As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2017.
Registration Nos.
2-99356
811-04367
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM
N-1A
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Pre-Effective
Amendment No.
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Post-Effective Amendment No. 297
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and/or
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
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(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)
COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST I
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Address of Principal Executive Officers) (Zip Code)
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (800)
345-6611
Christopher O. Petersen, Esq.
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:
It is proposed
that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
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Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
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On June 1, 2017 pursuant to paragraph (b)
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
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On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.
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If appropriate, check the following box:
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This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
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This Post-Effective Amendment relates solely to the Registrants
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
series. Information contained in the
Registrants Registration Statement relating to any other series of the Registrant is neither amended nor superseded hereby.
Prospectus
June 1, 2017
Columbia
Diversified Real Return Fund
Class
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Ticker
Symbol
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Class A
Shares
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CDRAX
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Class C
Shares
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CDRCX
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Class R4
Shares
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CDRRX
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Class R5
Shares
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CDRFX
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Class T
Shares*
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CDTWX
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Class Y
Shares
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CDRYX
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Class
Z Shares
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CDRZX
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* Prior to March 27, 2017, Class T
shares were known as Class W shares.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
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3
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3
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3
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4
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5
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12
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14
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14
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14
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15
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16
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16
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16
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17
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27
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31
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33
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34
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35
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35
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35
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43
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49
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54
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57
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59
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59
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60
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64
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67
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72
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74
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77
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77
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78
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81
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A-1
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B-1
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Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund (the Fund) seeks to
provide shareholders with total return that exceeds the rate of inflation over the long term.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses
that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The front-end sales charge applicable to Class T shares is a per-transaction charge, meaning that separate orders will not be aggregated for purposes of calculating the rate of the sales
charge payable. An investor transacting in a class of Fund shares without any front-end sales charge, contingent deferred sales charge, or other asset-based fee for sales or distribution may be required to pay a commission to the financial
intermediary for effecting such transactions. Such commission rates are set by the financial intermediary and are not reflected in the tables or the example below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and members of your immediate
family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in certain classes of shares of eligible funds distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the Distributor). More information about these and other discounts is
available from your financial intermediary, and can be found in the
Choosing a Share Class
section beginning on page 35 of the Fund’s prospectus and in Appendix S to the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI) under
Sales Charge Waivers
beginning on page S-1.
Shareholder
Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class
A
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Class
C
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Class
T
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Classes
R4,
R5, Y and Z
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Maximum
sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)
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4.75%
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None
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2.50%
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None
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Maximum
deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of the original purchase price or current net asset value)
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1.00%
(a)
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1.00%
(b)
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None
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None
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Annual
Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Class
A
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Class
C
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Class
R4
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Class
R5
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Class
T
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Class
Y
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Class
Z
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Management
fees
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0.19%
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0.19%
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0.19%
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0.19%
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0.19%
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0.19%
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0.19%
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Distribution
and/or service (12b-1) fees
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0.25%
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1.00%
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0.00%
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0.00%
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0.25%
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0.00%
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0.00%
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Other
expenses
(c)
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5.96%
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5.96%
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5.96%
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6.02%
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5.96%
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5.97%
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5.96%
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Acquired
fund fees and expenses
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0.48%
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0.48%
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0.48%
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0.48%
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0.48%
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0.48%
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0.48%
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Total
annual Fund operating expenses
(d)
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6.88%
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7.63%
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6.63%
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6.69%
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6.88%
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6.64%
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6.63%
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Less:
Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements
(e)
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(5.80%)
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(5.80%)
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(5.80%)
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(5.82%)
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(5.80%)
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(5.82%)
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(5.80%)
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Total
annual Fund operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements
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1.08%
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1.83%
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0.83%
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0.87%
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1.08%
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0.82%
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0.83%
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(a)
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This charge is imposed on
certain investments of between $1 million and $50 million redeemed within 18 months after purchase, as follows: 1.00% if redeemed within 12 months after purchase, and 0.50% if redeemed more than 12, but less than 18, months after purchase, with
certain limited exceptions.
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(b)
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This
charge applies to redemptions within 12 months after purchase, with certain limited exceptions.
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(c)
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Other expenses have been
restated to reflect current transfer agency fees paid by the Fund and other expenses for Class Y shares are based on estimated amounts for the Fund’s current fiscal year.
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(d)
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“Total annual Fund
operating expenses” include acquired fund fees and expenses (expenses the Fund incurs indirectly through its investments in other investment companies) and may be higher than “Total Net Expenses” shown in the
Financial Highlights
section of this prospectus because “Total Net Expenses” do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
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(e)
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Columbia
Management Investment Advisers, LLC and certain of its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive fees and/or to reimburse expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment related expenses, dividend expenses and borrowing costs
on securities sold short, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and infrequent and/or unusual expenses) through May 31, 2018, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Under this agreement,
the Fund’s net operating expenses, subject to applicable exclusions, will not exceed the annual rates of 0.60% for Class A, 1.35% for Class C, 0.35% for Class R4, 0.385% for Class R5, 0.60% for Class T, 0.335% for Class Y and 0.35% for Class
Z.
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Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
The following example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over the time periods indicated, and assumes that:
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you invest $10,000 in the
applicable class of Fund shares for the periods indicated,
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your investment has a 5%
return each year, and
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the
Fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same as shown in the
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
table above.
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Since the waivers and/or reimbursements
shown in the
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
table above expire as indicated in the preceding table, they are only reflected in the 1 year example and the first year of the other examples. Although your actual
costs may be higher or lower, based on the assumptions listed above, your costs (based on estimated Fund expenses) would be:
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1
year
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3
years
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5
years
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10
years
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Class
A
(whether or not shares are redeemed)
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$580
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$1,916
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$3,203
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$6,214
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Class
C
(assuming redemption of all shares at the end of the period)
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$286
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$1,719
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$3,173
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$6,485
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Class
C
(assuming no redemption of shares)
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$186
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$1,719
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$3,173
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$6,485
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Class
R4
(whether or not shares are redeemed)
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$
85
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$1,444
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$2,759
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$5,863
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Class
R5
(whether or not shares are redeemed)
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$
89
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$1,459
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$2,783
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$5,901
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Class
T
(whether or not shares are redeemed)
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$357
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$1,725
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$3,043
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$6,125
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Class
Y
(whether or not shares are redeemed)
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$
84
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$1,445
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$2,761
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$5,869
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Class
Z
(whether or not shares are redeemed)
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$
85
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$1,444
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$2,759
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$5,863
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Portfolio Turnover
The Fund and underlying funds (including
exchange-traded funds (ETFs)) pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when they buy and sell securities (or “turn over” their portfolios). The Fund will indirectly bear the expenses associated with portfolio turnover of the
underlying funds. A high portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal
year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 8% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund pursues its investment
objective by allocating its assets to achieve exposure to inflation-linked debt securities, investments that provide economic exposure to the performance of commodities markets (commodity-linked investments) and floating rate loans and other
floating rate debt securities (floating rate investments), as well as other investments.
The Fund’s investment exposure to inflation-linked (or
inflation-protected) debt securities may include exposure to investments issued by the U.S. Government, non-U.S. governments, quasi-governmental organizations, agencies, instrumentalities, supranational entities and/or companies. Inflation-linked
debt securities are fixed-income securities that are structured to provide protection against inflation. The Fund’s investment exposure to commodity-linked investments may include investment in an underlying fund, Columbia Commodity Strategy
Fund, that is designed to provide exposure to the investment return of assets that trade in the commodities markets, without investing directly in physical commodities. The Fund’s investment exposure to floating rate investments may include
investments in floating rate loans (including senior secured floating rate loans), which are debt obligations of companies and other similar entities that have interest rates that adjust or “float” periodically. These debt obligations
may be of any quality, including those rated below investment grade by recognized rating agencies (similar to “junk bonds”) or, if unrated, considered to be of comparable quality. While the Fund seeks to achieve commodities exposure
indirectly
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
through investment in an underlying fund, the Fund may seek to achieve other
exposures directly or indirectly through investment in affiliated funds, including Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund, Columbia Floating Rate Fund and any other Columbia fund that offers a desired exposure, as well as in unaffiliated
funds, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Certain of these investments will include exposure to alternative investment strategies (e.g., Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund, a registered commodity pool).
The Fund’s assets may also be allocated to equity
(common and preferred stock), convertible and other fixed income securities of U.S. and international issuers, which include developed, developing and emerging market issuers, investments of any market capitalization, and investments of any
sector/industry exposure, including, for example, exposure to real estate securities. The Fund’s fixed income investments may be of any maturity or quality, including instruments that are rated below investment-grade (commonly referred to as
“high yield securities” or “junk bonds”) or, if unrated, are deemed to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in the above instruments directly or indirectly through investments in unaffiliated or affiliated funds,
including Columbia High Yield Bond Fund, Columbia Income Opportunities Fund and Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund, among other available funds. The Fund does not seek to maintain a particular dollar-weighted average maturity. The Fund may also
hold/invest in cash, money market instruments (which may include investments in one or more affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or similar vehicles) or other high-quality, short-term investments, including for the purpose of covering its
obligations with respect to, or that may result from, the Fund’s investments in derivatives.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities
or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves
risks, including specific risks relating to the investment in the Fund based on its investment process and its "fund-of-funds" structure, as well as specific risks related to the underlying funds in which it invests, including among others, those
described below. More information about underlying funds, including their principal risks, is available in their prospectuses, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer for any of the underlying
funds.
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money
. The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share
price may go down. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Active Management Risk.
Due to
its active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
Allocation Risk.
Because
the Fund uses an asset allocation strategy in pursuit of its investment objective, there is a risk that the Fund's allocation among securities, instruments, investment styles and market exposures will cause the Fund's shares to lose value or cause
the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies, or that the investments themselves will not produce the returns expected.
Alternative Strategies Investment Risk.
An investment in alternative investment strategies (Alternative Strategies), whether through direct investment or through one or more underlying funds that use Alternative Strategies, involves risks, which may
be significant. Alternative Strategies may include strategies, instruments or other assets, such as derivatives, that seek investment returns uncorrelated with the broad equity and fixed income/debt markets, as well as those providing exposure to
other markets (such as commodity markets), including but not limited to absolute (positive) return strategies. Alternative Strategies may fail to achieve their desired performance, market or other exposure, or their returns (or lack thereof) may be
more correlated with the broad equity and/or fixed income/debt markets than was anticipated, and the Fund may lose money. Some Alternative Strategies may be considered speculative.
Commodity-related Investment Risk.
The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include demand for the commodity, weather, embargoes,
tariffs, and economic health, political, international, regulatory and other developments. Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the value of the Fund’s investments
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
to greater volatility than other types of investments. Commodities
investments may also subject the Fund to counterparty risk and liquidity risk. The Fund may invest in one or more underlying funds that make commodity-related investments through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries organized outside the U.S. that
are generally not subject to U.S. laws (including securities laws) and their protections. The Fund's investments in commodities or commodity-related investments can be limited by the Fund's intention to qualify as a regulated investment company and
can limit the Fund's ability to so qualify. If an underlying fund in which the Fund invests that itself invests directly or indirectly in commodities fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, such failure could also cause the Fund to
fail to so qualify.
Confidential Information Access Risk.
Portfolio managers may avoid the receipt of material, non-public information (Confidential Information) about the issuers of floating rate loans (including from the issuer itself) being considered for acquisition by the
Fund, or held in the Fund. A decision not to receive Confidential Information may disadvantage the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Convertible Securities Risk.
Convertible securities are subject to the usual risks associated with debt instruments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. Convertible securities also react to changes in the value of the common stock into which they convert, and are thus
subject to market risk. The Fund may also be forced to convert a convertible security at an inopportune time, which may decrease the Fund’s return.
Counterparty Risk.
Counterparty risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument held by the Fund or by a special purpose or structured vehicle invested in by the Fund may become insolvent or otherwise fail to perform its obligations. As a result, the
Fund may obtain no or limited recovery of its investment, and any recovery may be significantly delayed.
Credit Risk.
Credit risk is
the risk that the value of loans or other debt instruments may decline if the borrower or the issuer thereof defaults or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling, or is perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor its financial obligations, such as
making payments to the Fund when due. Rating agencies assign credit ratings to certain fixed-income securities to indicate their credit risk. Lower quality or unrated loans or securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk as compared
to higher-rated loans or securities. Non-investment grade loans or fixed-income instruments (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk”) may be subject to greater price fluctuations and are more likely to experience a default
than investment grade loans or fixed-income instruments and therefore may expose the Fund to increased credit risk. If the Fund purchases unrated loans or securities, or if the ratings of loans or securities held by the Fund are lowered after
purchase, the Fund will depend on analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual.
Derivatives Risk.
Derivatives may involve significant risks. Derivatives are financial instruments with a value in relation to, or derived from, the value of an underlying asset(s) or other reference, such as an index, rate or other
economic indicator (each an underlying reference). Derivatives may include those that are privately placed or otherwise exempt from SEC registration, including certain Rule 144A eligible securities. Derivatives could result in Fund losses if the
underlying reference does not perform as anticipated. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques, risks, and tax planning different from those associated with more traditional investment instruments.
The Fund’s derivatives strategy may not be successful and use of certain derivatives could result in substantial, potentially unlimited, losses to the Fund regardless of the Fund’s actual investment. A relatively small movement in the
price, rate or other economic indicator associated with the underlying reference may result in substantial loss for the Fund. Derivatives may be more volatile than other types of investments. The value of derivatives may be influenced by a variety
of factors, including national and international political and economic developments. Potential changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets may make derivatives more costly, may limit the market for derivatives, or may otherwise adversely
affect the value or performance of derivatives. Derivatives can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while
exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Futures Contracts Risk.
A futures contract is an exchange-traded derivative transaction between two parties in which a buyer (holding the “long” position) agrees to pay a fixed price (or rate) at a specified future date for
delivery of an underlying reference from a seller (holding the “short” position). The seller hopes that the
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
market price on the delivery date is less
than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. Certain futures contract markets are highly volatile, and futures contracts may be illiquid. Futures exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices by imposing a
maximum permissible daily price movement. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. At or prior to maturity of a futures contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting
contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in futures contract prices. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the
extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. Because of the low margin deposits normally required in futures trading, it is possible that the Fund may employ a high degree of leverage in the portfolio.
As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. For certain types of futures contracts, losses are potentially unlimited. Futures markets are
highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Futures contracts executed (if any) on foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts can increase the
Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk,
leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Structured Investments Risk.
Structured investments are over-the-counter derivatives that provide principal and/or interest payments based on the value of an underlying reference(s). Structured investments typically provide interest income, thereby
offering a potential yield advantage over investing directly in an underlying reference. Structured investments may lack a liquid secondary market and their prices or value can be volatile which could result in significant losses for the Fund. In
some cases, depending on its terms, a structured investment may provide that principal and/or interest payments may be adjusted below zero resulting in a potential loss of principal and/or interest payments. Additionally, the particular terms of a
structured investment may create economic leverage by requiring payment by the issuer of an amount that is a multiple of the price change of the underlying reference. Economic leverage will increase the volatility of structured investment prices,
and could result in increased losses for the Fund. The Fund’s use of structured instruments may not work as intended. If structured investments are used to reduce the duration of the Fund’s portfolio, this may limit the Fund’s
return when having a longer duration would be beneficial (for instance, when interest rates decline). Structured investments can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market
risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Swaps Risk.
In a typical swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return earned on a specified underlying reference for a fixed return or the return from another underlying reference during a specified period of time.
Swaps may be difficult to value and may be illiquid. Swaps could result in Fund losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Swaps create significant investment leverage such that a relatively small price movement in
a swap may result in immediate and substantial losses to the Fund. The Fund may only close out a swap with its particular counterparty, and may only transfer a position with the consent of that counterparty. Certain swaps, such as short swap
transactions and total return swaps, have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Swaps can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit
risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, inflation risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Emerging Market Securities Risk.
Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more
likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk. In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid
changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity (i.e., lower trading volumes and less
liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market
countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries, and some have a higher risk of currency devaluations.
Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risk.
ETFs are subject to, among other risks, tracking risk and passive and, in some cases, active investment risk. In addition, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of the Fund’s expenses and similar
expenses incurred through ownership of the ETF.
Foreign Securities Risk.
Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. Foreign securities subject the Fund to the risks associated with
investing in the particular country of an issuer, including political, regulatory, economic, social, diplomatic and other conditions or events (including, for example, military confrontations, war and terrorism), occurring in the country or region,
as well as risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices. Foreign securities may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of U.S. companies, and are subject to the risks associated with potential imposition of
economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country. In addition, foreign governments may impose withholding or other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or
proceeds from the disposition of foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. The performance of the Fund may also be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency's strength or weakness relative to
the U.S. dollar, particularly to the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Fund-of-Funds Risk.
Determinations regarding asset classes or underlying funds and the Fund’s allocations thereto may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective, in whole or in part. The ability of the Fund to realize its investment objective
will depend, in large part, on the extent to which the underlying funds realize their investment objective. There is no guarantee that the underlying funds will achieve their respective investment objectives. The Fund is exposed to the same risks as
the underlying funds in direct proportion to the allocation of its assets among the underlying funds. Therefore, to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in a particular underlying fund, the Fund’s performance would be significantly
impacted by the performance of such underlying fund. Generally, by investing in a combination of underlying funds, the Fund has exposure to the risks of many areas of the market. By concentrating its investments in relatively few underlying funds,
the Fund may have more concentrated market exposures, subjecting the Fund to greater risk of loss should those markets decline or fail to rise. The performance of underlying funds could be adversely affected if other entities that invest in the same
underlying funds make relatively large investments or redemptions in such underlying funds. The Fund, and its shareholders, indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any funds in which the Fund invests. Because the expenses and costs of each
underlying fund are shared by its investors, redemptions by other investors in an underlying fund could result in decreased economies of scale and increased operating expenses for such fund. The Investment Manager may have potential conflicts of
interest in selecting affiliated funds over unaffiliated funds for investment by the Fund, and may also face potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated funds, because the fees the Investment Manager receives from some underlying funds
may be higher than the fees paid by other underlying funds. Also, to the extent that the Fund is constrained/restricted from investing (or investing further) in a particular underlying fund for one or more reasons (e.g., underlying fund capacity
constraints or regulatory restrictions) or if the Fund chooses to sell its investment in an underlying fund because of poor investment performance or for other reasons, the Fund may have to invest in another underlying fund(s), including less
desirable funds – from a strategy or investment performance standpoint – which could have a negative impact on Fund performance. In addition, Fund performance could be negatively impacted if an appropriate alternate underlying fund(s)
does not present itself in a timely manner or at all.
High-Yield Investments Risk.
Securities and other debt instruments held by the Fund that are rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) and unrated debt instruments of comparable quality
expose the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund that invests solely or primarily in investment grade debt instruments. In addition, these investments have greater price fluctuations, are less liquid and are more likely
to experience a default than higher-rated debt instruments. High-yield debt instruments are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk.
The loans or other debt instruments in which the Fund invests may include highly leveraged transactions whereby the borrower assumes large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to attempt to achieve
its business objectives. Loans or other debt instruments that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a greater risk (including default and bankruptcy) than other investments.
Impairment of Collateral Risk.
The value of collateral, if any, securing a loan can decline, and may be insufficient to meet the borrower’s obligations or difficult or costly to liquidate. In addition, the Fund’s access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or
other insolvency laws. Further, certain floating rate and other loans may not be fully collateralized and may decline in value.
Inflation Risk.
Inflation risk
is the uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and the
Fund’s investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.
Inflation-Protected Securities Risk.
Inflation-protected debt securities tend to react to changes in real interest rates (i.e., nominal interest rates minus the expected impact of inflation). In general, the price of such securities falls when real
interest rates rise, and rises when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on these securities will vary and may be more volatile than interest paid on ordinary bonds. In periods of deflation, the Fund may have no income at all from such
investments.
Interest Rate Risk.
Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates (which are currently near historic lows) rise, the values of loans and other fixed-income
instruments tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of loans and other fixed-income instruments tend to rise. Changes in the value of a fixed-income instrument usually will not affect the amount of income the Fund receives from it but
will generally affect the value of the Fund's shares. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income instrument, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate declines also may increase prepayments of
debt obligations, which, in turn, would increase prepayment risk. Similarly, a period of rising interest rates may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Actions by governments and central banking authorities can result in increases in
interest rates. Such actions may negatively affect the value of fixed-income instruments held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on the Fund's performance and NAV. Debt instruments with floating coupon rates are typically less sensitive to
interest rate changes, but these debt instruments may decline in value if their coupon rates do not rise as much as, or keep pace with, yields on such types of debt instruments. Because rates on certain floating rate loans and other debt
instruments reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV. Any interest rate increases could cause the value of the
Fund’s investments in fixed-income instruments to decrease. Rising interest rates may prompt redemptions from the Fund, which may force the Fund to sell investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so, which could result in
losses.
Issuer Risk.
An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its loans or securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor
performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events,
conditions or factors. The market capitalization of an issuer may also impact its risk profile. Investments in larger, more established companies may involve certain risks associated with their larger size. For instance, larger, more established
companies may be less able to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in consumer tastes or innovation from smaller competitors. Also, larger companies are sometimes less able to attain the high growth rates of successful
smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk.
Liquidity risk
is the risk associated with any event, circumstance, or characteristic of an investment or market that negatively impacts the Fund’s ability to sell, or realize the proceeds from the sale of, an investment at a desirable time or price.
Liquidity risk may arise because of, for example, a lack of marketability of the investment, which means that when seeking to sell its portfolio investments, the Fund could find that selling is more difficult than anticipated, especially during
times of high market volatility. Decreases in the number of financial institutions, including banks and broker-dealers, willing to make markets (match up sellers and buyers) in the Fund’s investments
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
or decreases in their capacity or
willingness to trade such investments may increase the Fund’s exposure to this risk. The debt market has experienced considerable growth, and financial institutions making markets in instruments purchased and sold by the Fund (e.g., bond
dealers) have been subject to increased regulation. The impact of that growth and regulation on the ability and willingness of financial institutions to engage in trading or “making a market” in such instruments remains unsettled.
Certain types of investments, such as lower-rated securities or those that are purchased and sold in over-the-counter markets, may be especially subject to liquidity risk. Securities or other assets in which the Fund invests may be traded in the
over-the-counter market rather than on an exchange and therefore may be more difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price, which may have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a
similar instrument at the same time as the Fund could exacerbate the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk. The Fund may have to accept a lower selling price for the holding, sell other, liquid or more liquid, investments that it might otherwise
prefer to hold (thereby increasing the proportion of the Fund’s investments in less liquid or illiquid securities), or forego another more appealing investment opportunity. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased by the Fund may
later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. Changing regulatory, market or other conditions or environments (for example, the interest rate or credit environments) may also adversely affect the liquidity and the price
of the Fund's investments. Judgment plays a larger role in valuing illiquid or less liquid investments as compared to valuing liquid or more liquid investments. Price volatility may be higher for illiquid or less liquid investments as a result of,
for example, the relatively less frequent pricing of such securities (as compared to liquid or more liquid investments). Generally, the less liquid the market at the time the Fund sells a portfolio investment, the greater the risk of loss or decline
of value to the Fund. Overall market liquidity and other factors can lead to an increase in Fund redemptions, which may negatively impact Fund performance and NAV, including, for example, if the Fund is forced to sell investments in a down market.
Floating rate loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such loans, and are typically subject to extended settlement periods, each
of which gives rise to liquidity risk.
Loan
Assignment/Loan Participation Risk.
If a bank loan is acquired through an assignment, the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated
collateral. If a bank loan is acquired through a participation, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, and the Fund may not benefit from the collateral supporting the debt
obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.
Market Risk.
Market risk
refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. In
general, commodity investments tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities.
Money Market Fund Investment Risk.
An investment in a money market fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds float their NAV while others seek to preserve
the value of investments at a stable NAV (typically, $1.00 per share). An investment in a money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable NAV per share, is not guaranteed and it is possible for the Fund to lose money by
investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent
the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts the Fund redeems from the money market fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee). These measures may result in an investment loss or prohibit the Fund
from redeeming shares when the Investment Manager would otherwise redeem shares. In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund directly bears, the Fund indirectly bears the fees and expenses of any money market funds in which it invests,
including affiliated money market funds. By investing in a Money Market Fund,
the Fund will be exposed to the investment risks of the money market fund in direct proportion to such investment. To the extent
the Fund invests in instruments such as derivatives, the Fund may hold investments, which may be significant, in money market fund shares to cover its obligations resulting from its investments in derivatives. Money market funds and the
securities
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
they invest in are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new
legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money market funds.
Preferred Stock Risk.
Preferred stock is a type of stock that generally pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights. The
price of a preferred stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which the stock trades. The most significant
risks associated with investments in preferred stock include issuer risk, market risk and interest rate risk (
i.e.
, the risk of losses attributable
to changes in interest rates).
Prepayment and
Extension Risk.
Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before
maturity and, in the case of extension risk, that the investment might not be called as expected. In the case of prepayment risk, if the investment is converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, the portfolio managers may not be able to invest
the proceeds in other investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. In the case of mortgage- or asset-backed securities, as interest rates decrease or spreads narrow, the likelihood of prepayment
increases. Conversely, extension risk is the risk that an unexpected rise in interest rates will extend the life of a mortgage- or asset-backed security beyond the prepayment time. If the Fund’s investments are locked in at a lower interest
rate for a longer period of time, the portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Real Estate-Related Investment Risk.
Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and in securities of other companies (wherever organized) principally engaged in the real estate industry subject the Fund to, among other things, risks similar to
those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general. These include risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of financing and changes in interest rates or property values.
REITs are entities that either own properties or make construction or mortgage loans, and also may include operating or finance companies. The value of interests in a REIT may be affected by, among other factors, changes in the value of the
underlying properties owned by the REIT, changes in the prospect for earnings and/or cash flow growth of the REIT itself, defaults by borrowers or tenants, market saturation, decreases in market rates for rents, and other economic, political, or
regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry, including REITs. REITs and similar non-U.S. entities depend upon specialized management skills, may have limited financial resources, may have less trading volume in their securities, and may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. REITs are also subject to the risk of failing to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Some REITs (especially
mortgage REITs) are affected by risks similar to those associated with investments in debt securities including changes in interest rates and the quality of credit extended.
Regulatory Risk — Alternative Investments.
Legal, tax, and regulatory developments may adversely affect the Fund and its investments. The regulatory environment for the Fund and certain of its investments is evolving, and changes in the regulation of investment
funds, their managers, and their trading activities and capital markets, or a regulator’s disagreement with the Fund’s or others’ interpretation of the application of certain regulations, may adversely affect the ability of the
Fund to pursue its investment strategy, its ability to obtain leverage and financing, and the value of investments held by the Fund. There has been an increase in governmental, as well as self-regulatory, scrutiny of the investment industry in
general and the alternative investment industry in particular. It is impossible to predict what, if any, changes in regulations may occur, but any regulation that restricts the ability of the Fund or any underlying funds or other investments to
trade in securities or other instruments or the ability of the Fund or underlying funds to employ, or brokers and other counterparties to extend, credit in their trading (as well as other regulatory changes that result) could have a material adverse
impact on the Fund’s performance.
Reinvestment Risk.
