficult to quantify. Given past experience in this area, however, we believe that the recall of securities will rarely provide an economic benefit that outweighs the cost of the foregone lending income.
Reporting
Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSGA FM relationship manager.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3430-INST-5405 0315 Exp. Date: 02/29/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
United States
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s (SSGA FM) US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the US. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, director tenure, audit related issues, capital structure, executive compensation, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the US, SSGA FM expects all companies to act in a transparent manner and provide detailed disclosure on board profiles, related-party transactions, executive compensation and other governance issues that impact shareholders long-term interests.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagements to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value. The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagements and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the US.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practices, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
Director related proposals at US companies include issues submitted to shareholders that deal with the composition of the board or with members of a corporations board of directors. In deciding which director nominee to support, SSGA FM considers numerous factors.
Director Elections
SSGA FMs director election policy focuses on companies governance profile to identify if a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices or if it exhibits negative governance practices. Factors SSGA FM considers when evaluating governance practices include, but are not limited to the following:
| Shareholder rights; |
| Board independence; and |
| Board structure. |
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If a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices, SSGA FM believes a director should be classified as independent based on the relevant listing standards or local market practice standards. In such cases, the composition of the key oversight committees of a board should meet the minimum standards of independence. Accordingly, SSGA FM will vote against a nominee at a company with appropriate governance practices if the director is classified as non-independent under relevant listing standards or local market practice AND serves on a key committee of the board (compensation, audit, nominating or committees required to be fully independent by local market standards).
Conversely, if a company demonstrates negative governance practices, SSGA FM believes the classification standards for director independence should be elevated. In such circumstances, we will evaluate all director nominees based on the following classification standards:
| Is the nominee an employee of or related to an employee of the issuer or its auditor; |
| Does the nominee provide professional services to the issuer; |
| Has the nominee attended an appropriate number of board meetings; or |
| Has the nominee received non-board related compensation from the issuer. |
Where companies demonstrate negative governance practices, these stricter standards will apply not only to directors who are a member of a key committee but to all directors on the board as market practice permits. Accordingly, SSGA FM will vote against a nominee (with the exception of the CEO) where the board has inappropriate governance practices and is considered not independent based on the above independence criteria.
Additionally, SSGA FM may withhold votes from directors based on the following:
| When overall average board tenure is excessive and/or individual director tenure is excessive. In assessing excessive tenure, SSGA FM gives consideration to factors such as the preponderance of long tenured directors, board refreshment practices, and classified board structures; |
| When directors attend less than 75% of board meetings without appropriate explanation or providing reason for their failure to meet the attendance threshold; |
| CEOs of a public company who sit on more than three public company boards; |
| Director nominees who sit on more than six public company boards; |
| Directors of companies that have ignored a shareholder proposal which received a majority of the shares outstanding at the last annual or special meeting, unless management submits the proposal(s) on the ballot as a binding management proposal, recommending shareholders vote for the particular proposal(s); |
| Directors of companies have unilaterally adopted/ amended company by-laws that negatively impact SSGA FMs shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection and exclusion service by-laws) without putting such amendments to a shareholder vote; |
| Compensation committee members where there is a weak relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period; |
| Audit committee members if non-audit fees exceed 50% of total fees paid to the auditors; and |
| Directors who appear to have been remiss in their duties. |
Director Related Proposals
SSGA FM generally votes for the following director related proposals:
| Discharge of board members duties, in the absence of pending litigation, regulatory investigation, charges of fraud or other indications of significant concern; |
| Proposals to restore shareholders ability to remove directors with or without cause; |
| Proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies; and |
| Shareholder proposals seeking disclosure regarding the company, board, or compensation committees use of compensation consultants, such as company name, business relationship(s) and fees paid. |
SSGA FM generally votes against the following director related proposals:
| Requirements that candidates for directorships own large amounts of stock before being eligible to be elected; |
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| Proposals that relate to the transaction of other business as properly comes before the meeting, which extend blank check powers to those acting as proxy; and |
| Proposals requiring two candidates per board seat. |
Majority Voting
SSGA FM will generally support a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election of directors.
SSGA FM will generally vote to support amendments to bylaws that would require simple majority of voting shares (i.e. shares cast) to pass or repeal certain provisions.
Annual Elections
SSGA FM generally supports the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors. Consideration is given to the overall level of board independence and the independence of the key committees as well as whether there is a shareholders rights plan.
Cumulative Voting
SSGA FM does not support cumulative voting structures for the election of directors.
Separation Chair/CEO
SSGA FM analyzes proposals for the separation of Chair/CEO on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration numerous factors, including but not limited to, the appointment of and role played by a lead director, a companys performance and the overall governance structure of the company.
Proxy Access
SSGA FM will consider proposals relating to Proxy Access on a case-by-case basis.
SSGA FM will evaluate the companys specific circumstances, the impact of the proposal on the target company and its potential effect on shareholder value.
Considerations include but are not limited to the following:
| The ownership thresholds and holding duration proposed in the resolution; |
| The binding nature of the proposal; |
| The number of directors that shareholders may be able to nominate each year; |
| Company performance; |
| Company governance structure; |
| Shareholder rights; and |
| Board performance. |
Age/Term Limits
Generally, SSGA FM will vote against age and term limits unless the company is found to have poor board refreshment and director succession practices and has a preponderance of non-executive directors with excessively long-tenures serving on the board.
Approve Remuneration of Directors
Generally, SSGA FM will support directors compensation, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry. In making our determination, we review whether the compensation is overly dilutive to existing shareholders.
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Indemnification
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Classified Boards
SSGA FM generally supports annual elections for the board of directors.
Confidential Voting
SSGA FM will support confidential voting.
Board Size
SSGA FM will support proposals seeking to fix the board size or designate a range for the board size and will vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board outside of a specified range without shareholder approval.
Audit Related Issues
Ratifying Auditors and Approving Auditor Compensation
SSGA FM supports the approval of auditors and auditor compensation provided that the issuer has properly disclosed audit and non-audit fees relative to market practice and the audit fees are not deemed excessive. SSGA FM deems audit fees to be excessive if the non-audit fees for the prior year constituted 50% or more of the total fees paid to the auditor. SSGA FM will support the disclosure of auditor and consulting relationships when the same or related entities are conducting both activities and will support the establishment of a selection committee responsible for the final approval of significant management consultant contract awards where existing firms are already acting in an auditing function. In circumstances where other fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard non-audit fee category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.
SSGA FM will support the discharge of auditors and requirements that auditors attend the annual meeting of shareholders. 1
Capital Related Issues
Capital structure proposals include requests by management for approval of amendments to the certificate of incorporation that will alter the capital structure of the company.
The most common request is for an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock, usually in conjunction with a stock split or dividend. Typically, requests that are not unreasonably dilutive or enhance the rights of common shareholders are supported. In considering authorized share proposals, the typical threshold for approval is 100% over current authorized shares. However, the threshold may be increased if the company offers a specific need or purpose (merger, stock splits, growth purposes, etc.). All proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the companys specific financial situation.
Increase in Authorized Common Shares
In general, SSGA FM supports share increases for general corporate purposes up to 100% of current authorized stock.
SSGA FM supports increases for specific corporate purposes up to 100% of the specific need plus 50% of current authorized common stock for US firms.
When applying the thresholds, SSGA FM will also consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits.
Increase in Authorized Preferred Shares
SSGA FM votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase the number of preferred shares.
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Generally, SSGA FM will vote for the authorization of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.
SSGA FM will support proposals to create declawed blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense). However, SSGA FM will vote against proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose.
Unequal Voting Rights
SSGA FM will not support proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will vote against new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSGA FM will not support capitalization changes that add blank check classes of stock (i.e. classes of stock with undefined voting rights) or classes that dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.
However, SSGA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported.
In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock, especially in some non-US markets; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
AntiTakeover Issues
Typically, these are proposals relating to requests by management to amend the certificate of incorporation or bylaws to add or delete a provision that is deemed to have an antitakeover effect. The majority of these proposals deal with managements attempt to add some provision that makes a hostile takeover more difficult or will protect incumbent management in the event of a change in control of the company.
Proposals that reduce shareholders rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.
Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.
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Shareholder Rights Plans
SSGA FM will support mandates requiring shareholder approval of a shareholder rights plans (poison pill) and repeals of various anti-takeover related provisions.
In general, SSGA FM will vote against the adoption or renewal of a US issuers shareholder rights plan (poison pill).
SSGA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no dead hand, slow hand, no hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).
Special Meetings
SSGA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that do not provide shareholders the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:
| The company also does not allow shareholders to act by written consent; or |
| The company allows shareholders to act by written consent but the ownership threshold for acting by written consent is set above 25% of outstanding shares. |
SSGA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that give shareholders (with a minimum 10% ownership threshold) the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:
| The current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares. |
SSGA FM will vote for management proposals related to special meetings.
Written Consent
SSGA FM will vote for shareholder proposals on written consent at companies if:
| The company does not have provisions in their bylaws giving shareholders the right to call for a special meeting; or |
| The company allows shareholders the right to call for a special meeting but the current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares; and |
| The company has a poor governance profile. |
SSGA FM will vote management proposals on written consent on a case-by-case basis.
SuperMajority
SSGA FM will generally vote against amendments to bylaws requiring super-majority shareholder votes to pass or repeal certain provisions. SSGA FM will vote for the reduction or elimination of super-majority vote requirements, unless management of the issuer was concurrently seeking to or had previously made such a reduction or elimination.
Remuneration Issues
Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides the analysis of all compensation plans; namely, are the terms of the plan designed to provide an incentive for executives and/or employees to align their interests with those of the shareholders and thus work toward enhancing shareholder value. Plans which benefit participants only when the shareholders also benefit are those most likely to be supported.
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Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation and Frequency
SSGA FM believes executive compensation plays a critical role in aligning executives interest with shareholders, attracting, retaining and incentivizing key talent, and ensuring positive correlation between the performance achieved by management and the benefits derived by shareholders. SSGA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period. SSGA FM seeks adequate disclosure of different compensation elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. Further, shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance on an annual basis.
Employee Equity Award Plans
SSGA FM considers numerous criteria when examining equity award proposals. Generally, SSGA FM does not vote against plans for lack of performance or vesting criteria. Rather, the main criteria that will result in a vote against an equity award plan are:
Excessive voting power dilution To assess the dilutive effect, we divide the number of shares required to fully fund the proposed plan, the number of authorized but unissued shares and the issued but unexercised shares by the fully diluted share count. SSGA FM reviews that number in light of certain factors, including the industry of the issuer.
Historical option grants Excessive historical option grants over the past three years. Plans that provide for historical grant patterns of greater than eight to twelve percent are generally not supported.
Repricing SSGA FM will vote against any plan where repricing is expressly permitted. If a company has a history of repricing underwater options, the plan will not be supported.
Other criteria include the following:
| Number of participants or eligible employees; |
| The variety of awards possible; and |
| The period of time covered by the plan. |
There are numerous factors that we view as negative, and together, may result in a vote against a proposal:
| Grants to individuals or very small groups of participants; |
| Gun-jumping grants which anticipate shareholder approval of a plan or amendment; |
| The power of the board to exchange underwater options without shareholder approval; this pertains to the ability of a company to reprice options, not the actual act of repricing described above; |
| Below market rate loans to officers to exercise their options; |
| The ability to grant options at less than fair market value; |
| Acceleration of vesting automatically upon a change in control; and |
| Excessive compensation (i.e. compensation plans which are deemed by SSGA FM to be overly dilutive). |
Share Repurchases If a company makes a clear connection between a share repurchase program and its intent to offset dilution created from option plans and the company fully discloses the amount of shares being repurchased, the voting dilution calculation may be adjusted to account for the impact of the buy back.
Companies who do not (i) clearly state the intentions of any proposed share buy-back plan or (ii) disclose a definitive number of the shares to be bought back, (iii) specify the range of premium/discount to market price at which a company can repurchase shares and, (iv) disclose the time frame during which the shares will be bought back, will not have any such repurchase plan factored into the dilution calculation.
162(m) Plan Amendments If a plan would not normally meet the SSGA FM criteria described above, but is primarily being amended to add specific performance criteria to be used with awards designed to qualify for performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, then SSGA FM will support the proposal to amend the plan.
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Employee Stock Option Plans
SSGA FM generally votes for stock purchase plans with an exercise price of not less than 85% of fair market value. However, SSGA FM takes market practice into consideration.
Compensation Related Items
SSGA FM will generally support the following proposals:
| Expansions to reporting of financial or compensation-related information, within reason; and |
| Proposals requiring the disclosure of executive retirement benefits if the issuer does not have an independent compensation committee. |
SSGA FM will generally vote against the following proposals:
| Retirement bonuses for non-executive directors and auditors. |
Miscellaneous/Routine Items
SSGA FM generally supports the following miscellaneous/routine governance items:
| Reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election when voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate; |
| Opting out of business combination provision; |
| Proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management; |
| Liquidation of the company if the company will file for bankruptcy if the proposal is not approved; |
| Shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote; |
| General updating of or corrective amendments to charter and bylaws not otherwise specifically addressed herein, unless such amendments would reasonably be expected to diminish shareholder rights (e.g. extension of directors term limits, amending shareholder vote requirement to amend the charter documents, insufficient information provided as to the reason behind the amendment); |
| Change in corporation name; |
| Mandates that amendments to bylaws or charters have shareholder approval; |
| Management proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable; |
| Repeals, prohibitions or adoption of anti-greenmail provisions; |
| Management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of authorized shares will be proportionately reduced and proposals to implement a reverse stock split to avoid delisting; and |
| Exclusive forum provisions. |
SSGA FM generally does not support the following miscellaneous/ routine governance items:
| Proposals asking companies to adopt full tenure holding periods for their executives; |
| Reincorporation to a location that we believe has more negative attributes than its current location of incorporation; |
| Shareholder proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable; |
| Proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item; |
| Proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws; and |
| Proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal. |
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Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, we consider the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business.
Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer-by-issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.
1 | Common for non-US issuers; request from the issuer to discharge from liability the directors or auditors with respect to actions taken by them during the previous year. |
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State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 31, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
SSGA generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to SSGA FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of SSGA. SSGA FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (CTA) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.
This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. SSGA FM CTA clients should contact SSGA Relationship Management for important CTA materials.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3439-INST-5436 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Europe
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s, (SSGA FM) European Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in European markets excluding the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in European markets address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management and monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in European markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in European companies, SSGA FM also considers guidance issued by the European Commission. Companies should provide detailed explanations under diverse comply or explain approaches, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders long-term interests.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in European markets.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/reelection of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.
A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in European companies include factors such as:
| Participation in relatedparty transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Relations with controlling shareholders; |
| Family ties with any of the companys advisers, directors or senior employees; |
| Employee and government representatives; and |
| Overall average board tenure and individual director tenure at issuers with classified and de-classified boards, respectively. |
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While, overall board independence requirements and board structures differ from market to market, SSGA FM considers voting against directors it deems nonindependent if overall board independence is below one third. SSGA FM also assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a casebycase basis, giving consideration to factors such as overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. SSGA FM may also not support a proposal to discharge the board, if a company fails to meet adequate governance standards or board level independence.
When considering the election or re-election of a non-executive director, SSGA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive can undertake and attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against the election of a director whose biographical disclosures are insufficient to assess his or her role on the board and/or independence.
Although we generally are in favour of the annual election of directors, we recognise that director terms vary considerably in different European markets. SSGA FM may vote against article/ bylaw changes that seek to extend director terms. In addition, in certain markets, SSGA FM may vote against directors if their director terms extend beyond four years.
SSGA FM believes companies should have relevant board level committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSGA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSGA FM may vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.
In its analysis of boards, SSGA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint.
In certain European markets it is not uncommon for the election of directors to be presented in a single slate. In these cases, where executives serve on the audit or the remuneration committees, SSGA FM may vote against the entire slate.
SSGA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)
Indemnification and Limitations on Liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Audit Related Issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSGA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSGA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.
Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors
SSGA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.
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Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
In some European markets, differential voting rights continue to exist. SSGA FM supports the one share one vote policy and favours a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSGA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.
Unequal Voting Rights
SSGA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSGA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders. SSGA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps and capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.
Increase in Authorized Capital
The ability raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSGA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a companys existing capital base.
Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seek to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSGA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSGA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.
Share Repurchase Programs
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, specify the range of premium/discount to market price at which a company can repurchase shares, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long-term financial health.
Related Party Transactions
Certain companies in European markets have a controlled ownership structure and have complex cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSGA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions. Further, SSGA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
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Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price |
AntiTakeover Measures
European markets have diverse regulations concerning the use of share issuances as takeover defenses with legal restrictions lacking in some markets. SSGA FM supports a one-share, one-vote policy, for example, given that dual-class capital structures entrench certain shareholders and management, insulating them from possible takeovers. SSGA FM opposes unlimited share issuance authorizations as they may be used as antitakeover devices, and they have the potential for substantial voting and earnings dilution. SSGA FM also monitors the duration of authorities to issue shares and whether there are restrictions and caps on multiple issuance authorities during the specified time periods. SSGA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.
Remuneration
Executive Pay
Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive paythere should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders interests. SSGA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.
Equity Incentives Plans
SSGA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSGA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.
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NonExecutive Director Pay
In European markets, authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors fees are generally not controversial. SSGA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSGA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.
Risk Management
SSGA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSGA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSGA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
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State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3449-INST-5416 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines United Kingdom
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s, (SSGA FM), UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the UK and Ireland, SSGA FM expects all companies, regardless of domicile, that obtain a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange or the Irish Stock Exchange to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Codes comply or explain approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders long-term interests.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the UK and European markets.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.
A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in UK companies include factors such as:
| Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Excessive tenure and a preponderance of long-tenured directors: |
| Relations with controlling shareholders; and |
| Family ties with any of the companys advisers, directors or senior employees. |
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When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSGA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSGA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure. SSGA FM supports the annual election of directors.
While SSGA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the UK market, SSGA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the companys specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSGA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.
SSGA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).
SSGA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSGA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSGA FM will vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.
In its analysis of boards, SSGA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSGA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.
Indemnification and Limitations on Liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in.
Audit Related Issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSGA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if an adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSGA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.
Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors
SSGA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.
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Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
Share Issuances
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSGA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a companys existing capital base.
Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSGA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSGA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.
Share Repurchase Programs
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, specify the range of premium/discount to market price at which a company can repurchase shares, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long term financial health.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize share-holder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
Anti-Takeover Measures
SSGA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board when subject to a hostile takeover to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.
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Remuneration
Executive Pay
Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive paythere should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration policies and reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders interests. SSGA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
Equity Incentives Plans
SSGA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSGA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.
Non-Executive Director Pay
Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors fees are generally not controversial. SSGA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSGA FM will evaluate on a company- by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.
Risk Management
SSGA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSGA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSGA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 19, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3445-INST-5412 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Emerging Markets
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s (SSGA FM) Emerging Market Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in emerging markets. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provides a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies, and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
At SSGA FM, we recognize that countries in emerging markets are disparate in their corporate governance frameworks and practices. Concurrent with developing a company specific voting and engagement program, SSGA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country. These factors include: (i) the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system in a country; (ii) quality of regulatory oversight, enforcement of property and shareholder rights; and (iii) the independence of judiciaryto name a few. While emerging market countries tend to pose broad common governance issues across all markets, such as concentrated ownership, poor disclosure of financial and related-party transactions, and weak enforcement of rules and regulation, SSGA FMs emerging market proxy voting policy is designed to identify and address specific governance concerns in each market.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy in Emerging Markets
SSGA FMs approach to proxy voting and issuer engagement in emerging markets is designed to increase the value of our investments through the mitigation of governance risks. Since the overall quality of the corporate governance framework in an emerging market country drives the level of governance risks investors assign to a country, improving the macro governance framework in a country may help reduce governance risks, in turn, increasing the overall value of SSGA FMs holdings over time. Therefore, in order to improve the overall governance framework and practices in a country, members of our proxy voting and engagement team endeavor to visit emerging market countries and meet with representatives from regulatory agencies and stock markets to highlight potential concerns with the macro governance framework of a country. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in emerging markets. To help mitigate company specific risk, the team works alongside members of the active fundamental and emerging market teams to engage with emerging market companies on governance issues and address any specific concerns or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. This integrated approach to engagement drives SSGA FMs proxy voting and engagement philosophy in emerging markets.
SSGA FMs proxy voting guidelines in emerging markets addresses six broad areas:
| Directors and Boards; |
| Accounting and Audit Related Issues; |
| Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues; |
| Remuneration; |
| Environmental and Social Issues; and |
| General/Routine Issues. |
Directors and Boards
SGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. However, several factors such as low overall independence level requirements by market regulators, poor biographical disclosure of director profiles, prevalence of related-party transactions and the general resistance from controlling shareholders to increase board independence renders the election of directors as one of the most important fiduciary duties SSGA FM performs in emerging market companies.
SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in emerging market companies include factors such as:
| Participation in related-party transactions; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Relations with controlling shareholders and other |
| employees; and |
| Attendance levels. |
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Audit Related Issues
The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. SSGA FM believes that audit committees provide the necessary oversight on the selection and appointment of auditors, a companys internal controls and accounting policies, and the overall audit process. In emerging markets, SSGA FM encourages boards to appoint an audit committee composed of a majority of independent auditors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. SSGA FM believes that it is imperative for audit committees to select outside auditors who are independent from management.
Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
SSGA FM believes that changes to a companys capital structure such as changes in authorized share capital, share repurchase and debt issuances are critical decisions made by the board. SSGA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and should not overly dilute its shareholders.
Related Party Transactions
Most companies in emerging markets have a controlled ownership structure that often include complex cross-shareholding between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). As a result, there is a high prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management. In addition, inter-group loan and loan guarantees provided to related companies are some of the other related-party transactions that increase the risk profile of companies. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSGA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions. Further, SSGA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
Share Repurchase Programs
With regard to share repurchase programs, SSGA FM expects companies to clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchase.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
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SSGA will actively seek direct dialogue with the board and management of companies we have identified through our screening processes. Such engagements may lead to further monitoring to ensure the company improves its governance or sustainability practices. In these cases, the engagement process represents the most meaningful opportunity for SSGA to protect long-term shareholder value from excessive risk due to poor governance and sustainability practices.
Remuneration
SSGA FM considers it to be the boards responsibility to set appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive compensation; there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term. In emerging markets we encourage companies to disclose information on senior executive remuneration.
With regard to director remuneration, SSGA FM supports director pay provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry and are not overly dilutive to existing shareholders.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change. In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. In emerging markets, shareholders seldom vote on environmental and social issues. Therefore, SSGA FM addresses a companys approach to identifying and managing environmental and social risks stemming for various aspects of its operations in its one-on-one engagement with companies.
General/Routine Issues
Some of the other issues that are routinely voted on in emerging markets include approving the allocation of income and accepting financial statements and statutory reports. For these voting items, SSGA FMs policies consider several factors including historical dividend payouts, pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges of fraud or other indication of significant concerns.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGA express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3510-INST-5434 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Japan
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s, (SSGA FM) Japan Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines complement and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies, and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in Japan address areas including; board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in Japan, SSGA FM takes into consideration the unique aspects of Japanese corporate governance structures. We recognize that under Japanese corporate law, companies may choose between two structures of corporate governance: the statutory auditor system or the committee structure. Most Japanese boards predominantly consist of executives and non-independent outsiders affiliated through commercial relationships or cross-shareholdings. Nonetheless, when evaluating companies, SSGA FM expects Japanese companies to address conflicts of interest, risk management and demonstrate an effective process for monitoring management. In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in Japanese companies, SSGA FM also considers guidance issued by the Corporate Law Subcommittee of the Legislative Council within the Ministry of Justice as well as private study groups.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, and environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in Japan.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice.
Japanese companies have the option of having a traditional board of directors with statutory auditors, or a board with a committee structure. Most Japanese issuers prefer the traditional statutory auditor structure. Statutory auditors act in a quasi-compliance role as they are not involved in strategic decision-making nor are they part of the formal management decision process. Statutory auditors attend board meetings but do not have voting rights at the board; however, they have the right to seek an injunction and conduct broad investigations of unlawful behavior in the companys operations.
SSGA FM will support the election of statutory auditors, unless the outside statutory auditor nominee is regarded as non-independent based on SSGA FM criteria, the outside statutory auditor has attended less than 75 percent of meetings of the board of directors or board of statutory auditors during the year under review, or the statutory auditor has been remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities (fraud, criminal wrong doing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).
For companies with a statutory auditor structure there is no legal requirement that boards have outside directors, however, SSGA FM believes there should be a transparent process of independent and external monitoring of management on behalf of shareholders.
| SSGA FM believes that non-controlled Japanese companies should appoint at least one outside director, otherwise, SSGA FM will oppose the top executive who is responsible for the director nomination process; and |
| For controlled companies with a statutory auditor structure, SSGA FM will oppose the top executive, if the board does not have at least two outside directors. |
For companies with a committee structure, SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering general market practice, as well as the independence of the nominee. SSGA FM also takes into consideration the overall independence level of the committees. In determining director independence, SSGA FM considers the following factors:
| Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Past employment with the company; |
| Provides professional services to the company; and |
| Family ties with the company. |
Regardless of board structure, SSGA FM may oppose the election of a director for the following reasons:
| Failure to attend board meetings; or |
| In instances of egregious actions related to a directors service on the board. |
Indemnification and Limitations on Liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors and statutory auditors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. SSGA FM believes limitations and indemnification are necessary to attract and retain qualified directors.
Audit Related Items
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should have the opportunity to vote on their appointment at the annual meeting.
Ratifying External Auditors
SSGA FM will generally support the appointment of external auditors unless the external auditor is perceived as being non-independent and there are concerns about the accounts presented and the audit procedures followed.
Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors
SSGA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.
Capital Structure, Reorganization and Mergers
SSGA FM supports the one share one vote policy and favors a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSGA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps or multiple voting rights and will oppose measures to introduce these types of restrictions on shareholder rights. SSGA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.
Unequal Voting Rights
SSGA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSGA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.
However, SSGA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.
Increase in Authorized Capital
SSGA FM generally supports increases in authorized capital where the company provides an adequate explanation for the use of shares. In the absence of an adequate explanation, SSGA FM may oppose the request if the increase in authorized capital exceeds 100 percent of the currently authorized capital. Where share issuance requests exceed our standard threshold, SSGA FM will consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long term financial health.
Share Repurchase Programs
Companies are allowed under Japan Corporate Law to amend their articles to authorize the repurchase of shares at the boards discretion. SSGA FM will oppose an amendment to articles allowing the repurchase of shares at the boards discretion. SSGA FM believes the company should seek shareholder approval for a share repurchase program at each years AGM, providing shareholders the right to evaluate the purpose of the repurchase.
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share repurchase requests that allow share repurchases during a takeover period.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
Anti-Takeover Measures
In general, SSGA FM believes that adoption of poison pills that have been structured to protect management and to prevent takeover bids from succeeding is not in shareholders interest. A shareholder rights plan may lead to management entrenchment and discourage legitimate tender offers and acquisitions. Even if the premium paid to companies with a shareholder rights plan is higher than that offered to unprotected firms, a companys chances of receiving a takeover offer in the first place may be reduced by the presence of a shareholder rights plan.
Proposals that reduce shareholders rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.
Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.
Shareholder Rights Plans
In evaluating poison pills, the following conditions must be met before SSGA FM will recommend a vote in favor.
SSGA FM will support the adoption or renewal of a Japanese issuers shareholder rights plans (poison pill) if the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no dead hand, slow hand, no hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced.
SSGA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no dead hand, slow hand, no hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, or (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).
Compensation
In Japan, excessive compensation is rarely an issue. Rather, the problem is the lack of connection between pay and performance. Fixed salaries and cash retirement bonuses tend to comprise a significant portion of the compensation structure while performance-based pay is generally a small portion of the total pay. SSGA FM, where possible, seeks to encourage the use of performance based compensation in Japan as an incentive for executives and as a way to align interests with shareholders.
Approve Adjustment to Aggregate Compensation Ceiling for Directors
Remuneration for directors is generally reasonable. Typically, each company sets the director compensation parameters as an aggregate thereby limiting the total pay to all directors. When requesting a change, a company must disclose the last time the ceiling was adjusted and management provides the rationale for the ceiling increase. SSGA FM will generally support proposed increases to the ceiling if the company discloses the rationale for the increase. SSGA FM may oppose proposals to increase the ceiling if there has been corporate malfeasance or sustained poor performance.
Approve Annual Bonuses for Directors/Statutory Auditors
In Japan, since there are no legal requirements that mandate companies to seek shareholder approval before awarding a bonus, SSGA FM believes that existing shareholder approval of the bonus should be considered best practice. As a result, SSGA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period.
Approve Retirement Bonuses for Directors/ Statutory Auditors
Retirement bonuses make up a sizeable portion of directors and auditors lifetime compensation and are based on board tenure. While many companies in Japan have abolished this practice, there remain many proposals seeking shareholder approval for the total amounts paid to directors and statutory auditors as a whole. In general, SSGA FM supports these payments unless the recipient is an outsider or in instances where the amount is not disclosed.
Approve Stock Plan
Most option plans in Japan are conservative, particularly at large companies. Japan corporate law requires companies to disclose the monetary value of the stock options for directors and/or statutory auditors. Some companies do not disclose the maximum number of options that can be issued per year and shareholders are unable to evaluate the dilution impact. In this case, SSGA FM cannot calculate the dilution level and, therefore, SSGA FM may oppose such plans for poor disclosure. SSGA FM also opposes plans that allow for the repricing of the exercise price.
Deep Discount Options
As Japanese companies move away from the retirement bonus system, deep discount options plans have become more popular. Typically, the exercise price is set at JPY 1 per share. SSGA FM evaluates deep discount options using the same criteria used to evaluate stock options as well as considering the vesting period.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.
Miscellaneous/Routine Items
Expansion of Business Activities
Japanese companies articles of incorporation strictly define the types of businesses in which a company is permitted to engage. In general, SSGA FM views proposals to expand and diversify the companys business activities as routine and non-contentious. SSGA FM will monitor instances where there has been an inappropriate acquisition and diversification away from the companys main area of competence, which resulted in a decrease of shareholder value.
More Information
Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSGA FM relationship manager.
ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3454-INST-5418 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Australia
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s (SSGA FM) Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in Australia. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies, and SSGAs Conflict of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in Australia, SSGA FM expects all companies at a minimum to comply with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Principles comply or explain approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders long-term interests. On some governance matters, such as composition of audit committees, we hold Australian companies to our global standards requiring all directors on the committee to be independent of management.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active fundamental and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the region.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound ESG policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in Australian companies include factors such as:
| Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Relations with controlling shareholders; and |
| Family ties with any of the companys advisers, directors or senior employees. |
When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSGA FM also considers the number of outside board director-ships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSGA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure. SSGA FM supports the annual election of directors and encourages Australian companies to adopt this practice.
While SSGA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the Australia market, SSGA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the
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companys specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSGA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.
SSGA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)
SSGA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have an audit committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. It also requires that the committee be chaired by an independent director who is not the chair of the board. SSGA FM holds Australian companies to its global standards for developed financial markets, by requiring that all members of the audit committee be independent directors.
In its analysis of boards, SSGA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSGA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.
Executive pay is another important aspect of corporate governance. SSGA FM believes that executive pay should be determined by the board of directors and SSGA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have a remuneration committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. Since Australia has a non-binding vote on pay with a two-strike rule requiring a board spill in the event of a second strike, SSGA FM believes that the vote provides investors a mechanism to address concerns it may have on the quality of oversight provided by the board on remuneration issues. Accordingly SSGA FM voting guidelines accommodate local market practice.
Indemnification and limitations on liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Audit Related Issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSGA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSGA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.
Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
Share Issuances
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSGA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a companys existing capital base.
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Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSGA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSGA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for specific purpose.
Share Repurchase Programs
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long-term financial health.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported. SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
Anti-Takeover Measures
SSGA FM opposes antitakeover defenses, such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.
Remuneration
Executive Pay
There is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive paythere should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term. Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where there seems to be a misalignment between pay and shareholders
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interests and where incentive policies and schemes have a re-test option or feature. SSGA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.
Equity Incentives Plans
SSGA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSGA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.
Non-Executive Director Pay
Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors fees are generally not controversial. SSGA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSGA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.
Risk Management
SSGA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSGA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSGA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3503-INST-5431 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
February 2015
Managing Conflicts of Interest arising from SSGAs Proxy Voting and Engagement Activities
State Street Corporation has a comprehensive standalone Conflicts of Interest Policy and other policies that address a range of conflicts of interests identified by our parent company. In addition, SSGA maintains a conflicts register that identifies key conflicts and describes systems in place to mitigate the conflicts. This policy is designed to act in conjunction with related policies and practices employed by other groups within the organization. Further, they complement those policies and practices by providing specific guidance on managing the conflicts of interests that may arise through SSGAs proxy voting activities.
Managing Conflicts of Interest Related to Proxy Voting
SSGA has policies and procedures designed to prevent undue influence on SSGAs voting activities that may arise from relationships between proxy issuers or companies and State Street Corporation (STT) SSGA, SSGA affiliates, SSGA Funds or SSGA Fund affiliates.
Protocols designed to help mitigate potential conflicts of interest include:
| Providing sole voting discretion to members of SSGAs Corporate Governance Team. Members of the corporate governance team may from time to time discuss views on proxy voting matters, company performance, strategy etc. with other STT or SSGA employees including portfolio managers, senior executives and relationship managers. However, final voting decisions are made solely by the corporate governance team, in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of all clients, taking into account various perspectives on risks and opportunities with a view of maximizing the value of client assets; |
| Exercising a singular vote decision for each ballot item regardless of SSGAs investment strategy; |
| Prohibiting members of SSGAs corporate governance team from disclosing SSGAs voting decision to any individual not affiliated with the proxy voting process prior to the meeting or date of written consent, as the case may be; |
| Mandatory disclosure by members of the SSGAs Corporate Governance Team, Global Proxy Review Committee (PRC) and Investment Committee (IC) of any personal conflict of interest (e.g., familial relationship with company management) to the Head of the Corporate Governance Team. Members are required to recuse themselves from any engagement or proxy voting activities related to the conflict; |
| In certain instances, client accounts and/or SSGA pooled funds, where SSGA acts as trustee, may hold shares in STT or other SSGA affiliated entities, such as mutual funds affiliated with SSGA Funds Management, Inc. In general, SSGA will outsource any voting decision relating to a shareholder meeting of STT or other SSGA affiliated entities to independent outside third parties. Delegated third parties exercise vote decisions based upon SSGAs in-house policies; and |
| Reporting of voting policy overrides, if any, to the PRC on a quarterly basis. |
In general, we do not believe matters that fall within the Guidelines and are voted consistently with the Guidelines present any potential conflicts, since the vote on the matter has effectively been determined without reference to the soliciting entity. However, where matters do not fall within the Guidelines or where we believe that voting in accordance with the Guidelines is unwarranted, we conduct an additional review to determine whether there is a conflict of interest. In circumstances where a conflict has been identified and either: (i) the matter does not fall clearly within the Guidelines; or (ii) SSGA determines that voting in accordance with such policies or guidance is not in the best interests of its clients, the Head of SSGAs Corporate Governance Team will determine whether a Material Relationship exists. If so, the matter is referred to the SSGA PRC. The SSGA PRC then reviews the matter and determines whether a conflict of interest exists, and if so, how to best resolve such conflict. For example, the SSGA PRC may (i) determine that the proxy vote does not give rise to a conflict due to the issues presented, (ii) refer the matter to the SSGA Investment Committee for further evaluation or (iii) retain an independent fiduciary to determine the appropriate vote.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherland s: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of Feely, John S through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
Risk associated with equity investing include stock values which may fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions.
