As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 2016
Securities Act File No. 333-173276
Investment Company Act of 1940 File No. 811-22542
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | x | |||
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ¨ | |||
Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 | x |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | x | |||
Amendment No. 89 | x |
SSGA Active Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
One Lincoln Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrants Telephone Number: (617) 664-7037
Joshua A. Weinberg, Esq.
Vice President and Managing Counsel
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Lincoln Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
W. John McGuire
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
x | immediately upon filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (b) |
¨ | on , 2016 pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (b) |
¨ | 60 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1) |
¨ | on pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1) |
¨ | 75 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2) |
¨ | on pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2) |
¨ | As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement. |
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Shares in the Fund are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other agency of the U.S. Government, nor are Shares deposits or obligations of any bank. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.
SSGA Active Trust Prospectus April 12, 2016 |
SPDR ® DoubleLine ® Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF (EMTL)
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: BATS Exchange, Inc. |
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Back Cover |
SPDR ® DoubleLine ® Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF (the Fund) seeks to provide high total return from current income and capital appreciation.
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 (Fund Shares). This table and the Example below reflect the expenses of the Fund and do not reflect brokerage commissions you may pay on purchases and sales of Fund Shares.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):
Management fees |
0.75 | % | ||
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 1 |
0.00 | % | ||
Other expenses 2 |
0.00 | % | ||
Total annual Fund operating expenses |
0.75 | % | ||
Less contractual fee waiver 3 |
-0.10 | % | ||
Net annual Fund operating expenses |
0.65 | % |
1 | The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made; however, the Funds Board of Trustees has determined that no such payments will be made through the next twelve (12) months of operation. |
2 | Other expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. |
3 | SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM or Adviser) has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses, until October 31, 2017, so that the net annual fund operating expenses of the Fund will be limited to 0.65% of the Funds average daily net assets before application of any extraordinary expenses or acquired fund fees and expenses. The contractual fee waiver and/or reimbursement does not provide for the recoupment by the Adviser of any fees the Adviser previously waived. The Adviser may continue the waiver and/or reimbursement from year to year, but there is no guarantee that the Adviser will do so and after October 31, 2017, the waiver and/or reimbursement may be cancelled or modified at any time. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated during the relevant period except with the approval of the SSGA Active Trusts Board of Trustees. |
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 sell all of your Fund 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. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Year 1 |
Year 3 | |||
$66 |
$ | 230 |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER:
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Funds performance. Because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund does not have a portfolio turnover rate.
THE FUNDS PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in emerging market fixed income securities. Fixed income securities are defined as fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by foreign corporations or foreign governments, including securities issued or guaranteed by companies (including hybrid securities), financial institutions, or government entities in emerging market countries; corporate or government bonds; sovereign debt; structured securities; foreign currency transactions; certain derivatives; zero coupon bonds; credit-linked notes; pass through notes; bank loans; and perpetual maturity bonds. If the Fund changes this investment policy, it will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of the change. Fixed income securities may have fixed or variable interest rates and any maturity. The Fund will generally invest in securities and/or
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instruments from at least five emerging market countries, with no more than 20% allocated to a single country. An emerging market country is a country that, at the time the Fund invests in the related security or instrument, is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank or the United Nations, or related entities, or is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing a major emerging market securities index. A security or instrument is considered to be from an emerging market country if the issuer or guarantor of the security or instrument is either domiciled in an emerging market country or derives a majority of its cash flow or revenue from an emerging market country.
The Fund may invest in fixed income securities of any credit quality, but seeks to invest no more than 20%, at the time of investment, in fixed income securities that are unrated, rated BB+ or lower by Standard & Poors Rating Service or Ba1 or lower by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. or the equivalent by any other nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Corporate bonds and certain other fixed income securities rated below investment grade, or such instruments that are unrated and are determined by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality, are high yield, high risk bonds, commonly known as junk bonds. The Fund may invest in hybrid securities relating to emerging market countries. A hybrid security may be created by combining an income-producing debt security and the right to receive payment based on the change in the price of an equity security.
The Fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) or forward basis (i.e., by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). The Fund may also invest in the following derivatives: foreign currency futures; credit default swaps; and options, swaps, futures, and forward contracts on securities. These practices may be used to hedge the Funds portfolio ( e.g. , to hedge against currency fluctuations), as well as for investment purposes ( e.g. , to gain exposure to certain issuers or emerging markets); however, such practices sometimes may reduce returns or increase volatility. All such derivatives will be exchange traded or centrally cleared.
In allocating investments among various emerging market countries, the Sub-Adviser attempts to analyze internal political, market and economic factors. These factors may include public finances, monetary policy, external accounts, financial markets, foreign investment regulations, stability of exchange rate policy, and labor conditions.
In managing the Funds investments, under normal market conditions, the Sub-Adviser intends to seek to construct an investment portfolio with a weighted average effective duration of no less than two years and no more than eight years. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income instrument that is used to determine the sensitivity of a securitys price to changes in interest rates. Effective duration is a measure of the Funds portfolio duration adjusted for the anticipated effect of interest rate changes on bond and mortgage pre-payment rates. The effective duration of the Funds investment portfolio may vary materially from its target, from time to time, and there is no assurance that the effective duration of the Funds investment portfolio will not exceed its target. The Fund may invest without limit in investments denominated in any currency, but expects to invest a portion of its assets in investments denominated in the U.S. dollar. Securities held by the Fund may be sold at any time. By way of example, sales may occur when the Sub-Adviser perceives deterioration in the credit fundamentals of the issuer, when the Sub-Adviser believes there are negative macro geo-political considerations that may affect the issuer, when the Sub-Adviser determines to take advantage of a better investment opportunity, or the individual security has reached the Sub-Advisers sell target.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bank Loan Risk: The Fund may invest in secured and unsecured participations in bank loans and assignments of such loans. In making investments in such loans, which are made by banks or other financial intermediaries to borrowers, the Fund will depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest which will expose the Fund to the credit risk of both the financial institution and the underlying borrower. The market for bank loans may not be highly liquid and the Fund may have difficulty selling them. The Fund may also experience settlement delays with respect to bank loan trades. Participations by the Fund in a lenders portion of a bank loan typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with such lender, not with the borrower. The Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling a loan participation and only upon receipt by such lender of such payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender selling the participation. Further, loans held by the Fund may not be considered securities and, therefore, purchasers, such as the Fund, may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Counterparty Risk: The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the Fund enters into derivatives contracts, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and other transactions. If a counterparty fails to
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meet its contractual obligations, the Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, or to recover collateral posted to the counterparty, resulting in a loss to the Fund. If the Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty.
Currency Risk: The value of the Funds assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, currency exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rates may have significant volatility, and changes in the values of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar may result in substantial declines in the values of the Funds assets denominated in foreign currencies.
Debt Securities Risk: The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: 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 or illiquidity in debt securities markets; the risk of low rates of return due to reinvestment of securities during periods of falling interest rates or repayment by issuers with higher coupon or interest rates; and/or the risk of low income due to falling interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. The U.S. is experiencing historically low interest rate levels. However, economic recovery and the tapering of the Federal Reserve Boards quantitative easing program increase the likelihood that interest rates will rise in the future. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Funds fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Funds fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income 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. 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. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities.
Derivatives Risk: Derivative transactions can create investment leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a derivative transaction will result in a much greater loss than the principal amount invested, and the Fund may not be able to close out a derivative transaction at a favorable time or price. The counterparty to a derivatives contract may be unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Funds margin, or otherwise honor its obligations. A derivatives transaction may not behave in the manner anticipated by the Sub-Adviser or may not have the effect on the Fund anticipated by the Sub-Adviser.
Emerging Markets Risk: Risks of investing in emerging markets include, among others, greater political and economic instability, greater volatility in currency exchange rates, less developed securities markets, possible trade barriers, currency transfer restrictions, a more limited number of potential buyers and issuers, an emerging market countrys dependence on revenue from particular commodities or international aid, less governmental supervision and regulation, unavailability of currency hedging techniques, differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, and less developed legal systems. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such as expropriation, nationalization, embargo, and acts of war. The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. Market disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all companies in the country or region. The Fund may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Funds obligations. These risks are generally greater for investments in frontier market countries, which typically have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging market countries.
Financial Sector Risk: Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition.
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Geographic Focus Risk: The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the country or region in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified fund.
Latin America: Latin American economies are generally considered emerging markets and are generally characterized by high interest, inflation, and unemployment rates. Currency devaluations in any one Latin American country can have a significant effect on the entire Latin American region. Because commodities such as oil and gas, minerals, and metals represent a significant percentage of the regions exports, the economies of Latin American countries are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. A relatively small number of Latin American companies represents a large portion of Latin Americas total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements.
High Yield Securities Risk: Securities rated below investment grade, commonly referred to as junk bonds, include bonds that are rated Ba1/BB+/BB+ or below by Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Fitch Inc., or Standard & Poors Financial Services, LLC, respectively, or unrated securities considered to be of equivalent quality by the Sub-Adviser, and may involve greater risks than securities in higher rating categories. Such bonds are regarded as speculative in nature, involve greater risk of default by the issuing entity and may be subject to greater market fluctuations than higher rated debt securities. They are usually issued by entities without long track records of sales and earnings, or by entities with questionable credit strength. The retail secondary market for these junk bonds may be less liquid than that of higher rated securities and adverse conditions could make it difficult at times to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating the Funds net asset value. High yield securities also may present greater credit risk because such securities may be issued in connection with corporate restructuring by highly leveraged issuers or may not be current in the payment of interest or principal or in default.
Income Risk: The Funds income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.
Leveraging Risk: Use of leverage by the Fund may have the effect of increasing the volatility of the value of the Funds portfolio, and may entail risk of loss in excess of the Funds invested capital. To the extent the Fund uses leverage, the Funds losses (and gains) may be greater than if the Fund had not used leverage.
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. In addition, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in any illiquid securities and/or the difficulty in purchasing and selling such investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain market or sector.
Management Risk: The Fund is actively managed. The Sub-Advisers judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy or as to a hedging strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause the Fund to incur losses. There can be no assurance that the Sub-Advisers investment techniques and decisions will produce the desired results.
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.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk: Non-U.S. securities (including depositary receipts) are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not present in domestic investments. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S. entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, legal and financial report standards comparable to those in the Unites States. Further, such entities and/or their securities may be subject to risks associated with currency controls;
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expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. Foreign governments may impose restrictions on the repatriation of capital to the U.S. In addition, when the Fund buys securities denominated in a foreign currency, there are special risks such as changes in currency exchange rates and the risk that a foreign government could regulate foreign exchange transactions. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact on the Fund. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid and more volatile than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.
Pass-Through Securities Risk: Pass-through securities are debt obligations backed by a pool of assets, such as mortgages. In addition to the risks associated with investing in debt securities generally, pass-through securities are subject to changes in the payment patterns of borrowers of the underlying debt. When interest rates fall, borrowers are more likely to refinance or prepay their debt before its stated maturity. This may result in the Fund having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities, effectively reducing the funds income. Conversely, if interest rates rise and borrowers repay their debt more slowly than expected, the time in which pass-through securities are paid off could be extended, reducing the Funds cash available for reinvestment in higher yielding securities.
Perpetual Bond Risk: Perpetual bonds offer a fixed return with no maturity date. Because they never mature, perpetual bonds can be more volatile than other types of bonds that have a maturity date and may have heightened sensitivity to changes in interest rates. If market interest rates rise significantly, the interest rate paid by a perpetual bond may be much lower than the prevailing interest rate. Perpetual bonds are also subject to credit risk with respect to the issuer. In addition, because perpetual bonds may be callable after a set period of time, there is the risk that the issuer may recall the bond.
Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk: Investments in debt securities issued by governments or by government agencies and instrumentalities involve the risk that the governmental entities responsible for repayment may be unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. Many sovereign debt obligations may be rated below investment grade (junk bonds). Any restructuring of a sovereign debt obligation held by the Fund will likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of the obligation. In the event of default of sovereign debt, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the sovereign issuer or to realize on collateral securing the debt.
Structured Securities Risk: Structured securities generally include privately-issued and publicly-issued structured securities, including certain publicly-issued structured securities that are not agency securities. An investment in a structured product may decline in value due to changes in the underlying instruments on which the product is based. The cash flow or rate of return on a structured investment may be determined by applying a multiplier to the rate of total return on the underlying investments or referenced indicator. Application of a multiplier is comparable to the use of financial leverage, a speculative technique. Holders of structured products indirectly bear risks associated with the underlying investments, index or reference obligation, and are subject to counterparty risk. Structured products are generally privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Funds illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities. Structured notes are derivative securities for which the amount of principal repayment and/or interest payments is based on the movement of one or more factors. Investments in structured notes, including credit-linked notes, involve risks including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. Where the Funds investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations.
Unconstrained Sector Risk: The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from time to time. Greater investment focus on one or more sectors or industries increases the potential for volatility and the risk that events negatively affecting such sectors or industries could reduce returns, potentially causing the value of the Funds Shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.
Valuation Risk: Some portfolio holdings, potentially a large portion of the Funds investment portfolio, may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including fair valued securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value
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established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund Shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued investments may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the holding(s) or had used a different valuation methodology.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk: 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. In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary inversely with market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as compared to investment in a fixed-rate security and may involve leverage.
Zero Coupon Bond Risk: Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest.
FUND PERFORMANCE
The Fund has not yet completed a full calendar year of investment operations and therefore does not have any performance history. 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 and comparing the Funds performance to a broad-based securities index. When available, the Fund will make updated performance information available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting the Funds website: https://www.spdrs.com.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. DoubleLine Capital LP serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund, subject to supervision by the Adviser and the Board of Trustees.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luz Padilla, Mark Christensen and Su Fei Koo.
Luz Padilla is a Director and Lead Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine. Ms. Padilla joined DoubleLine in December 2009.
Mark Christensen is a Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine. Mr. Christensen joined DoubleLine in December 2009.
Su Fei Koo is a Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine. Ms. Koo joined DoubleLine in December 2009.
PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION
The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of 50,000 Fund Shares known as Creation Units. Creation Unit transactions are typically conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities and/or cash.
Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the BATS Exchange, Inc. (the Exchange), other national securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at net asset value (NAV), Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
TAX INFORMATION
The Funds distributions are expected to be taxed as ordinary income and/or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. Any withdrawals made from such tax-advantaged arrangement may be taxable to you.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. 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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PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES
Please see The Funds Principal Investment Strategy section under Fund Summary above for a complete discussion of the Funds principal investment strategies. The Fund may invest in various types of securities and engage in various investment techniques which are not the principal focus of the Fund and therefore are not described in this Prospectus. These securities, techniques and practices, together with their risks, are described in the Statement of Additional Information (the SAI), which you may obtain free of charge by contacting shareholder services (see the back cover of this Prospectus for the address and phone number).
The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) may change the Funds investment objective, investment strategy, benchmark index and other policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated in this Prospectus or in the SAI.
NON-PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES
Temporary Defensive Positions. In certain situations or market conditions, the Fund may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies provided that the alternative is in the best interest of the Fund. For example, the Fund may hold a higher than normal proportion of its assets in cash in times of extreme market stress.
Borrowing Money . The Fund may borrow money from a bank as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund, but only for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund may also invest in reverse repurchase agreements, which are considered borrowings under the 1940 Act. Although the 1940 Act presently allows the Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1 / 3 % of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets), and there is no percentage limit on Fund assets that can be used in connection with reverse repurchase agreements, under normal circumstances any borrowings by the Fund will not exceed 10% of the Funds total assets.
Lending of Securities . The Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the value of its total assets via a securities lending program through its securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street or the Lending Agent), to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. A securities lending program allows the Fund to receive a portion of the income generated by lending its securities and investing the respective collateral. The Fund will receive collateral for each loaned security which is at least equal to 102% of the market value of that security, marked to market each trading day. In the securities lending program, the borrower generally has the right to vote the loaned securities, however the Fund may call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Funds economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Security loans may be terminated at any time by the Fund.
The following section provides additional information regarding certain of the principal risks identified under Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund in the Fund Summary along with additional risk information.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
Bank Loan Risk . The Fund may invest in secured and unsecured participations in bank loans and assignments of such loans. In making investments in such loans, which are made by banks or other financial intermediaries to borrowers, the Fund will depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest which will expose the Fund to the credit risk of both the financial institution and the underlying borrower. The market for bank loans may not be highly liquid and the Fund may have difficulty selling them. Participations by the Fund in a lenders portion of a bank loan typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with such lender, not with the borrower. The Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling a loan participation and only upon receipt by such lender of such payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender selling the participation. Further, loans held by the Fund may not be considered securities and, therefore, purchasers, such as the Fund, may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
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
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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.
Counterparty Risk . The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the Fund enters into derivatives contracts and other transactions such as repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. The Funds ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions will depend on the willingness and ability of its counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. The Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If the Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Contractual provisions and applicable law may prevent or delay the Fund from exercising its rights to terminate an investment or transaction with a financial institution experiencing financial difficulties, or to realize on collateral, and another institution may be substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. If the credit rating of a derivatives counterparty declines, the Fund may nonetheless choose or be required to keep existing transactions in place with the counterparty, in which event the Fund would be subject to any increased credit risk associated with those transactions.
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 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 Sub-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.
Currency Risk. Investments in issuers in different countries are often denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in the values of those currencies relative to the U.S. dollar may have a positive or negative effect on the values of the Funds investments denominated in those currencies. The values of other currencies relative to the U.S. dollar may fluctuate in response to, among other factors, interest rate changes, intervention (or failure to intervene) by national governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, the imposition of currency controls, and other political or regulatory developments. Currency values can decrease significantly both in the short term and over the long term in response to these and other developments. Continuing uncertainty as to the status of the Euro and the European Monetary Union (the EMU) has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Any partial or complete dissolution of the EMU, or any continued uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Funds portfolio investments.
Debt Securities Risk . The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: 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 or illiquidity in debt securities markets; the risk of low rates of return due to reinvestment of securities during periods of falling interest rates or repayment by issuers with higher coupon or interest rates; and/or the risk of low income due to falling interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. The U.S. is experiencing historically low interest rate levels. However, economic recovery and the tapering of the Federal Reserve Boards quantitative easing program increase the likelihood that interest rates will rise in the future. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Funds fixed income securities to decrease, a decline in the Funds income and yield, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Funds fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income 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. 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. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities.
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Derivatives Risk . A derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a derivative transaction will result in a loss greater than the principal amount invested, and the Fund may not be able to close out a derivative transaction at a favorable time or price. Risks associated with derivative instruments include potential changes in value in response to interest rate changes or other market developments or as a result of the counterpartys credit quality; the potential for the derivative transaction not to have the effect the Sub-Adviser anticipated or a different or less favorable effect than the Sub-Adviser anticipated; the failure of the counterparty to the derivative transaction to perform its obligations under the transaction or to settle a trade; possible mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative instrument; imperfect correlation in the value of a derivative with the asset, rate, or index underlying the derivative; the risk that the Fund may be required to post collateral or margin with its counterparty, and will not be able to recover the collateral or margin in the event of the counterpartys insolvency or bankruptcy; the risk that the Fund will experience losses on its derivatives investments and on its other portfolio investments, even when the derivatives investments may be intended in part or entirely to hedge those portfolio investments; the risks specific to the asset underlying the derivative instrument; lack of liquidity for the derivative instrument, including without limitation absence of a secondary trading market; the potential for reduced returns to the Fund due to losses on the transaction and an increase in volatility; the potential for the derivative transaction to have the effect of accelerating the recognition of gain; and legal risks arising from the documentation relating to the derivative transaction.
Emerging Markets Risk . Investments in emerging markets are generally subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed markets. This may be due to, among other things, the possibility of greater market volatility, lower trading volume and liquidity, greater risk of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political and economic instability, greater reliance on a few industries, international trade or revenue from particular commodities, less developed accounting, legal and regulatory systems, higher levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, greater risk of market shut down, and more significant governmental limitations on investment policy as compared to those typically found in a developed market. In addition, issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may have less financial stability than in other countries. The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. Market disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all companies in the country or region. The Fund may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Funds obligations. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such as expropriation, nationalization, embargo, and acts of war. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility in investments in emerging market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. Settlement and asset custody practices for transactions in emerging markets may differ from those in developed markets. Such differences may include possible delays in settlement and certain settlement practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt of payment, which increase the likelihood of a failed settlement. Failed settlements can result in losses. For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative.
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 increase the period of time during which an investment earns 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.
Financial Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic
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decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities (which include real estate investment trusts (REITs)). Declining real estate values could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.
Geographic Focus Risk . The performance of a fund that is less diversified across countries or geographic regions will be closely tied to market, currency, economic, political, environmental, or regulatory conditions and developments in the country or region in which the fund invests, and may be more volatile than the performance of a more geographically-diversified fund.
Latin America. Latin American economies are generally considered emerging markets and are generally characterized by high interest, inflation, and unemployment rates. Currency devaluations in any one Latin American country can have a significant effect on the entire Latin American region. Because commodities such as oil and gas, minerals, and metals represent a significant percentage of the regions exports, the economies of Latin American countries are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. A relatively small number of Latin American companies represents a large portion of Latin Americas total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements.
High Yield Securities Risk . Securities rated below investment grade, commonly referred to as junk bonds, include bonds that are rated Ba1/BB+/BB+ or below by Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Fitch Inc., or Standard & Poors Financial Services, LLC, respectively, or unrated securities considered to be of equivalent quality by the Sub-Adviser, and may involve greater risks than securities in higher rating categories. Such bonds are regarded as speculative in nature, involve greater risk of default by the issuing entity and may be subject to greater market fluctuations than higher rated debt securities. They are usually issued by entities without long track records of sales and earnings, or by entities with questionable credit strength. The retail secondary market for these junk bonds may be less liquid than that of higher rated securities and adverse conditions could make it difficult at times to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating the Funds net asset value. High yield securities also may present greater credit risk because such securities may be issued in connection with corporate restructuring by highly leveraged issuers or may not be current in the payment of interest or principal or in default.
Income Risk. The Funds income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates. A reduction in the income earned by the Fund may limit the Funds ability to achieve its objective.
Interest Rate Risk . Interest rate risk is the risk that the securities held by the Fund will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. Debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. For example, the value of a security with a duration of five years would be expected to decrease by 5% for every 1% increase in interest rates. Falling interest rates also create the potential for a decline in the Funds income and yield. Interest-only and principal-only securities are especially sensitive to interest rate changes, which can affect not only their prices but can also change the income flows and repayment assumptions about those investments. Variable and floating rate securities also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than fixed-rate securities. A substantial increase in interest rates may also have an adverse impact on the liquidity of a security, especially those with longer durations. The U.S. is experiencing historically low interest rate levels. However, economic recovery and the tapering of the Federal Reserve Boards quantitative easing program increase the likelihood that interest rates will rise in the future. Changes in governmental policy, including changes in central bank monetary policy, could cause interest rates to rise rapidly, or cause investors to expect a rapid rise in interest rates. This could lead to heightened levels of interest rate, volatility and liquidity risks for the fixed income markets generally and could have a substantial and immediate effect on the values of the Funds investments.
Leveraging Risk . Borrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. If the Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the Funds investment portfolio, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than the Fund would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any
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increase or decrease in the value of the Funds underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in losses to the Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment, interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset segregation or coverage requirements.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may not be able to dispose of securities or close out derivatives transactions 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 may be 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.
Management Risk . The Fund is an actively managed investment portfolio. The Sub-Advisers judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy or as to a hedging strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause the Fund to incur losses. There can be no assurance that the Sub-Advisers investment techniques and decisions will produce the desired results.
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.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk . Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers (including depositary receipts) entail risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Similar risks may apply to securities traded on a U.S. securities exchange that are issued by entities with significant exposure to non-U.S. countries. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with regard to U.S. investments. Because non-U.S. securities are normally denominated and traded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the value of the Funds assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of non-U.S. currencies. Income and gains with respect to investments in certain countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S. entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards, regulatory framework and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some non-U.S. entities are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. entities, and could become subject to sanctions or embargoes that adversely affect the Funds investment. Non-U.S. transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and custody costs may be higher than in the U.S. In addition, there may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, confiscatory taxation, and diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the values of the Funds investments in certain non-U.S. countries. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers also are subject to foreign political and economic risk not associated with U.S. investments, meaning that political events (civil unrest, national elections, changes in political conditions and foreign relations, imposition of exchange controls and repatriation restrictions), social and economic events (labor strikes, rising inflation) and natural disasters occurring in a country where the Fund invests could cause the Funds investments in that country to experience gains or losses.
Pass-Through Securities Risk . Pass-through securities are debt obligations backed by a pool of assets, such as mortgages. In addition to the risks associated with investing in debt securities generally, pass-through securities are subject to changes in the payment patterns of borrowers of the underlying debt. When interest rates fall, borrowers are more likely to refinance or prepay their debt before its stated maturity. This may result in the Fund having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities, effectively reducing the Funds income. Conversely, if interest rates rise and borrowers repay their debt more slowly than expected, the time in which pass-through securities are paid off could be extended, reducing the Funds cash available for reinvestment in higher yielding securities.
Perpetual Bond Risk . Perpetual bonds offer a fixed return with no maturity date. Because they never mature, perpetual bonds can be more volatile than other types of bonds that have a maturity date and may have heightened sensitivity to changes in interest rates. If market interest rates rise significantly, the interest rate paid by a perpetual bond may be much lower than the prevailing interest rate. Perpetual bonds are also subject to credit risk with respect to the issuer. In addition, because perpetual bonds may be callable after a set period of time, there is the risk that the issuer may recall the bond.
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Reinvestment Risk. Income from the Funds portfolio may decline when the Fund invests the proceeds from investment income, sales of portfolio securities or matured, traded or called debt obligations. For instance, during periods of declining interest rates, an issuer of debt obligations may exercise an option to redeem securities prior to maturity, forcing the Fund to reinvest the proceeds in lower-yielding securities. A decline in income received by the Fund from its investments is likely to have a negative effect on the yield and total return of the Fund Shares.
Settlement Risk . Delays in settlement may increase credit risk to the Fund, limit the ability of the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, hinder the ability of the Fund to lend its portfolio securities, and potentially subject the Fund to penalties for its failure to deliver to on-purchasers of securities whose delivery to the Fund was delayed. Delays in the settlement of securities purchased by the Fund may limit the ability of the Fund to sell those securities at times and prices it considers desirable, and may subject the Fund to losses and costs due to its own inability to settle with subsequent purchasers of the securities from it. The Fund may be required to borrow monies it had otherwise expected to receive in connection with the settlement of securities sold by it, in order to meet its obligations to others. Markets in different countries have different clearance and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions.
Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk . Investments in debt securities issued by governments or by government agencies and instrumentalities involve the risk that the governmental entities responsible for repayment may be unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. A governmental entitys willingness or ability to pay interest and repay principal in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow, the size of its reserves, its access to foreign exchange, the relative size of its debt service burden to its economy as a whole, and political constraints. A governmental entity may default on its obligations or may require renegotiation or reschedule of debt payments. Any restructuring of a sovereign debt obligation held by the Fund will likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of the obligation. In the event of default of sovereign debt, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the sovereign issuer or to realize on collateral securing the debt. The sovereign debt of many non-U.S. governments, including their sub-divisions and instrumentalities, is rated below investment grade. Sovereign debt risk may be greater for debt securities issued or guaranteed by emerging and/or frontier countries.
Structured Securities Risk. Structured securities generally include privately-issued and publicly-issued structured securities, including certain publicly-issued structured securities that are not agency securities. An investment in a structured product may decline in value due to changes in the underlying instruments on which the product is based. The cash flow or rate of return on a structured investment may be determined by applying a multiplier to the rate of total return on the underlying investments or referenced indicator. Application of a multiplier is comparable to the use of financial leverage, a speculative technique. Holders of structured products indirectly bear risks associated with the underlying investments, index or reference obligation, and are subject to counterparty risk. Structured products are generally privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Funds illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities. Structured notes are derivative securities for which the amount of principal repayment and/or interest payments is based on the movement of one or more factors. Investments in structured notes, including credit-linked notes, involve risks including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. Where the Funds investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations.
Unconstrained Sector Risk . The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from time to time. When the Fund focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector, financial, economic, business, and other developments affecting issuers in that industry, market, or economic sector will have a greater effect on the Fund than if it had not focused its assets in that industry, market, or economic sector, which may increase the volatility of the Fund. Any such investment focus may also limit the liquidity of the Fund. The Fund may establish or terminate a focus in an industry or sector at any time in the Sub-Advisers discretion and without notice to investors.
Valuation Risk . Some portfolio holdings, potentially a large portion of the Funds investment portfolio, may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including fair valued securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there
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is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund Shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued investments may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the holding(s) or had used a different valuation methodology.
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.
In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary inversely with market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as compared to investment in a fixed-rate security and may involve leverage. The extent of increases and decreases in the values of derivative variable rate securities and the corresponding change to the net asset value of the Fund in response to changes in market rates of interest generally may be larger than comparable changes in the value of an equal principal amount of a fixed-rate security having similar credit quality, redemption provisions, and maturity. The markets for such securities may be less developed and may have less liquidity than the markets for conventional securities.
Zero-Coupon Bond Risk . Zero-coupon bonds are debt obligations that are generally issued at a discount and payable in full at maturity, and that do not provide for current payments of interest prior to maturity. Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest. When interest rates rise, the values of zero-coupon bonds fall more rapidly than securities paying interest on a current basis, because the Fund is unable to reinvest interest payments at the higher rates.
NON-PRINCIPAL RISKS
Authorized Participants, Market Makers and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (APs). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Fund Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Conflicts of Interest Risk. An investment in the Fund may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or their 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, Sub-Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which the Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or their affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser or Sub-Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser or Sub-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, Sub-Adviser and their 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 or Sub-Adviser on behalf of the Fund. For example, the Adviser or Sub-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 or Sub-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, Sub-Adviser and their 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, Sub-Adviser or their affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material nonpublic confidential information that may restrict the Adviser or Sub-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.
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Costs of Buying and Selling Shares . Investors buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of Fund Shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for Fund Shares (the bid price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Fund Shares (the ask price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the spread or bid/ask spread. The bid/ask spread varies over time for Fund Shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if Fund Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Fund Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Further, increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling Fund Shares, including bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of Fund Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Fund Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
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 Fund) and their service providers (including the Sub-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, the Sub-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 NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject the Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and 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. The Fund may also incur substantial costs for cybersecurity risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser have 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 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 cybersecurity 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.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts . The net asset value of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Funds securities holdings. The market prices of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Funds net asset value and supply and demand of Fund Shares on the Exchange. It cannot be predicted whether Fund Shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Fund Shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. The market prices of Fund Shares may deviate significantly from the net asset value of Fund Shares during periods of market volatility. However, given that Fund Shares can be created and redeemed in Creation Units (unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Adviser (and Sub-Adviser) believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of Fund Shares should not be sustained over long periods. While the creation/redemption feature is designed to make it likely that Fund Shares normally will trade close to the Funds net asset value, disruptions to creations and redemptions or market volatility may result in trading prices that differ significantly from the Funds net asset value. If an investor purchases Fund Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the net asset value of Fund Shares or sells at a time when the market price is at a discount to the net asset value of Fund Shares, then the investor may sustain losses.
Securities Lending Risk . The Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value of up to 25% of its total assets. For these purposes, total assets shall include the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan. Such loans may be terminated at any time, and the Fund will receive cash or other obligations as collateral. Any such loans must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned by the Fund. In a loan transaction, as compensation for lending its securities, the Fund will receive a portion of the dividends or interest accrued on the securities held as collateral or, in the case of cash collateral, a portion of the income from the investment of such cash. In addition, the Fund will receive the amount of all dividends, interest and other distributions on the loaned securities. However, the borrower has the right to vote the loaned securities. The Fund will call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the investment is to be voted upon. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund may experience delays in recovering the securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the securities lending agent to be of good financial standing. In a loan transaction, the Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral. The Fund will attempt to minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to high quality instruments of short maturity.
Money Market Risk . An investment in a money market fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Although a money market fund generally seeks to preserve the value of its shares at $1.00 per share, there can be no assurance that it will do so, and it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund. A major or unexpected increase in interest rates or a decline in the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading
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market for money market instruments, or adverse market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause a money market funds share price to fall below $1.00. It is possible that a money market fund will issue and redeem shares at $1.00 per share at times when the fair value of the money market funds portfolio per share is more or less than $1.00. Recent changes in the regulation of money market funds may affect the operations and structures of such funds. A money market fund may be permitted or required to impose redemption fees or to impose limitations on redemptions during periods of high illiquidity in the markets for the investments held by it. None of State Street Corporation, State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), State Street Global Advisors (SSGA), SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM) or their affiliates (State Street Entities) guarantee the value of an investment in a money market fund at $1.00 per share. Investors should have no expectation of capital support to a money market fund from State Street Entities.
Trading Issues . Although Fund Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such Fund Shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange circuit breaker rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that Fund Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange.
INVESTMENT ADVISER. SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Board, is responsible for the investment management of the Fund. The Adviser provides an investment management program for the Fund and manages the investment of the Funds assets. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation (State Street) and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser and certain other affiliates of State Street make up State Street Global Advisors (SSGA). SSGA is one of the worlds largest institutional money managers and the investment management arm of State Street. As of December 31, 2015, the Adviser managed approximately $384.95 billion in assets and SSGA managed approximately $2.24 trillion in assets. The Advisers principal business address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. For the services provided to the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund expects to pay the Adviser the annual fee based on a percentage of the Funds average daily net assets as set forth below:
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF |
0.75 | % |
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses, until October 31, 2017, so that the net annual fund operating expenses of the Fund will be limited to 0.65% of the Funds average daily net assets before application of any extraordinary expenses or acquired fund fees and expenses. The contractual fee waiver and/or reimbursement does not provide for the recoupment by the Adviser of any fees the Adviser previously waived. The Adviser may continue the waiver and/or reimbursement from year to year, but there is no guarantee that the Adviser will do so and after October 31, 2017, the waiver and/or reimbursement may be cancelled or modified at any time. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated during the relevant period except with the approval of the SSGA Active Trusts Board of Trustees. The Adviser pays all expenses of the Fund other than the management fee, distribution fee pursuant to the Funds Distribution and Service Plan, if any, brokerage, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustees counsel fees), litigation expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses.
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER. DoubleLine Capital LP serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund and is responsible for providing the investment program for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser is located at 333 South Grand Avenue, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90071. As of March 31, 2016, the Sub-Adviser had approximately $94 billion of assets under management.
In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and DoubleLine, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a portion of the advisory fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser (after deducting the applicable operating expenses of the Fund); such fee will be reduced pro rata by the Adviser to the extent that the Adviser waives or reimburses fees payable to the Adviser under a contractual waiver or reimbursement with respect to the Fund. The Fund is not responsible for the fees paid to the Sub-Adviser.
A discussion regarding the Boards consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable, after the Fund commences operations.
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The Adviser may hire one or more sub-advisers to oversee the day-to-day investment activities of the Fund. The sub-advisers are subject to oversight by the Adviser. The Adviser and SSGA Active Trust (the Trust) have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Adviser, with the approval of the Independent Trustees of the Trust, to retain and amend existing sub-advisory agreements with unaffiliated investment sub-advisers for the Fund without submitting the sub-advisory agreement to a vote of the Funds shareholders. The Trust will notify shareholders in the event of any change in the identity of such sub-adviser or sub-advisers. The Adviser has ultimate responsibility for the investment performance of the Fund due to its responsibility to oversee each sub-adviser and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The Adviser is not required to disclose fees paid to any sub-adviser retained pursuant to the order.
Portfolio Managers.
The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luz Padilla, Mark Christensen and Su Fei Koo.
Luz Padilla is a Director and Lead Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine. Ms. Padilla joined DoubleLine in 2009 as the Director of the Emerging Markets Group and is the lead Portfolio Manager. Ms. Padilla attended University of California at Berkeley as a fellow of the Robert A. Toigo Foundation and graduated with an MBA in 1994. Ms. Padilla received her BA in Economics in 1989 from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
Mark Christensen is a Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine. Mr. Christensen joined DoubleLine in 2009 as a portfolio manager and senior corporate analyst on the Emerging Markets Fixed Income team. As part of his research responsibilities, he covers corporate credits in the following sectors: banking, financial services, gaming and conglomerates. He also participates on the Fixed Income Asset Allocation committee. Mr. Christensen graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Business Management with an emphasis in International Finance.
Su Fei Koo is a Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine. Ms. Koo joined DoubleLine in 2009 as an Emerging Markets portfolio manager and senior corporate analyst. As part of her research responsibilities, she covers corporate credits in the following sectors: metals & mining and industrials. She also participates on the Fixed Income Asset Allocation committee. Ms. Koo holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Houston and an MBA in Finance from the University of Southern California.
Additional information about the Portfolio Managers compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers ownership of the Fund is available in the SAI.
Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent. The Adviser serves as Administrator for the Fund. State Street, part of State Street Corporation, is the Sub-Administrator for the Fund, the Custodian for the Funds assets, and serves as Transfer Agent to the Fund.
Lending Agent. State Street is the securities lending agent for the Trust. For its services, the lending agent would typically receive a portion of the net investment income, if any, earned on the collateral for the securities loaned.
Distributor. State Street Global Markets, LLC (the Distributor), part of State Street Corporation, is the distributor of the Fund Shares. The Distributor will not distribute Fund Shares in less than Creation Units, and it does not maintain a secondary market in the Fund Shares. The Distributor may enter into selected dealer agreements with other broker-dealers or other qualified financial institutions for the sale of Creation Units of Fund Shares.
Additional Information . The Board of Trustees of the Trust oversees 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 SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or 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.
DISCLAIMERS
SPDR TRADEMARK. The SPDR trademark is used under license from Standard and Poors Financial Services LLC, an affiliate of The McGraw Hill Companies (S&P). No Fund offered by the Trust or its affiliates is sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in any determination or calculation made with respect to issuance or redemption of the Fund. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.
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WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
D OUBLE L INE T RADEMARK : DoubleLine is a registered trademark of DoubleLine Capital LP.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION
Fund Shares are listed for secondary trading on the Exchange and individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold in the secondary market through a broker-dealer. The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally closed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Exchange may close early on the business day before certain holidays and on the day after Thanksgiving Day. Exchange holiday schedules are subject to change without notice. If you buy or sell Fund Shares in the secondary market, you will pay the secondary market price for Fund Shares. In addition, you may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.
The trading prices of the Funds shares will fluctuate continuously throughout trading hours based on market supply and demand rather than the Funds net asset value, which is calculated at the end of each business day. Fund Shares will trade on the Exchange at prices that may be above ( i.e ., at a premium) or below ( i.e ., at a discount), to varying degrees, the daily net asset value of the Funds shares. The trading prices of the Funds shares may deviate significantly from its net asset value during periods of market volatility. Given, however, that Fund Shares can be issued and redeemed daily in Creation Units, the Adviser believes that large discounts and premiums to net asset value should not be sustained over long periods. Information showing the number of days the market price of the Funds shares was greater than the Funds net asset value and the number of days it was less than the Funds net asset value ( i.e ., premium or discount) for various time periods is available by visiting the Funds website at https://www.spdrs.com.
The Exchange will disseminate, every fifteen seconds during the regular trading day, an indicative optimized portfolio value (IOPV) relating to the Fund. The IOPV calculations are estimates of the value of the Funds net asset value per Fund Share using market data converted into U.S. dollars at the current currency rates. The IOPV price is based on quotes and closing prices from the securities local market and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local markets close. Premiums and discounts between the IOPV and the market price may occur. This should not be viewed as a real-time update of the net asset value per Fund Share, which is calculated only once a day. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser or any of their affiliates are involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such IOPVs and make no warranty as to their accuracy.
The Fund does not impose any restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions; however, the Fund reserves the right to reject or limit purchases at any time as described in the SAI. When considering that no restriction or policy was necessary, the Board evaluated the risks posed by market timing activities such as whether frequent purchases and redemptions would interfere with the efficient implementation of the Funds investment strategy, or whether they would cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, Fund Shares are issued and redeemed only in large quantities of shares known as Creation Units, available only from the Fund directly, and that most trading in the Fund occurs on the Exchange at prevailing market prices and does not involve the Fund directly. Given this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that (a) market timing would be attempted by the Funds shareholders or (b) any attempts to market time the Fund by shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or its shareholders.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICING PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% of the Funds average daily net assets may be made for the sale and distribution of Fund Shares. No payments pursuant to the Distribution and Service Plan will be made through at least the next twelve (12) months of operation. Additionally, the implementation of any such payments would have to be approved by the Board prior to implementation. Because these fees would be paid out of the Funds assets on an on-going basis, if payments are made in the future, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more over time than paying other types of sales charges.
Dividends and Capital Gains. As a Fund shareholder, you are entitled to your share of the Funds income and net realized gains on its investments. The Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as distributions.
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The Fund may earn interest from debt securities and, if participating, securities lending income. These amounts, net of expenses and taxes (if applicable), are passed along to Fund shareholders as income dividend distributions. The Fund will generally realize short-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for one year or less. Net short-term capital gains will generally be treated as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. The Fund will generally realize long-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for more than one year. Net capital gains (the excess of the Funds net long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses) are distributed to shareholders as capital gain distributions.
Income dividend distributions, if any, are generally distributed to shareholders monthly, but may vary significantly from period to period.
Net capital gains for the Fund are distributed at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently or at any other times to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Fund Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Fund Shares makes such option available. Distributions which are reinvested will nevertheless be taxable to the same extent as if such distributions had not been reinvested.
The Funds portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the SAI. In addition, the identities and quantities of the securities held by the Fund are disclosed on the Trusts website.
The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to an investment 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, may wish to consult the SAI tax section for more complete disclosure.
Taxes on Distributions. In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund. The income dividends and short-term capital gains distributions you receive from the Fund will generally be taxed as ordinary income. Since the Funds income is derived primarily from sources that do not pay dividends, it is not expected that a substantial portion of the dividends paid by the Fund will qualify either for the dividends-received deduction for corporations or for the favorable income tax rates available to individuals on qualified dividend income. Any distributions of the Funds net capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned Fund Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%. Distributions in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in your Fund Shares, and, in general, as capital gain thereafter.
U.S. individuals with income exceeding specified thresholds are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on all or a portion of their net investment income, which includes taxable interest, dividends and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized upon the sale of Fund Shares). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.
If the Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may bear additional costs and recognize more capital gains than it would if it redeems Creation Units in-kind.
Distributions paid in January, but declared by the Fund in October, November or December of the previous year, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, may be taxable to you in the calendar year in which they were declared. The Fund will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, capital gain distributions and any qualified dividend income shortly after the close of each calendar year.
A distribution will reduce the Funds net asset value per Fund Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
Original Issue Discount . Investments by the Fund in zero coupon or other discount securities will result in income to the Fund equal to a portion of the excess face value of the securities over their issue price (the original issue discount or OID) each year that the securities are held, even though the Fund may receive no cash interest payments or may receive cash interest payments that are less than the income recognized for tax purposes. In other circumstances, whether pursuant to the terms of a security or as a result of other factors outside the control of the Fund, the Fund may
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recognize income without receiving a commensurate amount of cash. Such income is included in determining the amount that the Fund must distribute to maintain its eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company and to avoid the payment of federal tax, including the nondeductible 4% excise tax. Where such income is not matched by a corresponding cash payment, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to be able to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and eliminate taxes at the Fund level, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund.
Special rules apply if the Fund holds inflation-indexed bonds. Generally, all stated interest on inflation-indexed bonds is taken into income by the Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest income. The amount of any positive inflation adjustment for a taxable year, which results from an increase in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, is treated as OID. The amount of the Funds OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will increase the Funds taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash until the bond matures. As a result, the Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distribution requirements for such year. The amount of any negative inflation adjustments, which result from a decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, first reduces the amount of interest (including stated interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise includible in the Funds income with respect to the bond for the taxable year; any remaining negative adjustments will be either treated as ordinary loss or, in certain circumstances, carried forward to reduce the amount of interest income taken into account with respect to the bond in future taxable years.
Market Discount . Any market discount recognized on a market discount bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or below adjusted issue price if the bond was issued with original issue discount. Absent an election by the Fund to include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on the Funds disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount. Where the income required to be recognized as a result of the market discount rules is not matched by a corresponding cash payment, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to be able to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and eliminate taxes at the Fund level, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund.
Derivatives and Other Complex Securities. The Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Funds ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund. You should consult your personal tax advisor regarding the application of these rules.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Funds transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and 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.