Reinvestment risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to reinvest income or principal at the same return it is currently earning.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
Rule 144A and Other Exempted Securities Risk.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities or instruments exempt from SEC registration (collectively “private placements”), subject to liquidity and other regulatory restrictions. In the
U.S. market, private placements are typically sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or qualified purchasers, as applicable. An insufficient number of buyers interested in purchasing private placements at a particular time could adversely
affect the marketability of such investments and the Fund might be unable to dispose of them promptly or at reasonable prices, subjecting the Fund to liquidity risk. The Fund may invest in private placements determined to be liquid as well as those
determined to be illiquid. Even if determined to be liquid, the Fund’s holdings of private placements may increase the level of Fund illiquidity if eligible buyers are unable or unwilling to purchase them at a particular time. Issuers of Rule
144A eligible securities are required to furnish information to potential investors upon request. However, the required disclosure is much less extensive than that required of public companies and is not publicly available since the offering is not
filed with the SEC. Further, issuers of Rule 144A eligible securities can require recipients of the offering information (such as the Fund) to agree contractually to keep the information confidential, which could also adversely affect the
Fund’s ability to dispose of the security.
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk.
Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies (small- and mid-cap companies) often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies (larger companies) because small- and mid-cap
companies tend to have less predictable earnings and may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths of larger companies. Securities of small- and mid-cap companies may be less liquid and
more volatile than the securities of larger companies.
Sovereign Debt Risk.
A
sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign
exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be
subject. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.
U.S. Government Obligations Risk.
While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, such securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk (i.e., the risk that the U.S. Government may be, or be
perceived to be, unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments). Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Performance Information
The following bar chart and table show you
how the Fund has performed in the past, and can help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund. Class Y shares of the Fund commenced operations after the periods shown in the table below and, therefore, performance information is not yet
available. The bar chart shows how the Fund’s Class A share performance (without sales charges) has varied for each full calendar year shown. If the sales charges were reflected, returns shown would be lower. The table below the bar chart
compares the Fund’s returns (after applicable sales charges shown in the
Shareholder Fees
table in this prospectus) for the periods shown with a blended benchmark that is intended to provide
a measure of the Fund's performance given its investment strategy, as well as another measure of performance for markets in which the Fund may invest. Prior to March 27, 2017, Class T shares were known as Class W shares and there was no sales
charge on Class W shares. Beginning March 27, 2017, the maximum applicable sales charge attributable to Class T shares is 2.50% per transaction. The Fund’s Class T share returns (after applicable sales charges) have been adjusted to reflect
the current maximum applicable sales charge of 2.50%.
The performance of one or more share classes shown in the
table below begins before the indicated inception date for such share class. The returns shown for each such share class include the returns of the Fund’s Class A shares (without applicable sales charges and adjusted to reflect the higher
class-related operating expenses of such classes, where applicable) for periods prior to its inception date. Any share class,such as Class Y shares, that does not have available performance would have annual returns substantially similar to those of
Class A shares. Except for
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
differences in annual returns resulting from differences in expenses and
sales charges (where applicable), the share classes of the Fund would have substantially similar annual returns because all share classes of the Fund invest in the same portfolio of securities.
The after-tax returns shown in the
Average Annual Total Returns
table below are calculated using the highest historical individual U.S. federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Your actual
after-tax returns will depend on your personal tax situation and may differ from those shown in the table. In addition, the after-tax returns shown in the table do not apply to shares held in tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k) plans or
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and will vary for other share classes.
The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is no
guarantee of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Updated performance information can be obtained by calling toll-free 800.345.6611 or visiting columbiathreadneedle.com/us.
Year
by Year Total Return (%)
as of December 31 Each Year*
|
Best
and Worst Quarterly Returns
During the Period Shown in the Bar Chart
|
|
Best
|
2nd Quarter 2016
|
5.65%
|
Worst
|
3rd Quarter 2015
|
-4.41%
|
*
|
Year to Date return as of
March 31, 2017: 0.27%
|
Average Annual Total Returns After
Applicable Sales Charges (for periods ended December 31, 2016)
|
Share
Class
Inception Date
|
1
Year
|
Life
of Fund
|
Class
A
|
03/11/2014
|
|
|
returns
before taxes
|
|
6.55%
|
-1.09%
|
returns
after taxes on distributions
|
|
5.57%
|
-2.17%
|
returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares
|
|
3.69%
|
-1.32%
|
Class
C
returns before taxes
|
03/11/2014
|
9.88%
|
-0.11%
|
Class
R4
returns before taxes
|
03/11/2014
|
12.00%
|
0.90%
|
Class
R5
returns before taxes
|
03/11/2014
|
11.96%
|
0.85%
|
Class
T
returns before taxes
|
06/25/2014
|
8.97%
|
-0.29%
|
Class
Z
returns before taxes
|
03/11/2014
|
12.00%
|
0.90%
|
Blended
Benchmark (consisting of 35% Bloomberg Barclays Global Inflation-Linked Index (Hedged), 30% Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index, 20% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Dollar Floating Rate Note (FRN) Index and 15% Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return)
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
8.85%
|
1.18%
|
Citi
Three-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
0.27%
|
0.11%
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
Fund Management
Investment Manager:
Columbia
Management Investment Advisers, LLC
Portfolio
Manager
|
|
Title
|
|
Role
with Fund
|
|
Managed
Fund Since
|
Jeffrey
Knight, CFA
|
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager, Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Solutions and Co-Head of Global Asset Allocation
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
2014
|
Anwiti
Bahuguna, Ph.D.
|
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
January
2017
|
Joshua
Kutin, CFA
|
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
January
2017
|
Dan
Boncarosky, CFA
|
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
January
2017
|
Purchase and Sale of
Fund Shares
You may purchase or redeem shares of the
Fund on any business day by contacting the Fund in the ways described below:
Online
|
|
Regular
Mail
|
|
Express
Mail
|
|
By
Telephone
|
investor.columbiathreadneedle.com/us
|
|
Columbia
Funds,
c/o Columbia Management
Investment Services Corp.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
|
|
Columbia
Funds,
c/o Columbia Management
Investment Services Corp.
30 Dan Road, Suite 8081
Canton, MA 02021-2809
|
|
800.422.3737
|
You may purchase shares
and receive redemption proceeds by electronic funds transfer, by check or by wire. If you maintain your account with a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, you must contact that financial intermediary to buy, sell or exchange shares of the
Fund through your account with the intermediary.
The
minimum initial investment amounts for the share classes offered by the Fund are shown below:
Minimum Initial Investment
Class
|
Category
of eligible account
|
For
accounts other than
systematic investment
plan accounts
|
For
systematic investment
plan accounts
|
Classes
A, C & T
(a)
|
All
accounts other than IRAs
|
$2,000
|
$100
|
IRAs
|
$1,000
|
$100
|
Class
R5
|
All
eligible accounts
|
None
|
N/A
|
Classes
R4 & Z
|
All
eligible accounts
|
$0,
$1,000 or $2,000
depending upon the category
of eligible investor
|
$100
|
Class
Y
|
All
eligible accounts
|
$0,
$1,000, $2,000
or $1 million depending
upon the category
of eligible investor
|
$100
(for certain
eligible investors)
|
(a)
|
Class T shares must be
purchased through financial intermediaries that, by written agreement with Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., are specifically authorized to sell Class T shares.
|
There is no minimum additional investment for any share
class.
Tax Information
The Fund normally distributes net investment income and net
realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders. These distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. The use of a
fund-of-funds structure could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to you and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by you. If you are investing through a tax-advantaged account, you may be taxed upon withdrawals
from that account.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Summary of the Fund
(continued)
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial
Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a
broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies — including Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the Investment Manager), Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the
Distributor) and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. (the Transfer Agent) — may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer
or other intermediary and your financial advisor to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial advisor or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
More Information About the Fund
Investment Objective
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund (the Fund) seeks to
provide shareholders with total return that exceeds the rate of inflation over the long term. The Fund’s investment objective is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
Because any investment involves risk, there is no assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund pursues its investment
objective by allocating its assets to achieve exposure to inflation-linked debt securities, investments that provide economic exposure to the performance of commodities markets (commodity-linked investments) and floating rate loans and other
floating rate debt securities (floating rate investments), as well as other investments.
The Fund’s investment exposure to inflation-linked (or
inflation-protected) debt securities may include exposure to investments issued by the U.S. Government, non-U.S. governments, quasi-governmental organizations, agencies, instrumentalities, supranational entities and/or companies. Inflation-linked
debt securities are fixed-income securities that are structured to provide protection against inflation. The Fund’s investment exposure to commodity-linked investments may include investment in an underlying fund, Columbia Commodity Strategy
Fund, that is designed to provide exposure to the investment return of assets that trade in the commodities markets, without investing directly in physical commodities. The Fund’s investment exposure to floating rate investments may include
investments in floating rate loans (including senior secured floating rate loans), which are debt obligations of companies and other similar entities that have interest rates that adjust or “float” periodically (normally on a daily,
monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis by reference to a base lending rate (such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate)) plus a premium). These debt obligations may be of any quality, including those rated below investment grade by recognized
rating agencies (similar to “junk bonds”) or, if unrated, considered to be of comparable quality. While the Fund seeks to achieve commodities exposure indirectly through investment in an underlying fund, the Fund may seek to achieve
other exposures directly or indirectly through investment in affiliated funds, including Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund, Columbia Floating Rate Fund and any other Columbia fund that offers a desired exposure, as well as in unaffiliated
funds, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Certain of these investments will include exposure to alternative investment strategies (e.g., Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund, a registered commodity pool).
The Fund’s assets may also be allocated to equity
(common and preferred stock), convertible and other fixed income securities of U.S. and international issuers, which include developed, developing and emerging market issuers, investments of any market capitalization, and investments of any
sector/industry exposure, including, for example, exposure to real estate securities. The Fund’s fixed income investments may be of any maturity or quality, including instruments that are rated below investment-grade (commonly referred to as
“high yield securities” or “junk bonds”) or, if unrated, are deemed to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in the above instruments directly or indirectly through investment in unaffiliated or affiliated funds,
including Columbia High Yield Bond Fund, Columbia Income Opportunities Fund and Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund, among other available funds. The Fund does not seek to maintain a particular dollar-weighted average maturity. The Fund may also
hold/invest in cash, money market instruments (which may include investments in one or more affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or similar vehicles) or other high-quality, short-term investments, including for the purpose of covering its
obligations with respect to, or that may result from, the Fund’s investments in derivatives.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities
or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity and other regulatory restrictions.
The Investment Manager employs a variety of fundamental and
quantitative investment strategies, techniques and practices that, in the aggregate, are designed to seek positive long-term returns that exceed the rate of inflation.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
More Information About the Fund
(continued)
The Investment Manager allocates the Fund’s investments
to desired exposures based on the portfolio managers’ analysis of the relative attractiveness of opportunities for the Fund to achieve its objective in a given market, based on, among other factors, an investment’s potential to exploit
inefficiencies or mispricings within individual markets or across markets, as well as the portfolio managers’ projected outlook for inflation expectations along with other macroeconomic factors.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Fund involves
risks, including specific risks relating to the investment in the Fund based on its investment process and its "fund-of-funds" structure, as well as specific risks related to the underlying funds in which it invests, including among others, those
described below. More information about underlying funds, including their principal risks, is available in their prospectuses, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer for any of the underlying
funds.
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you may lose money
. The value of the Fund’s holdings may decline, and the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and share
price may go down. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Active Management Risk.
The
Fund is actively managed and its performance therefore will reflect, in part, the ability of the portfolio managers to make investment decisions that will achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Due to its active management, the Fund could
underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
Allocation Risk.
Because
the Fund uses an asset allocation strategy in pursuit of its investment objective, there is a risk that the Fund's allocation among securities, instruments, investment styles and market exposures will cause the Fund's shares to lose value or cause
the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies, or that the investments themselves will not produce the returns expected.
Alternative Strategies Investment Risk.
An investment in alternative investment strategies (Alternative Strategies), whether through direct investment or through one or more underlying funds that use Alternative Strategies, involves risks, which may
be significant. Alternative Strategies may include strategies, instruments or other assets, such as derivatives, that seek investment returns uncorrelated with the broad equity and fixed income/debt markets, as well as those providing exposure to
other markets (such as commodity markets), including but not limited to absolute (positive) return strategies. Alternative Strategies may fail to achieve their desired performance, market or other exposure, or their returns (or lack thereof) may be
more correlated with the broad equity and/or fixed income/debt markets than was anticipated, and the Fund may lose money. Some Alternative Strategies may be considered speculative.
Commodity-related Investment Risk.
The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include demand for the commodity, weather, embargoes,
tariffs, and economic health, political, international, regulatory and other developments. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may, in turn, reduce market prices and cause the value of
Fund shares to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the value of the underlying fund's investments to greater volatility than other types of investments.
No, or limited, active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse
market conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments. Certain types of commodities instruments are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be unable to perform in accordance
with the terms of the instrument. The Fund may invest in one or more underlying funds that make commodity-related investments through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries organized outside the U.S. that are generally not subject to U.S. laws
(including securities laws) and their protections. However, any such subsidiary is wholly owned and controlled by the underlying fund, making it unlikely that the subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the underlying fund and its
shareholders. Further, any such subsidiaries will be subject to the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, and can be adversely affected by developments in that jurisdiction. The Fund's investments in commodities or commodity-related investments can be
limited by the Fund's intention to qualify as a regulated
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investment company and can limit the Fund's ability to so qualify. If
an underlying fund in which the Fund invests that itself invests directly or indirectly in commodities fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, such failure could also cause the Fund to fail to so qualify.
Confidential Information Access Risk.
In many instances, issuers of floating rate loans offer to furnish material, non-public information (Confidential Information) to prospective purchasers or holders of the issuer’s floating rate loans to help
potential investors assess the value of the loan. Portfolio managers may avoid the receipt of Confidential Information about the issuers of floating rate loans being considered for acquisition by the Fund, or held in the Fund. A decision not to
receive Confidential Information from these issuers may disadvantage the Fund as compared to other floating rate loan investors, and may adversely affect the price the Fund pays for the loans it purchases, or the price at which the Fund sells the
loans. Further, in situations when holders of floating rate loans are asked, for example, to grant consents, waivers or amendments, the ability to assess the desirability of such consents, waivers or amendments may be compromised. For these and
other reasons, it is possible that the decision not to receive Confidential Information could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Convertible Securities Risk.
Convertible securities are subject to the usual risks associated with debt instruments, such as interest rate risk (the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates) and credit risk (the risk that the
issuer of a debt instrument will default or otherwise become unable, or be perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor a financial obligation, such as making payments to the Fund when due). Convertible securities also react to changes in the value
of the common stock into which they convert, and are thus subject to market risk (the risk that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise). Because the
value of a convertible security can be influenced by both interest rates and the common stock's market movements, a convertible security generally is not as sensitive to interest rates as a similar debt instrument, and generally will not vary in
value in response to other factors to the same extent as the underlying common stock. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities would typically be paid before the company's common stockholders but after
holders of any senior debt obligations of the company. The Fund may be forced to convert a convertible security before it otherwise would choose to do so, which may decrease the Fund's return.
Counterparty Risk.
The risk exists that a counterparty to a financial instrument held by the Fund or by a special purpose or structured vehicle in which the Fund invests may become insolvent or otherwise fail to perform its obligations
due to financial difficulties, including making payments to the Fund. The Fund may obtain no or limited recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganizational proceedings, and any recovery may be significantly delayed. Transactions that the Fund enters
into may involve counterparties in the financial services sector and, as a result, events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.
Credit Risk.
Credit risk is
the risk that the value of loans or other debt instruments may decline if the borrower or the issuer thereof defaults or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling, or is perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor its financial obligations, such as
making payments to the Fund when due. Various factors could affect the actual or perceived willingness or ability of the borrower or the issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, including changes in the financial condition of the
borrower or the issuer or in general economic conditions. Rating agencies assign credit ratings to certain fixed-income instruments to indicate their credit risk. Lower quality or unrated loans or securities held by the Fund may present increased
credit risk as compared to higher-rated loans or securities. Non-investment grade loans or fixed-income instruments (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk”) may be subject to greater price fluctuations and are more likely to
experience a default than investment grade loans or fixed-income instruments and therefore may expose the Fund to increased credit risk. If the Fund purchases unrated loans or fixed-income securities, or if the ratings of such investments held by
the Fund are lowered after purchase, the Fund will depend on analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual.
Derivatives Risk.
Derivatives may involve significant risks. Derivatives are financial instruments, traded on an exchange or in the over-the-counter (OTC) markets, with a value in relation to, or derived from, the value of an underlying
asset(s) (such as a security, commodity or currency) or other reference, such as an index, rate or other economic indicator (each an underlying reference). Derivatives may include those that are privately placed or otherwise exempt from SEC
registration, including certain Rule 144A eligible securities. Derivatives could result in Fund losses if the underlying references do not perform as anticipated. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized
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activity that can involve investment
techniques, risks, and tax planning different from those associated with more traditional investment instruments. The Fund’s derivatives strategy may not be successful and use of certain derivatives could result in substantial, potentially
unlimited, losses to the Fund regardless of the Fund’s actual investment. A relatively small movement in the price, rate or other economic indicator associated with the underlying reference may result in substantial loss for the Fund.
Derivatives may be more volatile than other types of investments. Derivatives can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, including the risk of an adverse credit event associated with the
underlying reference (credit risk), the risk of an adverse movement in the value, price or rate of the underlying reference (market risk), the risk of an adverse movement in the value of underlying currencies (foreign currency risk) and the risk of
an adverse movement in underlying interest rates (interest rate risk). Derivatives may expose the Fund to additional risks, including the risk of loss due to a derivative position that is imperfectly correlated with the underlying reference it is
intended to hedge or replicate (correlation risk), the risk that a counterparty will fail to perform as agreed (counterparty risk), the risk that a hedging strategy may fail to mitigate losses, and may offset gains (hedging risk), the risk that
losses may be greater than the amount invested (leverage risk), the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell an investment at an advantageous time or price (liquidity risk), the risk that the investment may be difficult to value (pricing risk), and
the risk that the price or value of the investment fluctuates significantly over short periods of time (volatility risk). The value of derivatives may be influenced by a variety of factors, including national and international political and economic
developments. Potential changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets may make derivatives more costly, may limit the market for derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives.
Derivatives Risk – Futures Contracts Risk.
A futures contract is an exchange-traded derivative transaction between two parties in which a buyer (holding the “long” position) agrees to pay a fixed price (or rate) at a specified future date for delivery
of an underlying reference from a seller (holding the “short” position). The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. Certain futures contract
markets are highly volatile, and futures contracts may be illiquid. Futures exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices by imposing a maximum permissible daily price movement. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from
executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. At or prior to maturity of a futures contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in futures contract
prices. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced.
Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange on which they were entered into or through a linked exchange, and no secondary market exists for such contracts. Futures positions are marked to market each day and variation
margin payment must be paid to or by the Fund. Because of the low margin deposits normally required in futures trading, it is possible that the Fund may employ a high degree of leverage in the portfolio. As a result, a relatively small price
movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. For certain types of futures contracts, losses are potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of
futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Futures contracts executed (if any) on foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying
references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and
volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk –
Structured Investments Risk.
Structured investments are over-the-counter derivatives that provide principal and/or interest payments based on the value of an underlying reference(s). Structured investments typically
provide interest income, thereby offering a potential yield advantage over investing directly in an underlying reference. Structured investments may lack a liquid secondary market and their prices or value can be volatile which could result in
significant losses for the Fund. In some cases, depending on its terms, a structured investment may provide that principal and/or interest payments may be adjusted below zero resulting in a potential loss of principal and/or interest payments.
Additionally, the particular terms of a structured investment may create economic leverage by requiring payment by the issuer of an amount that is a multiple of the price change of the underlying reference. Economic leverage will increase the
volatility of structured investment prices, and could result in increased losses for the Fund. The Fund’s use of structured instruments may not work as intended. If structured investments are used to
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reduce the duration of the Fund’s portfolio, this may limit the
Fund’s return when having a longer duration would be beneficial (for instance, when interest rates decline). Structured investments can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit
risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
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A
commodity-linked structured note
is a derivative (structured investment) that has principal and/or interest payments based on the market price of one or more particular commodities (such as crude oil, gasoline and
natural gas), a basket of commodities, indices of commodity futures or other economic variable. If payment of interest on a commodity-linked structured note is linked to the value of a particular commodity, basket of commodities, commodity index or
other economic variable, the Fund might receive lower interest payments (or not receive any of the interest due) on its investments if there is a loss of value in the underlying reference. Further, to the extent that the amount of principal to be
repaid upon maturity is linked to the value of a particular commodity, basket of commodities, commodity index or other economic variable, the Fund might not receive a portion (or any) of the principal at maturity of the investment or upon earlier
exchange. At any time, the risk of loss associated with a particular structured note in the Fund’s portfolio may be significantly higher than the value of the note. A liquid secondary market may not exist for the commodity-linked structured
notes held in the Fund’s portfolio, which may make it difficult for the notes to be sold at a price acceptable to the portfolio manager(s) or for the Fund to accurately value them.
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Derivatives Risk – Swaps Risk.
In a typical swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return earned on a specified underlying reference for a fixed return or the return from another underlying reference during a specified period of time.
Swaps may be difficult to value and may be illiquid. Swaps could result in Fund losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Swaps create significant investment leverage such that a relatively small price movement in
a swap may result in immediate and substantial losses to the Fund. The Fund may only close out a swap with its particular counterparty, and may only transfer a position with the consent of that counterparty. Certain swaps, such as short swap
transactions and total return swaps, have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Swaps can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit
risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, inflation risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
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commodity-linked swap
is a derivative (swap) that is an agreement where the underlying reference is the market price of one or more particular commodities (such as crude oil, gasoline and natural gas), basket of
commodities or indices of commodity futures.
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Emerging Market Securities Risk.
Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more
likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk. In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid
changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity (
i.e.
, lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more
developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries. Some emerging market
countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates and may have hostile relations with other countries.
Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risk.
An ETF’s share price may not track its specified market index (if any) and may trade below its NAV. Certain ETFs use a “passive” investment strategy and do not take defensive positions in volatile or
declining markets. Other ETFs in which the Fund may invest are actively managed ETFs (i.e., they do not track a particular benchmark), which indirectly subjects the Fund to active management risk. An active secondary market in ETF shares may not
develop or be maintained and may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions or other reasons. There can be no assurance that an ETF’s shares will continue to be
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listed on an active exchange. In addition, shareholders bear both their
proportionate share of the Fund’s expenses and similar expenses incurred through ownership of the ETF. There is a risk that ETFs in which the Fund invests may terminate due to extraordinary events. For example, any of the service providers to
ETFs, such as the trustee or sponsor, may close or otherwise fail to perform their obligations to the ETF, and the ETF may not be able to find a substitute service provider. Also, certain ETFs may be dependent upon licenses to use various indexes as
a basis for determining their compositions and/or otherwise to use certain trade names. If these licenses are terminated, the ETFs may also terminate. In addition, an ETF may terminate if its net assets fall below a certain amount.
Foreign Securities Risk.
Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. For example, foreign markets can be extremely volatile. Foreign
securities may also be less liquid than securities of U.S. companies so that the Fund may, at times, be unable to sell foreign securities at desirable times or prices. Brokerage commissions, custodial costs and other fees are also generally higher
for foreign securities. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments. In addition, foreign governments may impose withholding or
other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or proceeds from the disposition of foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. In some cases, such withholding or other taxes could potentially be
confiscatory. Other risks include: possible delays in the settlement of transactions or in the payment of income; generally less publicly available information about foreign companies; the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other
conditions or events (including,
for example, military confrontations, war and terrorism), possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of a company or its assets or the assets of a particular investor
or category of investors; accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards that may be less comprehensive and stringent than those applicable to domestic companies; the imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign
country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country; and the generally less stringent standard of care to which local agents may be held in the local markets. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about
the securities and business operations of certain foreign issuers. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s
securities market is, the greater the level of risks. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in
the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets. Additionally, investments in certain countries may subject the Fund to a number of tax rules the application of which may be uncertain. Countries
may amend or revise their existing tax laws and/or procedures in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in or uncertainties regarding the laws, regulations or procedures of a country could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund,
directly or indirectly, including by reducing the after-tax profits of companies located in such countries in which the Fund invests, or result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The performance of the Fund may also be negatively impacted
by fluctuations in a foreign currency's strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly to the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short or long periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, imposition of currency exchange controls and economic or
political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also incur currency conversion costs when converting foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa.
Fund-of-Funds Risk.
Determinations regarding asset classes or underlying funds and the Fund’s allocations thereto may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective, in whole or in part. The selected underlying funds’ performance may be
lower than the performance of the asset class they were selected to represent or may be lower than the performance of alternative underlying funds that could have been selected to represent the asset class. The Fund also is exposed to the same risks
as the underlying funds in direct proportion to the allocation of its assets among the underlying funds. Therefore, to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in a particular underlying fund, the Fund’s performance would be
significantly impacted by the performance of such underlying fund. Generally, by investing in a combination of underlying funds, the Fund has exposure to the risks of many areas of the market. By concentrating its investments in relatively few
underlying funds, the Fund may have more concentrated market exposures, subjecting the Fund to greater risk of loss should those markets decline or fail to rise. The ability of the Fund to realize its investment objective will depend, in large part,
on the extent to which the underlying funds realize
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their investment objectives. There is no guarantee that the underlying funds
will achieve their respective investment objectives. The performance of underlying funds could be adversely affected if other entities that invest in the same underlying funds make relatively large investments or redemptions in such underlying
funds. The Fund, and its shareholders, indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any funds in which the Fund invests. Because the expenses and costs of each underlying fund are shared by its investors, redemptions by other investors in an
underlying fund could result in decreased economies of scale and increased operating expenses for such underlying fund. These transactions might also result in higher brokerage, tax or other costs for an underlying fund. This risk may be
particularly important when one investor owns a substantial portion of an underlying fund. The Investment Manager may have potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated funds over unaffiliated funds for investment by the Fund, and may also
face potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated funds, because the fees the Investment Manager receives from some underlying funds may be higher than the fees paid by other underlying funds. Also, to the extent that the Fund is
constrained/restricted from investing (or investing further) in a particular underlying fund for one or more reasons (e.g., underlying fund capacity constraints or regulatory restrictions) or if the Fund chooses to sell its investment in an
underlying fund because of poor investment performance or for other reasons, the Fund may have to invest in another underlying fund(s), including less desirable funds – from a strategy or investment performance standpoint – which could
have a negative impact on Fund performance. In addition, Fund performance could be negatively impacted if an appropriate alternate underlying fund(s) does not present itself in a timely manner or at all.
High-Yield Investments Risk.
Securities and other debt instruments held by the Fund that are rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) and unrated debt instruments of comparable quality tend to be more sensitive to
credit risk than higher-rated debt instruments and may experience greater price fluctuations in response to perceived changes in the ability of the issuing entity or obligor to pay interest and principal when due than to changes in interest rates.
These investments are generally more likely to experience a default than higher-rated debt instruments. High-yield debt instruments are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. These debt instruments typically pay a premium – a higher interest rate or yield – because of the increased risk of loss, including default. High-yield debt instruments may require a greater degree of judgment to establish a
price, may be difficult to sell at the time and price the Fund desires, may carry high transaction costs, and also are generally less liquid than higher-rated debt instruments. The ratings provided by third party rating agencies are based on
analyses by these ratings agencies of the credit quality of the debt instruments and may not take into account every risk related to whether interest or principal will be timely repaid. In adverse economic and other circumstances, issuers of
lower-rated debt instruments are more likely to have difficulty making principal and interest payments than issuers of higher-rated debt instruments.
Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk.