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© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3455-INST-5419 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
STATE STREET 60 DAY MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
(CCNXX)
Prospectus Dated October 1, 2015
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE PORTFOLIO IS A FLOATING NET ASSET VALUE MONEY MARKET FUND. THE SHARE PRICE OF THE PORTFOLIO WILL FLUCTUATE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO.
NONE OF STATE STREET CORPORATION, STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, STATE STREET GLOBAL ADVISORS, SSGA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC. OR THEIR AFFILIATES (STATE STREET ENTITIES) GUARANTEE THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT AT $1.0000 PER SHARE. INVESTORS SHOULD HAVE NO EXPECTATION OF CAPITAL SUPPORT TO THE PORTFOLIO FROM STATE STREET ENTITIES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Additional Information About the Portfolios Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Risks |
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Investment Objective
The State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio (the Portfolio) will seek to provide preservation of capital while generating current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolios shares are offered exclusively to investors that pay fees to SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM or the Adviser), the Portfolios investment adviser, or its affiliates; the Portfolio pays no Management Fee to SSGA FM, as shown in the table below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fee |
N/A | |||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
N/A | |||
Other Expenses |
0.55 | % | ||
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (1) |
0.55 | % | ||
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(1) |
The Adviser may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Portfolio to the extent necessary to avoid a negative yield (the Voluntary Reduction), or a yield below a specified level, which may vary from time to time in the Advisers sole discretion. The Portfolio has agreed, subject to certain limitations, to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction. As of October 1, 2015, the Adviser had not waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses under the Voluntary Reduction. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Portfolio. Any future reimbursement by the Portfolio of the Voluntary Reduction would increase the Portfolios expenses and reduce the Portfolios yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that the Portfolio will be able to avoid a negative yield. |
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolios operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 year |
3 years | |
$56 | $176 |
Principal Investment Strategies
In managing the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser follows a disciplined investment process, basing its investment decisions on the relative attractiveness of different money market instruments. In the Advisers opinion the attractiveness of an instrument may vary depending on a variety of factors, including for example the general level of interest rates, imbalances of supply and demand in the market, and the credit quality of the obligors. Although the Portfolio is a money market fund, the net asset value (NAV) of the Portfolios shares will float, fluctuating with changes in the values of the Portfolios portfolio securities. The Portfolio typically accepts purchase and redemption orders multiple times per day, and calculates its NAV at each such time.
The Portfolio attempts to meet its investment objective by investing primarily in a broad range of short-term, high credit quality money market instruments. Under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments with remaining maturities of 60 days or less.
The Portfolios investments may include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposits and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. These instruments may bear fixed, variable or floating rates of interest or may be zero-coupon securities. The Portfolio also may invest in shares of other money market funds, including funds advised by the Adviser. A substantial portion of the Portfolio may be invested in securities that are issued or traded pursuant to exemptions from registration under the federal securities laws.
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The Portfolio purchases assets that have received a top tier (without regard to subcategories or gradations) short-term debt rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated A-1 by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P), P-1 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys), or F1 by Fitch Ratings (Fitch)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
The Portfolio invests in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to money market funds, which require, among other things, the Portfolio to invest only in short-term, high quality debt obligations, to maintain a maximum dollar weighted average maturity of 60 days or less, and to meet requirements as to portfolio diversification and liquidity. For the purposes of determining the Portfolios weighted average maturity, a securitys final maturity date will be used, unless the security is a floating rate or variable rate security in which case the maturity will be determined in accordance with the rules applicable to money market funds.
Principal Investment Risks
You could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. Because the share price of the Portfolio will fluctuate, when you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you originally paid for them. The Portfolio may impose a fee upon the sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Portfolios liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Portfolio is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Portfolios sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Portfolio, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Portfolio at any time.
In addition, the Portfolio is subject to the following risks:
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Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, and illiquidity in debt securities markets. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may |
have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of the Portfolios fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Portfolio may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. |
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Financial Institutions Risk. Changes in the creditworthiness of financial institutions (such as banks and broker-dealers) may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Portfolio to underperform relative to other portfolios that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition of a financial institution. |
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Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program. |
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Liquidity Risk. Lack of a ready market or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. Illiquidity of the Portfolios holdings may limit the ability of the Portfolio to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. |
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Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at |
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historically low levels, and so the Portfolios yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Portfolio will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Portfolio will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income. |
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Market Risk. The Portfolios investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, and general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Portfolio is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. |
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Money Market Risk Floating NAV . The Portfolio does not maintain a constant net asset value per share. The value of the Portfolios shares will be calculated to four decimal places and will vary reflecting the value of the portfolio of investments held by the Portfolio. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Portfolio. |
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Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem Fund shares, and possibly cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests. |
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Repurchase Agreement Risk. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Portfolio which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. If the Portfolios counterparty should default on its obligations and the Portfolio is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Portfolio may realize a loss. |
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Restricted Securities Risk . The Portfolio may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws. There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any |
particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. |
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Significant Exposure to U.S. Government Agencies Risk. To the extent the Portfolio focuses its investments in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, any market movements, regulatory changes or changes in political or economic conditions that affect the U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities in which the Portfolio invests may have a significant impact on the Portfolios performance. Events that would adversely affect the market prices of securities issued or guaranteed by one government agency or instrumentality may adversely affect the market price of securities issued or guaranteed by other government agencies or instrumentalities. |
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Variable and Floating Rate Securities. During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. |
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U.S. Government Securities Risk. Certain U.S. Government securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencys obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, and involve increased credit risks. |
Performance
The Portfolio had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Once the Portfolio has
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completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing the variability of the Portfolios returns based on net assets. Updated performance information for the Portfolio, including its current yield, is available toll free by calling (877) 521-4083 or by visiting our website at www.ssga.com/cash .
Investment Adviser
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Portfolio.
Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares
Generally, shares of the Portfolio may be purchased only by or on behalf of other registered investment companies or private clients that compensate the Adviser or its affiliates directly. You may redeem Portfolio shares on any day the Portfolio is open for business. You may redeem Portfolio shares by written request or wire transfer. Written requests should be sent to:
By Mail: State Street Institutional Trust Funds 200 Clarendon Street, Floor 16 Boston, MA 02116 |
By Overnight: State Street Institutional Trust Funds 200 Clarendon Street, Floor 16 Boston, MA 02116 |
By Intermediary: If you wish to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Portfolio is open.
Intermediaries may contact State Street Dealer Services Group at 617-662-7300 or email them at brokerdealerservices@statestreet.com with questions. |
Tax Information
The Portfolio intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Portfolio through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Portfolio and its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Portfolio shares and related
services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediarys Website for more information.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Portfolio, as stated in the Portfolio Summary, may be changed without shareholder approval.
Principal Investment Strategies
In managing the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser follows a disciplined investment process, basing its investment decisions on the relative attractiveness of different money market instruments. In the Advisers opinion the attractiveness of an instrument may vary depending on a variety of factors, including for example the general level of interest rates, imbalances of supply and demand in the market, and the credit quality of the obligors. Although the Portfolio is a money market fund, the net asset value (NAV) of the Portfolios shares will float, fluctuating with changes in the values of the Portfolios portfolio securities. The Portfolio typically accepts purchase and redemption orders multiple times per day, and calculates its NAV at each such time.
The Portfolio attempts to meet its investment objective by investing primarily in a broad range of short-term, high credit quality money market instruments. Under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments with remaining maturities of 60 days or less.
The Portfolios investments may include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposits and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. These instruments may bear fixed, variable or floating rates of interest or may be zero-coupon securities. The Portfolio also may invest in shares of other money market funds, including funds advised by the Adviser. A substantial portion of the Portfolio may be invested in securities that are issued or traded pursuant to exemptions from registration under the federal securities laws.
The Portfolio purchases assets that have received a top tier (without regard to subcategories or gradations) short-term debt rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated A-1 by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P), P-1 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys), or F1 by Fitch Ratings (Fitch)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
The Portfolio invests in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to money market funds, which require, among other things, the Portfolio to invest only in short-term, high quality debt obligations, to maintain a maximum dollar weighted average maturity of 60 days or less, and to meet requirements as to portfolio diversification and liquidity. For the purposes of determining the Portfolios weighted average maturity, a securitys final maturity date will be used, unless the security is a floating rate or variable rate security in which case the maturity will be determined in accordance with the rules applicable to money market funds.
Additional Information About Risks
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Call/Prepayment Risk. Call/prepayment risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Portfolio earlier than expected or required. This may occur, for example, when there is a decline in interest rates, and an issuer of bonds or preferred stock redeems the bonds or stock in order to replace them with obligations on which it is required to pay a lower interest or dividend rate. It may also occur when there is an unanticipated increase in the rate at which mortgages or other receivables underlying mortgage- or asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are prepaid. In any such case, the Portfolio may be forced to invest the prepaid amounts in lower-yielding investments, resulting in a decline in the Portfolios income. |
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Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer, guarantor or liquidity provider of a fixed-income security held by the Portfolio may be unable or unwilling, or may be perceived (whether by market participants, ratings agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. It includes the risk that the security will be downgraded by a credit rating agency; generally, lower credit quality issuers present higher credit |
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risks. An actual or perceived decline in creditworthiness of an issuer of a fixed-income security held by the Portfolio may result in a decrease in the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when the Portfolio owns securities of the issuer or that the issuer will default on its obligations or that the obligations of the issuer will be limited or restructured. |
The credit rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuers current financial condition and does not reflect an assessment of an investments volatility or liquidity. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. If a security held by the Portfolio loses its rating or its rating is downgraded, the Portfolio may nonetheless continue to hold the security in the discretion of the Adviser. In the case of asset-backed or mortgage-related securities, changes in the actual or perceived ability of the obligors on the underlying assets or mortgages to make payments of interest and/or principal may affect the values of those securities.
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Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, illiquidity in debt securities markets, prepayments of principal, which often must be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates, and slower-than-expected principal payments, which may lock in a below-market interest rate. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of the Portfolios fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Portfolio may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. |
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Extension Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower-than-expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the securitys duration and reduce the value of the security. Extension risk may be heightened during periods of adverse economic conditions generally, as payment rates decline due to higher unemployment levels and other factors. |
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Financial Institution Risk. Some instruments are issued or guaranteed by financial institutions, such as banks and brokers, or are collateralized by securities issued or guaranteed by financial institutions. Changes in the creditworthiness of any of these institutions may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Financial institutions may be particularly sensitive to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Portfolio to underperform relative to other funds that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition or the earnings or operations of a financial institution and on the types and amounts of businesses in which a financial institution may engage. An investor may be delayed or prevented from exercising certain remedies against a financial institution. The amount of the Portfolios assets that may be invested in any financial institution, or financial institutions generally, may be limited by applicable law. |
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Interest Rate Risk. The values of bonds and other debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally result in increases in the values of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally result in declines in the values of existing debt instruments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer durations or maturities. Adjustable rate instruments also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than |
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fixed-income securities (depending, however, on the characteristics of the reset terms, including the index chosen, frequency of reset, and reset caps or floors, among other factors). When interest rates decline, the income received by the Portfolio may decline, and the Portfolios yield may also decline. Changes in governmental policy, rising inflation rates, and general economic developments, among other factors, could cause interest rates to increase and could have a substantial and immediate negative effect on the values of the Portfolios investments. A rising interest rate environment could cause the value of a Funds fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. |
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Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio are highly concentrated or held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program. For example, they could require the Portfolio to sell portfolio securities or purchase portfolio securities unexpectedly and incur substantial transaction costs and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and/or gains to shareholders, or the Portfolio may be required to sell its more liquid Portfolio investments to meet a large redemption, in which case the Portfolios remaining assets may be less liquid, more volatile, and more difficult to price. The Portfolio may hold a relatively large proportion of its assets in cash in anticipation of large redemptions, diluting its investment returns. |
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Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Portfolio may not be able to dispose of securities readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Portfolio currently values them. For example, certain investments are subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a |
discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Portfolio to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. The Portfolio may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Portfolio. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Portfolio may choose to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind. |
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Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at historically low levels, and so the Portfolios yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Portfolio will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Portfolio will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income. |
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Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Portfolio is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters and systemic market dislocations may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in foreign and domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Portfolios investments. Given the increasing |
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interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. Any partial or complete dissolution of the European Monetary Union, or any increased uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Portfolios investments. Securities and financial markets may be susceptible to market manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the values of investments traded in these markets, including investments held by the Portfolio. To the extent the Portfolio has focused its investments in the market or index of a particular region, adverse geopolitical and other events could have a disproportionate impact on the Portfolio. |
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Market Risk. Market prices of investments held by the Portfolio will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The Portfolios investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in the Portfolio could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Portfolio invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices. |
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Market Volatility; Government Intervention Risk. Market dislocations and other external events, such as the failures or near failures of significant financial institutions, dislocations in investment or currency markets, corporate or governmental defaults or credit downgrades, or poor collateral performance, may subject the Portfolio to significant risk of substantial volatility and loss. Governmental and regulatory authorities have taken, and may in the future take, actions to provide or arrange credit |
supports to financial institutions whose operations have been compromised by credit market dislocations and to restore liquidity and stability to financial systems in their jurisdictions; the implementation of such governmental interventions and their impact on both the markets generally and the Portfolios investment program in particular can be uncertain. In recent periods, governmental and non-governmental issuers have defaulted on, or have been forced to restructure, their debts, and many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including, without limitation, in Europe or Asia. Defaults or restructurings by governments or others of their debts could have substantial adverse effects on economies, financial markets, and asset valuations around the world. In recent periods, financial regulators, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, have taken steps to maintain historically low interest rates, such as by purchasing bonds. Some governmental authorities have taken steps to devalue their currencies substantially or have taken other steps to counter actual or anticipated market or other developments. Steps by those regulators to implement, or to curtail or taper, such activities could have substantial negative effects on financial markets. The withdrawal of support, failure of efforts in response to a financial crisis, or investor perception that these efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the values and liquidity of certain securities. |
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Money Market Risk Floating NAV. The Portfolio does not maintain a constant net asset value per share. The value of the Portfolios shares will be calculated to four decimal places and will vary reflecting the value of the portfolio of investments held by the Portfolio. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Portfolio. |
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Money Market Fund Regulatory Risk . In July 2014, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted regulatory changes that will affect the structure and operation of money market funds. The revised regulations impose new liquidity requirements on money market funds, permit (and in some cases require) money market funds to impose liquidity fees on redemptions, and permit money market funds to impose gates restricting redemptions from the funds. |
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Institutional money market funds will be required to have a floating NAV. (U.S. government money market funds are exempt from a number of the new regulations.) There are a number of other changes under the revised regulations that relate to diversification, disclosure, reporting and stress testing requirements. These changes and other proposed amendments to the regulations governing money market funds could significantly affect the money market fund industry generally and the operation or performance of the Portfolio specifically and may have significant adverse effects on a money market funds investment return and on the liquidity of investments in money market funds. |
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Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. The values of most instruments held by the Portfolio are adversely affected by changes in interest rates generally, especially increases in interest rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem Portfolio shares, and possibly cause the Portfolio to sell Portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests. |
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Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security from a seller at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price, typically representing the purchase price plus interest. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Portfolio which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The Portfolios investment return on such transactions will depend on the counterpartys willingness and ability to perform its obligations under a repurchase agreement. If the Portfolios counterparty should default on its obligations and the Portfolio is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Portfolio may realize a loss. |
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Restricted Securities Risk. The Portfolio may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws pursuant to an exemption from registration (including so-called Section 4(2) paper and Rule 144A securities). These securities may be less liquid than securities registered for sale to the general public. The liquidity of a restricted security may be affected by a number of factors, including, among others: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer; (ii) the frequency of trades and |
quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (iv) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (v) the nature of any legal restrictions governing trading in the security; and (vi) the nature of the security and the nature of marketplace trades. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. |
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Significant Exposure to U.S. Government Agencies Risk. To the extent the Portfolio focuses its investments in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, any market movements, regulatory changes or changes in political or economic conditions that affect the U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities in which the Portfolio invests may have a significant impact on the Portfolios performance. Events that would adversely affect the market prices of securities issued or guaranteed by one government agency or instrumentality may adversely affect the market price of securities issued or guaranteed by other government agencies or instrumentalities. |
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Variable and Floating Rate Securities. Variable or floating rate securities are debt securities with variable or floating interest rates payments. Variable or floating rate securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended generally to reflect market rates of interest and allow the Portfolio to participate (determined in accordance with the terms of the securities) in increases in interest rates through upward adjustments of the coupon rates on the securities. However, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. The Portfolio may also invest in variable or floating rate equity securities, whose dividend payments vary based on changes in market rates of interest or other factors. |
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U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities, such as Treasury bills, |
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notes and bonds and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencys obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, and involve increased credit risks. There is no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so. In addition, certain governmental entities have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit quality, availability, or investment character of securities issued by these entities. The value and liquidity of U.S. Government securities may be affected adversely by changes in the ratings of those securities. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury historically have been considered to present minimal credit risk. The downgrade in the long-term U.S. credit rating by at least one major rating agency has introduced greater uncertainty about the ability of the U.S. to repay its obligations. A further credit rating downgrade or a U.S. credit default could decrease the value and increase the volatility of the Portfolios investments. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Temporary Defensive Positions. In response to actual or perceived adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, the Portfolio may (but will not necessarily), without notice, depart from its principal investment strategies by temporarily investing for defensive purposes. Temporary defensive positions may include, but are not limited to, cash, cash equivalents,
U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, money market funds, and high-quality debt investments. If the Portfolio invests for defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, the defensive strategy may not work as intended.
Conflicts of Interest Risk. An investment in the Portfolio may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to the Portfolio, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Portfolio would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Portfolio may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which the Portfolio pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser may have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of the Portfolio with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest.
The Adviser and its affiliates serve as investment adviser to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser on behalf of the Portfolio. For example, the Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for the Portfolio and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The Adviser and its affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, pari passu or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Portfolio. The Adviser or its affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material non-public confidential information that may restrict the Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Portfolio) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.
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The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect the Portfolio. The Portfolio may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.
Cyber Security Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform business and operational functions, portfolios (such as the Portfolio) and its service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Portfolio, the Adviser, or a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Portfolio or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect the Portfolios ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Portfolio information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject the Portfolio to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Portfolio assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Portfolio shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Portfolio inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. The Portfolio may also incur substantial costs for cyber security risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. The Portfolio and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified given the evolving nature of this threat. The Portfolio relies on third-party service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect the Portfolio from cyber-attack. Similar types of cyber
security risks or technical malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Portfolios investment in such securities to lose value.
The Portfolios portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
The Portfolio. The Portfolio is a separate, diversified series of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the Trust), which is an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Adviser. State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is the investment management group of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. SSGA is one of the worlds largest institutional money managers, and uses quantitative and traditional techniques to manage approximately $2.37 in assets as of June 30, 2015. SSGA FM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, is the investment adviser to the Portfolio, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. SSGA FM had approximately $376.28 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2015.
The Portfolios shares are offered exclusively to investors (including without limitation, registered investment companies, private investment pools, bank collective funds, and investment separate accounts) that pay fees to SSGA FM or its affiliates. The Portfolio pays no investment advisory fees to SSGA FM. The fees paid by those investment vehicles to SSGA FM (or its affiliates) vary depending on a number of factors, including by way of example, the services provided, the risks borne by SSGA FM (or its affiliates), fee rates paid by competitive investment vehicles, and in some cases direct negotiation with investors in the Portfolio.
The Adviser may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Portfolio to the extent necessary to avoid negative yield which may vary from time to time in the Advisers sole discretion. Under an agreement with the Adviser relating to the
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Voluntary Reduction, the Portfolio has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction, subject to certain limitations. The Portfolio will not be obligated to reimburse the Adviser:
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more than three years after the end of the fiscal year in which the Adviser provided a Voluntary Reduction; |
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in respect of any business day for which the net annualized one-day yield is less than 0.00%; |
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to the extent that the amount of the reimbursement to the Adviser on any day exceeds fifty percent of the yield (net of all expenses, exclusive of the reimbursement) of the Portfolio on that day; |
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to the extent that the amount of such reimbursement would cause the Portfolios net yield to fall below the Portfolios minimum net yield as determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion; or |
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in respect of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements that are necessary to maintain the Portfolios contractual total expense limit which is effective at the time of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
A reimbursement to the Adviser would increase fund expenses and negatively impact the Portfolios future yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that a Fund will be able to avoid a negative yield. Reimbursement payments by the Portfolio to the Adviser in connection with the Voluntary Reduction are considered extraordinary expenses and are not subject to any contractual expense limitation agreement in effect for the Portfolio at the time of such payment. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Portfolio.
A summary of the factors considered by the Board of Trustees in connection with the initial approval of the investment advisory agreement for the Portfolio will be available in the Portfolios annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable, after the Portfolio commences operations.
The Advisers principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
The Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian, Transfer Agent, and Dividend and Disbursing Agent. The Adviser serves as administrator of the Portfolio. The Portfolio pays the Adviser an administrative fee at an annual rate of 0.05%. State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), a subsidiary of State Street Corporation, serves as the sub-administrator for the Portfolio for a fee that is paid by the Adviser. State Street also serves as custodian of the Portfolio for a separate fee that is paid by the Portfolio.
The Distributor. State Street Global Markets, LLC serves as the Portfolios distributor (SSGM or the Distributor) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between SSGM and the Trust.
Additional Information. The Trustees of the Trust oversee generally the operations of the Portfolio and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others the Portfolios investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Portfolio. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Portfolio that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Portfolio. Neither this prospectus, nor the related statement of additional information, is intended, or should be read, to be or to give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Portfolio and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.
Determination of Net Asset Value. The Portfolio determines its NAV per share four times each business day at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Eastern Time (ET) except for days when the NYSE closes earlier than its regular closing time, in which event the Portfolio will determine its NAV at the earlier closing time (each time when the Portfolio determines its NAV per share is referred to herein as a Valuation Time). Pricing does not occur on NYSE holidays. The Portfolio calculates its NAV to four decimal places. Trade instructions received by mail will receive end of day NAV.
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A business day is one on which the NYSE is open for regular trading. The Federal Reserve is closed on certain holidays on which the NYSE is open. These holidays are Columbus Day and Veterans Day. On these holidays, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because Federal Funds wiring does not occur on days when the Federal Reserve is closed. The Portfolio reserves the right to accept orders to purchase or redeem shares, or to continue to accept such orders following the close of the NYSE, on any day that is not a business day or any day on which the NYSE closes early, provided the Federal Reserve remains open. The Portfolio also may establish special hours on those days to determine the Portfolios NAV. In the event that the Portfolio invokes the right to accept orders to purchase or redeem shares on any day that is not a business day or adopt special hours of operation, the Portfolio will post advance notice of these events at www.ssga.com/cash.
The NAV per share is based on the market value of the investments held in the Portfolio. The NAV of each class of the Portfolios shares is calculated by dividing the value of the assets of the Portfolio attributable to that class less the liabilities of the Portfolio attributable to that class by the number of shares in the class outstanding. The Portfolio values each security or other investment pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Securities or other investments may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Portfolios Board of Trustees, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing may be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, such as when (i) trading for a security is restricted; or (ii) a significant event, as determined by the Adviser, that may affect the value of one or more securities or other investments held by the Portfolio occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of the Portfolios NAV. Attempts to determine the fair value of securities or other investments introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities or other investments. As a result, the price of a security or other investment determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the price the Portfolio would have received had it sold the investment. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in the shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not traded on an exchange (mutual funds), such shares are valued at their published net asset values per share as reported by the funds. The prospectuses of these funds explain the circumstances
under which the funds will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
If you hold shares of the Portfolio through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, your intermediary may offer additional services and account features that are not described in this Prospectus. Please contact your intermediary directly for an explanation of these services.
Purchasing Shares. Generally, shares of the Portfolio may be purchased only by or on behalf of other registered investment companies or private clients for which the Adviser or an affiliate serves as investment adviser (or in a similar capacity). The price for Portfolio shares is the NAV per share. Orders received in good form (a purchase order is in good form if it meets the requirements implemented from time to time by the Portfolio or its Transfer Agent, and for new accounts includes submission of a completed and signed application and all documentation necessary to open an account) will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the order is accepted by the Portfolio.
There is no minimal initial investment in the Portfolio and there is no minimum subsequent investment. (If you purchase shares by check, your order will not be in good form until the Portfolios transfer agent receives federal funds for the check.) The Portfolio reserves the right to cease accepting investments at any time or to reject any purchase order.
In accordance with certain federal regulations, the Trust is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each entity that applies to open an account. For this reason, when you open (or change ownership of) an account, the Trust will request certain information, including your name, residential/business address, date of birth (for individuals) and taxpayer identification number or other government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you which will be used to verify your identity. The Trust may also request to review other identification documents such as driver license, passport or documents showing the existence of the business entity. If you do not provide sufficient information to verify your identity, the Trust will not open an account for you. As required by law, the Trust may employ various procedures, such as comparing your information to fraud databases or requesting additional information and documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct. The Trust reserves the right to reject any purchase order
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for any reason, including failure to provide the Trust with information necessary to confirm your identity as required by law.
If you are purchasing through a financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary as their requirements may differ.
Redeeming Shares. An investor may redeem all or any portion of its investment at the NAV next determined after it submits a redemption request, in proper form, to the Portfolio. Redemption orders are processed at the NAV next determined after the Portfolio receives a redemption order in good form. If the Portfolio receives a redemption order in good form prior to a Valuation Time on a business day, the Portfolio may send payment for redeemed shares on that day. The final same day settlement Valuation Time is 3 pm ET. No dividends will accrue on shares the day redemption proceeds are sent, including when redemption proceeds are wired the same day as the redemption order is received. When a redemption order is received after 3pm ET, dividends will normally arrive on that day, as the 5 pm ET NAV is intended for next day settlement. Payment for redeemed shares is sent no later than the next business day following acceptance of the redemption order.
Certain special limitations affecting redemptions. The SEC has implemented a number of requirements, including liquidity fees and redemption gates, for money market funds based on the amount of Portfolio assets are weekly liquid assets, which generally includes cash, direct obligations of the U.S. government, certain other U.S. government or agency securities, and securities that will mature or are subject to a demand feature that is exercisable and payable within five business days.
If the Portfolios weekly liquid assets fall below 30% of its total assets and the Portfolios Board of Trustees determines it is in the best interests of the Portfolio, the Portfolio may immediately impose a liquidity fee of no more than 2% and/or temporarily suspend redemptions for up to 10 business days in any 90 day period. If the Portfolios weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of its total assets at the end of any business day, the Portfolio will impose a liquidity fee of 1% on all redemptions beginning on the next business day, unless the Portfolios Board determines that imposing such a fee would not be in the best interests of the Portfolio or determines that a lower or higher fee (not to exceed 2%) would be in the best interests of the Portfolio, which
would remain in effect until weekly liquid assets return to 30% or the Portfolios Board determines that the fee is no longer in the best interests of the Portfolio. All liquidity fees payable by shareholders of the Portfolio would be payable to the Portfolio and could offset any losses realized by the Portfolio when seeking to honor redemption requests during times of market stress. If liquidity fees are imposed or redemptions are suspended, the Portfolio will notify shareholders on the Portfolios website or by press release. The Portfolio expects to treat such liquidity fees as not constituting income to the Portfolio.
In addition, the right of any investor to receive payment with respect to any redemption may be suspended or the payment of the redemption proceeds postponed during any period in which the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays) or trading on the NYSE is restricted or, to the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, if an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Portfolio of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Portfolio fairly to determine the value of its net assets. In addition, the SEC may by order permit suspension of redemptions for the protection of shareholders of the Portfolio.
If the Portfolios weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of its assets on a business day, the Portfolio may cease honoring redemptions and liquidate in the discretion of the Portfolios Board. If the Portfolio ceases honoring redemptions and determines to liquidate, the Portfolio expects that it would notify shareholders on the Portfolios website or by press release. Distributions to shareholders of liquidation proceeds may occur in one or more disbursements.
About Mail Transactions. If you choose to purchase or redeem shares by sending instructions by regular mail, they will not be deemed received in good order until they are released by the post office and redelivered to the Transfer Agents physical location at 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. There will be a time lag, which may be one or more days, between regular mail receipt at the Boston post office box and redelivery to such physical location and the Portfolios net asset value may change over those days. You might consider using express rather than regular mail if you believe time of receipt of your transaction request to be sensitive.
Excessive Trading. Because the Portfolio is a money market fund, the Portfolios Board of Trustees
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has not adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares by Portfolio shareholders. Nonetheless, the Portfolio may take any reasonable action that they deem necessary or appropriate to prevent excessive trading in Portfolio shares without providing prior notification to the account holder. Such action may include rejecting any purchase, in whole or part, including, without limitation, by a person whose trading activity in Portfolio shares may be deemed harmful to the Portfolio. While the Portfolio attempts to discourage such excessive trading, there can be no guarantee that it will be able to identify investors who are engaging in excessive trading or limit their trading practices. Additionally, frequent trades of small amounts may not be detected. The Portfolio recognizes that it may not always be able to detect or prevent excessive trading or other activity that may disadvantage the Portfolio or its shareholders.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The Portfolio intends to declare dividends on shares from net investment income daily and pay them as of the last business day of each month. Distributions from capital gains, if any, will be made annually in December.
The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Portfolio. Your investment in the Portfolio may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about foreign, federal, state, local or other tax laws applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, should consult the Statement of Additional Information tax section for additional disclosure.
The Portfolio intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends each year to qualify and to be eligible to be treated as such. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at the corporate level on income and gains that are timely distributed to shareholders. In to order qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Portfolio must, among other things, satisfy diversification, 90% gross income and distribution requirements. The Portfolios failure to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company would result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income generally are taxable to you as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains generally are determined by how long the Portfolio owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your shares. Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Portfolio before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your shares). Distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes and are taxable whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) from the sale of investments that the Portfolio owned for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio as capital gain dividends generally will be treated as long-term capital gain includible in your net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates. Distributions of gains from investments that the Portfolio owned for one year or less generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income.
When the NAV of the Portfolio shares varies from $1.0000 per share, shareholders will realize a gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or redemption of such Portfolios shares. Any gain resulting from the redemption of Portfolio shares generally will be taxable to you as either short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long you held your shares in the Portfolio.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the net investment income of individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends paid by the Portfolio, including any capital gain dividends, and net gains recognized on the redemption of shares of the Portfolio.
The Portfolios income from or on proceeds of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. This will decrease the Portfolios return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Portfolio.
Certain of the Portfolios investment practices, including investments in debt obligations issued or purchased at a discount will be subject to special and
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complex U.S. federal income tax provisions. These special rules may affect the timing, character, and/or amount of the Portfolios distributions to the Portfolio, and, in turn, the to shareholders, and may require the Portfolio to liquidate its investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.
If you are not a U.S. person, the Portfolios dividends other than capital gain dividends generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning before January 1, 2015, a regulated investment company was permitted, but was not required, to report in a written notice to shareholders all or a portion of a dividend as an interest-related dividend or a short-term capital gain dividend that if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally was exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements were met. This exemption from withholding for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015, or what the terms of such an extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.
Cost Basis Reporting. Department of the Treasury regulations mandate cost basis reporting to shareholders and the IRS for redemptions of Portfolio shares. If you acquire and hold shares directly through the Portfolio and not through a Financial Intermediary, BFDS will use a default average cost basis methodology for tracking and reporting your cost basis, unless you request, in writing, another cost basis reporting methodology.
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The Financial Highlights table is not presented for the Portfolio because the Portfolio has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
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Contacting the State Street Funds
Online: |
SSGAFUNDS.com | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | ||||
Phone: |
800-647-7327 | Monday Friday 8 am 5 pm EST | ||||
Written requests should be sent to: | ||||||
Regular mail State Street Institutional Trust 200 Clarendon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 |
Registered, Express, Certified Mail State Street Institutional Trust 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02116 |
The Portfolio does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such services or receipt at the Portfolios post office box, or purchase orders or redemption requests, do not constitute receipt by the Portfolio or the Transfer Agent.
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For more information about the Portfolio:
The Portfolios SAI includes additional information about the Portfolio and is incorporated by reference into this document. Additional information about the Portfolios investments will be available in the Portfolios annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.
The Prospectus and SAI are available, and the Portfolios annual and semi-annual reports will be available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders in the Portfolio may make inquiries to the Portfolio to receive such information by calling State Street Global Markets, LLC at (877) 521-4083 or by writing to the Portfolio, c/o State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2900.
Information about the Portfolio (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Portfolio are available free of charge on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information also may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER
ONE LINCOLN STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02111
The State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Investment Company Act File Number is 811-09819.
SS60DPORTSTATPRO
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
(the Trust)
P.O. Box 5049
Boston, Massachusetts 02206
STATE STREET 60 DAY MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
(CCNXX)
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
October 1, 2015
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) relates to the prospectus dated October 1, 2015, as amended from time to time thereafter for the State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio (the Prospectus).
The SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. A copy of the Prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling (866) 392-0869 or by written request to the Trust at the address listed above.
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Appendix C - Advisers Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines |
C-1 |
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The Trust was organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on February 16, 2000.
The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The Trust comprises the following diversified series:
| State Street Equity 500 Index Fund; |
| State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund; |
| State Street Strategic Real Return Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund; |
| State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund; |
| State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund; |
| State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund; |
| State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund; |
| State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund; |
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| State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio; |
| State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio; |
| State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio; |
| State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio; |
| State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio; |
| State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund; |
| State Street Cash Reserves Fund; |
| State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio; |
| State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund; |
| State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio (the Portfolio); |
| State Street Conservative Income Fund; |
| State Street Conservative Income Portfolio; |
| State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund; |
| State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio; |
| State Street Current Yield Fund; |
| State Street Current Yield Portfolio; |
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund; and |
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio. |
The Trust includes the following non-diversified series:
| State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund. |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTFOLIO AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
The Prospectus contains information about the investment objective and policies of the Portfolio. This SAI should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.
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In addition to the principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Portfolio described in the Prospectus, the Portfolio may employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks, which are described below.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
To the extent consistent with its investment objective and restrictions, the Portfolio may invest in the following instruments and use the following techniques, and is subject to the following risks.