Foreign Income Taxes. Investment income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which may entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of such taxes or exemption from taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax for the Fund in advance since the amount of the assets to be invested within various countries is not known. If more than 50% of the total assets of the Fund at the close of its taxable year consist of certain foreign stocks or securities, the Fund may elect to pass through to you certain foreign income taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund. If the Fund makes such an election, you will be considered to have received as an additional dividend your share of such foreign taxes, but you may be entitled to either a corresponding tax deduction in calculating your taxable income, or, subject to certain limitations, a credit in calculating your federal income tax. If the Fund does not so elect, the Fund will be entitled to claim a deduction for certain foreign taxes incurred by the Fund.
Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales. Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Fund Shares have been held for one year or less, except that any capital loss on the sale of Fund Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Fund Shares.
Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units. A person who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the exchangers aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchangers basis in the Creation Units and the aggregate market value of the securities and the amount of cash received. The Internal Revenue Service (the IRS), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing wash sales, or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
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Under current federal tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for one year or less.
If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Fund Shares you purchased or sold and at what price.
The Trust on behalf of the Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of the securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Trust does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or group of purchasers) will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.
Certain Tax Exempt Investors. The Fund, if investing in certain limited real estate investments and other publicly traded partnerships, may be required to pass through certain excess inclusion income and other income as unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). Prior to investing in the Fund, tax-exempt investors sensitive to UBTI should consult their tax advisors regarding this issue and IRS pronouncements addressing the treatment of such income in the hands of such investors.
Non-U.S. Investors. Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund to shareholders who are non-resident aliens or foreign entities will generally 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. Gains on the sale of Fund Shares and dividends that are, in each case, effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. will generally be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates. Non-U.S. shareholders that own, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of Fund Shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning special tax rules that may apply to their investment.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to distributions payable to such entities and, after December 31, 2018, redemption proceeds and certain capital gain dividends payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Backup Withholding. The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as backup withholding) on amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is 28%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.
Other Tax Issues. The Fund may be subject to tax in certain states where the Fund does business. Furthermore, in those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Fund and of Fund shareholders with respect to distributions by the Fund may differ from federal tax treatment.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current federal income tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.
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MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on March 30, 2011. If shareholders of the Fund are required to vote on any matters, shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Share they own. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable law. See the SAI for more information concerning the Trusts form of organization.
The Fund is a separate, diversified series of the Trust, which is an open-end management investment company.
For purposes of the 1940 Act, Fund Shares of the Trust are issued by the respective series of the Trust and the acquisition of Fund Shares by investment companies is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act.
The Trust has received exemptive relief from Section 12(d)(1) to allow registered investment companies to invest in the Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions as set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust.
From time to time, the Fund may advertise yield and total return figures. Yield is a historical measure of dividend income, and total return is a measure of past dividend income (assuming that it has been reinvested) plus capital appreciation. Neither yield nor total return should be used to predict the future performance of the Fund.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Fund. Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Funds financial statements annually.
The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus and therefore does not have information regarding how often Fund Shares traded on the Exchange at a price above ( i.e ., at a premium) or below ( i.e ., at a discount) the net asset value of the Fund during the past calendar year. When available, such information will be provided at https://www.spdrs.com.
The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus and therefore does not have financial information.
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W HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUND
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to the Funds shares. The SAI, which has been filed with the SEC, provides more information about the Fund. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference ( i.e. , it is legally part of this Prospectus). These materials may be obtained without charge, upon request, by writing to the Distributor, State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, by visiting the Funds website at https://www.spdrs.com or by calling the following number:
Investor Information: 1-866-787-2257
The Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the SAI, and the exhibits as well as any shareholder reports may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room (100 F Street NE, Washington D.C. 20549) or on the EDGAR Database on the SECs website (http://www.sec.gov). Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. You may get copies of this and other information after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Fund in writing to State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 or by calling the Investor Information number listed above.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with the offer of the Funds shares, and, if given or made, the information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Fund. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale of shares shall under any circumstance imply that the information contained herein is correct as of any date after the date of this Prospectus.
Dealers effecting transactions in the Funds shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
SPDREMTLSTATPRO |
The Trusts Investment Company Act Number is 811-22542. |
SSGA ACTIVE TRUST (THE TRUST)
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dated April 12, 2016
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. With respect to the Trusts series listed below, this SAI should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated April 12, 2016, as may be revised from time to time (Prospectus).
ETF |
TICKER | |
SPDR ® DoubleLine ® Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF |
EMTL |
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for the ETF: BATS Exchange, Inc.
Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to State Street Global Markets, LLC, the Trusts principal underwriter (referred to herein as Distributor or Principal Underwriter), State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, by visiting the Trusts website at www.spdrs.com or by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore does not have financial information to report for the Trusts June 30, 2015 fiscal year end.
SPDREMTLSAI
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47 | ||||
57 | ||||
A-1 | ||||
B-1 | ||||
Appendix C Sub-Advisers Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures |
C-1 |
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), consisting of multiple investment series, including the SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF (the Fund). The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on March 30, 2011. The offering of the Funds shares (Fund Shares) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the Adviser) serves as the investment adviser for the Fund. The Fund is sub-advised by a sub-adviser as further described herein (the Sub-Adviser). To the extent that a reference in this SAI refers to the Adviser, such reference should be read to refer to the Sub-Adviser where the context requires.
The Fund offers and issues Fund Shares at its net asset value (sometimes referred to herein as NAV) only in aggregations of a specified number of Fund Shares (each, a Creation Unit). The Fund generally offers and issues Fund Shares either in exchange for (i) a basket of securities (Deposit Securities) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (Cash Component) or (ii) a cash payment equal in value to the Deposit Securities (Deposit Cash) together with the Cash Component. The primary consideration accepted by the Fund ( i.e. , Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash) is set forth under Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units later in this SAI. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a cash in lieu amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security and reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash (subject to applicable legal requirements). The Fund Shares have been approved for listing and secondary trading on a national securities exchange (the Exchange). The Fund Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices. These prices may differ from the Fund Shares net asset values. The Fund Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and generally in exchange either for (i) portfolio securities and a specified cash payment or (ii) cash (subject to applicable legal requirements). A Creation Unit of the Fund consists of 50,000 Fund Shares.
Fund Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to a specified percentage of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities as set forth in the Participant Agreement (as defined below). See Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units. The Trust may impose a transaction fee for each creation or redemption. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. In addition to the fixed creation or redemption transaction fee, an additional transaction fee of up to three times the fixed creation or redemption transaction fee and/or an additional variable charge may apply.
The Fund may invest in the following types of investments, consistent with its investment strategies and objective. Please see the Prospectus for additional information regarding its principal investment strategies.
DIVERSIFICATION STATUS
The Fund is classified as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment company, as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuers outstanding voting securities would be held by the investment company.
CONCENTRATION
The Fund does not intend to concentrate its investments in any particular industry. The Fund looks to the Global Industry Classification Standard Level 3 (Industries) in making industry determinations.
The Trusts general policy is to exclude securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities when measuring industry concentration.
BONDS
The Fund may invest in bonds. A bond is an interest-bearing security issued by a company, governmental unit or, in some cases, a non-U.S. entity. The issuer of a bond has a contractual obligation to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the bonds face value) periodically or on a specified maturity date; provided, however, a zero coupon bond pays no interest to its holder during its life. The value of a zero coupon bond to a fund consists of the difference between such bonds face value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which may be an amount significantly less than its face value (sometimes referred to as a deep discount price).
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An issuer may have the right to redeem or call a bond before maturity, in which case the investor may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower market rates. Most bonds bear interest income at a coupon rate that is fixed for the life of the bond. The value of a fixed rate bond usually rises when market interest rates fall, and falls when market interest rates rise. Accordingly, a fixed rate bonds yield (income as a percent of the bonds current value) may differ from its coupon rate as its value rises or falls. Fixed rate bonds generally are also subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the value of the bond or income from the bond will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. This could mean that, as inflation increases, the real value of the assets of a fund holding fixed rate bonds can decline, as can the value of the funds distributions. Other types of bonds bear income at an interest rate that is adjusted periodically. Because of their adjustable interest rates, the value of floating-rate or variable-rate bonds fluctuates much less in response to market interest rate movements than the value of fixed rate bonds. The Fund may treat some of these bonds as having a shorter maturity for purposes of calculating the weighted average maturity of its investment portfolio. Bonds may be senior or subordinated obligations. Senior obligations generally have the first claim on a corporations earnings and assets and, in the event of liquidation, are paid before subordinated obligations. Bonds may be unsecured (backed only by the issuers general creditworthiness) or secured (also backed by specified collateral).
In addition, the Fund may invest in corporate bonds. The investment return of corporate bonds reflects interest on the bond and changes in the market value of the bond. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporations performance and perceptions of the corporation in the market place. There is a risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by such a security.
HIGH YIELD SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in high yield debt securities. Investment in high yield securities generally provides greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and credit risk. These high yield securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of debt securities that are high yield may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities. In addition, high yield securities are often issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged (indebted) firms, which are generally less able than more financially stable firms to make scheduled payments of interest and principal. The risks posed by securities issued under such circumstances are substantial.
Investing in high yield debt securities involves risks that are greater than the risks of investing in higher quality debt securities. These risks include: (i) changes in credit status, including weaker overall credit conditions of issuers and risks of default; (ii) industry, market and economic risk; and (iii) greater price variability and credit risks of certain high yield securities such as zero coupon and payment-in-kind securities. While these risks provide the opportunity for maximizing return over time, they may result in greater volatility of the value of the Fund than a fund that invests in higher-rated securities.
Furthermore, the value of high yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic, company or industry conditions than is the case for higher quality securities. The market values of certain of these lower-rated and unrated debt securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates, and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher-rated securities. Adverse market, credit or economic conditions could make it difficult at certain times to sell certain high yield securities held by the Fund.
The secondary market on which high yield securities are traded may be less liquid than the market for higher grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the price at which the Fund could sell a high yield security, and could adversely affect the daily net asset value per share of the Fund. When secondary markets for high yield securities are less liquid than the market for higher grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because there is less reliable, objective data available.
The use of credit ratings as a principal method of selecting high yield securities can involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield securities. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last rated.
SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS
The Fund may invest in sovereign debt. Sovereign debt obligations are issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their agencies. Sovereign debt may be in the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan participations. Governmental entities responsible for repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and pay interest when due, and may require renegotiation or reschedule of debt payments. In addition, prospects for repayment of principal and payment of interest may depend on political as well as economic factors. Although some sovereign debt, such as Brady Bonds, is collateralized by U.S. Government securities, repayment of principal and payment of interest is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
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VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate securities. Variable rate securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by entities such as (1) US Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies or authorities (3) corporations, (4) financial institutions, (5) insurance companies or (6) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals but less frequently than annually. A variable rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Variable rate obligations whose interest is readjusted no less frequently than annually will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate. The Fund may also purchase floating rate securities. A floating rate security provides for the automatic adjustment of its interest rate whenever a specified interest rate changes. 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 US 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 fixed rate floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed rate fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and fixed rate floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed rate fixed income securities.
U.S. REGISTERED SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
The Fund may purchase exchange-traded common stocks and exchange-traded preferred securities of foreign corporations, as well as U.S. registered, dollar-denominated bonds of foreign corporations, governments, agencies and supra-national entities. Investing in U.S. registered, dollar-denominated, securities issued by non-U.S. issuers involves some risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions of the flow of international capital. Foreign companies may be subject to less governmental regulation than U.S. issuers. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.
The Funds investments in common stock of foreign corporations may also be in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) (collectively Depositary Receipts). Depositary Receipts are receipts, typically issued by a bank or trust company, which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. For ADRs, the depository is typically a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a foreign issuer. For other Depositary Receipts, the depository may be a foreign or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a foreign or a U.S. issuer. Depositary Receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities market, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designated for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. The Fund may invest in sponsored or unsponsored ADRs; however, not more than 10% of the net assets of the Fund will be invested in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the ADRs.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Investments in foreign securities involve special risks and considerations. As foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. For example, foreign markets have different clearance and settlement procedures. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause it to miss certain investment opportunities. They may also entail certain other risks, such as the possibility of one or more of the following: imposition of dividend or interest withholding or confiscatory taxes, higher brokerage costs, thinner trading markets, currency blockages or transfer restrictions, expropriation, nationalization, military coups or other adverse political or economic developments; less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. Purchases of foreign securities are usually made in foreign currencies and, as a result, the Fund may incur currency conversion costs and may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. Further, it may be more difficult for the Funds agents to keep currently informed about corporate actions which may affect the prices of portfolio securities. Communications between the United States and foreign countries may be less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Certain markets may require payment for securities before delivery. The Funds ability and decisions to purchase and sell portfolio securities may be affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility of currencies and repatriation of assets.
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A number of current significant political, demographic and economic developments may affect investments in foreign securities and in securities of companies with operations overseas. Such developments include dramatic political changes in government and economic policies in several Eastern European countries and the republics composing the former Soviet Union, as well as the unification of the European Economic Community. The course of any one or more of these events and the effect on trade barriers, competition and markets for consumer goods and services are uncertain. Similar considerations are of concern with respect to developing countries. For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on foreign economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed countries. Management seeks to mitigate the risks associated with these considerations through diversification and active professional management.
FUTURES CONTRACTS, OPTIONS AND SWAP AGREEMENTS
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in derivatives, including exchange-traded futures on Treasuries or Eurodollars, U.S. exchange-traded or OTC put and call options contracts and exchange-traded or OTC swap agreements (including interest rate swaps, total return swaps, excess return swaps, and credit default swaps). The Fund will segregate cash and/or appropriate liquid assets if required to do so by SEC or Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulation or interpretation.
Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified commodity or security at a specified future time and at a specified price. Index futures contracts are settled daily with a payment by one party to the other of a cash amount based on the difference between the level of the index specified in the contract from one day to the next. Futures contracts are standardized as to maturity date and underlying instrument and are traded on futures exchanges.
A fund is required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or U.S. government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin deposits which may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of additional variation margin will be required. Conversely, change in the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. In such case, the Fund would expect to earn interest income on its margin deposits. Closing out an open futures position is done by taking an opposite position (buying a contract which has previously been sold or selling a contract previously purchased) in an identical contract to terminate the position. Brokerage commissions are incurred when a futures contract position is opened or closed.
The Fund may purchase and sell put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities and may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options on particular securities may be more volatile than the underlying securities, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying securities themselves.
Regulation under the Commodities Exchange Act. The Fund intends to use futures and options in accordance with Rule 4.5 of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool operator in accordance with Rule 4.5 so that the Fund is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA.
In connection with its management of the Fund, the Adviser has claimed an exemption from registration as a commodity trading advisor under the CEA and, therefore, is not subject to the registration and regulatory requirements of the CEA. Under the exemption from registration as a commodity pool operator provided under CFTC Rule 4.5, if the Fund uses futures, options on futures, or swaps other than for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums on these positions (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options that are in-the-money at the time of purchase are in-the-money) may not exceed 5% of the Funds net asset value, or alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of those positions may not exceed 100% of the Funds net asset value (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). Should the Fund not be able to rely on Rule 4.5, the Adviser will be required to register with the CFTC, with respect to the Fund, as a commodity pool operator. Registration by the Adviser as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund would subject the Fund to regulation by both the CFTC and SEC. The Fund reserves the right to engage in transactions involving futures and options thereon to the extent allowed by the CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with the Funds policies. The Fund would take steps to prevent its futures positions from leveraging its securities holdings. When it has a long futures position, it will maintain with its custodian bank assets substantially
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identical to those underlying the contract or cash and equivalents (or a combination of the foregoing) having a value equal to the net obligation of the Fund under the contract (less the value of any margin deposits in connection with the position). When it has a short futures position, it will maintain with its custodian bank assets substantially identical to those underlying the contract or cash and equivalents (or a combination of the foregoing) having a value equal to the net obligation of the Fund under the contract (less the value of any margin deposits in connection with the position).
Short Sales Against the Box. The Fund may engage in short sales against the box. In a short sale against the box, the Fund agrees to sell at a future date a security that it either contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire at no extra cost. If the price of the security has declined at the time the Fund is required to deliver the security, the Fund will benefit from the difference in the price. If the price of the security has increased, the Fund will be required to pay the difference.
Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into swap agreements, including interest rate, index and total return swap agreements. Swap agreements are contracts between parties in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to the other party based on the change in market value or level of a specified rate, index or asset. In return, the other party agrees to make payments to the first party based on the return of a different specified rate, index or asset. Swap agreements will usually be done on a net basis, i.e. , where the two parties make net payments with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Funds obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or equivalents having an aggregate value at least equal to the accrued excess is maintained by the Fund.
In the case of a credit default swap (CDS), the contract gives one party (the buyer) the right to recoup the economic value of a decline in the value of debt securities of the reference issuer if the credit event (a downgrade or default) occurs. This value is obtained by delivering a debt security of the reference issuer to the party in return for a previously agreed payment from the other party (frequently, the par value of the debt security). As the seller of a CDS contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, with respect to debt obligations. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
CDSs may require initial premium (discount) payments as well as periodic payments (receipts) related to the interest leg of the swap or to the default of a reference obligation. The Fund will segregate assets necessary to meet any accrued payment obligations when it is the buyer of a CDS. In cases where the Fund is a seller of a CDS, if the CDS is physically settled or cash settled, the Fund will be required to segregate the full notional amount of the CDS. Such segregation will not limit the Funds exposure to loss.
CDS agreements involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly since, in addition to general market risks, illiquidity risk associated with a particular issuer, and credit risk, each of which will be similar in either case, CDSs are subject to the risk of illiquidity within the CDS market on the whole, as well as counterparty risk. The Fund will enter into CDS agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Fund may take advantage of opportunities in the area of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, warrants, swaps and any other investments which are not presently contemplated for use by the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Funds investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Before entering into such transactions or making any such investment, the Fund will provide appropriate disclosure.
STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS
A structured investment is a security having a return tied to an underlying index or other security or asset class. Structured investments generally are individually negotiated agreements and may be traded over-the-counter. Structured investments are organized and operated to restructure the investment characteristics of the underlying security. This restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, on specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans) and the issuance by that entity or one or more classes of securities (structured securities) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because structured securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Investments in structured securities are generally of a class of structured securities that is either
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subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured securities. Structured securities are typically sold in private placement transactions, and there currently is no active trading market for structured securities. Investments in government and government-related and restructured debt instruments are subject to special risks, including the inability or unwillingness to repay principal and interest, requests to reschedule or restructure outstanding debt and requests to extend additional loan amounts. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in structured securities; although the Funds investments in structured securities and junior bank loans in the aggregate may not exceed 20% of its assets.
CREDIT-LINKED NOTES
The Fund may invest in credit-linked notes, which is a type of structured note. The difference between a credit default swap and a credit-linked note is that the seller of a credit-linked note receives the principal payment from the buyer at the time the contract is originated. Through the purchase of a credit-linked note, the buyer assumes the risk of the reference asset and funds this exposure through the purchase of the note. The buyer takes on the exposure to the seller to the full amount of the funding it has provided. The seller has hedged its risk on the reference asset without acquiring any additional credit exposure. The Fund has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the credit-linked note at an agreed-upon interest rate and a return of principal at the maturity date.
Credit-linked notes are subject to the credit risk of the corporate credits referenced by the note. If one of the underlying corporate credits defaults, the Fund may receive the security that has defaulted, and the Funds principal investment would be reduced by the difference between the original face value of the reference security and the current value of the defaulted security. Credit-linked notes are typically privately negotiated transactions between two or more parties. The Fund bears the risk that the issuer of the credit-linked note will default or become bankrupt. The Fund bears the risk of loss of its principal investment, and the periodic interest payments expected to be received for the duration of its investment in the credit-linked note.
HYBRID SECURITIES
The Fund may acquire hybrid securities. A hybrid security may be created by combining an income-producing debt security (income producing component) and the right to receive payment based on the change in the price of an equity security (equity component). The income-producing component is achieved by investing in non-convertible, income-producing securities such as bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments, which may be represented by derivative instruments. The equity component is achieved by investing in securities or instruments such as cash-settled warrants or options to receive a payment based on whether the price of a common stock surpasses a certain exercise price, or options on a stock index. A hybrid security comprises two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the market value of a hybrid security is derived from the values of its income-producing component and its equity component. A holder of a hybrid security faces the risk of a decline in the price of the security or the level of the index involved in the equity component, causing a decline in the value of the security or instrument, such as a call option or warrant, purchased to create the hybrid security. The equity component has risks typical to a purchased call option. Should the price of the stock fall below the exercise price and remain there throughout the exercise period, the entire amount paid for the call option or warrant would be lost. Because a hybrid security includes the income-producing component as well, the holder of a hybrid security also faces risks typical to all debt securities.
BANK LOANS
Bank loans include floating rate loans and institutionally traded floating rate debt obligations issued by asset-backed pools and other issues, and interests therein. Bank loan interests may be acquired from U.S. or foreign commercial banks, insurance companies, finance companies or other financial institutions that have made loans or are members of a lending syndicate or from other holders of loan interests. Bank loans typically pay interest at rates which are re-determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate (such as the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus a premium. Bank loans are typically of below investment grade quality. Bank loans generally (but not always) hold the most senior position in the capital structure of a borrower and are often secured with collateral.
The Fund may invest in both secured and unsecured bank loans. Holders claims under unsecured loans are subordinated to claims of creditors holding secured indebtedness and possibly other classes of creditors holding unsecured debt. Unsecured loans have a greater risk of default than secured loans, particularly during periods of deteriorating economic conditions. Also, since they do not afford the lender recourse to collateral, unsecured loans are subject to greater risk of nonpayment in the event of default than secured loans. Many such loans are relatively illiquid and may be difficult to value.
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Some bank loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the bank loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of the bank loans, including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such bank loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. If interest were required to be refunded, it could negatively affect Fund performance.
Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness or pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.
Investments in bank loans through a direct assignment of the financial institutions interest with respect to the bank loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a secured bank loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. When the Fund is a purchaser of an assignment, it succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender and becomes a lender under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender.
Bank loans may be structured to include both term loans, which are generally fully funded at the time of investment, and revolving credit facilities, which would require the Fund to make additional investments in the bank loans as required under the terms of the credit facility at the borrowers demand.
A financial institutions employment as agent bank may be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent. A successor agent bank would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the loan agreement would remain available to the holders of such indebtedness. However, if assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent banks general creditors, the Fund may incur certain costs and delays in realizing payments on a bank loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its portfolio in junior bank loans; although the Funds investments in structured securities and junior bank loans in the aggregate may not exceed 20% of its assets. Due to their lower place in the borrowers capital structure, junior bank loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior bank loans of the same borrower.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot ( i.e. , cash) or forward basis ( i.e. , by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that generally require a specific amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific date or range of dates in the future although the Fund may also enter into non-deliverable currency forward contracts (NDFs) that contractually require the netting of the parties liabilities. Forwards, including NDFs, can have substantial price volatility. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange. At the discretion of the Adviser, the Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes to help reduce the risks and volatility caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, or to gain exposure to certain currencies. When used for hedging purposes, they tend to limit any potential gain that may be realized if the value of the Funds foreign holdings increases because of currency fluctuations.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in convertible securities traded on an exchange or OTC. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.
Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their conversion value, which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks
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decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.
The Fund also may invest in contingent convertible bonds (CoCo bonds), which also are known as enhanced capital notes. CoCo bonds are hybrid debt securities that are intended to either convert into equity at a predetermined share price or have their principal written down or written off upon the occurrence of certain triggering events generally linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institutions continued viability as a going concern. CoCo Bonds are subject to the risks associated with bonds and equities and to the risks specific to convertible securities in general. In addition, CoCo Bonds are inherently risky because of the difficulty of predicting triggering events that would require the debt to convert to equity. Since CoCo Bonds are typically issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments in order to provide the appropriate regulatory capital, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of an issuer prior to a conversion, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCo Bonds against the issuer in respect of or arising under the terms of the CoCo Bonds will generally rank junior to the claims of all holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. Also, the value of CoCo Bonds will be influenced by many factors, including: the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in the issuers capital ratios; the supply and demand for the CoCo Bonds; general market conditions and available liquidity; and economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, the market it operates in or the financial markets in general. CoCo Bonds are a new form of instrument and the market and regulatory environment for these instruments is still evolving. As a result, it is uncertain how the overall market for CoCo Bonds would react to a trigger event or coupon suspension applicable to one issuer.
PERPETUAL BONDS
Perpetual bonds offer a fixed return with no maturity date. Because they never mature, perpetual bonds can be more volatile than other types of bonds that have a maturity date and may have heightened sensitivity to changes in interest rates. An issuer of perpetual bonds is responsible for coupon payments in perpetuity but does not have to redeem the securities. Perpetual bonds may be callable after a set period of time. It is possible that one or more perpetual bonds in which the Fund invests will be characterized as equity rather than debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Where such perpetual bonds are issued by non-U.S. issuers, they may be treated in turn as equity securities of a passive foreign investment company.
EQUITY SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in equity securities. Equity securities are securities that represent an ownership interest (or the right to acquire such an interest) in a company and include common and preferred stock. Common stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has priority over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take priority over holders of preferred stock, whose claims take priority over the claims of those who own common stock.
While offering greater potential for long-term growth, equity securities generally are more volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment, although under certain market conditions various fixed-income investments have comparable or greater price volatility. Therefore, the value of an investment in the Fund may at times decrease instead of increase. The Funds investments may include securities traded over-the-counter as well as those traded on a securities exchange. Some securities, particularly over-the-counter securities, may be more difficult to sell under some market conditions.
It also is possible that an issuer of bonds held by the Fund could enter into a bankruptcy or restructuring process whereby such issuers bonds are converted to equity securities.
COMMON STOCKS
The Fund may invest in common stocks. Risks inherent in investing in equity securities include the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the Funds portfolio securities and therefore a decrease in the value of Fund Shares). Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies; inflation and interest rates; economic expansion or contraction; and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.
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PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in preferred securities traded on an exchange or over-the-counter (OTC). Preferred securities pay fixed or adjustable rate dividends to investors, and have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of a companys assets. This means that a company must pay dividends on preferred stock before paying any dividends on its common stock. In order to be payable, distributions on preferred securities must be declared by the issuers board of directors. Income payments on typical preferred securities currently outstanding are cumulative, causing dividends and distributions to accrue even if not declared by the board of directors or otherwise made payable. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on the preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable.
The market value of preferred securities may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting companies in the utilities and financial services sectors, which are prominent issuers of preferred securities, and by actual and anticipated changes in tax laws.
Because the claim on an issuers earnings represented by preferred securities may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, the Funds holdings of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced and the Fund would be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund may lend securities to certain creditworthy borrowers in U.S. and non-U.S. markets in an amount not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the value of its total assets. The borrowers provide collateral that is marked to market daily in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned. The Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the securities loaned. The Fund receives the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned securities. The Fund cannot vote proxies for securities on loan, but may recall loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Funds economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Distributions received on loaned securities in lieu of dividend payments ( i.e., substitute payments) would not be considered qualified dividend income.
With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower will be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, the Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in certain short-term instruments either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or money market funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser.
The Fund may pay a portion of the interest or fees earned from securities lending to a borrower as described above, and to one or more securities lending agents approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) who administer the lending program for the Fund in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. In such capacity, the lending agent causes the delivery of loaned securities from the Fund to borrowers, arranges for the return of loaned securities to the Fund at the termination of a loan, requests deposit of collateral, monitors the daily value of the loaned securities and collateral, requests that borrowers add to the collateral when required by the loan agreements, and provides recordkeeping and accounting services necessary for the operation of the program. State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), an affiliate of the Trust, has been approved by the Board to serve as securities lending agent for the Fund and the Trust has entered into an agreement with State Street for such services. Among other matters, the Trust has agreed to indemnify State Street for certain liabilities. State Street has received an order of exemption from the SEC under Sections 17(a) and 12(d)(1) under the 1940 Act to serve as the lending agent for affiliated investment companies such as the Trust and to invest the cash collateral received from loan transactions to be invested in an affiliated cash collateral fund.
Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including operational risk ( i.e. , the risk of losses resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process especially so in certain international markets such as Taiwan), gap risk ( i.e. , the risk of a mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), risk of loss of collateral, credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. Although State Street has agreed to provide the Fund with indemnification in the event of a borrower default, the Fund is still exposed to the risk of losses in the event a borrower does not return the Funds securities as agreed. For example, delays in recovery of lent securities may cause the Fund to lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price.
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LEVERAGING
While the Fund does not anticipate doing so, the Fund may borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets. However, the Fund will not borrow money from a bank in an amount greater than 33 1/3% of the value of the Funds total assets. Borrowing for investment purposes is one form of leverage. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk, but also increases investment opportunity. Because substantially all of the Funds assets will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowings may be fixed, the NAV of the Fund will increase more when the Funds portfolio assets increase in value and decrease more when the Funds portfolio assets decrease in value than would otherwise be the case. Moreover, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the returns on the borrowed funds.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a financial instrument ( e.g. , a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a bankers acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next Business Day as defined below). A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by the Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.
In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by the Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Custodian until repurchased. No more than an aggregate of 15% of the Funds net assets will be invested in illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, the Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by the Fund not within the control of the Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which involve the sale of securities with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment and have the characteristics of borrowing. The securities purchased with the funds obtained from the agreement and securities collateralizing the agreement will have maturity dates no later than the repayment date. Generally the effect of such transactions is that the Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while in many cases the Fund is able to keep some of the interest income associated with those securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the Fund has an opportunity to earn a greater rate of interest on the cash derived from these transactions than the interest cost of obtaining the same amount of cash. Opportunities to realize earnings from the use of the proceeds equal to or greater than the interest required to be paid may not always be available and the Fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only when the Adviser or Sub-Adviser believes it will be advantageous to the Fund. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may exaggerate any interim increase or decrease in the value of the Funds assets. The Funds exposure to reverse repurchase agreements will be covered by securities having a value equal to or greater than such commitments. Under the 1940 Act, reverse repurchase agreements are considered borrowings. Although there is no percentage limit on Fund assets that can be used in connection with reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund does not expect to engage, under normal circumstances, in reverse repurchase agreements with respect to more than 10% of its total assets.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted Securities are securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, but which can be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Institutional markets for restricted securities have developed as a result of the promulgation of Rule 144A under the Securities Act, which provides a safe harbor from Securities Act registration requirements for qualifying sales to institutional investors. When Rule 144A restricted securities present an attractive investment opportunity and meet other selection criteria, the Fund may make such investments whether or not such securities are illiquid depending on the market that exists for the particular security. The Board has delegated the responsibility for determining the liquidity of Rule 144A restricted securities that the Fund may invest in to the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser may consider the following factors: the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace in which it trades ( e.g. , the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer).
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The Fund may invest in Regulation S securities. Regulation S securities are securities of U.S. and non U.S. issuers that are issued through private offerings without registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933. Regulation S securities may be less liquid than publicly traded securities and may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if they were publicly traded. Accordingly, Regulation S securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
The Fund may invest in commercial paper. Commercial paper consists of short-term, promissory notes issued by banks, corporations and other entities to finance short-term credit needs. These securities generally are discounted but sometimes may be interest bearing.
OTHER SHORT-TERM INSTRUMENTS
In addition to repurchase agreements, the Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, (including money market funds advised by the Adviser), cash and cash equivalents, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may include but are not limited to: (i) shares of money market funds (including those advised by the Adviser); (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (iii) negotiable certificates of deposit (CDs), bankers acceptances, fixed time deposits and other obligations of U.S. and foreign banks (including foreign branches) and similar institutions; (iv) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase Prime-1 by Moodys Investors Service (Moodys) or A-1 by Standard & Poors (S&P), or if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (v) non-convertible corporate debt securities ( e.g. , bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that satisfy the rating requirements set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; and (vi) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of the Adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by the Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or a forward-settled basis. Money market instruments also include shares of money market funds. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions.
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in U.S. Government obligations. U.S. Government obligations are a type of bond. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
One type of U.S. Government obligation, U.S. Treasury obligations, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years.
Other U.S. Government obligations are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government including, but not limited to, Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB), Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. Government provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will always do so, since the U.S. Government is not so obligated by law.
On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a federal takeover of Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, placing the two federal instrumentalities in conservatorship. Under the takeover, the U.S. Treasury agreed to acquire $1 billion of senior preferred stock of
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each instrumentality and obtained warrants for the purchase of common stock of each instrumentality (the Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement or Agreement). Under the Agreement, the U.S. Treasury pledged to provide up to $200 billion per instrumentality as needed, including the contribution of cash capital to the instrumentalities in the event their liabilities exceed their assets. This was intended to ensure that the instrumentalities maintain a positive net worth and meet their financial obligations, preventing mandatory triggering of receivership. On December 24, 2009, the U.S. Treasury announced that it was amending the Agreement to allow the $200 billion cap on the U.S. Treasurys funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in net worth over the next three years. As a result of this Agreement, the investments of holders, including the Fund, of mortgage-backed securities and other obligations issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are protected to the extent of such commitment.
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including affiliated funds and money market funds, subject to applicable limitations under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1), the Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the acquired company) provided that the Fund, immediately after such purchase or acquisition, does not own in the aggregate: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; (ii) securities issued by the acquired company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (iii) securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies (other than Treasury stock of the Fund) having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. To the extent allowed by law, regulation, the Funds investment restrictions and the Trusts exemptive relief, the Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies that are affiliated funds and/or money market funds in excess of the limits discussed above.
If the Fund invests in and, thus, is a shareholder of, another investment company, the Funds shareholders will indirectly bear the Funds proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by such other investment company, including advisory fees, in addition to both the management fees payable directly by the Fund to the Funds own investment adviser and the other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with the Funds own operations.
RATINGS
An investment-grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment-grade by Moodys, S&P, Fitch, Inc., Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited, or another credit rating agency designated as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization by the SEC, or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser (defined below).
Subsequent to purchase by the Fund, a rated security may cease to be rated or its investment grade rating may be reduced below an investment grade rating. Securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moodys or BB+ or lower by S&P or Fitch are below investment grade quality and are obligations of issuers that are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal according to the terms of the obligation and, therefore, carry greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy and increased market price volatility. Such securities (lower-rated securities) are commonly referred to as junk bonds and are subject to a substantial degree of credit risk. Lower-rated securities are often issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged (indebted) firms, which are generally less able than more financially stable firms to make scheduled payments of interest and principal. The risks posed by securities issued under such circumstances are substantial. Bonds rated below investment-grade tend to be less marketable than higher-quality bonds because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated bonds is even narrower. See HIGH YIELD SECURITIES above for more information relating to the risks associated with investing in lower rated securities.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
A discussion of the risks associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.
GENERAL
Investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of the Funds portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of securities generally and other factors.
An investment in the Fund should also be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the securities markets may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of Fund Shares).
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Securities are susceptible to general market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic and banking crises. Securities of issuers traded on exchanges may be suspended on certain exchanges by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by government authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and instruments that reference the securities, such as participatory notes (or P-notes) or other derivative instruments, may be halted.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the issuer, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Further, unlike debt securities which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stocks which typically have a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stocks have neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.
The principal trading market for some securities may be in the over-the-counter market. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of the Funds shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Funds portfolio securities are limited or absent or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract or option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a futures or options position. In the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. In such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts it has sold.
The Fund will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures or options contract by only entering into futures and options for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or uncovered call options in some strategies ( e.g., selling uncovered index futures contracts) is potentially unlimited. The risk of a futures position may still be large as traditionally measured due to the low margin deposits required. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. The Fund, however, may utilize futures and options contracts in a manner designed to limit its risk exposure to that which is comparable to what it would have incurred through direct investment in securities.
Utilization of futures transactions by the Fund involves the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in the futures contract or option.
Certain financial futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous days settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
RISKS OF SWAP AGREEMENTS
Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the swap counterparty will default on its obligations. If such a default occurs, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Funds rights as a creditor.
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The use of interest-rate and index swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. These transactions generally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal.
The absence of a regulated execution facility or contract market and lack of liquidity for swap transactions has led, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Funds counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Fund is not a member of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, the Fund 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 Fund than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, the Fund 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 Fund, 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 Fund is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which the Adviser or Sub-Adviser expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Funds behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund 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 Fund and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Fund than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.
These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict the Funds ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations are new and evolving, so their potential impact on the Fund and the financial system are not yet known.
Because they are two party contracts that may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid and subject to the Funds limitation on investments in illiquid securities. To the extent that a swap is not liquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Like most other investments, swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to the Funds interest.
If the Fund uses a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the Fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund investments. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
TAX RISKS
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Fund Shares will be taxed. The tax information in the Prospectus and this SAI is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund Shares.
Unless your investment in Fund Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-advantaged retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when the Fund makes distributions or you sell Fund Shares.
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
The method by which Creation Units of Shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of Shares are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, at any point a distribution, as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
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For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not underwriters but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to Shares of the Fund are reminded that under Securities Act Rule 153, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the Prospectus is available at the Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to the Fund. These restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund means the vote, at an annual or a special meeting of the security holders of the Trust, of the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Except with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, the Fund may not:
1. Purchase securities of an issuer that would cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
2. Concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as concentration is defined under the 1940 Act, the Rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time; 1
3. Make loans to another person except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;
4. Issue senior securities or borrow money except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;
5. Invest directly in real estate unless the real estate is acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not preclude the Fund from investing in companies that deal in real estate or in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate;
6. Act as an underwriter of another issuers securities, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the Funds purchase and sale of portfolio securities; or
7. Invest in commodities except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.
In addition to the investment restrictions adopted as fundamental policies as set forth above, the Fund observes the following restrictions, which may be changed by the Board without a shareholder vote. The Fund will not:
1. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control, provided that the Trust may vote the investment securities owned by the Fund in accordance with its views;
2. Hold illiquid assets in excess of 15% of its net assets. An illiquid asset is any asset which may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the investment; or
1 | The SEC Staff considers concentration to involve more than 25% of a funds assets to be invested in an industry or group of industries. |
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3. Under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in emerging market fixed income instruments or in derivatives or other instruments that provide investment exposure to emerging market fixed income instruments. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.
If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect to the borrowing of money and illiquid securities will be observed continuously. With respect to the limitation on borrowing, in the event that a subsequent change in net assets or other circumstances cause the Fund to exceed its limitation, the Fund will take steps to bring the aggregate amount of borrowing back within the limitations within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays). With respect to the limitation on illiquid securities, in the event that a subsequent change in net assets or other circumstances cause the Fund to exceed its limitation, the Fund will take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the limitations as soon as reasonably practicable.
The 1940 Act currently permits the Fund to loan up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. With respect to borrowing, the 1940 Act presently allows the Fund to: (1) borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, (2) borrow money for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Funds total assets at the time of the loan, and (3) enter into reverse repurchase agreements. However, under normal circumstances any borrowings by the Fund will not exceed 10% of the Funds total assets. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation. With respect to investments in commodities, the 1940 Act presently permits the Fund to invest in commodities in accordance with investment policies contained in its prospectus and SAI. Any such investment shall also comply with the Commodity Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment companys ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every investment company have the fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may purchase marketable securities issued by companies which own or invest in real estate (including REITs) and in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate.
A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Prospectus under PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION and ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Prospectus.
The Shares of the Fund are approved for listing and trading on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance. The Shares trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to some degree from their net asset value. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of Shares of the Fund will continue to be met.
The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the Shares of the Fund from listing if: (1) following the initial twelve-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial holders of the Shares for 30 or more consecutive trading days; (2) the value of the portfolio securities on which the Fund is based is no longer calculated or available; (3) the indicative optimized portfolio value (IOPV) of the Fund is no longer calculated or available; or (4) such other event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. In addition, the Exchange will remove the Shares from listing and trading upon termination of the Trust or the Fund.
The Trust reserves the right to adjust the Share price of the Fund in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund.
As in the case of other publicly traded securities, brokers commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
The base and trading currencies of the Fund is the U.S. dollar. The base currency is the currency in which the Funds net asset value per Share is calculated and the trading currency is the currency in which Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange.
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The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled MANAGEMENT.
Board Responsibilities. The management and affairs of the Trust and its series, including the Fund described in this SAI, are overseen by the Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described in this SAI, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.
Like most mutual funds, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Distributor, Administrator and Sub-Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trusts service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Fund. The Fund and its service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each service provider is responsible for one or more discrete aspects of the Trusts business (e.g., the Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds portfolio investments) and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Funds service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.
The Trustees role in risk oversight begins before the inception of the Fund, at which time the Funds Adviser and Sub-Adviser present the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies and risks of the Fund, as well as proposed investment limitations for the Fund. Additionally, the Funds Adviser and Sub-Adviser provide the Board with an overview of, among other things, their investment philosophies, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructures. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of the Adviser, Sub-Adviser and other service providers, such as the Funds independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which the Fund may be exposed.
The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis, in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, respectively, the Board meets with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the Advisers and Sub-Advisers adherence to the Funds investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about the Funds investments.
The Trusts Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues. At least annually, the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trusts policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.
The Board receives reports from the Funds service providers regarding operational risks and risks related to the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. Regular reports are made to the Board concerning investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of the Funds financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the Fund and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Funds internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund managements implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board also oversees the Trusts internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trusts financial reporting and the preparation of the Trusts financial statements.
From their review of these reports and discussions with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn in detail about the material risks of the Fund, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Funds goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the Funds investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the Funds Adviser, Sub-Adviser and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk
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management functions are carried out may differ from the Funds and each others in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Boards ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.
Trustees and Officers. There are six members of the Board of Trustees, five of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (Independent Trustees). Frank Nesvet, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Board made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the Independent Trustees constitute a super-majority (greater than 75%) of the Board, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an Independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds (and classes of shares) overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from fund management.
The Board of Trustees has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and Trustee Committee. The Audit Committee and Trustee Committee are each chaired by an Independent Trustee and composed of all of the Independent Trustees.
Set forth below are the names, year of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations during the last five years and other directorships held of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee or Officer of the Trust.