The loans or other debt instruments in which the Fund invests may consist of transactions involving refinancings, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions and other financings for general corporate purposes. The
Fund’s investments also may include senior obligations of a borrower issued in connection with a restructuring pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (commonly known as “debtor-in-possession” financings), provided that
such senior obligations are determined by the Fund’s portfolio managers to be a suitable investment for the Fund. In such highly leveraged transactions, the borrower assumes large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to
attempt to achieve its business objectives. Such business objectives may include but are not limited to: management’s taking over control of a company (leveraged buy-out); reorganizing the assets and liabilities of a company (leveraged
recapitalization); or acquiring another company. Loans or other debt instruments that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a greater risk (including default and bankruptcy) than other investments.
Impairment of Collateral Risk.
The value of collateral, if any, securing a loan can decline, and may be insufficient to meet the borrower’s obligations or difficult or costly to liquidate. In addition, the Fund’s access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or
other insolvency laws. Further, certain floating rate and other loans may not be fully collateralized and may decline in value.
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Inflation Risk.
Inflation risk
is the uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and the
Fund’s investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.
Inflation-Protected Securities Risk.
Inflation-protected debt securities tend to react to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates can be described as nominal interest rates minus the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an
inflation-protected debt security falls when real interest rates rise, and rises when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on inflation-protected debt securities will vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation and may be
more volatile than interest paid on ordinary bonds. In periods of deflation, the Fund may have no income at all from such investments. Income earned by a shareholder depends on the amount of principal invested, and that principal will not grow with
inflation unless the shareholder reinvests the portion of Fund distributions that comes from inflation adjustments.
Interest Rate Risk.
Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates (which are currently near historic lows) rise, the values of loans and other fixed-income
instruments tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of loans and other fixed-income instruments tend to rise. Changes in the value of a fixed-income instrument usually will not affect the amount of income the Fund receives from it but
will generally affect the value of the Fund's shares. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income instrument, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate declines also may increase prepayments of
debt obligations, which, in turn, would increase prepayment risk. Similarly, a period of rising interest rates may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Actions by governments and central banking authorities can result in increases in
interest rates. Such actions may negatively affect the value of fixed-income instruments held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on the Fund's performance and NAV. Debt instruments with floating coupon rates are typically less sensitive to
interest rate changes, but these debt instruments may decline in value if their coupon rates do not rise as much as, or keep pace with, yields on such types of debt instruments. Because rates on certain floating rate loans and other debt
instruments reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV. Any interest rate increases could cause the value of the
Fund’s investments in fixed-income instruments to decrease. Rising interest rates may prompt redemptions from the Fund, which may force the Fund to sell investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so, which could result in
losses.
Issuer Risk.
An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its loans or securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor
performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events,
conditions or factors. The market capitalization of an issuer may also impact its risk profile. Investments in larger, more established companies may involve certain risks associated with their larger size. For instance, larger, more established
companies may be less able to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in consumer tastes or innovation from smaller competitors. Also, larger companies are sometimes less able to attain the high growth rates of successful
smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk.
Liquidity risk
is the risk associated with any event, circumstance, or characteristic of an investment or market that negatively impacts the Fund’s ability to sell, or realize the proceeds from the sale of, an investment at a desirable time or price.
Liquidity risk may arise because of, for example, a lack of marketability of the investment, which means that when seeking to sell its portfolio investments, the Fund could find that selling is more difficult than anticipated, especially during
times of high market volatility. Decreases in the number of financial institutions, including banks and broker-dealers, willing to make markets (match up sellers and buyers) in the Fund’s investments or decreases in their capacity or
willingness to trade such investments may increase the Fund’s exposure to this risk. The debt market has experienced considerable growth, and financial institutions making markets in instruments purchased and sold by the Fund (e.g., bond
dealers) have been subject to increased regulation. The impact of that growth and regulation on the ability and willingness of financial institutions to engage in trading or “making a market” in such instruments remains unsettled.
Certain types of investments, such as lower-rated securities or those that are purchased and sold in over-the-counter markets, may be especially subject to liquidity risk. Securities or other assets
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in which the Fund invests may be traded in
the over-the-counter market rather than on an exchange and therefore may be more difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price, which may have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a
similar instrument at the same time as the Fund could exacerbate the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk. The Fund may have to accept a lower selling price for the holding, sell other, liquid or more liquid, investments that it might otherwise
prefer to hold (thereby increasing the proportion of the Fund’s investments in less liquid or illiquid securities), or forego another more appealing investment opportunity. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased by the Fund may
later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. Changing regulatory, market or other conditions or environments (for example, the interest rate or credit environments) may also adversely affect the liquidity and the price
of the Fund's investments. Judgment plays a larger role in valuing illiquid or less liquid investments as compared to valuing liquid or more liquid investments. Price volatility may be higher for illiquid or less liquid investments as a result of,
for example, the relatively less frequent pricing of such securities (as compared to liquid or more liquid investments). Generally, the less liquid the market at the time the Fund sells a portfolio investment, the greater the risk of loss or decline
of value to the Fund. Overall market liquidity and other factors can lead to an increase in Fund redemptions, which may negatively impact Fund performance and NAV, including, for example, if the Fund is forced to sell investments in a down market.
Floating rate loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such loans, and are typically subject to extended settlement periods, each
of which gives rise to liquidity risk.
Loan
Assignment/Loan Participation Risk.
If a bank loan is acquired through an assignment, the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated
collateral. If a bank loan is acquired through a participation, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, and the Fund may not benefit from the collateral supporting the debt
obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.
Market Risk.
Market risk
refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. The value of Fund investments may fall or fail to rise because of a variety
of actual or perceived factors affecting an issuer (e.g., an unfavorable earnings report), the industry or sector in which it operates, or the market as a whole, which may reduce the value of an investment in the Fund. Accordingly, an investment in
the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. The market values of the securities the Fund holds can be affected by changes or perceived changes in U.S. or foreign economies and financial markets, and the liquidity of these securities, among
other factors. In general, commodity investments tend to have greater price volatility than debt securities. In addition, commodity prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs
increase.
Money Market Fund Investment Risk.
An investment in a money market fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds float their NAV while others seek to preserve
the value of investments at a stable NAV (typically $1.00 per share). An investment in a money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable NAV per share, is not guaranteed and it is possible for the Fund to lose money by
investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent
the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts the Fund redeems from the money market fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee). These measures may result in an investment loss or prohibit the Fund
from redeeming shares when the Investment Manager would otherwise redeem shares. In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund directly bears, the Fund indirectly bears the fees and expenses of any money market funds in which it invests,
including affiliated money market funds. To the extent these fees and expenses, along with the fees and expenses of any other funds in which the Fund may invest, are expected to equal or exceed 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets,
they will be reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses set forth in the table under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund.” By investing in a money market fund, the Fund will be exposed to the investment risks of the money market fund in
direct proportion to such investment. The money market fund may not achieve its investment objective.
The Fund, through its investment in the money market fund, may not achieve its investment objective.
To
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the extent the Fund invests in instruments
such as derivatives, the Fund may hold investments, which may be significant, in money market fund shares to cover its obligations resulting from the Fund’s investments in derivatives. Money market funds and the securities they invest in are
subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money market funds.
Preferred Stock Risk.
Preferred stock is a type of stock that generally pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights. The
price of a preferred stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which the stock trades. The most significant
risks associated with investments in preferred stock include issuer risk, market risk and interest rate risk (
i.e.
, the risk of losses attributable
to changes in interest rates).
Prepayment and
Extension Risk.
Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before
maturity and, in the case of extension risk, that the investment might not be called as expected. In the case of prepayment risk, if the investment is converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, the portfolio managers may not be able to invest
the proceeds in other investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. In the case of mortgage- or other asset-backed securities, as interest rates decrease or spreads narrow, the likelihood of prepayment
increases. Conversely, extension risk is the risk that an unexpected rise in interest rates will extend the life of a mortgage- or asset-backed security beyond the prepayment time. If the Fund's investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for
a longer period of time, the portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Real Estate-Related Investment Risk.
Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and in securities of other companies (wherever organized) principally engaged in the real estate industry subject the Fund to, among other things, risks similar to
those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general. These include risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of financing and changes in interest rates or property values.
REITs are entities that either own properties or make construction or mortgage loans, and also may include operating or finance companies. The value of interests in a REIT may be affected by, among other factors, changes in the value of the
underlying properties owned by the REIT, changes in the prospect for earnings and/or cash flow growth of the REIT itself, defaults by borrowers or tenants, market saturation, decreases in market rates for rents, and other economic, political, or
regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry, including REITs. REITs and similar non-U.S. entities depend upon specialized management skills, may have limited financial resources, may have less trading volume in their securities, and may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. REITs are also subject to the risk of failing to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Some REITs (especially
mortgage REITs) are affected by risks similar to those associated with investments in debt securities including changes in interest rates and the quality of credit extended.
Regulatory Risk — Alternative Investments.
Legal, tax, and regulatory developments may adversely affect the Fund and its investments. The regulatory environment for the Fund and certain of its investments is evolving, and changes in the regulation of investment
funds, their managers, and their trading activities and capital markets, or a regulator’s disagreement with the Fund’s or others’ interpretation of the application of certain regulations, may adversely affect the ability of the
Fund to pursue its investment strategy, its ability to obtain leverage and financing, and the value of investments held by the Fund. There has been an increase in governmental, as well as self-regulatory, scrutiny of the investment industry in
general and the alternative investment industry in particular. It is impossible to predict what, if any, changes in regulations may occur, but any regulation that restricts the ability of the Fund or any underlying funds or other investments to
trade in securities or other instruments or the ability of the Fund or underlying funds to employ, or brokers and other counterparties to extend, credit in their trading (as well as other regulatory changes that result) could have a material adverse
impact on the Fund’s performance.
Shareholders should understand that the Fund’s business
is dynamic and is expected to change over time. Therefore, the Fund and its underlying investments may be subject to new or additional regulatory constraints in the future. Such regulations may have a significant impact on shareholders or the
operations of the Fund, including,
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without limitation, restricting the types of investments the Fund may make,
preventing the Fund from exercising its voting rights with regard to certain financial instruments, requiring the Fund to disclose the identity of its investors or otherwise. To the extent the Fund or its underlying investments are subject to such
regulation, such regulations may have a detrimental effect on one or more shareholders. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult their own advisors regarding an investment in the Fund.
Reinvestment Risk.
Reinvestment risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to reinvest income or principal at the same return it is currently earning.
Rule 144A and Other Exempted Securities Risk.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities or instruments exempt from SEC registration (collectively “private placements”), subject to liquidity and other regulatory restrictions. In the
U.S. market, private placements are typically sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or qualified purchasers, as applicable. An insufficient number of buyers interested in purchasing private placements at a particular time could adversely
affect the marketability of such investments and the Fund might be unable to dispose of them promptly or at reasonable prices, subjecting the Fund to liquidity risk. The Fund may invest in private placements determined to be liquid as well as those
determined to be illiquid. Even if determined to be liquid, the Fund’s holdings of private placements may increase the level of Fund illiquidity if eligible buyers are unable or unwilling to purchase them at a particular time. The Fund may
also have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Additionally, the purchase price and subsequent valuation of private placements typically reflect a discount,
which may be significant, from the market price of comparable securities for which a more liquid market exists. Issuers of Rule 144A eligible securities are required to furnish information to potential investors upon request. However, the required
disclosure is much less extensive than that required of public companies and is not publicly available since the offering is not filed with the SEC. Further, issuers of Rule 144A eligible securities can require recipients of the offering information
(such as the Fund) to agree contractually to keep the information confidential, which could also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to dispose of the security.
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk.
Securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies (small- and mid-cap companies) can, in certain circumstances, have a higher potential for gains than securities of larger, more established companies (larger
companies) but may also have more risk. For example, small- and mid-cap companies may be more vulnerable to market downturns and adverse business or economic events than larger companies because they may have more limited financial
resources and business operations. Small- and mid-cap companies are also more likely than larger companies to have more limited product lines and operating histories and to depend on smaller management teams. Securities of small- and mid-cap
companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes and may be less liquid and fluctuate more sharply in value than securities of larger companies. When the Fund takes significant positions in small- and mid-cap companies with limited trading
volumes, the liquidation of those positions, particularly in a distressed market, could be prolonged and result in losses to the Fund. In addition, some small- and mid-cap companies may not be widely followed by the investment community, which can
lower the demand for their stocks.
Sovereign Debt
Risk.
A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves,
the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to
which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
With
respect to sovereign debt of emerging market issuers, investors should be aware that certain emerging market countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have
declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis and that has led to defaults and the restructuring of
certain indebtedness to the detriment of debtholders. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
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U.S. Government Obligations Risk.
While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, such securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk (
i.e.
, the risk that the U.S. Government may be, or may be perceived to be, unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments).
Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. For example, securities issued by the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Banks are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency, authority, instrumentality or enterprise and, as a result, are subject to greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.
Additional Investment Strategies and Policies
This section describes certain investment strategies and
policies that the Fund may utilize in pursuit of its investment objective and some additional factors and risks involved with investing in the Fund.
Investment Guidelines
As a general matter, and except as specifically described in
the discussion of the Fund's principal investment strategies in this prospectus or as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief,
whenever an investment policy or limitation states a percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset or sets forth a policy regarding an investment standard, compliance with that percentage limitation or standard
will be determined solely at the time of the Fund's investment in the security or asset.
Holding Other Kinds of Investments
The Fund may hold investments that are not part of its
principal investment strategies. These investments and their risks are described below and/or in the SAI. The Fund may choose not to invest in certain securities described in this prospectus and in the SAI, although it has the ability to do so.
Information on the Fund’s holdings can be found in the Fund’s shareholder reports or by visiting columbiathreadneedle.com/us.
Transactions in Derivatives
The Fund may enter into derivative transactions or otherwise
have exposure to derivative transactions through underlying investments. Derivatives are financial contracts whose values are, for example, based on (or “derived” from) traditional securities (such as a stock or bond), assets (such as a
commodity like gold or a foreign currency), reference rates (such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly known as LIBOR)) or market indices (such as the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500
®
Index). The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses or may limit the Fund's potential gain from favorable market movements. Derivative strategies often involve leverage, which may exaggerate a loss,
potentially causing the Fund to lose more money than it would have lost had it invested in the underlying security or other asset directly. The values of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in unusual market conditions, and may
result in increased volatility in the value of the derivative and/or the Fund’s shares, among other consequences. The use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders holding shares in a taxable account.
Other risks arise from the Fund's potential inability to terminate or to sell derivative positions. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund's derivative positions at times when the Fund might wish to terminate or to sell such
positions. Over-the-counter instruments (investments not traded on an exchange) may be illiquid, and transactions in derivatives traded in the over-the-counter market are subject to the risk that the other party will not meet its obligations. The
use of derivatives also involves the risks of mispricing or improper valuation and that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security, asset, reference rate or index. The Fund also may not be able to
find a suitable derivative transaction counterparty, and thus may be unable to engage in derivative transactions when it is deemed favorable to do so, or at all. U.S. federal legislation has been enacted that
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
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(continued)
provides for new clearing, margin, reporting and registration requirements
for participants in the derivatives market. These changes could restrict and/or impose significant costs or other burdens upon the Fund’s participation in derivatives transactions. For more information on the risks of derivative investments
and strategies, see the SAI.
Affiliated Fund
Investing
The Investment Manager or an affiliate serves
as investment adviser to funds using the Columbia brand (Columbia Funds), including those that are structured as “fund-of-funds” (such as the Fund(s) offered in this prospectus), and provides asset-allocation services to (i)
shareholders by investing in shares of other Columbia Funds (collectively referred to in this section as Underlying Funds), and (ii) discretionary managed accounts (collectively referred to as affiliated products) that invest exclusively in
Underlying Funds. These affiliated products, individually or collectively, may own a significant percentage of the outstanding shares of one or more Underlying Funds, and the Investment Manager seeks to balance potential conflicts of interest
between the affiliated products and the Underlying Funds in which they invest. The affiliated products’ investment in the Underlying Funds may have the effect of creating economies of scale, possibly resulting in lower expense ratios for the
Underlying Funds, because the affiliated products may own substantial portions of the shares of Underlying Funds. However, redemption of Underlying Fund shares by one or more affiliated products could cause the expense ratio of an Underlying Fund to
increase, as its fixed costs would be spread over a smaller asset base. Because of large positions of certain affiliated products, the Underlying Funds may experience relatively large inflows and outflows of cash due to affiliated products’
purchases and sales of Underlying Fund shares. Although the Investment Manager or its affiliate may seek to minimize the impact of these transactions where possible, for example, by structuring them over a reasonable period of time or through other
measures, Underlying Funds may experience increased expenses as they buy and sell portfolio securities to manage the cash flow effect related to these transactions. Further, when the Investment Manager or its affiliate structures transactions over a
reasonable period of time in order to manage the potential impact of the buy and sell decisions for the affiliated products, those affiliated products, including funds-of-funds, may pay more or less (for purchase activity), or receive more or less
(for redemption activity), for shares of the Underlying Funds than if the transactions were executed in one transaction. In addition, substantial redemptions by affiliated products within a short period of time could require the Underlying Fund to
liquidate positions more rapidly than would otherwise be desirable, which may have the effect of reducing or eliminating potential gain or causing it to realize a loss. In order to meet such redemptions, an Underlying Fund may be forced to sell its
liquid (or more liquid) positions, leaving the Underlying Fund holding, post-redemption, a relatively larger position in illiquid securities (securities that are not readily marketable or that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of
business, within seven days, at approximately the value at which the holder has valued the security) or less liquid securities. Substantial redemptions may also adversely affect the ability of the Underlying Fund to implement its investment
strategy. The Investment Manager or its affiliate also has an economic conflict of interest in determining the allocation of affiliated products’ assets among the Underlying Funds, as it earns different fees from the various Underlying
Funds.
Investing in Money Market Funds
The Fund may invest cash in, or hold as collateral for certain
investments, shares of registered or unregistered money market funds, including funds advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates. These funds are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other
government agency. The Fund and its shareholders indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any money market fund or other fund in which the Fund may invest.
Investing Defensively
The Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive
investment positions that may be inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing some or all of
its assets in money market instruments or shares of affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or holding some or all of its assets in cash or cash equivalents. The Fund may take such defensive investment positions for as long a period as deemed
necessary.
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The Fund may not achieve its investment objective while it is
investing defensively. Investing defensively may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and taxes, and
decreased Fund performance. See also
Investing in Money Market Funds
above for more information.
Other Strategic and Investment Measures
The Fund may also from time to time take
temporary portfolio positions that may or may not be consistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation,
investing in derivatives, such as forward contracts, futures contracts, options, structured investments and swaps, for various purposes, including among others, investing in particular derivatives in seeking to reduce investment exposures, or in
seeking to achieve indirect investment exposures, to a sector, country, region or currency where the Investment Manager believes such positioning is appropriate. The Fund may take such portfolio positions for as long a period as deemed necessary.
While the Fund is so positioned, derivatives could comprise a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Investing in this manner may adversely affect Fund performance. During these
times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and taxes, and decreased Fund performance. For information on the risks of investing in derivatives, see
Transactions in Derivatives
above.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Board has adopted policies and procedures that govern the
timing and circumstances of disclosure to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the securities owned by the Fund. A description of these policies and procedures is included in the SAI. Fund policy generally permits the disclosure
of portfolio holdings information on the Fund's website (columbiathreadneedle.com/us) only after a certain amount of time has passed, as described in the SAI.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities can take place at
any time, so the portfolio holdings information available on the Fund's website may not always be current.
Portfolio Holdings Versus the
Benchmarks
The Fund does not limit
its investments to the securities within its benchmark(s), and it is anticipated that the Fund's holdings will diverge significantly from those of its benchmark(s). In addition, the Fund may invest in securities outside any industry and geographic
sectors represented in its benchmark(s). The Fund's weightings in individual securities, and in industry or geographic sectors, may also vary considerably from those of its benchmark(s). In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be
significantly more volatile than the value of the securities or assets comprising the Fund’s benchmark. The Fund may be exposed to greater risk of loss than a direct investment in the securities or assets comprising the Fund’s
benchmark.
eDelivery and Mailings to
Households
In order to reduce shareholder expenses, the
Fund may, if prior consent has been provided, mail only one copy of the Fund’s prospectus and each annual and semiannual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive separate copies of these documents, call
800.345.6611 or, if your shares are held through a financial intermediary, contact your intermediary directly. Additionally, you may elect to enroll in eDelivery to receive electronic versions of these documents by logging into your account at
investor.columbiathreadneedle.com/us.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
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Cash Flows
The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from investors buying
Fund shares could prevent the Fund from always being fully invested. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to shareholders redeeming Fund shares could require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at less than opportune times or to
hold ready reserves of uninvested cash in amounts larger than might otherwise be the case to meet shareholder redemptions. Either situation could adversely impact the Fund’s performance.
Understanding Annual Fund Operating Expenses
The Fund invests in Class Y shares of the
underlying funds, which are not subject to distribution fees. The Fund’s annual operating expenses, as presented in the
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
table in the
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
section of this prospectus, generally are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, may vary by share class and are expressed as a percentage (expense ratio) of the
Fund’s average net assets during that fiscal year. The expense ratios reflect the Fund’s fee arrangements as of the date of this prospectus and, unless indicated otherwise, are based on expenses incurred during the Fund’s most
recent fiscal year. The Fund’s assets will fluctuate, but unless indicated otherwise in the
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
table, no adjustments have been or will be made to the expense ratios to reflect
any differences in the Fund’s average net assets between the most recently completed fiscal year and the date of this prospectus or a later date. In general, the Fund’s expense ratios will increase as its net assets decrease, such that
the Fund’s actual expense ratios may be higher than the expense ratios presented in the
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
table if assets fall. Any commitment by the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates
to waive fees and/or cap (reimburse) expenses is expected, in part, to limit the impact of any increase in the Fund’s expense ratios that would otherwise result because of a decrease in the Fund’s assets in the current fiscal year. The
Fund’s annual operating expenses are comprised of (i) investment management fees, (ii) distribution and/or service fees, and (iii) other expenses. Management fees do not vary by class, but distribution and/or service fees and other expenses
may vary by class.
In addition to the total annual Fund
operating expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund’s shareholders indirectly bear the expenses of the underlying funds (or acquired funds) in which the Fund invests. The Fund’s “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” shown
are based on its allocations to the underlying funds as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Because acquired funds will have varied expense and fee levels and the Fund may own different proportions of acquired funds at different times, the amount
of fees and expenses incurred by the Fund with respect to such investments will vary.
Other Expenses
“Other
expenses” consist of the fees the Fund pays to its custodian, transfer agent, auditors, lawyers and trustees, costs relating to compliance and miscellaneous expenses. Generally, these expenses are allocated on a pro rata basis across all share
classes. Transfer agency fees and certain shareholder servicing fees, however, are class specific. They differ by share class because the shareholder services provided to each share class may be different. Accordingly, the differences in
“other expenses” among share classes are primarily the result of the different transfer agency and shareholder servicing fees applicable to each share class. For more information on these fees, see
Choosing a Share Class — Financial Intermediary Compensation.
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Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Arrangements and Impact on
Past Performance
The Investment Manager and certain of its
affiliates have contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses (excluding certain fees and expenses described below) through May 31, 2018, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board, so that the
Fund’s net operating expenses, after giving effect to fees waived/expenses reimbursed and any balance credits and/or overdraft charges from the Fund’s custodian, do not exceed the annual rates of:
Columbia
Diversified Real Return Fund
|
Class
A
|
0.60%
|
Class
C
|
1.35%
|
Class
R4
|
0.35%
|
Class
R5
|
0.385%
|
Class
T
|
0.60%
|
Class
Y
|
0.335%
|
Class
Z
|
0.35%
|
Under the agreement, the following
fees and expenses are excluded from the Fund’s operating expenses when calculating the waiver/reimbursement commitment, and therefore will be paid by the Fund, if applicable: taxes (including foreign transaction taxes), expenses associated
with investment in affiliated and non-affiliated pooled investment vehicles (including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds), transaction costs and brokerage commissions, costs related to any securities lending program, dividend expenses
associated with securities sold short, inverse floater program fees and expenses, transaction charges and interest on borrowed money, interest, infrequent and/or unusual expenses and any other expenses the exclusion of which is specifically approved
by the Fund’s Board. This agreement may be modified or amended only with approval from all parties.
Effect of Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements on Past
Performance.
The Fund’s returns shown in the
Performance Information
section of this prospectus reflect the
effect of any fee waivers and/or reimbursements of Fund expenses by the Investment Manager and/or any of its affiliates that were in place during the performance period shown. Without such fee waivers/expense reimbursements, the Fund’s returns
might have been lower.
Primary Service
Providers
The Fund enters into contractual
arrangements (Service Provider Contracts) with various parties, including, among others, the Investment Manager, the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Fund’s custodian. The Fund’s Service Provider Contracts are solely among the
parties thereto. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended to be third-party beneficiaries of, any Service Provider Contracts. Further, this prospectus, the SAI and any Service Provider Contracts are not intended to give rise to any agreement,
duty, special relationship or other obligation between the Fund and any investor, or give rise to any contractual, tort or other rights in any individual shareholder, group of shareholders or other person, including any right to assert a fiduciary
or other duty, enforce the Service Provider Contracts against the parties or to seek any remedy thereunder, either directly or on behalf of the Fund. Nothing in the previous sentence should be read to suggest any waiver of any rights under federal
or state securities laws.
The Investment
Manager, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent are all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial). They and their affiliates currently provide key services, including investment advisory, administration, distribution,
shareholder servicing and transfer agency services, to the Fund and various other funds, including the Columbia Funds, and are paid for providing these services. These service relationships are described below.
The Investment Manager
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is located at 225
Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 and serves as investment adviser and administrator to the Columbia Funds. The Investment Manager is a registered investment adviser and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Investment
Manager’s management experience
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covers all major asset classes, including equity securities, fixed-income
securities and money market instruments. In addition to serving as an investment adviser to traditional mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds, the Investment Manager acts as an investment adviser for itself, its affiliates,
individuals, corporations, retirement plans, private investment companies and financial intermediaries.
Subject to oversight by the Board, the
Investment Manager manages the day-to-day operations of the Fund, determining what securities and other investments the Fund should buy or sell and executing portfolio transactions. The Investment Manager may use the research and other capabilities
of its affiliates and third parties in managing the Fund’s investments. The Investment Manager is also responsible for overseeing the administrative operations of the Fund, including the general supervision of the Fund’s operations, the
coordination of the Fund’s other service providers and the provision of related clerical and administrative services.
The SEC has issued an order that permits the Investment
Manager, subject to the approval of the Board, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement, including fees paid thereunder, for the Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval, thereby avoiding the
expense and delays typically associated with obtaining shareholder approval. The Investment Manager and its affiliates may have other relationships, including significant financial relationships, with current or potential subadvisers or their
affiliates, which may create certain conflicts of interest. When making recommendations to the Board to appoint or to change a subadviser, or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement, the Investment Manager discloses to the Board the nature of
any such material relationships. At present, only the Investment Manager is providing investment advisory services to the Fund.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a fee for its management
services, which include investment advisory services and administrative services. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund and is paid monthly. Prior to June 1, 2016, the Fund paid the Investment Manager an
advisory fee under an investment management services agreement and a separate administrative fee under an administrative services agreement. For the Fund’s most recent fiscal year, aggregate fees paid to the Investment Manager by the
Fund, including all advisory and administrative fees paid to the Investment Manager during the period, amounted to 0.193% (net of any fee waivers) of average daily net assets of the Fund, before any applicable reimbursements. A discussion regarding
the basis for the Board’s approval of the renewal of the Fund's management agreement is available in the Fund’s semiannual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended July 31, 2016.