Cash Reserves
The Portfolio may hold portions of its assets in short-term debt instruments with remaining maturities of 397 days or less pending investment or to meet anticipated redemptions and day-to-day operating expenses. Short-term debt instruments consist of: (i) short-term obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities, authorities or political subdivisions; (ii) other short-term debt securities rated at the time of purchase Aa or higher by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) or AA or higher by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P) or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the Adviser or SSGA FM); (iii) commercial paper; (iv) bank obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers acceptances; and (v) repurchase agreements.
Cleared Derivatives Transactions
Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Portfolios counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Portfolio is not a member of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, the Portfolio holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, the Portfolio will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less favorable to the Portfolio than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, the Portfolio may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to bilateral derivatives transactions, in some cases following a period of notice to the Portfolio, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time or an increase 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 transactions or to terminate transactions at any time. The Portfolio is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which the Adviser expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Portfolios behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Portfolio could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Portfolio and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Portfolio than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.
These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict the Portfolios ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Portfolio of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Portfolio, 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 Portfolio and the financial system are not yet known.
Illiquid Securities
The Portfolio may invest in illiquid securities. The absence of a regular trading market for illiquid securities imposes additional risks on investments in these securities. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and may often be disposed of only after considerable expense and delay. The Portfolio is managed in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under
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the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). As a result the Portfolio seeks to hold assets that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable redemptions. In addition, the Portfolio has adopted the following policies in accordance with Rule 2a-7:
1. | The Portfolio may not purchase an illiquid security if, immediately after purchase, the Portfolio would have invested more than 5% of its total assets in illiquid securities (securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the market value ascribed to them by the Portfolio); |
2. | The Portfolio may not purchase a security other than a security offering daily liquidity if, immediately after purchase, the Portfolio would have invested less than 10% of its total assets in securities offering daily liquidity (includes securities that mature or are subject to demand within one business day, cash or direct U.S. Government obligations); and |
3. | The Portfolio may not purchase a security other than a security offering weekly liquidity if, immediately after purchase, the Portfolio would have invested less than 30% of its total assets in securities offering weekly liquidity (includes securities that mature or are subject to demand within five business days, cash, direct U.S. Government obligations and Government agency discount notes with remaining maturities of 60 days or less). |
Purchase of Other Investment Company Shares
The Portfolio may, to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) and exemptive rules and orders thereunder, invest in shares of other investment companies, which include funds managed by SSGA FM, which invest exclusively in money market instruments or in investment companies with investment policies and objectives which are substantially similar to the Portfolios. These investments may be made temporarily, for example, to invest uncommitted cash balances or, in limited circumstances, to assist in meeting shareholder redemptions.
Repurchase Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements with banks and other financial institutions, such as broker-dealers. Under a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio purchases securities from a financial institution that agrees to repurchase the securities at the Portfolios original purchase price plus interest within a specified time (normally one business day). The Portfolio will limit repurchase transactions to those member banks of the Federal Reserve System and broker-dealers whose creditworthiness the Adviser considers satisfactory. Should the counterparty to a transaction fail financially, the Portfolio may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the securities, or may be prevented from realizing on the securities. Further, the amount realized upon the sale of the securities may be less than that necessary to fully compensate the Portfolio.
Section 4(a)(2) Commercial Paper/Rule 144A Securities
The Portfolio may also invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act) (Section 4(a)(2) paper) or in securities that that can be offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act (Rule 144A securities).
Section 4(a)(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws and generally is sold to institutional investors that agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. Section 4(a)(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional investors like the Portfolios through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers that make a market in Section 4(a)(2) paper. Rule 144A securities generally must be sold only to other institutional investors.
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Section 4(a)(2) paper and Rule 144A securities will not be considered illiquid for purposes of the Portfolios percentage limitations on illiquid securities when the Adviser (pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board of Trustees or the Board)) determines that a liquid trading market exists for the securities in question. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular Section 4(a)(2) paper or Rule 144A securities.
U.S. Government Securities
The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government securities, including: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Treasury, (c) discretionary authority of the U.S. Government agency or instrumentality, or (d) the credit of the instrumentality (examples of agencies and instrumentalities are: Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks, General Services Administration, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Development Bank, Asian-American Development Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Federal National Mortgage Association). No assurance can be given that in the future the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government securities it is not obligated to support.
The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government obligations on a forward commitment basis.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities
The Portfolio may invest in Inflation-Protection Securities (IPSs), a type of inflation-indexed Treasury security. IPSs typically provide for semiannual payments of interest and a payment of principal at maturity. In general, each payment will be adjusted to take into account any inflation or deflation that occurs between the issue date of the security and the payment date based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
Each semiannual payment of interest will be determined by multiplying a single fixed rate of interest by the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the security for the date of the interest payment. Thus, although the interest rate will be fixed, the amount of each interest payment will vary with changes in the principal of the security as adjusted for inflation and deflation.
IPSs also provide for an additional payment (a minimum guarantee payment) at maturity if the securitys inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date is less than the securitys principal amount at issuance. The amount of the additional payment will equal the excess of the securitys principal amount at issuance over the securitys inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date.
When-Issued Securities
The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to the Portfolio until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, the Portfolio will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, the Portfolio may be disadvantaged. The Portfolio will not invest more than 25% of its net assets in when-issued securities.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by the Portfolio are subject to changes in market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Therefore, if in order to achieve higher interest income the Portfolio remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a when-issued basis, there will be a greater possibility of fluctuation in the Portfolios NAV.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into reverse repurchase agreements under the circumstances described in Investment Restrictions. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio sells portfolio securities to a financial institution in return for cash in an amount equal to a percentage of the portfolio securities market value and agrees to repurchase the securities at a future date at a prescribed repurchase price equal to the amount of cash originally received plus interest on such amount. The Portfolio retains the right to receive interest and principal payments with respect to the securities while it is in the possession of the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements may create investment leverage and involve the risk that the market value of securities sold by the Portfolio may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve a risk of default by the counterparty, which may adversely affect the Portfolios ability to reacquire the underlying securities.
Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit (ECDs), Eurodollar Time Deposits (ETDs) and Yankee Certificates of Deposit (YCDs)
The Portfolio may invest in ECDs, ETDs and YCDs. ECDs and ETDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by non-U.S. branches of domestic banks and non-U.S. banks. YCDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by U.S. branches of non-U.S. banks.
Different risks than those associated with the obligations of domestic banks may exist for ECDs, ETDs and YCDs because the banks issuing these instruments, or their domestic or non-U.S. branches, are not necessarily subject to the same regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as loan limitations, examinations, and reserve, accounting, auditing, recordkeeping and public reporting requirements. Obligations of non-U.S. issuers also involve risks such as future unfavorable political and economic developments, withholding tax, seizures of non-U.S. deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, and other governmental restrictions that might affect repayment of principal or payment of interest, or the ability to honor a credit commitment.
Forward Commitments
The Portfolio may enter into contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time (forward commitments), consistent with the Portfolios ability to manage its investment portfolio and meet redemption requests. Forward commitments may be considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolios other assets. Where such purchases are made through dealers, the Portfolio relies on the dealer to consummate the sale. The dealers failure to do so may result in the loss to the Portfolio of an advantageous yield or price.
Although the Portfolio will generally enter into forward commitments with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant to options contracts it has entered into, the Portfolio may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. The Portfolio may realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments. When effecting such transactions, cash or other liquid assets (such as liquid high quality debt obligations) held by the Portfolio of a dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the portfolio securities to be purchased will be segregated on the Portfolios records at the trade date and maintained until the transaction is settled. Such segregated assets will be marked to market on a daily basis, and if the market value of such assets declines, additional cash or assets will be segregated so that the market value of the segregated assets will equal the amount of such the Portfolios obligations. Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, or if the other party fails to complete the transaction.
Investment-Grade Bonds
The Portfolio may invest in corporate notes and bonds that have received a top tier (without regard to subcategories or gradations) short-term debt rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
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(NRSRO) or, if unrated, are of comparable quality to the rated securities described above, as determined by the Adviser, in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees. Securities with a top tier short-term debt rating include those rated A-1 by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P), P-1 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or F1 by Fitch Ratings (Fitch)).
Mortgage-Related Securities
The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related securities represent an interest in a pool of, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Mortgage-related securities may be issued or guaranteed by (i) US Government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) (also known as Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) (also known as Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) (also known as Freddie Mac) or (ii) other issuers, including private companies.
Many mortgage-related securities provide regular payments which consist of interest and, in most cases, principal. In contrast, other forms of debt securities normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. In effect, payments on many mortgage-related securities are a pass-through of the payments made by the individual borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities.
Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, repayments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will typically result in early payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by a variety of factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage, and other social and demographic conditions. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments usually decreases, thereby tending to increase the life of mortgage-related securities.
Because of the possibility of prepayments (and due to scheduled repayments of principal), mortgage-related securities are less effective than other types of securities as a means of locking in attractive long-term interest rates. Prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Portfolios.
Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) may be issued by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality or by a private issuer. CMOs are typically structured with classes or series that have different maturities and are generally retired in sequence. Each class of obligations receives periodic interest payments according to its terms. However, monthly principal payments and any prepayments from the collateral pool are generally paid first to the holders of the most senior class. Thereafter, payments of principal are generally allocated to the next most senior class of obligations until that class of obligations has been fully repaid. Any or all classes of obligations of a CMO may be paid off sooner than expected because of an increase in the payoff speed of the pool. Changes in prepayment rates may have significant effects on the values and the volatility of the various classes and series of a CMO. Payment of interest or principal on some classes or series of a CMO may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages.
Stripped mortgage-related securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different portions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on an interest only or IO class of stripped mortgage-related securities is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets. A rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a measurable adverse effect on the Portfolios yield to maturity to the extent it invests in IOs.
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If the assets underlying the IO experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Portfolio may fail to recoup fully, or at all, its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, principal only securities or POs tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated. The secondary market for stripped mortgage-related securities may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other mortgage-related securities, potentially limiting the Portfolios ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.
Government Mortgage-Related Securities
GNMA is the principal federal government guarantor of mortgage-related securities. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the 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-related securities. GNMA pass-through securities are considered to have a relatively low risk of default in that (1) the underlying mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of government-backed loans and (2) the timely payment of both principal and interest on the securities is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, regardless of whether they have been collected. GNMA pass-through securities are, however, subject to the same interest rate risk as comparable privately issued mortgage-related securities. Therefore, the effective maturity and market value of the Portfolios GNMA securities can be expected to fluctuate in response to changes in interest rate levels.
Residential mortgage loans are also pooled by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government. The mortgage loans in FHLMCs portfolio are not government backed; FHLMC, not the U.S. Government, guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on FHLMC securities. FHLMC also issues guaranteed mortgage certificates, on which it guarantees semiannual interest payments and a specified minimum annual payment of principal.
FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers, which include savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest only by FNMA, not the U.S. Government.
Other Asset-Backed Securities
The Portfolio may invest in asset-backed securities that are not mortgage-related. Asset-backed securities other than mortgage-related securities represent undivided fractional interests in pools of instruments, such as consumer loans, and are typically similar in structure to mortgage-related pass-through securities. Payments of principal and interest are passed through to holders of the securities and are typically supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, limited guarantee by another entity, or by priority to certain of the borrowers other securities. The degree of credit-enhancement, if any, varies, applying only until exhausted and generally covering only a fraction of the securitys par value.
The value of such asset-backed securities is affected by changes in the markets perception of the asset backing the security, changes in the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the instrument pool, the originator of the instruments, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement and the expenditure of any portion of any credit enhancement. The risks of investing in asset-backed securities are ultimately dependent upon payment of the underlying instruments by the obligors, and the Portfolio would generally have no recourse against the obligee of the instruments in the event of default by an obligor. The underlying instruments are subject to prepayments which shorten the duration of asset-backed securities and may lower their return, in generally the same manner as described above for prepayments of pools of mortgage loans underlying mortgage-related securities.
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Variable and Floating Rate Securities
The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate securities. Variable rate securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by entities such as (1) U.S. Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) corporations, (3) financial institutions, (4) insurance companies or (5) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals. A variable rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Interest rates on these securities are ordinarily tied to, and are a percentage of, a widely recognized interest rate, such as the yield on 90-day U.S. Treasury bills or the prime rate of a specified bank. These rates may change as often as twice daily. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. Variable rate obligations will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate.
Variable Amount Master Demand Notes
The Portfolio may invest in variable amount master demand notes which are unsecured obligations that are redeemable upon demand and are typically unrated. These instruments are issued pursuant to written agreements between their issuers and holders. The agreements permit the holders to increase (subject to an agreed maximum) and the holders and issuers to decrease the principal amount of the notes, and specify that the rate of interest payable on the principal fluctuates according to an agreed formula. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of these securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in these securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. There may be no active secondary market with respect to a particular variable rate instrument.
Zero Coupon Securities
The Portfolio may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are notes, bonds and debentures that: (1) do not pay current interest and are issued at a substantial discount from par value; (2) have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons and receipts; or (3) pay no interest until a stated date one or more years into the future. These securities also include certificates representing interests in such stripped coupons and receipts. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a greater impact on the market value of a zero coupon security than on the market value of the comparable securities that pay interest periodically during the life of the instrument. The Portfolio will not receive cash payments on a current basis from the issuer in respect of accrued original issue discount (OID), but investors will be required to accrue OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The Portfolio may invest no more than 25% of its respective total assets in stripped securities that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. A number of securities firms and banks have stripped the interest coupons and resold them in custodian receipt programs with different names such as Treasury Income Growth Receipts (TIGRS) and Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries (CATS). Privately-issued stripped securities such as TIGRS and CATS are not themselves guaranteed by the U.S. Government, but the future payment of principal or interest on U.S. Treasury obligations which they represent is so guaranteed.
Interest Rate Environment Risk
In the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve System attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. In addition, the Federal Reserve has purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (the quantitative easing program). As a result, the United States is experiencing historically low interest rate levels. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on the Portfolios ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Portfolio assets because of the low yields from the Portfolios portfolio investments.
However, continued economic recovery and the cessation of the quantitative easing program increase the risk that interest rates will rise in the near future and that the Portfolio will face a heightened level of interest rate risk. Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may
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reduce liquidity for certain Portfolio investments, which could cause the value of the Portfolios investments and the Portfolios share price to decline or create difficulties for the Portfolio in disposing of investments. A Portfolio that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Portfolio that does not invest in derivatives. The Portfolio could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Portfolio. To the extent a Portfolio experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Portfolio may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Portfolio incurs and lower the Portfolios performance.
Municipal and Municipal-Related Securities
The Portfolio may invest in municipal and municipal-related securities. Municipal securities may bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest or may be zero coupon securities. Municipal securities are generally of two types: general obligations and revenue obligations. General obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer. These securities include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, general obligation bonds and commercial paper. Revenue obligations are backed by the revenues generated from a specific project or facility and include industrial development bonds and private activity bonds. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities and are generally issued in anticipation of future tax revenues. Bond anticipation notes are issued in expectation of the issuer obtaining longer-term financing.
Municipal obligations are affected by economic, business or political developments. These securities may be subject to provisions of litigation, bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, or may become subject to future laws extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or limiting the rights of municipalities to levy taxes. The Portfolio may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than other funds. Because interest income from municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Portfolios ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Concentration of the Portfolios investments in these municipal obligations will subject the Portfolio, to a greater extent than if such investment was not so concentrated, to the risks of adverse economic, business or political developments affecting the particular state, industry or other area of concentration. Issuers, including governmental issuers, of municipal securities may be unable to pay their obligations as they become due. Recent declines in tax revenues, and increases in liabilities, such as pension and health care liabilities, may increase the actual or perceived risk of default on such securities.
Auction Rate Securities.
Auction rate municipal securities permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The dividend or interest is typically reset by Dutch auction in which bids are made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale. While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. The Portfolio will take the time remaining until the next scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the securities duration.
Industrial Development and Private Activity Bonds
Industrial development bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; ports and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. The principal security for these bonds is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue sources. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuers obligations. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a states ability without obligation to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
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Private activity bonds are considered municipal securities if the interest paid thereon is exempt from federal income tax and they are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facilitys user to meet its financial obligations and the value of any real or personal property pledged as security for such payment. Interest income on these bonds may be an item of tax preference subject to federal alternative minimum tax for individuals and corporations.
Insured Municipal Securities
Insured municipal securities are those for which scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles the Portfolio to receive only the face or par value of the securities held by the Portfolio, but the ability to be paid is limited to the claims paying ability of the insurer. The insurance does not guarantee the market value of the municipal securities or the net asset value of the Portfolios shares. Insurers are selected based upon the diversification of their portfolios and the strength of the management team which contributes to the claims paying ability of the entity. However, the Adviser selects securities based upon the underlying credit, with bond insurance viewed as an enhancement only. The Advisers objective is to have an enhancement that provides additional liquidity to insulate against volatility in changing markets.
Municipal Leases
The Portfolio may purchase participation interests in municipal obligations, including municipal lease/purchase agreements. Municipal leases are an undivided interest in a portion of an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities. These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13 months or less. Certain participation interests may permit the Portfolio to demand payment on not more than seven days notice, for all or any part of the Portfolios interest, plus accrued interest.
Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Some leases or contracts include non-appropriation clauses, which provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. To reduce these risks, the Portfolio will only purchase municipal leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by a letter of credit or guarantee of a bank.
Whether a municipal lease agreement will be considered illiquid for the purpose of the Portfolios restriction on investments in illiquid securities will be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees.
Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities
The interest and principal payments on pre-refunded municipal securities are typically paid from the cash flow generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government securities. These payments have been pre-refunded using the escrow fund.
Tender Option Bonds
A tender option is a municipal obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax exempt rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the municipal obligations fixed coupon
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rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax exempt rate. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, the Portfolio may buy tender option bonds if the agreement gives the Portfolio the right to tender the bond to its sponsor no less frequently than once every 397 days. The Adviser will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying obligation, any custodian and the third party provider of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in payment of principal or interest on the underlying municipal obligation and for other reasons.
Asset Segregation and Coverage
The Portfolio may be required to earmark or otherwise segregate liquid assets in respect of its obligations under derivatives transactions that involve contractual obligations to pay in the future, or the Portfolio may engage in other measures to cover its obligations with respect to such transactions. The amounts that are earmarked or otherwise segregated may be based on the notional value of the derivative or on the daily mark-to-market obligation under the derivatives contract and may be reduced by amounts on deposit with the applicable broker or counterparty to the derivatives transaction. In certain circumstances, the Portfolio may enter into an offsetting position rather than earmarking or segregating liquid assets. The Portfolio may modify its asset segregation and coverage policies from time to time. Although earmarking or segregating may in certain cases have the effect of limiting the Portfolios ability to engage in derivatives transactions, the extent of any such limitation will depend on a variety of factors, including the method by which the Portfolio determines the nature and amount of assets to be earmarked or segregated.
Tax Exempt Commercial Paper
The Portfolio may invest in tax exempt commercial paper. Tax exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is typically issued to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. Each instrument may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a guarantee by a commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional risk due to the difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject. The Portfolio will only invest in commercial paper rated at the time of purchase not less than Prime-1 by Moodys, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch Ratings. See Appendix A for more information on the ratings of debt instruments.
Fundamental Investment Restrictions
The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Portfolio, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, which is defined in the 1940 Act to mean the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio and (2) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the meeting in person or by proxy.
1. | The Portfolio may borrow money and issue senior securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
2. | The Portfolio may make loans, including to affiliated investment companies, to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
3. | The Portfolio may purchase or sell commodities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
4. | The Portfolio may purchase, sell or hold real estate to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
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5. | The Portfolio may underwrite securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time. |
6. | The Portfolio may not purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the Portfolios total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in a particular industry (for purposes of this restriction, investment companies are not considered to constitute a particular industry or group of industries), except as is consistent with applicable law from time to time and as follows: the Portfolio is permitted to invest without limit in government securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), tax-exempt securities issued by a U.S. territory or possession, a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing and bankers acceptances, certificates of deposit and similar instruments issued by: (i) U.S. banks, (ii) U.S. branches of foreign banks (in circumstances in which the Adviser determines that the U.S. branches of foreign banks are subject to the same regulation as U.S. banks), (iii) foreign branches of U.S. banks (in circumstances in which the Adviser determines that the Portfolio will have recourse to the U.S. bank for the obligations of the foreign branch), and (iv) foreign branches of foreign banks (to the extent that the Adviser determines that the foreign branches of foreign banks are subject to the same or substantially similar regulations as U.S. banks). |
With respect to the investment policy on concentration (#6 above), the Portfolio may concentrate in bankers acceptances, certificates of deposit and similar instruments when, in the opinion of the Adviser, the yield, marketability and availability of investments meeting the Portfolios quality standards in the banking industry justify any additional risks associated with the concentration of the Portfolios assets in such industry.
All percentage limitations (except the limitation to borrowings) on investments by the Portfolio will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Except for the investment restrictions expressly identified as fundamental, or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus with respect to the Portfolio, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectus are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees without shareholder approval.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Introduction
The policies set forth below to be followed by the State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street) and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM and, collectively, the Service Providers) for the disclosure of information about the portfolio holdings of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, and State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each, a Trust). These disclosure policies are intended to ensure compliance by the Service Providers and the Trust with applicable regulations of the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to the policy.
General Policy
It is the policy of the Service Providers to protect the confidentiality of client holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information concerning the Trust.
Exception
No information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Trust may be disclosed to any party (including shareholders) except as provided below.
Publicly Available Information. Any party may disclose portfolio holdings information after the holdings are publicly available.
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Disclosure of the complete holdings of each series of the Trust (each, a Fund) is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of the Funds fiscal quarter in the Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q (filed after the first and third fiscal quarters). These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SECs website at www.sec.gov . The Fund will also make complete portfolio holdings available generally no later than 60 calendar days after the end of such Funds fiscal quarter or subsequent to periodic portfolio holdings disclosure in the Funds filings with the SEC or on the Funds website. The Portfolio generally will post on the website of the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund a full list of its portfolio holdings each Friday reflecting the portfolio holdings of the Portfolio on the immediately preceding Wednesday. The Portfolio will also post a full list of its portfolio holdings on the website of the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund no later than the fifth business day of each month, reflecting its portfolio holdings as of the last business day of the previous month. Such monthly posting shall contain such information as required by Rule 2a-7(c)(12) under the 1940 Act and remain posted on the website for not less than six months.
Press Interviews Brokers and Other Discussions
Portfolio managers and other senior officers or spokespersons of the Service Providers or the Trust may disclose or confirm the ownership of any individual portfolio holding position to reporters, brokers, shareholders, consultants or other interested persons only if such information has been previously publicly disclosed in accordance with these disclosure policies. For example, a portfolio manager discussing the Trust may indicate that he owns XYZ Company for the Trust only if the Trusts ownership of such company has previously been publicly disclosed.
Trading Desk Reports
State Street Global Advisors trading desk may periodically distribute lists of investments held by its clients (including the Trust) for general analytical research purposes. In no case may such lists identify individual clients or individual client position sizes. Furthermore, in the case of equity securities, such lists shall not show aggregate client position sizes.
Miscellaneous
Confidentiality Agreement . No non-public disclosure of the Trusts portfolio holdings will be made to any party unless such party has signed a written Confidentiality Agreement. For purposes of the disclosure policies, any Confidentiality Agreement must be in a form and substance acceptable to, and approved by, the Trusts officers.
Evaluation Service Providers. There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services (Morningstar and Lipper) and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds in order to monitor and report on various attributes. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the Trust by these services and departments, the Trust may distribute (or authorize the Service Providers and the Trusts custodian or fund accountants to distribute) month-end portfolio holdings to such services and departments only if such entity has executed a confidentiality agreement.
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Additional Restrictions . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trusts Board of Trustees, State Street and SSGA FM may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information beyond those found in these disclosure policies.
Waivers of Restrictions. These disclosure policies may not be waived, or exceptions made, without the consent of the Trusts officers. All waivers and exceptions involving the Trust will be disclosed to the Board of Trustees of the Trust no later than its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.
Disclosures Required by Law . Nothing contained herein is intended to prevent the disclosure of portfolio holdings information as may be required by applicable law. For example, SSGA FM, State Street, the Trust or any of its affiliates or service providers may file any report required by applicable law (such as Schedules 13D, 13G and 13F or Form N-MFP), respond to requests from regulators and comply with valid subpoenas.
The Trustees are responsible for generally overseeing the Trusts business. The following table provides information with respect to each Trustee, including those Trustees who are not considered to be interested as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the Independent Trustees), and each officer of the Trust.
NAME, ADDRESS, AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) HELD WITH TRUST |
TERM OF
OFFICE
LENGTH
TIME
|
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
|
NUMBER
FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN
BY
|
OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS |
|||||
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES |
||||||||||
Michael F. Holland
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1944 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 |
Chairman, Holland & Company L.L.C. (investment adviser) (1995- present). | 79 | Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Director, the Holland Series Fund, Inc.; Director, The China Fund, Inc.; Director, The Taiwan Fund, Inc.; Director, Reaves Utility Income Fund, Inc.; and Director, Blackstone/GSO Loan Funds. | |||||
Patrick J. Riley
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1948 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
2002 to May 2010, Associate Justice of the Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; 1985 to 2002, Partner, Riley, Burke & Donahue, L.L.P. (law firm); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment | 79 | Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe 1PLC |
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company); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Liquidity plc (formerly, SSgA Cash Management Fund plc); January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Fixed Income plc; and January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Qualified Funds PLC. | Board (2011-Present); Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe II, PLC (2013- Present). | |||||||||
William L. Boyan
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1937 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee | Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 | President and Chief Operations Officer, John Hancock Financial Services (1959 1999). Mr. Boyan retired in 1999. Chairman Emeritus, Childrens Hospital, Boston, MA (1984 2011); Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust (investments) (1995 2008); Former Chairman, Boston Plan For Excellence, Boston Public Schools (1995 2010); Member of Advisory Board of Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society; Trustee, Childrens Hospital, Boston, MA. | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust. | |||||
William L. Marshall
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1942 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
April 2011 to Present, Chairman (until April 2011, Chief Executive Officer and President), Wm. L. Marshall Associates, Inc., Wm. L. Marshall Companies, Inc. and the Marshall Financial Group, Inc. (a registered investment adviser and provider of financial and related consulting services); Certified Financial Planner; Member, Financial Planners Association; Director, SPCA of Bucks County, PA; and the Ann Silverman Community Clinic of Doylestown, PA. | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Director, Marshall Financial Group, Inc. | |||||
Richard D. Shirk
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1945 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
March 2001 to April 2002, Chairman (1996 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer), Cerulean Companies, Inc. (holding company) (Retired); 1992 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (health insurer, managed healthcare); 1998 to December 2008, Chairman, Board Member and December 2008 to Present, Investment Committee Member, | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Board member, AeroCare Holdings (privately held healthcare services company) (February 2003-Present); Board member, Regenesis Biomedical (health care services) (April |
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Healthcare Georgia Foundation (private foundation); September 2002 to 2012, Lead Director and Board Member, Amerigroup Corp. (managed health care); 1999 to 2013, Board Member and (since 2001) Investment Committee Member, Woodruff Arts Center; and 2003 to 2009, Trustee, Gettysburg College. | 2012-Present). | |||||||||
Rina K. Spence
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1948 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee | Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 | President of SpenceCare International LLC (international healthcare consulting) (1999 present); Chief Executive Officer, IEmily.com (health internet company) (2000 2001); Chief Executive Officer of Consensus Pharmaceutical, Inc. (1998 1999); Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spence Center for Womens Health (1994 1998); President and CEO Emerson Hospital (1984 1994); Trustee, Eastern Enterprise (utilities) (1988 2000); Director, Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America (1993 2009); Director, IEmily.com, Inc. (2000 2010); and Trustee, National Osteoporosis Foundation (2005 2008). | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. | |||||
Bruce D. Taber
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1943 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
1999 to Present, Partner, Zenergy LLC (a technology company providing Computer Modeling and System Analysis to the General Electric Power Generation Division); Until December 2008, Independent Director, SSgA Cash Management Fund plc; Until December 2008, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment companies); and Until August 1994, President, Alonzo B. Reed, Inc., (a Boston architect-engineering firm). | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. | |||||
Douglas T. Williams
c/o State Street Bank
and
100 Huntington Avenue, CPH 0326 Boston, MA 02116 YOB: 1940 |
Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee | Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 | President, Oakmonst Homeowners Association; President, Mariner Sands Chapel; Executive Vice President and member of Executive Committee, Chase Manhattan Bank (1987 - 1999); President, Boston Stock | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. | |||||
Exchange Depository Trust Company, 1981-1982; Treasurer, Nantucket Educational Trust, (2002-2007). |
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INTERESTED TRUSTEES (1) |
||||||||||
Gregory A. Ehret SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1969 |
Trustee |
Term: Indefinite Elected Trustee: 8/15 |
President and Global Chief Operating Officer, State Street Global Advisors (2012-Present); Head of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, State Street Global Advisors (2008-2012); Head of Sales and Distribution in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, State Street Global Advisors (2007-2008). | 79 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds. | |||||
James E. Ross SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1965 |
Trustee |
Term: Indefinite Elected Trustee: 2/07 |
Chairman and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2012 present); President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2005 2012); Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (2006 present); and Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2006 present). | 268 | Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Trustee, SPDR Series Trust; Trustee, SPDR Index Shares Funds; Trustee, Select Sector SPDR Trust; Trustee, SSGA Active ETF Trust; and Trustee, SSGA Master Trust. |
(1) | Mr. Ehret and Mr. Ross are Interested Trustees because of their employment by SSGA Funds Management, Inc., an affiliate of the Trust. |
NAME, ADDRESS, AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) HELD WITH TRUST |
TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST FIVE YEARS |
|||
OFFICERS: |
||||||
Ellen M. Needham SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1967 |
President | Term: Indefinite Elected: 10/12 | President and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June 2012 present); Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May 2010 - June 2012); Senior Managing Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (1992-2012) and Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (1992-present).* | |||
Ann M. Carpenter SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 YOB: 1966 |
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 4/15 |
Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2014 present); Vice President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2008 present); Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2005 2008 present).* |
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* | Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during noted time period. |
The By-Laws of the Trust provide that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is or was a Trustee of the Trust against all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings if the person in good faith and reasonably believes that his or her conduct was in the Trusts best interest. The Trust, at its expense, provides liability insurance for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.
Summary of Trustees Qualifications
Following is a summary of the experience, attributes and skills which qualify each Trustee to serve on the Trusts Board.
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Michael F. Holland: Mr. Holland is an experienced business executive with over 44 years of experience in the financial services industry including 19 years as a portfolio manager of another registered mutual fund; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of State Street Institutional Investment Trust and State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
William L. Boyan: Mr. Boyan is an experienced business executive with over 42 years of experience in the insurance industry; his experience includes prior service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies and charities and an executive position with a major insurance company. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
Rina K. Spence: Ms. Spence is an experienced business executive with over 34 years of experience in the health care industry; her experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies, charities and utility companies and chief executive positions for various health care companies. She has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
Douglas T. Williams: Mr. Williams is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the banking industry; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and charities and senior executive positions of major bank organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.
James E. Ross: Mr. Ross is an experienced business executive with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for seven years and as President of the trusts for eight years and possesses significant experience regarding the trusts operations and history. Mr. Ross is also a senior executive officer of State Street Global Advisors.
William L. Marshall: Mr. Marshall is an experienced business executive with over 45 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as an advisor trustee or officer of various investment companies and charities. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
Patrick J. Riley: Mr. Riley is an experienced business executive with over 39 years of experience in the legal and financial services industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and Associate Justice of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
Richard D. Shirk: Mr. Shirk is an experienced business executive with over 46 years of experience in the health care and insurance industries and with investment matters; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various health care companies and nonprofit organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
Bruce D. Taber: Mr. Taber is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the power generation, technology and engineering industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 23 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.
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Gregory A. Ehret: Mr. Ehret is an experienced business executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as a senior executive with direct responsibility for global client outreach, product, marketing, operations and technology. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust, SSGA Funds and the State Street Master Funds since 2015 and possesses significant experience regarding the trusts operations and history. Mr. Ehret is the President of State Street Global Advisors.
References to the experience, attributes and skills of Trustees above are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Standing Committees
The Board of Trustees has established various committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of various matters of importance to Independent Trustees, the Trust, and the Trusts shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, the Board has created an Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Valuation Committee and Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee.
The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee meets twice a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors the Trusts internal accounting and control structure, its auditing function and its financial reporting process. The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting and retaining the independent accountants for the Trust. The Audit Committee is responsible for approving the audit plans, fees and other material arrangements in respect of the engagement of the independent accountants, including non-audit services performed. The Audit Committee reviews the qualifications of the independent accountants key personnel involved in the foregoing activities and monitors the independent accountants independence. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Audit Committee held five meetings.
The Governance Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the Governance Committee, including the Nominating Committee (a sub-committee of the Governance Committee), is to review and evaluate the composition and performance of the Board; make nominations for membership on the Board and committees; review the responsibilities of each committee; and review governance procedures, and compensation of Independent Trustees. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees to the Board recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter and should be submitted in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trusts Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust. Shareholder recommendations must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Trust not less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of the Board or shareholder meeting at which the nominee candidate would be considered for election. The Governance Committee performs an annual Board self-evaluation. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Governance Committee held two meetings.
The Valuation Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The Valuation Committees primary purpose is to review the actions and recommendations of the Advisers Oversight Committee. The Trust has established procedures and guidelines for valuing portfolio securities and making fair value determinations from time to time. The Valuation Committee is responsible for overseeing the Portfolios valuation determinations, with the assistance of the Oversight Committee, State Street and SSGA FM. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Valuation Committee did not hold any meetings.
The Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee (the QLCC) is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the QLCC are to receive quarterly reports from the Trusts chief compliance officer (the Chief Compliance Officer); to oversee generally the Trusts responses to regulatory inquiries; and to investigate matters referred to it by the Chief Legal Officer and make recommendations to the Board regarding the implementation of an appropriate response to evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers or the Trustees. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee held five meetings.
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Leadership Structure and Risk Management Oversight
The Board has chosen to select different individuals as Co-Chairpersons of the Board of the Trust and as President of the Trust. Currently, Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley, both Independent Trustees, serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Board, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Audit Committee, Mr. Shirk and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the QLCC, Mr. Boyan and Mr. Taber serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Valuation Committee and Mr. Taber and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Governance Committee.
Mr. Ehret and Mr. Ross, who are also employees of the Adviser, serve as Trustees of the Trust and Ellen Needham, who is also an employee of the Adviser, serves as President of the Trust. The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate, since Mr. Ehret, Mr. Ross and Ms. Needham provide the Board with insight regarding the Trusts day-to-day management, while Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley provide an independent perspective on the Trusts overall operation and Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams provide a specialized perspective on audit matters.