TRUSTEES
NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) WITH FUNDS |
TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE DURING THE PAST 5 YEARS |
|||||
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | ||||||||||
FRANK NESVET c/o SSGA Active Trust State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 1943 |
Independent Trustee, Chairman, Trustee Committee Chair |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Chief Executive Officer, Libra Group, Inc. (a financial services consulting company) (1998 present). |
218 |
SPDR Index Shares Funds (Trustee); SPDR Series Trust (Trustee); SSGA Master Trust (Trustee). |
|||||
DAVID M. KELLY c/o SSGA Active Trust State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 1938 |
Independent Trustee, Audit Committee Chair |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Retired. | 218 | Chicago Stock Exchange (Former Director, retired); Penson Worldwide Inc. (Former Director, retired); SPDR Index Shares Funds (Trustee); SPDR Series Trust (Trustee); SSGA Master Trust (Trustee). | |||||
BONNY EUGENIA BOATMAN c/o SSGA Active Trust State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 1950 |
Independent Trustee |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Retired. | 218 |
SPDR Index Shares Funds (Trustee); SPDR Series Trust (Trustee); SSGA Master Trust (Trustee). |
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NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) WITH FUNDS |
TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE DURING THE PAST 5 YEARS |
|||||
DWIGHT D. CHURCHILL c/o SSGA Active Trust State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 1953 |
Independent Trustee |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Self-employed consultant since 2010; CEO and President, CFA Institute (June 2014January 2015). |
218 | SPDR Index Shares Funds (Trustee); SPDR Series Trust (Trustee); SSGA Master Trust (Trustee); Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (Director). | |||||
CARL G. VERBONCOEUR c/o SSGA Active Trust State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2900 1952 |
Independent Trustee |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Self-employed consultant since 2009. |
218 | The Motley Fool Funds Trust (Trustee); SPDR Index Shares Funds (Trustee); SPDR Series Trust (Trustee); SSGA Master Trust (Trustee). | |||||
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | | | | | ||||||
JAMES E. ROSS* SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1965 |
Interested Trustee |
Term: Unlimited Served as Trustee: since March 2011 |
Chairman and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2005present); Senior Managing Director and Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2006present); President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (20052012). |
306 |
SPDR Index Shares Funds (Trustee); SPDR Series Trust (Trustee); SSGA Master Trust (Trustee); The Select Sector SPDR Trust (Trustee); State Street Master Funds (Trustee); and State Street Institutional Investment Trust (Trustee). |
* | Mr. Ross is an Interested Trustee because of his employment with the Adviser and ownership interest in an affiliate of the Adviser. |
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OFFICERS
NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) WITH FUNDS |
TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING THE PAST 5 YEARS |
|||
ELLEN M. NEEDHAM SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1967 |
President |
Term: Unlimited Served: since October 2012 |
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)*; 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 1966 |
Vice President; Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since August 2012; Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2016 |
Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2014-present); Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (March 2016-present); Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2005-March 2016).* | |||
MICHAEL P. RILEY SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1969 |
Vice President |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (February 2015-present); Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2008-February 2015); Principal, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2005-2008). | |||
JOSHUA A. WEINBERG SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1978 |
Chief Legal Officer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2015 |
Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Global Advisors (2011present); Clerk, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2013present); Associate, Financial Services Group, Dechert LLP (20062011). | |||
CHRISTOPHER A. MADDEN State Street Bank and Trust Company One Hundred Huntington Avenue, CPH0326 Boston, MA 02116 1967 |
Secretary |
Term: Unlimited Served: since August 2013 |
Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2013present); Counsel, Atlantic Fund Services (20092013); Vice President, Citigroup Fund Services, LLC (20052009).* | |||
PATRICIA A. MORISETTE State Street Bank and Trust Company One Hundred Huntington Avenue, CPH0326 Boston, MA 02116 1973 |
Assistant Secretary |
Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2015 |
Vice President and Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2014present); Assistant Vice President and Counsel, John Hancock Financial Services (20112013); Independent legal consultant (20092011); Associate, Bingham McCutchen LLP (20032009).*,** | |||
BRUCE S. ROSENBERG SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1961 |
Treasurer | Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2016 | Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2015present; Director, Credit Suisse (April 2008July 2015)). |
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NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR OF BIRTH |
POSITION(S) WITH FUNDS |
TERM OF OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING THE PAST 5 YEARS |
|||
CHAD C. HALLETT SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1969 |
Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2016 |
Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (November 2014-present); Vice President, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2001-November 2014).* | |||
SUJATA UPRETI SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1974 |
Assistant Treasurer | Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2016 | Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May 2015present; Assistant Director, Cambridge Associates, LLC (July 2014January 2015); Vice President, Bank of New York Mellon (July 2012-August 2013); Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (September 2003 July 2012)). | |||
DANIEL FOLEY SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1972 |
Assistant Treasurer | Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2016 | Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2014present; Principal, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2007April 2014)). | |||
BRIAN HARRIS SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1973 |
Chief Compliance Officer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since November 2013 |
Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (March 2016-present); Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2013- March 2016); Senior Vice President and Global Head of Investment Compliance, BofA Global Capital Management (2010-2013); Director of Compliance, AARP Financial Inc. (2008-2010). | |||
TREVOR SWANBERG SSGA Funds Management, Inc. State Street Financial Center One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 1979 |
Code of Ethics Compliance Officer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since August 2015 |
Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (January 2015-Present); Senior Manager Mutual Fund Compliance, ICMA-Retirement Corporation (December 2011- January 2015); Assistant Vice President, J.P. Morgan (September 2007-December 2011). |
* | Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during noted time period. |
** | Served in various capacities and/or with unaffiliated mutual funds or closed-end funds for which State Street Bank and Trust Company or its affiliates act as a provider of services during the noted time period. |
Individual Trustee Qualifications
The Board has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of his or her ability to review and understand information about the Fund provided to him or her by management, to identify and request other information he or she may deem relevant to the performance of his or her duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Fund, and to exercise his or her business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of the Funds shareholders. The Board has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on his or her own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.
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The Board has concluded that Mr. Nesvet should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained serving as the Chief Executive Officer of a financial services consulting company, serving on the boards of other investment companies, and serving as chief financial officer of a major financial services company; his knowledge of the financial services industry, and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since 2000.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Kelly should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, his previous directorship experience, and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since 2000.
The Board has concluded that Ms. Boatman should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as Managing Director of the primary investment division of one of the nations leading financial institutions, her knowledge of the financial services industry and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since April 2010.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Churchill should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the CFA Institute, serving as the Head of the Fixed Income Division of one of the nations leading mutual fund companies and provider of financial services, his knowledge of the financial services industry and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since April 2010.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Verboncoeur should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the Chief Executive Officer of a large financial services and investment management company, his knowledge of the financial services industry and his experience serving on the boards of other investment companies, including SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since April 2010.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Ross should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained in his various roles with the Adviser, his knowledge of the financial services industry, and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since 2005 (Mr. Ross did not serve as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds or SPDR Series Trust from December 2009 until April 2010).
In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Boards overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Fund.
REMUNERATION OF THE TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
No officer, director or employee of the Adviser, its parent or subsidiaries receives any compensation from the Trust for serving as an officer or Trustee of the Trust. The Trust, SSGA Master Trust, SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds (together with the Trust, the Trusts) pay, in the aggregate, each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $200,000 plus $10,000 per in-person meeting attended and $1,250 for each telephonic or video conference meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual fee of $50,000 and the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual fee of $20,000. Prior to July 1, 2015, each Independent Trustee received an annual fee of $185,000 plus $10,000 per in-person meeting attended and $1,250 for each telephonic or video conference meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board received an additional annual fee of $50,000 and the Chairman of the Audit Committee received an additional annual fee of $20,000. The Trust also reimburses each Independent Trustee for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him/her in connection with attending such meetings and in connection with attending industry seminars and meetings. Trustee fees are allocated between the Trusts and each of their respective series in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the relative net assets of the series.
The table below shows the compensation that the Independent Trustees received during the Trusts fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE |
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION FROM THE TRUST |
PENSION OR
RETIREMENT BENEFITS ACCRUED AS PART OF TRUST EXPENSES |
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL BENEFITS UPON RETIREMENT |
TOTAL
COMPENSATION FROM THE TRUST AND FUND COMPLEX PAID TO TRUSTEES(1) |
||||||||
Frank Nesvet |
$ | 3,702 | N/A | N/A | $ | 298,750 | ||||||
Bonny Boatman |
$ | 3,167 | N/A | N/A | $ | 247,500 | ||||||
Dwight Churchill |
$ | 3,128 | N/A | N/A | $ | 248,750 | ||||||
David M. Kelly |
$ | 3,378 | N/A | N/A | $ | 268,750 | ||||||
Carl Verboncoeur |
$ | 3,128 | N/A | N/A | $ | 248,750 |
(1) | The Fund Complex includes the Trust. |
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STANDING COMMITTEES
Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee consisting of all Independent Trustees. Mr. Kelly serves as Chairman. The Audit Committee meets with the Trusts independent auditors to review and approve the scope and results of their professional services; to review the procedures for evaluating the adequacy of the Trusts accounting controls; to consider the range of audit fees; and to make recommendations to the Board regarding the engagement of the Trusts independent auditors. The Audit Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.
Trustee Committee. The Board has established a Trustee Committee consisting of all Independent Trustees. Mr. Nesvet serves as Chairman. The responsibilities of the Trustee Committee are to: 1) nominate Independent Trustees; 2) review on a periodic basis the governance structures and procedures of the Fund; 3) review proposed resolutions and conflicts of interest that may arise in the business of the Fund and may have an impact on the investors of the Fund; 4) review matters that are referred to the Committee by the Chief Legal Officer or other counsel to the Trust; and 5) provide general oversight of the Fund on behalf of the investors of the Fund. The Trustee Committee does not have specific procedures in place with respect to the consideration of nominees recommended by security holders, but may consider such nominees in the event that one is recommended. The Trustee Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.
OWNERSHIP OF FUND SHARES
As of December 31, 2015, neither the Independent Trustees nor their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities in the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Principal Underwriter or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or Principal Underwriter.
The following table shows as of December 31, 2015, the amount of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Fund and the Trust:
Name of Trustee |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Trust |
Aggregate Dollar
Range of Equity Securities in All Funds Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies |
|||
Independent Trustees: |
||||||
Frank Nesvet |
None | None | None | |||
Bonny Eugenia Boatman |
None | None | None | |||
Dwight D. Churchill |
None | None | None | |||
David M. Kelly |
None | None | None | |||
Carl G. Verboncoeur |
None | None | $10,001 to $50,000 | |||
Interested Trustee: |
||||||
James E. Ross |
None | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust, Adviser (which includes applicable reporting personnel of the Distributor) and Sub-Adviser each have adopted a code of ethics as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Adviser, Sub-Adviser and Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which may also be held by persons subject to the codes of ethics). Each Code of Ethics permits personnel, subject to that Code of Ethics, to invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, subject to certain limitations, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.
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There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each code of ethics, filed as exhibits to this registration statement, may be examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C. or on the Internet at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
The Board believes that the voting of proxies on securities held by the Fund is an important element of the overall investment process. As such, the Board has delegated the responsibility to vote such proxies to the Sub-Adviser (defined below). The Advisers and Sub-Advisers proxy voting policies are attached at the end of this SAI. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available: (1) without charge by calling 1-866-787-2257; (2) on the Funds website at www.spdrs.com; and (3) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov .
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS POLICY
The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Trusts portfolio holdings. The Board must approve all material amendments to this policy. The Funds portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day the Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services including publicly accessible Internet web sites. In addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities to deliver in exchange for Fund Shares, together with estimates and actual cash components, is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC). The basket represents one Creation Unit of the Fund. The Trust, the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or State Street will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust, except information may be made available prior to its public availability: (i) to a party for a legitimate business purpose related to the day-to-day operations of the Fund, including (a) a service provider, (b) the stock exchanges upon which the Fund is listed, (c) the NSCC, (d) the Depository Trust Company, and (e) financial data/research companies such as Morningstar, Bloomberg L.P., and Reuters, or (ii) to any other party for a legitimate business or regulatory purpose, upon waiver or exception, with the consent of an applicable Trust officer.
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. acts as investment adviser to the Trust and, subject to the supervision of the Board, is responsible for the investment management of the Fund. As of December 31, 2015, the Adviser managed approximately $384.95 billion in assets. The Advisers principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. The Adviser, a Massachusetts corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. State Street Global Advisors (SSGA), consisting of the Adviser and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation, is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation.
The Adviser serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (Investment Advisory Agreement) between the Trust and the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement, with respect to the Fund, continues in effect for two years from its effective date, and thereafter is subject to annual approval by (1) the Board or (2) vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, provided that in either event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund is terminable without penalty, on 60 days notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds outstanding voting securities. The Investment Advisory Agreement is also terminable upon 90 days notice by the Adviser and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies of the Fund, manages the investment of the Funds assets. The Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the investment portfolio of the Fund. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from (a) willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties; (b) the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties; or (c) a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser performs certain oversight and supervisory functions with respect to DoubleLine Capital LP (DoubleLine) as sub-adviser to the Fund, including: (i) conduct periodic analysis and review of the performance by DoubleLine of its obligations to the Fund and provide periodic reports to the Board regarding such performance; (ii) review any changes to DoubleLine ownership, management, or personnel responsible for performing their obligations to the Fund and make appropriate reports to the Board; (iii) perform periodic due diligence meetings with representatives of DoubleLine; and (iv) assist the Board and management of the Trust, as applicable, concerning the initial approval, continued retention or replacement of DoubleLine as sub-adviser to the Fund.
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For the services provided to the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of the Funds average daily net assets as set forth in the Funds Prospectus. The Adviser pays all expenses of the Fund other than the management fee, distribution fees pursuant to the Distribution and Service Plan, if any, brokerage, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustees counsel fees), acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses, until October 31, 2017, so that the net annual fund operating expenses of the Fund will be limited to 0.65% of the Funds average daily net assets before application of any extraordinary expenses or acquired fund fees and expenses. The contractual fee waiver and/or reimbursement does not provide for the recoupment by the Adviser of any fees the Adviser previously waived. The Adviser may continue the waiver and/or reimbursement from year to year, but there is no guarantee that the Adviser will do so and after October 31, 2017, the waiver and/or reimbursement may be cancelled or modified at any time. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated during the relevant period except with the approval of the SSGA Active Trusts Board of Trustees.
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 Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not pay fees to the Adviser for the past three fiscal years.
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized to engage one or more sub-advisers for the performance of any of the services contemplated to be rendered by the Adviser. The Adviser has retained DoubleLine Capital LP (the Sub-Adviser) as sub-adviser, to be responsible for the day to day management of the Funds investments, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board while the Adviser will provide administrative, compliance and general management services to the Fund. The Sub-Adviser is located at 333 South Grand Avenue, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90071. As of March 31, 2016, the Sub-Adviser had approximately $94 billion of assets under management. A summary of the factors considered by the Board of Trustees in connection with the initial approval of the investment sub-advisory agreement for the Fund will be available in the Funds annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable, after the Fund commences operations.
In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a portion of the advisory fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser (after deducting the applicable operating expenses of the Fund); such fee will be reduced pro rata by the Adviser to the extent that the Adviser waives or reimburses fees payable to the Adviser under a contractual waiver or reimbursement with respect to the Fund. The Fund is not responsible for the fees paid to the Sub-Adviser.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Sub-Adviser manages the Fund using a team of investment professionals. The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund are Luz Padilla, Mark Christensen and Su Fei Koo.
The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each of the key professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management for the Fund and assets under management in those accounts. The total number of accounts and assets have been allocated to each respective manager. Therefore, some accounts and assets have been counted twice.
Other Accounts Managed as of March 31, 2016
Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Company Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions) |
Pooled Investment Vehicle Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions) |
Other Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions) |
Total Assets Managed (billions) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Luz Padilla* |
9 | $ | 7.78 | 0 | $ | 0 | 4 | $ | 1.72 | $ | 9.51 | |||||||||||||||||
Mark Christensen |
2 | $ | 0.94 | 0 | $ | 0 | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0.94 | |||||||||||||||||
Su Fei Koo |
2 | $ | 0.94 | 0 | $ | 0 | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0.94 |
* | Ms. Padilla manages 1 other account ($1.42 billion assets managed) with a performance fee. |
The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI and therefore the portfolio managers did not beneficially own any Fund Shares.
27
Portfolio Manager Compensation DoubleLine
The overall objective of the compensation program for portfolio managers is for the Sub-Adviser to attract competent and expert investment professionals and to retain them over the long-term. Compensation is comprised of several components which, in the aggregate are designed to achieve these objectives and to reward the portfolio managers for their contribution to the success of their clients and the Sub-Adviser. Portfolio managers are generally compensated through a combination of base salary, discretionary bonus and equity participation in the Sub-Adviser. Bonuses and equity generally represent most of the portfolio managers compensation. However, in some cases, portfolio managers may have a profit sharing interest in the net income related to the business unit for which the portfolio managers are responsible. Such profit sharing arrangements can comprise a significant portion of a portfolio managers overall compensation.
Salary. Salary is agreed to with managers at time of employment and is reviewed from time to time. It does not change significantly and often does not constitute a significant part of a portfolio managers compensation.
Discretionary Bonus/Guaranteed Minimums. Portfolio managers receive discretionary bonuses. However, in some cases, pursuant to contractual arrangements, some portfolio managers may be entitled to a mandatory minimum bonus if the sum of their salary and profit sharing does not reach certain levels.
Equity Incentives. Portfolio managers participate in equity incentives based on overall firm performance of the Sub-Adviser, through direct ownership interests in the Sub-Adviser or participation in stock option or stock appreciation plans of Sub-Adviser. These ownership interests or participation interests provide eligible portfolio managers the opportunity to participate in the financial performance of the Sub-Adviser as a whole. Participation is generally determined in the discretion of the Sub-Adviser, taking into account factors relevant to the portfolio managers contribution to the success of the Sub-Adviser.
Other Plans and Compensation Vehicles. Portfolio managers may elect to participate in the Sub-Advisers 401(k) plan, to which they may contribute a portion of their pre- and post-tax compensation to the plan for investment on a tax-deferred basis. The Sub-Adviser may also choose, from time to time to offer certain other compensation plans and vehicles, such as a deferred compensation plan, to portfolio managers.
Summary. As described above, an investment professionals total compensation is determined through a subjective process that evaluates numerous quantitative and qualitative factors, including the contribution made to the overall investment process. Not all factors apply to each investment professional and there is no particular weighting or formula for considering certain factors. Among the factors considered are: relative investment performance of portfolios (although there are no specific benchmarks or periods of time used in measuring performance); complexity of investment strategies; participation in the investment teams dialogue; contribution to business results and overall business strategy; success of marketing/business development efforts and client servicing; seniority/length of service with the firm; management and supervisory responsibilities; and fulfillment of the Sub-Advisers leadership criteria.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Sub-Adviser seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio managers management of both the Fund and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential conflicts.
From time to time, potential and actual conflicts of interest may arise between a portfolio managers management of the investments of the Fund, on the one hand, and the management of other accounts, on the other. Potential and actual conflicts of interest also may result because of the Sub-Advisers other business activities. Other accounts managed by a portfolio manager might have similar investment objectives or strategies as the Fund or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by the Fund. The other accounts might also have different investment objectives or strategies than the Fund.
Knowledge and Timing of Fund Trades . A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio managers management of the Fund. Because of their positions with the Fund, the portfolio managers know the size, timing and possible market impact of the Funds trades. It is theoretically possible that a portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts under management, and also theoretically possible that actions could be taken (or not taken) to the detriment of the Fund.
Investment Opportunities . A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio managers management of a number of accounts with varying investment guidelines. Often, an investment opportunity may be suitable for both the Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, but securities may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the Fund and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by the Fund and another account. The Sub-Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time.
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Under the Sub-Advisers allocation procedures, investment opportunities are allocated among various investment strategies based on individual account investment guidelines, the Sub-Advisers investment outlook, cash availability and a series of other factors. The Sub-Adviser has also adopted additional internal practices to complement the general trade allocation policy that are designed to address potential conflicts of interest due to the side-by-side management of the Fund and certain pooled investment vehicles, including investment opportunity allocation issues.
Conflicts potentially limiting the Funds investment opportunities may also arise when the Fund and other clients of the Sub-Adviser invest in, or even conduct research relating to, different parts of an issuers capital structure, such as when the Fund owns senior debt obligations of an issuer and other clients own junior tranches of the same issuer. In such circumstances, decisions over whether to trigger an event of default, over the terms of any workout, or how to exit an investment may result in conflicts of interest. In order to minimize such conflicts, a portfolio manager may avoid certain investment opportunities that would potentially give rise to conflicts with other clients of the Sub-Adviser or result in the Sub-Adviser receiving material, non-public information, or the Sub-Adviser may enact internal procedures designed to minimize such conflicts, which could have the effect of limiting the Funds investment opportunities. Additionally, if the Sub-Adviser acquires material non-public confidential information in connection with its business activities for other clients, a portfolio manager or other investment personnel may be restricted from purchasing securities or selling certain securities for the Fund or other clients. When making investment decisions where a conflict of interest may arise, the Sub-Adviser will endeavor to act in a fair and equitable manner between the Fund and other clients; however, in certain instances the resolution of the conflict may result in the Sub-Adviser acting on behalf of another client in a manner that may not be in the best interest, or may be opposed to the best interest, of the Fund.
Investors in the Fund may also be advisory clients of the Sub-Adviser or the Fund may invest in a product managed or sponsored or otherwise affiliated with the Sub-Adviser. Accordingly, the Sub-Adviser may in the course of its business provide advice to advisory clients whose interests may conflict with those of the Fund, may render advice to the Fund that provides a direct or indirect benefit to the Sub-Adviser or an affiliate of the Sub-Adviser or may manage or advise a product in which the Fund is invested in such a way that would not be beneficial to the Fund. The Sub-Adviser could also, for example, make decisions with respect to a structured product managed or sponsored by the Sub-Adviser in a manner that could have adverse effects on investors in the product, including, potentially, the Fund.
Broad and Wide-Ranging Activities . The portfolio managers, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates engage in a broad spectrum of activities. In the ordinary course of their business activities, the portfolio managers, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates may engage in activities where the interests of certain divisions of the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates or the interests of their clients may conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the Fund.
Possible Future Activities . The Sub-Adviser and its affiliates may expand the range of services that it provides over time. Except as provided herein, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates will not be restricted in the scope of its business or in the performance of any such services (whether now offered or undertaken in the future) even if such activities could give rise to conflicts of interest, and whether or not such conflicts are described herein. The Sub-Adviser and its affiliates have, and will continue to develop, relationships with a significant number of companies, financial sponsors and their senior managers, including relationships with clients who may hold or may have held investments similar to those intended to be made by the Fund. These clients may themselves represent appropriate investment opportunities for the Fund or may compete with the Fund for investment opportunities.
Performance Fees and Personal Investments . A portfolio manager may advise certain accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based entirely or partially on performance or in respect of which the portfolio manager may have made a significant personal investment. Such circumstances may create a conflict of interest for the portfolio manager in that the portfolio manager may have an incentive to allocate the investment opportunities that he or she believes might be the most profitable to such other accounts instead of allocating them to the Fund. The Sub-Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities between the Fund and performance fee based accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time.
THE ADMINISTRATOR, SUB-ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Administrator . SSGA FM serves as the administrator to each series of the Trust, pursuant to an Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the SSGA Administration Agreement). Pursuant to the SSGA Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and its series and will generally, subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the SSGA Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust.
29
Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent . State Street serves as the sub-administrator to each series of the Trust, pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the Sub-Administration Agreement). Under the Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street is obligated to provide certain sub-administrative services to the Trust and its series. State Street is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company, and is affiliated with the Adviser. State Streets mailing address is 100 Huntington Avenue, Tower 2, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02116.
State Street also serves as Custodian for the Trusts series pursuant to a custodian agreement (Custodian Agreement). As Custodian, State Street holds Fund assets, calculates the net asset value of the Fund Shares and calculates net income and realized capital gains or losses. State Street and the Trust will comply with the self-custodian provisions of Rule 17f-2 under the 1940 Act.
State Street also serves as Transfer Agent for each series of the Trust pursuant to a transfer agency agreement (Transfer Agency Agreement).
Make sure to include correct fee schedule disclosure in filing.
Compensation. As compensation for their services provided under the SSGA Administration Agreement, the Sub-Administration Agreement, the Custodian Agreement, and the Transfer Agency Agreement, State Street shall receive a fee for its services as follows:
Master Portfolios and Stand-alone Funds |
||
All non-Fund of Funds series of SSGA Master Trust and all Master Portfolio series and stand-alone series of SSGA Active Trust |
Fee for all aggregate services of 0.0125% of the monthly average net assets, less 0.001% of the monthly average net assets paid to the Administrator
If applicable, a fee of $25,000 per Master Portfolio per annum for Partnership Tax Services |
|
Fund of Fund Master Portfolios |
||
All Fund of Funds Master Portfolio series of SSGA Master Trust |
Fee for Administration/Sub-Administration services of $50,000 per Fund of Fund Master Portfolio per year
Fee for aggregate Custody and Transfer Agency services of $25,000 per Fund of Fund Master Portfolio per year |
|
Feeder Funds |
||
All series of SSGA Active Trust except Master Portfolio series and stand-alone series of SSGA Active Trust |
Fee for Administration/Sub-Administration services of $25,000 per Feeder Fund per year
Fee for aggregate Custody and Transfer Agency services of $12,000 per Feeder Fund per year |
In addition, State Street shall receive global safekeeping and transaction fees, which are calculated on a per-country basis, in-kind creation (purchase) and redemption transaction fees (as described below) and revenue on certain cash balances. State Street may be reimbursed by the series of the Trust for its out-of-pocket expenses. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser will pay certain operating expenses of the Trust, including the fees due to State Street under the Custodian Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
State Street Global Markets, LLC is the principal underwriter and Distributor of Shares. Its principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Investor information can be obtained by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Distributor has entered into a distribution agreement (Distribution Agreement) with the Trust pursuant to which it distributes Shares of the Fund. The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable annually thereafter. Shares will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in Creation Units, as described in the Prospectus and below under PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS. Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver the Prospectus to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Trust or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust. The Distributor may assist Authorized Participants (as defined below) in assembling shares to purchase Creation Units or upon redemption, for which it may receive commissions or other fees from such Authorized Participants. The Distributor also receives compensation from State Street for providing on-line creation and redemption functionality to Authorized Participants through its Fund Connect application.
The Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, may directly or indirectly make cash payments to certain broker-dealers for participating in activities that are designed to make registered representatives and other professionals more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as participation in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems. Payments to a broker-dealer or intermediary may create potential conflicts of interest between the broker-dealer or intermediary and its clients. These amounts, which may be significant, are paid by the Adviser and/or Distributor from their own resources and not from the assets of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, may also reimburse expenses or make payments from their own assets to other persons in consideration of services or other activities that they believe may benefit the SPDR business or facilitate investment in SPDR Funds. As of February 7, 2013, the Adviser and/or Distributor had arrangements to make payments, other than for the educational programs and marketing activities described above, only to Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab). Pursuant to the arrangement with Schwab, Schwab has agreed to promote certain SPDR Funds to Schwabs customers and not to charge certain of its customers any commissions when those customers purchase or sell shares of certain SPDR Funds.
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Plan (a Plan) pursuant to which payments of up to 0.25% may be made. No payments pursuant to the Plan will be made during the next twelve (12) months of operation. Under its terms, the Plan remains in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by vote of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees (Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreement related to the Plan). The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services provided by the Distributor without approval by the shareholders of the Fund to which the Plan applies, and all material amendments of the Plan also require Board approval (as described above). The Plan may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or, by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as such vote is defined in the 1940 Act). Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor will provide the Board with periodic reports of any amounts expended under the Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made.
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The Distribution Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, as to the Fund: (i) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, on at least 60 days written notice to the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days notice by the Distributor and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers (Soliciting Dealers) who will solicit purchases of Creation Unit aggregations of Fund Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Participating Parties (as defined in the Book Entry Only System section below) and/or DTC Participants (as defined below).
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Trust has agreed to indemnify the Distributor, and may indemnify Soliciting Dealers and Authorized Participants (as described below) entering into agreements with the Distributor, for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement or other agreement, as applicable.
The policy of the Trust regarding purchases and sales of securities for the Fund is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Trusts policy is to pay commissions which are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances. The Trust believes that a requirement always to seek the lowest possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and preclude the Fund and the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser from obtaining a high quality of brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser relies upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage and research services received from the broker effecting the transaction. Such determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, as in most cases an exact dollar value for those services is not ascertainable. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of the Funds Shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.
Adviser . In selecting a broker/dealer for each specific transaction, the Adviser chooses the broker/dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution and does not take the sales of Fund Shares into account. The Adviser considers the full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction that 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, underwriting and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending upon 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 will also use electronic crossing networks when appropriate.
The Adviser does not currently use the Funds assets for, or participate in, third party soft dollar arrangements, although the Adviser may receive proprietary research from various full service brokers, the cost of which is bundled with the cost of the brokers execution services. The Adviser does not pay up for the value of any such proprietary research. The Adviser may aggregate trades with clients of SSGA, whose commission dollars may be used to generate soft dollar credits for SSGA. Although the Advisers clients commissions are not used for third party soft dollars, the Advisers and SSGAs clients may benefit from the soft dollar products/services received by SSGA.
The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of the Trust for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of the Trust and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by the Adviser are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to all by the Adviser. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Trust is concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions will be beneficial to the Trust. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price.
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Sub-Adviser . The Sub-Adviser is responsible for the placement of the Funds portfolio transactions and, with respect thereto, the negotiation of prices, brokerage commissions, if any, and mark-ups and mark-downs or spreads on principal transactions. The Sub-Adviser may also purchase securities on behalf of Fund in underwritten offerings at fixed prices that include discounts to underwriters and/or concessions to dealers.
In placing a portfolio transaction, the Sub-Adviser seeks to achieve best execution. This means that, in selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, the Sub-Adviser seeks to select broker-dealers that will execute securities transactions in a manner such that the total cost or proceeds of each transaction is the most favorable under the circumstances. This does not mean, however, that portfolio transactions are always executed at the lowest available commission or spread, and the Sub-Adviser may effect transactions that cause the Fund to pay a commission or spread in excess of a commission or spread that another broker-dealer would have charged if the Sub-Adviser determines that, notwithstanding such commission or spread, such transaction is in the Funds best interest. In making this determination, the Sub-Adviser may take a variety of factors into consideration, including, without limitation, (i) execution quality in light of order size, difficulty of execution and other relevant factors; (ii) associated expenses and costs; (iii) the quality, reliability, responsiveness and value of the provided services, (iv) the operational compatibility between the broker-dealer and the Sub-Adviser; (v) the broker-dealers safety and soundness; and (vi) the provision of research and brokerage products and services. The provision of research and brokerage products and services is not typically considered in respect of transactions by the Fund when trading fixed income securities.
From time to time, the Sub-Adviser receives unsolicited research from various brokers, which may or may not be counterparties to trades placed on behalf of clients. While the Sub-Adviser may review and consider certain of the research received, the provision of unsolicited research does not factor into the Sub-Advisers broker selection process with respect to trading fixed-income securities. Research services include items such as reports on industries and companies, economic analyses, review of business conditions and portfolio strategy and various trading and quotation services. Such services also include advice from broker-dealers as to the value of securities, availability of securities, availability of buyers, and availability of sellers. These services also include recommendations as to purchase and sale of individual securities and timing of transactions.
Investment decisions for the Fund and for the other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Adviser are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular client involved (including the Fund). Some securities considered for investment by the Fund also may be appropriate for other clients served by the Sub-Adviser. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for certain clients even though it could have been bought or sold for other clients at the same time, including accounts in which the Sub-Adviser, its officers or employees may have a financial interest. If a purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund and one or more of these clients served by the Sub-Adviser is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the Fund and other clients pursuant to the Sub-Advisers trade allocation policy that is designed to ensure that all accounts, including the Fund, are treated fairly and equitably over time.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act , the Sub-Adviser may, on behalf of a client, pay a broker or dealer that provides brokerage and research services (as defined in the Exchange Act) to the Sub-Adviser an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio investment transaction in excess of the amount of commission that another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the Sub-Advisers overall responsibilities to the client and to other client accounts over which the Sub-Adviser exercises investment discretion. Such research services include proprietary research created internally by a broker or by a third-party provider (and made available to the Sub-Adviser by a broker) such as, for example, individual stock information and research, industry and sector analysis, trend analysis and forecasting, discussions with individual stock analysts, and meetings arranged with various sources of information regarding particular issuers, industries, governmental policies, specific information about local markets and applicable regulations, economic trends, and other matters. In addition, a broker may accumulate credits for the Sub-Advisers account and use them to purchase brokerage and research services at the Sub-Advisers discretion and based on the Sub-Advisers determination of the relative benefits of the various services available for purchase. These arrangements are commonly known as commission sharing arrangements. Accordingly, the Sub-Advisers clients may be deemed to be paying for research and these other services with soft or commission dollars. Research furnished by brokers or dealers or pursuant to credits accumulated at brokers or dealers through commission sharing arrangements may be used in servicing any or all of the Sub-Advisers clients and may be used for client accounts other than those that pay commissions to the broker or dealer providing the research. The Sub-Adviser also may receive soft dollar credits based on certain riskless principal securities transactions with brokerage firms. With respect to certain products and services used for both research/brokerage and non-research/brokerage purposes, the Sub-Adviser generally allocates the costs of such products and services between their research/brokerage and non-research/brokerage uses, and generally uses soft dollars to pay only for the portion allocated to research/brokerage uses. Examples of products and services used for non-research/brokerage purposes (and not paid for with soft dollars) include equipment and exchange data ( e.g., quotes, volume). Some of these services may be of value to the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates in advising various of their clients (including the Fund), although not all of these services are necessarily
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useful and of value in managing the Fund. The sub-advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates receive these services even though the Sub-Adviser might otherwise be required to purchase some of these services for cash. The Sub-Advisers authority to cause the Fund to pay any such greater commissions is also subject to such policies as the Trustees may adopt from time to time.
The Sub-Advisers relationships with brokerage firms that provide soft dollar services to the Sub-Adviser (including brokerage firms that participate in commission sharing arrangements) may influence the Sub-Advisers judgment and create conflicts of interest, both in allocating brokerage business between firms that provide soft dollar services and firms that do not, and in allocating the costs of mixed-use products between their research and non-research uses. When the Sub-Adviser uses client brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services, the Sub-Adviser receives a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for such research, products, or services. As such, the Sub-Adviser has an incentive to select or recommend a broker-dealer based on the Sub-Advisers interest in receiving the research or other products or services, rather than on the Sub-Advisers clients interest in receiving most favorable execution. Client trades executed through these brokers or any other brokerage firm may not be at the lowest price otherwise available. The Sub-Adviser maintains policies and procedures designed to address such conflicts of interest.
In an effort to achieve efficiencies in execution and reduce trading costs, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates may, but will not necessarily, aggregate securities transactions on behalf of a number of accounts, including accounts of the Fund, at the same time. In addition, the Sub-Adviser may execute securities transactions alongside or interspersed between aggregated orders when the Sub-Adviser believes that such execution will not interfere with its ability to execute in a manner believed to be most favorable to its clients as a whole. The Sub-Adviser may exclude trades for accounts that direct brokerage or that are managed in part for tax considerations from aggregate orders.
When executing aggregate orders, trades will be allocated among accounts using procedures that the Sub-Adviser considers to be reasonably designed to be non-preferential and fair and equitable over time. This may include making the allocation on a random or pro rata basis or based on such considerations as diversification requirements, duration, investment objectives, client contractual or regulatory investment guidelines and restrictions, existing or targeted account weightings in particular securities or sectors, lot size, account size, cash availability, amount of existing holdings (or substitutes) of the security in the accounts, investment time horizons and directed brokerage instructions, if applicable.
The Sub-Adviser shares allocations of public offerings and other desirable but limited opportunities to buy or sell securities in a manner that the Sub-Adviser considers reasonably designed to be non-preferential and fair and equitable over time, such that no account or group of accounts receives consistently favorable or unfavorable treatment. Generally, such allocations will be made after taking into account cash availability and need, suitability, investment objectives and guidelines and other factors deemed appropriate in making investment allocation decisions for each client. Shares obtained in initial public offerings will be allocated using these criteria unless the number of shares made available to the Adviser is de minimis , in which case the shares will be allocated among the eligible accounts based on the Sub-Advisers assessment of the circumstances.
In addition, and particularly with respect to fixed-income securities, if a small amount of an investment is allocated to the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser may allocate it disproportionately, taking into consideration lot size, existing or targeted account weightings in particular securities and/or sectors, account size, diversification requirements and investment objectives/restrictions.
The Fund will not deal with affiliates in principal transactions unless permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation.
The Fund had not commenced operations as of June 30, 2015 and therefore did not pay brokerage commissions during the past three fiscal years.
Securities of Regular Broker-Dealer. The Fund is required to identify any securities of its regular brokers and dealers (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. Regular brokers or dealers of the Trust are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (i) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Trusts portfolio transactions; (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Trust; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Trusts shares. The Fund is new and has not engaged in transactions prior to the date of this SAI.
Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses or transaction costs. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions and transaction costs is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions and transaction costs paid by other institutional investors for comparable services.
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The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION.
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) acts as securities depositary for the Shares. Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Except in the limited circumstance provided below, certificates will not be issued for Shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the DTC Participants) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the Indirect Participants).
Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as Beneficial Owners) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares of the Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through a third party service, shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through a third party service, shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant and/or third party service a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in Shares of the Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a street name, and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspects of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.
DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI and therefore did not have any beneficial owners that owned greater than 5% of the outstanding voting securities as of the date of this SAI.
An Authorized Participant (as defined below) may hold of record more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. From time to time, Authorized Participants may be a beneficial and/or legal owner of the Fund, may be affiliated with an index provider, may be
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deemed to have control of the Fund and/or may be able to affect the outcome of matters presented for a vote of the shareholders of the Fund. Authorized Participants may execute an irrevocable proxy granting the Distributor or another affiliate of State Street (the Agent) power to vote or abstain from voting such Authorized Participants beneficially or legally owned Shares of the Fund. In such cases, the Agent shall mirror vote (or abstain from voting) such Shares in the same proportion as all other beneficial owners of the Fund.
The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, own less than 1% of the Trusts voting securities as of the date of this SAI.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
The Fund issues and redeems its Fund Shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in a large specified number of Fund Shares called a Creation Unit, either principally in-kind for a designated portfolio of securities or in cash for the value of such securities. The value of the Fund is determined once each business day, as described under Determination of Net Asset Value. Creation Unit sizes are 50,000 Fund Shares per Creation Unit. The Creation Unit size for the Fund may change. Authorized Participants (as defined below) will be notified of such change. The principal consideration for creations and redemptions for the Fund is set forth in the table below:
FUND |
CREATION* | REDEMPTION* | ||
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF |
Cash | Cash |
* | May be revised at any time without notice. |
PURCHASE (CREATION). The Trust issues and sells Shares of the Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Principal Underwriter, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees), at their NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day (as defined below), in proper form pursuant to the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement (Participant Agreement). A Business Day with respect to the Fund is, generally, any day on which the NYSE is open for business.
FUND DEPOSIT. The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of the Fund generally consists of either (i) the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the Deposit Securities) per each Creation Unit and the Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below or (ii) the cash value of the Deposit Securities (Deposit Cash) and Cash Component, computed as described below. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for cash, the Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser.
Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component constitute the Fund Deposit, which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund. The Cash Component which may include a Dividend Equivalent Payment, is an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares (per Creation Unit) and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. The Dividend Equivalent Payment enables the Fund to make a complete distribution of dividends on the day preceding the next dividend payment date, and is an amount equal, on a per Creation Unit basis, to the dividends on all the portfolio securities of the Fund (Dividend Securities) with ex-dividend dates within the accumulation period for such distribution (the Accumulation Period), net of expenses and liabilities for such period, as if all of the Dividend Securities had been held by the Fund for the entire Accumulation Period. The Accumulation Period begins on the ex-dividend date for the Fund and ends on the day preceding the next ex-dividend date. If the Cash Component is a positive number ( i.e. , the net asset value per Creation Unit exceeds the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number ( i.e. , the net asset value per Creation Unit is less than the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined below).
The Custodian, through NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, immediately prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund. Such Fund Deposit is subject to any applicable adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, is made available.
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The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities or the amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, required for a Fund Deposit for the Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments, interest payments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. Information regarding the Fund Deposit necessary for the purchase of a Creation Unit is made available to Authorized Participants and other market participants seeking to transact in Creation Unit aggregations. The composition of the Deposit Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or composition of the component securities of the Funds Index.
As noted above, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Cash to replace any Deposit Security, which shall be added to the Cash Component, including, without limitation, in situations where the Deposit Security: (i) may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, (ii) may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC for corporate securities and municipal securities; (iii) may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined below) or the investor for which it is acting; (iv) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, or (v) in certain other situations (collectively, non-standard orders). The Trust also reserves the right to: permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit resulting from certain corporate actions.
PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASE OF CREATION UNITS. To be eligible to place orders with the Principal Underwriter, as facilitated via the Transfer Agent, to purchase a Creation Unit of the Fund, an entity must be (i) a Participating Party, i.e. , a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the Clearing Process), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM). In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an Authorized Participant) must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Principal Underwriter and the Transfer Agent, and that has been accepted by the Trust, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (described below) and any other applicable fees, taxes and additional variable charge.
All orders to purchase Shares directly from the Fund, including non-standard orders, must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement and/or the applicable order form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the Order Placement Date.
An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order ( e.g. , to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Shares directly from the Fund in Creation Units have to be placed by the investors broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants may have international capabilities.
On days when the Exchange or the bond markets close earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which the Funds investments are primarily traded is closed, the Fund will also generally not accept orders on such day(s). Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement and in accordance with the applicable order form. Those placing orders through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order by the cut-off time on such Business Day. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.
Fund Deposits must be delivered by an Authorized Participant through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S. government securities), or through DTC (for corporate securities and municipal securities), through a subcustody agent (for foreign securities) and/or through such other arrangements allowed by the Trust or its agents. With respect to foreign Deposit Securities, the Custodian shall cause the subcustodian of the Fund to maintain an account into which the Authorized Participant shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, such Deposit Securities. Foreign Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local subcustodian. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, to the account of the Fund or its agents by no later than the Settlement Date. The Settlement Date for the Fund is generally the third Business Day after the Order Placement Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash to be delivered, as applicable, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities or cash, as applicable, will be
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determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash represented by the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than the Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, are not received in a timely manner by the Settlement Date, the creation order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.
The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions), with the Custodian on the Settlement Date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. A creation request is considered to be in proper form if all procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, order form and this SAI are properly followed.
ISSUANCE OF A CREATION UNIT. Except as provided herein, Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities or payment of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian or subcustodians, the Principal Underwriter and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
In instances where the Trust accepts Deposit Securities for the purchase of a Creation Unit, the Creation Unit may be purchased in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) an additional amount of cash equal to a percentage of the market value as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the Additional Cash Deposit), which shall be maintained in a general non-interest bearing collateral account. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to the applicable percentage, as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. The Trust may use such Additional Cash Deposit to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Trust for all costs, expenses, dividends, income and taxes associated with missing Deposit Securities, including the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Principal Underwriter plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee as set forth below under Creation Transaction Fees will be charged in all cases and an additional variable charge may also be applied. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.
ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS OF CREATION UNITS. The Trust reserves the absolute right to reject an order for Creation Units transmitted in respect of the Fund at its discretion, including, without limitation, if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (c) the investor(s), upon obtaining the Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (d) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; (g) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; or (h) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Principal Underwriter, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The Trust or its agents shall communicate to the Authorized Participant its rejection of an order. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units.
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All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trusts determination shall be final and binding.
REDEMPTION. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their net asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Fund through the Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. EXCEPT UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE FUND, THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Investors must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
With respect to the Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available immediately prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the list of the names and share quantities of the Funds portfolio securities that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day (Fund Securities). Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities.
Redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit are paid either in-kind or in cash, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Trust. With respect to in-kind redemptions of the Fund, redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will consist of Fund Securities as announced by the Custodian on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the Cash Redemption Amount), less a fixed redemption transaction fee and any applicable additional variable charge as set forth below. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the Trusts discretion, an Authorized Participant may receive the corresponding cash value of the securities in lieu of the in-kind securities value representing one or more Fund Securities.
PROCEDURES FOR REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS. After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption received, the Trust will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to the Authorized Participant by the Settlement Date. With respect to in-kind redemptions of the Fund, the calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by the Custodian according to the procedures set forth under Determination of Net Asset Value, computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the Principal Underwriter by a DTC Participant by the specified time on the Order Placement Date, and the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are delivered to the Custodian prior to 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by the Custodian on such Order Placement Date. If the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are not delivered by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, the Fund will not release the underlying securities for delivery unless collateral is posted in such percentage amount of missing Shares as set forth in the Participant Agreement (marked to market daily).
With respect to in kind redemptions of the Fund, in connection with taking delivery of shares of Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, an Authorized Participant must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded (or such other arrangements as allowed by the Trust or its agents), to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within three Business Days of the trade date. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds may take longer than three business days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. The section below entitled Local Market Holiday Schedules identifies the instances where more than seven days would be needed to deliver redemption proceeds. Pursuant to an order of the SEC, in respect of the Fund, the Trust will make delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds within the number of days stated in the Local Market Holidays section to be the maximum number of days necessary to deliver redemption proceeds. If the Authorized Participant has not made appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdiction, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the Authorized Participant will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.
If it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities, the Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the redeeming investor will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Shares based on the NAV of Shares of the Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the Trusts brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). The Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities but does not differ in net asset value.
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An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that it (or its client) (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Shares to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) the Shares to be redeemed have not been loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement which would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion, but will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from the Fund in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.
Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a qualified institutional buyer, (QIB) as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Fund Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status in order to receive Fund Securities.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of the NAV of the Shares is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
REQUIRED EARLY ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as described in the Participant Agreement and the applicable order form, the Fund may require orders to be placed up to one or more Business Days prior to the trade date, as described in the Participant Agreement or the applicable order form, in order to receive the trade dates net asset value. Orders to purchase Shares of the Fund that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) that the equity markets in the relevant foreign market are closed will not be accepted. Authorized Participants may be notified that the cut-off time for an order may be earlier on a particular Business Day, as described in the Participant Agreement and the applicable order form.
COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS. The Fund must comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Securities and satisfying redemptions with Fund Securities, including that the Deposit Securities and Fund Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In accepting Deposit Securities and satisfying redemptions with Fund Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, the Fund will comply with the conditions of Rule 144A, including in satisfying redemptions with such Rule 144A eligible restricted Fund Securities.
CREATION AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES. A transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or redemption of Creation Units, as applicable. Authorized Participants will be required to pay a fixed creation transaction fee and/or a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, on a given day regardless of the number of Creation Units created or redeemed on that day. The Fund may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. An additional charge or a variable charge (discussed below) will be applied to certain creation and redemption transactions, including non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions. With respect to creation orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust and with respect to redemption orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may also be charged a fee for such services.