With respect to the Fund, the Fund’s Board has approved
a subadvisory agreement between the Investment Manager and Threadneedle International Limited (Threadneedle), an affiliate of the Investment Manager and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. At present, Threadneedle is not
providing services to the Fund pursuant to the subadvisory agreement. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the renewal of the investment subadvisory agreement with Threadneedle is available in the Fund’s
semiannual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended July 31, 2016.
Portfolio Managers
Information about the portfolio managers primarily responsible
for overseeing the Fund’s investments is shown below. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including information relating to compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and ownership by the
portfolio managers of Fund shares.
Portfolio
Manager
|
|
Title
|
|
Role
with Fund
|
|
Managed
Fund Since
|
Jeffrey
Knight, CFA
|
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager, Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Solutions and Co-Head of Global Asset Allocation
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
2014
|
Anwiti
Bahuguna, Ph.D.
|
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
January
2017
|
Joshua
Kutin, CFA
|
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
January
2017
|
Dan
Boncarosky, CFA
|
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
|
Co-manager
|
|
January
2017
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
More Information About the Fund
(continued)
Mr. Knight
joined the
Investment Manager in February 2013 as Head of Global Asset Allocation. Prior to joining the Investment Manager, Mr. Knight was at Putnam Investments from 1993 to 2013, most recently as head of global asset allocation. Mr. Knight began his
investment career in 1987 and earned a B.A. from Colgate University and an M.B.A. from Tuck School of Business.
Dr. Bahuguna
joined one of the Columbia Management legacy firms or acquired business lines in 2002. Dr. Bahuguna began her investment career in 1998 and earned a B.S. from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University and a Ph.D. in economics from Northeastern
University.
Mr. Kutin
joined the Investment Manager in 2015 as a senior portfolio manager for the Global Investment Solutions Group. Prior to joining the Investment Manager, Mr. Kutin was a portfolio manager on the global asset allocation
team at Putnam Investments. Mr. Kutin began his investment career in 1998 and earned a B.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a M.S. in finance from Princeton University.
Mr. Boncarosky
joined one of
the Columbia Management legacy firms or acquired business lines in 2008. Mr. Boncarosky began his investment career in 2008 and earned a B.S. from Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.
The Distributor
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Columbia Management
Investment Distributors, Inc., which is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Distributor and its affiliates may pay
commissions, distribution and service fees and/or other compensation to entities, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for selling shares and providing services to investors.
The Transfer Agent
Columbia Management Investment
Services Corp. is a registered transfer agent and wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. The Transfer Agent is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, and its responsibilities include processing purchases, redemptions and
exchanges of Fund shares, calculating and paying distributions, maintaining shareholder records, preparing account statements and providing customer service. The Transfer Agent has engaged DST Systems, Inc., including its affiliate, Boston Financial
Data Services, Inc., to provide various shareholder or “sub-transfer agency” services. In addition, the Transfer Agent enters into agreements with various financial intermediaries through which you may hold Fund shares, pursuant to which
the Transfer Agent pays these financial intermediaries for providing certain shareholder services. Depending on the type of account, the Fund pays the Transfer Agent a per account fee or a fee based on the assets invested through omnibus accounts,
and reimburses the Transfer Agent for certain out-of-pocket expenses, including certain payments to financial intermediaries through which shares are held.
Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its
Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest
The
Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent, all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, provide various services to the Fund and other Columbia Funds for which they are compensated. Ameriprise Financial and its other affiliates may also provide
other services to these funds and be compensated for them.
The Investment Manager and its affiliates may provide
investment advisory and other services to other clients and customers substantially similar to those provided to the Columbia Funds. These activities, and other financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, may present
actual and potential conflicts of interest and introduce certain investment constraints.
Ameriprise Financial is a major financial services company,
engaged in a broad range of financial activities beyond the mutual fund-related activities of the Investment Manager, including, among others, insurance, broker-dealer (sales and trading), asset management, banking and other financial activities.
These additional activities may involve multiple advisory, financial, insurance and other interests in securities and other instruments, and in companies that issue securities and other instruments, that may be bought, sold or held by the Columbia
Funds.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
More Information About the Fund
(continued)
Conflicts of interest and limitations that could affect a
Columbia Fund may arise from, for example, the following:
■
|
compensation and other
benefits received by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates related to the management/administration of a Columbia Fund and the sale of its shares;
|
■
|
the allocation of, and
competition for, investment opportunities among the Fund, other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, or Ameriprise Financial itself and its affiliates;
|
■
|
separate and potentially
divergent management of a Columbia Fund and other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates;
|
■
|
regulatory and other
investment restrictions on investment activities of the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates and accounts advised/managed by them;
|
■
|
insurance and other
relationships of Ameriprise Financial affiliates with companies and other entities in which a Columbia Fund invests; and
|
■
|
regulatory and other
restrictions relating to the sharing of information between Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, and a Columbia Fund.
|
The Investment Manager and Ameriprise Financial have adopted
various policies and procedures that are intended to identify, monitor and address conflicts of interest. However, there is no assurance that these policies, procedures and disclosures will be effective.
Additional information about Ameriprise Financial and the
types of conflicts of interest and other matters referenced above is set forth in the
Investment Management and Other Services — Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates —
Certain Conflicts of Interest
section of the SAI. Investors in the Columbia Funds should carefully review these disclosures and consult with their financial advisor if they have any questions.
Certain Legal Matters
Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have
historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities.
Ameriprise Financial believes that the Fund is not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Fund or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Fund. Information regarding certain pending and settled legal proceedings may be found in the Fund’s
shareholder reports and in the SAI. Additionally, Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the SEC on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its
affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at sec.gov.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
The Funds
The Columbia Funds (referred to as the Funds) generally share
the same policies and procedures for investor services, as described below. Each Fund is a series of Columbia Funds Series Trust (CFST), Columbia Funds Series Trust I (CFST I) or Columbia Funds Series Trust II (CFST II), and certain features of
distribution and/or service plans may differ among these trusts. The Fund offered by this prospectus is a series of CFST I. Columbia Funds with names that include the words “Tax-Exempt,” “Municipal” or “Muni” (the
Tax-Exempt Funds) have certain policies that differ from other Columbia Funds (the Taxable Funds). The Fund offered by this prospectus is treated as a Taxable Fund for these purposes.
Funds Contact Information
Additional information about the Funds,
including sales charges and other class features and policies, can be obtained, free of charge, at columbiathreadneedle.com/us,* by calling toll-free 800.345.6611, or by writing (regular mail) to Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., P.O.
Box 8081, Boston, MA 02266-8081 or (express mail) Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., c/o Boston Financial, 30 Dan Road, Suite 8081, Canton, MA 02021-2809.
*The website references in this prospectus are inactive links
and information contained in or otherwise accessible through the referenced websites does not form a part of this prospectus.
Financial
Intermediaries
The term
“financial intermediary” refers to the selling and servicing agents that are authorized to sell and/or service shares of the Funds. Financial intermediaries include broker-dealers and financial advisors as well as firms that employ
broker-dealers and financial advisors, including, for example, brokerage firms, banks, investment advisers, third party administrators and other firms in the financial services industry.
Omnibus Accounts
The term “omnibus
account” refers to a financial intermediary’s account with the Fund (held directly through the Transfer Agent) that represents the combined holdings of, and transactions in, Fund shares of one or more clients of the financial
intermediary (beneficial Fund shareholders). Omnibus accounts are held in the name of the financial intermediaries and not in the name of the beneficial Fund shareholders invested in the Fund through omnibus accounts.
Retirement Plans and Omnibus Retirement
Plans
The term
“retirement plan” refers to retirement plans created under Sections 401(a), 401(k), 457 and 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and non-qualified deferred compensation plans governed by Section 409A of the
Code and similar plans, but does not refer to individual retirement plans, such as traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. The term “omnibus retirement plan” refers to a retirement plan that has a plan-level or omnibus account with the Transfer
Agent.
Networked Accounts
Networking, offered by the Depository Trust
& Clearing Corporation’s Wealth Management Services (WMS), is the industry standard IT system for mutual fund account reconciliation and dividend processing.
Summary of Share Class Features
Each share class has its own investment
eligibility criteria, cost structure and other features. You may not be eligible to invest in every share class. Your financial intermediary may not make every share class available or may cease to make available one or more share classes of the
Fund. The share class you select through your financial intermediary may have higher fees and/or sales charges than other classes of shares available through other financial intermediaries. An investor transacting in a class of Fund shares without
any front-end sales charge, contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), or other asset-based fee for sales or distribution, such as a Rule 12b-1
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
fee, may be required to pay a commission to
the broker/financial intermediary for effecting such transactions. Each investor’s personal situation is different and you may wish to discuss with your financial intermediary the share classes the Fund offers, which share classes are
available to you and which share class(es) is/are appropriate for you. In all instances, it is your responsibility to notify your financial intermediary or (for Direct-at-Fund Accounts, as defined below) the Fund at the time of purchase of any
relationship or other facts that may qualify you for sales charge waivers or discounts. The Fund, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent do not provide investment advice or make recommendations regarding Fund share classes. Your financial
intermediary may provide advice and recommendations to you, such as which share class(es) is/are appropriate for you.
When deciding which class of shares to buy, you should
consider, among other things:
■
|
The amount you plan to
invest.
|
■
|
How long you intend to
remain invested in the Fund.
|
■
|
The fees (e.g., sales charge
or “load”) and expenses for each share class.
|
■
|
Whether you may be eligible
for a reduction or waiver of sales charges when you buy or sell shares.
|
Front-End Sales Charge Calculation
The front-end sales charge is calculated as
a percentage of the offering price.
■
|
The net asset value (NAV)
per share is the price of a share calculated by the Fund every business day.
|
■
|
The
offering price per share is the NAV per share plus any front-end sales charge (or load) that applies.
|
The dollar amount of any applicable
front-end sales charge is the difference between the offering price of the shares you buy and the NAV of those shares. To determine the front-end sales charge you will pay when you buy Class A and Class V shares, the Fund will add the amount of your
investment to the value of your account (and any other accounts eligible for aggregation of which you or your financial intermediary notifies the Fund) and base the sales charge on the aggregate amount. For information on account value aggregation,
sales charge waivers and other important information, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges
.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
A contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC)
is a sales charge applied at the time you sell your shares, unlike a front-end sales charge that is applied at the time of purchase. A CDSC can vary based on the length of time that you have held your shares. A CDSC is applied to the NAV at the time
of your purchase or sale, whichever is lower, and will not be applied to any shares you receive through Fund distribution reinvestments or any amount that represents appreciation in the value of your shares. For purposes of calculating a CDSC, the
start of the holding period is generally the first day of the month in which your purchase was made.
When you place an order to sell shares of a
class that has a CDSC, the Fund will first redeem any shares that are not subject to a CDSC, followed by those you have held the longest. This means that if a CDSC is imposed, you cannot designate the individual shares being redeemed for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. You should consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of investing in the Fund. In certain circumstances, the CDSC may not apply. See
Choosing a Share Class —
Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges
for details.
Share Class Features
The following summarizes the primary features of Class A,
Class B, Class C, Class K, Class R, Class R4, Class R5, Class T, Class V, Class Y and Class Z shares.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Not all Funds offer every class of shares.
The Fund offers the class(es) of shares set forth on the cover of this prospectus and may offer other share classes through a separate prospectus. Although certain share classes are generally closed to new and/or existing investors, information
relating to these share classes is included in the table below because certain qualifying purchase orders are permitted, as described below.
A Note About Class T Shares
Class T shares are sold only through financial intermediaries
that, by written agreement with the Distributor, are specifically authorized to sell Class T shares (Class T Intermediaries).
Class T shares are capable of being offered by different
financial intermediaries with different front-end sales charge structures. Currently, Class T shares are offered with only one sales charge structure, which means that all Class T Intermediaries are offering Class T shares with the same pricing. For
convenience, these Class T Intermediaries are referred to as
Category One Financial Intermediaries
. Financial intermediaries may in the future seek to offer Class T shares under a different pricing structure
and, as such, other categories of Class T Intermediaries may be added in the future. Note also that, unlike other classes of shares of the Fund with a front-end sales charge (i.e., Class A and Class V shares, as available), the front-end sales
charge applicable to Class T shares is a per-transaction charge, meaning that separate orders will not be aggregated for purposes of calculating the rate of the sales charge payable. Class T does not make available any discounts (for example, under
a right of accumulation, letter of intent or other such programs).
Share
Class
|
Eligible
Investors
(a)
;
Minimum Initial Investments
(b)
|
Front-End
Sales Charges
(c)
|
Contingent
Deferred
Sales Charges
(CDSCs)
(c)
|
Sales
Charge
Reductions/Waivers
|
Maximum
Distribution
and/or Service Fees
(d)
|
Class
A
|
Eligibility:
Available to the general public for investment
Minimum Initial Investment:
$2,000 ($1,000 for IRAs;
$100 for systematic investment plan accounts)
|
Taxable
Funds:
5.75% maximum, declining to 0.00% on investments of $1 million or more
Tax-Exempt Funds:
3.00% maximum, declining to 0.00% on
investments of $500,000 or more
None for Columbia Government Money Market Fund and certain other Funds
(e)
|
Taxable
Funds
(e)
:
CDSC on certain investments of between $1 million and $50 million redeemed within 18 months after purchase
charged as follows:
• 1.00% CDSC if redeemed within 12 months after purchase, and
• 0.50% CDSC if redeemed more than 12, but less than 18, months after purchase
Tax-Exempt Funds
(e)
:
Maximum CDSC of 0.75% on certain investments of $500,000
or more redeemed within 12 months after purchase
|
Reductions
: yes, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges – Class A and Class V Shares Front-End Sales Charge Reductions
Waivers
: yes, on Fund distribution reinvestments. For additional waivers, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges – Class A and Class V Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers
, as well as
Choosing a Share Class — CDSC Waivers – Class A, Class C and Class V
Financial intermediary-specific waivers are
also available, see
Choosing a Share Class — Financial Intermediary-Specific Class A Sales Charge Waivers
, and
Choosing a Share Class — Financial Intermediary-Specific CDSC Waivers
|
Distribution
and Service
Fees:
up to 0.25%
|
Class
B
|
Eligibility:
Closed to new investors
(f)
Note:
Class
B shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase
(g)
Minimum Initial Investment:
N/A
|
None
|
None
(g)
; a CDSC was applicable, but the Funds' Class B investors, having held their shares for the requisite time
|
N/A
|
Distribution
Fee:
0.75%
Service Fee:
0.25%
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Share
Class
|
Eligible
Investors
(a)
;
Minimum Initial Investments
(b)
|
Front-End
Sales Charges
(c)
|
Contingent
Deferred
Sales Charges
(CDSCs)
(c)
|
Sales
Charge
Reductions/Waivers
|
Maximum
Distribution
and/or Service Fees
(d)
|
|
|
|
period,
are no longer subject to a CDSC upon redemption of their shares
|
|
|
Class
C
|
Eligibility:
Available to the general public for investment
Minimum Initial Investment:
$2,000 ($1,000 for IRAs;
$100 for systematic investment plan accounts)
Purchase Order Limit for Tax-Exempt Funds:
$499,999
(h)
, none for omnibus retirement plans
Purchase Order Limit for Taxable
Funds:
$999,999
(h)
; none for omnibus retirement plans
|
None
|
1.00%
on certain investments redeemed within one year of purchase
(i)
|
Waivers
: yes, on Fund distribution reinvestments. For additional waivers, see
Choosing a Share Class — CDSC Waivers – Class A, Class C and Class V
Financial intermediary-specific CDSC waivers are also available, see
Choosing a Share Class — Financial Intermediary-Specific CDSC Waivers
|
Distribution
Fee:
0.75%
Service Fee:
0.25%
|
Class
K
|
Eligibility:
Closed to new investors; available only to qualified employee benefit plans, trust companies or similar institutions, 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, non-qualified deferred compensation plans whose participants
are included in a qualified employee benefit plan described above, 529 plans, and health savings accounts
(f)
Minimum Initial Investment:
N/A
|
None
|
None
|
N/A
|
Plan
Administration Services Fee:
0.25%
|
Class
R
|
Eligibility:
Available only to eligible retirement plans, health savings accounts and, in the sole discretion of the Distributor, other types of retirement accounts held through platforms maintained by financial intermediaries
approved by the Distributor
Minimum Initial Investment:
None
|
None
|
None
|
N/A
|
Series
of CFST & CFST I:
distribution fee of 0.50%
Series of CFST II:
distribution and service fee of 0.50%, of which the service fee may
be up to 0.25%
|
Class
R4
|
Eligibility:
Available only to (i) omnibus retirement plans; (ii) trust companies or similar institutions; (iii) broker-dealers, banks, trust companies and similar institutions that clear Fund share transactions for their client
or customer investment advisory or similar accounts through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms that have been granted specific written authorization from the Transfer Agent with respect to Class R4
eligibility apart from selling, servicing or similar agreements; (iv) 501(c)(3) charitable organizations; (v)
|
None
|
None
|
N/A
|
None
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Share
Class
|
Eligible
Investors
(a)
;
Minimum Initial Investments
(b)
|
Front-End
Sales Charges
(c)
|
Contingent
Deferred
Sales Charges
(CDSCs)
(c)
|
Sales
Charge
Reductions/Waivers
|
Maximum
Distribution
and/or Service Fees
(d)
|
|
529
plans; (vi) health savings accounts; (vii) investors participating in a fee-based advisory program sponsored by a financial intermediary or other entity that is not compensated by the Fund for those services, other than payments for shareholder
servicing or sub-accounting performed in place of the Transfer Agent; and (viii) commissionable brokerage platforms where the financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customer, charges the customer a commission for effecting
transactions in Fund shares, provided that the financial intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class R4 shares within such platform.
Minimum Initial Investment:
None, except in the case of (viii) above, which is $2,000 ($1,000 for IRAs; $100 for systematic investment plan accounts)
|
|
|
|
|
Class
R5
|
Eligibility:
Available only to (i) certain registered investment advisers and family offices that clear Fund share transactions for their client or customer accounts through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual
fund trading platforms that have been granted specific written authorization from the Transfer Agent with respect to Class R5 eligibility apart from selling, servicing or similar agreements; (ii) omnibus retirement plans
(f)
; and
(iii)
institutional investors that are clients of the Columbia
Threadneedle Global Institutional Distribution Team that invest in Class R5 shares for their own account through platforms approved by the Distributor or an affiliate thereof to offer and/or service Class R5 shares within such platform.
Minimum Initial Investment:
None
|
None
|
None
|
N/A
|
None
|
Class
T
|
Eligibility
: Available to the general public (purchasing through a Class T Intermediary)
Minimum Initial Investment
: $2,000 ($1,000 for IRAs; $100
for systematic investment plan accounts)
|
Per
Transaction
:
$0–$249,999:
2.50%
$250,000–
$499,999:
2.00%
|
None
|
Waivers
: yes,
(i) on Fund distribution reinvestments;
(ii) on exchanges of Class T shares of the Fund from, at the discretion of Class T Intermediaries, another class of shares of the same Fund held in accounts of
Class T Intermediaries, provided that
|
Distribution
and/or Service Fees
: 0.25%
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Share
Class
|
Eligible
Investors
(a)
;
Minimum Initial Investments
(b)
|
Front-End
Sales Charges
(c)
|
Contingent
Deferred
Sales Charges
(CDSCs)
(c)
|
Sales
Charge
Reductions/Waivers
|
Maximum
Distribution
and/or Service Fees
(d)
|
|
|
$500,000–
$999,999:
1.50%
$1,000,000 or more:
1.00%
|
|
(a)
the other share class may only be exchanged for Class T shares if your financial intermediary does not offer that other share class on the intermediary’s commission-based platform, and (b) unless waived in the Distributor’s discretion,
shares of the class to be exchanged are held in a networked or omnibus account with the Fund; and
(iii) on purchases within fee-based accounts, provided that the Class T Intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically
authorizes offering Class T shares within the designated fee-based platform.
Financial intermediary-specific waivers are also available, see
Choosing a Share Class
—Financial Intermediary-Specific Class T Sales Charge Waivers
|
|
Class
V
|
Eligibility:
Generally closed to new investors
(f)
Minimum Initial Investment:
N/A
|
5.75%
maximum, declining to 0.00% on investments of $1 million or more
|
CDSC
on certain investments of between $1 million and $50 million redeemed within 18 months after purchase, charged as follows:
• 1.00% CDSC if redeemed within 12 months after purchase
and
• 0.50% CDSC if redeemed more than 12, but less than 18, months after purchase
|
Reductions
: yes, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges – Class A and Class V Shares Front-End Sales Charge Reductions
Waivers
: yes, on Fund distribution reinvestments.
For additional waivers, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges – Class A and Class V Shares
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers
, as well as
Choosing a Share Class — CDSC Waivers – Class A, Class C and Class V
|
Service
Fee:
up to 0.50%
|
Class
Y
|
Eligibility:
Available to (i) group retirement plans that maintain plan-level or omnibus accounts with the Fund
(f)
;
(ii) institutional investors that are clients of the Columbia Threadneedle Global Institutional Distribution Team that invest in Class Y shares for their own account through platforms approved by the Distributor or an
affiliate thereof to offer and/or service Class Y shares within such platform;
(iii) collective trust funds;
(iv) affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds (e.g., funds
operating as funds-of-funds);
(v) fee-based platforms of financial intermediaries (or the clearing
|
None
|
None
|
N/A
|
None
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Share
Class
|
Eligible
Investors
(a)
;
Minimum Initial Investments
(b)
|
Front-End
Sales Charges
(c)
|
Contingent
Deferred
Sales Charges
(CDSCs)
(c)
|
Sales
Charge
Reductions/Waivers
|
Maximum
Distribution
and/or Service Fees
(d)
|
|
intermediary
they trade through) that have an agreement with the Distributor or an affiliate thereof that specifically authorizes the financial intermediary to offer and/or service Class Y shares within such platform, provided also that Fund shares are held in
an omnibus account; (vi) commissionable brokerage platforms where the financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customer, charges the customer a commission for effecting transactions in Fund shares, provided that the financial
intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class Y shares within such platform and that Fund shares are held in an omnibus account; and (vii) bank trust departments, subject to an agreement with the
Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class Y shares and provided that Fund shares are held in an omnibus account. In each case above where noted that Fund shares are required to be held in an omnibus account, the Distributor may, in its
discretion, determine to waive this requirement.
Minimum Initial Investment:
No minimum for the eligible investors described in (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) above; $2,000
($1,000 for IRAs; $100 for systematic investment plan accounts) for the eligible investors described in (vi) above; and $1 million for all other eligible investors, unless waived in the discretion of the Distributor
|
|
|
|
|
Class
Z
|
Eligibility:
Available only to certain eligible investors, which are subject to different minimum investment requirements, ranging from $0 to $2,000; closed to (i) accounts of financial intermediaries that clear Fund share
transactions for their client or customer accounts through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms that have been given specific written notice from the Transfer Agent of the termination of their eligibility for
new purchases of Class Z shares and (ii) omnibus group retirement plans, subject to certain exceptions
(f)
Minimum Initial Investment:
See
Eligibility
above
|
None
|
None
|
N/A
|
None
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
(a)
|
For Columbia Government Money
Market Fund, new investments must be made in Class A, Class T, Class Y or Class Z shares, subject to eligibility. Class C and Class R shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund are available as a new investment only to investors in the
Distributor's proprietary 401(k) products, provided that such investor is eligible to invest in the class and transact directly with the Fund or the Transfer Agent through a third party administrator or third party recordkeeper. Columbia Government
Money Market Fund offers other classes of shares only to facilitate exchanges with other Funds offering such share classes.
|
(b)
|
The minimum initial
investment requirement for investment in Class A and Class C shares is $5,000 for each of Columbia Floating Rate Fund and Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund, and $10,000 for Columbia Absolute Return Currency and Income Fund. Certain share
classes are subject to minimum account balance requirements, as described in
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Transaction Rules and Policies.
|
(c)
|
Actual front-end sales
charges and CDSCs vary among the Funds. For more information on applicable sales charges, see
Choosing a Share Class — Sales Charges and Commissions,
and for information about certain exceptions to these
sales charges, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges.
|
(d)
|
These are the maximum
applicable distribution and/or service fees under the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan. Fee rates and fee components (i.e., the portion of a combined fee that is a distribution or service fee) may vary among Funds. Because these fees are paid out of
Fund assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of distribution and/or service fees. Although Class A shares of certain series of CFST I are subject to a
combined distribution and service fee of up to 0.35%, these Funds currently limit the combined fee to 0.25%. Columbia Government Money Market Fund pays a distribution and service fee of up to 0.10% on Class A shares, up to 0.75% distribution fee and
up to 0.10% service fee on Class B shares, and up to 0.75% distribution fee on Class C shares. Columbia AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund and Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund each pay a service fee of up to 0.20% on
Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Columbia AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund pays a distribution fee of up to 0.65% on Class B and Class C shares. For more information on distribution and service fees, see
Choosing a Share Class — Distribution and Service Fees.
|
(e)
|
For Columbia Short Term
Municipal Bond Fund, a CDSC of 0.50% is charged on certain investments of $500,000 or more redeemed within 12 months after purchase. The following Funds are not subject to a front-end sales charge or a CDSC on Class A shares: Columbia Government
Money Market Fund, Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund, Columbia Large Cap Index Fund, Columbia Mid Cap Index Fund, Columbia Small Cap Index Fund and Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund.
|
(f)
|
These share classes are
closed to new accounts, or closed to previously eligible investors, subject to certain conditions, as summarized below and described in more detail under
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Buying Shares
— Eligible Investors:
|
|
•
Class B Shares
. The Funds no longer accept investments from new or existing investors in Class B shares, except through reinvestment of Fund Class B share dividend and/or capital gain distributions by existing
Class B shareholders, or a permitted exchange.
|
|
•
Class K Shares
. Shareholders who opened and funded a Class K account with a Fund as of the close of business on December 31, 2010 may continue to make additional purchases of such share class, and existing
Class K accounts may continue to allow new investors or participants to be established in their Fund account.
|
|
•
Class R5 Shares
. Shareholders with Class R5 accounts funded before November 8, 2012 who do not satisfy the current eligibility criteria for Class R5 shares may not establish new Class R5 accounts but may
continue to make additional purchases of Class R5 shares in existing accounts. In addition, investment advisory programs and similar programs that opened a Class R5 account as of May 1, 2010, and continuously hold Class R5 shares in such account
after such date, may generally not only continue to make additional purchases of Class R5 shares but also open new Class R5 accounts and add new shareholders in the program.
|
|
•
Class
V Shares.
Shareholders
with Class V accounts who received, and have continuously held, Class V shares (formerly named Class
T shares, which have no relation to the Fund’s current Class T shares) in connection with the merger of certain Galaxy funds into certain Funds that were then named Liberty funds may continue to make additional purchases of such share class.
|
|
•
Class Y Shares
. Shareholders with Class Y accounts funded before November 8, 2012 who do not satisfy the current eligibility criteria for Class Y shares may not establish new accounts for such share class but
may continue to make additional purchases of Class Y shares in existing accounts.
|
|
•
Class Z Shares
. Financial intermediaries that clear Fund share transactions through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms that have been given specific written notice from
the Transfer Agent, effective March 29, 2013, of the termination of their eligibility for new purchases of Class Z shares and omnibus retirement plans are not permitted to establish new Class Z accounts, subject to certain exceptions. Omnibus
retirement plans that opened and, subject to exceptions, funded a Class Z account as of close of business on March 28, 2013, and have continuously held Class Z shares in such account after such date, may generally continue to make additional
purchases of Class Z shares, open new Class Z accounts and add new participants. In certain circumstances and in the sole discretion of the Distributor, omnibus retirement plans affiliated with a grandfathered plan may also open new Class Z
accounts. Accounts of financial intermediaries (other than omnibus retirement plans) that clear Fund share transactions for their client or customer accounts through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms are not
permitted to establish new Class Z accounts or make additional purchases of Class Z shares (other than through Fund distribution reinvestments).
|
(g)
|
Timing of conversion will
vary depending on the Fund and the date of your original purchase of Class B shares. For more information on the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares, see
Choosing a Share Class — Sales Charges and
Commissions.