The Board has delegated management of the Trust to service providers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of risks applicable to the Trust. The Board oversees risk management for the Trust in several ways. The Board receives regular reports from both the Chief Compliance Officer and administrator for the Trust, detailing the results of the Trusts compliance with its Board-adopted policies and procedures, the investment policies and limitations of the Portfolio, and applicable provisions of the federal securities laws and the Code. As needed, the Adviser discusses management issues respecting the Trust with the Board, soliciting the Boards input on many aspects of management, including potential risks to the Portfolio. The Boards Audit Committee also receives reports on various aspects of risk that might affect the Trust and offers advice to management, as appropriate. The Trustees also meet in executive session with the independent counsel to the Independent Trustees, the independent registered public accounting firm, counsel to the Trust, the Chief Compliance Officer and representatives of management, as needed. Through these regular reports and interactions, the Board oversees the risk management parameters for the Trust, which are effected on a day-to-day basis by service providers to the Trust.
Trustee Ownership of Securities of the Trust, Adviser and Distributor
As of December 31, 2014, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members had any ownership of securities of the Adviser or State Street Global Markets, LLC (SSGM), the Trusts distributor, or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser or SSGM.
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of the Trusts equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2014.
Name of Independent Trustee |
Dollar Range
Of Equity Securities In The Portfolio |
Aggregate Dollar Range
Of Equity Securities In All Registered Investment Companies Overseen By Trustees In Family of Investment Companies |
||
William L. Boyan |
None | None | ||
Michael F. Holland |
None | None | ||
William L. Marshall |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Patrick J. Riley |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Richard D. Shirk |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Rina K. Spence |
None | None | ||
Bruce D. Taber |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Douglas T. Williams |
None | None | ||
Name of Interested Trustee |
||||
James E. Ross |
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Gregory A. Ehret 1 |
None | None |
1 | Mr. Ehret began serving as Trustee in August 2015. |
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Trustee Compensation
As of January 24, 2014, each Independent Trustee receives for his or her services to the State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust and SSGA Funds, a $141,500 annual base retainer in addition to $18,000 for each in-person meeting and $2,000 for each telephonic meeting from the Trust. The Trust pays a fixed allocation of $15,000 per fund. The Co-Chairmen receive an additional $44,000 annual retainer. The Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses in connection with meeting attendance. As of the date of this annual report, the Trustees were not paid pension or retirement benefits as part of the Trusts expenses.
The Trusts officers are compensated by the Adviser and its affiliates.
The following table sets forth the total remuneration of Trustees and officers of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION FROM THE TRUST |
PENSION OR
RETIREMENT BENEFITS ACCRUED AS PART OF TRUST EXPENSES |
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL BENEFITS UPON RETIREMENT |
TOTAL
COMPENSATION FROM TRUST & FUND COMPLEX PAID TO TRUSTEES |
|||||||||||||
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE | ||||||||||||||||
William L. Boyan, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 224,000 | ||||||||
Michael F. Holland, Trustee |
$ | 225,109 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 268,000 | ||||||||
William L. Marshall, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 267,500 | ||||||||
Patrick J. Riley, Trustee |
$ | 225,950 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 266,000 | ||||||||
Richard D. Shirk, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 319,000 | ||||||||
Rina K. Spence, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 224,000 | ||||||||
Bruce D. Taber, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 267,500 | ||||||||
Douglas T. Williams, Trustee |
$ | 193,085 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 224,000 | ||||||||
NAME OF INTERESTED TRUSTEE | ||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Powers, Trustee 1 |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
James E. Ross, Trustee |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Gregory A. Ehret 2 |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 |
1 | Mr. Powers served as a Trustee until May 2015. |
2 | Mr. Ehret began serving as Trustee in August 2015. |
Codes of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser and SSGM have each adopted a code of ethics (together, the Codes of Ethics) under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The Codes of Ethics permit personnel, subject to the Codes of Ethics and their provisions, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Trust, Adviser, State Street or SSGM.
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The Trust has adopted proxy voting procedures pursuant to which the Trust delegates the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Portfolio to the Adviser as part of the Advisers general management of the Portfolio, subject to the Boards continuing oversight. A copy of the Trusts proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix B and a copy of the Advisers proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix C.
Shareholders may receive information regarding how the Portfolio voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 (i) by calling (877) 521-4083 or (ii) on the SECs website at www.sec.gov .
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
Because the Portfolio commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, as of October 1, 2015, the Trustees and officers of the Trust owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the shares of each class of the Portfolio.
Persons or organizations owning 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio may be presumed to control (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the Portfolio. As a result, these persons or organizations could have the ability to approve or reject those matters submitted to the shareholders of the Portfolio for their approval. Because the Portfolio commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, as of October 1, 2015, to the knowledge of the Trust, no persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio or 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio.
Investment Advisory Agreements
The Adviser is responsible for the investment management of the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2001, as amended from time to time (the Advisory Agreement), by and between the Adviser and the Trust. The Adviser and State Street are wholly-owned subsidiaries of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company.
The Portfolio does not pay an advisory fee to SSGA FM.
The Advisory Agreement will continue from year to year provided that a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees or a majority of the shareholders of the Trust approve its continuance. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Trust without penalty upon sixty days notice and will terminate automatically upon its assignment.
The Adviser and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and other commercial banking relationships with the issuers of obligations that may be purchased on behalf of the Portfolio, including outstanding loans to such issuers that could be repaid in whole or in part with the proceeds of securities so purchased. Such affiliates deal, trade and invest for their own accounts in such obligations and are among the leading dealers of various types of such obligations. The Adviser has informed the Portfolio that, in making its investment decisions, it will not obtain or use material non-public information in its possession or in the possession of any of its affiliates. In making investment recommendations for the Portfolio, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by the Portfolio is a customer of the Adviser, its parent or its subsidiaries or affiliates and, in dealing with its customers, the Adviser, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates will not inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers were held by any Portfolio managed by the Adviser or any such affiliate.
In certain instances there may be securities that are suitable for the Portfolio as well as for one or more of the Advisers other clients. Investment decisions for the Trust and for the Advisers other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for
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only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. The Trust recognizes that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Portfolio is concerned. However, it is believed that the ability of the Portfolio to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Portfolio.
Administrator
SSGA FM serves as the administrator for the Portfolio pursuant to an Amended and Restated Administration Agreement. Under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and the Portfolio and will generally, subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust. The nature and amount of services provided by SSGA FM under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement may vary as between classes of shares of a fund, and a fund may pay fees to SSGA FM under that Agreement at different rates in respect of its different share classes.
As consideration for SSGA FMs services as administrator to the Portfolio, SSGA FM receives a fee at the annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio. The fees are accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month.
The administration fees paid by the Portfolio have been omitted because the Portfolio had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent
State Street serves as the sub-administrator for the Portfolio pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement among SSGA FM, State Street and, for certain limited purposes, the Trust (Sub-Administration Agreement). Under the Sub-Administration Agreement State Street is obligated to provide administrative services to the Trust and the Portfolio.
State Street serves as Custodian for the Portfolio pursuant to a Custody Agreement and holds the Portfolios assets.
State Street also serves as Transfer Agent of the Portfolio.
As consideration for State Streets services as transfer agent, custodian and accounting agent for the Portfolio, State Street receives annual fees, accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month, pursuant to the following schedule:
Annual Fee Schedule
Monthly Average Aggregate Net Assets for following
|
Aggregate Net Asset Level |
Fee of Transfer Agent, Custodian
and Accounting Agent Services |
||||
State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio |
First $400 million | 0.03 | % | |||
State Street Conservative Income Portfolio State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio |
Next $15 billion | 0.02 | % | |||
State Street Current Yield Portfolio State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio |
Thereafter | 0.01 | % |
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The transfer agency and custodian fees paid to State Street for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Portfolio had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
Distributor
State Street Global Markets, LLC (the SSGM or the Distributor) serves as the distributor the Portfolio. SSGM is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. SSGMs mailing address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900.
Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plans
Investments in the Portfolio are not subject to any sales load or redemption fee. Assets of the Portfolio are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee.
Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ropes & Gray LLP serves as counsel to the Trust. The principal business address of Ropes & Gray LLP is 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Joseph P. Barri LLC, located at 259 Robbins Street, Milton, Massachusetts 02186, serves as independent counsel to the Independent Trustees.
Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and provides (i) audit services and (ii) tax services. The principal business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of the Portfolio by the Adviser. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions are not charged on over the counter orders (including, for example, debt securities and money market investments) because the Portfolio pays a spread which is included in the cost of the security, and is the difference between the dealers cost and the cost to the Portfolio. When the Portfolio executes an over the counter order with an electronic communications network, an alternative trading system or a non-market maker, a commission is charged because there is no spread on the trade. Securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees. The Portfolio normally does not pay a stated brokerage commission on transactions
The Portfolios investment advisory agreement authorizes the Adviser to place, in the name of the Portfolio, orders for the execution of the securities transactions in which the Portfolio is authorized to invest, provided the Adviser seeks the best overall terms for the transaction. In selecting brokers or dealers (including affiliates of the Adviser), the Adviser chooses the broker-dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution (the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances). The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to: liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, brokerage and research services, underwriting, and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending on the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker-dealers. The Adviser does not currently use the Portfolios assets for soft-dollar arrangements. The Adviser does not presently participate in any soft dollar arrangements. It may aggregate trades with clients of State Street Global Advisors whose commission dollars are used to generate soft dollar credits for State Street Global Advisors. Although the Advisers clients commissions are not used for soft dollars, the Adviser and State Street Global Advisors clients may benefit from the soft dollar products/services received by State Street Global Advisors.
The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of the Trust for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.
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The brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Portfolio had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.
DECLARATION OF TRUST, CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER INFORMATION
Capitalization
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of the Portfolio. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Portfolio, investors are entitled to share pro rata in the Portfolios net assets available for distribution to its investors. Investments in the Portfolio have no preference, preemptive, conversion or similar rights, except as determined by the Trustees or as set forth in the Bylaws, and are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
Declaration of Trust
The Declaration of Trust of the Trust provides that the Trust may redeem shares of the Portfolio at the redemption price that would apply if the share redemption were initiated by a shareholder. It is the policy of the Trust that, except upon such conditions as may from time to time be set forth in the then current prospectus of the Trust or to facilitate the Trusts or the Portfolios compliance with applicable law or regulation, the Trust would not initiate a redemption of shares unless it were to determine that failing to do so may have a substantial adverse consequence for the Portfolio or the Trust.
The Trusts Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust will be deemed independent and disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding. It is the policy of the Trust that it will not assert that provision to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding; provided, however, that the foregoing policy will not prevent the Trust from asserting applicable law (including Section 2B of Chapter 182 of the Massachusetts General Laws) to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding.
The Trust will not deviate from the foregoing policies in a manner that adversely affects the rights of shareholders of the Portfolio without the approval of a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio.
Voting
Each shareholder is entitled to a vote in proportion to the number of Portfolio shares it owns. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees, and shareholders holding more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding shares in the Trust may elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so. The Trust is not required and has no current intention to hold annual meetings of shareholders but the Trust will hold special meetings of shareholders when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote.
Massachusetts Business Trust
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders in a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification out of the property of the applicable series of the Trust for any loss to which the shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder of that series and for reimbursement of the shareholder for all expense arising from such liability. Thus the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability should be limited to circumstances in which the series would be unable to meet its obligations.
Although the Portfolio is a money market fund, the NAV of the Portfolios shares will float, fluctuating with changes in the values of the Portfolios portfolio securities. The Portfolio typically accepts purchase and redemption orders multiple times per day, and calculates its NAV at each such time.
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Pricing of shares of the Portfolio does not occur on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays. The NYSE is open for trading every weekday except for: (a) the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday, Washingtons Birthday (the third Monday in February), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas; and (b) the preceding Friday or the subsequent Monday when one of the calendar-determined holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Purchases and redemptions will be effected at the time of determination of NAV next following the receipt of any purchase or withdrawal order which is determined to be in good order.
The Portfolios securities will be valued pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Portfolio is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Portfolio. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular situation and the possible application of foreign, state and local tax laws.
Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Portfolio as an investment through such plans and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situations.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company
The Portfolio intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Code and intends each year to qualify and be eligible to be treated as such. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Portfolio must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Portfolios taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Portfolios total assets consists of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not more than 5% of the value of the Portfolios total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of its assets are invested (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers which the Portfolio controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades and businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid generally taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt income, for such year.
In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (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 income from the qualifying income described in section (a)(i) above), will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, because they meet the passive income requirement under Code section 7704(c)(2). In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.
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For purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the term outstanding voting securities of such issuer will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Portfolio investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Portfolios ability to meet the diversification test in (b) above.
If the Portfolio qualifies as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including Capital Gain Dividends, as defined below). If the Portfolio were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Portfolio could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Portfolio-level tax, paying interest or disposing of certain assets. If the Portfolio were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if the Portfolio were otherwise to fail to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, the Portfolio would be subject to tax at the Portfolio level on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Portfolios shares (as described below). In addition, the Portfolio could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.
The Portfolio intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and its net tax-exempt income (if any), and may distribute its net capital gain. Any taxable income retained by the Portfolio will be subject to tax at the Portfolio level at regular corporate rates. If the Portfolio retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but is permitted to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a timely notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Portfolio on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds on a properly-filed U.S. tax return to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If the Portfolio makes this designation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Portfolio will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholders gross income under clause (a) of the preceding sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (b) of the preceding sentence. The Portfolio is not required to, and there can be no assurance the Portfolio will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.
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, the Portfolio 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, its net ordinary loss, if any, from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.
If the Portfolio were to fail to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal, in general, to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or a later date if the Portfolio is eligible to elect and so elects), plus any such amounts retained from the prior year, the Portfolio would be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For purposes of the required excise tax distribution, a RICs ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year (or a later date, if the RIC makes the election referred to above) generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. Also, for these purposes, the Portfolio will be treated as having distributed any amount on
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which it is subject to corporate income tax for the taxable year ending within the calendar year. The Portfolio intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Distributions declared by the Portfolio during October, November and December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Portfolio during the following January will be treated for federal tax purposes as paid by the Portfolio and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year in which declared.
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (net capital losses) are not permitted to be deducted against the Portfolios net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain limitations, the Portfolio may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to subsequent taxable years to offset capital gains, if any, realized during such subsequent taxable years. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Portfolio retains or distributes such gains. The Portfolio may carry incurred net capital losses forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration. The Portfolio must apply such carryforwards first against gains of the same character. The Funds available capital loss carryforwards, if any, will be set forth in its annual shareholder report for each fiscal year. The Funds ability to use net capital losses to offset gains may be limited as a result of certain (a) acquisitive reorganizations and (b) shifts in the ownership of the Fund by a shareholder owning or treated as owning 5% or more of the stock of the Fund.
Taxation of Distributions Received by Shareholders
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned such shareholders Portfolio shares. Distributions of net capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio as capital gain dividends (Capital Gain Dividends) also may be reported as Capital Gain Dividends by the Fund, and generally will be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as long-term capital gains includible in net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryovers. Distributions of net short-term capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less (as reduced by any net long-term capital loss of the Portfolio for the taxable year) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of investment income properly reported by the Portfolio as derived from qualified dividend income, if any, will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to net capital gain, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Portfolio level. The Portfolio does not expect Portfolio distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. For these purposes, net investment income generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Portfolio of net investment income and capital gains, and (ii) any net gain from the sale, redemption or exchange of Portfolio shares. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this additional tax on their investment in the Portfolio.
If the Portfolio makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Portfolios current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholders tax basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholders tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares.
Shareholders of the Portfolio will be subject to federal income taxes as described herein on distributions made by the Fund whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Portfolio.
Distributions with respect to the Portfolios shares are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Portfolios realized income and gains, even though such distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholders investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Portfolios net asset value reflects either unrealized gains, or
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realized but undistributed income or gains, that were therefore included in the price the shareholder paid. Such distributions may reduce the fair market value of the Portfolios shares below the shareholders cost basis in those shares. As described above, the Portfolio is required to distribute realized income and gains regardless of whether the Portfolios net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.
As required by federal law, detailed federal tax information with respect to each calendar year will be furnished to each shareholder early in the succeeding year.
Tax Implications of Certain Portfolio Investments
Special Rules for Debt Obligations . Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the original issue discount (OID) is treated as interest income and is included in the Portfolios income and required to be distributed by the Portfolio over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. In addition, payment-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Portfolio holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Portfolio in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its revised issue price) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the accrued market discount on such debt security. Alternatively, the Portfolio may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Portfolio will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Portfolios income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Portfolios income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Portfolio elects.
If the Portfolio holds the foregoing kinds of securities, or other debt securities subject to special rules under the Code, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Portfolio actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Portfolio or, if necessary, by disposition of portfolio securities including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so. These dispositions may cause the Portfolio to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates) and, in the event the Portfolio realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger Capital Gain Dividend than if the Portfolio had not held such securities.
Securities Purchased at a Premium . Very generally, where the Portfolio 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. In the case of a taxable bond, if the Portfolio makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Portfolio reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, the Portfolio is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period.
A portion of the OID accrued on certain high yield discount obligations may not be deductible to the issuer and will instead be treated as a dividend paid by the issuer for purposes of the dividends received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Portfolio may be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent attributable to the deemed dividend portion of such OID.
At-risk or Defaulted Securities . Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Portfolio. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Portfolio may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount; whether, when or to what extent the Portfolio should recognize market discount on
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a debt obligation; when and to what extent the Portfolio may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities; and how the Portfolio should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Portfolio 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 RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Certain Investments in Mortgage Pooling Vehicles . The Portfolio may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) (including by investing in residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) with respect to which an election to be treated as a REMIC is in effect) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (TMPs). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Portfolios income (including income allocated to the Portfolio from certain pass-through entities) 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 RIC, such as the Portfolio, will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. As a result, a RIC holding such interests may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts, as noted below.
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 other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and that 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. A shareholder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such inclusions notwithstanding any exemption from such income tax otherwise available under the Code.
Foreign Currency Transactions . Any transaction by the Portfolio in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations or certain foreign currency options, futures contracts or forward contracts (or similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Portfolio distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Portfolio to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.
Options and Futures . In general, option premiums received by the Portfolio are not immediately included in the income of the Portfolio. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Portfolio transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Portfolio is exercised and the Portfolio sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Portfolio generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Portfolio minus (b) the Portfolios basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by the Portfolio pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Portfolio generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Portfolios obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Portfolio is greater or less than the amount paid by the Portfolio (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Portfolio expires unexercised, the Portfolio generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.
The Portfolios options activities may include transactions constituting straddles for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is, that trigger the U.S. federal income tax straddle rules contained primarily in Section 1092 of the Code. Such straddles include, for example, positions in a particular security, or an index of securities, and one or more options that offset the former position, including options that are covered by the Portfolios long position in the subject security. Very generally, where applicable, Section 1092 requires (i) that losses be deferred on positions deemed to be offsetting positions with respect to substantially similar or related property, to the extent of
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unrealized gain in the latter, and (ii) that the holding period of such a straddle position that has not already been held for the long-term holding period be terminated and begin anew once the position is no longer part of a straddle. Options on single stocks that are not deep in the money may constitute qualified covered calls, which generally are not subject to the straddle rules; the holding period on stock underlying qualified covered calls that are in the money although not deep in the money will be suspended during the period that such calls are outstanding. Thus, the straddle rules and the rules governing qualified covered calls could cause gains that would otherwise constitute long-term capital gains to be treated as short-term capital gains, and distributions that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income or qualify for the dividends-received deduction to fail to satisfy the holding period requirements and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or fail to qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction, as the case may be.
The tax treatment of certain positions entered into by the Portfolio, including regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency positions and certain listed non-equity options, will be governed by section 1256 of the Code (section 1256 contracts). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (60/40), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, section 1256 contracts held by the Portfolio at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are marked to market with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable.
Derivatives, Hedging, and Related Transactions . In addition to the special rules described above in respect of futures and options transactions, the Portfolios transactions in other derivative instruments (e.g., forward contracts and swap agreements), as well as any of its hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (e.g., notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary or capital, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, defer losses to the Portfolio, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolios securities, thereby affecting whether capital gains and losses are treated as short-term or long-term. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders.
Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether the Portfolio has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a RIC and avoid a Portfolio-level tax.
Book-Tax Differences . Certain of the Portfolios investments in derivative instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and any of the Portfolios transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any). If such a difference arises, and the Portfolios book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income, the Portfolio could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment and to avoid an entity-level tax. In the alternative, if the Portfolios book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income (including realized capital gains) and net tax-exempt income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Portfolios remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipients basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.
Foreign Taxation
The Portfolios income from or proceeds of dispositions of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes. This will decrease the Portfolios return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Fund.
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Backup Withholding
The Portfolio generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Portfolio with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Portfolio that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding rate is 28%.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders
Income of a RIC that would be unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt shareholder of the RIC. Notwithstanding this blocking effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Portfolio if shares in the Portfolio constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).
A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if the Portfolio recognizes excess inclusion income derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICS or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Portfolio exceeds the Portfolios investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Portfolio).
In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI as a result of investing in a RIC that recognizes excess inclusion income. Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a RIC that recognizes excess inclusion income, then the RIC will be subject to a tax on that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholders distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholders interest in the Portfolio. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in the Portfolio.
Redemptions and Exchanges
Redemptions and exchanges of the Portfolios shares are taxable events and, accordingly, shareholders may realize gain or loss on these transactions. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Portfolio shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Upon the redemption or exchange of shares of the Portfolio or, in the case of shares purchased through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may be required to provide you and the IRS with cost basis and certain other related tax information about the Portfolio shares you redeemed or exchanged.
When the NAV of the Portfolio shares varies from $1.0000 per share, shareholders will realize a gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or redemption of the Portfolios shares. The IRS has issued proposed regulations, on which taxpayers may rely, that permit a simplified method of accounting for gains and losses realized upon the disposition of shares of a regulated investment company that is a so-called money market fund, such as the Portfolio. Very generally, rather than realizing gain or loss upon each redemption of a share, a shareholder using such method of accounting will recognize gain or loss with respect to the Portfolios shares for a given computation period (the shareholders taxable year or shorter period selected by the shareholder) equal to the value of all the Portfolio shares held by the shareholder on the last day of the computation period, less the value of all Portfolio shares held by the shareholder on the last day of the preceding computation period, less the shareholders net investment in the Portfolio (generally, purchases minus redemptions) made during the computation period. The IRS has also published guidance providing that the wash-sale of the Codedisallowing losses on taxable dispositions of
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Portfolio shares where other substantially identical shares are purchased, including by means of dividend reinvestment, within 30 days before or after the dispositionwill not apply to redemptions of shares in a money market fund subject to the floating NAV amendments. The proposed regulations and IRS guidance remain subject to change. Shareholders of the Portfolio are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their investment in the Portfolio.
Tax Shelter Reporting
Under 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, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct holders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Non-U.S. Shareholders
Non-U.S. shareholders in the Portfolio should consult their tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of ownership of shares in the Portfolio. Distributions properly reported as Capital Gain Dividends generally will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. In general, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Portfolio to a shareholder that is not a U.S. person within the meaning of the Code ( a foreign person) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a RIC beginning before January 1, 2015, a RIC was not required to withhold any amounts (a) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (i) that had not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner was not a U.S. person, (ii) to the extent that the dividend was attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person was the issuer or was a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (iii) that was within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (iv) to the extent the dividend was attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person was a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (interest-related dividends), and (b) with respect to distributions (other than (i) distributions to an individual foreign person who was present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (ii) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests (described below)) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (short-term capital gain dividends). A RIC was permitted to report such parts of its dividends as were eligible to be treated as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends, but was not required to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld even if a RIC reported all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend.
This exemption has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Portfolio beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Portfolio beginning on or after January 1, 2015, and what the terms of any such extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.
A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Portfolio or on Capital Gain Dividends or exempt-interest dividends (if any) unless (a) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (b) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (c) the gain or loss realized on the sale of shares of the Portfolio or the Capital Gain Dividends are attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests.
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Foreign persons with respect to whom income from the Portfolio is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the foreign person within the United States will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income derived from the Portfolio at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, whether such income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Portfolio and, in the case of a foreign corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a foreign person is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, foreign shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may obtain different tax results than those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax advisors.
Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisers and, if holding shares through intermediaries, their intermediaries, concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Portfolio.
In order for a foreign person to qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or from lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from back back-up withholding, the foreign person must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or substitute form). Non-U.S. investors in the Portfolio should consult their tax advisers in this regard.
Special rules (including withholding and reporting requirements) apply to foreign partnerships and those holding Portfolio shares through foreign partnerships. Additional considerations may apply to foreign trusts and estates. Investors holding Portfolio shares through foreign entities should consult their tax advisers about their particular situation.
A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the U.S. federal income tax on income referred to above.
Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect To Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the Portfolio by vote or value could be required to report annually their financial interest in the Portfolios foreign financial accounts, if any, on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Shareholders should consult a tax advisor, and persons investing in the Portfolio through an intermediary should contact their intermediary, regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.
Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements
Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, FATCA) generally require the Portfolio to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an IGA). If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Portfolio may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends and 30% of the gross proceeds of share redemptions or exchanges and certain Capital Gain Dividends it pays on or after January 1, 2017 (which date, under recent Treasury guidance, is expected to be delayed until on or after January 1, 2019. If a payment by the Portfolio is subject to FATCA withholding, the Portfolio is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above (e.g., Capital Gain Dividends). 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 investors own situation, including investments through an intermediary.
General Considerations
The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of shares of the Portfolio, as well as the effects of state, local, foreign, and other tax law and any proposed tax law changes.
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Investment companies, common and commingled trust funds and similar organizations and entities may continuously invest in the Portfolio.
The audited financial statements for the first fiscal year of the Portfolios operation will be included in the first Annual Report of the Trust (the Annual Report) following the Portfolios first fiscal year end. The Annual Report will be available, without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 392-0869.
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RATINGS OF DEBT INSTRUMENTS
MOODYS INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODYS) LONG TERM DEBT RATINGS. The following is a description of Moodys debt instrument ratings.
Aaa Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
Aa Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A Bonds that are rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Baa rated bonds are considered medium-grade obligations, and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics and are subject to moderate credit risk.
Ba Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B and Lower Bonds which are rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Bonds which are rated
Caa are of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Moodys applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a midrange ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
P-1 Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers (or supporting institutions) to honor short-term financial obligations. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The designation Prime-1 or P-1 indicates a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
STANDARD & POORS RATING GROUP (S&P). S&Ps ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (i) the likelihood of default capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; (ii) the nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (iii) the protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors rights.
AAA Bonds rated AAA are highest grade debt obligations. This rating indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
AA Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality obligations. Their capacity to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only by a small degree.
A Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher-rated categories.
A-1
BBB Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal.
BB and Lower Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
The ratings AA to C may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
A-1- Standard & Poors short-term issue credit ratings are current assessments of the likelihood of timely payments of debt having original maturity of no more than 365 days. The A-1 designation indicates that the capacity for payment is extremely strong.
A-2- The capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong. However, a short-term debt with this rating is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debts in higher rating categories.
Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
FITCH RATINGS. (FITCH).
Fitch Ratings cover a global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue.
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default 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 default 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 default 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 default 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 default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.
Fitch Ratings appends the modifiers + or - to denote relative status within the major rating categories.
A short-term rating has a time horizon of up to 13 months for most obligations, or up to 36 months for US public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.
A-2
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. A 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 vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C. High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.
D. Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a specific short-term obligation.
E. Restricted Default. Indicates an entity has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations.
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SSGA FUNDS
STATE STREET MASTER FUNDS
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
As of February 13, 2014
The Boards of Trustees of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each a Trust) 1 have adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts investment portfolios.
1. | Proxy Voting Policy |
The policy of the Trust is to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trust to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trusts investment adviser (the Adviser), subject to the Trustees continuing oversight.
2. | Fiduciary Duty |
The right to vote proxies with respect to a portfolio security held by the Trust is an asset of the Trust. The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trust and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Trust and its shareholders.
3. | Proxy Voting Procedures |
A. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies (Policy). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Trustees of material changes to its Policy promptly and not later than the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees after such amendment is implemented.
B. With respect to any proxies that the Adviser has identified as involving a conflict of interest, the Adviser shall submit a report indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy at the next regular meeting of the Board or Trustees. For this purpose, a conflict of interest shall be deemed to occur when the Adviser, the principal underwriter of the Trust (the Principal Underwriter) or an affiliated person of the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter has a financial interest in a matter presented by a proxy to be voted on behalf of a Trust, other than the obligations the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter incurs as a service provider to the Trust, which may compromise the Advisers or Principal Underwriters independence of judgment and action in voting the proxy.
C. At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees that a record is available with respect to each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust during the year. Also see Section 5 below.
4. | Revocation of Authority to Vote |
The delegation by the Trustees of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Trust may be revoked by the Trustees, in whole or in part, at any time.
1 | Unless otherwise noted, the singular term Trust used throughout this document means each of SSgA Funds, State Street Master Funds and State Street Institutional Investment Trust. |
B-1
5. | Annual Filing of Proxy Voting Record |
The Adviser shall provide the required data for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust to the Trust or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to be filed in the Trusts annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.
6. | Disclosures |
A. | The Trust shall include in its registration statement: |
1. A description of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and
2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trusts toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the Securities and Exchange Commissions (the SEC) website.
B. | The Trust shall include in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders: |
1. A statement disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trusts toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SECs website; and
2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trusts toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SECs website.
7. | Review of Policy |
The Trustees shall review this policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.
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APPENDIX C
March 2015
FM Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM), one of the industrys largest institutional asset managers, is the investment management arm of State Street Bank and Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial services to institutional investors. As an investment manager, SSGA FM has discretionary proxy voting authority over most of its client accounts, and SSGA FM votes these proxies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments as described in the SSGA FM Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles.
SSGA FM maintains Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines for select markets, including: the US, the EU, the UK, Australia, emerging markets and Japan. International markets that do not have specific guidelines are reviewed and voted consistent with our Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles; however, SSGA FM also endeavors to show sensitivity to local market practices when voting in these various markets.
SSGA FMs Approach to Proxy Voting and Issuer Engagement
At SSGA FM, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager very seriously. We have a dedicated team of corporate governance professionals who help us carry out our duties as a responsible investor. These duties include engaging with companies, developing and enhancing in-house corporate governance policies, analyzing corporate governance issues on a case-by-case basis at the company level, and exercising our voting rightsall to maximize shareholder value.
SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles (the Principles) may take different perspectives on common governance issues that vary from one market to another and, likewise, engagement activity may take different forms in order to best achieve long-term engagement goals. We believe that proxy voting and engagement with portfolio companies is often the most direct and productive way shareholders can exercise their ownership rights, and taken together, we view these tools to be an integral part of the overall investment process.
We believe engagement and voting activity have a direct relationship. As a result, the integration of our engagement activities, while leveraging the exercise of our voting rights, provides a meaningful shareholder tool that we believe protects and enhances the long-term economic value of the holdings in our client accounts. SSGA FM maximizes its voting power and engagement by maintaining a centralized proxy voting and active ownership process covering all holdings, regardless of strategy. Despite the different investment views and objectives across SSGA FM, depending on the product or strategy, the fiduciary responsibilities of share ownership and voting for which SSGA FM has voting discretion are carried out with a single voice and objective.
The Principles support governance structures that we believe add to, or maximize shareholder value at the companies held in our clients portfolios. SSGA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies to discuss our principles, including sustainability related risks. In addition, we encourage issuers to find ways of increasing the amount of direct communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members and independent non-executive directors is critical to helping companies understand shareholder concerns. Conversely, where appropriate, we conduct collaborative engagement activities with multiple shareholders and communicate with company representatives about common concerns.
In conducting our engagements, SSGA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country, including the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system, the quality of regulatory oversight, the enforcement of property and shareholder rights and the independence of the judiciary to name a few. SSGA FM understands that regulatory requirements and investor expectations relating to governance practices and engagement activities differ from country-to-country. As a result, SSGA FM engages with issuers, regulators, or both, depending on the market. SSGA FM also is a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy at the country level as well as issuer specific concerns at a company level.
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To help mitigate company specific risk, the team may collaborate with members of the active investment teams to engage with companies on corporate governance issues and address any specific concerns, or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. Outside of proxy voting season, SSGA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies covering various corporate governance and sustainability related topics.
The SSGA FM Governance Team uses a blend of quantitative and qualitative research and data to support screens to help identify issuers where active engagement may be necessary to protect and promote shareholder value. Issuer engagement may also be event driven, focusing on issuer specific corporate governance, sustainability concerns or wider industry related trends. SSGA FM also gives consideration to the size of our total position of the issuer in question and/or the potential negative governance, performance profile, and circumstance at hand. As a result, SSGA FM believes issuer engagement can take many forms and be triggered under numerous circumstances. The following methods represent how SSGA FM defines engagement methods:
Active
SSGA FM uses screening tools designed to capture a mix of company specific data including governance and sustainability profiles to help us focus our voting and engagement activity.
SSGA FM will actively seek direct dialogue with the board and management of companies we have identified through our screening processes. Such engagements may lead to further monitoring to ensure the company improves its governance or sustainability practices. In these cases, the engagement process represents the most meaningful opportunity for SSGA FM to protect long-term shareholder value from excessive risk due to poor governance and sustainability practices.
Recurring
SSGA FM has ongoing dialogue with its largest holdings on corporate governance and sustainability issues. SSGA FM maintains regular face-to-face meetings with these issuers, allowing SSGA FM to reinforce key tenets of good corporate governance and actively advise these issuers around concerns that SSGA FM feels may negatively impact long-term shareholder value.
Reactive
Reactive engagement is initiated by the issuers. SSGA FM routinely discusses specific voting issues and items with the issuer community. Reactive engagement is an opportunity to address not only voting items, but also a wide range of governance and sustainability issues.
SSGA FM has established an engagement protocol that further describes our approach to issuer engagement.
Measurement
Assessing the effectiveness of our issuer engagement process is often difficult. To limit the subjectivity of measuring our success we actively seek issuer feedback and monitor the actions issuers take post-engagement to identify tangible changes. By doing so, we are able to establish indicators to gauge how issuers respond to our concerns and to what degree these responses satisfy our requests. It is also important to note that successful engagement activity can be measured over differing time periods depending on the facts and circumstances involved. Engagements can last as short as a single meeting or span multiple years.
Depending on the issue and whether the engagement activity is reactive, recurring, or active, engagement with issuers can take the form of written communication, conference calls, or face-to-face meetings. SSGA FM believes active engagement is best conducted directly with company management or board members. Collaborative engagement, where multiple shareholders communicate with company representatives, can serve as a potential forum for issues that are not identified by SSGA FM as requiring active engagement, such as shareholder conference calls.
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Proxy Voting Procedure
Oversight
The SSGA FM Corporate Governance Team is responsible for developing and implementing the Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines (the Guidelines), case-by-case voting items, issuer engagement activities, and research and analysis of governance-related issues. The implementation of the Guidelines is overseen by the SSGA Global Proxy Review Committee (SSGA PRC), a committee of investment, compliance and legal professionals, who provide guidance on proxy issues as described in greater detail below. Oversight of the proxy voting process is ultimately the responsibility of the SSGA Investment Committee. The SSGA Investment Committee reviews and approves amendments to the Guidelines. The SSGA PRC reports to the SSGA Investment Committee, and may refer certain significant proxy items to that committee.