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Creation and Redemption Transaction Fees:
FUND |
TRANSACTION
FEE*,** |
MAXIMUM
TRANSACTION FEE*,** |
||||||
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF |
$ | 500 | $ | 2,000 |
* | From time to time, the Fund may waive all or a portion of its applicable transaction fee(s). An additional charge of up to three (3) times the standard transaction fee may be charged to the extent a transaction is outside of the clearing process. |
** | In addition to the transaction fees listed above, the Fund may charge an additional variable fee for creations and redemptions in cash to offset brokerage and impact expenses associated with the cash transaction. The variable transaction fee will be calculated based on historical transaction cost data and the Advisers view of current market conditions; however, the actual variable fee charged for a given transaction may be lower or higher than the trading expenses incurred by the Fund with respect to that transaction. |
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the sections in the Prospectus entitled PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION and ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION.
Net asset value per Share for the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund ( i.e. , the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining net asset value. The net asset value of the Fund is calculated by State Street and determined as of the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that such exchange is open. Fixed-income assets are generally valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments in a particular market or exchange. Creation/redemption order cut-off times may be earlier on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (or applicable exchange or market on which the Funds investments are traded) announces an early closing time. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at market rates on the date of valuation (generally as of 4:00 p.m. London time) as quoted by one or more sources.
In calculating the Funds net asset value per Share, the Funds investments are generally valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer), (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (iii) based on amortized cost. The Fund relies on a third-party service provider for assistance with the daily calculation of the Funds NAV. The third-party service provider, in turn, relies on other parties for certain pricing data and other inputs used in the calculation of the Funds NAV. Therefore, the Fund is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on its service provider and that service providers sources of pricing and other data. NAV calculation may be adversely affected by operational risks arising from factors such as errors or failures in systems and technology. Such errors or failures may result in inaccurately calculated NAVs, delays in the calculation of NAVs and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. The Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such funds published net asset value per share. The Adviser may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as approved by the Board from time to time. A price obtained from a pricing service based on such pricing services valuation matrix may be considered a market valuation.
In the event that current market valuations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, the Trusts procedures require an Oversight Committee to determine a securitys fair value. In determining such value the Oversight Committee may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii) a review of relevant financial indicators ( e.g. , movement in interest rates and market indices). In these cases, the Funds net asset value may reflect certain portfolio securities fair values rather than their market prices. The fair value of a portfolio instrument is generally the price which the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon its current sale in an orderly market between market participants. Ascertaining fair value requires a determination of the amount that an arms-length buyer, under the circumstances, would currently pay for the portfolio instrument. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Funds portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your Fund Shares.
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The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled DISTRIBUTIONS.
GENERAL POLICIES
Dividends from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid monthly by the Fund but may vary significantly from period to period. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make distributions on a more frequent basis for the Fund to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code), in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.
Dividends and other distributions on Fund Shares are distributed, as described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Fund Shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Trust.
Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve the Funds eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company (RIC) under the Internal Revenue Code or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes at the Fund level.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Broker dealers, at their own discretion, may offer a dividend reinvestment service under which Fund Shares are purchased in the secondary market at current market prices. Investors should consult their broker dealer for further information regarding any dividend reinvestment service offered by such broker dealer.
The following is a summary of certain federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that supplements the discussion in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning.
The following general discussion of certain federal income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
The following information should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION.
TAXATION OF THE FUND. The Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. The Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein and in the Prospectus. Losses in one series of the Trust do not offset gains in any other series of the Trust, and the requirements (other than certain organizational requirements) for qualifying RIC status are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level. The Fund has elected or will elect and intends to qualify each year to be treated as a separate RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, the Fund should not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it timely distributes such income and capital gains to its shareholders. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its taxable net investment income (generally including the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and 90% of its net tax exempt interest income, if any (the Distribution Requirement) and also must meet several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of the Funds gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the Qualifying Income Requirement); and (ii) at the end of each quarter of the Funds taxable year, its assets must be diversified so that (a) at least 50% of the market value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that it controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the Diversification Requirement).
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If the Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income Requirement or the Diversification Requirement in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the Diversification Requirement where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Diversification Requirement, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions were not available to the Fund and it were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions (including capital gains distributions) generally would be taxable as ordinary income dividends to its shareholders, subject to the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders. To requalify for treatment as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and to distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a Fund-level tax on certain net built-in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within ten years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund for treatment as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.
The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its capital gains for each taxable year. If the Fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some or all of its income or gains, it will be subject to federal income tax to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. The Fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their Fund Shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits. If the Fund failed to satisfy the Distribution Requirement for any taxable year, it would be taxed as a regular corporation, with consequences generally similar to those described in the preceding paragraph.
The Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount at least equal to 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the twelve months ended October 31 of such year, subject to an increase for any shortfall in the prior years distribution. The Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.
The Fund may elect to treat part or all of any qualified late year loss as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Funds taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such qualified late year loss as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A qualified late year loss generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as post-October losses) and certain other late-year losses.
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (net capital losses) are not permitted to be deducted against a RICs net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, the Fund may carry a net capital loss from any taxable year forward indefinitely to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to its shareholders. Generally, the Fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses.
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS - DISTRIBUTIONS. The Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), its net tax-exempt income, if any, and any net capital gain (net recognized long-term capital gains in excess of net recognized short-term capital losses, taking into account any capital loss carryforwards). The Fund will report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends paid from ordinary income, the amount of distributions of net capital gain, the portion of dividends which may qualify for the dividends-received deduction, if any, and the portion of dividends which may qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income, if any. Since the Funds income is derived primarily from sources that do not pay dividends, it is not expected that a substantial portion of dividends paid by the Fund will qualify either for the dividends-received deduction for corporations or for the reduced U.S. federal income tax rates available to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders on qualified dividend income.
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Distributions from the Funds net short-term capital gains will generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions from the Funds net capital gain will be taxable to shareholders at long-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long shareholders have held their Fund Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared.
If the Funds distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made in the taxable year may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce the shareholders cost basis and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the Fund Shares on which the distribution was received are sold. After a shareholders basis in the Fund Shares has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholders Fund Shares.
Distributions that are reinvested in additional Fund Shares through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if offered by your broker-dealer, will nevertheless be taxable dividends to the same extent as if such dividends had been received in cash.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a surviving spouse for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends, and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized on the sale of Fund Shares) are generally taken into account in computing a shareholders net investment income.
Distributions of ordinary income and capital gains may also be subject to foreign, state and local taxes depending on a shareholders circumstances.
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS SALE OF SHARES. In general, a sale of Fund Shares results in capital gain or loss, and for individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length of time the Fund Shares were held. A sale of Fund Shares held for a period of one year or less at the time of such sale will, for tax purposes, generally result in short-term capital gains or losses, and a sale of those held for more than one year will generally result in long-term capital gains or losses. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%.
Gain or loss on the sale of Fund Shares is measured by the difference between the amount received and the adjusted tax basis of the Fund Shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including Fund Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the tax basis of their Fund Shares.
A loss realized on a sale of Fund Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical Fund Shares are acquired (whether through the reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a sixty-one (61) day period beginning thirty (30) days before and ending thirty (30) days after the date that the Fund Shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the Fund Shares acquired must be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss upon the sale of Fund Shares held for six (6) months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains).
COST BASIS REPORTING. The cost basis of Fund Shares acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for the Fund Shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Fund Shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of Fund Shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your Fund Shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account.
TAXATION OF FUND INVESTMENTS. Dividends and interest received by the Fund on foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If the Fund meets certain requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of the Funds total assets at the close of its taxable year consist of certain foreign stocks or securities, then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) that may enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to certain foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to this election, the Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders. Each such shareholder would be required to include a proportionate share of those taxes in gross income as income received from a foreign
43
source and must treat the amount so included as if the shareholder had paid the foreign tax directly. The shareholder may then either deduct the taxes deemed paid by him or her in computing his or her taxable income or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating any foreign tax credit the shareholder may be entitled to use against such shareholders federal income tax. If the Fund makes this election, the Fund will report annually to its shareholders the respective amounts per share of the Funds income from sources within, and taxes paid to, foreign countries and U.S. possessions. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. If the Fund does not make this election, the Fund will be entitled to claim a deduction for certain foreign taxes incurred by the Fund.
Certain of the Funds investments may be subject to complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions, straddles, integrated transactions, foreign currency contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, and notional principal contracts) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund ( e.g. , may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio ( i.e. , treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the RIC distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions, intends to make appropriate tax elections, and intends to make appropriate entries in its books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and preserve the Funds qualification for treatment as a RIC.
The Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark to market and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from futures and options contracts on broad-based indexes required to be marked to market will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts, options contracts and swaps to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. It is anticipated that certain net gain realized from the closing out of futures or options contracts will be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Requirement.
Investments by the Fund in zero coupon or other discount securities will result in income to the Fund equal to a portion of the excess face value of the securities over their issue price (the original issue discount or OID) each year that the securities are held, even though the Fund may receive no cash interest payments or may receive cash interest payments that are less than the income recognized for tax purposes. In other circumstances, whether pursuant to the terms of a security or as a result of other factors outside the control of the Fund, the Fund may recognize income without receiving a commensurate amount of cash. Such income is included in determining the amount of income that the Fund must distribute to maintain its eligibility for treatment as a RIC and to avoid the payment of federal income tax, including the nondeductible 4% excise tax described above.
Any market discount recognized on a market discount bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value, or below adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount. Absent an election by the Fund to include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on the Funds disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount. Where the income required to be recognized as a result of the OID and/or market discount rules is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by the Fund, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to enable the Fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a RIC and eliminate taxes at the Fund level.
Special rules apply if the Fund holds inflation-indexed bonds, such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Generally, all stated interest on inflation-indexed bonds is taken into income by the Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest income. The amount of any positive inflation adjustment for a taxable year, which results from an increase in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, is treated as OID. The amount of the Funds OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will increase the Funds taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash, until the bond matures. As a result, the Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distribution requirements for the applicable year. The amount of any negative inflation adjustments, which result from a decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, first reduces the amount of interest (including stated interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise includable in the Funds taxable income with respect to the bond for the taxable year; any remaining negative adjustments will be either treated as ordinary loss or, in certain circumstances, carried forward to reduce the amount of interest income taken into account with respect to the bond in future taxable years.
If the Fund acquires any equity interest (under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, generally including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations (i) that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or (ii) where at least 50% of the corporations assets (computed based on average fair market value) either produce or are held for the
44
production of passive income (passive foreign investment companies or PFICs), the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and nondeductible interest charges on excess distributions received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. A qualified electing fund election or a mark to market election may be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections could require the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, as described above) without the concurrent receipt of cash. In order to satisfy the distribution requirements and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund. Gains from the sale of stock of PFICs may also be treated as ordinary income. In order for the Fund to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to a PFIC, the PFIC would have to agree to provide certain tax information to the Fund on an annual basis, which it might not agree to do. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in PFICs to limit its tax liability or maximize its returns from these investments.
TAX-EXEMPT SHAREHOLDERS. Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k) plans, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). Under current law, the Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, tax-exempt shareholders could realize UBTI by virtue of their investment in the Fund where, for example, Fund Shares constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholders within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisors. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding these issues.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS. Dividends, other than capital gains dividends, paid by the Fund to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% United States withholding tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gain or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United States. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax and the proper withholding form(s) to be submitted to the Fund. A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an appropriate IRS Form W-8 may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund distributions payable to such entities and, after December 31, 2018, redemptions and certain capital gain dividends payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as backup withholding) on amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is 28%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.
CREATION UNITS. An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchangers aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchangers basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing wash sales, or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.
Any gain or loss realized upon a creation of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the securities exchanged therefor as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Similarly, any gain or loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the Fund Shares comprising the Creation Units as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund Shares comprising the Creation
45
Units have been held for more than one year and, otherwise, will generally be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six (6) months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).
The Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in any deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial Fund Share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.
Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.
CERTAIN POTENTIAL TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. Under promulgated Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of the Funds shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to adverse tax consequences, including significant penalties. 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.
The foregoing discussion is a summary only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of Fund Shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in such Fund Shares, including under state, local and other tax laws. Finally, the foregoing discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, judicial authority and administrative interpretations in effect on the date hereof. Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions discussed above, and such changes often occur.
CAPITAL STOCK AND SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
The Fund issues Shares of beneficial interest, no par value. The Board may designate additional funds.
Each Share issued by the Trust has a pro rata interest in the assets of the corresponding series of the Trust. Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to the Fund, and in the net distributable assets of the Fund on liquidation.
Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all series of the Trust (Funds) vote together as a single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund it will be voted on only by that fund and if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other Funds, that fund will vote separately on such matter. Under Massachusetts law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy of the Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. All Shares of the Trust (regardless of the fund) have noncumulative voting rights for the election of Trustees. Under Massachusetts law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust, requires that Trust obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of the Trusts property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and the nature of the Funds assets and operations, the risk to shareholders of personal liability is believed to be remote.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Trust, c/o the Distributor, State Street Global Markets, LLC at State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
46
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004, serves as counsel to the Trust. Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Trust. Ernst & Young LLP performs annual audits of the Funds financial statements and provides other audit, tax and related services.
LOCAL MARKET HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
The Trust and SSGA Master Trust generally intend to effect deliveries of portfolio securities on a basis of T plus three business days ( i.e. , days on which the NYSE is open) in the relevant foreign market of the Fund or Portfolio. The ability of the Trust or SSGA Master Trust to effect in-kind redemptions within three business days of receipt of a redemption request is subject, among other things, to the condition that, within the time period from the date of the request to the date of delivery of the securities, there are no days that are local market holidays on the relevant business days. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the local market that are not holidays observed in the United States, the redemption settlement cycle may be extended by the number of such intervening local holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust or SSGA Master Trust from delivering securities within three business days.
The securities delivery cycles currently practicable for transferring portfolio securities to redeeming investors, coupled with local market holiday schedules, may require a delivery process longer than the standard settlement period. In certain circumstances during the calendar year, the settlement period may be greater than seven calendar days. Such periods are listed in the table below, as are instances where more than seven days will be needed to deliver redemption proceeds. Since certain holidays may occur on different dates in subsequent years, the number of days required to deliver redemption proceeds in any given year may exceed the maximum number of days listed in the table below. The proclamation of new holidays, the treatment by market participants of certain days as informal holidays ( e.g. , days on which no or limited securities transactions occur, as a result of substantially shortened trading hours), the elimination of existing holidays, or changes in local securities delivery practices, could affect the information set forth herein at some time in the future and longer (worse) redemption periods are possible.
Listed below are the dates in calendar year 2016 (the only year for which holidays are known at the time of this SAI filing) in which the regular holidays in non-U.S. markets may impact Fund settlement. This list is based on information available to the Fund. The list may not be accurate or complete and is subject to change:
Angola |
Argentina |
Australia |
Austria |
Azerbaijan |
||||
January 1 |
January 1 |
January 1, 26 |
January 1, 6 |
January 1-2, 4, 20 |
||||
January 25 |
February 8-9 |
March 7, 8, 14, 25, 28 |
March 25, 28 |
March 8, 20-25 |
||||
February 4 |
March 24-25 |
April 12, 25 |
May 5, 16, 26 |
|||||
February 9 |
May 25 |
May 2, 16 |
August 15 |
|||||
March 8 |
June 20 |
June 6, 13-14 |
October 26 |
|||||
March 25 |
August 15 |
August 1 |
November 1 |
|||||
April 4 |
October 10 |
September 26 |
December 8, 26, 30 |
|||||
November 28 |
October 3 |
|||||||
December 8, 30 |
November 1-2 |
|||||||
December 23, 26-28, 30 |
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48
Gabon |
Germany |
Ghana |
Greece |
Guernsey |
||||
January 1 | January 1, 6 | January 1 | January 1, 6 | January 1 | ||||
March 28 | February 8 | March 7, 25, 28 | February 8 | March 25, 28 | ||||
April 17 | March 25, 28 | May 2, 25 | March 14, 25, 28 | May 2, 9, 30 | ||||
May 5, 16, 26 | July 1, 6 | April 29 | August 29 | |||||
August 15 | September 12, 21 | May 2, 16 | December 23, 26-27, 30 | |||||
October 3 | December 2, 26-27 | June 20 | ||||||
November 1 | August 15 | |||||||
December 26, 30 | October 28 | |||||||
December 26 | ||||||||
Hong Kong |
Hungary |
Iceland |
India |
Indonesia |
||||
January 1 | January 1 | January 1, 4 | January 1, 26 | January 1 | ||||
February 8-10 | March 14-15, 25, 28 | March 24, 25, 28 | March 7, 23, 25 | February 8 | ||||
March 25, 28 | May 16 | April 21 | April 1, 8, 14-15, 19 | March 9, 25 | ||||
April 4 | October 31 | May 5, 16 | May 21 | April 8 | ||||
May 2 | November 1, 26 | June 17 | June 30 | May 5-6 | ||||
June 9 | December 30 | August 1 | July 1, 6-7 | July 4-8 | ||||
July 1 | December 26 | August 15, 17, 19, 22 | August 17 | |||||
September 16 | September 5, 12-13, 30 | September 12-13 | ||||||
October 19 | October 11-12, 31 | October 3 | ||||||
December 26-27 | November 1, 14 | December 12, 26, 30 | ||||||
December 12-13 | ||||||||
Iran* |
Iraq |
Ireland |
Israel* |
Italy |
||||
March 20-23 April 2 May 22 June 4-5, 26 July 6 September 12, 20 October 10-11 November 28 December 12 |
January 1, 6 March 5, 21 April 9 |
January 1 March 17, 25, 28 May 2 June 6 August 1 October 31 December 23, 26-28, 30 |
March 24 April 25-29 May 11-13 June 12 August 14 October 2-4, 11-12, 16-20, 23-24 December 25 |
January 1, 6 March 25, 28 April 25 June 2, 9 August 15 November 1 December 8, 26 |
||||
* Market closed every Thursday and Friday |
* Market closed every Friday |
|||||||
Jamaica |
Japan |
Jordan |
Kazakhstan |
Kenya |
||||
January 1 | January 1, 11 | May 1, 5, 25 | January 1, 4, 7 | January 1 | ||||
February 10 | February 11 | July 4-7, 10 | March 8, 21-23 | March 25, 28 | ||||
March 25, 28 | March 21 | September 11-15 | May 2, 9 | May 2 | ||||
May 23 | April 29 | October 2 | July 6 | June 1 | ||||
August 1 | May 3-5 | November 14 | August 30 | July 6, 7 | ||||
October 17 | July 18 | December 12, 25, 29 | September 12 | October 10, 20 | ||||
December 26, 27 | August 11 | December 1, 16, 19 | December 12, 26-27 | |||||
September 19, 22 | ||||||||
October 10 | ||||||||
November 23 | ||||||||
December 23 |
49
Kuwait* |
Latvia |
Lebanon |
Lithuania |
Luxembourg |
||||
January 3 February 25, 28 May 5 July 5-7 September 8, 11-14 October 2, 6, 12 December 12, 15, 29
* Market closed every Friday |
January 1 | January 1, 6 | January 1 | January 1 | ||||
March 25, 28 | February 9 | February 15-16 | March 25, 28 | |||||
May 2, 4-5 | March 25, 28 | March 11, 25, 28-29 | May 5, 16 | |||||
July 23-24 | April 29 | May 2, 5 | June 23 | |||||
November 18 | May 2, 25 | June 24 | August 15 | |||||
December 26 | July 6-7 | July 6 | November 1 | |||||
August 15 | August 15 | December 26 | ||||||
September 12-13 | October 31 | |||||||
October 11 | November 1 | |||||||
November 12 | December 27 | |||||||
December 12 | ||||||||
Malaysia |
Malta |
Mauritius |
Mexico |
Mongolia |
||||
January 1 | January 1 | January 1 | January 1 | January 1 | ||||
February 1, 8-9 | February 10 | February 1, 8 | February 1 | February 8-11 | ||||
May 2, 23, 30-31 | March 25, 28, 31 | March 7 | March 21, 24-25 | March 8 | ||||
June 4 | June 7, 29 | April 8 | September 16 | |||||
July 6-8 | August 15 | July 6 | November 2, 21 | |||||
August 31 | September 8, 21 | August 15 | December 12 | |||||
September 12, 16 | December 8, 13, 26 | September 5-6 | ||||||
October 3, 31 | October 31 | |||||||
December 12, 26 | November 2 | |||||||
Morocco |
Namibia |
The Netherlands |
The Netherlands Antilles |
New Zealand |
||||
January 1, 11 | January 1 | January 1 | January 1 | January 1, 4, 25 | ||||
July 6-7 | March 21, 25, 28 | March 25, 28 | February 8 | February 1 | ||||
September 12-14 | April 27 | April 27 | March 25, 28 | March 24-25, 28 | ||||
October 3 | May 2, 4-5, 12, 16 | May 5, 12, 16 | May 5 | May 5 | ||||
November 18 | December 16, 26 | December 26 | October 21 | October 21 | ||||
December 12-13 | December 26 | December 26 | ||||||
Nigeria |
Norway |
Oman* |
Pakistan |
Panama |
||||
January 1 March 25, 28 May 2, 30 July 6-7 September 12-13 October 3 December 12, 26-27 |
January 1 March 23-25, 28 May 5, 16-17 December 26 |
May 7 July 6, 7, 9 September 11-14 October 2 November 19 December 12
* Market closed every Friday |
January 1 February 5 March 23 June 6-7, 24 July 1, 6-9 September 12-15 October 11-12 November 9 December 12-13 |
January 1 February 8-10 March 24-25 May 2 August 15 November 3-4, 10 December 8, 26 |
||||
Papua |
Paraguay |
Peru |
The Philippines |
Poland |
||||
January 1 | January 1 | January 1 | January 1 | January 1, 6 | ||||
March 25, 28 | March 1, 23-25 | March 24-25 | February 8, 25 | March 25, 28 | ||||
April 25 | May 1 | June 29 | March 24-25 | May 3, 26 | ||||
June 13 | June 4 | July 28-29 | May 9 | August 15 | ||||
September 16 | November 11 | August 30 | July 6-7 | November 1, 11 | ||||
December 26-27 | December 24-25,31 | November 1 | August 26, 29 | December 26 | ||||
December 8 | September 12 | |||||||
November 1-2, 30 | ||||||||
December 30 |
50
51
52
Redemptions. The longest redemption cycle for the Fund is a function of the longest redemption cycle among the countries and regions whose securities comprise the Fund. In the calendar year 2016 (the only year for which holidays are known at the time of this SAI filing), the dates of regular holidays affecting the following securities markets present the worst-case redemption cycles* for the Fund as follows:
2016
Country |
Trade
Date |
Settlement
Date |
Number of
Days to Settle |
|||
Australia |
12/23/15 | 01/04/16 | 12 | |||
12/20/16 | 12/29/16 | 9 | ||||
12/21/16 | 01/02/17 | 12 | ||||
12/22/16 | 01/03/17 | 12 | ||||
Bahrain |
09/07/16 | 09/15/16 | 8 | |||
09/08/16 | 09/18/16 | 10 | ||||
Bangladesh |
06/30/16 | 07/10/16 | 10 | |||
09/06/16 | 09/15/16 | 9 | ||||
09/07/16 | 09/18/16 | 11 | ||||
09/08/16 | 09/19/16 | 11 | ||||
China |
02/03/16 | 02/17/16 | 14 | |||
02/04/16 | 02/18/16 | 14 | ||||
02/05/16 | 02/19/16 | 14 | ||||
04/27/16 | 05/09/16 | 12 | ||||
04/28/16 | 05/10/16 | 12 | ||||
04/29/16 | 05/11/16 | 12 | ||||
09/28/16 | 10/11/16 | 13 | ||||
09/29/16 | 10/12/16 | 13 | ||||
09/30/16 | 10/13/16 | 13 | ||||
Colombia |
03/18/16 | 03/28/16 | 10 | |||
Costa Rica |
12/21/16 | 01/02/17 | 12 | |||
12/22/16 | 01/03/17 | 12 | ||||
12/23/16 | 01/04/17 | 12 | ||||
Indonesia |
06/29/16 | 07/11/16 | 12 | |||
06/30/16 | 07/12/16 | 12 | ||||
07/01/16 | 07/13/16 | 12 | ||||
Ireland |
12/21/16 | 12/29/16 | 8 | |||
12/22/16 | 01/02/17 | 11 | ||||
Israel |
04/20/16 | 05/01/16 | 11 | |||
04/21/16 | 05/02/16 | 11 | ||||
10/10/16 | 10/25/16 | 15 | ||||
10/13/16 | 10/26/16 | 13 | ||||
Japan |
04/27/16 | 05/06/16 | 9 | |||
04/28/16 | 05/09/16 | 11 | ||||
05/02/16 | 05/10/16 | 8 | ||||
Jordan |
06/30/16 | 07/11/16 | 11 | |||
07/03/16 | 07/12/16 | 9 | ||||
09/08/16 | 09/18/16 | 10 | ||||
09/11/16 | 09/19/16 | 8 | ||||
Kuwait |
09/06/16 | 09/15/16 | 9 | |||
09/07/16 | 09/18/16 | 11 | ||||
Malaysia |
07/01/16 | 07/11/16 | 10 | |||
07/04/16 | 07/12/16 | 8 | ||||
07/05/16 | 07/13/16 | 8 |
53
Mexico |
03/18/16 | 03/28/16 | 10 | |||
Morocco |
09/07/16 | 09/15/16 | 8 | |||
09/08/16 | 09/16/16 | 8 | ||||
09/09/16 | 09/19/16 | 10 | ||||
Namibia |
12/23/15 | 01/04/16 | 12 | |||
12/24/15 | 01/05/16 | 12 | ||||
12/28/15 | 01/06/16 | 9 | ||||
12/29/15 | 01/07/16 | 9 | ||||
12/30/15 | 01/08/16 | 9 | ||||
03/14/16 | 03/22/16 | 8 | ||||
03/15/16 | 03/23/16 | 8 | ||||
03/16/16 | 03/24/16 | 8 | ||||
03/17/16 | 03/29/16 | 12 | ||||
03/18/16 | 03/30/16 | 12 | ||||
03/22/16 | 03/31/16 | 9 | ||||
03/23/16 | 04/01/16 | 9 | ||||
03/24/16 | 04/04/16 | 11 | ||||
04/20/16 | 04/28/16 | 8 | ||||
04/21/16 | 04/29/16 | 8 | ||||
04/22/16 | 05/03/16 | 11 | ||||
04/25/16 | 05/06/16 | 11 | ||||
04/26/16 | 05/09/16 | 13 | ||||
04/28/16 | 05/10/16 | 12 | ||||
04/29/16 | 05/11/16 | 12 | ||||
05/03/16 | 05/12/16 | 9 | ||||
05/18/16 | 05/26/16 | 8 | ||||
05/19/16 | 05/27/16 | 8 | ||||
05/20/16 | 05/30/16 | 10 | ||||
05/23/16 | 05/31/16 | 8 | ||||
05/24/16 | 06/01/16 | 8 | ||||
06/09/16 | 06/17/16 | 8 | ||||
06/10/16 | 06/20/16 | 10 | ||||
06/13/16 | 06/21/16 | 8 | ||||
06/14/16 | 06/22/16 | 8 | ||||
06/15/16 | 06/23/16 | 8 | ||||
08/02/16 | 08/10/16 | 8 | ||||
08/03/16 | 08/11/16 | 8 | ||||
08/04/16 | 08/12/16 | 8 | ||||
08/05/16 | 08/15/16 | 10 | ||||
08/08/16 | 08/16/16 | 8 | ||||
08/19/16 | 08/29/16 | 10 | ||||
08/22/16 | 08/30/16 | 8 | ||||
08/23/16 | 08/31/16 | 8 | ||||
08/24/16 | 09/01/16 | 8 | ||||
08/25/16 | 09/02/16 | 8 | ||||
12/09/16 | 12/19/16 | 10 | ||||
12/12/16 | 12/20/16 | 8 | ||||
12/13/16 | 12/21/16 | 8 | ||||
12/14/16 | 12/22/16 | 8 | ||||
12/15/16 | 12/23/16 | 8 | ||||
12/19/16 | 12/27/16 | 8 | ||||
12/20/16 | 12/28/16 | 8 | ||||
12/21/16 | 12/29/16 | 8 | ||||
12/22/16 | 12/30/16 | 8 | ||||
12/23/16 | 01/02/17 | 10 |
54
New Zealand |
03/21/16 | 03/29/16 | 8 | |||
03/22/16 | 03/30/16 | 8 | ||||
03/23/16 | 03/31/16 | 8 | ||||
12/20/16 | 12/28/16 | 8 | ||||
12/21/16 | 12/29/16 | 8 | ||||
12/22/16 | 01/02/17 | 11 | ||||
Norway |
03/21/16 | 03/29/16 | 8 | |||
03/22/16 | 03/30/16 | 8 | ||||
Oman |
09/06/16 | 09/15/16 | 9 | |||
09/07/16 | 09/18/16 | 11 | ||||
09/08/16 | 09/19/16 | 11 | ||||
Pakistan |
09/08/16 | 09/16/16 | 8 | |||
09/09/16 | 09/19/16 | 10 | ||||
Philippines |
12/23/15 | 01/04/16 | 12 | |||
12/28/15 | 01/05/16 | 8 | ||||
12/29/15 | 01/06/16 | 8 | ||||
Qatar |
09/06/16 | 09/18/16 | 12 | |||
09/07/16 | 09/19/16 | 12 | ||||
09/08/16 | 09/20/16 | 12 | ||||
Saudi Arabia |
06/30/16 | 07/10/16 | 10 | |||
07/03/16 | 07/11/16 | 8 | ||||
09/07/16 | 09/18/16 | 11 | ||||
09/08/16 | 09/19/16 | 11 | ||||
Serbia |
04/26/16 | 05/04/16 | 8 | |||
04/27/16 | 05/05/16 | 8 | ||||
04/28/16 | 05/06/16 | 8 | ||||
Slovakia |
12/22/16 | 01/02/17 | 11 | |||
12/23/16 | 01/03/17 | 11 | ||||
South Africa |
12/24/15 | 01/04/16 | 11 | |||
12/28/15 | 01/05/16 | 8 | ||||
12/29/15 | 01/06/16 | 8 | ||||
12/30/15 | 01/07/16 | 8 | ||||
12/31/15 | 01/08/16 | 8 | ||||
03/14/16 | 03/22/16 | 8 | ||||
03/15/16 | 03/23/16 | 8 | ||||
03/16/16 | 03/24/16 | 8 | ||||
03/17/16 | 03/29/16 | 12 | ||||
03/18/16 | 03/30/16 | 12 | ||||
03/22/16 | 03/31/16 | 9 | ||||
03/23/16 | 04/01/16 | 9 | ||||
03/24/16 | 04/04/16 | 11 | ||||
04/20/16 | 04/28/16 | 8 | ||||
04/21/16 | 04/29/16 | 8 | ||||
04/22/16 | 05/03/16 | 11 | ||||
04/25/16 | 05/04/16 | 9 | ||||
04/26/16 | 05/05/16 | 9 | ||||
04/28/16 | 05/06/16 | 8 | ||||
04/29/16 | 05/09/16 | 10 | ||||
06/09/16 | 06/17/16 | 8 | ||||
06/10/16 | 06/20/16 | 10 | ||||
06/13/16 | 06/21/16 | 8 | ||||
06/14/16 | 06/22/16 | 8 | ||||
06/15/16 | 06/23/16 | 8 | ||||
08/02/16 | 08/10/16 | 8 |
55
08/03/16 | 08/11/16 | 8 | ||||
08/04/16 | 08/12/16 | 8 | ||||
08/05/16 | 08/15/16 | 10 | ||||
08/08/16 | 08/16/16 | 8 | ||||
12/09/16 | 12/19/16 | 10 | ||||
12/12/16 | 12/20/16 | 8 | ||||
12/13/16 | 12/21/16 | 8 | ||||
12/14/16 | 12/22/16 | 8 | ||||
12/15/16 | 12/28/16 | 13 | ||||
12/16/16 | 12/28/16 | 12 | ||||
12/19/16 | 12/29/16 | 10 | ||||
12/20/16 | 01/02/17 | 13 | ||||
12/21/16 | 01/03/17 | 13 | ||||
12/22/16 | 01/04/17 | 13 | ||||
12/28/16 | 01/05/17 | 8 | ||||
12/29/16 | 01/06/17 | 8 | ||||
Sweden |
12/30/15 | 01/07/16 | 8 | |||
Taiwan |
02/02/16 | 02/15/16 | 13 | |||
02/03/16 | 02/16/16 | 13 | ||||
Thailand |
04/08/16 | 04/18/16 | 10 | |||
04/11/16 | 04/19/16 | 8 | ||||
04/12/16 | 04/20/16 | 8 | ||||
Trinidad and Tobago |
03/23/16 | 03/31/16 | 8 | |||
03/24/16 | 04/01/16 | 8 | ||||
Turkey |
07/01/16 | 07/11/16 | 10 | |||
07/04/16 | 07/12/16 | 8 | ||||
09/08/16 | 09/19/16 | 11 | ||||
09/09/16 | 09/20/16 | 11 | ||||
Ukraine |
12/31/15 | 01/08/16 | 8 | |||
United Arab Emirates |
09/07/16 | 09/15/16 | 8 | |||
09/08/16 | 09/18/16 | 10 | ||||
Vietnam |
02/03/16 | 02/11/16 | 8 | |||
02/04/16 | 02/12/16 | 8 | ||||
02/05/16 | 02/15/16 | 10 | ||||
Zimbabwe |
12/24/15 | 01/04/16 | 11 | |||
12/28/15 | 01/05/16 | 8 | ||||
12/29/15 | 01/06/16 | 8 | ||||
12/30/15 | 01/07/16 | 8 | ||||
12/31/15 | 01/08/16 | 8 | ||||
03/18/16 | 03/29/16 | 9 | ||||
03/21/16 | 03/30/16 | 9 | ||||
03/22/16 | 03/31/16 | 9 | ||||
03/23/16 | 04/01/16 | 8 | ||||
03/24/16 | 04/04/16 | 11 | ||||
04/11/16 | 04/19/16 | 8 | ||||
04/12/16 | 04/20/16 | 8 | ||||
04/13/16 | 04/21/16 | 8 | ||||
04/14/16 | 04/22/16 | 8 | ||||
04/15/16 | 04/25/16 | 10 | ||||
04/25/16 | 05/03/16 | 8 | ||||
04/26/16 | 05/04/16 | 8 | ||||
04/27/16 | 05/05/16 | 8 | ||||
04/28/16 | 05/06/16 | 8 | ||||
04/29/16 | 05/09/16 | 10 | ||||
05/18/16 | 05/26/16 | 8 |
56
05/19/16 | 05/27/16 | 8 | ||||
05/20/16 | 05/30/16 | 10 | ||||
05/23/16 | 05/31/16 | 8 | ||||
05/24/16 | 06/01/16 | 8 | ||||
08/01/16 | 08/10/16 | 9 | ||||
08/02/16 | 08/11/16 | 9 | ||||
08/03/16 | 08/12/16 | 9 | ||||
08/04/16 | 08/15/16 | 11 | ||||
08/05/16 | 08/16/16 | 11 | ||||
12/15/16 | 12/23/16 | 8 | ||||
12/16/16 | 12/27/16 | 11 | ||||
12/19/16 | 12/28/16 | 9 | ||||
12/20/16 | 12/29/16 | 9 | ||||
12/21/16 | 12/30/16 | 9 | ||||
12/23/16 | 01/02/17 | 10 |
* | These worst-case redemption cycles are based on information regarding regular holidays, which may be out of date. Based on changes in holidays, longer (worse) redemption cycles are possible. |
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore do not have financial information to report for the Trusts June 30, 2015 fiscal year end.
57
APPENDIX ARatings of Debt Instruments
MOODYS INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODYS)LONG TERM DEBT RATINGS. The following is a description of Moodys debt instrument ratings.
AaaBonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
AaBonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
ABonds that are rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
BaaBaa rated bonds are considered medium-grade obligations, and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics and are subject to moderate credit risk.
BaBonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B and LowerBonds 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-1Moodys 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-2Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3Issuers (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 defaultcapacity 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.
AAABonds rated AAA are highest grade debt obligations. This rating indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
AABonds 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.
ABonds 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.
BBBBonds 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.
58
BB and LowerBonds 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.
59
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.
AAAHighest 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.
AAVery 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.
BBBGood 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 SpeculativeBB 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.
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.
60
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.
B-1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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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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, Canay 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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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 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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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.
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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 |
3
| At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price. |
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.
4
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. |
2
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Standard & Poors (S&P) S&P Indices are a registered trademark of Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC.
© 2015 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3455-INST-5419 0315 Exp. Date: 03/31/2016
Proxy Voting, Corporate Actions and Class Actions
August 2015
I. | Background |
This Proxy Voting, Corporate Actions and Class Actions Policy (Policy) is adopted by DoubleLine Capital LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP and DoubleLine Equity LP (each, as applicable, DoubleLine, the Adviser or the Firm), DoubleLine Funds Trust and DoubleLine Equity Funds (each, as applicable, the Trust) and each series of the Trusts (each an Open-End Fund), the DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund (DBL) and DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (DSL and, together with DBL and all of the Open-End Funds collectively, the Funds) to govern the voting of proxies related to securities held by the Funds and actions taken with respect to corporate actions and class actions affecting such securities, and to provide a method of reporting the actions taken and overseeing compliance with regulatory requirements.
Each private investment fund (such as, but not limited to, the DoubleLine Opportunistic Income Master Fund LP (and its related entities) and the DoubleLine Leverage Fund LP (and its related entities), each of which is a Private Fund and, collectively, the Private Funds) managed by DoubleLine also adopts this Policy.
DoubleLine generally will exercise voting authority on behalf of its separate account clients (Separate Account Clients and together with the Funds and Private Funds, the Clients) only where a Client has expressly delegated authority in writing to DoubleLine and DoubleLine has accepted that responsibility. Separate Account Clients that do not provide written authorization for DoubleLine to exercise voting authority are responsible for their own proxy voting, corporate actions and class actions and this Policy does not apply to them.
To the extent that voting a proxy or taking action with respect to a class action or corporate action (in each case, a proposal) is desirable, DoubleLine (or its designee) will seek to take action on such proposal in a manner that it believes is most likely to enhance the economic value of the underlying securities held in Client accounts and, with respect to proposals not otherwise covered by the Guidelines herein, DoubleLine (or its designee) will seek to consider each proposal on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration any relevant contractual obligations as well as other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote. DoubleLine will not respond to proxy solicitor requests unless DoubleLine determines that it is in the best interest of a Client to do so.
II. | Issue |
Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Rule), requires every investment adviser who exercises voting authority with respect to client securities to adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its clients. The procedures must address material conflicts that may arise between DoubleLine and a Client in connection with proxy voting. The Rule further requires the adviser to provide a concise summary of the advisers proxy voting policies and procedures and to provide copies of the complete proxy voting policy and procedures to clients upon request. Lastly, the Rule requires that the adviser disclose to clients how they may obtain information on how the adviser voted their proxies.
III. | Policy Proxies and Corporate Actions; Role of Third-Party Proxy Agent |
To assist DoubleLine in carrying out its proxy voting obligations, DoubleLine has retained a third-party proxy voting service provider, currently Glass, Lewis & Co. (Glass Lewis), as its proxy voting agent. Pursuant to an agreement with DoubleLine, Glass Lewis obtains proxy ballots with respect to securities held by one or more Client accounts advised by DoubleLine, evaluates the individual facts and circumstances relating to any proposal, and, except as otherwise provided below, votes on any such proposal in accordance with the Guidelines set forth in Attachment A hereto (the Guidelines).
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In the event that a proposal is not adequately addressed by the Guidelines, Glass Lewis will make a recommendation to DoubleLine as to how to vote on such proposal. The portfolio manager or other authorized person of the relevant Client will review the recommendation made by Glass Lewis and will instruct Glass Lewis to vote the Clients securities against Glass Lewis recommendation when DoubleLine believes doing so is in the best interests of the Client. The portfolio manager or authorized person shall record the reasons for any such instruction and shall provide that written record to the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. In the absence of a timely instruction from DoubleLine to the contrary, Glass Lewis will vote in accordance with its recommendation. In the event that Glass Lewis does not provide a recommendation with respect to a proposal, DoubleLine may vote on any such proposal in its discretion and in a manner consistent with this Policy.
In the event that DoubleLine determines that a recommendation of Glass Lewis (or of any other third-party proxy voting service retained by DoubleLine) was based on a material factual error, DoubleLine will investigate the error, taking into account, among other things, the nature of the error and the related recommendation, and seek to determine whether Glass Lewis (or any other third-party proxy voting service retained by DoubleLine) is taking reasonable steps to reduce similar errors in the future.
The Guidelines provide a basis for making decisions in the voting of proxies and taking action with respect to class actions or corporate actions for Clients. When voting proxies or taking action with respect to class actions or corporate actions, DoubleLines utmost concern in exercising its duties of loyalty and care is that all decisions be made in the best interests of the Client and with the goal of maximizing the value of the Clients investments. With this goal in mind, the Guidelines cover various categories of voting decisions and generally specify whether DoubleLine (or its designee) will vote (assuming it votes at all) for or against a particular type of proposal. The applicable portfolio managers who are primarily responsible for evaluating the individual holdings of the relevant Client are responsible in the first instance for overseeing the voting of proxies and taking action with respect to class actions or corporate actions for such Client (though they are not expected to review each such vote or action). Such portfolio managers may, in their discretion, vote proxies or take action with respect to class actions or corporate actions in a manner that is inconsistent with the Guidelines (or instruct Glass Lewis to do so) when they determine that doing so is in the best interests of the Client. In making any such determination, the portfolio managers may, in their discretion, take into account the recommendations of appropriate members of DoubleLines executive and senior management, other investment personnel and, if desired, an outside service.
Limitations of this Policy . This Policy applies to voting and/or consent rights of securities held by Clients. DoubleLine (or its designee) will, on behalf of each Client (including the Funds or the Private Funds) vote in circumstances such as, but not limited to, plans of reorganization, and waivers and consents under applicable indentures. This Policy does not apply, however, to consent rights that primarily represent decisions to buy or sell investments, such as tender or exchange offers, conversions, put options, redemption and Dutch auctions. Such decisions, while considered not to be covered within this Policy, shall be made with the Clients best interests in mind. In certain limited circumstances, particularly in the area of structured finance, DoubleLine may, on behalf of Clients, enter into voting agreements or other contractual obligations that govern the voting of shares. In the event of a conflict between any such contractual requirements and the Guidelines, DoubleLine (or its designee) will vote in accordance with its contractual obligations.
In addition, where DoubleLine determines that there are unusual costs and/or difficulties associated with voting on a proposal, which more typically might be the case with respect to proposals relating to non-U.S. issuers, DoubleLine reserves the right to not vote on a proposal unless DoubleLine determines that the expected benefits of voting on such proposal exceed the expected cost to the Client, such as in situations where a jurisdiction imposes share blocking restrictions which may affect the ability of the portfolio managers to effect trades in the related security. DoubleLine will seek to consult with its Clients in such circumstances unless the investment management agreement or other written arrangement with the applicable Client gives DoubleLine authority to act in its discretion.
All proxies, class actions or corporate actions received shall be retained by the Chief Risk Officer or designee. Such records shall include whether DoubleLine voted such proxy or corporate actions and, if so, how the proxy was voted. The records also shall be transcribed into a format such that any Clients overall proxy and corporate actions voting record can be provided upon request.
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DoubleLine provides no assurance to former clients that applicable proxy, class actions or corporate actions information will be delivered to them.
IV. | Proofs of Claim |
DoubleLine does not complete proofs-of-claim on behalf of Clients for current or historical holdings other than for the Funds; however, DoubleLine will provide reasonable assistance to Clients with collecting information relevant to filing proofs-of-claim when such information is in the possession of DoubleLine. DoubleLine does not undertake to complete or provide proofs-of-claim for securities that had been held by any former client. DoubleLine will complete proofs-of-claim for the Funds and Private Funds, or provide reasonable access to the applicable Funds or Private Funds administrator to file such proofs-of-claim when appropriate.