Class B shares of Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund do not charge a CDSC and do not convert to Class A shares.
|
(h)
|
If you are eligible to invest
in Class A shares without a front-end sales charge, you should discuss your options with your financial intermediary. For more information, see
Choosing a Share Class – Reductions/Waivers of Sales
Charges.
|
(i)
|
There is no CDSC on
redemptions from Class C shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund.
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Sales Charges and Commissions
Sales charges, commissions and (discussed in
a separate sub-section below) distribution and service fees compensate financial intermediaries (typically your financial advisor) for selling shares to you and service fees compensate financial intermediaries for maintaining and servicing the
shares held in your account with them. Depending on which share class you choose and the financial intermediary through which you purchase your shares, you may pay these charges at potentially different levels at the outset as a front-end sales
charge, at the time you sell your shares as a CDSC and/or over time in the form of distribution and/or service fees.
As described in more detail below, Class A, Class T and Class
V shares have a front-end sales charge, which is deducted from your purchase price when you buy your shares, and results in a smaller dollar amount being invested in the Fund than the purchase price you pay (unless you qualify for a waiver
or (Class A shares and Class V shares only) reduction of the sales charge). The Fund’s other share classes do not have a front-end sales charge, so the full amount of your purchase price is invested in those classes. Class A shares have
lower ongoing distribution and/or service fees than Class B, Class C and Class R shares of the Fund. Over time, Class B, Class C and Class R shares can incur distribution and service fees that are equal to or more than the front-end sales charge and
the distribution and service fees you would pay for Class A shares. Thus, although the full amount of your purchase price of Class B, Class C and Class R shares is invested in a Fund, your return on this money will be reduced by the expected higher
annual expenses of Class B, Class C and Class R shares. Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares of the Fund do not have distribution and/or service fees.
Whether the ultimate cost is higher for one class over another
depends on the amount you invest, how long you hold your shares, the amount of the sales charge, and whether you are eligible for reduced or waived sales charges, if available. The differential between classes also will vary depending on the actual
investment return for any given investment period. You are responsible for choosing the share class most appropriate for you after taking into account your share class eligibility, class-specific features, and any applicable reductions in, or
waivers of, sales charges. For more information, see
Choosing a Share Class – Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges
. We encourage you to consult with a financial advisor who can help you with your
investment decisions. Please contact your financial intermediary for more information about services, fees and expenses, and other important information about investing in the Fund, as well as with any questions you may have about your investing
options. In all instances, it is your responsibility to notify your financial intermediary or (for Direct-at-Fund Accounts, as defined below) the Fund at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts that may qualify you for sales charge
waivers or discounts.
Class A Shares —
Front-End Sales Charge
Unless your purchase qualifies for a waiver
(e.g., you buy the shares through reinvested Fund distributions), you will pay a front-end sales charge when you buy Class A shares (other than shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund, Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund, Columbia
Large Cap Index Fund, Columbia Mid Cap Index Fund, Columbia Small Cap Index Fund and Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund), resulting in a smaller dollar amount being invested in a Fund than the purchase price you pay. For more information about sales
charge waivers and reduction opportunities, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges.
The Distributor receives the sales charge and re-allows (or
pays) a portion of the sales charge to the financial intermediary through which you purchased the shares. The Distributor retains the balance of the sales charge. The Distributor retains the full sales charge you pay when you purchase shares of the
Fund directly from the Fund (through the Transfer Agent, rather than through a financial intermediary).
The front-end sales charge you will pay on Class A
shares:
■
|
depends on the amount you
are investing (generally, the larger the investment, the smaller the percentage sales charge), and
|
■
|
is based on the total amount
of your purchase and the value of your account (and any other accounts eligible for aggregation of which you or your financial intermediary notifies the Fund).
|
The table below presents the front-end sales charge as a
percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Class
A Shares — Front-End Sales Charge — Breakpoint Schedule*
|
Breakpoint
Schedule For:
|
Dollar
amount of
shares bought
(a)
|
Sales
charge
as a
% of the
offering
price
(b)
|
Sales
charge
as a
% of the
net
amount
invested
(b)
|
Amount
retained by
or paid to
financial
intermediaries as
a % of the
offering price
|
Equity
Funds,
Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund,
Columbia Alternative Beta Fund,
Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund,
Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund
and Funds-of-Funds (equity)*
|
$
0–$49,999
|
5.75%
|
6.10%
|
5.00%
|
$
50,000–$99,999
|
4.50%
|
4.71%
|
3.75%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
3.50%
|
3.63%
|
3.00%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
2.15%
|
$500,000–$999,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$
1,000,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed
Income Funds (except those listed below),
Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund
and Funds-of-Funds (fixed income)*
|
$
0-$49,999
|
4.75%
|
4.99%
|
4.00%
|
$
50,000–$99,999
|
4.25%
|
4.44%
|
3.50%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
3.50%
|
3.63%
|
3.00%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
2.15%
|
$500,000–$999,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$
1,000,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax-Exempt
Funds (other than Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund)
|
$
0-$99,999
|
3.00%
|
3.09%
|
2.50%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
2.15%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
1.50
%
|
1.53%
|
1.25%
|
$
500,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia
Absolute Return Currency and Income Fund,
Columbia Floating Rate Fund,
Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund,
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund,
Columbia Mortgage Opportunities Fund,
Columbia Total Return Bond
Fund,
and Columbia U.S. Government Mortgage Fund
|
$
0-$99,999
|
3.00%
|
3.09%
|
2.50%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
2.15%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$500,000–$999,999
|
1.50%
|
1.52%
|
1.25%
|
$
1,000,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia
Short Term Bond Fund
|
$
0-$99,999
|
1.00%
|
1.01%
|
0.75%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
0.75%
|
0.76%
|
0.50%
|
$250,000–$999,999
|
0.50%
|
0.50%
|
0.40%
|
$
1,000,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia
Short Term Municipal Bond Fund
|
$
0-$99,999
|
1.00%
|
1.01%
|
0.75%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
0.75%
|
0.76%
|
0.50%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
0.50%
|
0.50%
|
0.40%
|
$
500,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
The following Funds are not
subject to a front-end sales charge or CDSC on Class A shares: Columbia Government Money Market Fund, Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund, Columbia Large Cap Index Fund, Columbia Mid Cap Index Fund, Columbia Small Cap Index Fund and Columbia U.S.
Treasury Index Fund.
"Funds-of-Funds (equity)"
includes Columbia Capital Allocation Aggressive Portfolio, Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Aggressive Portfolio, Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate
Conservative Portfolio, Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
|
Portfolio and Columbia Global
Strategic Equity Fund
. "Funds-of-Funds (fixed income)"
includes Columbia Capital Allocation Conservative Portfolio and Columbia Income Builder Fund. Columbia Balanced Fund, Columbia Flexible Capital
Income Fund and Columbia Global Opportunities Fund are treated as equity Funds for purposes of the table.
|
(a)
|
Purchase amounts and account
values may be aggregated among all eligible Fund accounts for the purposes of this table. See
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges
for a discussion of account value aggregation.
|
(b)
|
Because the offering price is
calculated to two decimal places, the dollar amount of the sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and your net amount invested for any particular purchase of Fund shares may be higher or lower depending on whether downward or upward
rounding was required during the calculation process. Purchase price includes the sales charge.
|
(c)
|
For information regarding
cumulative commissions paid to your financial intermediary when you buy $1 million or more of Class A shares of a Fund, see
Class A Shares — Commissions
below.
|
Class A Shares — CDSC
In some cases, you'll pay a CDSC if you sell
Class A shares that you purchased without a front-end sales charge.
Tax-Exempt Funds
■
|
If you purchased Class A
shares of any Tax-Exempt Fund (other than Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund and Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund) without paying a front-end sales charge because your eligible accounts aggregated $500,000 or more at the time of purchase, you
will incur a CDSC of 0.75% if you redeem those shares within 12 months after purchase. Subsequent Class A share purchases that bring your aggregate account value to $500,000 or more will also be subject to a CDSC of 0.75% if you redeem those shares
within 12 months after purchase.
|
■
|
If you purchased Class A
shares of Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund without paying a front-end sales charge because your eligible accounts aggregated $500,000 or more at the time of purchase, you will incur a CDSC of 0.50% if you redeem those shares within 12 months
after purchase. Subsequent Class A share purchases that bring your aggregate account value to $500,000 or more will also be subject to a CDSC of 0.50% if you redeem those shares within 12 months after purchase.
|
■
|
If you purchased Class A
shares of Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund on or after August 8, 2016 without paying a front-end sales charge because your eligible accounts aggregated $500,000 or more at the time of purchase, you will incur a CDSC of 0.75% if you redeem those shares
within 12 months after purchase. Subsequent Class A share purchases made on or after August 8, 2016 that bring your aggregate account value to $500,000 or more will also be subject to a CDSC of 0.75% if you redeem those shares within 12 months after
purchase. If you purchased Class A shares of Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund prior to August 8, 2016 without paying a front-end sales charge because your eligible accounts aggregated between $1 million and $50 million at the time of purchase, you
will incur a CDSC if you redeem those shares within 18 months after purchase, which is charged as follows: 1.00% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months after purchase; and 0.50% CDSC if shares are redeemed more than 12, but less than 18,
months after purchase. Subsequent Class A share purchases made prior to August 8, 2016 that bring your aggregate account value to $1 million or more (but less than $50 million) will also be subject to a CDSC if you redeem them within 18 months after
purchase as described in this paragraph.
|
Taxable Funds
■
|
If you purchased Class A
shares of any Taxable Fund without paying a front-end sales charge because your eligible accounts aggregated between $1 million and $50 million at the time of purchase, you will incur a CDSC if you redeem those shares within 18 months after
purchase, which is charged as follows: 1.00% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months after purchase; and 0.50% CDSC if shares are redeemed more than 12, but less than 18, months after purchase. Subsequent Class A share purchases that bring your
aggregate account value to $1 million or more (but less than $50 million) will also be subject to a CDSC if you redeem them within 18 months after purchase as described in the previous sentence.
|
Class A Shares — Commissions
The Distributor may pay your financial
intermediary an up-front commission when you buy Class A shares. The Distributor generally funds the commission through the applicable sales charge paid by you. For more information, see
Class A Shares —
Front-End Sales Charge
above
.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
The Distributor may also pay your financial
intermediary a cumulative commission when you buy Class A shares in amounts not subject to a front-end sales charge, according to the following schedule:
Class
A Shares of Tax-Exempt Funds — Commission Schedule (Paid by the Distributor to Financial Intermediaries)
|
Purchase
Amount
|
Commission
Level*
(as a % of net asset
value per share)
|
$500,000
– $3,999,999
|
0.75%**
|
$4
million – $19,999,999
|
0.50%
|
$20
million or more
|
0.25%
|
*
|
The commission level applies
to the applicable asset level; therefore, for example, for a purchase of $5 million, the Distributor would pay a commission of 0.75% on the first $3,999,999 and 0.50% on the balance.
|
**
|
The commission level on
purchases of Class A shares of Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund is: 0.50% on purchases of $500,000 to $19,999,999 and 0.25% on purchases of $20 million or more.
|
Class
A Shares of Taxable Funds — Commission Schedule (Paid by the Distributor to Financial Intermediaries)*
|
Purchase
Amount
|
Commission
Level**
(as a % of net asset
value per share)
|
$1
million – $2,999,999
|
1.00%
|
$3
million – $49,999,999
|
0.50%
|
$50
million or more
|
0.25%
|
*
|
Not applicable to Funds that
do not assess a front-end sales charge.
|
**
|
The commission level applies
to the applicable asset level; therefore, for example, for a purchase of $5 million, the Distributor would pay a commission of 1.00% on the first $2,999,999 and 0.50% on the balance.
|
Class B Shares — Sales Charge
The Funds no longer accept new investments in Class B shares,
except for certain limited transactions as described in more detail under
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Buying Shares — Eligible Investors — Class B Shares (Closed).
You would not have paid a front-end sales
charge when you bought Class B shares, but typically you could have paid a CDSC when you sold Class B shares. See
Class B Shares — CDSC
immediately below for more information.
Class B Shares — CDSC
Typically, unless you qualified for a waiver
(e.g., you purchased shares through reinvested Fund distributions), you would have paid a CDSC if you sold Class B shares (based on how long you held your shares, with the CDSC generally declining each year until there was no sales charge). However,
the Fund's current Class B investors, having held their shares for the requisite time period, are no longer subject to a CDSC upon redemption of their shares.
Except for Class B shares of Columbia Short Term Municipal
Bond Fund, which are not subject to a CDSC and do not convert to Class A shares, Class B shares of the other Funds automatically convert to Class A shares after eight years.
Class B Shares — Commissions
The Distributor paid an up-front commission
directly to your financial intermediary when you bought Class B shares (a portion of this commission may have been paid to your financial advisor).
This up-front commission, which varies across the Funds, was
up to 4.00% of the NAV per share of Funds with a maximum CDSC of 5.00% and of Class B shares of Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund, and up to 2.75% of the NAV per share of Funds with a maximum CDSC of 3.00%. The Distributor continues to seek to
recover this commission through annual distribution fees it receives under the Fund's distribution plan as well as from any applicable CDSC you paid when you sold your shares. For more information, see
Choosing a
Share Class — Distribution and Service Fees.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Class B Shares — Automatic Conversion to
Class A Shares
Except for Class B shares of Columbia
Short Term Municipal Bond Fund which do not convert to Class A shares, Class B shares of the Funds automatically convert to Class A shares at different times depending upon the Fund. In general, Class B shares convert to Class A shares after you
have owned the shares for eight years. For details and related information about how the Funds' Class B shares convert to Class A shares, see Appendix S to the SAI.
Class C Shares — Front-End Sales Charge
You do not pay a front-end sales charge when
you buy Class C shares, but you may pay a CDSC when you sell Class C shares. Although Class C shares do not have a front-end sales charge, over time Class C shares can incur distribution and/or service fees that are equal to or more than the
front-end sales charge and distribution and/or service fees you would pay for Class A shares. Thus, although the full amount of your purchase of Class C shares is invested in a Fund, any positive investment return on this money may be partially or
fully offset by the expected higher annual expenses of Class C shares. If you are eligible to invest in Class A shares without a front-end sales charge, you should discuss your options with your financial intermediary. For more information, see
Choosing a Share Class – Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges.
Class C Shares — CDSC
You will pay a CDSC of 1.00% if you redeem
Class C shares within 12 months of buying them unless you qualify for a waiver of the CDSC (e.g., the shares you are selling were purchased with reinvested Fund distributions). Redemptions of Class C shares are not subject to a CDSC if redeemed
after 12 months. Class C shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund are not subject to a CDSC. For more information, see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges
.
Class C Shares — Commissions
Although there is no front-end sales charge
when you buy Class C shares, the Distributor pays an up-front commission directly to your financial intermediary of up to 1.00% of the NAV per share when you buy Class C shares (except on purchases of Class C shares of Columbia Government Money
Market Fund). A portion of this commission may be paid to your financial advisor. The Distributor seeks to recover this commission through distribution fees it receives under the Fund's distribution and/or service plan and any applicable CDSC
applied when you sell your shares. For more information, see
Choosing a Share Class — Distribution and Service Fees.
Class T Shares — Front-End Sales Charge
Different financial intermediaries may offer Class T shares
with different front-end sales charge structures. This differs from other Fund share classes, which have fixed sales charge structures. As of the date of this prospectus, Class T shares are offered with only one sales charge structure, which means
that all financial intermediaries that are offering Class T shares (Class T Intermediaries) are offering the same pricing. For convenience, these Class T Intermediaries are referred to as Category One Financial Intermediaries. Financial
intermediaries may seek to offer Class T shares under a different pricing structure and, as a result, other categories of Class T Intermediaries may be added in the future.
The front-end sales charge applicable to Class T shares is a
per-transaction charge, meaning that the separate orders will not be aggregated for purposes of calculating the rate of the sales charge payable, which is different from other Fund share classes with a front-end sales charge. Unless your purchase
qualifies for a waiver, you will pay a front-end sales charge on each purchase of Class T shares based on the amount of each purchase transaction. As with all front-end sales charges, this will result in a smaller dollar amount being invested in the
Fund than the purchase price you pay. No discounts (for example, under a right of accumulation, letter of intent, or other such programs) are available for Class T shares. For information about sales charge waivers, see
Choosing a Share Class
— Reductions/Waivers — Class
T Sales Charge Waivers
below.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Class
T Shares — Front-End Sales Charge (Per Transaction)
|
Breakpoint
Schedule For:
|
Dollar
amount of
shares bought
|
Sales
charge
as a
% of the
offering
price
(a)
|
Sales
charge
as a
% of the
net
amount
invested
(a)
|
Amount
retained by
or paid to
Financial
Intermediaries
as a % of the
offering price
|
Class
T Shares
(Purchasing through a Category One Financial Intermediary)
|
$
0–$249,999
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
2.50%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
2.00%
|
$500,000–$999,999
|
1.50%
|
1.53%
|
1.50%
|
$
1,000,000 or more
|
1.00%
|
1.01%
|
1.00%
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
Because the offering price is
calculated to two decimal places, the dollar amount of the sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and your net amount invested for any particular purchase of Fund shares may be higher or lower depending on whether downward or upward
rounding was required during the calculation process. Purchase price includes the sales charge.
|
Class V Shares — Front-End Sales Charge
Unless you qualify for a waiver (e.g., you purchase shares
through reinvested Fund distributions), you will pay a front-end sales charge when you buy Class V shares, resulting in a smaller dollar amount being invested in a Fund than the purchase price you pay. For more information about sales charge waivers
(as well as sales charge reduction opportunities), see
Choosing a Share Class — Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges.
The front-end sales charge you will pay on Class V
shares:
■
|
depends on the amount you
are investing (generally, the larger the investment, the smaller the percentage sales charge), and
|
■
|
is based on the total amount
of your purchase and the value of your account (and any other accounts eligible for aggregation of which you notify your financial intermediary or, in the case of Direct-at-Fund accounts (as defined below), you notify the Fund).
|
Class
V Shares — Front-End Sales Charge — Breakpoint Schedule
|
Breakpoint
Schedule For:
|
Dollar
amount of
shares bought
(a)
|
Sales
charge
as a
% of the
offering
price
(b)
|
Sales
charge
as a
% of the
net
amount
invested
(b)
|
Amount
retained by
or paid to
Financial
Intermediaries
as a % of the
offering price
|
Equity
Funds
|
$
0–$49,999
|
5.75%
|
6.10%
|
5.00%
|
$
50,000–$99,999
|
4.50%
|
4.71%
|
3.75%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
3.50%
|
3.63%
|
2.75%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
2.00%
|
$500,000–$999,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$
1,000,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed
Income Funds
|
$
0–$49,999
|
4.75%
|
4.99%
|
4.25%
|
$
50,000–$99,999
|
4.50%
|
4.71%
|
3.75%
|
$100,000–$249,999
|
3.50%
|
3.63%
|
2.75%
|
$250,000–$499,999
|
2.50%
|
2.56%
|
2.00%
|
$500,000–$999,999
|
2.00%
|
2.04%
|
1.75%
|
$
1,000,000 or more
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
(a)
|
Purchase amounts and account
values are aggregated among all eligible Fund accounts for the purposes of this table.
|
(b)
|
Because the offering price is
calculated to two decimal places, the dollar amount of the sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and your net amount invested for any particular purchase of Fund shares may be higher or lower depending on whether downward or upward
rounding was required during the calculation process.
|
(c)
|
For more information
regarding cumulative commissions paid to your financial intermediary when you buy $1 million or more of Class V shares, see
Class
V Shares — Commissions
below.
|
Class V Shares — CDSC
In some cases, you will pay a CDSC if you sell Class V shares
that you bought without a front-end sales charge.
■
|
If you purchased Class V
shares without a front-end sales charge because your eligible accounts aggregated between $1 million and $50 million at the time of purchase, you will incur a CDSC if you redeem those shares within 18 months after purchase, which is charged as
follows: 1.00% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months after purchase, and 0.50% CDSC if shares are redeemed more than 12, but less than 18, months after purchase.
|
■
|
Subsequent Class V share
purchases that bring your aggregate account value to $1 million or more (but less than $50 million) will also be subject to a CDSC if you redeem them within the time periods noted above.
|
Class V Shares — Commissions
The Distributor may pay your financial intermediary an
up-front commission when you buy Class V shares (a portion of this commission may, in turn, be paid to your financial advisor). For more information, see
Class
V Shares —
Front-End Sales Charge.
The Distributor may also
pay your financial intermediary a cumulative commission when you buy $1 million or more of Class V shares, according to the following schedule:
Class
V Shares
—
Commission Schedule (Paid by the Distributor to Financial Intermediaries)
|
Purchase
Amount
|
Commission
Level*
(as a % of net asset
value per share)
|
$1
million – $2,999,999
|
1.00%
|
$3
million – $49,999,999
|
0.50%
|
$50
million or more
|
0.25%
|
*
|
The commission level applies
to the applicable asset level; therefore, for example, for a purchase of $5 million, the Distributor would pay a commission of 1.00% on the first $2,999,999 and 0.50% on the balance.
|
Reductions/Waivers of Sales Charges
The availability of certain sales charge
waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales
charge or CDSC waivers. In all instances, it is your responsibility to notify your financial intermediary or (for Direct-at-Fund Accounts, as defined below) the Fund at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts that may qualify you for
sales charge waivers or discounts. In order to obtain waivers and discounts not available through a particular financial intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund (if permitted) or through a different
financial intermediary.
Class A and Class V Shares
Front-End Sales Charge Reductions
There are two other
ways in which you may be able to reduce the front-end sales charge that you may pay when you buy Class A shares or Class V shares of a Fund. These types of sales charge reductions are also referred to as breakpoint discounts.
First, through the right of accumulation (ROA), you may
combine the value of eligible accounts (as described in the
Eligible Accounts
section below) maintained by you and members of your immediate family to reach a breakpoint discount level and apply a lower
front-end sales charge to your purchase. To calculate the combined value of your eligible Fund accounts in the particular class of shares, the Fund will use the current public offering price per share.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
For purposes of obtaining a breakpoint
discount through ROA, you may aggregate your and your “immediate family” members' ownership (as described in the
FUNDamentals
box below) of certain classes of shares held in certain account types,
as described in the
Eligible Accounts
section below.
Second, by making a statement of intent to purchase additional
shares (commonly referred to as a letter of intent (LOI)), you may pay a lower sales charge on all purchases of Class A shares or Class V shares made within 13 months after the date of your LOI. Your LOI must state the aggregate amount of purchases
you intend to make in that 13-month period, which must be at least enough to reach the first (or next) breakpoint of the Fund. The required form of LOI may vary by financial intermediary, so please contact them directly for more information. Five
percent of the purchase commitment amount will be placed in escrow. At the end of the 13-month period, the shares will be released from escrow, provided that you have invested the commitment amount. If you do not invest the commitment amount by the
end of the 13 months, the remaining amount of the unpaid sales charge will be redeemed from the escrowed shares and the remaining balance released from escrow. To calculate the total value of the purchases you've made under an LOI, the Fund will use
the historic cost (i.e., dollars invested and not current market value) of the shares held in each eligible account; reinvested dividends or capital gains, or purchases made through the reinstatement privilege do not count as purchases made under an
LOI. For purposes of making an LOI to purchase additional shares, you may aggregate eligible shares owned by you or your immediate family members in eligible accounts, valued as of the day immediately before the initiation of your LOI.
You must request the reduced sales charge (whether through ROA
or an LOI) when you buy shares. If you do not complete and file an LOI, or do not request the reduced sales charge at the time of purchase, you will not be eligible for the reduced sales charge. To obtain a breakpoint discount, you must notify your
financial intermediary in writing at the time you buy your shares of each eligible account maintained by you and members of your immediate family, including accounts maintained through different financial intermediaries. You and your financial
intermediary are responsible for ensuring that you receive discounts for which you are eligible. The Fund is not responsible for a financial intermediary's failure to apply the eligible discount to your account. You may be asked by your financial
intermediary (or by the Fund if you hold your account directly with the Fund) for account statements or other records to verify your discount eligibility for new and subsequent purchases, including, when applicable, records for accounts opened with
a different financial intermediary and records of accounts established by members of your immediate family.
Your “Immediate Family” and
Account Value Aggregation
For purposes of
obtaining a breakpoint discount for Class A shares or Class V shares, the value of your account will be deemed to include the value of all applicable shares in eligible Fund accounts that are held by you and your “immediate family,”
which includes your spouse, domestic partner, parent, step-parent, legal guardian, child under 21, step-child under 21, father-in-law and mother-in-law, provided that you and your immediate family members share the same mailing address. Any Fund
accounts linked together for account value aggregation purposes as of the close of business on September 3, 2010 will be permitted to remain linked together. Group retirement plan accounts are valued at the retirement plan level.
Eligible Accounts
The following accounts are eligible for
account value aggregation as described above, provided that they are invested in Class A, Class B, Class C, Class E, Class F, Class V or Class Z shares of a Fund, or non-retirement plan accounts invested in Class R4 or Class R5 shares of a Fund:
individual or joint accounts; Roth and traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs); Simplified Employee Pension accounts (SEPs), Savings Investment Match Plans for Employees of Small Employers accounts (SIMPLEs) and Tax Sheltered Custodial
Accounts (TSCAs); Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA)/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts for which you, your spouse, or your domestic partner is parent or guardian of the minor child; revocable trust accounts for which you or an
immediate family member, individually, is the beneficial owner/grantor; accounts held in the name of your, your spouse’s, or your
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
domestic partner’s sole proprietorship or single owner limited
liability company or S corporation; qualified retirement plan assets, provided that you are the sole owner of the business sponsoring the plan, are the sole participant (other than a spouse) in the plan, and have no intention of adding participants
to the plan; and investments in wrap accounts.
The following accounts are
not eligible
for account value aggregation as described above: accounts of pension and retirement plans with multiple participants, such as 401(k) plans (which are combined to reduce the sales charge for the entire
pension or retirement plan and therefore are not used to reduce the sales charge for your individual accounts); investments in 529 plans, donor advised funds, variable annuities, variable insurance products or managed separate accounts; charitable
and irrevocable trust accounts; accounts holding shares of money market funds that used the Columbia brand before May 1, 2010; accounts invested in Class K, Class R, Class T or Class Y shares of a Fund; and retirement plan accounts invested in Class
R4 or Class R5 shares of a Fund.
Additionally, direct
purchases of shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund may not be aggregated for account value aggregation purposes; however, shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund acquired by exchange from other Funds may be included in account
value aggregation.