Proxy Voting Process
In order to facilitate SSGA FMs proxy voting process, SSGA FM retains Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS), a firm with expertise in proxy voting and corporate governance. SSGA FM utilizes ISSs services in three ways: (1) as SSGA FMs proxy voting agent (providing SSGA FM with vote execution and administration services); (2) for applying the Guidelines; and (3) as providers of research and analysis relating to general corporate governance issues and specific proxy items.
The SSGA FM Corporate Governance Team reviews the Guidelines with ISS on an annual basis or on a case-by-case basis as needed. On most routine proxy voting items (e.g., ratification of auditors), ISS will affect the proxy votes in accordance with the Guidelines.
In other cases, the Corporate Governance Team will evaluate the proxy solicitation to determine how to vote based on facts and circumstances, consistent with the Principles, and the accompanying Guidelines, that seek to maximize the value of our client accounts.
In some instances, the Corporate Governance Team may refer significant issues to the SSGA PRC for a determination of the proxy vote. In addition, in determining whether to refer a proxy vote to the SSGA PRC, the Corporate Governance. Team will consider whether a material conflict of interest exists between the interests of our client and those of SSGA FM or its affiliates (as explained in greater detail in our Conflict of Interest Policy).
SSGA FM votes in all markets where it is feasible; however, SSGA FM may refrain from voting meetings when power of attorney documentation is required, where voting will have a material impact on our ability to trade the security, where issuer-specific special documentation is required or where various market or issuer certifications are required. SSGA FM is unable to vote proxies when certain custodians, used by our clients, do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction, or when they charge a meeting specific fee in excess of the typical custody service agreement.
Conflict of Interest
See SSGAs standalone Conflicts of Interest Policy.
Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles
Directors and Boards
The election of directors is one of the most important fiduciary duties SSGA FM performs as a shareholder. SSGA FM believes that well-governed companies can protect and pursue shareholder interests better and withstand the challenges of an uncertain economic environment. As such, SSGA FM seeks to vote director elections in a way which we, as a fiduciary, believe will maximize the long-term value of each portfolios holdings.
Principally, a board acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. This concept establishes the standard by which board and director performance is measured. To achieve this fundamental principle, the role of the board, in SSGA FMs view, is to carry out its responsibilities in the best long-term interest of the company and its shareholders. An independent and effective board oversees management, provides guidance on strategic matters, selects the CEO and other senior executives, creates a succession plan for the board and management, provides risk oversight and assesses the performance of the CEO and management. In contrast, management implements the business and capital allocation strategies and runs the companys day-to-day operations. As part of SSGA FMs engagement process, SSGA FM routinely discusses the importance of these responsibilities with the boards of issuers.
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SSGA FM believes the quality of a board is a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board evaluations and refreshment and company governance practices. In voting to elect nominees, SSGA FM considers many factors. SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will effectively monitor management, maintain appropriate governance practices, and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. SSGA FM also believes the right mix of skills, independence and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and direct experience to deal with risks and operating structures that are often unique and complex from one industry to another.
Accounting and Audit Related Issues
SSGA FM believes audit committees are critical and necessary as part of the boards risk oversight role. The audit committee is responsible for setting out an internal audit function to provide robust audit and internal control systems designed to effectively manage potential and emerging risks to the companys operations and strategy. SSGA FM believes audit committees should have independent directors as members, and SSGA FM will hold the members of the audit committee responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function.
The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. Also, it is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are independent from management as we expect auditors to provide assurance as of a companys financial condition.
Capital Structure, Reorganization and Mergers
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards and in making such a critical decision, SSGA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilute its shareholders.
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In evaluating mergers and acquisitions, SSGA FM considers the adequacy of the consideration and the impact of the corporate governance provisions to shareholders. In all cases, SSGA FM uses its discretion in order to maximize shareholder value.
Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer making an offer, or reducing the likelihood of a successful offer. SSGA FM does not support proposals that reduce shareholders rights, entrench management or reduce the likelihood of shareholders right to vote on reasonable offers.
Compensation
SSGA FM considers the boards responsibility to include setting the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive compensation; SSGA FM believes that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long-term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders interests. SSGA FM may also consider executive compensation practices when re-electing members of the remuneration committee.
SSGA FM recognizes that compensation policies and practices are unique from market to market; often with significant differences between the level of disclosures, the amount and forms of compensation paid, and the ability of shareholders to approve executive compensation practices. As a result, our ability to assess the appropriateness of executive compensation is often dependent on market practices and laws.
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Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors may not only have an impact on the reputation of companies but may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could be the result of anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends to shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on a company, its industry, operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of board members if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder requests to amend them.
General/Routine
Although SSGA FM does not seek involvement in the day-to-day operations of an organization, SSGA FM recognizes the need for conscientious oversight and input into management decisions that may affect a companys value. SSGA FM supports proposals that encourage economically advantageous corporate practices and governance, while leaving decisions that are deemed to be routine or constitute ordinary business to management and the board of directors.
Securities on Loan
For funds where SSGA FM acts as trustee, SSGA FM may recall securities in instances where SSGA FM believes that a particular vote will have a material impact on the fund(s). Several factors shape this process. First, SSGA FM must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before the record date. In many cases, SSGA FM does not receive timely notice, and is unable to recall the shares on or before the record date. Second, SSGA FM, exercising its discretion may recall shares if it believes the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the foregone lending income. This determination requires SSGA FM, with the information available at the time, to form judgments about events or outcomes that are difficult to quantify. Given past experience in this area, however, we believe that the recall of securities will rarely provide an economic benefit that outweighs the cost of the foregone lending income.
Reporting
Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSGA FM relationship manager.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3430-INST-5405 0315 Exp. Date: 02/29/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
United States
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s (SSGA FM) US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the US. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, director tenure, audit related issues, capital structure, executive compensation, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the US, SSGA FM expects all companies to act in a transparent manner and provide detailed disclosure on board profiles, related-party transactions, executive compensation and other governance issues that impact shareholders long-term interests.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagements to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value. The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagements and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the US.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practices, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
Director related proposals at US companies include issues submitted to shareholders that deal with the composition of the board or with members of a corporations board of directors. In deciding which director nominee to support, SSGA FM considers numerous factors.
Director Elections
SSGA FMs director election policy focuses on companies governance profile to identify if a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices or if it exhibits negative governance practices. Factors SSGA FM considers when evaluating governance practices include, but are not limited to the following:
| Shareholder rights; |
| Board independence; and |
| Board structure. |
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If a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices, SSGA FM believes a director should be classified as independent based on the relevant listing standards or local market practice standards. In such cases, the composition of the key oversight committees of a board should meet the minimum standards of independence. Accordingly, SSGA FM will vote against a nominee at a company with appropriate governance practices if the director is classified as non-independent under relevant listing standards or local market practice AND serves on a key committee of the board (compensation, audit, nominating or committees required to be fully independent by local market standards).
Conversely, if a company demonstrates negative governance practices, SSGA FM believes the classification standards for director independence should be elevated. In such circumstances, we will evaluate all director nominees based on the following classification standards:
| Is the nominee an employee of or related to an employee of the issuer or its auditor; |
| Does the nominee provide professional services to the issuer; |
| Has the nominee attended an appropriate number of board meetings; or |
| Has the nominee received non-board related compensation from the issuer. |
Where companies demonstrate negative governance practices, these stricter standards will apply not only to directors who are a member of a key committee but to all directors on the board as market practice permits. Accordingly, SSGA FM will vote against a nominee (with the exception of the CEO) where the board has inappropriate governance practices and is considered not independent based on the above independence criteria.
Additionally, SSGA FM may withhold votes from directors based on the following:
| When overall average board tenure is excessive and/or individual director tenure is excessive. In assessing excessive tenure, SSGA FM gives consideration to factors such as the preponderance of long tenured directors, board refreshment practices, and classified board structures; |
| When directors attend less than 75% of board meetings without appropriate explanation or providing reason for their failure to meet the attendance threshold; |
| CEOs of a public company who sit on more than three public company boards; |
| Director nominees who sit on more than six public company boards; |
| Directors of companies that have ignored a shareholder proposal which received a majority of the shares outstanding at the last annual or special meeting, unless management submits the proposal(s) on the ballot as a binding management proposal, recommending shareholders vote for the particular proposal(s); |
| Directors of companies have unilaterally adopted/ amended company by-laws that negatively impact SSGA FMs shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection and exclusion service by-laws) without putting such amendments to a shareholder vote; |
| Compensation committee members where there is a weak relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period; |
| Audit committee members if non-audit fees exceed 50% of total fees paid to the auditors; and |
| Directors who appear to have been remiss in their duties. |
Director Related Proposals
SSGA FM generally votes for the following director related proposals:
| Discharge of board members duties, in the absence of pending litigation, regulatory investigation, charges of fraud or other indications of significant concern; |
| Proposals to restore shareholders ability to remove directors with or without cause; |
| Proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies; and |
| Shareholder proposals seeking disclosure regarding the company, board, or compensation committees use of compensation consultants, such as company name, business relationship(s) and fees paid. |
SSGA FM generally votes against the following director related proposals:
| Requirements that candidates for directorships own large amounts of stock before being eligible to be elected; |
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| Proposals that relate to the transaction of other business as properly comes before the meeting, which extend blank check powers to those acting as proxy; and |
| Proposals requiring two candidates per board seat. |
Majority Voting
SSGA FM will generally support a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election of directors.
SSGA FM will generally vote to support amendments to bylaws that would require simple majority of voting shares (i.e. shares cast) to pass or repeal certain provisions.
Annual Elections
SSGA FM generally supports the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors. Consideration is given to the overall level of board independence and the independence of the key committees as well as whether there is a shareholders rights plan.
Cumulative Voting
SSGA FM does not support cumulative voting structures for the election of directors.
Separation Chair/CEO
SSGA FM analyzes proposals for the separation of Chair/CEO on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration numerous factors, including but not limited to, the appointment of and role played by a lead director, a companys performance and the overall governance structure of the company.
Proxy Access
SSGA FM will consider proposals relating to Proxy Access on a case-by-case basis.
SSGA FM will evaluate the companys specific circumstances, the impact of the proposal on the target company and its potential effect on shareholder value.
Considerations include but are not limited to the following:
| The ownership thresholds and holding duration proposed in the resolution; |
| The binding nature of the proposal; |
| The number of directors that shareholders may be able to nominate each year; |
| Company performance; |
| Company governance structure; |
| Shareholder rights; and |
| Board performance. |
Age/Term Limits
Generally, SSGA FM will vote against age and term limits unless the company is found to have poor board refreshment and director succession practices and has a preponderance of non-executive directors with excessively long-tenures serving on the board.
Approve Remuneration of Directors
Generally, SSGA FM will support directors compensation, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry. In making our determination, we review whether the compensation is overly dilutive to existing shareholders.
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Indemnification
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Classified Boards
SSGA FM generally supports annual elections for the board of directors.
Confidential Voting
SSGA FM will support confidential voting.
Board Size
SSGA FM will support proposals seeking to fix the board size or designate a range for the board size and will vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board outside of a specified range without shareholder approval.
Audit Related Issues
Ratifying Auditors and Approving Auditor Compensation
SSGA FM supports the approval of auditors and auditor compensation provided that the issuer has properly disclosed audit and non-audit fees relative to market practice and the audit fees are not deemed excessive. SSGA FM deems audit fees to be excessive if the non-audit fees for the prior year constituted 50% or more of the total fees paid to the auditor. SSGA FM will support the disclosure of auditor and consulting relationships when the same or related entities are conducting both activities and will support the establishment of a selection committee responsible for the final approval of significant management consultant contract awards where existing firms are already acting in an auditing function. In circumstances where other fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard non-audit fee category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.
SSGA FM will support the discharge of auditors and requirements that auditors attend the annual meeting of shareholders. 1
Capital Related Issues
Capital structure proposals include requests by management for approval of amendments to the certificate of incorporation that will alter the capital structure of the company.
The most common request is for an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock, usually in conjunction with a stock split or dividend. Typically, requests that are not unreasonably dilutive or enhance the rights of common shareholders are supported. In considering authorized share proposals, the typical threshold for approval is 100% over current authorized shares. However, the threshold may be increased if the company offers a specific need or purpose (merger, stock splits, growth purposes, etc.). All proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the companys specific financial situation.
Increase in Authorized Common Shares
In general, SSGA FM supports share increases for general corporate purposes up to 100% of current authorized stock.
SSGA FM supports increases for specific corporate purposes up to 100% of the specific need plus 50% of current authorized common stock for US firms.
When applying the thresholds, SSGA FM will also consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits.
Increase in Authorized Preferred Shares
SSGA FM votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase the number of preferred shares.
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Generally, SSGA FM will vote for the authorization of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.
SSGA FM will support proposals to create declawed blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense). However, SSGA FM will vote against proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose.
Unequal Voting Rights
SSGA FM will not support proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will vote against new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSGA FM will not support capitalization changes that add blank check classes of stock (i.e. classes of stock with undefined voting rights) or classes that dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.
However, SSGA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported.
In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock, especially in some non-US markets; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
AntiTakeover Issues
Typically, these are proposals relating to requests by management to amend the certificate of incorporation or bylaws to add or delete a provision that is deemed to have an antitakeover effect. The majority of these proposals deal with managements attempt to add some provision that makes a hostile takeover more difficult or will protect incumbent management in the event of a change in control of the company.
Proposals that reduce shareholders rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.
Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.
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Shareholder Rights Plans
SSGA FM will support mandates requiring shareholder approval of a shareholder rights plans (poison pill) and repeals of various anti-takeover related provisions.
In general, SSGA FM will vote against the adoption or renewal of a US issuers shareholder rights plan (poison pill).
SSGA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no dead hand, slow hand, no hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).
Special Meetings
SSGA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that do not provide shareholders the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:
| The company also does not allow shareholders to act by written consent; or |
| The company allows shareholders to act by written consent but the ownership threshold for acting by written consent is set above 25% of outstanding shares. |
SSGA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that give shareholders (with a minimum 10% ownership threshold) the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:
| The current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares. |
SSGA FM will vote for management proposals related to special meetings.
Written Consent
SSGA FM will vote for shareholder proposals on written consent at companies if:
| The company does not have provisions in their bylaws giving shareholders the right to call for a special meeting; or |
| The company allows shareholders the right to call for a special meeting but the current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares; and |
| The company has a poor governance profile. |
SSGA FM will vote management proposals on written consent on a case-by-case basis.
SuperMajority
SSGA FM will generally vote against amendments to bylaws requiring super-majority shareholder votes to pass or repeal certain provisions. SSGA FM will vote for the reduction or elimination of super-majority vote requirements, unless management of the issuer was concurrently seeking to or had previously made such a reduction or elimination.
Remuneration Issues
Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides the analysis of all compensation plans; namely, are the terms of the plan designed to provide an incentive for executives and/or employees to align their interests with those of the shareholders and thus work toward enhancing shareholder value. Plans which benefit participants only when the shareholders also benefit are those most likely to be supported.
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Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation and Frequency
SSGA FM believes executive compensation plays a critical role in aligning executives interest with shareholders, attracting, retaining and incentivizing key talent, and ensuring positive correlation between the performance achieved by management and the benefits derived by shareholders. SSGA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period. SSGA FM seeks adequate disclosure of different compensation elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. Further, shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance on an annual basis.
Employee Equity Award Plans
SSGA FM considers numerous criteria when examining equity award proposals. Generally, SSGA FM does not vote against plans for lack of performance or vesting criteria. Rather, the main criteria that will result in a vote against an equity award plan are:
Excessive voting power dilution To assess the dilutive effect, we divide the number of shares required to fully fund the proposed plan, the number of authorized but unissued shares and the issued but unexercised shares by the fully diluted share count. SSGA FM reviews that number in light of certain factors, including the industry of the issuer.
Historical option grants Excessive historical option grants over the past three years. Plans that provide for historical grant patterns of greater than eight to twelve percent are generally not supported.
Repricing SSGA FM will vote against any plan where repricing is expressly permitted. If a company has a history of repricing underwater options, the plan will not be supported.
Other criteria include the following:
| Number of participants or eligible employees; |
| The variety of awards possible; and |
| The period of time covered by the plan. |
There are numerous factors that we view as negative, and together, may result in a vote against a proposal:
| Grants to individuals or very small groups of participants; |
| Gun-jumping grants which anticipate shareholder approval of a plan or amendment; |
| The power of the board to exchange underwater options without shareholder approval; this pertains to the ability of a company to reprice options, not the actual act of repricing described above; |
| Below market rate loans to officers to exercise their options; |
| The ability to grant options at less than fair market value; |
| Acceleration of vesting automatically upon a change in control; and |
| Excessive compensation (i.e. compensation plans which are deemed by SSGA FM to be overly dilutive). |
Share Repurchases If a company makes a clear connection between a share repurchase program and its intent to offset dilution created from option plans and the company fully discloses the amount of shares being repurchased, the voting dilution calculation may be adjusted to account for the impact of the buy back.
Companies who do not (i) clearly state the intentions of any proposed share buy-back plan or (ii) disclose a definitive number of the shares to be bought back, (iii) specify the range of premium/discount to market price at which a company can repurchase shares and, (iv) disclose the time frame during which the shares will be bought back, will not have any such repurchase plan factored into the dilution calculation.
162(m) Plan Amendments If a plan would not normally meet the SSGA FM criteria described above, but is primarily being amended to add specific performance criteria to be used with awards designed to qualify for performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, then SSGA FM will support the proposal to amend the plan.
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Employee Stock Option Plans
SSGA FM generally votes for stock purchase plans with an exercise price of not less than 85% of fair market value. However, SSGA FM takes market practice into consideration.
Compensation Related Items
SSGA FM will generally support the following proposals:
| Expansions to reporting of financial or compensation-related information, within reason; and |
| Proposals requiring the disclosure of executive retirement benefits if the issuer does not have an independent compensation committee. |
SSGA FM will generally vote against the following proposals:
| Retirement bonuses for non-executive directors and auditors. |
Miscellaneous/Routine Items
SSGA FM generally supports the following miscellaneous/routine governance items:
| Reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election when voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate; |
| Opting out of business combination provision; |
| Proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management; |
| Liquidation of the company if the company will file for bankruptcy if the proposal is not approved; |
| Shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote; |
| General updating of or corrective amendments to charter and bylaws not otherwise specifically addressed herein, unless such amendments would reasonably be expected to diminish shareholder rights (e.g. extension of directors term limits, amending shareholder vote requirement to amend the charter documents, insufficient information provided as to the reason behind the amendment); |
| Change in corporation name; |
| Mandates that amendments to bylaws or charters have shareholder approval; |
| Management proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable; |
| Repeals, prohibitions or adoption of anti-greenmail provisions; |
| Management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of authorized shares will be proportionately reduced and proposals to implement a reverse stock split to avoid delisting; and |
| Exclusive forum provisions. |
SSGA FM generally does not support the following miscellaneous/ routine governance items:
| Proposals asking companies to adopt full tenure holding periods for their executives; |
| Reincorporation to a location that we believe has more negative attributes than its current location of incorporation; |
| Shareholder proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable; |
| Proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item; |
| Proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws; and |
| Proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal. |
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Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, we consider the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business.
Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer-by-issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.
1 | Common for non-US issuers; request from the issuer to discharge from liability the directors or auditors with respect to actions taken by them during the previous year. |
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State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 31, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
SSGA generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to SSGA FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of SSGA. SSGA FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (CTA) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.
This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. SSGA FM CTA clients should contact SSGA Relationship Management for important CTA materials.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3439-INST-5436 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Europe
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s, (SSGA FM) European Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in European markets excluding the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in European markets address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management and monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in European markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in European companies, SSGA FM also considers guidance issued by the European Commission. Companies should provide detailed explanations under diverse comply or explain approaches, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders long-term interests.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in European markets.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/reelection of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.
A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in European companies include factors such as:
| Participation in relatedparty transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Relations with controlling shareholders; |
| Family ties with any of the companys advisers, directors or senior employees; |
| Employee and government representatives; and |
| Overall average board tenure and individual director tenure at issuers with classified and de-classified boards, respectively. |
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While, overall board independence requirements and board structures differ from market to market, SSGA FM considers voting against directors it deems nonindependent if overall board independence is below one third. SSGA FM also assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a casebycase basis, giving consideration to factors such as overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. SSGA FM may also not support a proposal to discharge the board, if a company fails to meet adequate governance standards or board level independence.
When considering the election or re-election of a non-executive director, SSGA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive can undertake and attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against the election of a director whose biographical disclosures are insufficient to assess his or her role on the board and/or independence.
Although we generally are in favour of the annual election of directors, we recognise that director terms vary considerably in different European markets. SSGA FM may vote against article/ bylaw changes that seek to extend director terms. In addition, in certain markets, SSGA FM may vote against directors if their director terms extend beyond four years.
SSGA FM believes companies should have relevant board level committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSGA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSGA FM may vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.
In its analysis of boards, SSGA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint.
In certain European markets it is not uncommon for the election of directors to be presented in a single slate. In these cases, where executives serve on the audit or the remuneration committees, SSGA FM may vote against the entire slate.
SSGA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)
Indemnification and Limitations on Liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Audit Related Issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSGA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSGA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.
Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors
SSGA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.
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Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
In some European markets, differential voting rights continue to exist. SSGA FM supports the one share one vote policy and favours a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSGA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.
Unequal Voting Rights
SSGA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSGA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders. SSGA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps and capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.
Increase in Authorized Capital
The ability raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSGA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a companys existing capital base.
Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seek to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSGA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSGA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.
Share Repurchase Programs
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, specify the range of premium/discount to market price at which a company can repurchase shares, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long-term financial health.
Related Party Transactions
Certain companies in European markets have a controlled ownership structure and have complex cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSGA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions. Further, SSGA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
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Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price |
AntiTakeover Measures
European markets have diverse regulations concerning the use of share issuances as takeover defenses with legal restrictions lacking in some markets. SSGA FM supports a one-share, one-vote policy, for example, given that dual-class capital structures entrench certain shareholders and management, insulating them from possible takeovers. SSGA FM opposes unlimited share issuance authorizations as they may be used as antitakeover devices, and they have the potential for substantial voting and earnings dilution. SSGA FM also monitors the duration of authorities to issue shares and whether there are restrictions and caps on multiple issuance authorities during the specified time periods. SSGA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.
Remuneration
Executive Pay
Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive paythere should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders interests. SSGA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.
Equity Incentives Plans
SSGA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSGA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.
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NonExecutive Director Pay
In European markets, authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors fees are generally not controversial. SSGA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSGA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.
Risk Management
SSGA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSGA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSGA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
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State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3449-INST-5416 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines United Kingdom
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s, (SSGA FM), UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the UK and Ireland, SSGA FM expects all companies, regardless of domicile, that obtain a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange or the Irish Stock Exchange to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Codes comply or explain approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders long-term interests.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the UK and European markets.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.
A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in UK companies include factors such as:
| Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Excessive tenure and a preponderance of long-tenured directors: |
| Relations with controlling shareholders; and |
| Family ties with any of the companys advisers, directors or senior employees. |
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When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSGA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSGA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure. SSGA FM supports the annual election of directors.
While SSGA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the UK market, SSGA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the companys specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSGA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.
SSGA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).
SSGA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSGA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSGA FM will vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.
In its analysis of boards, SSGA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSGA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.
Indemnification and Limitations on Liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in.
Audit Related Issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSGA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if an adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSGA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.
Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors
SSGA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.
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Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
Share Issuances
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSGA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a companys existing capital base.
Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSGA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSGA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.
Share Repurchase Programs
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, specify the range of premium/discount to market price at which a company can repurchase shares, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long term financial health.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize share-holder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
Anti-Takeover Measures
SSGA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board when subject to a hostile takeover to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.
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Remuneration
Executive Pay
Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive paythere should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration policies and reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders interests. SSGA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
Equity Incentives Plans
SSGA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSGA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.
Non-Executive Director Pay
Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors fees are generally not controversial. SSGA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSGA FM will evaluate on a company- by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.
Risk Management
SSGA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSGA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSGA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 19, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3445-INST-5412 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Emerging Markets
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s (SSGA FM) Emerging Market Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in emerging markets. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provides a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies, and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
At SSGA FM, we recognize that countries in emerging markets are disparate in their corporate governance frameworks and practices. Concurrent with developing a company specific voting and engagement program, SSGA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country. These factors include: (i) the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system in a country; (ii) quality of regulatory oversight, enforcement of property and shareholder rights; and (iii) the independence of judiciaryto name a few. While emerging market countries tend to pose broad common governance issues across all markets, such as concentrated ownership, poor disclosure of financial and related-party transactions, and weak enforcement of rules and regulation, SSGA FMs emerging market proxy voting policy is designed to identify and address specific governance concerns in each market.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy in Emerging Markets
SSGA FMs approach to proxy voting and issuer engagement in emerging markets is designed to increase the value of our investments through the mitigation of governance risks. Since the overall quality of the corporate governance framework in an emerging market country drives the level of governance risks investors assign to a country, improving the macro governance framework in a country may help reduce governance risks, in turn, increasing the overall value of SSGA FMs holdings over time. Therefore, in order to improve the overall governance framework and practices in a country, members of our proxy voting and engagement team endeavor to visit emerging market countries and meet with representatives from regulatory agencies and stock markets to highlight potential concerns with the macro governance framework of a country. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in emerging markets. To help mitigate company specific risk, the team works alongside members of the active fundamental and emerging market teams to engage with emerging market companies on governance issues and address any specific concerns or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. This integrated approach to engagement drives SSGA FMs proxy voting and engagement philosophy in emerging markets.
SSGA FMs proxy voting guidelines in emerging markets addresses six broad areas:
| Directors and Boards; |
| Accounting and Audit Related Issues; |
| Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues; |
| Remuneration; |
| Environmental and Social Issues; and |
| General/Routine Issues. |
Directors and Boards
SGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. However, several factors such as low overall independence level requirements by market regulators, poor biographical disclosure of director profiles, prevalence of related-party transactions and the general resistance from controlling shareholders to increase board independence renders the election of directors as one of the most important fiduciary duties SSGA FM performs in emerging market companies.
SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in emerging market companies include factors such as:
| Participation in related-party transactions; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Relations with controlling shareholders and other |
| employees; and |
| Attendance levels. |
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Audit Related Issues
The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. SSGA FM believes that audit committees provide the necessary oversight on the selection and appointment of auditors, a companys internal controls and accounting policies, and the overall audit process. In emerging markets, SSGA FM encourages boards to appoint an audit committee composed of a majority of independent auditors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. SSGA FM believes that it is imperative for audit committees to select outside auditors who are independent from management.
Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
SSGA FM believes that changes to a companys capital structure such as changes in authorized share capital, share repurchase and debt issuances are critical decisions made by the board. SSGA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and should not overly dilute its shareholders.
Related Party Transactions
Most companies in emerging markets have a controlled ownership structure that often include complex cross-shareholding between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). As a result, there is a high prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management. In addition, inter-group loan and loan guarantees provided to related companies are some of the other related-party transactions that increase the risk profile of companies. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSGA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions. Further, SSGA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
Share Repurchase Programs
With regard to share repurchase programs, SSGA FM expects companies to clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchase.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
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SSGA will actively seek direct dialogue with the board and management of companies we have identified through our screening processes. Such engagements may lead to further monitoring to ensure the company improves its governance or sustainability practices. In these cases, the engagement process represents the most meaningful opportunity for SSGA to protect long-term shareholder value from excessive risk due to poor governance and sustainability practices.
Remuneration
SSGA FM considers it to be the boards responsibility to set appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive compensation; there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term. In emerging markets we encourage companies to disclose information on senior executive remuneration.
With regard to director remuneration, SSGA FM supports director pay provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry and are not overly dilutive to existing shareholders.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change. In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. In emerging markets, shareholders seldom vote on environmental and social issues. Therefore, SSGA FM addresses a companys approach to identifying and managing environmental and social risks stemming for various aspects of its operations in its one-on-one engagement with companies.
General/Routine Issues
Some of the other issues that are routinely voted on in emerging markets include approving the allocation of income and accepting financial statements and statutory reports. For these voting items, SSGA FMs policies consider several factors including historical dividend payouts, pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges of fraud or other indication of significant concerns.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGA express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3510-INST-5434 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Japan
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s, (SSGA FM) Japan Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines complement and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies, and SSGAs Conflicts of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in Japan address areas including; board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in Japan, SSGA FM takes into consideration the unique aspects of Japanese corporate governance structures. We recognize that under Japanese corporate law, companies may choose between two structures of corporate governance: the statutory auditor system or the committee structure. Most Japanese boards predominantly consist of executives and non-independent outsiders affiliated through commercial relationships or cross-shareholdings. Nonetheless, when evaluating companies, SSGA FM expects Japanese companies to address conflicts of interest, risk management and demonstrate an effective process for monitoring management. In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in Japanese companies, SSGA FM also considers guidance issued by the Corporate Law Subcommittee of the Legislative Council within the Ministry of Justice as well as private study groups.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, and environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in Japan.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice.
Japanese companies have the option of having a traditional board of directors with statutory auditors, or a board with a committee structure. Most Japanese issuers prefer the traditional statutory auditor structure. Statutory auditors act in a quasi-compliance role as they are not involved in strategic decision-making nor are they part of the formal management decision process. Statutory auditors attend board meetings but do not have voting rights at the board; however, they have the right to seek an injunction and conduct broad investigations of unlawful behavior in the companys operations.
SSGA FM will support the election of statutory auditors, unless the outside statutory auditor nominee is regarded as non-independent based on SSGA FM criteria, the outside statutory auditor has attended less than 75 percent of meetings of the board of directors or board of statutory auditors during the year under review, or the statutory auditor has been remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities (fraud, criminal wrong doing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).
For companies with a statutory auditor structure there is no legal requirement that boards have outside directors, however, SSGA FM believes there should be a transparent process of independent and external monitoring of management on behalf of shareholders.
| SSGA FM believes that non-controlled Japanese companies should appoint at least one outside director, otherwise, SSGA FM will oppose the top executive who is responsible for the director nomination process; and |
| For controlled companies with a statutory auditor structure, SSGA FM will oppose the top executive, if the board does not have at least two outside directors. |
For companies with a committee structure, SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering general market practice, as well as the independence of the nominee. SSGA FM also takes into consideration the overall independence level of the committees. In determining director independence, SSGA FM considers the following factors:
| Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Past employment with the company; |
| Provides professional services to the company; and |
| Family ties with the company. |
Regardless of board structure, SSGA FM may oppose the election of a director for the following reasons:
| Failure to attend board meetings; or |
| In instances of egregious actions related to a directors service on the board. |
Indemnification and Limitations on Liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors and statutory auditors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. SSGA FM believes limitations and indemnification are necessary to attract and retain qualified directors.
Audit Related Items
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should have the opportunity to vote on their appointment at the annual meeting.
Ratifying External Auditors
SSGA FM will generally support the appointment of external auditors unless the external auditor is perceived as being non-independent and there are concerns about the accounts presented and the audit procedures followed.
Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors
SSGA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.
Capital Structure, Reorganization and Mergers
SSGA FM supports the one share one vote policy and favors a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSGA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps or multiple voting rights and will oppose measures to introduce these types of restrictions on shareholder rights. SSGA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.
Unequal Voting Rights
SSGA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSGA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.
However, SSGA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.
Increase in Authorized Capital
SSGA FM generally supports increases in authorized capital where the company provides an adequate explanation for the use of shares. In the absence of an adequate explanation, SSGA FM may oppose the request if the increase in authorized capital exceeds 100 percent of the currently authorized capital. Where share issuance requests exceed our standard threshold, SSGA FM will consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long term financial health.
Share Repurchase Programs
Companies are allowed under Japan Corporate Law to amend their articles to authorize the repurchase of shares at the boards discretion. SSGA FM will oppose an amendment to articles allowing the repurchase of shares at the boards discretion. SSGA FM believes the company should seek shareholder approval for a share repurchase program at each years AGM, providing shareholders the right to evaluate the purpose of the repurchase.
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share repurchase requests that allow share repurchases during a takeover period.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported.
SSGA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
Anti-Takeover Measures
In general, SSGA FM believes that adoption of poison pills that have been structured to protect management and to prevent takeover bids from succeeding is not in shareholders interest. A shareholder rights plan may lead to management entrenchment and discourage legitimate tender offers and acquisitions. Even if the premium paid to companies with a shareholder rights plan is higher than that offered to unprotected firms, a companys chances of receiving a takeover offer in the first place may be reduced by the presence of a shareholder rights plan.
Proposals that reduce shareholders rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.
Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.
Shareholder Rights Plans
In evaluating poison pills, the following conditions must be met before SSGA FM will recommend a vote in favor.
SSGA FM will support the adoption or renewal of a Japanese issuers shareholder rights plans (poison pill) if the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no dead hand, slow hand, no hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced.
SSGA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no dead hand, slow hand, no hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, or (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).
Compensation
In Japan, excessive compensation is rarely an issue. Rather, the problem is the lack of connection between pay and performance. Fixed salaries and cash retirement bonuses tend to comprise a significant portion of the compensation structure while performance-based pay is generally a small portion of the total pay. SSGA FM, where possible, seeks to encourage the use of performance based compensation in Japan as an incentive for executives and as a way to align interests with shareholders.
Approve Adjustment to Aggregate Compensation Ceiling for Directors
Remuneration for directors is generally reasonable. Typically, each company sets the director compensation parameters as an aggregate thereby limiting the total pay to all directors. When requesting a change, a company must disclose the last time the ceiling was adjusted and management provides the rationale for the ceiling increase. SSGA FM will generally support proposed increases to the ceiling if the company discloses the rationale for the increase. SSGA FM may oppose proposals to increase the ceiling if there has been corporate malfeasance or sustained poor performance.
Approve Annual Bonuses for Directors/Statutory Auditors
In Japan, since there are no legal requirements that mandate companies to seek shareholder approval before awarding a bonus, SSGA FM believes that existing shareholder approval of the bonus should be considered best practice. As a result, SSGA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period.
Approve Retirement Bonuses for Directors/ Statutory Auditors
Retirement bonuses make up a sizeable portion of directors and auditors lifetime compensation and are based on board tenure. While many companies in Japan have abolished this practice, there remain many proposals seeking shareholder approval for the total amounts paid to directors and statutory auditors as a whole. In general, SSGA FM supports these payments unless the recipient is an outsider or in instances where the amount is not disclosed.
Approve Stock Plan
Most option plans in Japan are conservative, particularly at large companies. Japan corporate law requires companies to disclose the monetary value of the stock options for directors and/or statutory auditors. Some companies do not disclose the maximum number of options that can be issued per year and shareholders are unable to evaluate the dilution impact. In this case, SSGA FM cannot calculate the dilution level and, therefore, SSGA FM may oppose such plans for poor disclosure. SSGA FM also opposes plans that allow for the repricing of the exercise price.