V. | Class Actions Policy |
In the event that Client securities become the subject of a class action lawsuit, the applicable portfolio manager(s) will assess the value to Clients in participating in such legal action. If the portfolio manager decides that participating in the class action is in the Clients best interest, DoubleLine will recommend that the Client or its custodian submit appropriate documentation on the Clients behalf, subject to contractual or other authority. DoubleLine may consider any relevant information in determining whether participation in a class action lawsuit is in a Clients best interest, including the costs that would be incurred by the Client and the resources that would be expended in participating in the class action, including in comparison to the Client pursuing other legal recourse against the issuer. DoubleLine also may choose to notify Clients (other than the Funds and the Private Funds) of the class action without making a recommendation as to participation, which would allow Clients to decide how or if to proceed.
DoubleLine provides no assurance to former clients that applicable class action information will be delivered to them.
VI. | Procedures for Lent Securities and Issuers in Share-blocking Countries |
At times, DoubleLine may not be able to take action in respect of a proposal on behalf of a Client when the Clients relevant securities are on loan in accordance with the Clients securities lending program and/or are controlled by a securities lending agent or custodian acting independently of DoubleLine. Notwithstanding this fact, in the event that DoubleLine becomes aware of a proposal on which a Clients securities may be voted and with respect to which the outcome of such proposal could reasonably be expected to enhance the economic value of the Clients position and some or a portion of that position is lent out, DoubleLine will make reasonable efforts to inform the Client that DoubleLine is not able to take action with respect to such proposal until and unless the Client recalls the lent security. When such situations relate to the Funds or the Private Funds, DoubleLine will take reasonable measures to recall the lent security in order to take action timely. There can be no assurance that any lent security will be returned timely.
In certain markets where share blocking occurs, shares must be frozen for trading purposes at the custodian or sub-custodian in order to vote. During the time that shares are blocked, any pending trades will not settle. Depending on the market, this period can last from one day to three weeks. Any sales that must be executed will settle late and potentially be subject to interest charges or other punitive fees. For this reason, in blocking markets, DoubleLine retains the right to vote or not, based on the determination of DoubleLines investment personnel as to whether voting would be in the Clients best interest.
VII. | Proxy Voting Committee; Oversight |
DoubleLine has established a proxy voting committee (the Committee) with a primary responsibility of overseeing compliance with the Policy. The Committee, made up of non-investment executive officers, the Chief Risk Officer, and the Chief Compliance Officer (or his/her designee), meets on an as needed basis. The Committee will (1) monitor compliance with the Policy, including by periodically sampling proxy votes for review, (2) review, no less frequently than annually, the adequacy of this Policy to ensure that such Policy has been effectively implemented and that the Policy continues to be designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of Clients, and (3) review potential conflicts
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of interest that may arise under this Policy, including changes to the businesses of DoubleLine, Glass Lewis or other third-party proxy voting services retained by DoubleLine to determine whether those changes present new or additional conflicts of interest that should be addressed by this Policy.
The Committee shall have primary responsibility for managing DoubleLines relationship with Glass Lewis and/or any other third-party proxy voting service provider, including overseeing their compliance with this Policy generally as well as reviewing periodically instances in which (i) DoubleLine overrides a recommendation made by Glass Lewis or (ii) Glass Lewis does not provide a recommendation with respect to a proposal. The Committee shall also periodically review DoubleLines relationships with such entities more generally, including for potential conflicts of interest relevant to such entities and whether DoubleLines relationships with such entities should continue.
VIII. | Procedures for Material Conflicts of Interest |
The portfolio managers will seek to monitor for conflicts of interest arising between DoubleLine and a Client and shall report any such conflict identified by the portfolio managers to the Committee. Should material conflicts of interest arise between DoubleLine and a Client as to a proposal, the proposal shall be brought to the attention of the Committee, who shall involve other executive managers, legal counsel (which may be DoubleLines in-house counsel or outside counsel) or the Chief Compliance Officer as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee to attempt to resolve such conflicts. The Committee shall determine the materiality of such conflict if the conflict cannot be resolved. (An example of a specific conflict of interest that should be brought to the Committee is a situation where a proxy contest involves securities issued by a Client. When in doubt as to a potential conflict, portfolio managers shall bring the proxy to the attention of the Committee.)
If, after appropriate review, a material conflict between DoubleLine and a Client is deemed to exist, DoubleLine will seek to resolve any such conflict in the best interest of the Client whose assets it is voting by pursuing any one of the following courses of action: (i) voting (or not voting) in accordance with the Guidelines; (ii) convening a Committee meeting to assess available measures to address the conflict and implementing those measures; (iii) voting in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third-party service provider chosen by the Committee; (iv) voting (or not voting) in accordance with the instructions of such Client; (v) or not voting with respect to the proposal if consistent with DoubleLines fiduciary obligations.
Investments in the DoubleLine Funds. In the event that DoubleLine has discretionary authority to vote shares of a Fund owned by all Clients (including the Funds), DoubleLine will vote the shares of such Fund in the same proportion as the votes of the other beneficial shareholders of such Fund. Under this echo voting approach, DoubleLines voting of a Funds shares would merely amplify the votes already received from such Funds other shareholders. DoubleLines potential conflict is therefore mitigated by replicating the voting preferences expressed by the Funds other shareholders.
IX. | Procedures for Proxy Solicitation |
In the event that any employee of DoubleLine receives a request to reveal or disclose DoubleLines voting intention on a specific proxy event to a third party, the employee must forward the solicitation request to the Chief Compliance Officer or designee. Such requests shall be reviewed with the Committee or appropriate executive and senior management. Any written requests shall be retained with the proxy files maintained by the Chief Operating Officer or designee.
X. | Additional Procedures for the Funds |
A. Filing Form N-PX
Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 requires mutual funds to file an annual record of proxies voted by a Fund on Form N-PX. Form N-PX must be filed each year no later than August 31 and must contain the Funds proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30.
The Funds rely upon their respective fund administrator to prepare and make their filings on Form N-PX. DoubleLine shall assist the fund administrator by providing information (including by causing such information to be provided by any
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third party proxy voting service for record comparison purposes as deemed necessary) regarding any proxy votes made for the Funds within the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30. DoubleLine shall retain records of any such votes with sufficient information to make accurate annual Form N-PX filings.
B. Providing Policies and Procedures
Mutual funds (including the Funds) that invest in voting securities are required to describe in their Statements of Additional Information (SAIs) the policies and procedures that they use to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in their portfolios. The Funds also may chose to include these policies and procedures as part of their registration statement. Closed-end funds (such as DBL and DSL) must disclose their proxy voting policies and procedures annually on Form N-CSR.
Funds are required to disclose in shareholder reports that a description of the funds proxy voting policies and procedures is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number; (ii) on the funds website, if applicable; and (iii) on the Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov. The fund administrator shall ensure that such disclosures are included when preparing shareholder reports on the Funds behalf. The Funds currently do not provide the proxy policies and procedures on their website.
A Fund is required to send the description of the funds proxy voting policies and procedures within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery. The Funds rely upon the fund administrator to provide this service.
XI. | Recordkeeping |
A. | DoubleLine must maintain the documentation described in this Policy for a period of not less than five (5) years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two (2) years at its principal place of business. DoubleLine will be responsible for the following procedures and for ensuring that the required documentation is retained, including with respect to class action claims or corporate actions other than proxy voting. DoubleLine has engaged Glass Lewis to retain the aforementioned proxy voting records on behalf of DoubleLine (and its Clients). |
B. | Client request to review proxy votes : |
Any written request from a Client related to actions taken with respect to a proposal received by any employee of DoubleLine must be retained. Only written responses to oral requests need to be maintained.
The Client Service group will record the identity of the Client, the date of the request, and the disposition ( e.g. , provided a written or oral response to Clients request, referred to third party, not a proxy voting client, other dispositions, etc.).
In order to facilitate the management of proxy voting record keeping process, and to facilitate dissemination of such proxy voting records to Clients, the Client Service group will distribute to any Client requesting proxy voting information DoubleLines complete proxy voting record for the Client for the period requested. If deemed operationally more efficient, DoubleLine may choose to release its entire proxy voting record for the requested period, with any information identifying a particular Client redacted. The Client Service group shall furnish the information requested, free of charge, to the Client within a reasonable time period (within 10 business days) and maintain a copy of the written record provided in response to Clients written (including e-mail) or oral request. A copy of the written response should be attached and maintained with the Clients written request, if applicable, and stored in an appropriate file.
Clients can require the delivery of the proxy voting record relevant to their accounts for the five year period prior to their request.
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C. | Examples of proxy voting records: |
| Documents prepared or created by DoubleLine that were material to making a decision on how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. Documentation or notes or any communications received from third parties, other industry analysts, third party service providers, companys management discussions, etc. that were material in the basis for the decision. |
XII. | Disclosure |
The Chief Compliance Officer or designee will ensure that Form ADV Part 2A is updated as necessary to reflect: (i) all material changes to this Policy; and (ii) regulatory requirements related to proxy voting disclosure.
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Attachment A to Proxy Voting, Corporate Action and Class Action Policy
Guidelines
The proxy voting decisions set forth below refer to proposals by company management except for the categories of Shareholder Proposals and Social Issue Proposals. The voting decisions in these latter two categories refer to proposals by outside shareholders.
Governance
| For trustee nominees in uncontested elections |
| For management nominees in contested elections |
| For ratifying auditors, except against if the previous auditor was dismissed because of a disagreement with the company or if the fees for non-audit services exceed 51% of total fees |
| For changing the company name |
| For approving other business |
| For adjourning the meeting |
| For technical amendments to the charter and/or bylaws |
| For approving financial statements |
Capital Structure
| For increasing authorized common stock |
| For decreasing authorized common stock |
| For amending authorized common stock |
| For the issuance of common stock, except against if the issued common stock has superior voting rights |
| For approving the issuance or exercise of stock warrants |
| For authorizing preferred stock, except against if the board has unlimited rights to set the terms and conditions of the shares |
| For increasing authorized preferred stock, except against if the board has unlimited rights to set the terms and conditions of the shares |
| For decreasing authorized preferred stock |
| For canceling a class or series of preferred stock |
| For amending preferred stock |
| For issuing or converting preferred stock, except against if the shares have voting rights superior to those of other shareholders |
| For eliminating preemptive rights |
| For creating or restoring preemptive rights |
| Against authorizing dual or multiple classes of common stock |
| For eliminating authorized dual or multiple classes of common stock |
| For amending authorized dual or multiple classes of common stock |
| For increasing authorized shares of one or more classes of dual or multiple classes of common stock, except against if it will allow the company to issue additional shares with superior voting rights |
| For a stock repurchase program |
| For a stock split |
| For a reverse stock split, except against if the company does not intend to proportionally reduce the number of authorized shares |
Mergers and Restructuring
| For merging with or acquiring another company |
C-7
| For recapitalization |
| For restructuring the company |
| For bankruptcy restructurings |
| For liquidations |
| For reincorporating in a different state |
| For spinning off certain company operations or divisions |
| For the sale of assets |
| Against eliminating cumulative voting |
| For adopting cumulative voting |
Board of Trustees
| For limiting the liability of trustees |
| For setting the board size |
| For allowing the trustees to fill vacancies on the board without shareholder approval |
| Against giving the board the authority to set the size of the board as needed without shareholder approval |
| For a proposal regarding the removal of trustees, except against if the proposal limits the removal of trustees to cases where there is legal cause |
| For non-technical amendments to the companys certificate of incorporation, except against if an amendment would have the effect of reducing shareholders rights |
| For non-technical amendments to the companys bylaws, except against if an amendment would have the effect of reducing shareholders rights |
Anti-Takeover Provisions
| Against a classified board |
| Against amending a classified board |
| For repealing a classified board |
| Against ratifying or adopting a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) |
| Against redeeming a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) |
| Against eliminating shareholders right to call a special meeting |
| Against limiting shareholders right to call a special meeting |
| For restoring shareholders right to call a special meeting |
| Against eliminating shareholders right to act by written consent |
| Against limiting shareholders right to act by written consent |
| For restoring shareholders right to act by written consent |
| Against establishing a supermajority vote provision to approve a merger or other business combination |
| For amending a supermajority vote provision to approve a merger or other business combination, except against if the amendment would increase the vote required to approve the transaction |
| For eliminating a supermajority vote provision to approve a merger or other business combination |
| Against adopting supermajority vote requirements (lock-ins) to change certain bylaw or charter provisions |
| Against amending supermajority vote requirements (lock-ins) to change certain bylaw or charter provisions |
| For eliminating supermajority vote requirements (lock-ins) to change certain bylaw or charter provisions |
| Against expanding or clarifying the authority of the board of trustees to consider factors other than the interests of shareholders in assessing a takeover bid |
| Against establishing a fair price provision |
| Against amending a fair price provision |
| For repealing a fair price provision |
C-8
| For limiting the payment of greenmail |
| Against adopting advance notice requirements |
| For opting out of a state takeover statutory provision |
| Against opt into a state takeover statutory provision |
Compensation
| For adopting a stock incentive plan for employees, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of outstanding common stock or if the potential dilution from all company plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of outstanding common stock |
| For amending a stock incentive plan for employees, except if the minimum potential dilution from all company plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of outstanding common stock |
| For adding shares to a stock incentive plan for employees, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of outstanding common stock or if the potential dilution from all company plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of outstanding common stock |
| For limiting per-employee option awards |
| For extending the term of a stock incentive plan for employees |
| For adopting a stock incentive plan for non-employee trustees, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of outstanding common equity or if the minimum potential dilution from all plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of outstanding common equity |
| For amending a stock incentive plan for non-employee trustees, except if the minimum potential dilution from all plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of outstanding common equity |
| For adding shares to a stock incentive plan for non-employee trustees, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of outstanding common equity or if the minimum potential dilution from all plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of the outstanding common equity |
| For adopting an employee stock purchase plan, except against if the proposed plan allows employees to purchase stock at prices of less than 85% of the stocks fair market value |
| For amending an employee stock purchase plan, except against if the proposal allows employees to purchase stock at prices of less than 85% of the stocks fair market value |
| For adding shares to an employee stock purchase plan, except against if the proposed plan allows employees to purchase stock at prices of less than 85% of the stocks fair market value |
| For adopting a stock award plan, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of the outstanding common equity or if the minimum potential dilution from all plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of the outstanding common equity |
| For amending a stock award plan, except against if the amendment shortens the vesting requirements or lessens the performance requirements |
| For adding shares to a stock award plan, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of the outstanding common equity or if the minimum potential dilution from all plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of the outstanding common equity |
| For adopting a stock award plan for non-employee trustees, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of the outstanding common equity or if the minimum potential dilution from all plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of the outstanding common equity |
| For amending a stock award plan for non-employee trustees, except if the minimum potential dilution from all plans is more than 10% of the outstanding common equity. |
| For adding shares to a stock award plan for non-employee trustees, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of the outstanding common equity or if the minimum potential dilution from all plans, including the one proposed, is more than 10% of the outstanding common equity |
| For approving an annual bonus plan |
| For adopting a savings plan |
C-9
| For granting a one-time stock option or stock award, except if the plan dilution is more than 5% of the outstanding common equity |
| For adopting a deferred compensation plan |
| For approving a long-term bonus plan |
| For approving an employment agreement or contract |
| For amending a deferred compensation plan |
| For amending an annual bonus plan |
| For reapproving a stock option plan or bonus plan for purposes of OBRA |
| For amending a long-term bonus plan |
Shareholder Proposals
| For requiring shareholder ratification of auditors |
| Against requiring the auditors to attend the annual meeting |
| Against limiting consulting by auditors |
| Against requiring the rotation of auditors |
| Against restoring preemptive rights |
| For asking the company to study sales, spin-offs, or other strategic alternatives |
| For asking the board to adopt confidential voting and independent tabulation of the proxy ballots |
| Against asking the company to refrain from counting abstentions and broker non-votes in vote tabulations |
| Against eliminating the companys discretion to vote unmarked proxy ballots. |
| For providing equal access to the proxy materials for shareholders |
| Against requiring a majority vote to elect trustees |
| Against requiring the improvement of annual meeting reports |
| Against changing the annual meeting location |
| Against changing the annual meeting date |
| Against asking the board to include more women and minorities as trustees. |
| Against seeking to increase board independence |
| Against limiting the period of time a trustee can serve by establishing a retirement or tenure policy |
| Against requiring minimum stock ownership by trustees |
| Against providing for union or employee representatives on the board of trustees |
| For increasing disclosure regarding the boards role in the development and monitoring of the companys long-term strategic plan |
| For creating a nominating committee of the board |
| Against urging the creation of a shareholder committee |
| Against asking that the chairman of the board of trustees be chosen from among the ranks of the non-employee trustees |
| Against asking that a lead trustee be chosen from among the ranks of the non-employee trustees |
| For adopting cumulative voting |
| Against requiring trustees to place a statement of candidacy in the proxy statement |
| Against requiring the nomination of two trustee candidates for each open board seat |
| Against making trustees liable for acts or omissions that constitute a breach of fiduciary care resulting from a trustees gross negligence and/or reckless or willful neglect |
| For repealing a classified board |
| Against asking the board to redeem or to allow shareholders to vote on a poison pill shareholder rights plan |
| Against repealing fair price provisions |
| For restoring shareholders right to call a special meeting |
| For restoring shareholders right to act by written consent |
C-10
| For limiting the boards discretion to issue targeted share placements or requiring shareholder approval before such block placements can be made |
| For seeking to force the company to opt out of a state takeover statutory provision |
| Against reincorporating the company in another state |
| For limiting greenmail payments |
| Against advisory vote on compensation |
| Against restricting executive compensation |
| For enhancing the disclosure of executive compensation |
| Against restricting trustee compensation |
| Against capping executive pay |
| Against calling for trustees to be paid with company stock |
| Against calling for shareholder votes on executive pay |
| Against calling for the termination of trustee retirement plans |
| Against asking management to review, report on, and/or link executive compensation to non-financial criteria, particularly social criteria |
| Against seeking shareholder approval to reprice or replace underwater stock options |
| For banning or calling for a shareholder vote on future golden parachutes |
| Against seeking to award performance-based stock options |
| Against establishing a policy of expensing the costs of all future stock options issued by the company in the companys annual income statement |
| Against requesting that future executive compensation be determined without regard to any pension fund income |
| Against approving extra benefits under Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) |
| Against requiring option shares to be held |
| For creating a compensation committee |
| Against requiring that the compensation committee hire its own independent compensation consultants-separate from the compensation consultants working with corporate management-to assist with executive compensation issues |
| For increasing the independence of the compensation committee |
| For increasing the independence of the audit committee |
| For increasing the independence of key committees |
Social Issue Proposals
| Against asking the company to develop or report on human rights policies |
| Against asking the company to limit or end operations in Burma |
| For asking management to review operations in Burma |
| For asking management to certify that company operations are free of forced labor |
| Against asking management to implement and/or increase activity on each of the principles of the U.S. Business Principles for Human Rights of Workers in China. |
| Against asking management to develop social, economic, and ethical criteria that the company could use to determine the acceptability of military contracts and to govern the execution of the contracts |
| Against asking management to create a plan of converting the companys facilities that are dependent on defense contracts toward production for commercial markets |
| Against asking management to report on the companys government contracts for the development of ballistic missile defense technologies and related space systems |
| Against asking management to report on the companys foreign military sales or foreign offset activities |
| Against asking management to limit or end nuclear weapons production |
| Against asking management to review nuclear weapons production |
| Against asking the company to establish shareholder-designated contribution programs |
C-11
| Against asking the company to limit or end charitable giving |
| For asking the company to increase disclosure of political spending and activities |
| Against asking the company to limit or end political spending |
| For requesting disclosure of company executives prior government service |
| Against requesting affirmation of political nonpartisanship |
| For asking management to report on or change tobacco product marketing practices, except against if the proposal calls for action beyond reporting |
| Against severing links with the tobacco industry |
| Against asking the company to review or reduce tobacco harm to health |
| For asking management to review or promote animal welfare, except against if the proposal calls for action beyond reporting |
| For asking the company to report or take action on pharmaceutical drug pricing or distribution, except against if the proposal asks for more than a report |
| Against asking the company to take action on embryo or fetal destruction |
| For asking the company to review or report on nuclear facilities or nuclear waste, except against if the proposal asks for cessation of nuclear-related activities or other action beyond reporting |
| For asking the company to review its reliance on nuclear and fossil fuels, its development or use of solar and wind power, or its energy efficiency, except vote against if the proposal asks for more than a report. |
| Against asking management to endorse the Ceres principles |
| For asking the company to control generation of pollutants, except against if the proposal asks for action beyond reporting or if the company reports its omissions and plans to limit their future growth or if the company reports its omissions and plans to reduce them from established levels |
| For asking the company to report on its environmental impact or plans, except against if management has issued a written statement beyond the legal minimum |
| For asking management to report or take action on climate change, except against if management acknowledges a global warming threat and has issued company policy or if management has issued a statement and committed to targets and timetables or if the company is not a major emitter of greenhouse gases |
| For asking management to report on, label, or restrict sales of bioengineered products, except against if the proposal asks for action beyond reporting or calls for a moratorium on sales of bioengineered products |
| Against asking the company to preserve natural habitat |
| Against asking the company to review its developing country debt and lending criteria and to report to shareholders on its findings |
| Against requesting the company to assess the environmental, public health, human rights, labor rights, or other socioeconomic impacts of its credit decisions |
| For requesting reports and/or reviews of plans and/or policies on fair lending practices, except against if the proposal calls for action beyond reporting |
| Against asking the company to establish committees to consider issues related to facilities closure and relocation of work |
| For asking management to report on the companys affirmative action policies and programs, including releasing its EEO-1 forms and providing statistical data on specific positions within the company, except against if the company releases its EEO-1 reports |
| Against asking management to drop sexual orientation from EEO policy |
| Against asking management to adopt a sexual orientation non-discrimination policy |
| For asking management to report on or review Mexican operations |
| Against asking management to adopt standards for Mexican operations |
| Against asking management to review or implement the MacBride principles |
| Against asking the company to encourage its contractors and franchisees to implement the MacBride principles |
C-12
| For asking management to report on or review its global labor practices or those of its contractors, except against if the company already reports publicly using a recognized standard or if the resolution asks for more than a report |
| Against asking management to adopt, implement, or enforce a global workplace code of conduct based on the International Labor Organizations core labor conventions |
| For requesting reports on sustainability, except against if the company has already issued a report in GRI format |
Adopted by the DoubleLine Funds Trust Board: March 25, 2010
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Funds Trust Board: March 1, 2011
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Funds Trust Board: August 25, 2011
Renewed and approved by the DoubleLine Funds Trust Board of Trustees: March 19, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Funds Trust Board: May 22, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Funds Trust Board: November 20, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Funds Trust Board: August 21, 2014
Adopted by the DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund Board of Trustees: August 24, 2011
Renewed and approved by the DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund Board of Trustees: March 19, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund Board of Trustees: May 22, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund Board of Trustees: November 20, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund Board of Trustees: August 21, 2014
Adopted by the DoubleLine Equity Funds Board of Trustees: March 19, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Equity Funds Board: May 22, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Equity Funds Board: November 20, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Equity Funds Board: August 21, 2014
Adopted by the DoubleLine Income Solutions Board of Trustees: March 19, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Income Solutions Board of Trustees: May 22, 2013 Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Income Solutions Board of Trustees: November 20, 2013
Renewed, reviewed and approved by the DoubleLine Income Solutions Board of Trustees: August 21, 2014
Reviewed and approved by the Boards of the DoubleLine Funds Trust, DoubleLine Equity Funds, DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund and DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund: August 20, 2015
C-13
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. | Exhibits |
(a)(i) |
Registrants Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a) to the Trusts initial registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on April 1, 2011. | |
(a)(ii) |
Amendment No. 1 to the Registrants Declaration of Trust dated March 30, 2011, as amended December 5, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on August 27, 2015. | |
(b) |
Registrants Amended and Restated By-Laws, dated February 22, 2011, as amended and restated August 26, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on August 27, 2015. | |
(c) |
Not applicable. | |
(d)(i)(1) |
Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM), dated April 25, 2012, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 9, 2013. | |
(d)(i)(2) |
Revised Exhibit A (Schedule of Series) to the Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SSGA FM, adding SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, to be filed by amendment. | |
(d)(ii) |
Sub-Advisory Agreement between SSGA FM and GSO / Blackstone Debt Funds Management, LLC (GSO / Blackstone), dated March 27, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 9, 2013. | |
(d)(iii) |
Sub-Advisory Agreement between SSGA FM and Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS), dated January 8, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 28, 2014. | |
(d)(iv) |
Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement between SSGA FM and CBRE Clarion Securities LLC (Clarion), to be filed by amendment. | |
(d)(v) |
Sub-Advisory Agreement between SSGA FM and DoubleLine Capital LP (DoubleLine), dated February 23, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(vi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on April 23, 2015. | |
(d)(vi) |
Fee Waiver Letter Agreement dated October 27, 2015, between SSGA FM and the Trust with respect to State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(vi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 28, 2015. |
(d)(vii) |
Fee Waiver Letter Agreement dated January 20, 2015, between Clarion and SSGA FM with respect to State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(viii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on April 23, 2015. | |
(d)(viii) |
Fee Waiver Letter Agreement dated February 23, 2015, between SSGA FM and the Trust with respect to SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(ix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on August 27, 2015. | |
(d)(ix) |
Fee Waiver Letter Agreement dated February 18, 2016, between SSGA FM and the Trust with respect to State Street Disciplined Global Equity Portfolio, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(ix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016. | |
(d)(x) |
Fee Waiver Letter Agreement between SSGA FM and the Trust with respect to SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF, to be filed by amendment. | |
(d)(xi) |
Fee Waiver Letter Agreement between SSGA FM and the Trust with respect to SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, to be filed by amendment. | |
(e)(i)(1) |
Distribution Agreement between the Trust and State Street Global Markets, LLC, dated April 18, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 9, 2013. | |
(e)(i)(2) |
Amended Annex I (Schedule of Series) to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and State Street Global Markets, LLC, adding SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, is filed herewith. | |
(e)(ii) |
Form of Authorized Participant Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(ii) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012. | |
(f) |
Not applicable. | |
(g)(i) |
Custodian Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated April 18, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 9, 2013. | |
(g)(ii) |
Amended Appendix A (Schedule of Series) to the Custodian Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company, adding SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, is filed herewith. | |
(h)(i)(1) |
Administration Agreement between the Trust and SSGA FM, dated June 1, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 28, 2015. | |
(h)(i)(2) |
Amended Schedule A to the Administration Agreement between the Trust and SSGA FM, adding SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, is filed herewith. |
(h)(ii)(1) |
Sub-Administration Agreement between SSGA FM and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated June 1, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 28, 2015. | |
(h)(ii)(2) |
Amended Schedule A to the Sub-Administration Agreement between SSGA FM and State Street Bank and Trust Company, adding SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, is filed herewith. | |
(h)(iii)(1) |
Transfer Agency and Services Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated April 18, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 9, 2013. | |
(h)(iii)(2) |
Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series) to the Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company, adding SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, is filed herewith. | |
(h)(iv) |
Form of Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between SSGA Master Trust and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(iii) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A filed with the SEC on April 20, 2012. | |
(h)(v) |
Amended and Restated Securities Lending Authorization Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company, to be filed by amendment. | |
(i) |
Opinion and Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is filed herewith. | |
(j) |
Not applicable. | |
(k) |
Not applicable. | |
(l) |
Form of Subscription Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (l) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A filed with the SEC on April 20, 2012. | |
(m)(i)(1) |
Distribution and Service Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012. | |
(m)(i)(2) |
Amended Exhibit A to the Distribution and Service Plan, adding SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, is filed herewith. | |
(n) |
Not applicable. | |
(o) |
Not applicable. | |
(p)(i) |
Registrants Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(i) to the Trusts initial registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on April 1, 2011. |
(p)(ii) |
Code of Ethics of SSGA FM, dated November 10, 2015 (which also applies to applicable reporting personnel of the Distributor), is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 17, 2015. | |
(p)(iii) |
Code of Ethics of MFS, in its capacity as investment sub-adviser to SPDR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF, SPDR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF and SPDR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF, dated September 19, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 28, 2015. | |
(p)(iv) |
Code of Ethics of GSO / Blackstone, in its capacity as investment sub-adviser to SPDR Blackstone / GSO Senior Loan ETF, dated June 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on March 10, 2016. | |
(p)(v) |
Code of Ethics of Clarion, in its capacity as investment sub-adviser to State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(v) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on January 16, 2015. | |
(p)(vi) |
Code of Ethics of DoubleLine, in its capacity as investment sub-adviser to SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF, SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF, dated September 1, 2015, is filed herewith. | |
(p)(vii) |
Code of Ethics for the Independent Trustees, dated November 12, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(vii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 17, 2015. | |
(q) |
Power of Attorney for Ms. Boatman, Ms. Needham, Messrs. Churchill, Kelly, Nesvet, Ross, Verboncoeur and Rosenberg, dated February 25, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on March 10, 2016. | |
(r) |
Secretarys Certificate is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (r) to the Trusts initial registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on April 1, 2011. |
Item 29. | Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant |
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is the same as the boards of the SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Master Trust. In addition, the officers of the Trust are substantially identical to the officers of the SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Master Trust. Additionally, the Trusts investment adviser, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (SSGA FM or the Adviser), also serves as investment adviser to each series of the SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Master Trust. Nonetheless, the Trust takes the position that it is not under common control with other trusts because the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as the result of an official position with the respective trusts.
Additionally, see the Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities section of the Statement of Additional Information for a list of shareholders who own more than 5% of a specific funds outstanding shares and such information is incorporated by reference to this Item.
Item 30. | Indemnification |
Pursuant to Section V.3 of the Registrants Declaration of Trust, the Trust will indemnify any person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him/her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he/she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his/her being or having been a Trustee, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him/her in the settlement thereof, if he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful. In addition, indemnification is permitted only if it is determined that the actions in question did not render him/her liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of his/her duties or by reason of reckless disregard of his/her obligations and duties to the Registrant. The Registrant may also advance money for litigation expenses provided that Trustees, officers, employees and/or agents give their undertakings to repay the Registrant unless their conduct is later determined to permit indemnification.
Pursuant to Section V.2 of the Registrants Declaration of Trust, no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant shall be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to the Registrant. Pursuant to paragraph 9 of the Registrants Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser shall not be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to the Registrant.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Act) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions of Rule 484 under the Act, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provision of its By-Laws in a manner consistent with Release 11330 of the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, so long as the interpretation of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remains in effect.
The Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or who is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against him/her and incurred by him/her or arising out of his/her position. However, in no event will the Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which the Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him/her.
Item 31. | Business And Other Connections of Investment Adviser |
Any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or principal officer of each investment adviser is or has been, at any time during the last two fiscal years,
engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee are as follows:
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser for each series of the Trust. SSGA FM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. SSGA FM and other advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Global Advisors (SSGA), the investment arm of State Street Corporation. The principal address of the Adviser is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. SSGA FM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Name |
Capacity With Adviser |
Business Name and Address of Other Position | ||
James E. Ross |
Chairman & Director | Executive Vice President, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Ellen Needham |
President & Director | Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Steven Lipiner |
Treasurer | Chief Financial Officer and Global Head of Strategy, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Alyssa Albertelli |
Chief Compliance Officer | Chief Compliance Officer, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Sean OMalley |
Chief Legal Officer | Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Kristi Mitchem |
CTA Chief Marketing Officer | Executive Vice President, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Barry Smith |
Director | Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Ann Carpenter |
Chief Operating Officer | Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA | ||
Matt Steinaway |
Chief Risk Officer | Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA |
GSO / Blackstone serves as the investment sub-adviser for SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF. MFS serves as the investment sub-adviser for SPDR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF, SPDR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF and SPDR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF. Clarion serves as investment sub-adviser for State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio. DoubleLine serves as investment sub-adviser for SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF.
See Management in the applicable Prospectus and Management of the Trust in the applicable Statement of Additional Information for information regarding the business of SSGA FM, GSO / Blackstone, MFS, Clarion and DoubleLine. For information regarding broker dealers and investment advisers affiliated with the SSGA FM, GSO / Blackstone, MFS, Clarion and DoubleLine, reference is made to SSGA FMs, GSO / Blackstones, MFS, Clarions and DoubleLines respective Form ADV, as amended, filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 32. | Principal Underwriters |
(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 Institutional Investment Trust and SSGA Funds. |
(b) | The following is a list of the executive officers, directors and partners of State Street Global Markets, LLC (except as noted, none of the persons set forth below holds a position or office with the Trust): |
Nicholas J. Bonn |
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Chairman |
|
Howard Fairweather |
Director |
|
Stefan Gavell |
Director |
|
Christopher P. Jensen |
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director |
|
James Ross |
Director |
|
Peter Williams |
Director |
|
R. Bryan Woodard |
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel and Director |
|
Mark Trabucco |
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
Melissa McKay |
Senior Vice President and Secretary |
|
David MacInnis |
Vice President and Compliance Officer |
|
John Conway |
Vice President, FINOP |
(c) | Not applicable. |
Item 33. | Location Of Accounts and Records |
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and/or State Street Bank and Trust Company, each with offices located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
Item 34. | Management Services |
Not applicable.
Item 35. | Undertakings |
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, SSGA Active Trust, the Registrant, certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunder duly authorized, in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 12 th day of April, 2016.
SSGA Active Trust | ||
By: |
/s/ Ellen M. Needham |
|
Ellen M. Needham | ||
President |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
SIGNATURES | TITLE | DATE | ||
/s/ Bonny E. Boatman* Bonny E. Boatman |
Trustee | April 12, 2016 | ||
/s/ Dwight D. Churchill* Dwight D. Churchill |
Trustee | April 12, 2016 | ||
/s/ David M. Kelly* David M. Kelly |
Trustee | April 12, 2016 | ||
/s/ Frank Nesvet* Frank Nesvet |
Trustee | April 12, 2016 | ||
/s/ Carl G. Verboncoeur* Carl G. Verboncoeur |
Trustee | April 12, 2016 | ||
/s/ James E. Ross* James E. Ross |
Trustee | April 12, 2016 | ||
/s/ Ellen M. Needham Ellen M. Needham |
President and Principal Executive Officer | April 12, 2016 | ||
/s/ Bruce S. Rosenberg Bruce S. Rosenberg |
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | April 12, 2016 |
*By: |
/s/ Patricia A. Morisette |
|||
Patricia A. Morisette | ||||
As Attorney-in-Fact Pursuant to Power of Attorney |
EXHIBIT LIST
Item 28
(e)(i)(2) | Amended Annex I (Schedule of Series) to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and State Street Global Markets, LLC | |
(g)(ii) | Amended Appendix A (Schedule of Series) to the Custodian Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company | |
(h)(i)(2) | Amended Schedule A to the Administration Agreement between the Trust and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. | |
(h)(ii)(2) | Amended Schedule A to the Sub-Administration Agreement between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company | |
(h)(iii)(2) | Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series) to the Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company | |
(i) | Opinion and Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | |
(m)(i)(2) | Amended Exhibit A to the Distribution and Service Plan | |
(p)(vi) | Code of Ethics of DoubleLine Capital LP |
Exhibit (e)(i)(2)
Annex I
To the Distribution Agreement by and between
SSGA Active Trust and State Street Global Markets, LLC
Fund |
Symbol | |||
SPDR SSGA Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
RLY | |||
SPDR SSGA Income Allocation ETF |
INKM | |||
SPDR SSGA Global Allocation ETF |
GAL | |||
SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF |
SRLN | |||
SPDR SSGA Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
ULST | |||
SPDR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF |
SYE | |||
SPDR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF |
SYG | |||
SPDR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF |
SYV | |||
SPDR SSGA Risk Aware ETF |
RORO | |||
State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio |
SSIDX | |||
SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
TOTL | |||
State Street Disciplined Global Equity Portfolio |
SSHAX | |||
SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
STOT | |||
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF |
EMTL |
Dated: April 12, 2016
Exhibit (g)(ii)
APPENDIX A
TO
C USTODIAN A GREEMENT
SSGA Active Trust
SPDR SSGA Multi-Asset Real Return ETF
SPDR SSGA Income Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Global Allocation ETF
SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF
SPDR SSGA Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF
SPDR SSGA Risk Aware ETF
State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF
State Street Disciplined Global Equity Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF
Dated: April 12, 2016
Exhibit (h)(i)(2)
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE A
Listing of Funds
SSGA Active Trust
OPERATIONAL ETFS AND PORTFOLIOS
SPDR SSGA Multi-Asset Real Return ETF
SPDR SSGA Income Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Global Allocation ETF
SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF
SPDR SSGA Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF
SPDR SSGA Risk Aware ETF
State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF
State Street Disciplined Global Equity Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF
SHELF ETFS
SPDR SSGA Conservative Global Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Aggressive Global Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Conservative Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SPDR SSGA Aggressive Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SPDR SSGA Large Cap Risk Aware ETF
SPDR SSGA Small Cap Risk Aware ETF
SPDR SSGA US Minimum Volatility ETF
SPDR SSGA Disciplined Global Equity ETF (formerly, SPDR SSGA Global Managed Volatility ETF)
SPDR SSGA Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility ETF
[REDACTED]
As of April 12, 2016
Exhibit (h)(ii)(2)
MASTER SUB-ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE A
Listing of Fund(s)
SSGA Active Trust
OPERATIONAL ETFS AND PORTFOLIOS
SPDR SSGA Multi-Asset Real Return ETF
SPDR SSGA Income Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Global Allocation ETF
SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF
SPDR SSGA Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF
SPDR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF
SPDR SSGA Risk Aware ETF
State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF
State Street Disciplined Global Equity Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF
SHELF ETFS
SPDR SSGA Conservative Global Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Aggressive Global Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Conservative Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SPDR SSGA Aggressive Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SPDR SSGA Large Cap Risk Aware ETF
SPDR SSGA Small Cap Risk Aware ETF
SPDR SSGA US Minimum Volatility ETF
SPDR SSGA Disciplined Global Equity ETF (formerly, SPDR SSGA Global Managed Volatility ETF)
SPDR SSGA Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility ETF
[REDACTED]
As of April 12, 2016
Exhibit (h)(iii)(2)
Schedule A
LIST OF PORTFOLIOS
SPDR SSGA Multi-Asset Real Return ETF
SPDR SSGA Income Allocation ETF
SPDR SSGA Global Allocation ETF
SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF
SPDR SSGA Ultra Short Term Bond ETF
SDPR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF
SDPR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF
SDPR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF
SPDR SSGA Risk Aware ETF
State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF
State Street Disciplined Global Equity Portfolio
SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF
Dated: April 12, 2016
Exhibit (i)
April 12, 2016
SSGA Active Trust
One Lincoln Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Re: | SSGA Active Trust |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to SSGA Active Trust, a Massachusetts voluntary association (commonly known as a business trust) (the Trust), in connection with Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) on or about April 12, 2016 (the Registration Statement), with respect to the issuance of shares of beneficial interest, with no par value per share (the Shares), of the SPDR ® DoubleLine ® Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF (the Fund), a newly created series of the Trust. You have requested that we deliver this opinion to you in connection with the Trusts filing of the Registration Statement.
In connection with the furnishing of this opinion, we have examined the following documents:
(a) | A certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as to the existence of the Trust; |
(b) | A copy, stamped as filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of the Trusts Declaration of Trust dated March 30, 2011, and all amendments thereto (the Declaration); |
(c) | A certificate executed by the Secretary of the Trust, certifying as to, and attaching copies of, the Trusts Declaration, the Trusts By-Laws (the By-laws), and certain resolutions adopted by the Trustees of the Trust authorizing the issuance of the Shares of the Fund (the Resolutions); and |
(d) | A printers proof of the Registration Statement. |
In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity to the originals of all of the documents reviewed by us as copies, including conformed copies, the authenticity and completeness of all original documents reviewed by us in original or copy form and the legal competence of each individual executing any document. We have assumed that the Registration Statement as filed with the Commission will be in substantially the form of the
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | ||||||
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW | ||||||
Washington, DC 20004 |
|
+1.202.739.3000 | ||||
United States |
|
+1.202.739.3001 |
SSGA Active Trust
April 12, 2016
printers proof referred to in paragraph (d) above. We have also assumed that the Declaration, By-laws and the Resolutions will not have been amended, modified or withdrawn with respect to matters relating to the Shares and will be in full force and effect on the date of the issuance of such Shares.
This opinion is based entirely on our review of the documents listed above and such investigation of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate. We have made no other review or investigation of any kind whatsoever, and we have assumed, without independent inquiry, the accuracy of the information set forth in such documents.
As to any opinion below relating to the formation or existence of the Trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, our opinion relies entirely upon and is limited by the certificate of public officials referred to in (a) above.
This opinion is limited solely to the internal substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as applied by courts located in Massachusetts (other than Massachusetts securities laws, as to which we express no opinion), to the extent that the same may apply to or govern the transactions referred to herein. No opinion is given herein as to the choice of law which any tribunal may apply to such transaction. In addition, to the extent that the Declaration or the By-laws refer to, incorporate or require compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), or any other law or regulation applicable to the Trust, except for the internal substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as aforesaid, we have assumed compliance by the Trust with the 1940 Act and such other laws and regulations.
We understand that all of the foregoing assumptions and limitations are acceptable to you.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, please be advised that it is our opinion that:
1. | The Trust has been formed and is existing under the Trusts Declaration and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a Massachusetts business trust. |
2. | The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the Trusts Declaration and By-laws and for the consideration described in the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts except that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of the Trust may under certain circumstances be held personally liable for its obligations. |
This opinion is given as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update this opinion to reflect any changes in law or any other facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In rendering this opinion and giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours, |
/s/ Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP |
Exhibit (m)(i)(2)
Exhibit A
Fund |
||
SPDR SSGA Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
||
SPDR SSGA Income Allocation ETF |
||
SPDR SSGA Global Allocation ETF |
||
SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF |
||
SPDR SSGA Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
||
SPDR MFS Systematic Core Equity ETF |
||
SPDR MFS Systematic Growth Equity ETF |
||
SPDR MFS Systematic Value Equity ETF |
||
SPDR SSGA Risk Aware ETF |
||
SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
||
SPDR DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
||
SPDR DoubleLine Emerging Markets Fixed Income ETF |
Dated: April 12, 2016
Exhibit (p)(vi)
Code of Ethics
for
DoubleLine Group LP
DoubleLine Capital LP
DoubleLine Equity LP
DoubleLine Commodity LP
DoubleLine Funds Trust
DoubleLine Equity Funds
DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund
and
DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund
Effective Date: September 1, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||
I. |
Introduction |
1 | ||||||
A. |
Applicable to all Personnel |
1 | ||||||
B. |
Access to the Code |
3 | ||||||
C. |
Regulatory Requirements |
3 | ||||||
D. |
Other Topics Covered In the Code |
4 | ||||||
E. |
Code May be Supplemented by Other Applicable Policies |
5 | ||||||
F. |
Best Judgment and Further Advice |
5 | ||||||
II. |
Duty to Report Violations of this Code, Sanctions and Acknowledgement |
6 | ||||||
A. |
Duty to Report Violations of this Code |
6 | ||||||
B. |
Sanctions |
8 | ||||||
C. |
Acknowledgement |
9 | ||||||
III. |
General Standard of Conduct |
11 | ||||||
A. |
Fiduciary Duty |
11 | ||||||
B. |
Adherence to Good Business Practices |
12 | ||||||
C. |
Compliance with Applicable Federal Securities Laws and Other Requirements |
12 | ||||||
D. |
Client Representations |
12 | ||||||
E. |
Market Rumors |
12 | ||||||
IV. |
Conflicts of Interest |
14 | ||||||
A. |
General Statement of Policy |
14 | ||||||
B. |
General Description of Conflicts |
14 | ||||||
C. |
Particular Conflicts |
15 | ||||||
D. |
General Antifraud Prohibitions |
16 | ||||||
V. |
Confidentiality/Privacy |
18 | ||||||
A. |
General Statement of Policy Confidentiality |
18 | ||||||
B. |
Sharing of Information Within the Companies |
18 | ||||||
C. |
Sharing of Information Outside the Companies |
19 | ||||||
D. |
Reasonable Safeguards |
20 | ||||||
E. |
Reporting of Possible Confidentiality Breach |
20 | ||||||
VI. |
Prohibition Against Insider Trading |
22 | ||||||
A. |
Companies Policy Insider Trading |
22 | ||||||
B. |
Recognizing Material Nonpublic Information |
22 | ||||||
C. |
Avoiding the Receipt and Misuse of Material Nonpublic Information |
24 | ||||||
D. |
Required Steps to Take If Exposed to Material Nonpublic Information |
29 | ||||||
E. |
Responsibilities of the Chief Compliance Officer |
30 | ||||||
F. |
Reporting of Insider Trading Activity |
33 | ||||||
G. |
Review of Insider Trading Activity |
34 | ||||||
H. |
Annual Attestation |
35 | ||||||
VII. |
Reporting of Accounts and Transactions Involving Securities and Other Financial Products |
36 | ||||||
A. |
General Statement of Companies Policy With Respect to Account and Notification |
36 | ||||||
B. |
Review of Account Statements and Holding Report Notifications |
42 | ||||||
VIII. |
Investment Activities |
44 | ||||||
A. |
Overview |
44 | ||||||
B. |
Provisions of General Applicability |
44 | ||||||
C. |
Prohibitions and Pre-Approval Requirements of General Applicability |
45 |
- i -
D. |
Additional Restrictions Applicable to Access Persons |
49 | ||||||
IX. |
Outside Business Activities |
52 | ||||||
A. |
General Policy |
52 | ||||||
B. |
Receipt of Payment of Third Party Compensation |
53 | ||||||
C. |
Annual Attestation |
54 | ||||||
X. |
Gifts and Gratuities and Political Activities |
55 | ||||||
A. |
Gifts and Gratuities |
55 | ||||||
B. |
Political Contributions |
60 | ||||||
C. |
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act |
64 | ||||||
D. |
Annual Attestation |
66 | ||||||
XI. |
Client Complaints and Indications of Inappropriate Conduct |
67 | ||||||
A. |
General Statement of Policy |
67 | ||||||
B. |
Responsibility of the Chief Compliance Officer |
67 | ||||||
XII. |
Annual Review by Trustees |
68 |
ATTACHMENTS
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Initial Code of Ethics
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Initial Code of Ethics (consultants)
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Amended Code of Ethics
Exhibit I.A.: New Access Person Introduction Checklist | ||
Exhibit VII A1: Annual or Initial Holdings Report | ||
Exhibit VII A2: Request for Duplicate Confirmations and Statements | ||
Exhibit VII Policy Regarding Special Trading Procedures for Securities of Certain Closed-End Funds | ||
Exhibit VIII C: Request for Preauthorization Personal Trades | ||
Exhibit X. A.: Annual Non-Cash Compensation Acknowledgement and Certification (aka: Gift Form) | ||
Exhibit X. B: Initial Political Contributions Report | ||
Exhibit XI D: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Questionnaire | ||
Exhibit XI E: Required Annual Attestations and Disclosures |
- ii -
I. INTRODUCTION
A number of entities affiliated with DoubleLine Group LP (Group) 1 have jointly adopted this Code of Ethics (the Code ) to set forth the ethical and professional standards required of those entities listed and defined below (collectively, the Companies ) and to demonstrate the commitment of the Companies and their management to maintaining the trust and confidence of the investors in the funds offered by the Trust, the Equity Funds, DBL and DSL (all defined below and collectively, the Funds ) and of the Advisers clients, to upholding high standards of integrity and business ethics and professionalism, and to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and with the Companies internal policies and procedures. Various employees of Group, which provides operational support for the Trust, the Equity Funds, DBL and DSL, will perform certain actions discussed herein on behalf of DBL, DSL, the Equity Funds and the Trust.