Class A Shares Front-End Sales
Charge Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch:
The following information is provided by
Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (Merrill Lynch) and it applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Merrill Lynch (not available to Direct-at-Fund accounts, as
defined below):
Merrill Lynch makes
available breakpoint discounts on Class A shares of the Fund through:
■
|
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held
at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
|
■
|
Letters
of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable).
|
Class A and Class V Shares Front-End Sales
Charge Waivers
There are no front-end sales charges on
reinvested Fund distributions. The Distributor may waive front-end sales charges on purchases of Class A and Class V shares of the Funds by certain categories of investors, including Board members, certain employees of financial intermediaries, Fund
portfolio managers and certain retirement and employee benefit plans (see the SAI’s Appendix S for details). The Distributor may waive front-end sales charges on (i) purchases (including exchanges) of Class A shares in accounts of financial
intermediaries that have entered into agreements with the Distributor to offer Fund shares to self-directed investment brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee to customers; (ii) exchanges of Class Z shares of a Fund for Class
A shares of the Fund; and (iii) purchases of Class A shares on brokerage mutual fund-only platforms of financial intermediaries that have an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes the offering of Class A shares within such
platform. For a more complete description of categories of investors who may purchase Class A and Class V shares of the Funds at NAV, without payment of any front-end sales charge that would otherwise apply, see Appendix S to the SAI. In addition,
certain types of purchases of Class A and Class V shares may be made at NAV. For a description of these eligible transactions, see Appendix S to the SAI.
Financial Intermediary-Specific Class A Sales Charge
Waivers
In addition to front-end sales charge waivers on
Class A shares described above, financial intermediaries may make available their own (i.e., financial intermediary-specific) sales charge waivers. The following financial intermediary-specific sales charge waivers are available for Class A shares
purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through the particular financial intermediary’s platform (not available to Direct-at-Fund accounts, as defined below):
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Class A Shares Front-End Sales
Charge Waivers Available at Merrill Lynch:
The following information is provided by
Merrill Lynch:
Shareholders
purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI:
■
|
Employer-sponsored
retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the plan is a group plan (more than one participant), the shares are not held in a commission-based
brokerage account and shares are held in the name of the plan through an omnibus account
|
■
|
Shares purchased by or
through a 529 Plan
|
■
|
Shares purchased through a
Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
|
■
|
Shares purchased by third
party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
|
■
|
Shares of funds purchased
through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform
|
■
|
Shares purchased through
reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family)
|
■
|
Shares exchanged for Class C
(i.e., level-load) shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date
|
■
|
Employees and registered
representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
|
■
|
Directors or Trustees of the
Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
|
■
|
Shares
purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a
front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)
|
Class T Sales Charge Waivers
There is no front-end sales charge on (i) reinvested Fund
distributions; (ii) exchanges of Class T shares of the Fund from, at the discretion of Class T Intermediaries, another class of shares of the same Fund held in accounts of Class T Intermediaries, provided that (a) the other share class may only be
exchanged for Class T shares if your financial intermediary does not offer that other share class on the intermediary’s commission-based platform and (b), unless waived in the Distributor’s discretion, shares of the class to be exchanged
are held in a networked or omnibus account with the Fund; and (iii) purchases within fee-based accounts, provided that the Class T Intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically contemplates offering Class T shares within the
designated fee-based platform. Financial intermediary-specific waivers are also available – see Financial Intermediary-Specific Class T Sales Charge Waivers immediately below.
Financial Intermediary-Specific Class T Sales Charge
Waivers
In addition to the front-end sales charge
waivers on Class T shares described above, financial intermediaries may make available their own (i.e., financial intermediary-specific) sales charge waivers. The following financial intermediary-specific sales charge waivers are available for Class
T share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through the particular financial intermediary’s platform:
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Class T Shares Front-End Sales
Charge Waivers Available Through a Transactional Brokerage Account:
The following information is provided by
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC (Morgan Stanley Wealth Management):
■
|
Employer-sponsored
retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP
IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans; however these plans are eligible to purchase Class T shares through a transactional brokerage account.
|
■
|
Morgan Stanley Wealth
Management employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules.
|
■
|
Mutual
fund shares exchanged from an existing position in the same fund as part of a share class conversion instituted by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
|
CDSC Waivers – Class A, Class C and
Class V
You may be able to avoid an otherwise applicable
CDSC when you sell Class A, Class C or Class V shares of the Fund. This could happen because of the way in which you originally invested in the Fund, because of your relationship with the Funds or for other reasons. For example, the CDSC will be
waived on redemptions of shares in the event of the shareholder's death; that result from required minimum distributions taken from retirement accounts when the shareholder reaches age 70½; in connection with the Fund's Small Account Policy
(which is described in
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Transaction Rules and Policies
); and by certain other investors and in certain other types of transactions or situations. For a more
complete description of the available waivers of the CDSC on redemptions of Class A, Class C or Class V shares, see Appendix S to the SAI.
Financial Intermediary-Specific CDSC Waivers
In addition to the CDSC waivers described above, financial
intermediaries may make available their own (i.e., financial intermediary-specific) CDSC waivers. The following are available financial intermediary-specific CDSC waivers if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through the
particular financial intermediary’s platform (not available to Direct-at-Fund accounts, as defined below):
CDSC Waivers on Class A, B and C
Shares Available at Merrill Lynch:
The following information is provided by
Merrill Lynch:
Shareholders
purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following CDSC waivers and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI:
■
|
Shares redeemed following
the death or disability of the shareholder
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a
systematic withdrawal plan as described in this prospectus
|
■
|
Redemptions that constitute
a return of excess contributions from an IRA
|
■
|
Shares sold as part of a
required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½
|
■
|
Shares sold to pay Merrill
Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
|
■
|
There will be no CDSC
charged on the sale of Fund shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
|
■
|
The
redemption of shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to a fee based account or platform (applicable to Class A and Class C shares only)
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Repurchases (Reinstatements)
As noted in the table below, you can redeem shares of certain
classes (see Redeemed Share Class below) and use such redemption proceeds to buy shares of the Corresponding Repurchase Class without paying an otherwise applicable sales charge and/or CDSC (other than redemptions from Columbia Government Money
Market Fund unless purchased via an exchange from another Fund) within 90 days, up to the amount of the redemption proceeds.
Repurchases
(Reinstatements)
|
Redeemed
Share Class
|
Corresponding
Repurchase Class
|
Class
A
|
Class
A
|
Class
B
|
Class
A
|
Class
C
|
Class
C
|
Class
V
|
Class
V
|
Any CDSC paid upon redemption of
your Class A, Class C or Class V shares of a Fund will not be reimbursed.
To be eligible for the repurchase (or reinstatement)
privilege, the purchase must be made into an account for the same owner, but does not need to be into the same Fund from which the shares were sold. The Transfer Agent, Distributor or their agents must receive a written reinstatement request from
you or your financial intermediary within 90 days after the shares are redeemed. The purchase of the Corresponding Repurchase Class (as noted in the table above) through this repurchase (or reinstatement) privilege will be made at the NAV of such
shares next calculated after the request is received in “good form.” Systematic withdrawals and purchases are excluded from this policy.
Restrictions and Changes in Terms and Conditions
Restrictions may apply to certain accounts
and certain transactions. The Funds and/or the Distributor may change or cancel these terms and conditions at any time. Unless you provide your financial intermediary with information in writing about all of the factors that may count toward
available reductions or waivers of an applicable sales charge, there can be no assurance that you will receive all of the reductions and waivers for which you may be eligible. To the extent your Fund account is held directly with the Fund, you
should provide this information to the Fund when placing your purchase or redemption order. Please see Appendix S of the SAI for more information about sales charge waivers.
Distribution and Service Fees
The Board has approved, and the Funds have
adopted, distribution and/or shareholder service plans which set the distribution and/or service fees that are periodically deducted from the Funds’ assets. These fees are calculated daily, may vary by share class and are intended to
compensate the Distributor and/or eligible financial intermediaries for, with regard to distribution fees, selling Fund shares and, with regard to service fees, directly or indirectly providing services to shareholders. Because the fees are paid out
of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment over time.
The table below shows the maximum annual distribution and/or
service fees (as an annual percentage of average daily net assets) and the combined amount of such fees applicable to each share class:
|
Distribution
Fee
|
Service
Fee
|
Combined
Total
|
Class
A
|
up
to 0.25%
|
up
to 0.25%
|
up
to 0.35%
(a)(b)(c)
|
Class
B
|
0.75%
(d)
|
0.25%
|
1.00%
(b)
|
Class
C
|
0.75%
(c)(e)
|
0.25%
|
1.00%
(b)
|
Class
K
|
None
|
None
(f)
|
None
(f)
|
Class
R (series of CFST and CFST I)
|
0.50%
|
—
(g)
|
0.50%
|
Class
R (series of CFST II)
|
up
to 0.50%
(c)
|
up
to 0.25%
|
0.50%
(g)
|
Class
R4
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
|
Distribution
Fee
|
Service
Fee
|
Combined
Total
|
Class
R5
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Class
T
|
up
to 0.25%
(c)
|
up
to 0.25%
|
0.25%
|
Class
V
|
None
|
up
to 0.50%
(h)
|
up
to 0.50%
(h)
|
Class
Y
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Class
Z
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
(a)
|
The maximum distribution and
service fees of Class A shares varies among the Funds, as shown in the table below:
|
Funds
|
Maximum
Class A
Distribution Fee
|
Maximum
Class A
Service Fee
|
Maximum
Class A
Combined Total
|
Series
of CFST
|
—
|
—
|
0.25%;
these Funds pay a
combined distribution and
service fee
|
Series
of CFST II (other than Columbia
Government Money Market Fund)
|
up
to 0.25%
|
up
to 0.25%
|
0.25%
|
Columbia
Government Money Market Fund
|
—
|
—
|
0.10%
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia Balanced Fund, Columbia Contrarian Core Fund, Columbia Disciplined Small Core Fund, Columbia Dividend Income Fund, Columbia Global Technology Growth Fund, Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund,
Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund, Columbia Real Estate Equity Fund, Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I, Columbia Total Return Bond Fund
|
up
to 0.10%
|
up
to 0.25%
|
up
to 0.35%; these Funds may
pay distribution and service fees
up to a maximum of 0.35% of their
average daily net assets
attributable to Class A shares
(comprised of up to 0.10% for
distribution services and up to
0.25%
for shareholder liaison
services) but currently limit such
fees to an aggregate fee of not
more than 0.25% for
Class A shares
|
Columbia
Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund, Columbia Alternative Beta Fund, Columbia AMT-Free Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia AMT-Free Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia AMT-Free New York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
Bond Fund, Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund, Columbia Corporate Income Fund, Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund, Columbia Emerging Markets Fund, Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity Fund, Columbia
Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund, Columbia Greater China Fund, Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund, Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund, Columbia Pacific/Asia Fund, Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund, Columbia Small Cap Value Fund I, Columbia
Strategic Income Fund, Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund, Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund
|
—
|
0.25%
|
0.25%
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund, Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund
|
—
|
0.20%
|
0.20%
|
(b)
|
The service fees for Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of certain Funds vary. The annual service fee for Class A, Class B and Class C shares of Columbia AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund and Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund may equal up to 0.20%
of the average daily NAV of all shares of such Fund class. The annual distribution fee for Class B and Class C shares for Columbia AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund shall be 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class B and Class C
shares. Fee amounts noted apply to Class B shares of the Funds other than Class B shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund, which pays distribution fees of up to 0.75% and service fees of up to 0.10% for a combined total of 0.85%. The
Distributor has currently agreed not to be reimbursed by the Fund for 0.10% of the 0.85% fee for Class B shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund. The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive the service fee for Class A, Class B and Class
C shares of Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund so that the service fee does not exceed 0.15% annually. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.
|
(c)
|
Fee amounts noted apply to
all Funds other than Columbia Government Money Market Fund, which, for each of Class A and Class T shares, pays distribution and service fees of 0.10%, and for Class C shares pays distribution fees of 0.75%. The Distributor has currently agreed not
to be reimbursed by the Fund for 0.25% of the 0.50% fee for Class R shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund. The Distributor has
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
|
voluntarily agreed to waive
the 12b-1 fees it receives from Class A, Class C, Class R and Class T shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time. Compensation paid to financial intermediaries may
be suspended to the extent of the Distributor's waiver of the 12b-1 fees on these specific share classes of these Funds.
|
(d)
|
The Distributor has
voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the distribution fee it receives from Class B shares of Columbia Short Term Bond Fund so that the distribution fee does not exceed 0.30% annually. This arrangement may be modified or terminated by the
Distributor at any time.
|
(e)
|
The Distributor has
voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the distribution fee for Class C shares of the following Funds so that the distribution fee does not exceed the specified percentage annually: 0.45% for Columbia AMT-Free Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund, Columbia AMT-Free Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia AMT-Free New York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia AMT-Free Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund and Columbia New York Tax-Exempt
Fund; 0.60% for Columbia Corporate Income Fund and Columbia Short Term Bond Fund; 0.65% for Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund and Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund; and 0.70% for Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund. These arrangements may be modified or
terminated by the Distributor at any time.
|
(f)
|
Under a plan administration
services agreement, the Funds' Class K shares pay for plan administration services. These fees for Class K shares are not paid pursuant to a 12b-1 plan. See
Class K Plan Administration Services Fee
below for
more information.
|
(g)
|
Class R shares of series of
CFST and CFST I pay a distribution fee pursuant to a distribution (Rule 12b-1) plan for Class R shares. The Funds do not have a shareholder service plan for Class R shares. Series of CFST II have a distribution and shareholder service plan for Class
R shares, which, prior to the close of business on September 3, 2010, were known as Class R2 shares. For Class R shares of series of CFST II, the maximum fee under the plan reimbursed for distribution expenses is equal on an annual basis to 0.50% of
the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class R shares. Of that amount, up to 0.25% may be reimbursed for shareholder service expenses.
|
(h)
|
The shareholder servicing
fees for Class V shares are up to 0.50% of average daily net assets attributable to Class V shares for equity Funds and 0.40% for fixed income Funds. In general, the Funds currently limit such fees to a maximum of 0.25% for equity Funds and 0.15%
for fixed-income Funds. These fees for Class V shares are not paid pursuant to a 12b-1 plan. See
Class
V Shareholder Service Fees
below for more information.
|
The distribution and/or service fees
for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R and Class T shares, as applicable, are subject to the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distributor may retain these fees otherwise payable to financial intermediaries if the amounts due are
below an amount determined by the Distributor in its sole discretion.
For Class A (with the exception noted in the next sentence),
Class B, Class R and Class T shares, the Distributor begins to pay these fees immediately after purchase. For Class A shares (if purchased as part of a purchase of shares of $1 million or more for Taxable Funds or $500,000 or more for Tax-Exempt
Funds) and for Class C shares (with the exception noted in the next sentence), the Distributor begins to pay these fees 12 months after purchase. For Class C shares, financial intermediaries may opt to decline payment of a sales commission and
instead may receive these fees immediately after purchase. For Class B shares and for the first 12 months following the sale of Class C shares, the Distributor retains the distribution fee of up to 0.75% in order to finance the payment of sales
commissions to financial intermediaries and to pay for other distribution related expenses.
Series of CFST II.
The
maximum fee
for services under
the distribution and/or shareholder servicing plan for
series
of CFST
II is the lesser of the amount of reimbursable expenses
and the
fee rates
in the table above.
If
a share
class of a
series of
CFST II has no reimbursable distribution or shareholder servicing expenses,
it will suspend the payment of any such fee.
If you maintain shares of the Fund directly with the Fund,
without working with a financial advisor or other financial intermediary, distribution and service fees may be retained by the Distributor as payment or reimbursement for incurring certain distribution and shareholder service related expenses.
Over time, these distribution and/or service fees will reduce
the return on your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The Fund will pay these fees to the Distributor and/or to eligible financial intermediaries for as long as the distribution plan and/or shareholder
servicing plans continue in effect, which is expected to be indefinitely. However, the Fund may reduce or discontinue payments at any time. Your financial intermediary may also charge you other additional fees for providing services to your account,
which may be different from those described here.
Class K Plan Administration Services Fee
Class K shares pay an annual plan administration services fee
for the provision of various administrative, recordkeeping, communication and educational services, including services such as implementation and conversion services, account set-up and maintenance, reconciliation and account recordkeeping,
education services and
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
administration to various plan types,
including 529 plans, retirement plans and health savings accounts. The fee for Class K shares is equal on an annual basis to 0.25% of average daily net assets attributable to the class. These fees for Class K shares are not paid pursuant to a 12b-1
plan. The Distributor pays these fees as applicable.
Class
V Shareholder Services Fees
The Funds that offer Class V
shares have adopted a shareholder services plan that permits them to pay for certain services provided to Class V shareholders by their financial intermediaries. Equity Funds may pay shareholder servicing fees up to an aggregate annual rate of 0.50%
of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class V shares (comprised of up to 0.25% for shareholder liaison services and up to 0.25% for administrative support services). Fixed income Funds may pay shareholder servicing fees up to an
aggregate annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class V shares (comprised of up to 0.20% for shareholder liaison services and up to 0.20% for administrative support services). These fees are currently limited to
an aggregate annual rate of not more than 0.25% for equity Funds and not more than 0.15% for fixed income Funds. The Distributor begins to pay these fees immediately after purchase for purchases up to $1 million, for purchases of $1 million or more
the Distributor will begin to pay these fees 12 months after purchase. These fees for Class V shares are not paid pursuant to a 12b-1 plan. With respect to those Funds that declare dividends on a daily basis, the shareholder servicing fee shall be
waived by the financial intermediaries to the extent necessary to prevent net investment income from falling below 0% on a daily basis. If you maintain shares of the Fund directly with the Fund, without working with a financial advisor or other
intermediary, shareholder services fees may be retained by the Distributor as payment or reimbursement for incurring certain shareholder service related expenses.
Financial Intermediary Compensation
The Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates
make payments, from their own resources, to financial intermediaries, including other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for marketing/sales support services relating to the Funds (Marketing Support Payments). Such payments are generally based upon
one or more of the following factors: average net assets of the Funds attributable to that financial intermediary; gross sales of the Funds attributable to that financial intermediary; reimbursement of ticket charges (fees that a financial
intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares); or a negotiated lump sum payment. While the financial arrangements may vary for each financial intermediary, Marketing Support Payments to any one financial
intermediary are generally between 0.05% and 0.40% on an annual basis for payments based on average net assets of the Fund attributable to the financial intermediary, and between 0.05% and 0.25% on an annual basis for firms receiving a payment based
on gross sales of the Funds attributable to the financial intermediary. The Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates may at times make payments with respect to a Fund or the Columbia Funds generally on a basis other than those
described above, or in larger amounts, when dealing with certain financial intermediaries. Such increased payments may enable such financial intermediaries to offset credits that they may provide to customers. Not all financial intermediaries
receive Marketing Support Payments. The Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates do not make Marketing Support Payments with respect to Class Y shares, although such payments are made to Bank of America Corporation with respect to
Class Y shares of Columbia Bond Fund, Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity Fund, Columbia Income Opportunities Fund, Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund, Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund, Columbia Mid Cap Value Fund, Columbia Select International
Equity Fund, Columbia Short Term Bond Fund, Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I and Columbia Small Cap Value Fund I.
In addition, the Transfer Agent has certain arrangements in
place to compensate financial intermediaries, including other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, that hold Fund shares through networked and omnibus accounts, including omnibus retirement plans, for services that they provide to beneficial Fund
shareholders (Shareholder Services). Shareholder Services and related fees vary by financial intermediary and according to distribution channel and may include sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, participant recordkeeping, shareholder or
participant reporting, shareholder or participant transaction processing, maintenance of shareholder records, preparation of account statements and provision of customer service, and are not intended to include services that are primarily intended
to result in the sale of Fund shares. Payments for Shareholder Services generally are not expected, with certain limited exceptions, to exceed 0.40% of the average aggregate value of the Fund’s shares. Generally, each Fund pays the
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Choosing a Share Class
(continued)
Transfer Agent a per account fee or a
percentage of the average aggregate value of shares per annum maintained in omnibus accounts up to the lesser of the amount charged by the financial intermediary or a channel-specific or share class-specific cap established by the Board from time to
time. Fee amounts in excess of the amount paid by the Fund are borne by the Transfer Agent, the Investment Manager and/or their affiliates. For Class Y shares, the Transfer Agent does not pay financial intermediaries for Shareholder Services, and
the Fund does not compensate the Transfer Agent for any Shareholder Services provided by financial intermediaries.
In addition to the payments described above, the Distributor,
the Investment Manager and their affiliates typically make other payments or allow promotional incentives to certain broker-dealers to the extent permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority (FINRA) rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
Amounts paid by the Distributor, the Investment Manager and
their affiliates are paid out of their own resources and do not increase the amount paid by you or the Fund. You can find further details in the SAI about the payments made by the Distributor, the Investment Manager and their affiliates, as well as
a list of the financial intermediaries, including Ameriprise Financial affiliates, to which the Distributor, the Investment Manager or their affiliates have agreed to make Marketing Support Payments and pay Shareholder Services fees.
Your financial intermediary may charge you fees and
commissions in addition to those described in this prospectus. You should consult with your financial intermediary and review carefully any disclosure your financial intermediary provides regarding its services and compensation. Depending on the
financial arrangement in place at any particular time, a financial intermediary and its financial advisors may have a financial incentive for recommending the Fund or a particular share class over others.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
Share Price Determination
The price you pay or receive when you buy, sell or exchange
shares is the Fund's next determined net asset value (or NAV) per share for a given share class. The Fund calculates the NAV per share for each class of shares of the Fund at the end of each business day, with the value of the Fund's shares based on
the total value of all of the securities and other assets that it holds as of a specified time.
NAV Calculation
Each of the Fund's share
classes calculates its NAV per share as follows:
NAV per share
=
(Value of assets of the share class) – (Liabilities of the share class)
Number of outstanding shares of the class
Business Days
A business day is any
day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. A business day typically ends at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. If the NYSE is scheduled to close early, the business day will be considered to end as
of the time of the NYSE’s scheduled close. The Fund will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading or an intraday unscheduled closing as a close of regular trading on the NYSE for these purposes and will price its shares as
of the regularly scheduled closing time for that day (typically, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the NAV of Fund shares may be determined at such other time or times (in addition to or in lieu of the time set forth above) as
the Fund’s Board may approve or ratify. On holidays and other days when the NYSE is closed, the Fund’s NAV is not calculated and the Fund does not accept buy or sell orders. However, the value of the Fund’s assets may still be
affected on such days to the extent that the Fund holds foreign securities that trade on days that foreign securities markets are open.
Equity securities are valued primarily on
the basis of market quotations reported on stock exchanges and other securities markets around the world. If an equity security is listed on a national exchange, the security is valued at the closing price or, if the closing price is not readily
available, the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Certain equity securities, debt securities and other assets are valued differently. For instance, bank loans trading in the secondary market are valued primarily on the basis of indicative
bids, fixed-income investments maturing in 60 days or less are valued primarily using the amortized cost method, unless this methodology results in a valuation that does not approximate the market value of these securities, and those maturing in
excess of 60 days are valued primarily using a market-based price obtained from a pricing service, if available. Investments in other open-end funds are valued at their published NAVs. Both market quotations and indicative bids are obtained from
outside pricing services approved and monitored pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund's Board.
If a market price is not readily available or is deemed not to
reflect market value, the Fund will determine the price of a portfolio security based on a determination of the security's fair value pursuant to a policy approved by the Fund’s Board. In addition, the Fund may use fair valuation to price
securities that trade on a foreign exchange when a significant event has occurred after the foreign exchange closes but before the time at which the Fund’s share price is calculated. Foreign exchanges typically close before the time at which
Fund share prices are calculated, and may be closed altogether on days when the Fund is open. Such significant events affecting a foreign security may include, but are not limited to: (1) corporate actions, earnings announcements, litigation or
other events impacting a single issuer; (2) governmental action that affects securities in one sector or country; (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts affecting a country or region; or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations. The
Fund uses various criteria, including an evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in determining whether a foreign security's market price is readily available and reflective of market value and, if not, the fair
value
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
of the security. To the extent the Fund has significant holdings of small cap
stocks, high-yield bonds, floating rate loans, or tax-exempt, foreign or other securities that may trade infrequently, fair valuation may be used more frequently than for other funds.
Fair valuation may have the effect of reducing stale pricing
arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares. However, when the Fund uses fair valuation to price securities, it may value those securities higher or lower than another fund would have priced the security. Also, the use of fair
valuation may cause the Fund's performance to diverge to a greater degree from the performance of various benchmarks used to compare the Fund's performance because benchmarks generally do not use fair valuation techniques. Because of the judgment
involved in fair valuation decisions, there can be no assurance that the value ascribed to a particular security is accurate. The Fund has retained one or more independent fair valuation pricing services to assist in the fair valuation process for
foreign securities.
Transaction Rules and Policies
The Fund, the Distributor or the Transfer
Agent may refuse any order to buy or exchange shares. If this happens, the Fund will return any money it received, but no interest will be paid on that money. Your financial intermediary may have rules and policies in place that are in addition to
or different than those described below.
Order
Processing
Orders to buy, sell or exchange Fund shares
are processed on business days. Depending upon the class of shares, orders can be made by mail, by telephone or online. Orders received in “good form” by the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary before the end of a business day
are priced at the NAV per share of the Fund's applicable share class on that day. Orders received after the end of a business day will receive the next business day's NAV per share. When a written order to buy, sell or exchange shares is sent to the
Transfer Agent, the share price used to fill the order is the next price calculated by the Fund after the Transfer Agent receives the order at its transaction processing center in Canton, Massachusetts, not the P.O. Box provided for regular mail
delivery. The market value of the Fund's investments may change between the time you submit your order and the time the Fund next calculates its NAV per share. The business day that applies to your order is also called the trade date.
“Good Form”
An order is in “good form” if
the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary has all of the information and documentation it deems necessary to effect your order. For example, when you sell shares, “good form” means that your request (i) has complete instructions
and written requests include the signatures of all account owners, (ii) is for an amount that is less than or equal to the shares in your account for which payment has been received and collected, (iii) has a Medallion Signature Guarantee for
amounts greater than $100,000 and certain other transactions, as described below, and (iv) includes any other required documents completed and attached. For the documents required for sales by corporations, agents, fiduciaries, surviving joint
owners and other legal entities, call 800.345.6611.
Medallion Signature Guarantees
The Transfer Agent may require a Medallion
Signature Guarantee for your signature in order to process certain transactions, including if: (i) the transaction amount is over $100,000; (ii) you want your check made payable to someone other than the registered account owner(s); (iii) the
address of record has changed within the last 30 days; (iv) you want the check mailed to an address other than the address of record; (v) you want proceeds to be sent according to existing bank account instructions not coded for outgoing Automated
Clearing House (ACH) or wire, or to a bank account not on file; or (vi) you are changing legal ownership of your account.
A Medallion Signature Guarantee helps assure that a signature
is genuine and not a forgery. A Medallion Signature Guarantee must be provided by an eligible guarantor institution including, but not limited to, the following: a bank, credit union, savings association, broker or dealer that participates in the
Securities Transfer Association Medallion Program (STAMP), the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (SEMP) or the New York Stock Exchange Medallion
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Signature Program (MSP). For other
transactions, the Transfer Agent may require a signature guarantee. Notarization by a notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantee. The Transfer Agent reserves the right to reject a signature guarantee and to request additional
documentation for any transaction.
Customer
Identification Program
Federal law requires the Fund to
obtain and record specific personal information to verify your identity when you open an account. This information may include your name, address, date of birth (for individuals) and taxpayer or other government issued identification (e.g., social
security number (SSN) or other taxpayer identification number (TIN)). If you fail to provide the requested information, the Fund may need to delay the date of your purchase or may be unable to open your account, which may result in a return of your
investment monies. In addition, if the Fund is unable to verify your identity after your account is open, the Fund reserves the right to close your account or take other steps as deemed reasonable. The Fund will not be liable for any loss resulting
from any purchase delay, application rejection or account closure due to a failure to provide proper identifying information.