Deep Discount Options
As Japanese companies move away from the retirement bonus system, deep discount options plans have become more popular. Typically, the exercise price is set at JPY 1 per share. SSGA FM evaluates deep discount options using the same criteria used to evaluate stock options as well as considering the vesting period.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.
Miscellaneous/Routine Items
Expansion of Business Activities
Japanese companies articles of incorporation strictly define the types of businesses in which a company is permitted to engage. In general, SSGA FM views proposals to expand and diversify the companys business activities as routine and non-contentious. SSGA FM will monitor instances where there has been an inappropriate acquisition and diversification away from the companys main area of competence, which resulted in a decrease of shareholder value.
More Information
Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSGA FM relationship manager.
ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3454-INST-5418 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
March 2015
FM Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines
Australia
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.s (SSGA FM) Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in Australia. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSGA FMs Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSGA FMs approach to voting and engaging with companies, and SSGAs Conflict of Interest Policy.
SSGA FMs Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a companys business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSGA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSGA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a countrys regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSGA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.
In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in Australia, SSGA FM expects all companies at a minimum to comply with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Principles comply or explain approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders long-term interests. On some governance matters, such as composition of audit committees, we hold Australian companies to our global standards requiring all directors on the committee to be independent of management.
SSGA FMs Proxy Voting and Engagement Philosophy
In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSGA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSGA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.
The team works alongside members of SSGA FMs active fundamental and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSGA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the region.
SSGA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.
Directors and Boards
SSGA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSGA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSGA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound ESG policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
SSGA FMs broad criteria for director independence in Australian companies include factors such as:
| Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company; |
| Employment history with company; |
| Relations with controlling shareholders; and |
| Family ties with any of the companys advisers, directors or senior employees. |
When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSGA FM also considers the number of outside board director-ships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSGA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure. SSGA FM supports the annual election of directors and encourages Australian companies to adopt this practice.
While SSGA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the Australia market, SSGA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the
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companys specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSGA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.
SSGA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)
SSGA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have an audit committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. It also requires that the committee be chaired by an independent director who is not the chair of the board. SSGA FM holds Australian companies to its global standards for developed financial markets, by requiring that all members of the audit committee be independent directors.
In its analysis of boards, SSGA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSGA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.
Executive pay is another important aspect of corporate governance. SSGA FM believes that executive pay should be determined by the board of directors and SSGA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have a remuneration committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. Since Australia has a non-binding vote on pay with a two-strike rule requiring a board spill in the event of a second strike, SSGA FM believes that the vote provides investors a mechanism to address concerns it may have on the quality of oversight provided by the board on remuneration issues. Accordingly SSGA FM voting guidelines accommodate local market practice.
Indemnification and limitations on liability
Generally, SSGA FM supports proposals to limit directors liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Audit Related Issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.
Appointment of External Auditors
SSGA FM believes that a companys auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSGA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSGA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSGA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.
Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues
Share Issuances
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSGA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a companys existing capital base.
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Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSGA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSGA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for specific purpose.
Share Repurchase Programs
SSGA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSGA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.
Dividends
SSGA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSGA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the companys financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the companys long-term financial health.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the companys operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders rights are not supported. SSGA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:
| Offer premium; |
| Strategic rationale; |
| Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest; |
| Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and |
| Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value. |
SSGA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:
| Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock; |
| Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and |
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
Anti-Takeover Measures
SSGA FM opposes antitakeover defenses, such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.
Remuneration
Executive Pay
There is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSGA FMs analysis of executive paythere should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term. Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSGA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSGA FM may oppose remuneration reports where there seems to be a misalignment between pay and shareholders
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interests and where incentive policies and schemes have a re-test option or feature. SSGA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.
Equity Incentives Plans
SSGA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSGA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.
Non-Executive Director Pay
Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors fees are generally not controversial. SSGA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSGA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.
Risk Management
SSGA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSGA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSGA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
Environmental and Social Issues
As a fiduciary, SSGA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSGA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.
SSGA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.
In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSGA FMs team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSGA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands : State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of SSGA Corporate Governance Team through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGAs express written consent.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3503-INST-5431 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
February 2015
Managing Conflicts of Interest arising from SSGAs Proxy Voting and Engagement Activities
State Street Corporation has a comprehensive standalone Conflicts of Interest Policy and other policies that address a range of conflicts of interests identified by our parent company. In addition, SSGA maintains a conflicts register that identifies key conflicts and describes systems in place to mitigate the conflicts. This policy is designed to act in conjunction with related policies and practices employed by other groups within the organization. Further, they complement those policies and practices by providing specific guidance on managing the conflicts of interests that may arise through SSGAs proxy voting activities.
Managing Conflicts of Interest Related to Proxy Voting
SSGA has policies and procedures designed to prevent undue influence on SSGAs voting activities that may arise from relationships between proxy issuers or companies and State Street Corporation (STT) SSGA, SSGA affiliates, SSGA Funds or SSGA Fund affiliates.
Protocols designed to help mitigate potential conflicts of interest include:
| Providing sole voting discretion to members of SSGAs Corporate Governance Team. Members of the corporate governance team may from time to time discuss views on proxy voting matters, company performance, strategy etc. with other STT or SSGA employees including portfolio managers, senior executives and relationship managers. However, final voting decisions are made solely by the corporate governance team, in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of all clients, taking into account various perspectives on risks and opportunities with a view of maximizing the value of client assets; |
| Exercising a singular vote decision for each ballot item regardless of SSGAs investment strategy; |
| Prohibiting members of SSGAs corporate governance team from disclosing SSGAs voting decision to any individual not affiliated with the proxy voting process prior to the meeting or date of written consent, as the case may be; |
| Mandatory disclosure by members of the SSGAs Corporate Governance Team, Global Proxy Review Committee (PRC) and Investment Committee (IC) of any personal conflict of interest (e.g., familial relationship with company management) to the Head of the Corporate Governance Team. Members are required to recuse themselves from any engagement or proxy voting activities related to the conflict; |
| In certain instances, client accounts and/or SSGA pooled funds, where SSGA acts as trustee, may hold shares in STT or other SSGA affiliated entities, such as mutual funds affiliated with SSGA Funds Management, Inc. In general, SSGA will outsource any voting decision relating to a shareholder meeting of STT or other SSGA affiliated entities to independent outside third parties. Delegated third parties exercise vote decisions based upon SSGAs in-house policies; and |
| Reporting of voting policy overrides, if any, to the PRC on a quarterly basis. |
In general, we do not believe matters that fall within the Guidelines and are voted consistently with the Guidelines present any potential conflicts, since the vote on the matter has effectively been determined without reference to the soliciting entity. However, where matters do not fall within the Guidelines or where we believe that voting in accordance with the Guidelines is unwarranted, we conduct an additional review to determine whether there is a conflict of interest. In circumstances where a conflict has been identified and either: (i) the matter does not fall clearly within the Guidelines; or (ii) SSGA determines that voting in accordance with such policies or guidance is not in the best interests of its clients, the Head of SSGAs Corporate Governance Team will determine whether a Material Relationship exists. If so, the matter is referred to the SSGA PRC. The SSGA PRC then reviews the matter and determines whether a conflict of interest exists, and if so, how to best resolve such conflict. For example, the SSGA PRC may (i) determine that the proxy vote does not give rise to a conflict due to the issues presented, (ii) refer the matter to the SSGA Investment Committee for further evaluation or (iii) retain an independent fiduciary to determine the appropriate vote.
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ssga.com
State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities
Australia : State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240 7600. F: +612 9240 7611. Belgium : State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Chausse de La Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. T: +32 2 663 2036, F: +32 2 672 2077. SSGA Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada : State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, T: +514 282 2400 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6. T: +647 775 5900. Dubai : State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)4 4372800. F: +971 (0)4 4372818. France : State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France. T: +33 1 44 45 40 00. F: +33 1 44 45 41 92. Germany : State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich. T: +49 (0)89 55878 100. F: +49 (0)89 55878 440. Hong Kong : State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2103 0288. F: +852 2103 0200. Ireland : State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. T: +353 (0)1 776 3000. F: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy : State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy. T: +39 02 32066 100. F: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan : State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239. T: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherland s: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands. T: +31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore : State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D). T: +65 6826 7500. F: +65 6826 7501. Switzerland : State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich. T: +41 (0)44 245 70 00. F: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom : State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ. T: +020 3395 6000. F: +020 3395 6350. United States : State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900. T: +617 664 7727.
The views expressed in this material are the views of Feely, John S through the period ended February 28, 2015 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investors particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.
Risk associated with equity investing include stock values which may fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions.
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© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3455-INST-5419 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
PART C. Other Information
Item 28. Exhibits
(a)(1) |
Declaration of Trust dated February 16, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 18, 2000. | |
(2) |
Amendment No.1 dated February 14, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(3) |
Amendment No. 2 dated May 13, 2004 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(4) |
Amendment No. 3 dated May 19, 2005 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(5) |
Amendment No. 4 dated January 26, 2007 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 6, 2007. | |
(6) |
Amendment No. 5 dated October 2, 2007 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 2, 2007. | |
(7) |
Amendment No. 6 dated September 18, 2008 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009. | |
(8) |
Amendment No. 7 dated October 19, 2011 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011. | |
(9) |
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated April 14, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on From N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014. | |
(b)(1) |
Third Amended and Restated By-laws of the Trust dated May 13, 2004 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(2) |
Amended and Restated ByLaws of State Street Institutional Investment Trust dated April 14, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014. |
(3) |
Amended and Restated By-Laws of State Street Institutional Investment Trust are incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on August 28, 2015. | |
(c) | Not applicable. | |
(d)(1) | Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2001 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 + to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002. | |
(2) | Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Investment Advisory Contract dated May 1, 2001 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(3) | Notice dated February 7, 2007 to Investment Advisory Contract between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust dated May 1, 2001 with respect to the State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Limited Duration Bond Fund and State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(4) | Notice dated October 2, 2007 to Investment Advisory Contract between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust dated May 1, 2001 with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(5) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 2014 between CBRE Clarion Securities LLC and the Trust with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015. | |
(6) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated January 20, 2015 between CBRE Clarion Securities LLC and the Trust with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015. | |
(7) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2015 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and Skipjack Strategic Real Return Cayman Fund Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015. | |
(8) | Fee Waiver letter dated April 12, 2010 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Short-Term Tax Exempt Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2010. |
(9) |
Fee Waiver letter dated July 2, 2009 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010. | |
(10) |
Fee Waiver letter dated April 28, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Equity 2000 Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011. | |
(11) |
Fee Waiver letter dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to State Street Money Market Portfolio, State Street Tax Free Money Market Portfolio, State Street U.S. Government Money Market Portfolio, State Street Treasury Money Market Portfolio, State Street Treasury Plus Money Market Portfolio. State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011. | |
(12) |
Amendment dated February 18, 2011 to the Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2001, between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011. | |
(13) |
Reimbursement Agreement dated September 20, 2012 by and among State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(14) |
Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015. | |
(15) |
Form of Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(16) |
Fee Waiver letter between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund, State Street Equity 500 Index Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015. | |
(17) |
Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(18) |
Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(19) |
Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio, State Street Cash Reserves Fund, State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio, State Street Conservative Income Fund, State Street Conservative Income Portfolio, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio, State Street Current Yield Fund, State Street Current Yield Portfolio, State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund and State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on August 28, 2015. | |
(20) |
Fee Waiver letter dated May 6, 2015 between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015. | |
(21) |
Fee Waiver letter dated May 6, 2015 between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Fund Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015. |
(22) |
Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(e)(1) |
Distribution Agreement dated August 1, 2009 between State Street Global Markets, LLC, and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010. | |
(2) |
Amended Distribution Agreement dated August 1, 2009 between State Street Global Markets, LLC, and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011. | |
(3) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust, the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015. | |
(4) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(5) |
Notice to Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Green Bond Fund, State Street ESG Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund and State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015. | |
(6) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on August 28, 2015. | |
(7) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(8) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(9) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund and State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(10) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Cash Reserves Fund and State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(11) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Conservative Income Fund and State Street Conservative Income Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(12) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(13) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Current Yield Fund and State Street Current Yield Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(14) |
Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund and State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(f) |
Not applicable. | |
(g)(1) |
Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 + to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002. | |
(2) |
Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(3) |
Notice dated February 12, 2004 to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(4) |
Notice dated July 22, 2008 to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(5) |
Form of Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State |
Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 8, 2014. | ||
(6) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(7) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(8) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 26, 2015. | |
(9) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015. | |
(10) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio and State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund is filed herewith. | |
(12) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund and State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(13) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Cash Reserves Fund and State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(14) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Conservative Income Fund and State Street Conservative Income Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(15) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(16) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Current Yield Fund and State Street Current Yield Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(17) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund and State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(18) |
Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(h)(1)(a) |
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 + to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002. | |
(1)(b) |
Anti-Money Laundering Services Amendment dated October 31, 2006 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(1)(c) |
Services Amendment dated April 5, 2004 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(1)(d) |
Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund and the
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on
Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009. |
|
(1)(e) |
Notice dated February 12, 2004 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009. | |
(1)(f) |
Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(1)(g) |
Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(1)(h) |
Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio is filed herewith. | |
(1)(i) |
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust is filed herewith. | |
(1)(j) |
Amended Schedule A dated September 22, 2015 to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust is filed herewith. | |
(2) |
Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 + to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002. | |
(2)(a) |
Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(2)(b) |
Notice dated February 12, 2004 to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008. | |
(2)(c) |
Notice dated September 10, 2007 to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(2)(d) |
Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the Money Market Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011. | |
(2)(e) |
Amended and Restated Administration Agreement dated October 19, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the Money Market Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011. | |
(2)(f) |
Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 by and among State Street Bank and Trust Company, SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the Money Market Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011. |
(2)(g) |
Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Equity 500 Index Fund, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund and State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 23, 2015. | |
(2)(h) |
Form of Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust, the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund, , State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 8, 2014. | |
(2)(i) |
Form of Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S.
Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on
Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 9, 2014. |
|
(2)(j) |
Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(k) |
Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(l) |
Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(m) |
Form of Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund and State Street |
Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 9, 2014. | ||
(2)(n) |
Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(p) |
Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(p) |
Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(q) |
Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(r) |
Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(2)(s) |
Sub-Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(3) |
Form of Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Equity 500 Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 28, 2006. | |
(4) | Form of Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 28, 2006. | |
(5) | Form of Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 28, 2006. | |
(6) | Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Tax Free Limited Duration Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. |
(7) | Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(8) | Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(9) | Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(10) | Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and Henderson Global Funds dated April 20, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009. | |
(11) | Information Security Program Agreement dated November 19, 2010 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011. | |
(i)(1) |
Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission in September 2000. | |
(2) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on November 13, 2002. | |
(3) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the Class R Shares of the State Street Equity 500 Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 3, 2005. | |
(4) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Limited Duration Bond Fund and State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 6, 2007. | |
(5) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 11, 2014. |
(6) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio and State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 11, 2014. | |
(7) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015. | |
(8) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the Institutional Class, Investor Class and Administration Class shares of the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014. | |
(9) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 8, 2014. | |
(10) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund and State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014. | |
(11) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to Class G shares of the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 9, 2014. | |
(12) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(13) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(14) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015. |
(15) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on August 7, 2015. | |
(16) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on August 28, 2015. | |
(17) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund and State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio is filed herewith. | |
(j) | Not applicable. | |
(k) | Not applicable. | |
(l) | Not applicable. | |
(m)(1) | Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated May 14, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010. | |
(2) | Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated February 18, 2010 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011. | |
(3) | Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated April 14, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014. | |
(4) | Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated June 19, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014. | |
(5) | Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(6) | Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015. | |
(7) | Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund, State Street Conservative Income Fund, State Street Current Yield Fund, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund, State Street Cash Reserves Fund, and State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 26, 2015. |
(8) | Amended Shareholder Servicing Plan for Service Class effective May 14, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010. | |
(9) | Amended Shareholder Servicing Plan for Investment Class effective May 14, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010. | |
(n)(1) | Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 dated May 15, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008. | |
(2) | Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011. | |
(3) | Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014. | |
(4) | Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014. | |
(5) | Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(6) | Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015. | |
(7) | Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund, State Street Conservative Income Fund, State Street Current Yield Fund, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund, State Street Cash Reserves Fund, and State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 26, 2015. | |
(o)(1) | Power of Attorney as it relates to the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014. | |
(2) | Power of Attorney for Gregory A. Ehret as it relates to the Registrant is filed herewith. |
(p)(1) | Joint Code of Ethics dated May 17, 2000, as amended September 16, 2004 with State Street Master Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2005. | |
(2) | Joint Code of Ethics governing the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014. | |
(3) | Code of Ethics of CBRE Clarion Securities LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015. | |
(q)(1) | Financial Statements for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 for CBRE Clarion Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, LP are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015. | |
(2) | Portfolio of Investments dated October 31, 2014 for the CBRE Clarion Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, LP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015. |
+ | Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 was filed with the Commission on January 30, 2002. The next Post-Effective Amendment, filed on April 30, 2002, should have been sequentially numbered Post-Effective Amendment No. 9. Due to a scriveners error, it was numbered Post-Effective Amendment No. 10. Such Post-Effective Amendment has been referred to in this Part C as Post-Effective Amendment No. 9. |
Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with the Fund
See the Statement of Additional Information regarding the Trusts control relationships.
Item 30. Indemnification
Under the terms of Registrants Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, Article VIII, Registrant is required, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, to indemnify each of its Trustees and officers, including persons who serve at the Registrants request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Registrant has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise who may be indemnified by Registrant under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
See Management of the Trust in Part B. Information as to the directors and officers of the Adviser is included in its Form ADV filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter
(a) State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as the Trusts principal underwriter and also serves as the principal underwriter for the following investment companies: SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds, State Street Master Funds, and SSgA Funds.
(b) To the best of Registrants knowledge, the directors and executive officers of State Street Global Markets, LLC, are as follows:
Nicholas Bonn | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |
Christopher P. Jensen | FINOP and Chief Financial Officer and Director | |
Howard Fairweather | Director | |
Stephan Gavell | Director | |
Mark Snyder | Executive Vice President and Director | |
R. Bryan Woodard | Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel and Secretary | |
James Ross | Executive Vice President and Director | |
Martine Bond | Executive Vice President and Director |
* | The principal business address for each of the above directors and executive officers is 1 Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111. |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
The accounts and records of the Trust are located, in whole or in part, at the office of the Trust and the following locations:
State Street Institutional Investment Trust (Trust)
100 Huntingtin Ave, 5 th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (Adviser)
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. serves as the Administrator for all Funds and Portfolios.
State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the Sub-Administrator for all Funds and Portfolios.
State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent) for all Funds, except not the Transfer Agent/Dividend Disbursing Agent for the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, the State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, and State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund, State Street Global Managed
Volatility Fund, State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund, State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, State Street Cash Reserves Fund, State Street Conservative Income Fund, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund, State Street Current Yield Fund, State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund, and State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund.
State Street Bank and Trust Company
100 Huntingtin Ave, 5 th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. serves as the Transfer Agent/Dividend Disbursing Agent for the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, and State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund, State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund, the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, State Street Cash Reserves Fund, State Street Conservative Income Fund, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund, State Street Current Yield Fund, State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund, and State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund.
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
2000 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
Item 34. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the Trust) certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this amendment to the Trusts registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Amendment to the Trusts Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on this 30 th day of September, 2015.
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST | ||
By: |
/s/ Ellen M. Needham |
|
Ellen M. Needham | ||
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, this Registration Statement for the Trust has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 30 th day of September, 2015:
Signature |
Signature |
|
/s/ William L. Boyan* |
/s/ James E. Ross* |
|
William L. Boyan, Trustee | James E. Ross, Trustee | |
/s/ Gregory A. Ehret* |
/s/ Richard D. Shirk* |
|
Gregory A. Ehret, Trustee | Richard D. Shirk, Trustee | |
/s/ Michael F. Holland* |
/s/ Rina K. Spence* |
|
Michael F. Holland, Trustee | Rina K. Spence, Trustee | |
/s/ William L. Marshall* |
/s/ Bruce D. Taber* |
|
William L. Marshall, Trustee | Bruce D. Taber, Trustee | |
/s/ Patrick J. Riley* |
/s/ Douglas T. Williams* |
|
Patrick J. Riley, Trustee | Douglas T. Williams, Trustee | |
/s/ Chad C. Hallett* |
/s/ Ellen M. Needham |
|
Chad C. Hallett, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Ellen M. Needham, President and Principal Executive Officer | |
/s/ Kristin Schantz |
||
*By: Kristin Schantz Attorney-in-Fact Pursuant to Powers of Attorney |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Document |
|
(g)(10) | Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio and State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund | |
(h)(1)(h) | Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio. | |
(h)(1)(i) | Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust | |
(h)(1)(j) | Amended Schedule A dated September 22, 2015 to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust | |
(i)(17) | Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio | |
(o)(2) | Power of Attorney for Gregory A. Ehret |
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
100 Huntington Avenue
CPH0326
Boston, MA 02116
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
August 3, 2015
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement between us dated February 14, 2001 (the Agreement).
Pursuant to the Agreements, this letter is to provide notice of the creation of the following additional series of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the Trust) as presented in the following chart (the New Funds):
State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio |
State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund |
|
State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund |
We request that you act as the New Funds Custodian under the Agreement. As compensation for such services, you shall be entitled to receive from each New Fund the annual fee reflected on the fee schedule to the Agreement.
Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing by executing two copies of this letter, returning one to the Trust and retaining one copy for your records.
Very truly yours, |
||
State Street Institutional Investment Trust |
||
By: |
/s/ David James |
|
David James, Secretary | ||
Accepted: |
||
State Street Bank and Trust Company |
||
By: |
/s/ Gunjan Kedia |
|
Gunjan Kedia | ||
Executive Vice President |
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
100 Huntington Avenue
CPH0326
Boston, MA 02116
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the Trust) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street) dated February 28, 2000 (the Agreement). Pursuant to the Agreement, State Street serves as the Transfer Agent for the Trust.
Please be advised that the undersigned Trust has established an additional series of the Trust (a New Portfolio):
| State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio |
We request that you act as the Transfer Agent under the respective Agreement with respect to the New Portfolio in accordance with the existing fee schedule to the Agreement.
Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing by executing two copies of this letter, returning one to the Trust and retaining one copy for your records.
Very Truly Yours,
State Street Institutional Investment Trust |
||
By: |
/s/ Ellen Needham |
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Ellen Needham, President, Duly Authorized |
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State Street Bank and Trust Company |
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By: |
/s/ Gunjan Kedia |
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Gunjan Kedia | ||
Executive Vice President |
Date: August 3, 2015
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 1 st day of June, 2015 and effective as of July 1, 2014, by and between each of State Street Institutional Investment Trust and SSgA Funds (each, a Fund and together, the Funds), each entity individually and not jointly, as listed on Schedule A, as may be amended from time to time, having their respective principal office and place of business at State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, and BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC., a Massachusetts corporation having its principal office and place of business at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169-0953 (the Transfer Agent).
WHEREAS, each Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with each representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets; each such series shall be named under the respective Fund in the attached Schedule A, which may be amended by the parties from time to time, (each such series, together with all other series subsequently established by a Fund and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 16 , being herein referred to as a Portfolio, and collectively as the Portfolios);
WHEREAS, each Fund is either a statutory or business trust or a corporation organized under the laws of a state (as set forth on the Schedule A) and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act);
WHEREAS, it is contemplated that additional Funds and Portfolios may become parties to this Agreement by written consent of the parties hereto and in accordance with Section 16 ; and
WHEREAS, each Fund, on behalf of itself and, where applicable, its respective Portfolios, desires to appoint the Transfer Agent as its transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and agent in connection with certain other activities, and the Transfer Agent desires to accept such appointment.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. |
Terms of Appointment and Duties | |||
1.1 |
Appointment. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each Fund, on behalf of itself and, where applicable, its respective Portfolios, hereby employs and appoints the Transfer Agent to act as, and the Transfer Agent agrees to act as, its transfer agent for each Funds authorized and issued shares of common stock or shares of beneficial interest, as the case may be (Shares), dividend disbursing agent and agent in connection with any accumulation, open-account or similar plan provided to the shareholders of each Fund and of any Portfolios of such Fund (Shareholders) and described in the currently effective prospectus and statement of additional information of the Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, including without limitation any periodic investment plan, dividend reinvestment plan or periodic withdrawal program. |
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1.2 | Transfer Agency Services. In accordance with standard operating procedures that the Transfer Agent has made available to the Fund, on behalf of itself and each of the Portfolios (the Procedures) with such changes or deviations there from as have been (or may from time to time be) agreed upon in writing by the parties, the Transfer Agent agrees that it will perform the following services: | |||
(a) Establish each Shareholders account in the Portfolio or Portfolios on the Transfer Agents records on DST Systems, Inc.s computer system TA2000 (TA2000 System) and maintain each such account for the benefit of each such Shareholder in accordance with the Procedures;
(b) Receive for acceptance and process orders for the purchase of Shares, and promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation thereof to the Custodian of each Portfolio authorized pursuant to the organizational documents of the Fund (the Custodian);
(c) Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of Shares and hold such Shares in the appropriate Shareholder account;
(d) Receive for acceptance and process redemption requests and redemption directions and deliver the appropriate documentation thereof to the Custodian;
(e) In respect to items (a) through (d) above, the Transfer Agent may execute transactions directly with broker-dealers or other intermediaries including third party administrators (TPAs), authorized by each Fund;
(f) At the appropriate time as and when it receives monies paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, pay over or cause to be paid over in the appropriate manner such monies as instructed by the redeeming Shareholders or other appropriately designated parties;
(g) Effect transfers of Shares by the registered owners thereof upon receipt of appropriate instructions;
(h) Prepare and transmit payments for dividends and distributions declared by the Fund or any Portfolio thereof, as the case may be;
(i) If applicable, issue replacement certificates for those certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of indemnification satisfactory to the Transfer Agent and protecting the Transfer Agent and the Fund, and the Transfer Agent at its option, may issue replacement certificates in place of mutilated stock certificates upon presentation thereof and without such indemnity;
(j) Issue replacement checks and place stop orders on original checks based on Shareholders representation that a check was not received or was lost. Such stop orders and replacements will be deemed to have been made at the request of a Portfolio, and, as between the Portfolio and the Transfer Agent, such Portfolio shall be responsible for all losses or claims resulting from such replacement; |
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(k) Review Fund price conveyed by Custodian each business day and contact Custodian if no price is reflected;
(l) Maintain records of account for and advise each Fund and its Portfolios and its Shareholders as to the foregoing;
(m) Record the issuance of Shares of the Fund and maintain pursuant to SEC Rule 17Ad-10(e) a record of the total number of Shares of the Fund which are authorized, based upon data provided to it by the Fund, and issued and outstanding. The Transfer Agent shall also provide the Fund on a regular basis with the total number of Shares which are authorized and issued and outstanding but shall have no obligation, when recording the issuance of Shares, to monitor the issuance of such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund;
(n) Accept any information, records, documents, data, certificates, transaction requests by machine readable input, facsimile, data entry and electronic instructions, including e-mail communications, which have been prepared, maintained or provided by the Fund or any other person or firm on behalf of the Fund or from broker-dealers of record or third-party administrators (TPAs) on behalf of individual Shareholders. With respect to transaction requests received in the foregoing manner, the Transfer Agent shall not be responsible for determining that the original source documentation is in good order, which includes compliance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, and it will be the responsibility of the Fund to require its broker-dealers or TPAs to retain such documentation. E-mail exchanges on routine matters may be made directly with the Funds contact at the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent will not act on any e-mail communications coming to it directly from Shareholders requesting transactions, including, but not limited to, monetary transactions, change of ownership, or beneficiary changes;
(o) Maintain and manage, as agent for each Funds Portfolios, such bank accounts as the Transfer Agent shall deem necessary for the performance of its duties under this Agreement, including but not limited to, the processing of Share purchases and redemptions and the payment of Portfolio dividends and distributions. The Transfer Agent shall maintain such accounts with the Custodian. In connection with the recordkeeping and other services provided to the Fund under this Agreement, the Fund acknowledges that, the Transfer Agent may receive fees from the Custodian for certain account management services related to such accounts (after deduction for the Custodians cash management, processing and other related fees and costs). The Transfer Agent represents that such fees would otherwise be paid directly by the Funds in the form of increases to the fees stated in Schedule 4.1 to this Agreement;
(p) Receive correspondence pertaining to any former, existing or new Shareholder account, process such correspondence for proper recordkeeping and respond to Shareholder correspondence; and |
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(q) Process any request from a Shareholder to change account registration, beneficiary, beneficiary information, transfer and rollovers in accordance with the Procedures.
(r) Other Customary Services. Perform certain customary services of a transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, agent in connection with accumulation, open account or similar plan (including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program), including but not limited to: maintaining all Shareholder accounts, preparing Shareholder lists for meetings; arranging for mailing of Shareholder reports and prospectuses to current Shareholders; withholding taxes on U.S. resident and non-resident alien accounts; preparing and filing U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate forms required with respect to dividends and distributions by federal authorities for all Shareholders, arranging for the preparation and mailing of confirmation forms and statements of account to Shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other confirmable transactions in Shareholder accounts; preparing and mailing activity statements for Shareholders; and providing Shareholder account information;
(s) Control Book (also known as Super Sheet). Transfer Agent shall maintain a daily record and produce a daily report for the Fund of all transactions and receipts and disbursements of money and securities and deliver a copy of such report for the Fund for each business day to the Funds Custodian, on the next business day at such time as may be mutually agreed by the Transfer Agent and the Fund.
(t) Blue Sky Reporting . The Fund or its administrator shall identify to the Transfer Agent in writing the states and countries where the shares of each Fund are registered or exempt, and the number of Shares registered for sale with respect to each state or country, as applicable. The Transfer Agent shall establish the foregoing parameters on the system for the designated Blue Sky vendor. Each Fund or its administrator shall verify that such parameters have been correctly established for each state or country on the system prior to activation and thereafter shall be responsible for monitoring the daily activity for each state or country. The responsibility of the Transfer Agent for the Funds Blue Sky registration status is solely limited to the initial establishment of the parameters provided by the Fund or the administrator for the vendors system and the daily transmission of a file to such vendor in order that the vendor may provide reports to the Fund or the administrator for monitoring. For all Portfolios for which Transfer Agent serves as Blue Sky Vendor, this provision shall not apply and the parties obligations as to such blue sky services shall be exclusively governed by the terms of the blue sky service agreement entered into between the Funds administrator and Transfer Agent.
(u) National Securities Clearing Corporation (the NSCC) . The Transfer agent shall (i) accept and effectuate the registration and maintenance of accounts through Networking and the purchase, redemption, transfer and exchange of shares in such accounts through Fund/SERV (Networking and Fund/SERV being programs operated by the NSCC on behalf of NSCCs participants, including the Portfolios), in accordance with, instructions transmitted to and received by the Transfer Agent by transmission from NSCC on behalf of |
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authorized broker-dealers on the Fund dealer file maintained by the Transfer Agent; (ii) issue instructions to a Portfolios banks for the settlement of transactions between the Portfolio and NSCC (acting on behalf of its broker-dealer and bank participants); (iii) provide account and transaction information from the affected Portfolios records on TA2000 System in accordance with NSCCs Networking and Fund/SERV rules for those broker-dealers; (iv) maintain Shareholder accounts on TA2000 System through Networking; (v) trade confirmation back to broker or dealer or intermediaries including same day confirmation on late order files; and (vi) respond to rejected trades in accordance to procedures to which the parties have mutually agreed;
(v) Performance of Certain Services by the Fund or Affiliates or Agents. New procedures as to who shall provide certain of these services may be established in writing from time to time by agreement between a Fund, on behalf of its respective Portfolios and the Transfer Agent. If agreed to in writing by the Fund and the Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent may at times perform only a portion of these services and the a Portfolio or its agent may perform these services on the Portfolios behalf.
(w) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Delegation . In order to assist each Fund with such Funds AML responsibilities under applicable AML laws, the Transfer Agent offers certain risk-based shareholder activity monitoring tools and procedures that are reasonably designed to: (i) promote the detection and reporting of potential money laundering activities; and (ii) assist in the verification of persons opening accounts with each Fund (the AML Procedures). If each Fund elects to have the Transfer Agent implement the AML Procedures and delegate the day-to-day operation of such AML Procedures to the Transfer Agent, the parties will agree to such terms as stated in the attached schedule (Schedule 1.2(w) entitled AML Delegation) which may be changed from time to time subject to mutual written agreement between the parties. In consideration of the performance of the AML Procedures by the Transfer Agent pursuant to this Section 1.2(w), each Fund, on behalf of its respective Portfolios, agrees to pay the Transfer Agent for the reasonable administrative expense that may be associated with such AML Procedures.