The entities comprising the Companies are:
DoubleLine Group LP (Group)
DoubleLine Capital LP (Adviser, Capital)
DoubleLine Equity LP (Adviser, Equity)
DoubleLine Commodity LP (Adviser, Commodity)
DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund (DBL)
DoubleLine Funds Trust (Trust)
DoubleLine Equity Funds (Equity Funds)
DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (DSL)
Together, the series of funds within the Trust and Equity Funds are known as the DoubleLine Funds.
A. | Applicable to all Personnel |
The Code covers all personnel of Group, DBL, DSL, the Trust, Equity Funds and the Advisers, including partners, officers, directors (and other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), and employees, as well as individuals associated with the Companies in any manner that provide investment advice on their behalf and are subject to their supervision and control (collectively, hereinafter, the DoubleLine Personnel or Personnel ). The term Personnel shall also include any individuals who are members of the DoubleLine Capital GP LLC, which is Capitals general partner. Temporary employees and consultants that, in each case, are engaged by any of the Companies to provide clerical, administrative or professional services that are not directly investment related will not be considered to be Personnel subject to this Code except to the extent the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) notifies them to the contrary.
1 | Group is an entity which serves as the employer of the persons termed as DoubleLine Personnel under the Code. However, while it provides these persons to supply services to the Advisers under various service contracts, Group itself does not conduct activities requiring registration as a registered investment adviser. Group adopts this Code solely as an administrative convenience, to ensure that all persons employed by Group are subject to the Code because of the services rendered to registered investment advisers. |
New employees, to include any temporary employees or consultants designated by the CCO, shall be briefed as to the requirements of the Code of Ethics, with Exhibit I. A. serving as a guideline to that introduction. The briefing is not a substitute for all employees reading the Code in its entirety at least annually. The fact that a briefing has not occurred or that the CCO has not made a determination of any existing employees change of status does not in any way limit the obligation of any person to comply with all applicable provisions of the Code.
1. | Applicability of this Code to the Disinterested Trustees |
Various provisions of this Code either do not apply to the Trustees of the Trust, Equity Funds, DBL or DSL who are not interested persons within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Disinterested Trustees ), or applies only in a limited fashion.
The following Sections of this Code do not apply to the Disinterested Trustees:
| Section VIII (Investment Activities) |
| Section IX (Outside Business Activities) |
| Section X (Gifts and Gratuities and Political Activities) |
In addition, Disinterested Trustees are required to comply with only Subsection A(5) of Section VII (Reporting of Accounts and Transactions Involving Securities and Other Financial Products).
2. | Authority to Exempt Any Person from Coverage |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chief Compliance Officer may exempt any person from all or any portion of the Code upon a finding that such person is neither an Access Person, as defined at Rule 17j-1(a)(1) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act ) or Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act ) or a supervised person , as defined at Section 202(a)(25) of the Advisers Act, and that, such persons duties and responsibilities are such that application of all or any particular portion of this Code to such person is not reasonably necessary. Accordingly, all persons subject to the Code shall be considered to be Access Persons, regardless of whether they meet any particular definition thereof while persons that have been exempted from all or any particular portion of the Code shall not be considered to be Access Persons to the extent of that exemption.
The Chief Compliance Officer also may waive provisions of the Code on a case-by-case basis, after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the request for a waiver. An example of such a waiver would be the waiver of the two-day requirement to execute a trade. The Chief Compliance Officer shall keep a written record of all such waivers and the basis for such waiver, which typically shall be recorded on a trade approval form or email.
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3. | Documentation |
The CCO is responsible (i) for maintaining a record of all personnel associated from time-to-time with the Companies and, as to each individual, the dates of such persons association, the title or position held by such individual and whether such person was exempted from all or any portion of the Code and, therefore is not considered to be an Access Person, and, (ii) as to all persons exempted from all or any portion of the Code, for documenting the basis for such exemption. The CCO generally shall rely upon the Groups Human Resources department for all such lists.
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: A record of all Trustees, officers and employees of a Fund and documentation of the basis for any exemption from the Code
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which such record was created, provided any documentation as to any exemption from the Code shall be maintained for a minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the relevant individuals association with the Companies was terminated.
Regulatory Reference: Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)(1)(D) and Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(ii)
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B. | Access to the Code |
All Personnel will be provided access to the Code, either in hard copy or on the Companies internal electronic systems. Personnel should keep the Code available for easy reference.
C. | Regulatory Requirements |
The Code has been adopted in connection with the Companies compliance with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act ) or Rule 17j-1(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act ), as applicable.
As registered investment advisers, the Advisers, pursuant to Rule 204A-1, are required to establish, maintain and enforce a written code of ethics that, at a minimum:
| Sets forth the general standard of conduct required of all supervised persons, which standard reflects the fiduciary duties that the Advisers and all such individuals owe to the Advisers clients. |
| Requires compliance by all supervised persons with applicable federal securities laws. |
| Requires certain supervised persons to report, and for the Advisers to review, their personal securities transactions and holdings periodically. |
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| Requires prompt reporting by all supervised persons of any violations of this Code. |
| Requires distribution by the Advisers of the Code and of any amendments to all supervised persons and for the Advisers to obtain written acknowledgements from all such individuals as to their receipt of the Code. |
DBL, DSL, the Trust, Equity Funds and the Advisers also are required pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act to adopt a written code of ethics that contain provisions reasonably necessary to prevent their Access Persons, as defined in Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(a)(1), from:
| employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a Fund; |
| making any untrue statement of a material fact to a Fund or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to a Fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; |
| engaging in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a Fund; or |
| engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to a Fund. |
D. | Other Topics Covered In the Code |
In addition to the minimum requirements set forth above, the Code also addresses the Companies policies and procedures regarding:
| Sanctions for violating the Code |
| Safeguarding and maintaining confidential information |
| Prohibitions against insider trading |
| Investment activities |
| Outside business activities |
| Giving and receiving of gifts and entertainment |
| Political activities |
| Client complaints |
| Annual review by Trustees |
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E. | Code May be Supplemented by Other Applicable Policies |
The Code has been drafted in a manner that allows it to apply equally to all Personnel regardless of their specific functions or responsibilities. As a result of this one size fits all approach, the Companies may, from time-to-time, supplement the Code as it applies to Personnel that perform certain functions or that have particular responsibilities by the adoption of separate, more specialized policies and procedures. Where this is the case, Personal to whom these separate policies and procedures apply must comply with both the Code and these additional policies or the more restrictive of the two in the case of a conflict. More generally, the existence of the Code should not be understood as relieving Personnel, in any manner, from their continuing responsibility to familiarize themselves, and to comply, with all applicable policies and procedures of the Companies.
F. | Best Judgment and Further Advice |
It is not reasonable to expect this Code or other applicable policies or procedures of the Companies to cover all of the possible situations that Personnel may encounter. For this reason, nothing in this Code removes the need for all Personnel to use their best judgment in order to maintain high professional standards and to consult with their supervisor s as well as appropriate legal or compliance Personnel, as needed.
Personnel that are unsure how to handle a particular situation are urged to consult with their supervisor or legal or compliance personnel for advice.
References: | Advisers Act Section 202(a)(25): Definitions (definition of Supervised Person) | |
Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(a): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (adoption of code of ethics) | ||
Investment Company Act Section 17: Transaction of Certain Affiliated Persons and Underwriters | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1: Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel |
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II. DUTY TO REPORT VIOLATIONS OF THIS CODE, SANCTIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A. | Duty to Report Violations of this Code |
DoubleLine Personnel are required to report promptly any violation or potential violation of the Code to the Companies Chief Compliance Officer. Any such report shall be maintained in confidence and no retaliation shall be made against the individual making such report and, indeed, any retaliation for the reporting of a violation of the Code shall itself constitute a violation of the Code.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Any individual that becomes aware of a violation of this Code must promptly report such violation.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Any applicable individual
|
1. | Review and Investigation |
The Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for the prompt review and investigation of any violations of the Code reported to, or independently discovered by, the Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer shall also be responsible for reporting any substantiated material violations of the Code to appropriate senior management within the Companies and to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, Equity Funds, DSL or DBL (as applicable) (the Trustees ) and for appropriately documenting such review and investigation, the reporting thereof to senior management, and any action, including any sanctions, taken as a result thereof.
2. | Heightened Supervision or Other Responsive Actions |
The Chief Compliance officer shall be responsible for determining whether any violation of the Code that is brought to the Chief Compliance Officers attention indicates a need (i) for heightened supervisor y procedures, and, if so, the means by which such need should be addressed, and (ii) any change in the Companies procedures or policies or applicable controls. In addition, the Chief Compliance Officer, after conferring with legal, shall also be responsible for determining whether the violation, or any sanction imposed as a result thereof, requires disclosure or reporting, including to the Companies clients or, any regulatory, law enforcement or other outside party. The Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for appropriately documenting each determination.
3. | Involvement of Legal Counsel |
Notwithstanding the assignment of responsibility to the Chief Compliance Officer with respect to the review and investigation and reporting of violations, where either the Chief Compliance Officer, counsel, or the Disinterested Trustees determine that sufficient reasons
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exist for any such review, investigation, or reporting to be conducted under the direction of legal counsel or such outside counsel as shall engage for such purpose, such legal or outside counsel shall have the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of such review, investigation, and the reporting and documentation thereof.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for the review and investigation of violations of the Code, for reporting of any substantiated material violations to the Companies senior management and/or the Trustees, as applicable, for determining whether the violation indicates a need for heightened supervisor y procedures, changes to procedures or policies or applicable controls, and whether there is any requirement to disclose or report the violation or any sanction imposed as a result thereof.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documentation of the review and investigation of purported violations of the Code and the reporting, if applicable, thereof to senior management and/or the Trustees of any action taken as a result thereof.
Responsible Party: Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the documentation was created, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(12) and (e) and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)(B).
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4. | Where the Chief Compliance Officer is Implicated by the Violation Being Reported |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a person making a report believes that the Chief Compliance Officer is implicated in any violation being reported, the reporting person may report such violation to any of the Companies senior management, including the Disinterested Trustees, as such individual believes is appropriate (the Receiving Person ). Upon the receipt of a report of a violation, the Receiving Person shall either cause the Companies to undertake such review and investigation of the reported violation and to take such other action as is contemplated above or promptly report such matter to another member of senior management as the Receiving Person believes is appropriate, who, upon receipt of such report, shall have the responsibility of a Receiving Person.
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ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Each Receiving Person , if any, is responsible for either causing the applicable Adviser to undertake such review and investigation of any violation of the Code as is contemplated above or for promptly reporting such matter to another member of senior management who shall, thereupon, assume the responsibilities of a Receiving Person.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each Receiving Person
|
References: | Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(a)(4): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (duty to report violations) | |
Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(12)(ii): Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers (record of any violation of the Code and action taken as a result) | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204-2(e)(1): Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers (holding periods for certain required records) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(c)(2)(ii)(A): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Administration of Code of Ethics) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)(B): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Recordkeeping Requirements) |
B. | Sanctions |
1. | Requirement that Chief Compliance Officer be Informed of all Internal Discipline |
No internal discipline shall be imposed on any DoubleLine Personnel for violation of this Code without the underlying matter and the sanction to be imposed being first brought to the attention of the Companies Chief Compliance Officer.
2. | Possible Sanctions |
Possible sanctions for violation of this Code may include, but need not be limited to, reprimands, monetary fines, suspensions, reduction in responsibilities, grade or title, or termination. Sanctions are imposed by the Code of Ethics Committee, which generally shall consist of the General Counsel, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operating Officer and others that they may designate.
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C. | Acknowledgement |
All Personnel must read, understand and adhere to this Code as well as any amendments to the Code. Personnel (with the exception of the Trustees) are also required to sign an Acknowledgement that they have read the entire Code, and from time-to-time, any amendments, and have had an opportunity to review any portions with their supervisor and a member of the Compliance Department.
By signing the Acknowledgement, each signatory agrees to perform fully all applicable responsibilities and to comply with all applicable restrictions, limitations, and requirements set forth in the Code and acknowledge that any such failure may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Failure to comply with the terms of this Code can also subject the Companies and responsible supervisor s and involved individuals to fines, penalties and potentially even criminal proceedings in addition to significant reputational harm and regulatory sanctions. From time-to-time, the Companies may ask any recipient of this Code may be asked to certify his or her continued compliance with the applicable terms and/or with any other applicable restrictions, limitations or requirements and to sign an Acknowledgement with respect to any amendments hereto.
A copy of the Acknowledgement can be found at the end of this Code. Each recipient is required to return the completed Acknowledgement to the Chief Compliance Officer.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Each recipient is responsible for providing a signed copy of the Acknowledgement to the Chief Compliance Officer.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each recipient
The Chief Compliance Officer or designate is responsible for obtaining a signed copy of the Acknowledgement from each recipient with respect to the Code and any amendments thereto. The CCO or designate will review to ensure that all access persons submit their Acknowledgement forms.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer
|
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DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Acknowledgement relating to receipt and review of Code and any amendments thereto
Responsible Party: Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the applicable individual ceases to be a supervised person of the Companies, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Best practices and Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(12)(iii).
|
References: | Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(a)(5): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (written acknowledgement) | |
Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(12)(iii): Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers (record of written acknowledgement) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1: Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel |
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III. GENERAL STANDARD OF CONDUCT
The Companies are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of their shareholders and clients, to upholding high standards of integrity and business ethics and professionalism, and to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and its own internal policies and procedures.
Compliance with these standards is crucial to the Companies long-term success. Simply put, the Companies continued success is dependent upon its reputation and there is no more certain way to diminish the Companies reputation than by failing to put their shareholders and clients first. If the Companies serve their shareholders and clients honestly and equitably and to the best of their abilities, their success will follow.
The general standard of conduct required by all Personnel reflects a number of underlying requirements including:
| the fiduciary duty owed by the Companies and their Personnel to the Funds shareholders and the Advisers clients; |
| the Companies intent to adhere to good business practices; |
| applicable legal and regulatory requirements; |
| the Companies own internal policies and procedures; and |
| representations that the Companies have made to its clients in agreements, offering documents or other written materials. |
A. | Fiduciary Duty |
The Companies and all Personnel owe a fiduciary duty to the Funds shareholders and to the Advisers clients. This means that the Companies and their Personnel must always place the interests of the Funds shareholders and the Advisers clients first and may not put their own interests ahead of their shareholders and clients interests or otherwise abuse their position of trust and responsibility. More specifically, the Companies fiduciary duty to their shareholders and clients requires that Personnel adhere to the following standards:
| Any recommendation to a client must have a reasonable basis and must be suitable for the client in light of the clients needs, financial circumstances, and investment objectives; |
| Facts that may be material to the clients economic interest or decision-making must be disclosed fully and fairly and Personnel must refrain from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct; |
| Best execution should be provided with respect to client transactions; and |
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| Conflicts of interest should be fully disclosed and fairly managed (as discussed more fully at Section IV hereof). |
B. | Adherence to Good Business Practices |
The Companies expect all Personnel to adhere to the principles of good business practice. At a minimum, this requires Personnel to engage in fair and honest conduct in all their dealings and to perform their functions and meet their responsibilities with a degree of professionalism reasonable to the circumstances.
C. | Compliance with Applicable Federal Securities Laws and Other Requirements |
Inherent in the above standard is the requirement that the Companies and all Personnel comply at all times with all applicable securities laws as well as the Companies own internal policies and procedures.
While many applicable legal and regulatory requirements are reflected in this Code or the Companies other policies and procedures, Personnel should not assume that this is true of every relevant securities law or regulation. As a result, Personnel must take the responsibility to inform themselves of, and understand, the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to their activities. For this same reason, the Companies expect all Personnel to stay current with respect to applicable regulatory and legislative developments.
D. | Client Representations |
The Companies and all Personnel are also expected to comply with any representations that the Companies have made to their clients, including, but not limited to, representations that are made in formal agreements between the Companies and their clients or the offering documents for any of the Companies products (where applicable). This is particularly relevant with respect to adherence to stated objectives and constraints applicable to a portfolio or fund.
E. | Market Rumors |
No officer or employee of the Companies shall originate or, except as permitted below, circulate in any manner a false or misleading rumor about a security or its issuer for the purpose of influencing the market price of the security. A statement that is clearly an expression of an individuals or the Companies opinion, such as an analysts view of the prospects of a company, is not considered to be a rumor, and is excluded from these restrictions.
Where a legitimate business reason exists for discussing a rumor, for example where a client is seeking an explanation for an erratic share price movement which could be explained by the rumor, care should be taken to ensure that the rumor is communicated in a manner that:
| sources the origin of the information (where possible); |
| gives it no additional credibility or embellishment; |
| makes clear that the information is a rumor; and |
| makes clear that the information has not been verified. |
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If in doubt, Personnel should consult with the CCO regarding questions about the appropriateness of any communications about specific securities.
References: | Advisers Act Section 206: Prohibited Transactions by Investment Advisers | |
Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(a)(1) and (2): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (adoption of general standard of business conduct and requirement of compliance with applicable Federal securities laws) | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(e)(4): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethic (definition of Federal Securities Laws) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(b): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Unlawful Actions) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(c): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Code of Ethics) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 38a-1(f)(1): Compliance Procedures and Practices of Certain Investment Companies (definition of Federal Securities Laws) |
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IV. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A. | General Statement of Policy |
The fiduciary duties imposed on the Companies and Personnel require all Personnel to be sensitive to the possibility of conflicts of interest, whether real or apparent, in transactions with clients. This includes conflicts between the interest of the Companies or their Personnel and their clients and conflicts between two clients. As a general matter, conflicts should be avoided. Where they cannot be avoided, it will generally be the case that they should be disclosed and specific consent obtained from the client with respect thereto. When in doubt, Personnel should contact their supervisor or a member of legal or compliance for advice.
B. | General Description of Conflicts |
While it is impossible to describe all conflicts that may arise, in general, conflicts will include various practices in which the Companies or any Personnel have a pecuniary or other interest in recommending or undertaking a transaction for a client. It is important to understand that a conflict does not require that the client suffer any actual harm. It also does not require that the improper interest in question be tangible or otherwise quantifiable or even certain. It is enough if the improper interest is, or could be viewed as, a motivating factor in the Companies or Personnel recommending or undertaking the transaction.
An improper interest may be economic, personal or otherwise. In the case of an economic interest, the interest may be a positive benefit or the avoidance, or minimization of, a negative economic result, e.g. , the avoidance of an expense or a loss, or loss minimization.
Improper interests can include a wide variety of situations, including situations where:
| The transaction allows the Companies or Personnel to generate fees or profits, or avoid losses or expenses, from another relationship as, for example, is the case with respect to soft dollars (discussed further below), the receipt of finders fees, outside commissions or bonuses; |
| The Companies or Personnel are directly interested in the transaction as, for example, is the case with respect to principal transactions; |
| The transaction benefits a third party in which the Companies or any Personnel has an ownership or other economic interest; |
| The transaction provides a benefit to a third party, rather than to the Companies or any Personnel directly, for an improper purpose as, for example, one that: |
| involves any quid pro quo , e.g. , where the benefit is returned to the Companies or Personnel in some manner; |
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| is done to benefit a spouse or child or other person for personal reasons; or |
| is done to repay a favor or out of gratitude or for the purpose of obtaining or continuing to receive lavish gifts or entertainment (as discussed further below). |
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all Personnel should avoid any investment, interest, association or other relationship that interferes, might interfere, or even might be perceived as interfering with the independent exercise by the individual of good judgment in the best interest of the Advisers clients or the Funds shareholders.
C. | Particular Conflicts |
1. | Conflicts Related to the Provision of Disinterested and Impartial Advice or Undertaking a Transaction on Behalf of a Client |
Any advice or recommendation, or transaction undertaken on behalf of a client, must be disinterested and impartial. An interest in a security or issuer, whether direct or indirect, or a relationship with an issuer, may support an inference that advice or a recommendation or the undertaking concerning such security or the securities of an issuer was not disinterested and impartial.
Accordingly, to minimize the possibility of such conflicts the Companies have adopted policies discussed elsewhere herein with respect to:
| the investment activities of DoubleLine Personnel (see Sections VII and VIII hereof); |
| the holding of any position ( e.g. , as a director or trustee) with an issuer or its affiliates (see Section IX hereof); or |
| any present or proposed business relationship with an issuer or its affiliates (see Section IX hereof). |
2. | Appropriation of Client Information for Personal Benefit |
DoubleLine Personnel may not trade or recommend trading in securities on the basis of client information, including information related to client positions, trades, or strategies. This means that trades and recommended trades by Personnel should always be based upon an investment assessment that is independent of any nonpublic client information.
3. | Soft Dollars |
The term soft dollars is generally understood as an arrangement under which research or brokerage products or services, other than execution of securities transactions, are obtained by an adviser from or through a broker-dealer in exchange for the direction by the adviser of client brokerage transactions to the broker-dealer. Because such arrangements can have the effect of using client assets to pay for services that benefit the adviser, rather than the client
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directly, participation by an adviser in such arrangements is considered to violate an advisers fiduciary duty to its clients and, therefore, is generally prohibited. The one exception to the foregoing is found in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act ), which exempts the provision of brokerage and research services from the foregoing prohibition. Any arrangements for brokerage and research services, however, should comply with any separate policies or procedures that may be adopted from time-to-time.
4. | Selecting Suppliers and Service Providers |
The acceptance of any compensation or other benefit from a supplier or service provider to the Companies, especially one involving expenses that are, directly or indirectly, borne by an Advisers clients, may also be perceived as a conflict in that it may lead to a perception that the providers selection may not be in the clients best interest. Accordingly, the Companies use of any brokerage firm or other vendor, or service provider may be subject to separate policies and procedures of the Companies subjecting such use to a pre-approval process and other requirements for the purpose of minimizing the possibility of such conflicts. Moreover, Personnel may not accept compensation, whether in the form of cash or otherwise, for their own benefit from a service provider except in accordance with the provisions of Subsection B of Section IX hereof, which relates to receipt or payment of third party compensation, and Section X hereof, which relates to gifts and entertainment.
5. | Potential Conflicts of Interest Arising from Transactions in Affiliated Entities |
DoubleLine may recommend that its clients invest in public or private investment vehicles sponsored by or affiliated with DoubleLine. Examples of such investment vehicles include the DoubleLine Funds, hedge funds sponsored by DoubleLine or collateralized loan obligations sponsored by DoubleLine. The possibility exists that DoubleLine could take a position on governance matters for investment vehicles sponsored or affiliated with DoubleLine that could be adverse to certain equity holders and indirectly, any noteholders in these sponsored or affiliated collateralized loan obligations. The Code of Ethics Committee is responsible to review and resolve or seek to mitigate such conflicts through appropriate controls.
D. | General Antifraud Prohibitions |
DoubleLine Personnel are prohibited from:
| employing any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud a client or prospective client; |
| engaging in any transaction, practice, or course of business that operates as a fraud or deceit upon a client or prospective client; |
| making any untrue statement of a material fact to a client or omitting to state a material fact necessary to make a statement made not misleading; or |
| engaging in any act, practice or course of business that is fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative. |
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References: | Exchange Act Section 28(e): Effect on Existing Law (exchange, broker, and dealer commissions; brokerage and research services) | |
Advisers Act Section 206: Prohibited Transactions by Investment Advisers | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(a)(1) and (2): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (adoption of general standard of business conduct and requirement of compliance with applicable Federal securities laws) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(b): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Unlawful Actions) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(c): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Code of Ethics) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 38a-1(f)(1): Compliance Procedures and Practices of Certain Investment Companies (definition of Federal Securities Laws) |
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V. CONFIDENTIALITY/PRIVACY
A. | General Statement of Policy Confidentiality |
All DoubleLine Personnel have a duty to safeguard and treat as confidential all nonpublic information concerning the Companies, investors in the Funds, clients of the Advisers, and all transactions in which the Advisers or its clients are involved. This includes all information concerning a clients financial circumstances and holdings, and advice furnished to the client. Moreover, employees may only use Companies or client information within the scope of their employment and, accordingly, may not appropriate such information for their own use or benefit or the use or benefit of any third party.
B. | Sharing of Information Within the Companies |
DoubleLine Personnel should only share client or proprietary information within the Companies with individuals that have a legitimate business need for knowing the particular information. In addition, employees should not share information in violation of any Information Walls implemented by the Companies as a means of isolating certain kinds of sensitive information within the Companies so that it is not available to employees that perform public functions, such as the making of recommendations or giving of advice with respect to trading. Employees should bring to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer any attempt by other Personnel to solicit or obtain client or proprietary information for which they do not have a legitimate business need.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Each individual that becomes aware of any attempt by Personnel to solicit or obtain client or proprietary information for which they do not have a legitimate business need should bring such matter to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each applicable individual
|
1. | Presentations to the Funds Trustees |
In presenting or furnishing a report to the Funds Trustees, representatives of service providers to the Funds should generally refrain from identifying or discussing Fund portfolio transactions that occurred within the preceding 15 calendar days or Fund portfolio transactions that will occur or are actively being considered within the following 15 calendar days (a Disclosed Portfolio Transaction ). Exceptions to the foregoing policy may be made upon the request of a Trustee, with the permission of the Chief Compliance Officer or as is otherwise necessary for the Trustees to fulfill their oversight responsibilities.
(i) Notification to Disinterested Trustees
For the purposes of assisting the Disinterested Trustees in fulfilling their reporting obligations under the Code, whenever the Chief Compliance Officer is informed or otherwise
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becomes aware of a Disclosed Portfolio Transaction, the Chief Compliance Officer shall provide the Disinterested Trustees with specific notice of such fact and remind them of the reporting requirements applicable to the Disinterested Trustees with respect to the applicable securities. Notwithstanding such obligation on the part of the Chief Compliance Officer, any failure by the Chief Compliance Officer to provide such notice shall not affect or otherwise lessen in any way any reporting obligation that the Disinterested Directors may have under this Code or otherwise.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The Chief Compliance Officer, upon becoming aware of a Disclosed Portfolio Transaction, shall provide notice of such fact to the Disinterested Trustees.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Notification to the Disinterested Trustees of a Disclosed Portfolio Transaction
Responsible Party: Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the notice is given, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Fund and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practices.
|
C. | Sharing of Information Outside the Companies |
DoubleLine Personnel should not discuss or share client or proprietary information with individuals outside the Companies, other than with parties that both have a legitimate need to know such information and have either provided a confidentially agreement that covers such information, which, in accordance with the Companies policies, has been reviewed and approved by the Companies Compliance Department (or legal counsel, as appropriate) or are themselves under a separate duty to maintain the confidentiality of the information, such as, for example, the Companies outside counsel or accounting firm, or employees of regulated entities such as prime brokers, clearing firms or transfer agents. When any doubt exists as to the need for a confidentially agreement, employees should contact the Companies Compliance Department or legal counsel if appropriate.
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D. | Reasonable Safeguards |
DoubleLine Personnel should use special care to limit the possibility of inadvertent disclosure of client or proprietary information. In particular, Personnel should:
| keep their desk and work areas clear of all confidential information when they are not present; |
| secure all laptops, mobile phones, blackberries and other such devices when unattended; |
| dispose of confidential documents by shredding them or placing them in confidential document waste bins or otherwise complying with proper document destruction procedures; |
| keep sensitive information removed from the office out of public view; |
| limit discussions of such information within the Companies to individuals who have a legitimate business need for knowing the particular information; and |
| consider whether the use of a code name in place of an issuers name may be advisable. |
Employees should not :
| leave confidential information in the open, including in a conference room, once a meeting is over; |
| discuss confidential information in places where it may be inadvertently overheard by unauthorized persons, such as in elevators, public transportation, restaurants or the like; |
| discuss confidential information while using a speaker-phone that is turned up loud enough to be overhead by visitors or unauthorized Personnel; or |
| discuss confidential information with individuals outside the Companies except in accordance with the policy set forth above. |
E. | Reporting of Possible Confidentiality Breach |
Employees should promptly bring to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer or legal counsel (if deemed appropriate) any suspicion that an unauthorized person has obtained confidential information.
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1. | Special Considerations Involving Information Disclosure About Publicly Traded Clients |
The inadvertent disclosure of nonpublic information about a client that has publicly traded securities outstanding may trigger a disclosure requirement on the part of the client. Accordingly, anyone who unintentionally discloses nonpublic information regarding a client that has securities that trade publicly should immediately contact the Chief Compliance Officer so that a determination can be made as to whether there is a need to take any action, including alerting such client of such disclosure so that it will have an opportunity to publicly disclose such information.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Each individual should promptly bring any suspicion that an unauthorized person has obtained confidential information to the attention of the Chief Compliance Office or the General Counsel .
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each applicable individual |
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VI. PROHIBITION AGAINST INSIDER TRADING
A. | Companies Policy Insider Trading |
It is unlawful for any person to trade on ones own behalf or on behalf of others, or to tip or recommend trading in securities on the basis of material nonpublic (i.e., inside) information concerning an issuer or to pass such information to others improperly. Violations of the foregoing can result in severe civil and criminal penalties for the individuals involved and can result in the imposition of significant penalties on the Companies.
The possession of material nonpublic information by any employee or other Personnel may be attributed to the Companies generally unless the information is effectively isolated by the use of Information Walls so that it is not available to employees that perform public functions, including trading and the making of recommendations or giving of advice with respect to trading. A breach of the Companies Information Walls so that nonpublic information is not confined to Personnel that do not perform public functions, can result in the Companies being required to suspend activities involving trading and the making of recommendations in whole or in part for some indefinite period of time in certain circumstances.
As a result, strict compliance with all applicable procedures that the Companies institute to contain the flow of material nonpublic information is required of all Personnel. Moreover, and as described more fully below, Personnel that become aware of material nonpublic information must promptly contact the Chief Compliance Officer and otherwise comply with the requirements of Subsection D below.
The provisions of this Article VI shall, and shall be construed so as to, apply to the Trustees of the Trust, Equity Funds, DSL or DBL who are not interested persons of DBL, DSL, the Trust, the Equity Funds or the Advisers only in respect or their status and activities as such.
Personnel that have questions concerning the requirements of the policies set forth in this Section are urged to consult with their supervisor , the individual responsible for the Chief Compliance Officer or other legal counsel as appropriate.
B. | Recognizing Material Nonpublic Information |
1. | Nonpublic Information |
Typically, for purposes of the U.S. securities laws, information is considered nonpublic if the information has not been broadly disseminated to investors in the marketplace, such as by releasing the information over the news wires, disclosing it in public filings ( e.g. , Forms 10-K or 10-Q) or otherwise disseminating it in a manner that makes it fully available to investors and a reasonable time has elapsed to allow such dissemination.
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2. | Materiality |
Information is considered material if: (1) there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider the information important in making an investment decision; or (2) a reasonable investor would consider it as having significantly altered the total mix of information relating to the issuers securities. Generally, this includes any information the disclosure of which would have a meaningful effect on the price of an outstanding security.
Determining materiality is a fact-specific inquiry, requiring a careful assessment of the inferences a reasonable person would draw from a given set of facts. By way of guidance, the Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated the following as examples of the types of information or events that may be considered material:
| impending or potential mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, joint ventures, or changes in assets, such as a large disposal of the same; |
| earnings or revenue information and changes in previously disclosed financial information; |
| events regarding the issuers securities, e.g. , advance knowledge of a ratings downgrade, defaults on securities, calls of securities for redemption, public or private sales of additional securities, stock splits or changes in dividends, repurchase plans or changes to the rights of security holders; |
| new products or discoveries, or developments regarding clients or suppliers ( e.g. , the acquisition or loss of a major contract); |
| significant changes in control or management; |
| changes in auditors or auditor notification that the issuer may no longer rely on an auditors report; |
| impending bankruptcies or receiverships; |
| information relating to the market for an issuers securities, such as a large order to purchase or sell securities; and |
| prepublication information regarding reports in the financial press. |
Because assessments of materiality are necessarily highly fact-specific, when in doubt DoubleLine Personnel should err on the side of caution and treat the matter in question as material and bring such matter to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer for further consideration.
3. | Breach of Fiduciary Duty or Duty of Trust or Confidence |
Generally, except in the case of tender offers (as described in the immediately following subparagraph), the legal prohibitions on the use of material nonpublic information are
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dependent upon such information being obtained under a fiduciary duty or a duty of trust or confidence (or, directly or indirectly, from someone who has such a duty). Nevertheless, even where information is obtained outside of a fiduciary relationship or relationship of trust or confidence, the use of material nonpublic information may still trigger regulatory investigations and reputational concerns. For this reason, as a general policy, the Companies prohibit obtaining any material, nonpublic information by all Personnel, regardless of whether the information is obtained pursuant to a fiduciary duty or a duty of trust or confidence, except to the extent explicit written approval is obtained from the General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, or a designee of either the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer.
(i) Special Situations Tender Offers
Exchange Act Rule 14e-3 specifically prohibits trading or tipping, e.g. , providing information to third parties, while in the possession of material nonpublic information regarding a tender offer received from the tender offeror, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either irrespective of whether the information was obtained in breach of a fiduciary duty or similar duty of trust and confidence. Personnel that become aware of nonpublic information relating to a tender offer must promptly contact the Chief Compliance Officer and otherwise comply with the requirements of Subsection D below.
C. | Avoiding the Inadvertent Receipt and Misuse of Material Nonpublic Information |
Nonpublic information may come to the attention of DoubleLine Personnel in a variety of ways. Personnel should be aware of the most likely situations so that they can either avoid being inadvertently tainted with such information, which as discussed above may impact their ability to perform their usual functions for the Companies as well as the Companies ability to engage in business as usual, or take such actions as are described below to minimize the impact such information may have on the Companies and the affected employee.
In the event any Personnel comes into possession of, or is otherwise exposed to, nonpublic information, such individual must immediately notify the Chief Compliance Officer and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Subsection D below. Upon being informed of any such matter, the Chief Compliance Officer will make a determination of whether trading (as a firm or for personal trades or both) or other restrictions or controls should be put in place to minimize any conflicts of interest that may result or lead to any improper use or dissemination of material nonpublic information by the Companies or their employees. Personnel in possession of material nonpublic information may not discuss the information with, or provide any investment views with respect to any securities to which the information represents material nonpublic information to, anyone else within or outside the Companies except the General Counsel, the Chief Compliance Officer or other members of the Legal/Compliance Department; as otherwise expressly permitted by this Code of Ethics; or as may be expressly authorized in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel. See Section VI.D. below.
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ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Each individual contacted for the purpose of gauging the Companies interest in a potential transaction that has not been publicly disclosed, is responsible for directing the other party to the Chief Compliance Officer and for bringing such contact to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The applicable individual
|
1. | Pre-Sounding |
From time to time, investment banks may contact Personnel for the purpose of gauging the Companies interest in a potential transaction that has not yet been publicly disclosed. Because of the potential for such conversations, even when conducted on a hypothetical or no names basis, to result in the disclosure of material, nonpublic information, such conversations must be coordinated through the Chief Compliance Officer and comply with any restrictions or other requirements imposed thereby.
Personnel that are contacted for such purpose must promptly interrupt the investment bank representatives and inform them that applicable policies require that such calls be coordinated through the Companies General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer. After providing the investment banking representatives with contact information for the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer, the contacted Personnel should terminate the call and promptly bring the call to the attention to the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer.2
2. | Involvement by the Companies in a Nonpublic Transaction |
The Advisers may bid for, or cause one of its clients to bid for, securities in a company, purchase securities in a private placement, serve on a creditors committee with respect to a bankrupt entity, or otherwise be involved in another type of transaction with an issuer through which the Advisers may be made aware of material nonpublic information. In such situations, the head of the business unit involved in such transactions is responsible for informing the Chief Compliance Officer of such involvement at or before the initiation thereof, to the extent practical, but in any event before any material nonpublic information is provided to the Advisers or any Personnel.
2 | Assuming the proper protocols are followed, this provision is not intended to prevent personnel from providing an indication of interest to purchase shares of an initial public offering, whether in the context of a roadshow or as part of an underwriter gathering its book for a pending deal. |
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ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The head of the business unit involved in any transaction with an issuer that may result in the receipt by an Adviser of material nonpublic information is responsible for bringing such matter to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The applicable business unit head
|
3. | Intentional Receipt of Material Non Public Information |
If you intend to receive any material, non-public information related to a company with a class of publicly traded securities (whether domestic or foreign), you must contact the Chief Compliance Officer or the Legal/Compliance Department in advance of its receipt. The Chief Compliance Officer or the Legal/Compliance Department will work with the appropriate business unit(s) to determine whether to receive the information and whether to implement informational wall and other procedures, as appropriate.
Under certain circumstances, Personnel may seek or agree to receive material non-public information for a legitimate purpose in the context of a transaction in which an Adviser (or its affiliates), on behalf of itself or a client entity or account, is a potential participant or in the context of forming a confidential relationship. This may include receiving private information from agent banks, normally facilitated through on-line services such as, but not limited to, Intralinks, Debt Domain or SyndTrak. This information may be available to all potential purchasers of an investment opportunity represented, for example, by an investment which may not generally qualify as a security for purposes of the federal securities laws (e.g., certain bank loans). Typically, that information can be used to evaluate the investment opportunity and in making an investment decision.
Prior to receipt of such information, the Personnel must request approval from the Chief Compliance Officer or his or her designee.
Generally, if a confidentiality agreement is to be signed in the context of such transactions, members of the Legal/Compliance group should evaluate carefully whether a duty of confidentiality and/or a duty not to trade in the relevant issuers securities without prior disclosure will be created before any information is received under the confidentiality agreement. However, even in the absence of a written confidentiality agreement, a duty to disclose material non-public information before trading may be created when an oral agreement is made or an expectation exists that the confidentiality of such information will be maintained or that the information will not be used in trading. For example, if the persons providing or receiving the information have a pattern or practice of sharing confidences so that the recipient knows or reasonably should know that the provider expects the information to be kept confidential, such pattern or practice may be sufficient to form a confidential relationship.
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Material non-public or deal-specific information may be given in connection with an Adviser making a direct investment in a company on behalf of a client in the form of equity or debt; it may also involve a purchase by an Adviser on behalf of a client of a debt or equity security in a secondary transaction or in the form of a loan participation. The information can be conveyed through a portal such as Intralinks, Debt Domain or SyndTrak, orally from a sponsor or dealer or through other electronic delivery or hard copy documentation. This type of situation typically arises in mezzanine financings, loan participations, bank debt financings, venture capital financing, purchases of distressed securities, oil and gas investments and purchases of substantial blocks of stock from insiders. Even though the investment for which the deal-specific information is being received may not be a publicly traded security, the company may have other classes of publicly traded securities, and the receipt of the information by an Adviser can affect the ability of other parts of the organization to trade in the issuers securities. For the aforementioned reasons, prior to receiving any information that may constitute material, non-public information on a company with any class of publicly traded securities (whether domestic or foreign), please contact the Legal/Compliance Department, who will help to evaluate whether the information may represent material non public information and, where necessary, implement the appropriate Information Wall and trading procedures.
4. | Contacts with Officials or Representatives of Publicly-Held Companies |
Contacts with public companies may constitute an important part of the Companies research efforts and investment decisions may be made based on conclusions formed through these contacts, as well as through an analysis of publicly available information. Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the course of these contacts, Personnel become aware of material nonpublic information. This could happen, for example, if an issuers Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an individual associated with the Companies, or an investor relations representative selectively discloses significant news to a handful of investors, including Personnel of a Company. In such situations, the Companies must make a judgment as to its further conduct. Any individual who believes he or she may receive or has received material nonpublic information about an issuer should promptly contact the Chief Compliance Officer and otherwise comply with the requirements of Subsection D below.
Whenever practicable, Personnel shall provide advance notice to the Chief Compliance Officer or his designate of any meetings Personnel will attend at which officials or representatives of a company with securities will discuss matters related to the issuer of the securities unless the meeting is open to the public or open broadly to the investment community. Upon the request of the Chief Compliance Officer or his designate, the Personnel attending such a meeting shall provide a brief summary of the substantive information provided during the meeting.
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ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Any individual who believes he or she may have received nonpublic information from an issuer is responsible for promptly bringing such matter to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each applicable individual
|
5. | Board Seats |
DoubleLine Personnel are sometimes asked to sit or act as Board members for an issuer of publicly held securities. As noted at Section IX A hereof, any such arrangement must be pre-approved and, in connection therewith, the Chief Compliance Officer, in accordance with Subsection E below, will make a determination of whether trading or other restrictions or controls should be put in place to minimize any conflicts of interest that may result therefrom or prevent the improper use or dissemination of material nonpublic information by the Companies or its employees and as is required to comply with any restrictions imposed by the issuer on its directors. It should be noted that such approval generally will not be granted.
In addition, Board members of public issuers may also be exposed to material nonpublic information concerning other publicly held companies that may have dealings with the company on whose board they sit. Personnel sitting on the board of a company who receive material nonpublic information concerning other publicly held companies must immediately contact the Chief Compliance Officer and otherwise comply with the requirements of Subsection D below.
6. | Creditors Committees |
Participants on creditors committees are often exposed to nonpublic information regarding the debtor company. This exposure may affect the Companies ability to trade in securities in that company. Accordingly, Personnel should not agree to sit on any creditors committee, whether official or informal (including preliminary meetings that precede creditors committees), without first contacting the Chief Compliance Officer, who will obtain any necessary approvals and make a determination of whether trading or other restrictions or controls should be put in place to minimize any conflicts of interest that may result therefrom or any improper use of material nonpublic information by the Companies or its employees and as may otherwise be required of members of the creditor committee.
7. | Other Situations |
(i) Information Originating within the Companies
Material, non-public information may include information originating within the Companies, for example, information regarding open-end or closed-end funds advised by the Advisers, such as information on a funds portfolio holdings, net asset value, expected dividend rate, or any other information that could be considered material. DoubleLine Personnel that are
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contacted by another employee for the purpose of communicating material, nonpublic information as to which the employee was previously unaware must immediately notify the Chief Compliance Officer regardless of whether any nonpublic information is actually communicated and may be required to comply with the requirements of Subsection D below. See Exhibit VIII for information on restrictions on DoubleLine Personnel trading in shares of closed-end funds advised by the Advisers.