Small Account Policy — Class A, Class B,
Class C, Class T, Class V and Class Z Share Accounts Below the Minimum Account Balance
The Funds generally will automatically sell your shares if the
value of your Fund account (treating each account of the Fund you own separately from any other account of the Fund you may own) falls below the applicable minimum account balance. The minimum account balance varies among Funds, share classes and
types of accounts, as follows:
Minimum
Account Balance
|
|
|
Minimum
Account
Balance
|
For
all Funds, classes and account types except those listed below
|
$250
(None for accounts with
Systematic Investment Plans)
|
Individual
Retirement Accounts for all Funds and classes except those listed below
|
None
|
Columbia
Absolute Return Currency and Income Fund
|
$5,000
|
Columbia
Floating Rate Fund and Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund
|
$2,500
|
Class
K, Class R, Class R4, Class R5 and Class Y
|
None
|
If your shares are sold, the
Transfer Agent will remit the sale proceeds to you. Any otherwise applicable CDSC will not be imposed on such an automatic sale of your shares. The Transfer Agent will send you written notification in advance of any automatic sale, which will
provide details on how you may avoid such an automatic sale. Generally, you may avoid such an automatic sale by raising your account balance to at least $250, consolidating your multiple accounts you may have with the Funds through an exchange (so
as to maintain at least $250 in each of your accounts), or setting up a Systematic Investment Plan (described below). For more information, contact the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary. The Transfer Agent's contact information
(toll-free number and mailing addresses) as well as the Funds’ website address can be found at the beginning of the section
Choosing a Share Class
.
The Fund also may sell your Fund shares if your financial
intermediary tells us to sell your shares pursuant to arrangements made with you, and under certain other circumstances allowed under the 1940 Act.
Small Account Policy — Class A, Class B, Class C, Class T,
Class V and Class Z Share Accounts Minimum Balance Fee
If the value of your Fund account (treating each account of
the Fund you own separately from any other account of the Fund you may own) falls below the minimum initial investment requirement applicable to you for any reason, including as a result of market decline, your account generally will be subject to a
$20 annual fee. This fee will be assessed through the automatic sale of Fund shares in your account. Any otherwise applicable CDSC will not be imposed on such an automatic sale of your shares. The Transfer Agent will reduce the expenses paid by the
Fund by any amounts it collects from the assessment of this fee. For Funds that do not have transfer agency expenses against which to
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
offset the amount collected through
assessment of this fee, the fee will be paid directly to the Fund. The Transfer Agent will send you written notification in advance of assessing any fee, which will provide details on how you can avoid the imposition of such fee. Generally, you may
avoid the imposition of such fee by raising your Fund account balance, consolidating your multiple accounts you may have with the Funds, or setting up a Systematic Investment Plan that invests at least monthly. For more information, contact the
Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary. You can contact the Transfer Agent by calling toll-free 800.345.6611, or by writing (regular mail) to Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., P.O. Box 8081, Boston, MA 02266-8081 or (express
mail) Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., c/o Boston Financial, 30 Dan Road, Suite 8081, Canton, MA 02021-2809. You can also visit the Funds' website at columbiathreadneedle.com/us.
The Funds reserve the right to lower the account size trigger
point for the minimum balance fee in any year or for any class of shares when we believe it is appropriate to do so in light of declines in the market value of Fund shares or for other reasons.
Exceptions to the Small Account Policy (Accounts Below Minimum
Account Balance) and Minimum Balance Fee
The automatic
sale of Fund shares of accounts under $250 and the annual minimum balance fee described above do not apply to shareholders of Class K, Class R, Class R4, Class R5 and Class Y shares; shareholders holding their shares through financial intermediary
networked accounts; wrap fee and omnibus accounts; accounts with active Systematic Investment Plans; certain qualified retirement plans; and health savings accounts. The automatic sale of Fund shares of accounts under the applicable minimum account
balance does not apply to individual retirement plans.
Small Account Policy — Financial Intermediary Networked
and Wrap Fee Accounts
The Funds may automatically
redeem, at any time, financial intermediary networked accounts and wrap fee accounts that have account balances of $20 or less or have less than one share.
Information Sharing Agreements
As required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940
Act, the Funds or certain of their service providers will enter into information sharing agreements with financial intermediaries, including participating life insurance companies and financial intermediaries that sponsor or offer retirement plans
through which shares of the Funds are made available for purchase. Pursuant to Rule 22c-2, financial intermediaries are required, upon request, to: (i) provide shareholder account and transaction information; and (ii) execute instructions from the
Fund to restrict or prohibit further purchases of Fund shares by shareholders who have been identified by the Fund as having engaged in transactions that violate the Fund's excessive trading policies and procedures.
Excessive Trading Practices Policy of Non-Money Market
Funds
Right to Reject or Restrict Share
Transaction Orders—
The Fund is intended for investors with long-term investment purposes and is not intended as a vehicle for frequent trading activity (market timing) that is excessive. Investors should
transact in Fund shares primarily for investment purposes. The Board has adopted excessive trading policies and procedures that are designed to deter excessive trading by investors (the Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures).
The Fund discourages and does not accommodate excessive trading.
The Fund reserves the right to reject, without any prior
notice, any purchase or exchange order for any reason, and will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected orders. For example, the Fund may in its sole discretion restrict or reject a purchase or exchange order even if the transaction is
not subject to the specific limitation described below if the Fund or its agents determine that accepting the order could interfere with efficient management of the Fund's portfolio or is otherwise contrary to the Fund's best interests. The
Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures apply equally to purchase or exchange transactions communicated directly to the Transfer Agent and to those received by financial intermediaries.
Specific Buying and Exchanging Limitations
— If a Fund detects that an investor has made two “material round trips” in any 28-day period, it will generally reject the investor's future purchase orders, including exchange purchase orders,
involving any Fund.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
For these purposes, a “round
trip” is a purchase or exchange into the Fund followed by a sale or exchange out of the Fund, or a sale or exchange out of the Fund followed by a purchase or exchange into the Fund. A “material” round trip is one that is deemed by
the Fund to be material in terms of its amount or its potential detrimental impact on the Fund. Independent of this limit, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reject future purchase orders by any person, group or account that appears to have
engaged in any type of excessive trading activity.
These limits generally do not apply to automated transactions
or transactions by registered investment companies in a “fund-of-funds” structure. These limits do not apply to payroll deduction contributions by retirement plan participants, transactions initiated by a retirement plan sponsor or
certain other retirement plan transactions consisting of rollover transactions, loan repayments and disbursements, and required minimum distribution redemptions. They may be modified or rescinded for accounts held by certain retirement plans to
conform to plan limits, for considerations relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or regulations of the Department of Labor, and for certain asset allocation or wrap programs. Accounts known to be under common ownership or
control generally will be counted together, but accounts maintained or managed by a common intermediary generally will not be considered to be under common ownership or control. The Fund retains the right to modify these restrictions at any time
without prior notice to shareholders. In addition, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, reinstate trading privileges that have been revoked under the Fund's Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures.
Limitations on the Ability to Detect
and Prevent Excessive Trading Practices—
The Fund takes various steps designed to detect and prevent excessive trading, including daily review of available shareholder transaction information. However, the Fund
receives buy, sell or exchange orders through financial intermediaries, and cannot always know of or reasonably detect excessive trading that may be facilitated by financial intermediaries or by the use of the omnibus account arrangements they
offer. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of mutual funds, particularly among certain financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, retirement plans and variable insurance products. These arrangements often permit
financial intermediaries to aggregate their clients' transactions and accounts, and in these circumstances, the identities of the financial intermediary clients that beneficially own Fund shares are often not known to the Fund.
Some financial intermediaries apply their own restrictions or
policies to their clients’ transactions and accounts, which may be more or less restrictive than those described here. This may impact the Fund's ability to curtail excessive trading, even where it is identified. For these and other reasons,
it is possible that excessive trading may occur despite the Fund's efforts to detect and prevent it.
Although these restrictions and policies involve judgments
that are inherently subjective and may involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund seeks to act in a manner that it believes is consistent with the best interests of Fund shareholders in making any such judgments.
Risks of Excessive Trading —
Excessive trading creates certain risks to the Fund's long-term shareholders and may create the following adverse effects:
■
|
negative impact on the
Fund's performance;
|
■
|
potential dilution of the
value of the Fund's shares;
|
■
|
interference with the
efficient management of the Fund's portfolio, such as the need to maintain undesirably large cash positions, the need to use its line of credit or the need to buy or sell securities it otherwise would not have bought or sold;
|
■
|
losses on the sale of
investments resulting from the need to sell securities at less favorable prices;
|
■
|
increased taxable gains to
the Fund's remaining shareholders resulting from the need to sell securities to meet sell orders; and
|
■
|
increased brokerage and
administrative costs.
|
To the extent
that the Fund invests significantly in foreign securities traded on markets that close before the Fund's valuation time, it may be particularly susceptible to dilution as a result of excessive trading. Because events may occur after the close of
foreign markets and before the Fund's valuation time that influence the value of foreign
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
securities, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit
from their understanding of the value of foreign securities as of the Fund's valuation time. This is often referred to as price arbitrage. The Fund has adopted procedures designed to adjust closing market prices of foreign securities under certain
circumstances to reflect what the Fund believes to be the fair value of those securities as of its valuation time. To the extent the adjustments do not work fully, investors engaging in price arbitrage may cause dilution in the value of the Fund's
shares held by other shareholders.
Similarly, to the extent that the Fund
invests significantly in thinly traded securities and other debt instruments that are rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk bonds”), equity securities of small-capitalization companies, floating
rate loans, or tax-exempt or other securities that may trade infrequently, because
these securities are often traded infrequently, investors may seek to trade
Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of these securities as of the Fund's valuation time. This is also a type of price arbitrage. Any such frequent trading strategies may interfere with efficient management of
the Fund's portfolio to a greater degree than would be the case for mutual funds that invest only, or significantly, in highly liquid securities, in part because the Fund may have difficulty selling these particular investments at advantageous times
or prices to satisfy large and/or frequent sell orders. Any successful price arbitrage may also cause dilution in the value of Fund shares held by non-redeeming shareholders. The risks of excessive trading described above also apply to any
Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.
Excessive
Trading Practices Policy of Columbia Government Money Market Fund
A money market fund is designed to offer investors a liquid
cash option that they may buy and sell as often as they wish. Accordingly, the Board has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading of Columbia Government Money Market Fund shares. However, since
frequent purchases and sales of Columbia Government Money Market Fund shares could in certain instances harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs (such as spreads paid to dealers
who trade money market instruments with Columbia Government Money Market Fund) and disrupting portfolio management strategies, Columbia Government Money Market Fund reserves the right, but has no obligation, to reject any purchase or exchange
transaction at any time. Except as expressly described in this prospectus (such as minimum purchase amounts), Columbia Government Money Market Fund has no limits on purchase or exchange transactions. In addition, Columbia Government Money Market
Fund reserves the right to impose or modify restrictions on purchases, exchanges or trading of Fund shares at any time.
Opening an Account and Placing Orders
We encourage you to consult with a financial
advisor who can help you with your investment decisions and who can help you open an account. Once you have an account, you can buy, sell or exchange shares by contacting your financial advisor who will send your order to the Transfer Agent or your
financial intermediary. As described below, once you have an account you can also communicate your orders directly to the Transfer Agent by mail, by telephone or online (except that purchases of Class T shares must be made through a Class T
Intermediary).
The Funds are generally available
directly(except for Class T shares) and through broker-dealers, banks and other financial intermediaries or institutions, and through certain qualified and non-qualified plans, wrap fee products or other investment products sponsored by financial
intermediaries. You may exchange or sell shares through your financial intermediary. If you maintain your account directly with your financial intermediary, you must contact that agent to process your transaction.
Not all financial intermediaries offer the Funds (or all classes
of Fund shares) and certain financial intermediaries that offer the Funds may not offer all Funds on all investment platforms or programs.
Please consult with your financial intermediary to determine the
availability of the Funds. If you set up an account at a financial intermediary that does not have, and is unable to obtain, a selling agreement with the Distributor, you will not be able to transfer Fund holdings to that account. In that event, you
must either maintain your Fund holdings with your current financial intermediary
or find another financial intermediary with a selling agreement.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Financial intermediaries that offer the Funds
may charge you additional fees for the services they provide and they may have different policies that are not described in this prospectus.
An investor transacting in a class of Fund shares without any front-end
sales charge, CDSC, or other asset-based fee for sales or distribution, such as a Rule 12b-1 fee, may be required to pay a commission to the broker/financial intermediary for effecting such transactions. The Funds are offered in a number of
different share classes that have different fees and expenses and other features. Some differences in the policies of different financial intermediaries may include different minimum investment amounts, exchange privileges, Fund/class choices and
cutoff times for investments. Additionally, recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to your account may be performed by the financial intermediaries through which your shares of the Fund are held. Since the Fund
(and its service providers) may not have a record of your account transactions, you should always contact the financial intermediary through which you purchased or at which you maintain your shares of the Fund to make changes to your account,
to give instructions concerning your account, or to obtain information about your account. The Fund and its service providers, including the Distributor and the Transfer Agent, are not responsible for the failure of any
financial intermediary to carry out its obligations to its customers.
The Fund may engage financial intermediaries to receive
purchase, exchange and sell orders on its behalf. Accounts established directly with the Fund will be serviced by the Transfer Agent. The Funds, the Transfer Agent and the Distributor do not provide investment advice.
Direct-At-Fund Accounts (Accounts Established Directly with the
Fund)
You can hold Fund shares through an account
established and held through the financial intermediary through which you purchased Fund shares or, with the exception of Class T shares, you or your financial intermediary may establish an account directly with the Fund, in which case you will
receive Fund account transaction confirmations and statements from the Transfer Agent, and not your financial intermediary (Direct-at-Fund Accounts).
To open a Direct-at-Fund Account, complete a Fund account
application with your financial advisor or investment professional, and mail the account application to the Transfer Agent. Account applications may be obtained at columbiathreadneedle.com/us or may be requested by calling 800.345.6611. Make your
check payable to the Fund. You will be assessed a $15 fee for any checks rejected by your financial institution due to insufficient funds or other reasons. The Funds do not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, money orders, traveler's
checks, starter checks, third or fourth party checks, or other cash equivalents.
Mail your check and completed application to the Transfer
Agent at its regular or express mail address that can be found at the beginning of the section
Choosing a Share Class
. You may also use these addresses to request an exchange or redemption of Fund shares. When
a written order to buy, sell or exchange shares is sent to the Transfer Agent, the share price used to fill the order is the next price calculated by the Fund after the Transfer Agent receives your transaction request in “good form” at
its transaction processing center in Canton, Massachusetts, not the P.O. Box provided for regular mail delivery.
You will be sent a statement confirming your purchase and any
subsequent transactions in your account. You will also be sent quarterly and annual statements detailing your transactions in the Fund and the other Funds you own under the same account number. Duplicate quarterly account statements for the current
year and duplicate annual statements for the most recent prior calendar year will be sent to you free of charge. Copies of year-end statements for prior years are available for a fee. Please contact the Transfer Agent for more information.
Written Transactions – Direct-at-Fund
Accounts
If you have a Direct-at-Fund account, you can
communicate written buy, sell or exchange orders to the Transfer Agent at its address that can be found at the beginning of the section
Choosing a Share Class
. When a written order to buy, sell or exchange
shares is sent to the Transfer Agent, the share price used to fill the order is the next price calculated by the Fund after the Transfer Agent receives your transaction request in “good form” at its transaction processing center in
Canton, Massachusetts, not the P.O. Box provided for regular mail delivery.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Include in your transaction request letter:
your name; the name of the Fund(s); your account number; the class of shares to be purchased, exchanged or sold; your SSN or other TIN; the dollar amount or number of shares you want to purchase, exchange or sell; specific instructions regarding
delivery of any redemption proceeds or exchange destination (i.e., the Fund/class to be exchanged into); signature(s) of all registered account owner(s); and any special documents the Transfer Agent may require in order to process your order.
Corporate, trust or partnership accounts may need to
send additional documents. Payment will be mailed to the address of record and made payable to the names listed on the account, unless your request specifies differently and is signed by all owners.
Telephone Transactions – Direct-at-Fund
Accounts
For Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, Class
V, Class Y and Class Z shares, if you have a Direct-at-Fund Account, you may place orders to buy, sell or exchange shares by telephone through the Transfer Agent. To place orders by telephone, call 800.422.3737. Have your account number and SSN or
TIN available when calling.
You can sell Fund shares via
the telephone and receive redemption proceeds: by electronic funds transfer or by check to the address of record, subject to a maximum of $100,000 of shares per day, per Fund account; or by wire, subject to a maximum of $3 million of shares per day,
per Fund account. You can buy up to a maximum of $100,000 of shares per day, per Fund account through your bank account as an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction via the telephone. Certain restrictions apply, so please call the Transfer Agent
at 800.422.3737 for this and other information in advance of any need to transact via telephone.
Telephone orders may not be as secure as written orders. The
Fund will take reasonable steps to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. For example, we require proof of your identification before we will act on instructions received by telephone and may record telephone conversations. However, the
Fund and its agents will not be responsible for any losses, costs or expenses resulting from an unauthorized telephone instruction when reasonable steps have been taken to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. Telephone orders may be
difficult to complete during periods of significant economic or market change or business interruption.
Online Transactions – Direct-at-Fund
Accounts
For Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, Class
V, Class Y and Class Z shares, if you have a Direct-at-Fund account, you may contact the Transfer Agent at 800.345.6611 for more information on account trading restrictions and the special sign-up procedures required for online transactions. You can
also go to www.investor.columbiathreadneedleus.com to sign up for online transactions. The Transfer Agent has procedures in place to authenticate electronic orders you send through the internet. You will be required to accept the terms of an online
agreement and to establish an online account and utilize a password in order to access online account services. You can sell a maximum of $100,000 of shares per day, per Fund account through your online account if you qualify for internet
orders.
Wire Transactions – Direct-at-Fund
Accounts
If you hold a Direct-at-Fund Account, you may
purchase or redeem Class A, Class C, Class V, Class Y and Class Z shares of a Fund or redeem Class B shares of a Fund by wiring money from (or to) your bank account to (or from) your Fund account by calling the Transfer Agent at 800.422.3737. You
must set up this feature prior to your request unless you are submitting your request in writing with a Medallion Signature Guarantee. The Transfer Agent charges a fee for shares sold by Fedwire. The Transfer Agent may waive the fee for certain
accounts. In the case of a redemption, the receiving bank may charge an additional fee. The minimum amount that can be redeemed by wire is $500. When selling Fund shares via a telephone request, the maximum amount that can be redeemed via wire
transfer is $3 million per day, per Fund account.
Electronic Funds Transfer – Direct-at-Fund Accounts
If you hold a Direct-at-Fund Account, you may purchase or
redeem Class A, Class C, Class V, Class Y and Class Z shares of a Fund or redeem Class B shares of a Fund by electronically transferring money from (or to) your bank account to (or from) your Fund account up to and including an aggregate of $100,000
of shares per day, per Fund
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
account by calling the Transfer Agent at
800.422.3737. Prior to your request, you must establish this feature with the Transfer Agent by calling 800.422.3737 to obtain the necessary forms. Your bank may take up to three business days to post an electronic funds transfer to (or from) your
Fund account.
Buying Shares
Eligible Investors
Class A Shares
Class A shares are available to the general public for
investment.
Class B Shares (Closed)
The Funds no longer accept investments from
new or existing investors in Class B shares, except that existing investors in Class B shares may purchase additional Class B shares under the following two limited circumstances (Qualifying Transactions):
■
|
Fund Class B dividend and/or
capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested in Class B shares of the Fund.
|
■
|
Shareholders invested in Class
B shares of a Fund may exchange those shares for Class B shares of other Funds offering such shares. Certain exceptions apply, including that not all Funds may permit exchanges.
|
Any initial purchase orders for the
Fund’s Class B shares will be rejected (other than through a Qualifying Transaction that is an exchange transaction).
Unless contrary instructions are received in advance by the
Fund, any purchase orders (except those submitted by a financial intermediary through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) as described in more detail below) that are orders for additional Class B shares of the Fund received from
existing investors in Class B shares, including orders made through an active systematic investment plan, will automatically be invested in Class A shares of the Fund, without regard to the minimum initial investment requirement for Class A shares,
but subject to the front-end sales charge that generally applies to Class A shares. See
Choosing a Share Class— Sales Charges and Commissions — Class A Shares — Front-End Sales Charge
for
additional information. Your financial intermediary may have different policies not described here, including a policy to reject purchase orders for a Fund’s Class B shares. Please consult your financial intermediary to understand their
policy.
Purchase orders for Class B shares that are not
a Qualifying Transaction, submitted by such shareholder's financial intermediary through the NSCC, will be rejected due to operational limitations of the NSCC. Investors should consult their financial intermediary if they wish to invest in the Fund
by purchasing a share class of the Fund other than Class B shares.
Dividend and/or capital gain distributions from Class B shares
of a Fund will not be automatically invested in Class B shares of another Fund. Unless contrary instructions are received in advance of the date of declaration, such dividend and/or capital gain distributions from Class B shares of a Fund will be
reinvested in Class B shares of the same Fund that is making the distribution.
Class C Shares
Class C shares are available to the general public for
investment.
Class K Shares (Closed)
Class K shares are closed to new investors and new accounts,
subject to certain limited exceptions described below.
Only shareholders who opened and funded a
Class K account with the Fund as of the close of business on December 31, 2010 (including accounts once funded that subsequently reached a zero balance) may continue to make additional purchases of Class K shares. Plans may continue to make
additional purchases of Fund shares and add new participants, and new plans sponsored by the same or an affiliated sponsor may invest in the Fund (and add new participants) if an initial plan so sponsored invested in the Fund as of December 31, 2010
(or had approved the
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Fund as an investment option as of December
31, 2010 and funded its initial account with the Fund prior to March 31, 2011) and holds Fund shares at the plan level. An order to purchase Class K shares received by the Fund or the Transfer Agent that does not meet these requirements will be
refused by the Fund and the Transfer Agent and any money that the Fund or the Transfer Agent received with the order will be returned to the investor or the financial intermediary, as appropriate, without interest.
Class K shares are designed for qualified employee benefit
plans, trust companies or similar institutions, charitable organizations that meet the definition in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, non-qualified deferred compensation plans whose participants are included in a qualified employee benefit plan
described above, state sponsored college savings plans established under Section 529 of the Code, and health savings accounts created pursuant to public law 108-173. Class K shares may be purchased, sold or exchanged only through the Distributor or
an authorized financial intermediary.
Class R
Shares
Class R shares are available only to
eligible health savings accounts sponsored by third party platforms, including those sponsored by Ameriprise Financial affiliates, eligible retirement plans and, in the sole discretion of the Distributor, other types of retirement accounts held
through platforms maintained by financial intermediaries approved by the Distributor. Eligible retirement plans include any retirement plan other than individual 403(b) plans. Class R shares are generally not available for investment through retail
nonretirement accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SAR-SEPs, Simple IRAs or 529 tuition programs. Contact the Transfer Agent or your retirement plan or health savings account administrator for more
information about investing in Class R shares.
Class R4 Shares
Class R4 shares are available only
to (i) omnibus retirement plans, (ii) trust companies or similar institutions, (iii) broker-dealers, banks, trust companies and similar institutions that clear Fund share transactions for their client or customer investment advisory or similar
accounts through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms that have been granted specific written authorization from the Transfer Agent with respect to Class R4 eligibility apart from selling, servicing or similar
agreements, (iv) 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, (v) 529 plans, (vi) health savings accounts, (vii) investors participating in a fee-based advisory program sponsored by a financial intermediary or other entity that is not compensated by the Fund
for those services, other than payments for shareholder servicing or sub-accounting performed in place of the Transfer Agent, and (viii) commissionable brokerage platforms where the financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customer,
charges the customer a commission for effecting transactions in Fund shares, provided that the financial intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class R4 shares within such platform.
Class R5 Shares
Class R5 shares are available only
to (i) certain registered investment advisers and family offices that clear Fund share transactions for their client or customer accounts through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms that have been granted
specific written authorization from the Transfer Agent with respect to Class R5 eligibility apart from selling, servicing or similar agreements; (ii) omnibus retirement plans; and (iii) institutional investors that are clients of the Columbia
Threadneedle Global Institutional Distribution Team that invest in Class R5 shares for their own account through platforms approved by the Distributor or an affiliate thereof to offer and/or service Class R5 shares within such platform. Prior to
November 8, 2012, Class R5 shares were closed to new investors and new accounts, subject to certain exceptions. Existing shareholders who do not satisfy the new eligibility requirements for investment in Class R5 may not establish new Class R5
accounts but may continue to make additional purchases of Class R5 shares in accounts opened and funded prior to November 8, 2012; provided, however, that investment advisory programs and similar programs that opened a Class R5 account as of May 1,
2010, and continuously hold Class R5 shares in such account after such date, may generally not only continue to make additional purchases of Class R5 shares but also open new Class R5 accounts for such pre-existing programs and add new shareholders
in the program.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Class T Shares
Class T shares are available to the general
public. Class T shares must be purchased through a Class T Intermediary (as defined above).
Class V Shares
Class V shares are available only to investors who received
(and who have continuously held) Class V shares (formerly named Class T shares, which have no relation to a Fund’s current Class T shares) in connection with the merger of certain Galaxy funds into certain Funds that were then named Liberty
funds.
Class Y Shares
Class Y shares are available to: (i) group retirement plans
that maintain plan-level or omnibus accounts with the Fund (through the Transfer Agent); (ii) institutional investors that are clients of the Columbia Threadneedle Global Institutional Distribution Team that invest in Class Y shares for their own
account through platforms approved by the Distributor or an affiliate thereof to offer and/or service Class Y shares within such platform; (iii) collective trust funds; (iv) affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds (e.g., funds operating as
funds-of-funds); (v) fee-based platforms of financial intermediaries (or the clearing intermediary that they trade through) that have an agreement with the Distributor or an affiliate thereof that specifically authorizes the financial intermediary
to offer and/or service Class Y shares within such platform, provided also that Fund shares are held in an omnibus account; (vi) commissionable brokerage platforms where the financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customer, charges
the customer a commission for effecting transactions in Fund shares, provided that the financial intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class Y shares within such platform and that Fund shares are
held in an omnibus account; and (vii) bank trust departments, subject to an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class Y shares and provided that Fund shares are held in an omnibus account. In each case above where
noted that Fund shares are required to be held in an omnibus account, the Distributor may, in its discretion, determine to waive this requirement.
Class Z Shares
Class Z shares are available only to the
categories of eligible investors described below under
Class Z Shares Minimum Initial Investments
.
Financial intermediaries that clear Fund share transactions through designated
financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms that were given specific written notice from the Transfer Agent of the termination, effective March 29, 2013, of their eligibility for new purchases of Class Z shares and omnibus
retirement plans are not permitted to establish new Class Z accounts, subject to certain exceptions described below.
Omnibus retirement plans that opened and, subject to certain
exceptions, funded a Class Z account with the Fund as of the close of business on March 28, 2013 and have continuously held Class Z shares in such account after such date (each, a grandfathered plan), may generally continue to make additional
purchases of Class Z shares, open new Class Z accounts and add new participants. In addition, an omnibus retirement plan affiliated with a grandfathered plan may, in the sole discretion of the Distributor, open new Class Z accounts in a Fund if the
affiliated plan opened a Class Z account on or before March 28, 2013. If an omnibus retirement plan invested in Class Z shares changes recordkeepers after March 28, 2013, any new accounts established for that plan may not be established in Class Z
shares, but such a plan may establish new accounts in a different share class for which the plan is eligible.