(x) Compliance Program. The Transfer Agent maintains and will continue to maintain a comprehensive compliance program reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to its compliance program, the Transfer Agent will provide periodic measurement reports to the Funds. The Transfer Agent will provide to each Fund in connection with any periodic annual or semi-annual shareholder report filed by the Fund or, in the absence of the filing of such reports, on a quarterly basis, a sub-certification pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 with respect to the Transfer Agents performance of the services set forth in this Agreement and its internal controls related thereto. In addition, on a quarterly basis, the Transfer Agent will provide to the Funds a certification in connection with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. The Transfer Agent reserves the right to amend and update its compliance program and the measurement tools and certifications provided thereunder from time to time in order to address changing regulatory and industry developments. The Transfer Agent shall make available to the Funds via its Compliance Corner site, current information on the Transfer Agents Compliance+ Program, including information on federal securities laws, business process flow charts and associated summaries, corporate procedures (including AML procedures), client-specific quarterly compliance measurement dashboard reports, certain trending analysis, compliance news bulletins/newsletters, the Sub-Transfer Agents transfer agent procedures manual and other compliance and regulatory materials |
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(y) Call Center Services. The Transfer Agent will answer telephone inquiries and transaction requests as noted above from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Time, each day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The Transfer Agent shall answer and respond to inquiries from existing Shareholders, prospective Shareholders of the Portfolios and broker-dealers on behalf of such Shareholders in accordance with the telephone scripts provided by the Fund to the Transfer Agent, such inquiries may include requests for information on account set-up and maintenance, general questions regarding the operation of the Fund, general account information including dates of purchases, redemptions, exchanges and account balances, requests for account access instructions and literature requests; | ||||
(z) Sales Charges, Distribution and 12b-1 Payment Processing . Upon request of a Fund, the Transfer Agent will calculate, report, and disburse fee payments for such fund; | ||||
(aa) Omnibus Transparency Services . Upon request of a Fund, the Transfer Agent shall carry out certain information requests, analyses and reporting services in support of the Funds obligations under Rule 22c-2(a)(2) for Omnibus/SuperOmnibus accounts only. The parties will agree to such services and terms as stated in the attached schedule (Schedule 1.2(z) entitled Omnibus Transparency Services) that may be changed from time to time subject to mutual written agreement between the parties. In consideration of the performance of the services by the Transfer Agent pursuant to this Section 1.2(z), the Fund agrees to pay the Transfer Agent for such fees and expenses associated with such additional services as set forth on Schedule 2.1; and | ||||
(bb) Escheatment, Orders, Etc . If requested by the Fund (and as mutually agreed upon by the parties as to any reasonable reimbursable expenses), provide any additional related services (i.e., pertaining to escheatments, abandoned property, garnishment orders, bankruptcy and divorce proceedings, Internal Revenue Service or state tax authority tax levies and summonses and all matters relating to the foregoing, including SEC mandated lost shareholder mailings). | ||||
1.3 |
Fiduciary Accounts. With respect to certain retirement plans or accounts (such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs), SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, and 403(b) arrangements (such accounts, Fiduciary Accounts)), the Transfer Agent, at the request of the Fund, shall arrange for the provision of appropriate prototype plans as well as provide or arrange for the provision of various services to such plans and/or accounts, which services may include custodial services to be provided by State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), account set-up maintenance, and disbursements as well as such other services as the parties hereto shall mutually agree upon. Transfer Agent shall perform annual fiduciary fee processing, including reporting and reconciliation of fees. | |||
1.4 |
Site Visits and Inspections; Regulatory Examinations. During the term of this Agreement, authorized representatives of a Fund may conduct periodic site visits of the Transfer |
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Agents facilities and inspect the Transfer Agents records and procedures solely as they pertain to the Transfer Agents services for the Fund under or pursuant to this Agreement. Such inspections shall be conducted at a Funds expense (which shall include costs related to providing materials, copying, faxing, retrieving stored materials, and similar expenses) and shall occur during the Transfer Agents regular business hours and, except as otherwise agreed to by the parties, no more frequently than twice a year. In connection with such site visit and/or inspection, a Fund shall not attempt to access, nor will it review, the records of any other clients of the Transfer Agent and a Fund shall conduct the visit/inspection in a manner that will not interfere with the Transfer Agents normal and customary conduct of its business activities, including the provision of services to the Fund and to other clients. The Transfer Agent shall have the right to immediately require the removal of any Fund representatives from its premises in the event that their actions, in the reasonable opinion of the Transfer Agent, jeopardize the information security of its systems and/or other client data or otherwise are disruptive to the business of the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent may require any persons seeking access to its facilities to provide reasonable evidence of their authority. The Transfer Agent may also reasonably require any of the Funds representatives to execute a confidentiality agreement before granting such individuals access to its facilities. The Transfer Agent will also provide reasonable access to the Funds governmental regulators, at the Funds expense, solely to (i) the Funds records held by the Transfer Agent and (ii) the procedures of the Transfer Agent directly related to its provision of services to the Fund under the Agreement. | ||||
1.5 |
Tax-related support. The parties agree that to the extent that the Transfer Agent provides any services under this Agreement that relate to compliance by the Fund with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code) or any other tax law, including without limitation, withholding, as required by federal law, taxes on Shareholder accounts, preparing, filing and mailing information tax reporting on applicable U.S. Treasury Department Forms, including but not limited to Forms 1099, 1042, 1042-S and 5498, and performing and paying backup withholding as required for shareholders, the Transfer Agent will not make any judgments or exercise any discretion. The Transfer Agents responsibilities hereunder shall not extend to or include duties and responsibilities of a tax return preparer as defined in the Code. The Fund will provide comprehensive instructions to the Transfer Agent in connection with the services and shall promptly respond to requests for direction from the Transfer Agent regarding IRS notices and other requests. | |||
2. |
Fees and Expenses |
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2.1 |
Fee Schedule. For the performance by the Transfer Agent pursuant to this Agreement, the Fund agrees, on behalf of the Portfolios to pay the Transfer Agent the fees and expenses as set forth on the attached fee schedule (Schedule 2.1). Such fees and reimbursable expenses and advances identified under Section 2.2 below may be changed from time to time subject to mutual written agreement between the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios, and the Transfer Agent. The parties agree that the fees set forth on Schedule 2.1 shall apply with respect to each Fund and its respective Portfolios set forth on Schedule A hereto as of the date hereof and to any newly created Portfolios added to this Agreement under Section 16 that have requirements consistent with services then being provided by |
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the Transfer Agent under this Agreement. The fees set forth on Schedule 2.1, however, shall not automatically apply to any Portfolios resulting from acquisition or merger subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. In the event that a Portfolio is to become a party to this Agreement as the result of an acquisition or merger then the parties shall confer diligently and in good faith, and agree upon fees applicable to such Portfolio. | ||||
2.2 |
Reimbursable Expenses. In addition to the fees paid under Section 2.1 above, each Fund agrees, on behalf of its applicable Portfolios, to reimburse the Transfer Agent for reimbursable expenses, including but not limited to: AML/CIP annual fee, suspicious activity reporting for networked accounts, audio response, checkwriting, CIP-related database searches, commission fee application, COOL, data communications equipment, computer hardware, DST disaster recovery charge, DSTO products and services, escheatment, express mail and delivery services, FDIC deposit insurance account charges, federal wire charges, forms and production, freight charges, household tape processing, lost shareholder searches, lost shareholder tracking, manual check pulls, microfiche, network products, new fund implementation, NSCC processing and communications, postage (to be paid in advance if so requested), offsite records storage, P.O. box rental, print/mail services, programming hours, regulatory compliance fee per CUSIP, reporting (on request and scheduled), returned checks, Omnibus Transparency, special mailing, statements, supplies, tax reporting (federal and state), telecommunications equipment, telephone (telephone and fax lines), training, transcripts, travel, TIN certification (W-8 & W-9) , Compliance Plus, AWD Stations, year-end processing, DST Systems products (i.e. Excess History, VISION, Same Day Cash Management, PowerSelect, etc.) and other expenses incurred at the direction of the Fund or with advance written notice to the Fund. | |||
2.3 |
Increases. The fees and charges set forth on Schedule 2.1 shall increase or may be increased (i) in accordance with Section 2.5 below; (ii) upon at least ninety (90) days prior written notice, if changes in laws applicable to its transfer agency business or laws applicable to the Fund, which the Transfer Agent has agreed to abide by and implement increases the Transfer Agents ongoing costs to provide the affected service or function by five percent (5%) or more; or (iii) in connection with new or additional services, or new or additional functions, features or modes of operation of the TA2000 system. If the Transfer Agent notifies the Fund of an increase in fees or charges pursuant to subparagraph (ii) of this Section 2.3, the parties shall confer, diligently and in good faith and agree upon a new fee or charges to cover the amount necessary, but not more than such amount, to reimburse the Transfer Agent for the increased costs of operation or new fund features; provided that such increases are applied on a universal basis to all other applicable clients of the Transfer Agent. If the Transfer Agent notifies the Fund of an increase in fees under subparagraph (iii) of this Section 2.3, the parties shall confer, diligently and in good faith, and agree upon a new fee to cover such new fund feature; provided that such increases are applied on a universal basis to all other applicable clients of the Transfer Agent. | |||
2.4 |
Invoices. Each Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the respective invoice, except for any fees or expenses that are subject to good faith dispute. In the event |
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3.4 |
It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Organization and By-Laws to enter into and perform the services contemplated in this Agreement. | |||
3.5 |
All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement. | |||
3.6 |
It has and will continue to have access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement. | |||
3.7 |
It shall comply in all material respects with all laws, rules and regulations, including all provisions of the 1934 Act and the rules thereunder and all state laws, rules and regulations applicable to its transfer agency business. | |||
4. |
Representations and Warranties of the Fund |
The Fund represents and warrants to the Transfer Agent that:
4.1 |
It is a trust or corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization as set forth on Schedule A. | |||
4.2 |
It is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into and perform this Agreement. | |||
4.3 |
All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement. | |||
4.4 |
The Fund is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act. | |||
4.5 |
A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for each Fund is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares being offered for sale by the Fund. | |||
5. |
Wire Transfer Operating Guidelines/Article 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code | |||
5.1 |
Obligation of Sender . The Transfer Agent is authorized to promptly debit the appropriate Fund account(s) upon the receipt of a payment order in compliance with the selected security procedure (the Security Procedure) chosen for funds transfer and in the amount of money that the Transfer Agent has been instructed to transfer. The Transfer Agent shall execute payment orders in compliance with the Security Procedure and with the Fund instructions on the execution date provided that such payment order is received by the applicable customary deadline established by the Federal Reserve or transmitting bank for processing such a request, unless the payment order specifies a later time. All payment orders and communications received after the customary deadline will be deemed to have been received the next business day. |
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5.2 |
Security Procedure . Each Fund acknowledges that the Security Procedure it has designated on the Selection Form was selected by the Fund from security procedures offered by the Transfer Agent. Each Fund shall restrict access to confidential information relating to the Security Procedure to authorized persons as communicated to the Transfer Agent in writing. The Fund must notify the Transfer Agent immediately if it has reason to believe unauthorized persons may have obtained access to such information or of any change in the Funds authorized personnel. The Transfer Agent shall verify the authenticity of all Fund instructions according to the Security Procedure. | |||
5.3 |
Account Numbers . The Transfer Agent shall process all payment orders on the basis of the account number contained in the payment order. In the event of a discrepancy between any name indicated on the payment order and the account number, the account number shall take precedence and govern. | |||
5.4 |
Rejection . The Transfer Agent reserves the right to decline to process or delay the processing of a payment order which (a) is in excess of the collected balance in the account to be charged at the time of the Transfer Agents receipt of such payment order; (b) if initiating such payment order would cause the Transfer Agent, in the Transfer Agents reasonable judgment, to exceed any volume, aggregate dollar, network, time, credit or similar limits which are applicable to the Transfer Agent; or (c) if the Transfer Agent, in good faith, is unable to satisfy itself that the transaction has been properly authorized. | |||
5.5 |
Cancellation Amendment . The Transfer Agent shall use best efforts to act on all authorized requests to cancel or amend payment orders received in compliance with the Security Procedure provided that such requests are received in a timely manner affording the Transfer Agent reasonable opportunity to act. However, the Transfer Agent assumes no liability if the request for amendment or cancellation cannot be satisfied. | |||
5.6 |
Errors . The Transfer Agent shall assume no responsibility for failure to detect any erroneous payment order provided that the Transfer Agent has acted in accordance with the standard of care set forth in Section 8 and that the Transfer Agent complies with the payment order instructions as received and the Security Procedure. The Security Procedure is established for the purpose of authenticating payment orders only and not for the detection of errors in payment orders. | |||
5.7 |
Interest . The Transfer Agent shall assume no responsibility for lost interest with respect to the refundable amount of any unauthorized payment order, unless the Transfer Agent is notified of the unauthorized payment order within thirty (30) days of notification by the Transfer Agent of the acceptance of such payment order. | |||
5.8 |
ACH Credit Entries/Provisional Payments . When a Fund initiates or receives Automated Clearing House credit and debit entries pursuant to these guidelines and the rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association and the New England Clearing House Association, State Street will act as an Originating Depository Financial Institution and/or Receiving Depository Financial Institution, as the case may be, with respect to such |
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entries. Credits given by the Transfer Agent with respect to an ACH credit entry are provisional until the Transfer Agent receives final settlement for such entry from the Federal Reserve Bank. If the Transfer Agent does not receive such final settlement, the Fund agrees that the Transfer Agent shall receive a refund of the amount credited to the Fund in connection with such entry, and the party making payment to the Fund via such entry shall not be deemed to have paid the amount of the entry. | ||||
5.9 |
Confirmation . Confirmation of Transfer Agents execution of payment orders shall ordinarily be provided within twenty four (24) hours notice of which may be delivered through the Transfer Agents proprietary information systems, or by facsimile or call-back. Fund must report any objections to the execution of an order within thirty (30) days. | |||
6. | Data Access and Proprietary Information | |||
6.1 |
Each Fund acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals furnished to the Fund by the Transfer Agent as part of each Funds ability to access certain Fund -related data maintained by the Transfer Agent on databases under the control and ownership of the Transfer Agent or other third party (Data Access Services) constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, Proprietary Information) of substantial value to the Transfer Agent or other third party. In no event shall Proprietary Information be deemed Customer Information (as defined in Section 9.2 below) or the confidential information of each Fund. Each Fund agrees to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to the Transfer Agent and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, each Fund agrees for itself and its employees and agents to: | |||
(a) Use such programs and databases (i) solely on such Funds computers, (ii) solely from equipment at the location agreed to between each Fund and the Transfer Agent and (iii) solely in accordance with the Transfer Agents applicable user documentation; | ||||
(b) Refrain from copying or duplicating in any way (other than in the normal course of performing processing on each Funds computer(s)), the Proprietary Information; | ||||
(c) Refrain from obtaining unauthorized access to any portion of the Proprietary Information, and if such access is inadvertently obtained, to inform the Transfer Agent in a timely manner of such fact and dispose of such information in accordance with the Transfer Agents instructions; | ||||
(d) Refrain from causing or allowing information transmitted from the Transfer Agents computer to each Funds computer to be retransmitted to any other computer or other device (other than to a computer or device used by the Portfolios distributor, or any investment adviser to a Portfolio, each of whom are bound by confidentiality obligations similar in scope to those described herein) except as expressly permitted by the Transfer Agent (such permission not to be unreasonably withheld); |
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(e) Allow each Fund and its employees and agents to have access only to those authorized transactions as agreed to between the Fund and the Transfer Agent; and | ||||
(f) Honor all reasonable written requests made by the Transfer Agent to protect at the Transfer Agents expense the rights of the Transfer Agent in Proprietary Information at common law, under federal copyright law and under other federal or state law. | ||||
6.2 |
Proprietary Information shall not include all or any portion of any of the foregoing items that: (i) was already known by a Fund on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to each Fund by the Transfer Agent or anyone acting on the Transfer Agents behalf; (ii) are or become generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by each Fund or its officers, employees, agents or anyone receiving such information through any of the foregoing; (iii) become available to each Fund from a third party unrelated to each Fund or the Transfer Agent on a non-confidential basis, provided a Fund does not reasonably know such third party to be bound by a confidentiality obligation to the Transfer Agent; (iv) have been or are developed by a Fund independent of and without use or reference to the Confidential Information; (v) which are disclosed by a Fund in connection with a litigation in which the Transfer Agent is a party; provided, however, that such Fund shall have reasonably determined that such disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in the enforcement of, or for the protection of, the rights and remedies of the Fund; (vi) are required to be disclosed pursuant to a requirement of a court order, subpoena, governmental or regulatory agency or law provided each Fund is provided reasonable prior notice (unless such prior notice is prohibited by applicable law) before any such disclosure is made. In the event of a disputed disclosure, each Fund shall bear the burden of proof of demonstrating that the information falls under one of the above exceptions. In the case of proposed disclosure pursuant to the foregoing clause (vi), each Fund shall, to the extent legally and commercially practicable, provide the Transfer Agent with prompt written notice of such proposed disclosure. The Transfer Agent may, in its discretion and sole cost and expense, seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy from the proper authority. Each Fund agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Transfer Agent in seeking such order or other remedy. The Fund further agrees that if the Transfer Agent is not successful in obtaining such a protective order or other remedy, it will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information that it reasonably believes to be required and will exercise all commercially reasonable efforts, at the Transfer Agents expense, to obtain confidential treatment of the Confidential Information. | |||
6.3 |
The Fund acknowledges that its obligation to protect the Transfer Agents Proprietary Information is essential to the business interest of the Transfer Agent and that the disclosure of such Proprietary Information in breach of this Agreement would cause the Transfer Agent immediate, substantial and irreparable harm, the value of which would be extremely difficult to determine. Accordingly, the parties agree that, in addition to any other remedies that may be available in law, equity, or otherwise for the disclosure or use of the Proprietary Information in breach of this Agreement, the Transfer Agent shall be entitled to seek and obtain a temporary restraining order, injunctive relief, or other equitable relief against the continuance of such breach. |
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6.4 |
If a Fund notifies the Transfer Agent that any of the Data Access Services do not operate in material compliance with the most recently issued user documentation for such services, the Transfer Agent shall endeavor in a timely manner to correct such failure. Organizations from which the Transfer Agent may obtain certain data included in the Data Access Services are solely responsible for the contents of such data and the Fund agrees to make no claim against the Transfer Agent arising out of the contents of such third-party data, including, but not limited to, the accuracy thereof. DATA ACCESS SERVICES AND ALL COMPUTER PROGRAMS AND SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ARE PROVIDED ON AN AS IS, AS AVAILABLE BASIS. EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN THE TRANSFER AGENT EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. | |||
6.5 |
If the transactions available to each Fund include the ability to originate electronic instructions to the Transfer Agent in order to (i) effect the transfer or movement of cash or Shares or (ii) transmit Shareholder information or other information, then in such event the Transfer Agent shall be entitled to rely on the validity and authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further inquiry as long as such instruction is undertaken in conformity with security procedures established by the Transfer Agent from time to time. | |||
6.6 |
Each party shall take reasonable efforts to advise its employees of their obligations pursuant to this Section 6 . The obligations of this Section shall survive any earlier termination of this Agreement. | |||
7. |
Indemnification | |||
7.1 |
The Transfer Agent shall not be responsible for, and each Fund, on behalf itself and of each of its Portfolios separately (and not jointly nor jointly and severally), shall indemnify and hold the Transfer Agent, and with respect to Section 1.3, Section 7.1(f) and 7.1(g) herein, also State Street, harmless, from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees (including the defense of any lawsuit in which the Transfer Agent or affiliate is a named party), payments, expenses and liability arising directly out of or attributable to: | |||
(a) All actions of the Transfer Agent, its directors, officers, employees or its agents or subcontractors required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such actions are taken in good faith and without negligence or willful misconduct; | ||||
(b) Each Funds or its officers, employees, or designees lack of good faith, negligence or willful misconduct; | ||||
(c) The reasonable reliance upon, and any subsequent use of or action taken or omitted, in good faith, without negligence or willful misconduct, by the Transfer Agent, or its agents |
14
or subcontractors on: (i) any information, records, documents, data, stock certificates or services, which are received by the Transfer Agent or its agents or subcontractors by machine readable input, facsimile, data entry, electronic instructions, or other similar means authorized by a Fund, and which have been prepared, maintained or performed by such Fund or any other person or firm on behalf of the Fund including but not limited to any broker-dealer, TPA or previous transfer agent; (ii) any instructions or requests of the Fund or any of its officers; (iii) any instructions or opinions of legal counsel with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed by the Transfer Agent under this Agreement which are provided to the Transfer Agent by counsel to the Fund after consultation with such legal counsel and upon which instructions or opinion the Transfer Agent is expressly permitted to rely or opinions of external legal counsel reasonably selected by the Transfer Agent; or (iv) any paper or document, reasonably believed to be genuine, authentic, or signed by the proper person or persons; | ||||
(d) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of federal or state securities laws or regulations requiring that such Shares be registered, or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal or any state agency with respect to the offer or sale of such Shares; | ||||
(e) The acceptance of facsimile transaction requests on behalf of individual Shareholders received from broker-dealers, TPAs or each Fund, and the reliance by the Transfer Agent on the broker-dealer, TPA or each Fund ensuring that the original source documentation is in good order and properly retained; | ||||
(f) The negotiation and processing of any checks, wires and ACH transmissions including without limitation for deposit into, or credit to, each Funds demand deposit accounts maintained by the Transfer Agent; or | ||||
(g) Upon the Funds request entering into any agreements required by the NSCC for the transmission of Fund or Shareholder data through the NSCC clearing systems. | ||||
7.2 |
To the extent that the Transfer Agent is not entitled to indemnification pursuant to Section 7.1 above and only to the extent of such right, each Fund, on behalf of its Portfolios, shall not be responsible for, and the Transfer Agent shall indemnify and hold each Fund, on behalf of its Portfolios, harmless from and against any losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising directly out of or attributable to any action or failure of the Transfer Agent to act as a result of the Transfer Agents lack of good faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its services hereunder. For those activities or actions delineated in the Procedures, the Transfer Agent shall be presumed to have used reasonable care, acted without negligence, and acted in good faith if it has acted in accordance with the Procedures. | |||
7.3 |
In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section 7 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which one party may be required to indemnify the other party, the indemnified party shall promptly notify the indemnifying party of such assertion, and shall keep the indemnifying party advised with respect to all developments concerning such |
15
claim. The indemnifying party shall have the option to participate with the indemnified party in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the indemnified party. The indemnified party shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnifying party may be required to indemnify the indemnified party except with the indemnifying partys prior written consent. | ||||
7.4 |
As-of Adjustments. | |||
(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with respect to as of adjustments, the Transfer Agent will not assume one hundred percent (100%) responsibility for losses resulting from as ofs due to clerical errors or misinterpretations of shareholder instructions, but the Transfer Agent will discuss with each Fund the Transfer Agents accepting liability for an as of transaction loss on a case-by-case basis. Subject to the limitation set forth in Section 7, the Transfer Agent will accept responsibility for a particular situation resulting in an as of loss to a Fund where such loss is material, as hereinafter defined, and, under the particular facts at issue, the Transfer Agents conduct was culpable and the Transfer Agents conduct is the sole cause of the loss. A loss is material for purposes of this Section 7.4 when it results in a pricing error on a particular transaction which is (i) greater than a negligible amount per shareholder, (ii) equals or exceeds one full cent ($0.01) per share times the number of shares outstanding or (iii) equals or exceeds the product of one-half of one percent (1/2%) times the Funds net asset value per share times the number of shares outstanding (or, in case of (ii) or (iii), such other amounts as may be adopted by applicable accounting or regulatory authorities from time to time). | ||||
(b) If the net effect of the as of transactions that are determined to be caused solely by the Transfer Agent is negative and exceeds the above limit, then the Transfer Agent shall promptly contact the Fund accountants. The Transfer Agent will work with Fund accountants to determine what, if any, impact the threshold break has on a Portfolios Net Asset Value and what, if any, further action is required. These further actions may include but are not limited to, the Portfolio re-pricing the affected day(s), the Transfer Agent re-processing, at its expense, all affected transactions in the Portfolio that took place during the period or a payment to the Portfolio. Each Portfolio agrees to work in good faith with the Transfer Agent and wherever possible, absent a regulatory prohibition or other mutually agreed upon reason, the Fund agrees to re-price the affected day(s) and to allow the Transfer Agent to re-process the affected transactions. When such re-pricing and re-processing is not possible, and when the Transfer Agent must contribute to the settlement of a loss, the Transfer Agents responsibility will commence with that portion of the loss over $0.01 per share calculated on the basis of the total value of all shares owned by the affected Portfolio (i.e., on the basis of the value of the Shares of the total Portfolio, including all classes of that Portfolio, not just those of the affected class). | ||||
8. |
Standard of Care | |||
The Transfer Agent shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to use its best efforts within reasonable limits to ensure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement. The Transfer Agent assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for loss |
16
or damage due to errors, including encoding and payment processing errors, except to the extent that such damages arise out of (i) the Transfer Agents own negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct or that of its employees, agents, or delegates (the Transfer Agents Representatives); or (ii) violations by the Transfer Agent or its Representatives with respect to applicable laws, regulations or requirements of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Transfer Agent or the Fund pertaining to the manner in which transfer agency services are to be performed by Transfer Agent; or (iii) otherwise are a material breach by the Transfer Agent of this Agreement. The parties agree that any encoding or payment processing errors shall be governed by this standard of care and that Section 4-209 of the Uniform Commercial Code is superseded by Section 7 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Transfer Agents aggregate liability during any term of this Agreement with respect to, arising from or arising in connection with this Agreement, or from all services provided or omitted to be provided by the Transfer Agent under this Agreement for all of the Portfolios of each Fund subject to this Agreement, whether in contract, or in tort, or otherwise, is limited to, and shall not exceed the aggregate of the amounts actually received hereunder by the Transfer Agent as fees and charges, but not including reimbursable expenses, for all of the Portfolios of each Fund covered by this Agreement during the twenty-four (24) calendar months immediately preceding the first event for which recovery from the Transfer Agent is being sought. In the event that a claim giving rise to liability by the Transfer Agent occurs prior to the completion of the first twenty-four (24) months of the Agreement, the Liability Limitation Amount shall be calculated by adding: (1) the amounts actually paid hereunder for such period by the Funds to the Transfer Agent as fees and charges, but not including reimbursable expenses; and (2) an amount equal to (x) an average monthly fee (determined based on the actual fees received and number of months that have passed as of the calculation date) multiplied by (y) the number of months remaining to reach twenty-four (24) months. The foregoing limitations on liability shall not apply to any loss or damage resulting from any fraud committed by the Transfer Agents Representatives or any intentional malicious acts or intentional malicious omissions by the Transfer Agents Representatives. For purposes of this Section 8, intentional malicious acts or intentional malicious omissions shall mean those acts undertaken or omitted purposefully under the circumstances in which the person knows or has reason to believe that such acts or omissions violate this Agreement and are likely to cause damage or harm to a Fund. | ||||
9. |
Confidentiality | |||
9.1 |
The Transfer Agent and each Fund agree that they will not, at any time during the term of this Agreement or after its termination, reveal, divulge, or make known to any person, firm, corporation or other business organization, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of the other party used or gained by the Transfer Agent or each Fund during performance under this Agreement. Each Fund and the Transfer Agent further covenant and agree to retain all such Confidential Information in trust for the sole benefit of the Transfer Agent or the Fund and their successors and assigns. In the event of breach of the foregoing by either party, the parties agree that, in addition to any other remedies that may be available in law, equity, or otherwise for the disclosure of the Confidential Information in breach of this Agreement, the party whose Confidential Information is disclosed shall be |
17
entitled to seek and obtain a temporary restraining order, injunctive relief, or other equitable relief against the continuance of such breach. The above prohibition of disclosure shall not apply to the extent that the Transfer Agent must disclose such Confidential Information to its sub-contractor or Fund agent for purposes of providing services under this Agreement. | ||||
9.2. |
For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information shall mean: (a) with respect to Confidential Information of the Fund: (i) shareholder lists, cost figures and projections, profit figures and projections, all non-public information, including but not limited to trade secrets, proprietary information, and information about products, business methods and business plans) relating to the business of the Fund, or any other secret or confidential information whatsoever of the Fund; and (ii) all information that the Fund is obligated by law to treat as confidential for the benefit of third parties, including but not limited to Customer Information (defined below); and (b) with respect to the Transfer Agents Confidential Information: all non-public information, including but not limited to trade secrets, proprietary information, and information about products, business methods and business plans, customer names and other information related to customers, fee schedules, price lists, pricing policies, financial information, discoveries, ideas, concepts, software in various stages of development, designs, drawings, specifications, techniques, models, data, source code, object code, documentation, diagrams, flow charts, research, development, processes, procedures, know-how, organizational structure, user guides, marketing techniques and materials, marketing and development plans, and data processing software and systems relating to the Transfer Agents business, operations or systems (or to the business, systems or operations of the Transfer Agents affiliates or third parties). | |||
9.3 |
The obligations of confidentiality and nondisclosure of each of the Transfer Agent and the Fund set forth in this Section 9 shall not apply to information which (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure by the receiving party or its employees, representatives or agents; or (ii) becomes available to the receiving party on a non-confidential basis from a third party which is entitled to disclose it; or (iii) was known to the receiving party on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to the receiving party by the other party; or (iv) was independently developed by the receiving party. For avoidance of doubt, the obligations of confidentiality and nondisclosure of the Transfer Agent set forth in this Section 9 shall also not apply with respect to statistical, analytical or similar data obtained or developed by the Transfer Agent in the course of providing the services hereunder and the Transfer Agent may aggregate or consolidate such data, on a non-attributable and non-identifiable basis, with similar information gathered by the Transfer Agent in providing services to other parties. | |||
9.4 |
For purposes of this Agreement, Customer Information means all the customer identifying data however collected or received, including without limitation, through cookies or non-electronic means pertaining to or identifiable to the Funds Shareholders, prospective shareholders and plan administrators (collectively, Fund Customers), including without limitation, (i) name, address, email address, passwords, account numbers, personal financial information, personal preferences, demographic data, marketing data, data about securities transactions, credit data or any other identification |
18
data; (ii) any information that reflects the use of or interactions with a Fund service, including each Funds web site; or (iii) any data otherwise submitted in the process of registering for a Fund service. For the avoidance of doubt, Customer Information shall include all nonpublic personal information, as defined under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-102, 113 Stat. 1138) (GLB Act). and all personal information as defined in the Massachusetts Standards for the Protection of Personal Information, 201 CMR 17.00, et seq ., (Mass Privacy Act). This Agreement shall not be construed as granting the Transfer Agent any ownership rights in the Customer Information. | ||||
9.5 | The Transfer Agent represents, covenants, and warrants that Transfer Agent will use the Confidential Information, including Customer Information, only in compliance with (i) the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) its own Privacy and Information Sharing Policy, as amended and updated from time to time and (iii) federal and state privacy laws, including the GLB Act and the Mass Privacy Act, as such is applicable to its transfer agency business. | |||
9.6 | In the event that any requests or demands are made for the inspection of the records of a Fund, other than request for records of Shareholders pursuant to standard subpoenas from state or federal government authorities (i.e., divorce and criminal actions), the Transfer Agent will use reasonable efforts to promptly notify such Fund (except where prohibited by law) and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Fund as to such inspection. The Transfer Agent expressly reserves the right, however, to exhibit each Funds Shareholder records to any person whenever it is advised by counsel that it may be held liable for the failure to exhibit the records to such person. In the event that the Transfer Agent is requested or authorized by a Fund, or required by subpoena, administrative order, court order or other legal process, applicable law or regulation, or required in connection with any investigation, examination or inspection of a Fund by state or federal regulatory agencies, or to produce such records of such Fund or the Transfer Agents personnel as witnesses., the Fund agrees to pay the Transfer Agent for the Transfer Agents time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agents counsel, incurred in responding to such request, order or requirement. | |||
9.7 | The obligations under this Section 9 shall, to the extent consistent with applicable law, be inoperative as to such portions of the Confidential Information which: (i) were already known by the receiving party hereunder on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to the receiving party by the disclosing party hereunder or anyone acting on the disclosing partys behalf; (ii) are or become generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by the receiving party or its officers, employees, agents or anyone receiving such information through any of the foregoing ; (iii) become available to the receiving party on a non-confidential basis from a third party unrelated to the receiving party or the disclosing party which is entitled to disclose it; (iv) have been or are developed by the receiving party independent of and without use or reference to the Confidential Information; (v) which are disclosed by the receiving party in connection with a litigation in which the disclosing party is a party; provided, however, that the receiving party shall have reasonably determined that such disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in |
19
the enforcement of, or for the protection of, the rights and remedies of the receiving party; (vi) are required to be disclosed pursuant to a requirement of a court order, subpoena, governmental or regulatory agency or law provided the disclosing party is provided reasonable prior notice (unless such prior notice is prohibited by applicable law) before any such disclosure is made. In the event of a disputed disclosure, the receiving party shall bear the burden of proof of demonstrating that the information falls under one of the above exceptions. In the case of proposed disclosure pursuant to the foregoing clause (vi), the receiving party shall, to the extent legally and commercially practicable, provide the disclosing party with prompt written notice of such proposed disclosure. The disclosing party may, in its discretion and sole cost and expense, seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy from the proper authority. The receiving party agrees to reasonably cooperate with the disclosing party in seeking such order or other remedy. The receiving party further agrees that if the disclosing party is not successful in obtaining such a protective order or other remedy, it will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information that it reasonably believes to be required and will exercise all commercially reasonable efforts, at the disclosing partys expense, to obtain confidential treatment of the Confidential Information. | ||||
10. |
Covenants of Each Fund and the Transfer Agent | |||
10.1 | Each Fund, on behalf of each of its respective Portfolios shall promptly furnish to the Transfer Agent the following: | |||
(a) A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, of such Fund authorizing the appointment of the Transfer Agent and the execution and delivery of this Agreement; and | ||||
(b) A copy of the organizational documents of such Fund and all amendments thereto. | ||||
10.2 | The Transfer Agent hereby agrees to establish and maintain facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Fund for safekeeping of stock certificates, check forms and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if any; and for the preparation or use, and for keeping account of, such certificates, forms and devices. | |||
10.3 | Records . The Transfer Agent shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder, in the form, manner and for such periods, as it may deem advisable and as may be required by (i) the laws and regulations applicable to its business as a Transfer Agent, including, but not limited to, those set forth in 17 CFR 240.17Ad-6 and 17 CFR 240.17Ad-7, and those set forth in IRS regulations with respect to any services as information reporting and withholding agent for the Funds, in each case as such regulations may be amended from time to time; and (ii) its record retention policies. The Transfer Agent shall also maintain customary records in connection with its agency for the Fund; particularly those records required to be maintained pursuant to subparagraph (2)(iv) of paragraph (b) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act. Records maintained by the Transfer Agent on behalf of the Funds shall be made available for reasonable examinations by the SEC upon reasonable request and shall be maintained by the Transfer Agent for such period as required by applicable law or until such earlier time as the Transfer Agent has delivered such records into each Funds possession or destroyed them at such Funds request. |
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The Transfer Agent may provide the services hereunder from service locations within or outside of the United States. The Transfer Agent will provide the Funds with reasonable prior notice of any proposed change in service location, including a general description of the services that will be provided at any new service location and such other information as the Funds may reasonably request. | ||||
10.4 |
Reports . The Transfer Agent will furnish to the Funds, on a semi-annual basis, a SOC 1 (Type 2) report in accordance with the Auditing Standard Board, Attestation on Standards AT Section 801 as well as such other reports and information relating to the Transfer Agents policies and procedures and its compliance with such policies and procedures and with the laws applicable to its business and its services, as the parties may mutually agree upon. | |||
10.5 |