(ii) Information Originating Outside the Companies
All Personnel who come into receipt of material nonpublic information, no matter what the source or circumstances, must immediately contact the Chief Compliance Officer and may have to comply with the requirements of Subsection D below.
(iii) Expert Networks
DoubleLine Equity LP occasionally uses expert networks as part of its research efforts. A more detailed procedure regarding the use of expert networks is contained within the Advisers Compliance Manual.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Any individual who believes he or she may have received material nonpublic information or who has been contacted by another employee for the purpose of communicating material nonpublic information of which the individual was previously generally unaware, must promptly bring such matter to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each applicable individual
|
D. | Required Steps to Take If You Have Been Exposed to Material Nonpublic Information |
Personnel who believe they have been exposed to or may possess material nonpublic information should cease any further actions in any way related to such information or any issuer to which it relates and immediately take the following steps:
| contact the Chief Compliance Officer or Legal/Compliance Personnel; |
| refrain from discussing the information with, or providing any investment views with respect to any securities to which the information relates to, anyone else within or outside the Companies |
|
Except you may disclose the information to the General Counsel, the Chief Compliance Officer or other members of the Legal/Compliance Department in accordance with your obligations under this Code of Ethics and you may disclose the information and/or provide your investment view with respect to the relevant securities as expressly permitted by this Code of Ethics or as may be expressly |
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authorized in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel refrain from transactions involving the subject securities or related securities (whether for a personal account or an account of a client) or otherwise attempting to take advantage of the information whether for ones own benefit, that of the Companies, a client or any other person; and |
| comply with any restrictions or controls that are put in place by the Companies in response to such exposure or possession. |
Personnel who are authorized to possess material nonpublic information in accordance with this Code of Ethics shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the unauthorized dissemination of that information, including:
| reviewing such information in a private office; and |
| Avoiding the storage of such information on any network drives to which others (other than the Chief Compliance Officer, Legal, IT or Compliance Personnel and anyone else cleared to view the exact same information) have permission to access. |
E. | Responsibilities of the Chief Compliance Officer |
1. | Upon Receipt of Notification of Possible Receipt of Material, Nonpublic Information/Imposition of Information Barriers |
Upon the receipt of any notification with respect to the receipt by Personnel of possible material, nonpublic information, the Chief Compliance Officer, in conjunction with legal counsel if deemed necessary, shall be responsible for making a determination of whether the information is material and nonpublic and, if so, whether any actions or precautions should be taken, including restricting the Companies activities in any way or placing an Information Wall around the individual involved in such matter together with any other relevant individuals from the public portions of the Companies.
(i) Restrictions on Communication and Information Barriers
Individuals subject to information barriers are prohibited from discussing the information that gave rise to the information barrier except:
| among other individuals who are part of the same walled off group; |
| with the Companies legal counsel, Chief Compliance Officer or such other persons as the Chief Compliance Officer shall specifically direct. |
Individuals subject to information barriers should use care to maintain the information that gave rise to the information barrier in confidence and shall:
| take reasonable steps, including such steps as are set forth at Subsection D of Section V hereof, to safeguard the protected information; |
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| not discuss such matter with anyone except as specifically provided above; and |
| in accordance with Subsection B of Section V hereof, bring to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer any attempt by Personnel to solicit or obtain such information unless they have a legitimate business need or reason. |
(ii) Documentation
The Chief Compliance Officer shall also be responsible for documenting any notice received, any review undertaken, and any action taken.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for determining whether any matter reported is material and nonpublic and, if so, the Companies response thereto.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Notice of any receipt of material nonpublic information by any individual and the Companies response thereto.
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years , such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practices
|
2. | Pre-Sounding |
The Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for managing the Companies participation in any response thereto. (See also the discussion at Section VI. C. 1.)
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ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for managing the Companies response to any pre-sounding request.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documentation of any response to a pre-sounding request.
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years , such documentation to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practices
|
3. | Maintenance of Restricted and Watch List |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for maintaining the Companies Restricted and Watch Lists. The Chief Compliance Officer may designate others to assist with the maintenance of these lists.
The Restricted List generally may be disclosed to DoubleLine Personnel and consists of a list of issuers , e.g .., companies, in which Personnel are prohibited from trading, absent an exemption from such restriction.
The Watch List generally is not disclosed to Personnel and consists of a list of issuers as to which a limited or select group of Personnel may be in possession of material nonpublic material information or other sensitive information. However, the Chief Compliance Office may share the Watch List with certain Personnel as necessary to further the purposes of this Code of Ethics or for other purposes the Chief Compliance Officer deems necessary or appropriate.
The Restricted and Watch Lists are maintained separately. The Restricted List is typically stored on network drives accessible to all Access Persons, while the Watch List shall not be stored on network drives accessible by Access Person except as the Chief Compliance Officer may deem necessary to further the purposes of this Code of Ethics or for other purposes the Chief Compliance Officer deems necessary or appropriate.
The Companies also maintain a list of bank loan borrowers which are not currently issuers of public securities and in respect of which Personnel have accessed private information on services such as, but not limited to, Intralinks, Debt Domain or SyndTrak.
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As a general matter, the Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for the determination to add or remove an issuer from any of the Restricted List, the Watch List or the list of bank loan borrowers.
In considering whether an issuer should be added or removed from the Restricted or Watch List, the following presumptions shall apply:
| Issuers that are the subject of an Information Wall or similar controls should be placed on the Companies Watch List. |
| Issuers as to which Personnel are in possession of material nonpublic information should be placed on the Companies Watch List, provided that if such information is not restricted to a limited number of Walled Off individuals, the issuer should be placed on the Companies Restricted List. |
| Issuers for whom Personnel serve as directors or members of official creditors committee should generally be placed on the Restricted List or, if information walls or other appropriate measures are taken, on the Watch List. |
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for maintaining the Companies Watch and Restricted Lists.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documentation of any consideration to add an issuer to the Companies Watch or Restricted Lists.
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years , such documentation to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practices
|
F. | Reporting of Insider Trading Activity |
All DoubleLine Personnel are required to promptly report to the Chief Compliance Officer any activity related to a client or client related account or employee or employee related account that appears to be based upon material nonpublic information. Upon receipt of such
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notice, the Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for conducting such review with respect thereto as the Chief Compliance Officer believes appropriate and, in conjunction with the Companies senior management, for determining whether the Companies should take any action in response thereto, including reporting such matter to any official, as may be required or appropriate and for documenting such notice, review and determination. The Chief Compliance Officer may deem it appropriate, but is not required, to engage outside counsel to conduct an investigation into or assist with a review of such matters.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Any individual who is aware of any activity related to a client or client related account or employee or employee related account that appears to be based upon material nonpublic information, shall promptly report it to the Chief Compliance Officer.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each applicable individual
|
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for conducting a review upon receipt of a report of possible insider trading and for determining, in conjunction with the Companies senior management, whether the Companies should take any action in response thereto.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documentation of the review and investigation of purported insider trading activity and the Advisers response thereto
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the applicable individual ceases to be a supervised person of the Companies, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practice
|
G. | Reviews for Insider Trading Activity |
The Compliance Department may review employee activities for insider trading related activities (to include personal or client trading, as well as management of material non-public information), including (i) monitoring or reviewing of email communications or other interactions between Personnel and representatives of issuers of securities and (ii) monitoring of meeting calendars of Personnel for meetings with officers or representatives of issuers of securities. Employees shall cooperate with the Compliance Departments review of such activities.
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H. | Annual Attestation |
Personnel will be required to attest annually to their compliance with the foregoing policies on insider-trading. See the form at Exhibit XI C .
References: | Advisers Act Section 204A: Prevention of Misuse of Nonpublic Information | |
Advisers Act Section 206: Prohibited Transactions by Investment Advisers | ||
Exchange Act, Section 9: Manipulation of Security Prices | ||
Exchange Act, Section 10: Manipulative and Deceptive Devices | ||
Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1: Trading on the Basis of Material Nonpublic Information in Insider Trading Cases | ||
Exchange Act Rule 14e-3: Transactions in Securities on the Basis of Material, Nonpublic Information in the Context of Tender Offers |
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VII. REPORTING OF ACCOUNTS AND TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING SECURITIES AND
OTHER FINANCIAL PRODUCTS
A. | General Statement of Companies Policy With Respect to Account and Notification |
All DoubleLine Personnel, other than Disinterested Directors, are required to notify the Companies promptly, in the manner provided below, upon opening any outside account for a Covered Person or Immediate Family Member , each as hereinafter defined, for the purchase, holding or disposition of any financial product, e.g. , a security, future, commodity, or any derivative thereon, provided that no notice shall be required with respect to an account of an Immediate Family Member to the extent the individual has no direct or indirect influence or control over such account and that Personnel shall be required to certify in writing that they have no direct or indirect influence or control over such account.
The term Covered Person shall mean any account that is beneficially owned by (i) an individual who is subject to these procedures; (ii) such individuals spouse or domestic partner; (iii) such individuals child or a child of the individuals spouse or domestic partner, provided, in each case, the child resides in the same household with, or is financially dependent upon, the individual; and (iv) any account as to which the individual has discretionary authority or direct influence or control, including any account for which an individual acts as trustee, executor or custodian, but excluding any account for an Advisers client to the extent the discretion is exercised on behalf of the Adviser.
The term Immediate Family Member shall mean, any grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in law, brother-in law, or sister-in-law, but only to the extent such family member shares a household with the individual.
Personnel who are new to the Companies, or whose employment predates the date this Code was first put into effect, must, promptly notify the Companies of all existing accounts that would otherwise fall within the foregoing notification requirement.
All DoubleLine Personnel are also required to notify the Companies promptly upon any change in the account set up information, e.g. , a change to the name of the account or the account number, or the closing of such account.
1. | Account and Initial Holdings Notification |
All account and initial holding notifications, including account openings, changes to an account and account closings, must be made in a dated writing to the Chief Compliance Officer, and in the case of accounts, shall include the name of the broker, dealer, bank or other party with whom the account was established. Such notification should be provided using a copy of the form (or its substantial equivalent) attached hereto as Exhibit VII A1 . All initial holding notifications shall be submitted within ten (10) days of a person being designated as an Access Person and being subjected to the requirements of the Code. Information submitted in initial holdings reports must be current as of a date no more than forty five (45) days prior to the date the person becomes an Access Person. Information submitted in annual holdings reports must be current as of a date no more than forty five (45) days prior to the date submitted.
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At the time any such notification is made, the brokerage or other firm that is to carry the account must also be notified of the need to provide copies of account statements and confirmations to the Companies. Such notification should be provided by completing and mailing a copy of the form letter attached hereto as Exhibit VII A2 .
2. | Right of Companies to Limit Where Accounts May be Carried |
Notwithstanding anything herein, the Companies reserve the right to limit the particular firms at which personal securities accounts may be opened and carried, provided that the Chief Compliance Officer may grant exceptions to such policy in the case of hardship or for other good cause.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel are responsible for providing the Companies with prompt notification with respect to all financial accounts related to holdings of securities, futures, commodities, or any derivative.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documentation related to account and initial position notification
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the account was approved, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Adviser and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(1) and (e) and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)
|
3. | Disclosure and Furnishing of Quarterly Transaction Reports Regarding Financial Products |
No later than thirty days after the end of each calendar quarter, all Personnel, other than Disinterested Directors, must provide the Chief Compliance Officer with the following information with respect to all transactions during such quarter involving a security or financial product, other than Excluded Transaction , as defined below, in which they have any direct or indirect beneficial interest:
| The date of the transaction, the type of product and, as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each security or financial product involved; |
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| The price of the security or financial product at which the transaction was effected; |
| The name of the broker, dealer, bank or other party with or through which the transaction was effected; and |
| The date that the report is submitted. |
(i) Excluded Transactions
For purposes hereof, the term Excluded Transaction means any of the following:
| A transaction involving an Excluded Product or a Non-Volitional Transaction |
| A transaction as to which all of the information required to be reported is contained in a broker trade confirmation or account statement that has been previously provided to the Companies; |
| A transaction pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan , which, in accordance with Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(a)(11), means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation and which includes a dividend reinvestment plan. |
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel are responsible for providing the Companies with timely quarterly transaction reports.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel
|
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DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Quarterly transaction reports
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the account was approved, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(1) and (e) and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)
|
4. | Annual Holdings Reports |
As required by Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, not later than 45 days after January 1 st , all Personnel, other than Disinterested Directors, are required to report in a dated writing to the Chief Compliance Officer the following information, which must be current as of January 1st:
| The title, number of shares and principal amount of each security or financial product, other than an Excluded Product, in which the individual has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; |
| The name of any broker, dealer, bank or other party through whom an account is held for the direct or indirect benefit of the individual. |
| The timing of the submission of these reports is designed to coincide with a quarterly transaction report to alleviate confusion about the submission of reports. |
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel are responsible for providing the Companies with timely annual holdings reports using the form (or a substantially equivalent version) found at Exhibit VII A1 .
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel
|
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DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Annual holdings reports
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the account was approved, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(1) and (e) and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)
|
5. | Reporting Requirements Applicable to Disinterested Trustees |
While Disinterested Trustees are not subject to the foregoing reporting requirements they are required to report any transaction, other than a Non-Reportable Transaction (as hereinafter defined), involving a security, other than one that is an Excluded Product, undertaken by the Disinterested Trustee or any Covered Person or any Immediate Family Member, if the Disinterested Trustee knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a Trustee of the Fund, should have known that, during a 15-day period immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction, (i) the Fund purchased or sold such security, or (ii) the Fund or an adviser to the Fund was considering the purchase or sale of such security (such transaction a Covered Transaction ).
(i) Reporting Requirements
Any Disinterested Trustee that is required to report a Covered Transaction shall, no later than 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which such transaction occurred, file such report containing such information with respect to such transaction and any account in which the transacted securities were held with the person responsible for the Control Function.
(ii) Definition of Non-Reportable Transaction
For purposes hereof, the term Non-Reportable Transaction means any transaction taken as part of an Automatic Investment Plan or a Non-Volitional Transaction.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Each Disinterested Trustee is responsible for providing the applicable Adviser with timely quarterly transaction reports, as or if applicable.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Each Disinterested Trustee
|
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DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Quarterly transactions reports for Disinterested Directors
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the account was approved, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(1) and (e) and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)
|
6. | Other Reports or Information |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Personnel may be required to provide such additional information regarding any holdings of, or transactions in, financial products at such times and in such manner as the individual responsible for the Control Function may request.
7. | Excluded Products |
For purposes hereof, the term Excluded Products means the following:
| Direct obligations of the government of the United States (Note: this does not include obligations of any state, including obligations of any municipality or state agency). |
| Bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements. |
| Shares issued by money market funds. |
| Shares in open-end investment companies (Note: this does not include open-end investment companies that are advised or sub-advised by an Adviser or any affiliate). |
| Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more mutual funds not advised by an Adviser or any affiliate. |
| Nonfinancial commodities ( e.g ., pork belly contracts). |
| Investments in 529 plans not managed, distributed, marketed or underwritten by an Adviser or any of its affiliates. 3 |
3 | See SEC no-action letter, WilmerHale, July 28, 2010. |
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8. | Non-Volitional Transaction |
For purposes hereof, the term Non-Volitional Transaction means any transaction effected for any account over which the applicable Personnel had no direct or indirect influence or control, including transactions such as demutualization, stock splits, stock from mergers or spin-offs, automatic tender offers or stock dividends.
B. | Review of Account Statements and Holding Report Notifications |
On a monthly basis, compliance shall review any account statement and any Holding Report Notification form submitted by Personnel. Personnel shall arrange for duplicates of account statements and confirmations by using Exhibit VII A2 (or its substantial equivalent). Should an Access Person be designated to review account statements and holding reports, an independent Access Person (independent of and senior to the reviewing Access Person) shall review the primary reviewers account statements and holding reports.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for the completion of any required review.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : The Chief Compliance Officer.
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documentation relating to the review of employee trading
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the matter reported related, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Best practices and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f)(1)(C)
|
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References: | Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(a) (3): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (review of securities transactions and holdings) | |
Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(b): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (reporting requirements) | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(1): Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers (record of report with respect to securities transactions) | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204-2(e): Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers (holding period for certain records) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(d): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Reporting Requirements of Access Persons) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(e): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Preapproval of Investments in IPOs and Limited Offerings) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(f): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Recordkeeping Requirements) |
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VIII. INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
A. | Overview |
The Companies impose a number of restrictions on trading and investment activities by DoubleLine Personnel, other than Disinterested Trustees. These restrictions are designed to assist the Companies in complying with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; to help avoid conflicts of interest, including apparent conflicts; and, ultimately, to protect the Companies reputation.
B. | Provisions of General Applicability |
1. | Prohibition on Doing Indirectly What Cannot Be Done Directly |
DoubleLine Personnel are expected to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the restrictions and prohibitions set forth in this Code. Accordingly, to the extent any transaction would put an individual in an economic position that would be substantially equivalent to a prohibited or restricted transaction, such transaction is similarly prohibited or restricted. By way of illustration, where a long position in an underlying equity would be prohibited, it would be prohibited for an individual to establish a derivative or synthetic position that achieves similar economics.
2. | When in Doubt |
When in doubt as to the applicability of these restrictions and prohibitions to any transaction, Personnel should either refrain from entering into the transaction or discuss the matter with their supervisor or a member of Compliance or Legal.
3. | Breaking Trades |
As all or part of a sanction imposed, the Companies may require that Personnel break or unwind any transaction entered into by any Personnel in violation of these provisions. In such case, the Companies shall not have any obligation to reimburse the individual for any loss suffered as a result thereof and any realized profits shall be disgorged and provided to a charitable organization chosen by the Companies.
4. | Hardship |
The Chief Compliance Officer may grant exceptions to certain restrictions or prohibitions set forth herein in the case of hardship or for other good cause, provided that any such exemption shall be documented and otherwise in compliance with any applicable legal requirements.
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DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documents related to any decision to approve a hardship or other exception
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer, as applicable
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval was given or denied.
Regulatory Reference: Best practices and Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(iii) and 204A-1(c)
|
C. | Prohibitions and Pre-Approval Requirements of General Applicability |
1. | Prohibited Transactions |
Nonpublic Information . All DoubleLine Personnel are strictly prohibited from trading or participating in any investment activity, including without limitation the making of any recommendation, whether on their own behalf or on behalf of a shareholder or client of the Companies or other third party, on the basis of material nonpublic information or nonpublic client information, including client securities information.
Manipulative Conduct . Personnel are strictly prohibited from engaging in any trading or investment activity that constitutes manipulative conduct. This would includes trades that do not have a bona fide purpose, e.g ., that are done to influence market price or convey a false appearance of price movement or volume.
Fraud . Personnel are strictly prohibited from participating in any investment activity that is known to any such individual to involve fraudulent activities such as forgery, non-disclosure or misstatement of material facts or the taking of any action that is meant to conceal or misrepresent the actual facts of a matter. This would include, for example, knowingly backdating a document or recording a trade as occurring at an incorrect time.
Restricted List . Absent an exception specifically granted by the Chief Compliance Officer, Personnel are prohibited from trading or participating in any investment activity in any security on the Companies Restricted List.
Uncovered Short Trade . Personnel are prohibited from entering into an uncovered short trade.
Uncovered Option . Personnel are prohibited from writing an uncovered option.
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2. | Transactions Requiring Pre-Approval |
All DoubleLine Personnel are prohibited from engaging in any Restricted Transaction (as defined below) without first obtaining prior approval by the Chief Compliance Officer or the CCOs designates (collectively, the Approving Officers). In considering any such trade, Personnel should understand that the Approving Officers will be under no obligation to respond to any request for approval within any stated time and once any such matter is considered may withhold approval for any reason or for no reason at all and, in any event, may withhold approval where it is determined that any such transaction may be legally uncertain, may give the appearance of a conflict of interest, or may expose the Companies to reputational risk, risk of regulatory inquiry or other harm, no matter how remote . Pre-approval shall be obtained using the form provided as Exhibit VII C (or its equivalent as determined in the sole judgment of the Chief Compliance Officer). Should any person use email to make a personal trade request, such person is presumed to be making all of the representations that are present on the sample forms provided in this policy (including similar forms available in any electronic or automated preclearance system). The use of email to make such requests should be restricted to situations such as when the requestor is out of office or the use of the prescribed form is otherwise impractical and such procedure should be considered to be the exception to the general procedure of requesting preapproval using the form provided as Exhibit VII C.
For purposes hereof, a Restricted Transaction shall mean:
| acquiring ownership, directly or indirectly, in any security issued in an initial public offering or a limited offering or private placement (each as defined below), including any interest in a hedge fund |
| transfers of interest in private placements sponsored by the Companies, other than transfers for estate planning purposes or that are court-mandated |
| transactions involving Prohibited Securities (as defined in Exhibit VIII). |
Requests for approval must be submitted directly to the Chief Compliance Officer. When considering approval of any request, the Approving Officers will take into consideration whether the investment opportunity is one that should have been reserved for an Advisers clients and whether the opportunity is being offered by virtue of the individuals position with an Adviser.
(i) Initial Public Offering Defined
For purposes of the foregoing, the term initial public offering shall mean an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration was not subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(ii) Limited Offering and Private Placement Defined
For purposes of the foregoing, the terms limited offering or private placement shall each mean an offering of securities that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2), which provides an exemption for transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering, or Section 4(6), which involve offers or sales by an issuer solely to one or more accredited investors, or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 of Regulation D, which allow offerings for a limited dollar amount and/or to a limited number of investors.
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(iii) Closed End Fund Transactions
Transactions involving any closed end fund managed by DoubleLine must be pre-approved without exception. All requests for pre-approval must be submitted using the form provided as Appendix 2 to Exhibit VIII to this Code. The Code of Ethics Committee may discuss such requests and reach agreement as to whether that transaction can be approved in light of the circumstances.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel are responsible for obtaining pre-approval of all Restricted Transactions.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel.
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documents related to any decision of a request to approve a Restricted Transaction including the reason supporting any approval
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval was given or denied.
Regulatory Reference: Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(iii) and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(e)
|
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References: | Advisers Act Section 204A: Prevention of Misuse of Nonpublic Information | |
Advisers Act Section 206: Prohibited Transactions by Investment Advisers | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204A-1(c): Investment Adviser Codes of Ethics (pre-approval of certain investments) | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13)(iii): Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers (record of decision regarding certain securities acquisitions) | ||
Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1(e): Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel (Pre-Approval of Investments in IPOs and Limited Offerings) |
3. | Transactions Requiring Pre-approval |
Except as expressly stated below, DoubleLine Personnel must obtain pre-approval for any investment transaction in an account for which notification is required to be given pursuant to Section VII A hereof or as to which a Holdings Report Notification form would be required pursuant to Section VII B hereof.
Pre-approval requests must be made directly to the Chief Compliance Officer or to such persons as the Chief Compliance Officer shall otherwise direct. Individuals that make a pre-approval request may be required to supply certain key information and to make certain certifications, such as that they have no knowledge that the financial product is under active consideration for purchase or sale by the Companies for their shareholders and/or clients. Pre-approval shall be obtained using the form provided as Exhibit VII C (or its equivalent in the judgment of the CCO).
Any transaction as to which pre-approval has been obtained must be completed within the two business days following the day pre-approval is obtained. Transactions, or portions thereof, not completed within these times constraints must be immediately canceled and, thereafter, may only be completed following the obtaining of a new pre-approval. The CCO may waive the two day requirement in the CCOs sole judgment.
Limit orders, once approved, are not subject to further pre-approval, unless the limit or other factors is changed.
Transactions involving an Access Person and the purchase or sale of commercial real estate must be pre-approved by an Approving Officer, regardless of whether such transaction is effected through an entity controlled by an Access Person or in such Access Persons individual capacity.
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NOTE: Post-approval is not permitted. Any trade completed before pre-approval is obtained or after the approval window has terminated may be broken or unwound as provided at Section VIII. B. 4 and may result in disciplinary action.
(i) Pre-approval is not required for the following types of transactions:
| Purchase or sales involving an Excluded Product; |
| Purchase or sales pursuant to an Automated Investment Plan; |
| Assignment of options or exercise of an option at expiration; |
| Pre-established, automated, regular and periodic (e.g., monthly, quarterly) investments in the DoubleLine Funds through the Companies 401(k) plan via automatic payroll contributions of less than or equal to whatever the maximum contribution to a 401(k) plan happens to be in a given calendar year as established and published by the Internal Revenue Service. |
| Pre-established, automated, regular and periodic (e.g., monthly, quarterly) re-balancing transactions in the DoubleLine Funds through the Companies 401(k) plan. |
| Purchase or sales of shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more mutual funds not advised by an Adviser or any affiliate. |
There is no de minimis exception under the Code. All transactions not otherwise excepted in this paragraph require pre-approval by the Chief Compliance Officer or designate.
D. | Additional Restrictions Applicable to Access Persons |
1. | Transactions with a Heightened Approval Requirement |
To avoid potential conflict situations and the appearance of a conflict, Access Persons shall not enter into any transactions that could reasonably be characterized as a contrary transaction or a trading ahead transaction, each as described below, unless the particular transaction has been pre-approved by Approving Officers. The applicable Approving Officers shall only approve such a transaction where they (i) have documented their awareness of such facts as would allow the specific transaction to be characterized as a contrary transaction or a trading ahead transaction and (ii) have a reasonable belief that the transaction will not adversely impact the clients position or strategy. In making such determination, the Approving Officers shall consider such factors, such as the size of the transaction or the liquidity of the market for such product, as they reasonably believe are relevant to such determination.
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Contrary Transaction . A contrary transaction is one that that reflects a view that is contrary to:
| any currently contemplated, but unexecuted, shareholder or client transaction or current recommendation made to a shareholder or client or other transaction under active consideration, but only to the extent the individual is aware of such contemplated transaction or recommendation; |
| any trade made on behalf of a shareholder or client by such individual or by the Companies during the previous fifteen (15) days, but only to the extent the individual is aware of such trade; and |
| any current position known by the individual to be held by a shareholder or client as a result of either or both of the Companies recommendation or decision. |
For purposes of the foregoing, any strategy or research shall be considered to be a recommendation that has been made to a shareholder or client to the extent it has been made known to the applicable shareholder or client, is being prepared for the benefit of such shareholder or client, or is being used in connection with the exercise by the Companies of trading discretion on behalf of such shareholder or client.
Trading Ahead Transaction A trading ahead transaction is one that seeks to take advantage of market movements that are likely to result from an impending trade, e.g. , an increase in price as a result of the purchase of a large position, or the execution of contemplated strategy or research.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Each Access Person is responsible for any pre-approval obtained with respect to a contrary transaction or trading ahead transaction to reflect awareness of such facts as requires the specific transaction to be so characterized.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Access Persons
|
2. | Round Trip Transactions within 60 Day Window |
Access Persons shall forfeit any profit from the purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) securities, other than Excluded Products, within any sixty (60) day period. Such profits will be calculated by matching most recent purchases against a given sale or most recent sales against a given purchase.
For the sake of clarity, this provision does not prevent an Access Person from transacting within the sixty-day period to limit losses. However, if any such trades are effected without pre-approval, should such trades prove to be profitable, the profit shall be disgorged under the provisions of this Code. Other limitations under this Code on such a transaction may apply.
Note: This prohibition effectively limits the utility of options trading and short sales of securities and could make legitimate hedging activities less available.
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References: | Advisers Act Section 204A: Prevention of Misuse of Nonpublic Information | |
Advisers Act Section 206: Prohibited Transactions by Investment Advisers | ||
Advisers Act Rule 204-2(a)(13(ii): Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers (list of Access Persons) |
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IX. OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
A. | General Policy |
It is the policy of the Companies to require all DoubleLine Personnel to obtain written pre-approval from the Approving Officers before accepting any outside employment or compensation, e.g .., other than with the Companies, the General Partner or any affiliate thereof. This includes engaging in any business activity other than a passive investment and would include being an officer, director, limited or general partner, member of a limited liability company, employee or consultant.
DoubleLine Personnel that are registered representatives of a broker dealer also must request written pre-approval from that broker dealer before accepting any outside employment or compensation, or outside directorship.
1. | Non-Profit Entities |
The foregoing requirement does not apply to service by Personnel, other than investment advisory services, on an uncompensated basis for non-profit entities. Service as an officer or director of a non-profit entity is subject to the requirements in the paragraph below.
2. | Directorships and Officer Positions |
Approval of any Personnel to serve on the board of directors/trustees or in an officer position of any issuer entity will only be granted based upon a determination that such service will not create an actual or potential conflict with the interest of the Companies shareholders or clients. Where such service is authorized, the Chief Compliance Officer shall make a determination of whether trading or other restrictions or controls should be put in place to minimize any conflicts of interest that may result therefrom or any improper use of material nonpublic information by the Companies or their employees and as is required to comply with any restriction imposed by the issuer on its directors/trustees/officers. (See also Section VI C 5 above.)
Where the board or officer service is within the scope of the individuals employment by the Companies, whether because the Companies, for example, (i) are affiliated with the Adviser(s) (as is the case with the Funds), (ii) hold a position in the entity or (iii) an Advisers clients hold a position in the entity, all compensation awarded to directors, in the form of cash or securities, shall be for the benefit of an Advisers clients holding such interest, and, if none, for the Companies benefit and accordingly individuals serving in such capacity shall disgorge all compensation received.
Board and officer positions for charitable organizations or non-profit companies will be considered on a case by case basis. Approval will be granted only if no conflict of interest exists between the Board or officer position under consideration and the requestors duties at the Companies or between or among the Companies and its clients and the charitable organization or non-profit company.
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3. | Fiduciary Appointments |
DoubleLine Personnel may not accept appointment as (i) a fiduciary, including as an executor, trustee, guardian, or conservator, or (ii) a consultant in connection with fiduciary or active money management matters, without the written pre-approval from the Approving Officers. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to appointments involving estates of family members.
4. | Documentation |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for documenting all approvals given, the terms thereof, and the notice given with respect thereto.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel are responsible for obtaining written pre-approval of all outside business activities from the Approving Officers .
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documents related to the approval of outside business activities
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: During such time as the employee is engaged in any approved activity and for a minimum of five years thereafter.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practice
|
B. | Receipt of Payment of Third Party Compensation |
Except with the written pre-approval of the Chief Compliance Officer, Personnel are not allowed to accept compensation for their own benefit from, or pay to, a third party regardless of whether the compensation is in the form of cash or non-cash compensation. All commission and other payments must be paid to, or by, the Companies and cannot be paid directly to, or by, an employee.
1. | Documentation |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for documenting all approvals given, the terms thereof, and the notice given with respect thereto.
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ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel are responsible for obtaining written pre-approval from the Chief Compliance Officer before accepting or paying any compensation directly to a third party.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documents related to the approval of the receipt or payment of third party compensation
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: During such time as the employee is engaged in any approved activity and for a minimum of five years thereafter.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practice
|
C. | Annual Attestation |
Personnel will be required to attest annually to their continued compliance with the foregoing requirements. (See Exhibit XI C .)
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X. GIFTS AND GRATUITIES AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
Giving, receiving or soliciting a gift in a business setting, sponsoring lavish client entertainment or soliciting or making political contributions may create an appearance of impropriety or may raise a potential conflict of interest. In order to minimize these concerns, the Companies have adopted the following limitations on soliciting, receiving or giving gifts or soliciting or making political contributions.
A. | Gifts and Gratuities |
1. | Solicitations of Gifts |
Personnel are prohibited from soliciting , directly or indirectly, any item of value (a Gift ), e.g ., gifts, loans, favors, or lavish entertainment from any individual employed by any entity with which any of the Companies has, or hopes to have, a business or client relationship (a Covered Individual ).
2. | Receipt of Gifts and Entertainment |
(i) General Exclusion
DoubleLine Personnel may accept Gifts from any individual if the individual giving the gift is related to the recipient by blood or marriage or is a close personal friend and the gift is consistent with such relationship.
(ii) Unsolicited Gifts (Excluding Entertainment)
DoubleLine Personnel may accept unsolicited Gifts from Covered Individuals, provided such Gift falls within one of the following categories:
(a) | Covered Individuals not associated with any business or relationship connected to a registered investment company 4 (ex. the office supplies vendor, the building landlord) |
| the gift has a value of less than $100 and is consistent with customary business practices; |
| the gift is perishable and the recipient shares it with co-workers at the Companies; or |
| acceptance of the gift is approved in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer. |
4 | Registered investment company generally means mutual funds, closed end funds or exchange traded funds. See a member of the Legal/Compliance department if you have questions about whether any particular DoubleLine business relationship is with a registered investment company. |
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(b) | Covered Individuals associated with business relationships connected to a registered investment company (ex. trading desk broker counterparties) |
DoubleLine Personnel should not accept gifts from Covered Individuals described in this category X.A.2(ii)(b). Exceptions to this rule may only be granted by the Code of Ethics Committee with the Capital Chief Compliance Officer present and voting.
DoubleLine Personnel must report any gift received on Exhibit X.A annually and will be required to make the following attestation (or an equivalent provided by the Legal/Compliance Department) each quarter and also annually when submitting their gift form:
I have not accepted any compensation from any source (other than DoubleLine) for the purchase or sale of any property to or for any registered investment company or any controlled company thereof.
Personnel may not accept cash gifts from Covered Individuals under any circumstances.
Gifts presented to an Adviser by a single party on behalf of several clients shall be reported to the Compliance and Accounting Departments for potential allocation of the potential or perceived compensation that may arise from any such gift.
Any gifts, regardless of value, received shall be reported on Exhibit X.A.
(iii) Unsolicited Entertainment
DoubleLine Personnel may accept unsolicited entertainment from Covered Individuals described in X.A.2(ii)(a) above, provided (i) such entertainment is consistent with customary business practices and the host is in attendance; (ii) the entertainment is being provided to attendees or participants at a meeting sponsored by the host without Personnel being singled out, or (iii) the entertainment is approved in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer.
DoubleLine personnel should not accept unsolicited entertainment from Covered Individuals described in category X.A.2(ii)(b) above. Exceptions to this rule may only be granted by the Code of Ethics Committee with the Capital Chief Compliance Officer present and voting.
(iv) Other circumstances and possible exceptions
| Registered persons (i.e. persons carrying a securities license through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) may not give or accept any gifts to Covered Individuals exceeding $100 under any circumstances, nor may any exception be granted to the gift limitation rules for registered persons. (See FINRA Rule 3220.) All such registered persons shall consult with the broker dealer carrying their securities license for further requirements imposed by that broker dealer. |
| Non-registered persons must receive permission from the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel to receive a gift exceeding $100. |
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(v) Notification of the Receipt of Unsolicited Gifts or Entertainment
All employees must declare all gifts and entertainment received during the calendar year to Compliance using Exhibit X. A . Such reports must be received by January 30 of the subsequent year.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel must notify the Chief Compliance Officer on an annual basis regarding the receipt of any unsolicited gift or entertainment.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel |
3. | Giving of Gifts and Entertainment |
DoubleLine Personnel are required to obtain the written approval of an Approving Officer 5 prior to giving any Gift, other than reasonable entertainment costs (as described below), to any Covered Individual or other person covered by any of the provisions below. Reasonable entertainment costs are construed to mean the costs of meals provided to Covered Persons which would not be deemed to be lavish by a reasonable person. Such reasonable entertainment costs may be approved pursuant to the Companies then applicable expense reimbursement policies.
(i) Permitted Entertainment
Approving Officers control decisions regarding permitted entertainment. Receipts from such entertainment shall set forth the date, parties in attendance and their employers, the entertainment provided, the business purpose therefore, and include an itemized list of the costs associated therewith. To be considered and approved as reasonable entertainment, both the host and the guest must attend the entertainment together. Moreover, any entertainment shall be appropriate for business entertainment such as, for example, sporting, civic or cultural events. Questions involving sponsorships of events may be considered by a subset of the Code of Ethics Committee at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer.
(ii) Special Treatment Regarding Foreign Officials, Regulators and Pension Plans
DoubleLine Personnel may not give any Gift or other thing of value, including entertainment, reasonable or otherwise, to any representative of a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory organization, pension plans or any foreign official without the written pre-approval of an Approving Officer. The foregoing restriction shall not include the offering of coffee, tea, a soda or the like, or of a snack or light refreshment to a representative attending a meeting at one of the Companies, any food or drink that is offered generally to other attendees or participants at a meeting sponsored by the Companies, or other offerings of similar character and intent.
5 | For purposes of the Gift and Entertainment section of the Code of Ethics, Approving Officers is construed to include members of DoubleLines Code of Ethics Committee. |
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(iii) Special Treatment Regarding Unions and Union Officials
Special reporting rules apply when officers of the Companies furnish gifts or entertainment to labor unions or union officials. These special rules are independent of, and in addition to, any approval procedures otherwise applicable under this Code. The Companies may be required to file Form LM-10 with the Department of Labor by March 31 st of the calendar year following any year in which the Companies or any Personnel made any payments, gave any gifts, or entertained any union officials, including union pension fund trustees. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for ensuring that all information required to be reported on Form LM-10 related to gifts or entertainment furnished to labor unions or labor officials (as defined under applicable laws and regulations pertaining to Form LM-10) is captured within accounting records.
(iv) Personnel may not give anything of value, including entertainment, reasonable or otherwise, to any union or union representative, including a union pension fund trustee, without the written pre-approval of the Chief Compliance Officer.
(v) Requirements of Clients and Other Third Parties
Personnel shall not provide a gift or entertainment to a client, potential client or other third party in violation of any policy established by such client, potential client or other third party.
Personnel subject to any Code of Ethics or similar policies of any client, issuer, or other third party must comply with such policies as though such policies were set forth herein and made a part hereof.
(vi) Charitable Donations
Nothing within this Code shall be construed to prevent personal charitable contributions by DoubleLine Personnel to qualified Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) organizations for which an Adviser does not act as investment manager.
Nothing within this Code shall be construed to prevent corporate charitable contributions by Companies to qualified Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) organizations for which an Adviser does not act as investment manager.
Proposed charitable contributions by DoubleLine Personnel or an Adviser to qualified Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) organizations for which an Adviser acts as investment manager should be discussed with the applicable Companies General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer prior to making the charitable contribution.
Personnel wishing to make individual personal charitable contributions to qualified Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) organizations for which an Adviser acts as investment manager shall consult with the CCO before doing so.
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Personnel wishing to make personal charitable contributions to organizations outside the United States shall consult with the CCO before doing so.
4. | Notice and Approval Process |
All requests by DoubleLine Personnel with respect to the approval of a Gift or any entertainment, other than permitted reasonable entertainment costs, shall be in writing and provided to the Chief Compliance Officer for consideration.
5. | Gift Log |
The Chief Compliance Officer shall maintain a Gift Log, which shall consist of the compilation of each Employees Gift Logs, as prepared and presented annually. (See Exhibit X A ).
The Chief Financial Officer shall ensure that the Companies accounting records capture such additional information as may be necessary in connection with any filing that may be required in connection with Form LM-10 or any other gift and entertainment reporting scheme to which the Companies and/or their Personnel may be subject.
(i) Review of Gift Log
The Chief Compliance Officer or designate is responsible for the review of the Gift Log on at least an annual basis for the purpose of identifying patterns that may raise concerns. The Chief Financial Officer or designate is responsible for the review of Companies accounting records on at least an annual basis for the purpose of identifying patterns that may raise concerns.
(ii) Filing of Forms
The Chief Financial Officer or designate is responsible for the timely filing of Form LM-10 and any other gifts and entertainment reports that the Companies may be required to make.
(iii) Documentation
In addition to the Gift Log, the Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for maintaining documentation relating to the Chief Compliance Officers (or designates) annual review of the Gift Log. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for maintaining documentation relating to the Chief Financial Officers (or designates) annual review of accounting records and all entertainment notices and any filings as to which the Companies are subject.
The Chief Financial Officer (or designates) is responsible for ensuring that accounting records accurately reflect, with sufficient details necessary, any transaction required to be reported on Form LM-10.
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DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documents related to Gifts and entertainment, including the Gift and Entertainment Log and any Forms LM-10 filed
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Financial Officer as described above.
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the event occurs.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practice
|
References: |
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959
Form LM-10
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 |
B. | Political Contributions |
In the U.S., both federal and state laws impose limitations, and in some cases restrictions, on certain kinds of political contributions and activities. These laws apply not only to U.S. citizens, but also to foreign nationals and both U.S. and foreign corporations and other institutions. Accordingly, the Companies have adopted policies and procedures concerning political contributions and activities regarding federal, state, and local candidates, officials and political parties.
This policy regarding activities and political contributions applies to the Companies and all Personnel. Failure to comply with these rules could result in civil or criminal penalties for the Companies and the individuals involved.
These policies are intended solely to comply with applicable laws and regulations and to avoid any appearance of impropriety. These policies are not intended to otherwise interfere with an individuals right to participate in the political process.
1. | General Prohibition on Contributions to Obtain Business |
Both the Companies and DoubleLine Personnel are prohibited from making or soliciting political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisor contracts with government entities. For purposes hereof, the term political contribution includes contributions to a current office holder, candidate, political party, or party or political committees (including committees supporting or opposing ballot initiatives, e.g .., referendum).
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2. | Prohibition and Restrictions on Contributions by the Companies |
Federal law prohibits political contributions by the Companies or in their name in support of candidates for federal office. Accordingly, such contributions are prohibited. Because restrictions may also apply with respect to contributions to state and local officials, no such contributions may be made by the Companies or in their names except to the extent the same is first approved in writing by the Approving Officers.
3. | Contributions by DoubleLine Personnel |
ALL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS REGARDLESS OF SIZE REQUIRE PREAPPROVAL FROM THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER OR DESIGNATE. CERTAIN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL APPROVALS.
Subject to the restrictions set forth herein, Personnel are free to give to candidates for federal, state and local office as a matter of personal choice. However, it is the Companies policy that Personnel generally are prohibited from making political contributions to a candidate or official that serves or is seeking to serve on the governing board of any of the Companies shareholders or clients. Exceptions to this provision of the Code only can be granted by a combination of any two of the following persons who are the Approving Officers in this section of the Code: the Companies CEO, President, General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer (in other words, at least two approvals are required).
Personnel must seek preclearance before making contributions 6 to officials 7 of government entities 8 who can influence the hiring of an investment adviser in connection with money management mandates. 9 As a generality, approval likely will be given for $350 or less to any one candidate for whom Personnel may vote (per election), and $150 or less to candidates for whom Personnel may not vote (per election, where primaries and general elections are considered two separate elections). Any contribution in excess of $350 generally will not receive preclearance from the Chief Compliance Officer or designate. Payments to a political party of a state or locality where the investment adviser is providing or seeking to provide investment advisory services to a government entity also are covered by this requirement. The CCO or designate has absolute discretion to deny requests to make political contributions for any or no reason.
However, the Companies prohibit Personnel from making political contributions to officials of government entities who can influence the hiring of an investment adviser in connection with money management mandates related to any existing client, or to any potential client for
6 | A contribution is defined to include a gift, subscription, loan, advance, deposit of money, or anything of value made for the purpose of influencing an election for a federal, state or local office, including any payments for debts incurred in such an election or payments towards the transition or inaugural expenses of the successful candidate for state or local office. |
7 | An official includes an incumbent, candidate or successful candidate for elective office of a government entity if the office is directly or indirectly responsible for, or can influence the outcome of, the hiring of an investment adviser or has authority to appoint any person who is directly or indirectly responsible for, or can influence the outcome of, the hiring of an investment adviser. |
8 | Government entities include all state and local governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and all public pension plans and other collective government funds, including participant-directed plans such as 403(b), 457, and 529 plans. |
9 |
See SEC Rule 206(4)-5 under the Advisers Act. |
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which an Adviser has participated in a Request for Proposal (RFP) or similar process which could result in an Adviser being awarded an investment mandate. Exceptions to this provision of the Code only can be granted by a combination of any two of the following persons: the Companies CEO, President, General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer (in other words at least two approvals are required). A list of such clients or potential clients is made available to Personnel on a shared network drive.
Personnel also are prohibited from seeking the assistance of others (including Political Action Committees) to bundle or coordinate the solicitation of such contributions. In sum, Personnel shall not attempt to do indirectly what they may not do directly, including by channeling political contributions through third parties such as spouses or domestic partners. 10
Personnel detecting that they have made a contribution without receiving preclearance should report such contributions to the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer immediately. In certain cases, it is possible that seeking (and achieving) the return of the contribution can preclude application of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and penalties. However, because the rule is relatively new, there can be no assurance that any attempt to preclude application of the statutory penalties will be completely successful. Personnel are advised to comply with the requirements at all times, to avoid the potential difficulty of attempting to unwind an impermissible political contribution.
These prohibitions exist whether the government entity seeks an Advisers services through a separate account, a covered pooled investment vehicle (such as a hedge fund or other private investment vehicle) or a registered investment company (such as the Funds), if the Funds are an investment option of a plan or program of a government entity that is participant directed.
The Advisers are required to retain chronological records of any such contributions made by its Personnel or an Adviser. Any contributions (whether or not subject to the de minimis exclusion) made by Personnel shall be annotated on the quarterly reports submitted on Exhibit VII A.3. Records of contributions by the Companies to government officials able to influence the selection of investment advisers for money management mandates and to Political Action Committees and other records related to this requirement shall be maintained by Corporate Accounting.
As part of the Initial Reports, new Access Persons are required to provide information regarding their political contributions for the two-year period prior to becoming an Access Person, to allow the Companies to verify whether any such contributions have the potential to disqualify an Adviser from future or current business opportunities with government entities.
10 | SEC Rule 206(4)-5(d) makes it unlawful for any investment adviser covered by the rule and its covered associates to do anything indirectly which, if done directly, would result in a violation of that rule. |
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See the Compliance Policies and Procedures Manual for a discussion of how the Companies conform to the requirements under California laws pertaining to state and local public pension plans.
(i) Restrictions on Foreign Nationals
Political contributions, expenditures and disbursements, whether directly or indirectly, to U.S. candidates by persons who are not U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens are prohibited by law. Accordingly, Personnel who are not U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens are prohibited from making political contributions, expenditures or disbursements with respect to U.S. candidates.
(ii) Restrictions on Reimbursement of Contributions by Others
Personnel (and the Companies) are prohibited from reimbursing others for political contributions.
4. | Solicitations of Political Contributions by DoubleLine Personnel |
In soliciting political contributions, Personnel must avoid any confusion that suggests, in any way, that the Companies have approved, supports or is otherwise involved in the solicitation. Without limitation, Personnel involved in soliciting political contributions must not:
| use the address or name of the Companies; and |
| in soliciting other Personnel must clearly state that the contribution is entirely voluntary on the part of the person being solicited. |
5. | Prohibition on Use of Paid Third Party Solicitors for Government Entity Advisory Business |
Personnel of the Companies shall not engage third parties to solicit government entities for advisory business unless such third parties are certain registered broker-dealers or registered investment advisers. Only the Approving Officers may authorize use of a third party (which must be a registered broker-dealer or registered investment adviser subject to rules prohibiting pay to play practices) to solicit government entities for advisory business. Prior to the Approving Officers granting such approval, the Companies shall adopt appropriate policies and procedures to monitor and oversee such activities.
6. | Use of Companies Facilities for Political Purposes |
The Companies facilities may only be used for political purposes to the extent the same is first approved in writing by the Approving Officers.
7. | Use of Companies Name and Address of the Companies |
No use of the Companies names or addresses may be used in connection with explicit political activities unless required by law or permission has been first obtained in writing from the Approving Officers. This includes listing of the Companies names in biographical or professional descriptions.
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C. | Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) |
1. | Discussion |
The purpose of this section of the Code is to ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery laws and to prevent Companies employees from offering, promising, paying or providing, or authorizing the promising, paying or providing of any amount of money or anything of value to a Public Official or Private Sector Counterparty Representative (each, as defined below) for the purpose of improperly obtaining, directing or retaining business or securing an improper advantage for the Companies.
Public Official includes a Foreign Official as defined under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, (FCPA). U.S. government officials are Public Officials. The definition of Public Official includes any person who is employed full- or part-time by a. government, or by regional subdivisions of governments, including states, provinces, districts, counties, cities, towns and villages or by independent agencies, state-owned businesses, state-controlled businesses or public academic institutions. This would include, for example, employees of sovereign wealth funds, government sponsored pension plans (i.e. pension plans for the benefit of government employees), and government sponsored university endowments. For FCPA purposes only, Public Official, also includes political party officials and candidates for political office. For example, a campaign contribution is the equivalent of a payment to a Public Official under the FCPA. In certain cases, providing a payment or thing of value to a person actually known to be an immediate family member of a Public Official or a charity associated with a Public Official may be the equivalent of providing a thing of value to the Public Official directly. Under the FCPA, the employees of public international organizations, such as the African and Asian Development Banks, the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations and the Organization of American States, are considered Public Officials.
A Private Sector Counterparty Representative is an owner, employee or representative of a private entity, such as a partnership or corporation, with which an Adviser is conducting or seeking to conduct business.
The FCPA in pertinent part, makes it illegal for a U.S. issuer, domestic concern, or any person other than an issuer or domestic concern while in the territory of the United States, to utilize the mails or any instrumentality of U.S. commerce, corruptly, in furtherance of a payment, or the provision of anything of value, or an offer, promise or authorization thereof directly or indirectly, to a foreign government official, political party or candidate, for the purpose of influencing his or her official actions or securing any improper advantage, or inducing such foreign official to use his or her influence with a foreign government to affect or influence any act or decision of such government in order to assist the U.S. company in obtaining or
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retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any person. The statute further prohibits payments or gifts of anything of value to any person while knowing that such payment or gift will be given to a foreign official for a business purpose.
Companies policy is to prohibit Personnel from offering, promising, paying or providing, or authorizing the promising, paying or providing (in each case, directly or indirectly, including through Third Parties) of any amount of money or anything of value (colloquially termed a bribe) to any Public Official, including a person actually known to be an immediate family member of a Public Official and a former Public Official, in order to improperly influence or reward any official action or decision by such person for Companies benefit. Neither funds from Companies nor funds from any other source may be used to make any such payment or gift on behalf of or for Companies benefit.
Additionally, Companies policy provides that Personnel are prohibited from offering, promising, paying or providing, or authorizing the promising, paying or providing of (in each case, directly or indirectly, including through Third Parties) a bribe to a Private Sector Counterparty Representative in order to induce or reward that persons improper performance of their functions or activity.
Generally, offering or authorizing a bribe will trigger liability under the FCPA. There is no minimum threshold any amount offered or authorized for the purposes described in the paragraphs above creates potential liability under the FCPA.
Such activities by Access Persons are prohibited by Companies. Note, too, that authorizing or tacitly approving of such activities by third parties on behalf of Companies also could create liability for the Access Person and/or the Companies.
2. | Actions |
(i) Personnel will be required to complete Exhibit XI. D. upon becoming an Access Person or upon any changes in their status regarding non-US government officials. Also, certain persons that are not Access Persons may be required to complete Exhibit XI. D because of the nature of their responsibilities with the Companies or as a result of their contractual relationship with the Companies.
(ii) The CFO or Treasurer (as applicable) shall ensure that any payments made by the Companies to a foreign official are properly recorded in the financial books and records of the Companies.
(iii) Any requests by foreign officials or persons with access to foreign officials for a bribe to be paid by Personnel or engaging in any similar behavior should be reported promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer.
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D. | Annual Attestation |
Personnel will be required to attest annually to their continued compliance with the foregoing requirements. (See Exhibit XI E .)
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XI. CLIENT COMPLAINTS AND INDICATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT
A. | General Statement of Policy |
All DoubleLine Personnel are required to promptly bring to the Chief Compliance Officer any communication received, whether verbal, electronic, e.g. , email, text message, instant messenger ( e.g ., chat), or fax, hard copy, or otherwise, that contains (or appears to contain) any form of complaint about impermissible or inappropriate conduct of the Companies. Similarly, and in accordance with Section VI hereof, Personnel should also bring to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer, any communication received that contains a nonpublic or confidential information about a security or issuer that is inappropriate for receipt by the employee. Employees should bring to the Chief Compliance Officers attention the receipt of any other information that may reasonably be of concern ( e.g. , possible illegal activities, allegations of misconduct on the part of any employee, allegations of mistreatment of any client).
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
All DoubleLine Personnel are responsible for bringing to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer any client complaints.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : All Personnel.
|
B. | Responsibility of the Chief Compliance Officer |
1. | Review and Reporting |
Upon being notified of a complaint, the Chief Compliance Officer shall promptly review the complaint and make a determination as to whether, in light of any such review, the facts underlying the complaint indicate a need to notify the Companies legal counsel or otherwise take any immediate action including imposition of restrictions or heightened supervision with respect to any individual or Supervisor and/or is otherwise indicative of a weakness or other shortcoming in the Companies procedures or policies.
Upon notification of a matter not involving a complaint, the Chief Compliance Officer shall undertake such review and take such additional action as the Chief Compliance Officer shall think appropriate.
2. | Acknowledgement |
The Chief Compliance Officer, working with the applicable senior management, will arrange for an acknowledgement to be sent in response to all written complaints.
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3. | Documentation |
For each written complaint, the Chief Compliance Officer shall create a record, which shall include the complainants name and address; the date the complaint was received; the name of any Personnel identified in the complaint and the identification of any Personnel responsible for subject matter of the complaint; a description of the nature of the complaint; and the disposition of the complaint.
For each complaint, the Chief Compliance Officer shall also maintain a narrative (or correspondence) involving any review or investigation and follow up activities, indicating who undertook the investigation, what the findings were and what follow-up steps have been taken.
ACTION REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN |
Upon notification of a complaint or certain other matters, Chief Compliance Officer shall make such review and make such filings as are appropriate and cause the Companies to acknowledge any such complaint in writing. The Chief Compliance Officer shall also be responsible for appropriate documentation regarding the above.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY : Chief Compliance Officer
|
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Documents related to all client complaints.
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the event occurs.
Regulatory Reference: Best Practice
|
XII. ANNUAL REVIEW BY TRUSTEES
No less frequently than annually, the Chief of Compliance and other senior management shall furnish a written report to the Trustees, which shall:
| describe any issues arising under the Code of Ethics or material compliance matter, as such term is defined at Rule 38a-1(e)(2) of the Investment Company Act, not previously reported to the Trustees, including any information regarding sanctions and remedial actions taken in response thereto; |
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| list all waivers given by quantity and type and describe any waivers that might be considered material or important by the Trustees; |
| list all approvals of investments in IPOs and Limited Offerings that were granted; |
| certify that the Chief Compliance Officer has reviewed the Code and the compliance and supervisory policies and procedures of the Companies and has found that they are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Federal Securities Laws and of the Code itself. |
The Chief Compliance Officer shall provide reports similar to those described above (and elsewhere in the Code) to the boards of trustees (or directors) of other registered investment companies for which an Adviser serves as an adviser or sub-adviser.
DOCUMENT RETENTION REQUIREMENT |
Document: Annual Reports to Trustees/Directors
Responsible Party: The Chief Compliance Officer
Maintenance Period: A minimum of five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the report was made, such document to be retained for the first two years in an appropriate office of the Companies and, thereafter, in an easily accessible place.
Regulatory Reference: Advisers Act Rule 204-2 and Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1
|
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New Employee Introduction (as of August 2015)
Exhibit I. A.
¨ | Overview of DoubleLine and affiliates |
¨ | Overview of DoubleLine executive management |
¨ | Compliance Policies and Procedures |
| G drive |
¨ | Code of Ethics |
| Overview |
| Securities Account Reporting Initial/ Quarterly/ Annual |
| Initial reports-within ten days |
| Trading Reporting/Preclearance |
| Sixty Day Holding Period |
| Trading in closed-end funds managed by an Adviser |
| Outside Business Activities |
| Political contributions |
| Gifts |
¨ | Overview of Insider Trading Policy |
| (New Equity, GDC and EMFI members should speak with the CCO) |
¨ | Anti-Money Laundering-Customer Identification Procedures (AML-CIP) |
¨ | Briefer to check this box if Anti-Money Laundering Training is required |
¨ | Overview of Privacy Policy |
¨ | Overview of Email, Electronic Communications and Social Media Policy |
¨ | Overview of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act |
¨ | Overview of BCP procedures |
I have been briefed on DoubleLines compliance policies and procedures and acknowledge that the briefing is not a substitution for reading and referring to DoubleLines compliance policies and procedures, including the Code of Ethics.
Signature: |
|
Print Name: |
|
Date: |
|
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DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND
DOUBLELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND
DOUBLELINE FUNDS TRUST
DOUBLELINE EQUITY FUNDS
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INITIAL RECEIPT
OF
CODE OF ETHICS
This acknowledgement must be signed and returned to the Chief Compliance Officer.
I hereby acknowledge that I have read the Code of Ethics for DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, DoubleLine Funds Trust, DoubleLine Equity Funds, DoubleLine Equity LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP, DoubleLine Group LP , and DoubleLine Capital LP (which contains the Insider Trading Policy for DoubleLine Funds Trust, DoubleLine Equity Funds, DoubleLine Equity LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP, and DoubleLine Capital LP) and have had an opportunity to review any portions thereof with my supervisor and the Chief Compliance Officer or other member of the Compliance Department. By signing below, I agree to perform fully in accordance with such provisions of the Code of Ethics as are applicable to me, including the requirement that I promptly report to the Chief Compliance Officer any violation of the Code of which I become aware. I understand that my failure to fully comply with all applicable provisions may subject me to disciplinary action up to and including termination and can also subject me to fines, penalties and even criminal actions and result in significant reputational harm.
Signature: |
|
Print Name: |
|
Date: |
|
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DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND
DOUBLELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND
DOUBLELINE FUNDS TRUST
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY FUNDS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INITIAL RECEIPT
OF
CODE OF ETHICS (CONSULTANTS)
This acknowledgement must be signed and returned to the Chief Compliance Officer.
I have received and read the Code of Ethics (which contains the Insider Trading Policy for DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, DoubleLine Funds Trust, DoubleLine Equity Funds, DoubleLine Equity LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP, DoubleLine Group LP and DoubleLine Capital LP) for DoubleLine Funds Trust, DoubleLine Equity Funds, DoubleLine Capital LP and DoubleLine Equity, LP (collectively, DoubleLine). I understand that, as a consultant, I may be exposed to certain information pertaining to DoubleLines portfolio management or trading strategies, including securities traded by DoubleLine on behalf of its clients.
If I am exposed to such information, I will notify the Chief Compliance Officer immediately. I understand that, in such cases, I may be required to conform to the requirements of the Code of Ethics for access persons.
Signature: |
|
|
Print Name: |
|
Date: |
|
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DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND
DOUBLELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND
DOUBLELINE FUNDS TRUST
DOUBLELINE EQUITY FUNDS
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF AMENDED
CODE OF ETHICS
This acknowledgement must be signed and returned to the Chief Compliance Officer.
I hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of the amended Code of Ethics for DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, DoubleLine Funds Trust, DoubleLine Equity Funds, DoubleLine Equity LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP, DoubleLine Group LP and DoubleLine Capital LP (which contains the Insider Trading Policy, dated as of , and have had an opportunity to review any portions thereof with my supervisor and a member of the Compliance Department. By signing below, I agree to perform fully in accordance with such provisions of the Code of Ethics as are applicable to me, including the requirement that I promptly report to the Chief Compliance Officer any violation of the Code of which I become aware. I understand that my failure to fully comply with all applicable provisions may subject me to disciplinary action up to and including termination and can also subject me to fines, penalties and even criminal actions and result in significant reputational harm.
Signature: |
|
|
Print Name: |
|
Date: |
|
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Exhibit VII. A1.
DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND
DOUBLELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND
DOUBLELINE FUNDS TRUST
DOUBLELINE EQUITY FUNDS
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
Annual or Initial Holdings Report
Data is complete as of
Account (Brokerage firm name) |
Account
Number |
CUSIP |
Security
Name |
# shares | Total $ | Notes | ||||||
(For initial reports: Account statements may be attached if they are within ten days of the date of hire. If the date of this report is more than ten days after the date of the account statements, this chart shall be updated with any changes, or if none, so state.)
(For annual reports: Account statements may be attached if they are within forty-five days of the date that this report is required to be submitted. If the date of this report is more than forty-five days after the date of the account statements, this chart shall be updated with any changes, or if none, so state.)
(If I annotate that the Companies have my account statements on file, I have reviewed those files for completeness and accuracy.)
|
||
SIGNATURE | ||
|
||
TYPE OR PRINT NAME | ||
DATE |
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Exhibit VII A2
DoubleLine Capital LP
DoubleLine Equity LP
DoubleLine Commodity LP
DoubleLine Group LP
Sample Request for Duplicate Confirmations and Statements
Date:
[Address of Outside Firm]
RE: | (NAME OF INDIVIDUAL) |
ACCOUNT #
Dear Sir/Madam:
Please be advised that [insert employee name] is an employee of DoubleLine Capital LP, DoubleLine Equity LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP or DoubleLine Group LP (DoubleLine) and in compliance with NASD conduct rule 3050, Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and/or DoubleLines employee Code of Ethics, this account is subject to a requirement that duplicate account statements and trade confirmations be sent to our compliance department at the address below:
In connection with the above account, please send duplicate confirmations and account statements to my employer at the following address:
Attn: Chief Compliance Officer
DoubleLine Capital LP/DoubleLine Equity LP/ DoubleLine Commodity LP /DoubleLine Group LP
333 South Grand Ave, Suite 1800
Los Angeles, CA 90071
If you have any questions or comments relative to the foregoing, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
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Exhibit VII A.3. Code of Ethics version September 2015
QUARTERLY REPORT OF PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS - Quarter ending Month xx, 20xx
A. Trading Activity . Please list all reportable transactions or you may attach current statements and indicate no trades other than the trades listed on the attached statements from [include name(s) of all brokerage accounts]. If duplicate statements for ALL accounts are being provided to DoubleLine, you may check the box No reportable trades other than the trades listed on duplicate statements provided to Compliance .
If you have not made any reportable transactions, please check the box for NO TRADES.
Date of Trans. |
Type | Security Name | Symbol/CUSIP | Quantity | Price | Broker | Account Number | |||||||
¨ | No Reportable trades other than the trades listed on duplicate statements provided to Compliance. |
¨ | No trades. |
B. | New Accounts . Have any new brokerage accounts been established in the most recent quarter in which securities were held for your direct or indirect benefit? ¨ Yes ¨ No |
If yes, please list.
Account Name |
Brokerage Firm or Bank Name | Account Number | Date Established | |||
C. | Political Contributions : Have you made any political contributions in the past quarter? ¨ Yes ¨ No If yes, please list: |
Recipient |
City &
State (location) of election |
Election (year &
type) Ex: 2010 general election or 2010 primary election |
Candidate for office of (ex.
President, Governor, Mayor) |
Were you eligible
to vote in the election? (Y or N) |
Date of Political
Contribution |
Total $ | ||||||
D. | Social Media . Have you used personal social media to conduct DoubleLine business during the past quarter? ¨ Yes ¨ No |
E. | Gifts . I have not accepted any compensation from any source for the purchase or sale of any property to or for any registered investment company or any controlled company thereof. |
F. | I confirm that the above information is complete and accurate. |
Printed Name |
Signature |
Date Completed |
||
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EXHIBIT VIII
POLICY REGARDING SPECIAL TRADING PROCEDURES
FOR SECURITIES OF CERTAIN CLOSED-END FUNDS
Effective as of January 1, 2012
(as amended on August 21, 2013)
I. | Introduction |
The Companies (as defined in the Code) have adopted the Code of Ethics (the Code), which contains an Insider Trading Policy and Procedures which, among other things, prohibits inappropriate insider trading in any securities, and prohibits all employees from improperly using or disclosing material, non-public information. These special procedures govern trading by DoubleLine Personnel (other than Disinterested Trustees) in securities of closed-end funds managed by an Adviser.
II. | Persons to Whom this Special Trading Policy Applies |
This Special Trading Policy applies to all DoubleLine Personnel (other than Disinterested Trustees) as well as to any transactions in securities participated in by family members, trusts or corporations controlled by DoubleLine Personnel. In particular, this Policy applies to securities transactions by:
| the DoubleLine Personnels spouse; |
| the DoubleLine Personnels minor children; |
| any other relatives living in the DoubleLine Personnels household; |
| a trust in which the DoubleLine Personnel has a beneficial interest, unless such DoubleLine Personnel has no direct or indirect control over the trust; |
| a trust as to which the DoubleLine Personnel is a trustee; |
| a revocable trust as to which the DoubleLine Personnel is a settlor; |
| a corporation of which the DoubleLine Personnel is an officer, director or 10% or greater stockholder; or a partnership of which the DoubleLine Personnel is a partner (including investment clubs), unless the DoubleLine Personnel has no direct or indirect control over the partnership. |
The family members, trust and corporations listed above are referred to as Related Persons.
III. | Securities to which this Special Trading Policy applies |
Unless stated otherwise, this Policy and the following Special Trading Procedures apply to all transactions by DoubleLine Personnel and their Related Persons involving any securities of the closed-end funds for which an Adviser or one of its affiliates acts as an investment manager, investment advisor or sub-advisor (the Closed-End Funds). The current list of Closed-End Funds is set forth on Appendix 1 hereto. For purposes of this policy, the securities of the Closed-End Funds themselves are referred to as the Prohibited Securities. Exhibit 1 may be revised from time to time; and, therefore, DoubleLine Personnel should contact the CCO prior to executing a personal transaction involving any closed-end fund that is managed, advised or sub-advised by an Adviser or any of its affiliates to determine whether the securities involved in the proposed transaction are Prohibited Securities.
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IV. | Special trading procedures relating to the prohibited securities |
A. Preclearance and conditions for personal trading
All investment transactions in Prohibited Securities in which DoubleLine Personnel and/or a Related Person has or will acquire a Beneficial Ownership interest must be precleared by the CCO, using a specially designed form which generally will be similar to the form provided as Appendix 2 to these procedures, including any forms present in any automated or electronic preclearance system.
THERE IS NO DE MINIMIS EXCEPTION FOR PERSONAL TRADING IN PROHIBITED SECURITIES. EMAIL MAY NOT BE USED TO REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PRECLEAR A TRADE OF PROHIBITED SECURITIES, EXCEPT TO FORWARD A SIGNED COPY OF THE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FORM.
Preclearance shall be requested by completing and submitting a copy of the applicable preclearance request form to the CCO. No investment transaction subject to preclearance may be effected prior to receipt of written or electronic authorization of the transaction by the CCO. The authorization and the date of authorization will be reflected on the preclearance request form. Any preclearance granted will only be granted for the remainder of the day on which such preclearance is granted. Any transaction, or portion thereof, not completed that same business day will require a separate preapproval.
The CCO may undertake such investigation as he or she considers necessary to determine that the investment transaction for which preclearance has been sought complies with the terms of the Code and this Special Trading Policy and is consistent with the general principles described at the beginning of the Code. The CCO may consider, and reject a requested trade based on, any matter that he or she believes would make, or would be perceived to make, such trade improper.
In order for DoubleLine Personnel to make an initial purchase of one of the Closed-End Funds, such Closed-End Fund must have completed all of its initial common and preferred shares offerings and not otherwise be engaged in an offering of its shares.
The Advisers reserve the right to impose a minimum purchase amount of Prohibited Securities. Such a limitation may be necessary to assist in controlling potential regulatory risks related to Access Persons regulatory filing obligations.
B. Blackout Periods
DoubleLine Personnel may not purchase or sell shares of a Closed-End Fund during the following period:
from the three-week period prior to a quarterly board meeting (or, if earlier, the time when internal dividend discussions regarding the proposed dividends to be declared at that meeting become material) until after the two business days following the issuance of the press release regarding dividends declared at that meeting; and
the CCO may impose additional blackout periods for trading in a Closed-End Fund as necessary.
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C. Holding Period
DoubleLine Personnel may only invest in a Closed-End Fund as a long-term investment. The Code enforces a minimum six-month holding period, which means DoubleLine Personnel may not sell shares of a Closed-End Fund within six months of purchasing them, or purchase shares of a Closed-End Fund within six months of selling them. Any violation of this six-month holding period will require disgorgement of any profits. Certain DoubleLine Personnel may be required to file forms promptly with the SEC regarding their transactions in shares of a Fund. For additional details, please review the Procedures with Respect to Fund Obligations under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 otherwise known as the Section 16 Policy. You may not be able to sell shares of a Closed-End Fund notwithstanding your compliance with the holding period requirement, including, for example, if a blackout period applies. A blackout period may apply for an extended period of time and you may not be able to sell shares of a Closed-End Fund when you wish, if at all.
D. Conditions of Approval/Preclearance
When requesting preclearance to transact in a Prohibited Security, DoubleLine Personnel generally will attest that they:
| Are in compliance with the Code in making the request to trade a Prohibited Security |
| Are not trading on material, non-public information |
| Will make all necessary regulatory filings |
| Understand that any preapprovals are only good through the end of the same business day that preapproval is granted and that they must receive a new preapproval to trade on the following business day |
| Are not purchasing a Prohibited Security within six months of a sale of a Prohibited Security of the same Closed-End Fund |
| Are not selling a Prohibited Security within six months of a purchase of a Prohibited Security of the same Closed-End Fund and are not creating a short position |
| Are not entering into a Contrary Transaction (opposite advice given to a Client) |
| Are meeting any other conditions listed on the form and within the Code. |
E. Post-Trade Reporting and Attestations
DoubleLine Personnel shall submit to the CCO a report of every securities transaction in Prohibited Securities in which he or she and any of such DoubleLine Personnels Related Persons have participated as soon as practicable following the transaction. Such reports shall conform to the requirements of the Code. In addition, on an annual basis, each DoubleLine Personnel must confirm the amount of Prohibited Securities which such person and his/her Related Persons beneficially own.
DoubleLine Personnel (and not a Fund or an Adviser) are personally responsible for ensuring that their transactions comply fully with any and all applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, the restrictions imposed under Sections 16(a) and 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. DoubleLine Personnel have sole responsibility for any and all reports required under the Exchange Act and any applicable rules or regulations thereunder, such as Forms 3, 4 and 5. DoubleLine Personnel are advised to review carefully the requirements of the Funds Section 16 Policy to ensure that any omission by DoubleLine Personnel to make any such report does not inadvertently cause the Adviser or any of the Closed-End Funds to fail to meet applicable reporting requirements.
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Each DoubleLine Personnel shall attest, on an annual basis, that he or she has reviewed and understands (i) his or her filing requirements under Sections 16(a) and 16(b) of the Exchange Act, as discussed above (including Forms 3, 4 and 5), and (ii) the Advisers policy regarding material, non-public information under the Code.
F. Resolving Issues Concerning Insider Trading
If you have any doubts or questions as to whether any information that you possess regarding a Fund is material or non-public, or as to the applicability or interpretation of any of the foregoing procedures, or as to the propriety of any action, you should contact the CCO before trading or communicating the information to anyone. Until these doubts or questions are satisfactorily resolved, you should presume that the information is material and non-public and you should not trade in the securities or communicate the information that you possess to anyone.
G. Penalties
Penalties for failing to comply with this Exhibit shall include all penalties described within the Code. By way of example and not limitation, penalties for failing to comply with the requirements of this Exhibit may include required disgorgement, the timing of which may not be advantageous to the tax or other financial considerations of the DoubleLine Personnel, as well as the disgorgement described under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. It is anticipated that DoubleLine Personnel failing to comply with the requirements of this Exhibit could be barred from trading any of the Funds listed on Appendix 1 or any future closed-end funds to be managed by the Adviser.
H. Modifications and Waivers
The Companies reserve the right to amend or modify this Policy Statement at any time. Waiver of any provision of this Policy Statement in a specific instance only may be authorized in writing as described within the Code.
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Appendix 1 to Exhibit VIII:
List of Closed-End Funds
DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund
DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund
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Appendix 2 to Exhibit VIII
DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND (DBL)
DOUBLELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND (DSL)
REQUEST FOR PREAUTHORIZATION PERSONAL TRADES CLOSED END FUNDS
Any preapproval with respect to a transaction in shares of DBL or DSL is only good through the end of the same business day that pre-approval is obtained. Any transaction, or portion thereof, not completed that same business day will require a separate approval.
Date: |
|
|
Name: |
|
Name of Security |
Symbol CUSIP |
Price if limit order |
Buy or Sell |
#of Shares/Units |
Brokerage Firm |
Account Number |
Check if Private Placement |
|||||||
If an option or warrant, describe the underlying security:
| I request pre-approval authorization to effect transaction(s) in the security indicated above for my personal account(s) or another account(s) in which I have a beneficial interest. I am familiar with and certify that this request is made in compliance with the Code of Ethics. |
| I am not in possession of material, non-public information concerning the securities listed above, and I have consulted with the Chief Compliance Officer or his or her designee if I have any doubts regarding whether information in my possession may be material, non-public information regarding such securities. |
| If buying, I have not made a sale of a security listed above within SIX MONTHS of this trade date, and I understand that I may not be able to sell the shares I intend to purchase for an extended period of time because of the required holding period and, potentially, an extended blackout period. |
| If selling, I have not made a purchase of a security listed above within SIX MONTHS of this trade date AND this trade will NOT result in a short position. |
| Unless indicated, this purchase is not an IPO or private placement. |
| If I am a portfolio manager, trader or analyst: This transaction is not a Contrary Transaction (opposite of investment advice given to clients.) |
| I understand that any preapprovals are only good through the end of the same business day that preapproval is granted, and I must receive a new preapproval to trade on the following business day. |
| I am solely responsible for all regulatory filings related to my trading activity in DBL or DSL, as applicable. |
| I have read, understand and agree to the terms of the preauthorization to trade DBL or DSL, as applicable, including the Code of Ethics requirements for personal trading. |
Transaction Authorized | ||||||
By: |
|
|||||
Date: |
|
|||||
|
||||||
Signature of Person Requesting Authorization |
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Exhibit VIII C
DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND
DOULELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND
DOUBLELINE FUNDS TRUST
DOUBLELINE EQUITY FUNDS
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
REQUEST FOR PREAUTHORIZATION PERSONAL TRADES
Any transaction as to which pre-approval has been obtained must be completed two business days following the day pre-approval is obtained. Any transaction, or portion thereof, not so completed will require a New Approval. I will apply for an extension if required.
Date: |
|
|
Name: |
|
Name of Security |
Symbol CUSIP |
Price if limit order |
Buy or Sell |
#of Shares/Units |
Brokerage Firm |
Account Number |
Private Placement? |
|||||||
If an option or warrant, describe the underlying security:
| I request pre-approval authorization to effect transaction(s) in the security indicated above for my personal account(s) or another account(s) in which I have a beneficial interest. I am familiar with and certify that this request is made in compliance with the Codes of Ethics. |
| I am not in possession of material, non-public information concerning the securities listed above. |
| If selling, I have held this security for more than sixty days. |
| Unless indicated, this purchase is not an IPO or private placement. |
| If I am a portfolio manager, trader or analyst: This transaction is not a Contrary Transaction (opposite of investment advice given to clients.) |
Transaction Authorized | ||||||
By: |
|
|||||
Date: |
|
|||||
|
||||||
Signature of Person Requesting Authorization |
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Exhibit X. A.
DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND
DOUBLELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND
DOUBLELINE FUNDS TRUST
DOUBLELINE EQUITY FUNDS
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
ANNUAL NON-CASH COMPENSATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION
Instructions : Complete all sections of form. If not applicable, please indicate N/A or None.
Name |
Date |
I hereby acknowledge and certify that I understand the rules and procedures under the DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, DoubleLine Funds Trust, DoubleLine Equity Funds, DoubleLine Equity LP, DoubleLine Group LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP and DoubleLine Capital LP Code of Ethics regarding Non-Cash Compensation and Gifts.
I have not accepted any compensation from any source (other than DoubleLine) for the purchase or sale of any property to or for any registered investment company or any controlled company thereof.
I further certify that during the last twelve months I have not directly or indirectly accepted or made payments or offers of payments of any non-cash compensation, except for the following items unrelated to any registered investment company business conducted by DoubleLine. (None of the following may be accepted by persons involved in portfolio management or trading):
a) | usual and customary promotional items, of de minimis value, such as hats, pens, T-shirts, and similar items marked with a vendors logo |
b) | gifts of nominal value (i.e. under $100 to or from any single individual associated with a vendor per year) or; |
c) | an occasional meal or entertainment such as a sporting event, a show, or comparable events, with the vendor present. If the vendor does not accompany you to such events then the cost of the tickets are subject to the gift and dollar limitations above. All entertainment or meals should be neither so frequent nor so extensive as to raise any question of propriety and may not be preconditioned on achievement of a sales target or volume of trades. |
Report all gifts given or received below (you are not required to report the usual or customary promotional items such as hats, pins, t-shirts, and similar items marked with a vendors logo). Also report all entertainment RECEIVED. You need not report entertainment given:
For period January 1, through December 31, .
Date |
Gift Description |
From whom received or to whom given
Name/Organization |
Est. Value | |||
Signature: |
|
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DoubleLine Group LP
DoubleLine Equity LP
DoubleLine Commodity LP
DoubleLine Group LP
Code of Ethics
Exhibit X.B.
Initial Political Contributions Report
Data is complete as of
Please indicate all political contributions made for the two-year period prior to the date of this report. Contributions to political parties need not indicate election cycle or candidate, unless the contribution to the political party was earmarked for a particular election or candidate. Political contributions to political action committees also must be indicated on this form. All political contributions must be recorded on this form, regardless of the size of the contribution.
Please list in chronological order, starting oldest to newest.
¨ | None. |
Recipient |
City and State
election |
Election (year and type. Ex. 2011 general election or
2012 primary
|
Candidate for office of (ex. President, Governor, Mayor) |
Were you eligible to vote in the election (Yes or No) |
Date of Political Contribution |
Total $ |
||||||
I certify that the above information is complete and correct. I further certify that I have not paid or otherwise influenced another to make a political contribution.
|
SIGNATURE |
|
TYPE OR PRINT NAME |
|
DATE |
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DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Questionnaire
Exhibit XI D
In keeping with DoubleLines adherence to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), we require that all new Access Persons (and certain other persons) complete this questionnaire. Please respond to questions 1 and 2 below.
1. Are you now or have you ever been a Non-U.S. Government Official?*
Yes ¨ No ¨
If you answered yes to this question, please complete the information requested below:
Your Name | ||
Official Title | ||
Name of Government Body (Agency, Regulator, State Owned Entity, Ministry, etc.) |
||
Country | ||
Dates you were (are) Non-U.S. Government Official | From (mm/dd/year) To (mm/dd/year) | |
Describe the Scope of your responsibilities |
Attach additional information if more than one person and /or with more than one government body.
2. Is any member of your family (e.g., Spouse/Partner, Parent, Grandparent, In-laws, Sibling, Child,) a Non-U.S. Government Official, or do you have a close relationship with a Non-U.S. Government Official who has the ability to influence DoubleLines Business?
Yes ¨ No ¨
If you answered yes to this question, please complete the information requested below:
Your Name | ||
Name of Non-U.S. Government Official | ||
Official Title | ||
Name of Government Body (Agency, Regulator, State owned Entity, Ministry, etc.) |
||
Country | ||
Dates this Individual was (is) Non-U.S. Government Official | From (mm/dd/year) To (mm/dd/year) | |
Describe the scope of this Officials responsibility | ||
Did this Non-U.S. Government Official refer you to DoubleLine? | Yes ¨ No ¨ |
Attach additional information if more than one position and/or with more than one government body.
|
|
|
||
Print Name | Signature | Date |
DoubleLine defines a *Non-U.S. Government Official as:
Non-U.S. Government Official is broadly defined and includes any employee, agent or representative of a non-US government, and any non-US political party, party official or candidate. This can include royalty, non-US legislators, representatives of non-US state-owned enterprises and sovereign wealth funds, trade delegations, and employees of public international organizations (including but not limited to the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and many other international agencies), regardless of rank or position, and any individuals acting on behalf of a Non-U.S. Government Official.
This may involve activities done on a paid or unpaid basis.
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Exhibit XI E
DOUBLELINE OPPORTUNISTIC CREDIT FUND
DOUBLELINE INCOME SOLUTIONS FUND
DOUBLELINE FUNDS TRUST
DOUBLELINE EQUITY FUNDS
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP
DOUBLELINE EQUITY LP
DOUBLELINE COMMODITY LP
DOUBLELINE GROUP LP
REQUIRED ANNUAL ATTESTATIONS AND DISCLOSURES
DATE:
TO: CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
FROM:
Please read this form carefully. Answer all questions completely, sign, date and return this form to the Chief Compliance Officer.
REQUIREMENT TO KEEP THIS INFORMATION CURRENT : You are required to promptly provide updated information, in writing, to the Chief Compliance Officer in the event any of the information that you report below changes or becomes inaccurate in any way.
1. | I have received or have access to the DoubleLine Capital LP, DoubleLine Equity LP, DoubleLine Commodity LP (each an Adviser), DoubleLine Group LP, DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund (DBL), DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (DSL) DoubleLine Funds Trust and DoubleLine Equity Funds (collectively, the Trust) (collectively the Companies) Code of Ethics (the Code). |
2. | I am aware that the policies and procedures set forth in the Code are designed to assist me, the Companies and the Companies employees in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the Companies own internal standards, and to maintaining the trust and confidence of those individual with whom the Companies conducts business and to upholding high standards of integrity and business ethics. |
3. | I have read and understand the Code and I agree to comply with it fully. |
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4. | I understand that any failure on my part to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, or requirements and the policies and procedures set forth in the Code may have serious adverse consequences for both me and the Companies and can lead to disciplinary actions by the Companies against me up to and including termination. |
5. | If at any time I have any doubt, whatsoever, as to the correct policy or procedure to follow in relation to any matter covered by the Code, or if I am unclear as to the meaning or effect of anything contained in the Code, I agree to consult with legal or compliance personnel. |
6. | If I am a new hire or otherwise new as an Access Person, I will provide records showing any and all political contributions made during the two year period prior to my becoming an Access Person. If this is my annual attestation, I have made all political contributions pursuant to requirements of the Code of Ethics and have made all such reports as are required by the Code of Ethics. If I have made no political contributions during the two-year period prior to my becoming an employee or in the year since my last annual attestation, I have indicated None on the following line. |
7. | Since my date of employment with any of the Companies or the date of execution of my last Annual Attestation and Disclosure Form, whichever is later, I have complied fully with the Companies policies on directorships of public or private companies and, except with respect to the Companies, or as otherwise disclosed below, I do not currently serve as a director of any public or private companies. (If none, please indicate None) |
8. | Since my date of employment with either of the Companies or the date of execution of my last Annual Attestation and Disclosure Form, whichever is later, I have complied fully with the Companies policies on outside business activities and, except with respect to the Companies, or as otherwise disclosed below, I am not currently engaged in any other business activities, or employed or compensated by any other person or serve as an officer, partner or employee of any business organization. (If none, please indicate None) |
9. |
Since my date of employment with either of the Companies or the date of execution of my last Annual Attestation and Disclosure Form, whichever is later, I have complied fully with the Companies policies on the reporting of accounts and transactions involving securities and other financial products. Without limiting the foregoing, I have notified the Companies with respect to all outside accounts opened for the purchase, holding or disposition of any financial products that are beneficially owned by: (i) me; (ii) my spouse or domestic partner; (iii) my child or a child of my spouse or domestic partner, provided, in each case, the child resides in the same household with, or is |
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financially dependent upon, me; and (iv) any account as to which I have discretionary authority or direct influence or control, including any account for which I act as trustee, executor or custodian, but excluding any account for a client to the extent the discretion is exercised on behalf thereof. I have also notified the Companies with respect to accounts beneficially owned by any Immediate Family Member , as hereinafter defined, that shares a household with me, unless I have no direct or indirect influence or control over such account. For purposes of the foregoing, the term Immediate Family Member shall mean, any grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in law, brother-in law, or sister-in-law. In addition, in connection with each account, I have requested that duplicate copies of confirmations and account statements be provided to the Companies and have notified the Companies of all changes thereto. |
10. | Since my date of employment with either of the Companies or the date of execution of my last Annual Attestation and Disclosure Form, whichever is later, I have complied fully with the Companies policies on the filing of Holdings Report Notification forms with respect to transactions in financial products are beneficially owned by: (i) me; (ii) my spouse or domestic partner; (iii) my child or a child of my spouse or domestic partner, provided, in each case, the child resides in the same household with, or is financially dependent upon, me; (iv) an Immediate Family Member that shares a household with me, unless I have no direct or indirect influence or control over such transaction. |
11. | Since my date of employment with either of the Companies or the date of execution of my last Annual Attestation and Disclosure Form, whichever is later, I have not received any third party compensation, except as indicated below. (If none, please indicate None) |
12. | I acknowledge the confidential nature of nonpublic information regarding our clients. Consistent with applicable policies and guidelines, I will respect and safeguard the privacy of our clients and the confidential nature of their information. Without limiting the general nature of this commitment, I will not access or seek to gain access to confidential information regarding any past or present client, except in the course of fulfilling my job responsibilities. I understand that in this context, confidential information is considered to be all nonpublic information that can be personally associated with an individual. |
I will not use another persons computer sign-on or computer access code or provide another the use of my sign-on code to gain access to confidential information without proper authorization. I will not disclose confidential information to those who are not authorized to receive it. In addition, I will not, without proper authorization, copy or preserve by paper writing, electronic, or any other means confidential information, nor will I disseminate any such information without proper authorization. If I am in doubt about whether the authorization provided is proper, I will consult the Companies Compliance or legal personnel for guidance.
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I acknowledge the receipt of my IDs and Passwords. I understand that passwords are the equivalent of my signature. I understand that I will only access information that is required for me to perform my assigned tasks. I acknowledge that if I disclose passwords to any other person, I will be fully accountable and responsible for any use or misuse by that individual to the same extent as if I had performed the act or omission. If I have any reason to believe that the confidentiality of my passwords has been violated, I will notify my supervisor immediately and ensure that the passwords are promptly changed.
13. | I have complied fully with the Companies insider-trading policy as set forth in the Code, and I have read and understand the Companies policy on the use of material, non-public information. |
14. | I have reviewed and understand my personal obligations regarding the filing requirements under Sections 16(a) and 16(b) of the Exchange Act as they apply to me, including, but not necessarily limited to, Forms 3, 4 and 5. |
15. | Authorization is hereby granted to the Companies to open any and all mail and monitor all forms of communication addressed to my attention and delivered to the Companies. |
16. | Nothing has changed in my disclosures regarding non-US Government Officials and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act since my last report. (Otherwise, I will complete a new form regarding non-US Government Officials and submit it with this attestation.) |
17. | I understand that a willful misstatement or omission of information requested on this form, or a violation of any applicable federal or state law, regulatory or self-regulatory organization requirement, or any of the Advisers, DBLs, DSLs or the Trusts policy or procedures, as set forth in the Code, or otherwise, may be considered grounds for termination of my employment and other disciplinary action by the Companies. |
18. | I have not ever been charged with, pled guilty or nolo contondere (no contest) to or been convicted of a felony. |
19. | I have not ever been charged with, convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere in a domestic, foreign, or military court to a misdemeanor involving: investments or an investment-related business, or any fraud, false statements, or omissions, wrongful taking of property, bribery, perjury, forgery, counterfeiting, extortion, or a conspiracy to commit any of these offenses. |
20. | I have not ever been named in or subject to any finding or disciplinary action of any kind imposed by any state, U.S.,. or non-U.S. regulatory or self-regulatory body with authority over any of the Companies lines of business or any aspect of the U.S. financial markets, such as but not limited to: the SEC, FINRA, Commodities Futures Trade Commission (CFTC) or National Futures Association (NFA). |
21. |
I have not ever been found by any U.S. Federal regulatory agency, any state regulatory agency, or any foreign financial regulatory authority to have made a false statement or omission, or to have been dishonest, unfair, or unethical; to have been involved in a violation of investment-related regulations or statutes; or to have been the cause of an |
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investment-related business having its authorization to do business denied, suspended, revoked, or restricted. I have not ever had a federal regulatory agency, state regulatory agency, or foreign financial regulatory authority prevent me from associating with an investment-related business, restrict my activity, enter an order against me in connection with an investment related activity, or impose a civil money penalty on me. |
22. | I have not ever had a license or authorization to serve as a registered person or as someone in a similar capacity be denied, suspended or revoked, nor have I ever had a license or authorization to serve as an attorney, accountant or federal contractor either be suspended or revoked. |
23. | I have not ever had a court enter any order or make any finding against me related to any investment-related statutes or investment related activities;, dismiss, pursuant to a settlement agreement, an investment related civil action brought against me by a state or foreign financial regulatory authority; enjoin, or otherwise limit, me from engaging in any investment-related activity or from violating any investment-related statute, rule, or order. I am not a party to any proceeding whatsoever that could lead to such a court order. |
24. | I am not aware of any item that is required to be reported to any employer that hires me. I am not aware of any item related to me that any of the Companies would be required to report to any regulatory entity. I am not the subject of any regulatory or civil proceeding that could result in a change to the responses in this attestation. |
|
SIGNATURE |
|
TYPE OR PRINT NAME |
DATE |
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