Information Security . The Transfer Agent has implemented and maintains at each service location physical and information security and data protection safeguards against the destruction, loss, theft, unauthorized access, unauthorized use, or alteration of a Funds Confidential Information, including Customer Information, in the possession of the Transfer Agent that will be no less rigorous than those in place at the effective date of this Agreement, and from time to time enhanced in accordance with changes in regulatory requirements. The Transfer Agent will, at a minimum, update its policies to remain compliant with applicable regulatory requirements, including those under the GLB Act and the Mass Privacy Act. The Transfer Agent will meet with the Fund, at its request, on an annual basis to discuss information security safeguards. If the Transfer Agent or its agents discover or are notified that someone has violated security relating to a Funds Confidential Information, including Customer Information, the Transfer Agent will promptly (a) notify the Fund of such violation, and (b) if the applicable Confidential Information was in the possession or under the control of the Transfer Agent or its agents at the time of such violation, the Transfer Agent will promptly (i) investigate, contain and address the violation, and (ii) advise the Fund as to the steps being taken that are reasonably designed to prevent future similar violations. | |||
10.6 |
Business Continuity . The Transfer Agent will maintain a comprehensive business continuity plan and will provide an executive summary of such plan upon reasonable request of the Funds. The Transfer Agent will test the adequacy of its business continuity plan at least annually and upon request, the Funds may participate in such test. Upon request by a Fund, the Transfer Agent will provide the Fund with a letter assessing the most recent business continuity test results. In the event of a business disruption that materially impacts the Transfer Agents provision of services under this Agreement, the Transfer Agent will promptly notify the Funds of the disruption and the steps being implemented under the business continuity plan. Furthermore, in the event of a business disruption, the Transfer Agent shall act in good faith and take reasonable steps in accordance with its business continuity plan to minimize service interruptions to the Funds. |
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11. | Termination of Agreement | |||
11.1 |
Term . The initial term of this Agreement (the Initial Term) shall be four (4) years from July 1, 2014 unless terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Section 11. This Agreement shall automatically extend for one additional, successive two (2) year term (the Renewal Term) unless terminated as of the end of the Initial Term by the Fund on not less than twelve months written notice to the Transfer Agent. Thereafter the Agreement shall continue for successive periods of one year (each an Extension Period) unless terminated by the Transfer Agent or a Fund upon one hundred twenty (120) days before the expiration of such Extension Period. As used hereinafter, Term shall refer to the then current duration during which this Agreement is in full force and effect, including the Initial Term, the Renewal Term and any Extension Period. In the event a Fund wishes to terminate this Agreement as to the Fund prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term, the Fund shall give the Transfer Agent at least six (6) months prior written notice and shall be subject to the terms of this Section, including the payments applicable under Section 11.3. One hundred twenty (120) days before the expiration of the Initial Term, the Renewal Term or an Extension Period, the Transfer Agent and the Fund will agree upon a Fee Schedule for the Renewal Term or Extension Period. In the event the parties fail to agree upon a new Fee Schedule as of such date, the Fee Schedule set forth as Schedule 2.1 hereto shall remain in effect subject to increase under Section 2.6. Notwithstanding the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall continue to apply until the completion of Deconversion (defined below). | |||
11.2 |
Deconversion . In the event that this Agreement is terminated or not renewed for any reason by a Fund, the Transfer Agent agrees that, in order to provide for uninterrupted service to the Fund, the Transfer Agent, at Funds request, shall offer reasonable assistance to the Fund in converting a Funds records from the Transfer Agents systems to whatever services or systems are designated by such Fund (the Deconversion). Such Deconversion is subject to the recompense of the Transfer Agent for such assistance at its standard rates and fees in effect at the time and to a reasonable time frame for performance as agreed to by the parties. As used herein reasonable assistance shall not include requiring the Transfer Agent (i) to assist any new service or system provider to modify, to alter, to enhance, or to improve such providers system, or to provide any new functionality to such providers system, (ii) to disclose any protected information of the Transfer Agent, including the Proprietary Information as defined in Section 6.1, or (iii) to develop Deconversion software, to modify any of the Transfer Agents software, or to otherwise alter the format of the data as maintained on any providers systems. | |||
11.3 |
Termination or Non-Renewal. | |||
(a) Outstanding Fees and Charges . In the event of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, the Fund will promptly pay the Transfer Agent all fees and charges for the services provided under this Agreement (i) which have been accrued and remain unpaid as of the date of such notice of termination or non-renewal and (ii) which thereafter accrue for the period through and including the date of a Funds Deconversion. |
22
(b) Deconversion Costs . In the event of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, a Fund shall pay the Transfer Agent for the Deconversion costs as noted in Section 11.2. | ||||
(c) Early Termination for Convenience . In addition to the foregoing, in the event that (i) a Fund terminates this Agreement prior to the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term other than due to the Transfer Agents bankruptcy under Section 11.6 or for cause under Section 11.7; or (ii) the Transfer Agent terminates this Agreement for cause under Section 11.7, or due to the Funds bankruptcy under Section 11.6 or due to unpaid invoices under Section 11.5, a Fund shall in each case pay the Transfer Agent an amount equal to the average monthly fee paid by the Fund to the Transfer Agent under the Agreement multiplied by the number of months remaining in the Initial or Renewal Term and calculated as set forth on the then current Fee Schedule, on the date notice of termination was given to the Transfer Agent. For purposes of this section, the termination by one or more Portfolios of the Fund in connection with the liquidation or merger of such Portfolios in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed an early termination for convenience, so long as the total number of CUSIPS and accounts remaining to be serviced by the Transfer Agent under this Agreement immediately after such liquidation or merger are not substantially less than the number in effect immediately prior to such liquidation or merger. | ||||
(d) Post-Deconversion Support Fees . In the event of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, a Fund shall pay the Transfer Agent all reasonable fees and expenses for providing any support services that a Fund requests the Transfer Agent to provide post Deconversion, including but not limited to tax reporting and open issue resolution. | ||||
The amounts set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above, shall become due and payable and shall be paid by the Fund on the business day immediately prior to the Deconversion. The amounts set forth in (d) shall be invoiced as incurred and paid promptly by the Fund upon receipt of such invoices. | ||||
11.4 |
Confidential Information . Upon termination of this Agreement, each party shall return to the other party all copies of confidential or proprietary materials or information received from such other party hereunder, other than materials or information required to be retained by such party under applicable laws or regulations. | |||
11.5 |
Unpaid Invoices . The Transfer Agent may terminate this Agreement immediately upon an unpaid invoice payable by the Fund to the Transfer Agent being outstanding for more than ninety (90) days after receipt by a Fund, except with respect to any amount subject to a good faith dispute within the meaning of Section 2.5 of this Agreement. | |||
11.6 |
Bankruptcy . Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by notice to the other party, effective at any time specified therein, in the event that (a) the other party ceases to carry on its business or (b) an action is commenced by or against the other party under Title 11 of the United States Code or a receiver, conservator or similar officer is appointed for the other party and such suit, conservatorship or receivership is not discharged within thirty (30) days. |
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11.7 |
Cause . If one of the parties hereto shall be materially in default in the performance of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement (the Defaulting Party), the other party (the Non-Defaulting Party) may give written notice thereof to the Defaulting Party in sufficient detail to permit the Defaulting Party to identify and cure such default, and if such default or breach shall not have been remedied within sixty (60) days after such written notice is given, or, if not capable of remedy within sixty (60) days, a good faith effort is not promptly commenced and thereafter diligently pursued in an appropriate manner, then the Non-Defaulting Party may terminate the Agreement by giving, within ninety (90) days of the date on which such right of termination first commenced, one hundred and twenty (120) days written notice of such termination to the Defaulting Party. | |||
11.8 |
In the event that the Fund terminates this Agreement prior to the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term, other than by reason of the Transfer Agents bankruptcy under Section 11.6 or for cause under Section 11.7, then effective as of the first day of any month in which the Transfer Agent receives notice of such termination, all discounts of fees and charges or fee concessions provided under this Agreement and any related agreements shall cease and thereafter pay full, undiscounted fees and charges for the services. | |||
11.9 |
The parties agree that the effective date of any Deconversion as a result of termination hereof shall not occur during the period from December 15th through March 1st of any year to avoid adversely impacting a year-end. | |||
11.10 |
Within thirty (30) days after completion of a Deconversion, the Funds will give notice to the Transfer Agent containing reasonable instructions regarding the disposition of tapes, data files, records, original source documentation or other property belonging to the Fund and then in the Transfer Agents possession and shall make payment for the Transfer Agents reasonable costs to comply with such notice. If the Fund fails to give that notice within thirty (30) days after termination of this Agreement, then the Transfer Agent may dispose of such property as it sees fit. The reasonable costs of any such disposition or of the continued storage of such tapes, data files, records, original source documentation or other properties shall be billed to, and within thirty (30) days of receipt of such invoice paid by, the Fund. Failure to pay such sums when due shall incur a late charge in accordance with Section 2.6 of this Agreement. The Transfer Agent may keep one copy of certain Fund related records to the extent, and for such period, as may be legally required in order to comply with regulatory requirements or laws applicable to its transfer agency business and the terms of this Section 11.10. In the event the Fund terminates this Agreement and later re-engages the Transfer Agent for performance of transfer agency services, each Fund agrees to pay the reasonable administrative costs for recovery of any records that are still in the Transfer Agents possession. The provisions of this Section 11.10 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. |
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12. | Assignment and Third Party Beneficiaries | |||
12.1 | Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party. Any attempt to do so in violation of this Section shall be void. Unless specifically stated to the contrary in any written consent to an assignment, no assignment will release or discharge the assignor from any duty or responsibility under this Agreement. | |||
12.2 | Except as explicitly stated elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing under this Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits in this Agreement to anyone other than the Transfer Agent and each Fund and its respective Portfolios, and the duties and responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Transfer Agent and the Fund and its respective Portfolios. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. | |||
12.3 | This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for a partnership or joint venture between the Transfer Agent and each Fund. Neither party shall make any commitments with third parties that are binding on the other party without the other partys prior written consent. | |||
13. | Subcontractors | |||
13.1 | The Transfer Agent may, without further consent on the part of the Funds, subcontract for the performance hereof with an affiliate of the Transfer Agent which is duly registered as a transfer agent pursuant to Section 17A(c)(2) of the 1934 Act or, with regard to print/mail services, to DST Output, Inc., an affiliate of the Transfer Agent; provided, however, that the Transfer Agent shall be fully responsible to the Funds for the acts and omissions of its affiliate as it is for its own acts and omissions. The foregoing shall not be deemed to apply to any direct contracts between the Funds and any affiliate of the Transfer Agent as to which the Transfer Agent is not a party. | |||
13.2 | For purposes of this Agreement, unaffiliated third parties such as, by way of example and not limitation, Airborne Services, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, the U.S. Mails, the NSCC and telecommunication companies, shall not be deemed to be subcontractors of the Transfer Agent. | |||
14. | Changes and Modifications | |||
14.1 | During the term of this Agreement the Transfer Agent will use on behalf of the Funds, without additional cost, all modifications, enhancements, or changes which its affiliate DST Systems, Inc. may make to the TA2000 System in the normal course of its business and which are applicable to functions and features offered to the Funds, unless substantially all clients of the Transfer Agent are charged separately for such modifications, enhancements or changes, including, without limitation, substantial system revisions or modifications necessitated by changes in existing laws, rules or regulations. Each Fund, on behalf of its respective Portfolios, agrees to pay the Transfer Agent promptly for modifications and |
25
improvements which are charged for separately at the rate provided for in the Transfer Agents standard pricing schedule which shall be identical for substantially all clients, if a standard pricing schedule shall exist. If there is no standard pricing schedule, the parties shall mutually agree upon the rates to be charged. | ||||
14.2 | The Transfer Agent shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, to alter and modify any systems, programs, procedures or facilities used or employed in performing its duties and obligations hereunder; provided that the Fund will be notified as promptly as possible prior to implementation of such alterations and modifications and that no such alteration or modification or deletion shall materially adversely change or affect the operations and procedures of the Funds in using or employing the TA2000 System or the Transfer Agents facilities hereunder or the reports to be generated by such system and facilities hereunder, unless such Fund is given thirty (30) days prior notice to allow each Fund to change its procedures and unless the Transfer Agent provides the Fund with revised operating procedures and controls. | |||
14.3 | All enhancements, improvements, changes, modifications or new features added to the TA2000 System however developed or paid for shall be, and shall remain, the confidential and exclusive property of, and proprietary to, DST Systems, Inc., an affiliate of the Transfer Agent. | |||
15. | Miscellaneous | |||
15.1 | Amendment . This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written agreement executed by both parties. | |||
15.2 | Massachusetts Law to Apply . This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. | |||
15.3 | Force Majeure . In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, acts of war or terrorism, strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes. | |||
15.4 | Consequential Damages . Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for special, indirect or consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement or for any special, indirect or consequential damages arising out of any act or failure to act hereunder. | |||
15.5 | Survival . All provisions regarding indemnification, warranty, liability, and limits thereon, and confidentiality and/or protections of proprietary rights and trade secrets shall survive the termination of this Agreement. |
26
15.6 |
Severability
. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the
validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired. |
|||
15.7 | Priorities Clause . In the event of any conflict, discrepancy or ambiguity between the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and any Schedules or attachments hereto, the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall take precedence. | |||
15.8 | Waiver . No waiver by either party or any breach or default of any of the covenants or conditions herein contained and performed by the other party shall be construed as a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same or of any other covenant or condition. | |||
15.9 | Merger of Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof whether oral or written. | |||
15.10 | Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. | |||
15.11. | Reproduction of Documents . This Agreement and all schedules, exhibits, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence. | |||
15.12 | Notices . All notices and other communications as required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to such other address or addresses of which the respective party shall have notified the other. |
(a) | If to the Transfer Agent, to: |
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
2000 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169-0953
Attention: General Counsel, Legal Department
Facsimile: 617-483-7091
27
(b) | If to the Funds, to: |
State Street Institutional Investment Trust & SSgA Funds
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Attention: Ellen Needham, Senior Managing Director
State Street Institutional Investment Trust & SSgA Funds
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Attention: Joshua Weinberg, Vice President and Managing Counsel
16. | Additional Portfolios/ Funds | |||
16.1 | Additional Portfolios . In the event that a Fund establishes one or more series of Shares, in addition to those listed on the attached Schedule A, with respect to which it desires to have the Transfer Agent render services as transfer agent under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Transfer Agent in writing, and if the Transfer Agent agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder by the parties amending the Schedule A to include the additional series. | |||
16.2 | Additional Funds . In the event that an entity affiliated with the Funds, in addition to those listed on the Schedule A, desires to have the Transfer Agent render services as transfer agent under the terms hereof and the Transfer Agent agrees to provide such services, upon completion of an amended Schedule A signed by all parties to the Agreement, such entity shall become a Fund hereunder and any series thereof shall become a Portfolio hereunder. | |||
16.3 | Conditions re: Additional Funds/Portfolios . In the event that the Transfer Agent is to become the transfer agent for new funds or portfolios, the Transfer Agent shall add them to the TA2000 System upon at least sixty (60) days prior written notice to the Transfer Agent provided that the requirements of such funds or portfolios are generally consistent with services then being provided by the Transfer Agent under this Agreement, in which case the fees and expenses for such additional portfolios shall be as set forth on Schedule 4.1 for the remainder of the then-current term. To the extent such portfolios use functions, features or services not set forth in Section 1 or Schedule 2.1, the rates and charges applicable to such new functions, features or characteristics may be established or increased in accordance with Section 2.1. | |||
17. | Limitations of Liability of the Trustees and Shareholders | |||
In the case where the Fund is a trust, a copy of the trust instrument (if applicable) is on file with the Secretary of the State of the state of its organization, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the trustees of the trust as trustees and not individually and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the trustees or Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of such Fund. |
28
18. | The Parties | |||
All references herein to the Portfolio are to the individual series or portfolios of the Fund, as if this agreement were between the Fund, on behalf of such individual Portfolio separately (and not jointly nor jointly and severally), and the Transfer Agent, and under no circumstances will any Portfolio have or incur any liability or obligation in respect of the services provided by the Transfer Agent to any other Portfolio, or the liabilities or obligations of any other Portfolio (or the Fund in respect of any other Portfolio) to the Transfer Agent. Any reference in this Agreement to the parties shall mean the Transfer Agent and such other individual Portfolio as to which the matter pertains. |
29
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A | ||||
ATTEST:
|
||||
SSGA FUNDS ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A | ||||
ATTEST:
|
30
BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
ATTEST:
|
31
SCHEDULE A
State Street Global Advisors Trust
Emerging Markets Fund
SSgA Clarion Real Estate Fund
SSgA Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SSgA Emerging Markets Fund
SSgA Enhanced Small Cap Fund
SSgA High Yield Bond Fund
SSgA International Stock Selection Fund
SSgA Money Market Fund
SSgA Prime Money Market Fund
SSgA S&P 500 Index Fund
SSgA U.S. Government Money Market Fund
SSgA U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
SSIIT Liquid Reserves Fund
SSIIT Tax Free Money Market Fund
SSIIT Treasury Money Market Fund
SSIIT Treasury Plus Money Market Fund
SSIIT U.S. Government Money Market Fund
State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund
State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund
State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund
State Street Equity 500 Index Fund
State Street Global Equity ex U.S. Fund
State Street Target Retirement Fund
State Street Target Retirement 2015
State Street Target Retirement 2020
State Street Target Retirement 2025
State Street Target Retirement 2030
State Street Target Retirement 2035
State Street Target Retirement 2040
State Street Target Retirement 2045
State Street Target Retirement 2050
State Street Target Retirement 2055
State Street Target Retirement 2060
Schedule A - 1
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A | ||||
SSGA FUNDS ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. | |||
By: | By: | |||
Name: | Name: | |||
Title: | Title: | |||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A |
Schedule A - 2
SCHEDULE 1.2(w)
AML DELEGATION
1. |
Delegation. |
|||
1.1 | In order to assist the Fund with the Funds AML and Customer Identification Program (CIP) responsibilities under applicable AML laws, the Transfer Agent offers certain risk-based AML Procedures that are reasonably designed to: (i) promote the detection and reporting of potential money laundering activities; and (ii) assist in the verification of persons opening accounts with the Fund. The Fund has had an opportunity to review the AML Procedures with the Transfer Agent and desires to implement the AML Procedures as part of the Funds overall AML program (the AML Program). | |||
1.2 | Accordingly, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Fund hereby instructs and directs the Transfer Agent to implement the AML Procedures as set forth in Section 4 below on the Funds behalf and delegates to the Transfer Agent the day-to-day operation of the AML Program to the extent described in the AML Procedures. The AML Procedures set forth in Section 4 may be amended, from time to time, by mutual agreement of the Fund and the Transfer Agent upon the execution by such parties of a revised Schedule 1.2(w) bearing a later date than the date hereof. | |||
1.3 | The Transfer Agent agrees to perform such AML Procedures, with respect to the ownership of Shares in the Fund for which the Transfer Agent maintains the applicable shareholder information, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. | |||
2. | Consent to Examination . In connection with the performance by the Transfer Agent of the AML Procedures, the Transfer Agent understands and acknowledges that the Fund remains responsible for assuring compliance with the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) and that the records the Transfer Agent maintains for the Fund relating to the AML Program may be subject, from time to time, to examination and/or inspection by federal regulators in order that the regulators may evaluate such compliance. The Transfer Agent hereby consents to such examination and/or inspection and agrees to cooperate with such federal examiners in connection with their review. For purposes of such examination and/or inspection, the Transfer Agent will use its best efforts to make available, during normal business hours and on reasonable notice all required records and information for review by such examiners. | |||
3. | Limitation on Delegation . The Fund acknowledges and agrees that in accepting the delegation hereunder, the Transfer Agent is agreeing to perform only the AML Procedures, as may be amended from time to time, and is not undertaking and shall not be responsible for any other aspect of the AML Program or for the overall compliance by the Fund with the USA PATRIOT Act or for any other matters that have not been delegated hereunder. Additionally, the parties acknowledge and agree that the Transfer |
Schedule 1.2(w) - 1
SCHEDULE 1.2(w)
AML DELEGATION
Agent shall only be responsible for performing the AML Procedures with respect to the ownership of, and transactions in, Shares in the Fund for which the Transfer Agent maintains the applicable Shareholder information. | ||||
4. |
AML Procedures 1 |
|||
4.1 | Consistent with the services provided by the Transfer Agent and with respect to the ownership of Shares in the Fund for which the Transfer Agent maintains the applicable Shareholder information, the Transfer Agent shall: | |||
(a) On a daily basis, submit all new customer account registrations and registration changes against the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) database, the Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) database, and such other lists or databases as may be required from time to time by applicable regulatory authorities; | ||||
(b) Submit all account registrations through OFAC database, the PEP database, and such other lists or databases as may be required from time to time by applicable regulatory authorities; | ||||
(c) On a daily basis, submit special payee information from checks, outgoing wires and systematic withdrawal files through the OFAC database; | ||||
(d) Review certain types of redemption transactions that occur within thirty (30) days of an account establishment, registration change, or banking information change (e.g. redemption by wire within 30 days of banking information change; rapid depletion of account balance after establishment; and redemption by check within 30 days of address change); | ||||
(e) Review wires sent pursuant to banking instructions other than those on file with the Transfer Agent; | ||||
(f) Review accounts with small balances followed by large purchases; | ||||
(g) Review accounts with frequent activity within a specified date range followed by a large redemption; | ||||
(h) Review purchase and redemption activity by check that meets or exceeds $100,000 threshold on any given day; |
1 | The accounts, transactions, items and activity reviewed in each case are subject to certain standard exclusions as set forth in written procedures of the Transfer Agent, which have been made available to the Fund and which may be modified from time to time. |
Schedule 1.2(w) - 2
(i) Determine when a suspicious activity report (SAR) should be filed as required by regulations applicable to mutual funds; prepare and file the SAR; provide the Fund with a copy of the SAR within a reasonable time after filing; and notify the Funds if any further communication is received from the U.S. Department of the Treasury or other law enforcement agencies regarding such filing; | ||||
(j) Compare account information to any FinCEN request received by the Funds and provided to the Transfer Agent pursuant to USA PATRIOT Act Sec. 314(a). Provide the Funds with the necessary information for it to respond to such request within required time frame; | ||||
(k) Implement CIP Program procedures on behalf of the Fund, including (i) Take reasonable steps to verify the identity of any person seeking to become a new customer of a Fund in accordance with the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act Sec. 326 (and the regulations thereunder) applicable to the Fund and notify such Fund in the event such person cannot be verified, (ii) Maintain records of the information used to verify the persons identity, as required, and (iii) Determine whether the person appears on any lists of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations provided to the Funds by any government agency; | ||||
( l ) Conduct due diligence and if required, enhanced due diligence in accordance with 31 C.F.R. 1010.610 for new and existing correspondent accounts for foreign financial institutions (as defined in 31 C.F.R. 1010.605). The Transfer Agent will perform an assessment of the money laundering risk presented by the account based on a consideration of relevant factors in accordance with applicable law and information provided by the foreign financial institution in a financial institution questionnaire. If an account is determined to have a medium or above risk-ranking, the Transfer Agent will monitor the account on a monthly basis for unusual activity. In the situation where due diligence cannot be completed with respect to an account, the Transfer Agent will contact such Funds AML Officer for further instruction. | ||||
(m) Upon the request by a Fund, conduct due diligence to determine if the Fund is involved with any foreign jurisdiction, institution, class of transactions and a type of account designated, from time to time, by the U.S. Department of Justice in order to identify and take certain special measures against such entities as required under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act (31 C.F.R. 1010.610). | ||||
(n) Create and retain records required under 31 CFR 1010.410 in connection with the transmittals of funds in amounts equal to or in excess of $3,000, and transmit such information on the transactions to the receiving financial institutions. | ||||
(o) Certify to the Fund no less frequently than annually, in a form that is mutually acceptable to the Fund and the Transfer Agent, that Transfer Agent has implemented the AML and CIP procedures on behalf of the Fund. |
Schedule 1.2(w) - 3
SCHEDULE 1.2(w)
AML DELEGATION
4.2 |
In the event that the Transfer Agent detects activity as a result of the foregoing procedures, which necessitates the filing by the Transfer Agent of a SAR or other similar report or notice to OFAC, then the Transfer Agent shall also immediately notify the Fund, unless prohibited by applicable law. |
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | ||||||||
By: |
|
|||||||
Name: |
|
|||||||
Title: |
|
|||||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A | ||||||||
SSGA FUNDS ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. | |||||||
By: |
|
By: |
|
|||||
Name: |
|
Name: |
|
|||||
Title: |
|
Title: |
|
|||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A |
Schedule 1.2(w) - 4
SCHEDULE 1.2(z)
OMNIBUS TRANSPARENCY SERVICES
A. | The Funds shall provide the following information to the Transfer Agent: |
1. | The name and contact information for the Financial Intermediary, with which the Funds have a shareholder information agreement (under which the Financial Intermediary agrees to provide, at a Funds request, identity and transaction information about shareholders who hold their shares through an account with the Financial Intermediary (an accountlet)), that is to receive an information request; |
2. | The Funds to be included, along with each Funds frequency trading policy, under surveillance for the Financial Intermediary; |
3. | The frequency of supplemental data requests from the Transfer Agent; |
4. | The duration of supplemental data requests (e.g. 60 days, 90 days); and |
5. | The expected turnaround time for a response from the Financial Intermediary to an information request (including requests for supplemental data) |
B. | Upon receipt of the foregoing information, the Funds hereby authorize and instruct the Transfer Agent to perform the following Services: |
1. | Financial Intermediary Surveillance Schedules. |
(a) Create a system profile and infrastructure based upon parameters set by the Funds to establish and maintain Financial Intermediary surveillance schedules and communication protocol/links.
(b) Initiate information requests to the Financial Intermediaries, who have an Omnibus and/or SuperOmnibus relationship with the Funds.
2. | Data Management Monitoring |
(a) Monitor status of information requests until all supplemental data is received.
(b) If a Financial Intermediary does not respond to a second request from the Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent shall notify such Fund for the Fund to follow-up with the Financial Intermediary.
3. | Customized Reporting for Market Timing Analysis |
(a) Run information received from the Financial Intermediaries through TA2000 System functionalities.
(b) Generate exception reports using parameters provided by the Funds.
Schedule 1.2(z) - 1
4. | Daily Exception Analysis of Market Timing Policies for Supplemental Data Provided |
(a) Analyze Financial Intermediary supplemental data (items), which are identified as Potential Violations based on parameters established by the Funds.
(b) Confirm exception trades and if necessary, request additional information regarding Potential Violations.
5. | Communication and Resolution of Market Timing Exceptions |
(a) Communicate results of analysis to the Funds or upon request of the Funds directly to the Financial Intermediary.
(b) Unless otherwise requested by the Funds and as applicable, instruct the Financial Intermediary to (i) restrict trading on the accountlet, (ii) cancel a trade, or (iii) prohibit future purchases or exchanges.
(c) Update AWD Work Object with comments detailing resolution.
(d) Keep a detailed record of all data exceptions and inquires with regards to potential violations.
6. | Management Reporting |
(a) Provide periodic reports, in accordance with agreed upon frequency and content parameters, to the Funds. As reasonably requested by the Funds, the Transfer Agent shall furnish ad hoc reports to the Funds.
7. | Support Due Diligence Programs |
(a) Update system watch list with pertinent information on trade violators.
(b) Maintain a detailed audit trail of all accounts that are blocked and reason for doing so.
Schedule 1.2(z) - 2
SCHEDULE 2.1
FEES AND EXPENSES
Effective Date: July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2018
General: Per Account Fees and CUSIP Fees are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 th of the annual fee. The monthly fee for an open account shall be charged in the month during which an account is opened through the month in which such account is closed. The monthly fee for a closed account shall be charged in the month following the month during which such account is closed and shall continue until such account is purged from the system.
Per Account Fee 1
Direct Non Trust /Cash Sweep Account Fee |
$ | 15.00 per account | ||
Direct Trust Account Fee |
$ | 10.00 per account | ||
Matrix Level 3 & Cash Sweep Account Fee |
$ | 8.00 per account | ||
Closed Account Fee |
$ | 1.20 per account |
CUSIP Fee 2,3
1 - 50 CUSIPs (Months 13+) |
$ | 20,000.00 | ||
51 - 100 CUSIPs (Months 13+) |
$ | 10,000.00 | ||
101 or more CUSIPs (Months 13+) |
$ | 5,000.00 |
1 - 50 CUSIPs (1 - 12 months) |
$ | 15,000.00 | ||
51 - 100 CUSIPs (1 - 12 months) |
$ | 7,500.00 | ||
101 or more CUSIPs (1 12 months) |
$ | 3,750.00 |
Reimbursable Expenses
Billed as incurred in accordance with Section 2.2 of the Agreement.
Signatures on following page
1 | A minimum surcharge of $0.50 per account will apply to all floating NAV Money Market Account Fund accounts upon implementation of Money Market Reform. The surcharge rate will be subject to review and amendment upon mutual agreement. |
2 | The CUSIP Fee will apply to active funds (funds that are open and funded), and will remain in effect until a fund is closed and all tax reporting and escheatment processing is completed. |
3 | Effective as of January 1, 2016, an annual complex minimum fee (Complex Minimum Fee) of $1,250,000 USD will be applied only if the monthly CUSIP Fee is less than 1/12 th of the Complex Minimum Fee. The Complex Minimum Fee is not in addition to the CUSIP Fee and shall only be applied should the monthly CUSIP Fee be less than 1/12 th of the Complex Minimum Fee. |
Schedule 2.1 - 1
SCHEDULE 2.1
FEES AND EXPENSES
Effective Date: July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2018
SIGNATURE PAGE
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | ||||||||
By: |
/s/ Ellen M. Needham |
|||||||
Name: |
Ellen M. Needham |
|||||||
Title: |
President |
|||||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of eachof the Funds indicated on Schedule A | ||||||||
SSGA FUNDS ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A | BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. | |||||||
By: |
/s/ Ellen M. Needham |
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Johnson |
|||||
Name: |
Ellen M. Needham |
Name: |
Richard J. Johnson |
|||||
Title: |
President |
Title: |
Managin Director |
|||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A |
Schedule 2.1 - 2
AMENDMENT
To
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
Between
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
SSGA Funds
and
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
This Amendment is made as of this 22 nd day of September, 2015, between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (the Transfer Agent) and State Street Institutional Investment Trust and SSGA Funds (each, a Fund and together, the Funds), each entity individually and not jointly, as listed on Schedule A, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the parties dated June 1, 2015, as amended (the Agreement). In accordance with Section 15.1 (Amendment) and Section 16 (Additional Portfolios/Funds) of the Agreement, the parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE , the parties agree as follows:
1. | Schedule A. The current Schedule A to the Agreement is hereby replaced and superseded with the Schedule A attached hereto, effective as of September 22, 2015; and |
2. | All defined terms and definitions in the Agreement shall be the same in this Amendment (the September 22, 2015 Amendment) except as specifically revised by this Amendment. |
3. | Except as specifically set forth in this September 22, 2015 Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this September 22, 2015 Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A (SSIIT) |
BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. |
By |
/s/ Ellen M. Needham |
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Johnson |
|||||
Name: |
Ellen M. Needham |
Name: |
Richard J. Johnson |
|||||
Title: |
President |
Title: |
Managing Director |
|||||
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A |
SSGA FUNDS ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS, INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT JOINTLY, AS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A (SSGA Funds) |
||
By |
/s/ Ellen M. Needham |
|
Name: |
Ellen M. Needham |
|
Title: |
President |
|
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A |
- 2 -
SCHEDULE A
Effective Date: September 22, 2015
State Street Global Advisors Trust
SSGA Clarion Real Estate Fund
SSGA Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SSGA Emerging Markets Fund
SSGA Enhanced Small Cap Fund
SSGA High Yield Bond Fund
SSGA International Stock Selection Fund
SSGA Money Market Fund
SSGA Prime Money Market Fund
SSGA S&P 500 Index Fund
SSGA U.S. Government Money Market Fund
SSGA U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund*
State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund
State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund
State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund
State Street Cash Reserves Fund*
State Street Conservative Income Fund*
State Street Current Yield Fund*
State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund*
State Street Equity 500 Index Fund
State Street ESG Emerging Markets Fund*
State Street Global Allocation Fund*
State Street Global Equity ex U.S. Fund
State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund*
State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund
State Street Green Bond Fund*
State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund
State Street Income Allocation Fund*
State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund*
State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund*
State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund
State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund
State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund
State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund*
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund*
State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Equity Fund
State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund*
State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund
*The | Fund is not active |
- 3 -
SCHEDULE A
Effective Date: September 22, 2015
State Street Institutional Investment Trust (cont.)
State Street Strategic Real Return Fund*
State Street Target Retirement Fund
State Street Target Retirement 2015
State Street Target Retirement 2020
State Street Target Retirement 2025
State Street Target Retirement 2030
State Street Target Retirement 2035
State Street Target Retirement 2040
State Street Target Retirement 2045
State Street Target Retirement 2050
State Street Target Retirement 2055
State Street Target Retirement 2060
State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund*
* | The Fund is not active |
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ROPES & GRAY LLP PRUDENTIAL TOWER 800 BOYLSTON STREET BOSTON, MA 02199-3600 WWW.ROPESGRAY.COM |
September 30, 2015
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
P.O. Box 5049
Boston, Massachusetts 02206
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are furnishing this opinion in connection with the proposed offer and sale by State Street Institutional Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust), of Institutional Class, Administration Class, Investment Class, Investor Class, and Premier Class shares of beneficial interest of State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund (the Fund), and shares of beneficial interest of State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio (the Portfolio), the Fund and the Portfolio each being a series of the Trust, pursuant to an amendment to the Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A (No. 333-30810) (the Registration Statement) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Institutional Class, Administration Class, Investment Class, Investor Class, and Premier Class shares of the Fund listed above and the shares of the Portfolio are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the Shares.
We have examined the Trusts Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated April 14, 2014 (the Declaration of Trust) on file in the office of the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We have further examined the Trusts By-Laws and such other documents as we deem necessary for purposes of this opinion. In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed that all Shares will be offered and sold on the terms, and that the Trust will receive for the sale of such Shares the consideration, set forth in the Registration Statement as in effect at the time of such sale, and that such consideration will be in each case at least equal to the applicable net asset value per Share. In addition, we have assumed that any and all conditions established by resolution of the Trustees to the authorization or issuance of the Shares will have been satisfied in full prior to, and in respect of, such issuance.
We assume that appropriate action has been taken to register or qualify the sale of the Shares under any applicable state and federal laws regulating offerings and sales of securities.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Institutional Class, Administration Class, Investment Class, Investor Class, and Premier Class Shares of the Fund and Shares of the Portfolio, and that, when such Shares are issued and sold and the authorized consideration therefor is received by the Trust, such Shares will be validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable by the Trust. We express no opinion as to the effect of laws, rules, and regulations of any state or jurisdiction other than The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a Massachusetts business trust. Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust provides that shareholders shall not be subject to any personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Trust, and also requires that every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking made or issued on behalf of the Trust by the trustees or any trustee, by any officer or officers or otherwise shall give notice to the effect that the obligations of such instrument are not binding on shareholders. The Declaration of Trust provides that in case any shareholder or former shareholder shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder of the Trust or of a particular series and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or his or her heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets of the series of which he or she is a shareholder or former shareholder to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. Thus, the risk of a shareholder of a series of the Trust incurring financial loss on account of such shareholder liability should be limited to circumstances in which the series itself would be unable to meet its obligations.
We consent to the filing of this opinion with and as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Ropes & Gray LLP
Ropes & Gray LLP
SSGA FUNDS
STATE STREET MASTER FUNDS
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned Trustee of SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds and State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the Trusts) hereby constitutes and appoints Chad Hallett, Joshua Weinberg, Esq., Andrew DeLorme, Esq., David James, Esq., and Kristin Schantz, Esq., each of them with full powers of substitution, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent to execute in his name and on his behalf in any and all capacities the Registration Statements on Form N-1A, and any and all amendments thereto, and all other documents, filed by the Trusts or its affiliates with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (as applicable) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all instruments which such attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem necessary or advisable to enable the Trusts or its affiliates to comply with such Acts, the rules, regulations and requirements of the SEC, the securities, Blue Sky law and/or corporate/trust laws of any state or other jurisdiction, the Commodities Future Trading Commission, and the regulatory authorities of any foreign jurisdiction, including all documents necessary to ensure the Trusts has insurance and fidelity bond coverage, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC and such other jurisdictions, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms as his own act and deed any and all acts that such attorneys and agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Any one of such attorneys and agents has, and may exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred. The undersigned hereby revokes any Powers of Attorney previously granted with respect to the Trusts concerning the filings and actions described herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand as of the 31 st day of August 2015.
SIGNATURE |
TITLE | |
/s/ Gregory A. Ehret |
Trustee | |
Gregory A. Ehret |