Accounts of financial intermediaries (other than omnibus
retirement plans, which are discussed above) that clear Fund share transactions for their client or customer accounts through designated financial intermediaries and their mutual fund trading platforms that received specific written notice from the
Transfer Agent of the termination, effective March 29, 2013, of their eligibility for new purchases of Class Z shares will not be permitted to establish new Class Z accounts or make additional purchases of Class Z shares (other than through
reinvestment of distributions). Any such account may, at its holder’s option, exchange Class Z shares of a Fund, without the payment of a sales charge, for Class A shares of the same Fund.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Additional Eligible Investors
In addition, the Distributor, in its sole
discretion, may accept investments in any share class from investors other than those listed in this prospectus, and may also waive certain eligibility requirements for operational and other reasons, including but not limited to any requirement to
maintain Fund shares in networked or omnibus accounts.
Minimum Initial Investments
The table below shows the Fund’s
minimum initial investment requirements, which may vary by Fund, class and type of account.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your shares if your
account falls below the Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement.
Minimum
Initial Investments
|
|
Minimum
Initial
Investment
(a)
|
Minimum
Initial Investment
for Accounts
with Systematic
Investment Plans
|
For
all Funds, classes and account types except those listed below
|
$2,000
|
$100
(b)
|
Individual
Retirement Accounts for all Funds and classes except those listed below
|
$1,000
|
$100
(c)
|
Group
retirement plans
|
None
|
N/A
|
Columbia
Absolute Return Currency and Income Fund
|
$10,000
|
$10,000
|
Columbia
Floating Rate Fund and Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund
|
$5,000
|
$5,000
|
Class
K, Class R and Class R5
|
None
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
$0,
$1,000, $2,000 or $1 million
(d)
|
$100
(d)
|
Class
R4 and Class Z
|
$0,
$1,000 or $2,000
(e)
|
$100
(e)
|
(a)
|
If your Class A, Class B,
Class C, Class V, Class R4, Class Y or Class Z shares account balance falls below the minimum initial investment amount for any reason, including a market decline, you may be asked to increase it to the minimum initial investment amount or establish
a monthly Systematic Investment Plan. If you do not do so, your account will be subject to a $20 annual low balance fee and/or shares may be automatically redeemed and the proceeds mailed to you if the account falls below the minimum account
balance. See
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Transaction Rules and Policies
above.
|
(b)
|
Columbia Government Money
Market Fund
—
$2,000
|
(c)
|
Columbia Government Money
Market Fund
—
$1,000
|
(d)
|
There is no minimum initial
investment in Class Y shares for: group retirement plans that maintain plan-level or omnibus accounts with the Fund; collective trust funds; affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds (e.g., funds operating as funds-of-funds); and fee-based platforms
of financial intermediaries (or the clearing intermediary that they trade through) that have an agreement with the Distributor or an affiliate thereof that specifically authorizes the financial intermediary to offer and/or service Class Y shares
within such platform and Fund shares are held in an omnibus account. The minimum initial investment in Class Y shares is $2,000 ($1,000 for IRAs; $100 for systematic investment plan accounts) for commissionable brokerage platforms where the
financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customer, charges the customer a commission for effecting transactions in Fund shares, provided that the financial intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically
authorizes offering Class Y shares within such platform and Fund shares are held in an omnibus account. The minimum initial investment in Class Y shares is $1 million, unless waived in the discretion of the Distributor, for the following investors:
institutional investors that are clients of the Columbia Threadneedle Global Institutional Distribution Team that invest in Class Y shares for their own account through platforms approved by the Distributor or an affiliate thereof to offer and/or
service Class Y shares within such platform; and bank trust departments, subject to an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class Y shares and provided that Fund shares are held in an omnibus account. The Distributor
may, in its discretion, waive the $1 million minimum initial investment required for these Class Y investors. In each case above where noted that Fund shares are required to be held in an omnibus account, the Distributor may, in its discretion,
determine to waive this requirement.
|
(e)
|
The minimum initial
investment in Class R4 shares is $2,000 ($1,000 for IRAs; $100 for systematic investment plan accounts) for commissionable brokerage platforms where the financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customers, charges the customer a
commission for effecting transactions in Fund shares, provided that the financial intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class R4 shares within such platform; for all other eligible Class R4 share
investors (see
Buying Shares – Eligible Investors – Class R4 Shares
above), there is no minimum initial investment. The minimum initial investment amount for Class Z shares is $0, $1,000 or $2,000
depending upon the category of eligible investor. See —
Class Z Shares Minimum Initial Investments
below. The minimum initial investment amount for systematic investment plan accounts is the same as the
amount set forth in the first two rows of the table, as applicable.
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Additional Information about Minimum Initial
Investments
The minimum initial investment requirements
may be waived for accounts that are managed by an investment professional, or for accounts held in approved discretionary or non-discretionary wrap programs. The Distributor, in its sole discretion, may also waive minimum initial investment
requirements for other account types.
Minimum
investment and related requirements may be modified at any time, with or without prior notice. If your account is closed and then re-opened with a systematic investment plan, your account must meet the then-current applicable minimum initial
investment.
Class Z Shares Minimum Initial
Investments
There is no minimum initial investment in
Class Z shares for the following categories of eligible investors:
■
|
Any health savings account
sponsored by a third party platform.
|
■
|
Any investor participating
in an account sponsored by a financial intermediary or other entity (that provides services to the account) that is paid a fee-based advisory fee by the investor and that is not compensated by the Fund for those services, other than payments for
shareholder servicing or sub-accounting performed in place of the Transfer Agent.
|
The minimum initial investment in Class Z shares for the
following categories of eligible investors is $1,000:
■
|
Individual retirement
accounts (IRAs) on commissionable brokerage platforms where the financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customer, charges the customer a commission for effecting transactions in Fund shares, provided that the financial intermediary
has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class Z shares within such platform.
|
■
|
Any current employee of
Columbia Management Investment Advisers LLC, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent and immediate family members of any of the foregoing who share the same address are eligible to invest in Class Z shares through an individual retirement account
(IRA). If you maintain your account with a financial intermediary, you must contact that financial intermediary each time you seek to purchase shares to notify them that you qualify for Class Z shares. If Class Z shares are not available at your
financial intermediary, you may consider opening a Direct-at-Fund account. It is your obligation to advise your financial intermediary or (in the case of Direct-at-Fund Accounts) the Transfer Agent that you qualify for Class Z shares; be prepared to
provide proof thereof.
|
The
minimum initial investment in Class Z shares for the following categories of eligible investors is $2,000:
■
|
Investors (except investors
in individual retirement accounts (IRAs)) on commissionable brokerage platforms where the financial intermediary, acting as broker on behalf of its customer, charges the customer a commission for effecting transactions in Fund shares provided that
the financial intermediary has an agreement with the Distributor that specifically authorizes offering Class Z shares within such platform.
|
■
|
Any current employee of
Columbia Management Investment Advisers LLC, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent and immediate family members of any of the foregoing who share the same address are eligible to invest in Class Z shares (other than individual retirement accounts
(IRAs), for which the minimum initial investment is $1,000). If you maintain your account with a financial intermediary, you must contact that financial intermediary each time you seek to purchase shares to notify them that you qualify for Class Z
shares. If Class Z shares are not available at your financial intermediary, you may consider opening a Direct-at-Fund account. It is your obligation to advise your financial intermediary or (in the case of Direct-at-Fund Accounts) the Transfer Agent
that you qualify for Class Z shares; be prepared to provide proof thereof.
|
■
|
Certain financial
institutions and intermediaries, such as insurance companies, trust companies, banks, endowments, investment companies or foundations, buying shares for their own account, including Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates and/or subsidiaries.
|
■
|
Bank trust departments that
assess their clients an asset-based fee.
|
■
|
Certain other investors as
set forth in more detail in the SAI.
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Systematic Investment Plan
The Systematic Investment Plan allows you to
schedule regular purchases via automatic transfers from your bank account to the Fund on a monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. Contact the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary to set up the plan. Systematic Investment Plans may not be
available for all share classes. With the exception of Columbia Government Money Market Fund, the Systematic Investment Plan is confirmed on your quarterly account statement.
Dividend Diversification
Generally, you may automatically invest Fund
distributions into the same class of shares (and in some cases certain other classes of shares, but not Class T shares) of another Fund without paying any applicable front-end sales charge. Call the Transfer Agent at 800.345.6611 for details. The
ability to invest distributions from one Fund to another Fund may not be available to accounts held at all financial intermediaries.
Other Purchase Rules You Should Know
■
|
Once the Transfer Agent or
your financial intermediary receives your purchase order in “good form,” your purchase will be made at the Fund’s next calculated public offering price per share, which is the NAV per share plus any sales charge that applies.
|
■
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You generally buy Class A,
Class T and Class V shares at the public offering price per share because purchases of these share classes are generally subject to a front-end sales charge.
|
■
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You buy Class C, Class K,
Class R, Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares at NAV per share because no front-end sales charge applies to purchases of these share classes.
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■
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The Distributor and the
Transfer Agent reserve the right to cancel your order if the Fund does not receive payment within three business days of receiving your purchase order. The Fund will return any payment received for orders that have been cancelled, but no interest
will be paid on that money.
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■
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Financial intermediaries are
responsible for sending your purchase orders to the Transfer Agent and ensuring that the Fund receives your money on time.
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■
|
Shares purchased are
recorded on the books of the Fund. The Fund does not issue certificates.
|
Selling Shares
When you sell shares, the amount you receive
may be more or less than the amount you invested. Your sale price will be the next NAV calculated after your request is received in “good form,” minus any applicable CDSC.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
The Systematic Withdrawal Plan allows you to
schedule regular redemptions from your account any business day on a monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. Currently, Systematic Withdrawal Plans are generally available for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R4, Class R5, Class T, Class V, Class Y
and Class Z share accounts. Contact the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary to set up the plan. To set up the plan, your account balance must meet the class minimum initial investment amount. A Systematic Withdrawal Plan cannot be set up
on an account that already has a Systematic Investment Plan established. Note that a Medallion Signature Guarantee may be required if this service is established after your Fund account is opened.
You can choose to receive your withdrawals via check or direct
deposit into your bank account. The Fund will deduct any applicable CDSC from the withdrawals before sending redemption proceeds to you. You can cancel the plan by giving the Fund 30 days’ notice in writing or by calling the Transfer Agent at
800.422.3737. It’s important to remember that if you withdraw more than your investment in the Fund is earning, you'll eventually withdraw your entire investment.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Check Redemption Service (for Columbia
Government Money Market Fund)
Class A and Class Z shares
of Columbia Government Money Market Fund (which is not offered in this prospectus) offer check writing privileges. If you have $2,000 in Columbia Government Money Market Fund, you may request checks which may be drawn against your account. The
amount of any check drawn against your Columbia Government Money Market Fund must be at least $100. You can elect this service on your initial application or thereafter. Call 800.345.6611 for the appropriate forms to establish this service. If you
own Class A shares that were originally purchased in another Fund at NAV because of the size of the purchase, and then exchanged into Columbia Government Money Market Fund, check redemptions may be subject to a CDSC. A $15 charge will be assessed
for any stop payment order requested by you or any overdraft in connection with checks written against your Columbia Government Money Market Fund account. Note that a Medallion Signature Guarantee may be required if this service is established after
your Fund account is opened.
Satisfying Fund Redemption
Requests
When you sell your Fund shares, the Fund is
effectively buying them back from you. This is called a redemption. Except as noted below with respect to newly purchased shares, the Fund typically expects to send you payment for your shares within three business days after your redemption request
is received in “good form.” The Fund can suspend redemptions and/or delay payment of redemption proceeds for up to seven days. The Fund can also suspend redemptions and/or delay payment of redemption proceeds in excess of seven days
under certain circumstances, including when the NYSE is closed or trading thereon is restricted or during emergency or other circumstances, including as determined by the SEC.
The Fund typically seeks to satisfy redemption requests from
cash or cash equivalents held by the Fund, from the proceeds of orders to purchase Fund shares or from the proceeds of sales of Fund holdings effected in the normal course of managing the Fund. However, the Fund may have to sell Fund holdings,
including in down markets, to meet heavier than usual redemption requests. For example, under stressed or abnormal market conditions or circumstances, including circumstances adversely affecting the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, the
Fund may be more likely to be forced to sell Fund holdings to meet redemptions than under normal market circumstances. In these situations, the Investment Manager may have to sell Fund holdings that it would otherwise prefer not to sell because,
among other reasons, the current price to be received is less than the portfolio manager’s perceived value of the holdings. The Fund may also, under certain circumstances (but more likely under stressed or abnormal market conditions or
circumstances), borrow money under a credit agreement to which the Fund and certain other Columbia Funds are parties. The Fund and the other Columbia Funds are limited as to the amount that each may individually and collectively borrow under the
credit agreement to meet redemption requests. As a result, borrowings available to the Fund under the credit agreement might be insufficient, alone or in combination with the other strategies described herein, to satisfy Fund redemption requests.
Please see About Fund Investments – Borrowings in the SAI for more information about the credit agreement. The Fund is also limited in the total amount it may borrow. The Fund may only borrow to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules
and regulations thereunder, and any exemptive relief available to the Fund, which currently limits the Fund to borrowing up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amounts borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings), plus an additional
5% of its total assets for temporary purposes (to be repaid within 60 days without extension or renewal), in each case determined at the time the borrowing is made.
In addition, the Fund reserves the right to honor redemption
orders wholly or partly with in-kind distributions of Fund portfolio securities instead of cash. In the event the Fund distributes portfolio securities in kind, you may incur brokerage and other transaction costs associated with converting the
portfolio securities you receive into cash. Also, the portfolio securities you receive may increase or decrease in value before you convert them into cash. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, redemptions paid in securities are generally treated
the same as redemptions paid in cash.
While the Fund is
not required (and may refuse in its discretion) to pay a redemption with an in-kind distribution of Fund portfolio securities and reserves the right to pay the redemption proceeds in cash, if you wish to request an in-kind redemption, please call
the Transfer Agent at 800.345.6611. As a result of the operational steps needed to coordinate with the redeeming shareholder’s custodian, in-kind redemptions typically take several weeks to complete
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
after a redemption request is received. The
Fund and the redeeming shareholder will typically agree upon a redemption date. Since the Fund’s NAV may fluctuate during this time, the Fund’s NAV may be lower on the agreed-upon redemption date than on an earlier date on which the
investment could have been redeemed for cash.
Redemption
of Newly Purchased Shares
You may not redeem shares for
which the Fund has not yet received payment. If you pay for shares by check or electronically by ACH and your purchase payment is not guaranteed, it may take up to 10 calendar days to clear. Only shares that have been held in your account for 10
calendar days after the trade date of the purchase will be considered to be in “good form” for redemption (Collected Shares). If you request a redemption for an amount that, based on the NAV next calculated after your redemption request
is received, includes any shares that are not yet Collected Shares, the Fund will only process the redemption up to the amount of the value of Collected Shares available in your account. You must submit a new redemption request if you wish to redeem
those shares that were not yet Collected Shares at the time the original redemption request was received by the Fund.
Other Redemption Rules You Should Know
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|
Once the Transfer Agent or
your financial intermediary receives your redemption order in “good form,” your shares will be sold at the Fund’s next calculated NAV per share. Any applicable CDSC will be deducted from the amount you're selling and the balance
will be remitted to you.
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If you sell your shares that
are held in a Direct-at-Fund Account, we will normally send the redemption proceeds by mail or electronically transfer them to your bank account within three business days after the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary receives your order
in “good form.”
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If you sell your shares
through a financial intermediary, the Funds will normally send the redemption proceeds by Fedwire within three business days after the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary receives your order in “good form.”
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No interest will be paid on
uncashed redemption checks.
|
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Other restrictions may apply
to retirement accounts. For information about these restrictions, contact your retirement plan administrator.
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For broker-dealer and wrap
fee accounts: The Fund reserves the right to redeem your shares if your account falls below the Fund's minimum initial investment requirement. The Fund will notify your broker-dealer prior to redeeming shares, and will provide details on how to
avoid such redemption.
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Also keep in mind the Funds'
Small Account Policy, which is described above in
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Transaction Rules and Policies.
|
Exchanging Shares
Except for Class T shares, which are
not exchangeable for another share class of any Fund, you can generally sell shares of your Fund to buy shares of another Fund(subject to eligibility requirements), in what is called an exchange. You should read the prospectus of, and make sure you
understand the investment objective, principal investment strategies, risks, fees and expenses of, the Fund into which you are exchanging.
Although the Funds allow certain exchanges from one share
class to another share class with higher expenses, you should consider the expenses of each class before making such an exchange.
You may be subject to a sales charge if you exchange from
Columbia Government Money Market Fund or any other Fund that does not charge a front-end sales charge into a non-money market Fund.
If you hold your Fund shares through certain financial intermediaries, you may have
limited exchangeability among the Funds.
Please contact your financial intermediary for more information.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
Systematic Exchanges
You may buy Class A, Class C, Class
V, Class Y and/or Class Z shares of a Fund by exchanging each month from another Fund for shares of the same class of the Fund at no additional cost, subject to the following exchange amount minimums: $50 each month for individual retirement
accounts (i.e., tax qualified accounts); and $100 each month for non-retirement accounts. Contact the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary to set up the plan.
Exchanges will continue as long as your balance in the Fund
you are exchanging shares from is sufficient to complete the systematic monthly exchange, subject to the Funds' Small Account Policy described above in
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Transaction Rules
and Policies.
You may terminate the program or change the amount you would like to exchange (subject to the $50 and $100 minimum requirements noted immediately above) by calling the Transfer Agent at 800.345.6611.
Other Exchange Rules You Should Know
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Exchanges are made at the
NAV next calculated (plus any applicable sales charge) after your exchange order is received in “good form.”
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■
|
Once the Fund receives your
exchange request, you cannot cancel it after the market closes.
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The rules for buying shares
of a Fund generally apply to exchanges into that Fund, including, if your exchange creates a new Fund account, it must satisfy the minimum investment amount, unless a waiver applies.
|
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|
Shares of the purchased Fund
may not be used on the same day for another exchange or sale.
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If you exchange shares from
Class A shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund to a non-money market Fund, any further exchanges must be between shares of the same class. For example, if you exchange from Class A shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund into Class
C shares of a non-money market Fund, you may not exchange from Class C shares of that non-money market Fund back to Class A shares of Columbia Government Money Market Fund or Class A shares of any other Fund.
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A sales charge may apply when
you exchange shares of a Fund that were not assessed a sales charge at the time you purchased such shares. For example, if you invest in Columbia Government Money Market Fund (or any other Fund that does not impose a front end sales charge) and then
you exchange into a non-money market Fund, your transaction is subject to a front-end sales charge if you exchange into Class A shares and to a CDSC if you exchange into Class C shares of the Funds.
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If you purchased Class A
shares of a non-money market Fund (and paid any applicable sales charge) and you then exchange those shares into Columbia Government Money Market Fund, you may exchange that amount to Class A of another Fund, including dividends earned on that
amount, without paying a sales charge.
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If your shares are subject
to a CDSC, you will not be charged a CDSC upon the exchange of those shares. Any CDSC will be deducted when you sell the shares you received from the exchange. The CDSC imposed at that time will be based on the period that begins when you bought
shares of the original Fund and ends when you sell the shares of the Fund you received from the exchange. Any applicable CDSC charged will be the CDSC of the original Fund.
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You may make exchanges only
into a Fund that is legally offered and sold in your state of residence. Contact the Transfer Agent or your financial intermediary for more information.
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You generally may make an
exchange only into a Fund that is accepting investments.
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The Fund may change or
cancel your right to make an exchange by giving the amount of notice required by regulatory authorities (generally 60 days for a material change or cancellation).
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Unless your account is part
of a tax-advantaged arrangement, an exchange for shares of another Fund is a taxable event, and you may recognize a gain or loss for tax purposes.
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Changing your investment to
a different Fund will be treated as a sale and purchase, and you will be subject to applicable taxes on the sale and sales charges on the purchase of the new Fund.
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Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares
(continued)
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Class Z shares of a Fund may
be exchanged for Class A or Class Z shares of another Fund. In certain circumstances, the front-end sales charge applicable to Class A shares may be waived on exchanges of Class Z shares for Class A shares. See
Buying, Selling and Exchanging Shares — Buying Shares — Eligible Investors — Class Z Shares
for details.
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You may generally exchange
Class V shares of a Fund for Class A shares of another Fund if the other Fund does not offer Class V shares. Class V shares exchanged into Class A shares cannot be exchanged back into Class V shares.
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Former CFIT Shareholders may
not exchange Class Y shares of a Fund into Class Y shares of another Fund.
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Same-Fund Exchange Privilege
Certain shareholders of a Fund may be or
become eligible to invest in other classes of shares of the same Fund. Upon a determination of such eligibility, such shareholders may be eligible to exchange their shares for shares of the other share class, if offered. Such exchanges include
exchanges of shares of one class for shares of another share class with higher expenses. Before making such an exchange, you should consider the expenses of each class. Investors should contact their financial intermediaries to learn more about the
details of the exchange privilege.
Ordinarily,
shareholders will not recognize a gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a same-Fund exchange. You should consult your tax advisor about your particular exchanges.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Distributions to Shareholders
A mutual fund can make money two ways:
■
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It can earn income on its
investments. Examples of fund income are interest paid on money market instruments and bonds, and dividends paid on common stocks.
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A mutual fund can also have
capital gains if the value of its investments increases. While a fund continues to hold an investment, any gain is generally unrealized. If the fund sells an investment, it generally will realize a capital gain if it sells that investment for a
higher price than its adjusted cost basis, and will generally realize a capital loss if it sells that investment for a lower price than its adjusted cost basis. Capital gains and losses are either short-term or long-term, depending on whether the
fund holds the securities for one year or less (short-term) or more than one year (long-term).
|
Mutual funds make payments of fund earnings to shareholders,
distributing them among all shareholders of the fund. As a shareholder, you are entitled to your portion of a fund's distributed income, including capital gains. Reinvesting your distributions buys you more shares of a fund
—
which lets you take advantage of the potential for compound growth. Putting the money you earn back into your investment means it, in turn, may earn even more money (or be exposed to additional losses, if
the Fund earns a negative return). Over time, the power of compounding has the potential to significantly increase the value of your investment. There is no assurance, however, that you'll earn more money if you reinvest your distributions rather
than receive them in cash.
The Fund intends to
pay out, in the form of distributions to shareholders, a sufficient amount of its income and gains so that the Fund will qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and generally will not have to pay any federal excise tax. The Fund
generally intends to distribute any net realized capital gain (whether long-term or short-term gain) at least once a year. Normally, the Fund will declare and pay distributions of net investment income according to the following schedule:
Declaration
and Distribution Schedule
|
Declarations
|
Annually
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Distributions
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Annually
|
The Fund may declare or
pay distributions of net investment income more frequently.
Different share classes of the Fund usually
pay different net investment income distribution amounts, because each class has different expenses. Each time a distribution is made, the NAV per share of the share class is reduced by the amount of the distribution.
The Fund generally pays cash distributions within five
business days after the distribution was declared (or, if the Fund declares distributions daily, within five business days after the end of the month in which the distribution was declared). If you sell all of your shares after the record date, but
before the payment date, for a distribution, you'll normally receive that distribution in cash within five business days after the sale was made.
The Fund will automatically reinvest
distributions in additional shares of the same share class of the Fund unless you inform us you want to receive your distributions in cash (the financial intermediary through which you purchased shares may have different policies). You can do this
by contacting the Funds at the addresses and telephone numbers listed at the beginning of the section entitled
Choosing a Share Class
. No sales charges apply to the purchase or sale of such shares.
For accounts held directly with the Fund (through the
Transfer Agent), distributions of $10 or less will automatically be reinvested in additional Fund shares only. If you elect to receive distributions by check and the check is returned as undeliverable, all subsequent distributions will be reinvested
in additional shares of the Fund.
Unless you are a
tax-exempt investor or holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account (such as a 401(k) plan or IRA), you should consider avoiding buying Fund shares shortly before the Fund makes a distribution (other than distributions of net investment
income that are declared daily) of net investment income or net realized capital gain, because doing so can cost you money in taxes to the extent the distribution consists of taxable income or gains. This is because you will, in effect, receive part
of your purchase price back in the distribution. This is known as
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Distributions and Taxes
(continued)
“buying a dividend.” To avoid “buying a dividend,”
before you invest check the Fund's distribution schedule, which is available at the Funds' website and/or by calling the Funds' telephone number listed at the beginning of the section entitled
Choosing a Share
Class
.
Taxes
You should be aware of the following considerations applicable
to all Funds (unless otherwise noted):
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The Fund intends to qualify
and to be eligible for treatment each year as a regulated investment company. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are distributed to shareholders. However, the
Fund's failure to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company would result in Fund-level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to you and in the NAV of your shares. Even if the Fund qualifies for
treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund may be subject to federal excise tax on certain undistributed income or gains.
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Otherwise taxable
distributions generally are taxable to you when paid, whether they are paid in cash or automatically reinvested in additional Fund shares. Dividends paid in January are deemed paid on December 31 of the prior year if the dividend was declared and
payable to shareholders of record in October, November, or December of such prior year.
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Distributions of the Fund's
ordinary income and net short-term capital gain, if any, generally are taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions of the Fund's net long-term capital gain, if any, generally are taxable to you as long-term capital gain. Whether capital gains
are long-term or short-term is determined by how long the Fund has owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your shares. The Fund expects that distributions will consist primarily of ordinary income.
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From time to time, a
distribution from the Fund could constitute a return of capital, which is not taxable to you so long as the amount of the distribution does not exceed your tax basis in your Fund shares. A return of capital reduces your tax basis in your Fund
shares, with any amounts exceeding such basis generally taxable as capital gain.
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If you are an individual and
you meet certain holding period and other requirements for your Fund shares, a portion of your distributions may be treated as “qualified dividend income” taxable at the lower net long-term capital gain rates instead of the higher
ordinary income rates. Qualified dividend income is income attributable to the Fund's dividends received from certain U.S. and foreign corporations, as long as the Fund meets certain holding period and other requirements for the stock producing such
dividends. The Fund does not expect a significant portion of Fund distributions to be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.
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Certain high-income
individuals (as well as estates and trusts) are subject to a 3.8% tax on net investment income. For individuals, the 3.8% tax applies to the lesser of (1) the amount (if any) by which the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain
threshold amounts or (2) the taxpayer's “net investment income.”
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Net investment income
generally includes for this purpose dividends, including any capital gain dividends, paid by the Fund, and net gains recognized on the sale, redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund.
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Certain derivative
instruments when held in the Fund's portfolio subject the Fund to special tax rules, the effect of which may be to, among other things, accelerate income to the Fund, defer Fund losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of Fund portfolio
securities, or convert capital gains into ordinary income, short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses or long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of
distributions to shareholders.
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Generally, a Fund realizes a
capital gain or loss on an option when the option expires, or when it is exercised, sold or otherwise terminated. However, if an option is a “section 1256 contract,” which includes most traded options on a broad-based index, and the Fund
holds such option at the end of its taxable year, the Fund is deemed to sell such option at fair market value at such time and recognize any gain or loss thereon, which is generally deemed to be 60% long-term and 40% short-term gain or loss, as
described further in the SAI.
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Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Distributions and Taxes
(continued)
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Income and proceeds received
by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign taxes. If at the end of the taxable year more than 50% of the value of the Fund's assets consists of securities of foreign corporations, and the Fund makes a special
election, you will generally be required to include in your income for U.S. federal income tax purposes your share of the qualifying foreign income taxes paid by the Fund in respect of its foreign portfolio securities. You may be able to claim a
foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of this amount, subject to certain limitations. There is no assurance that the Fund will make this election for a taxable year, even if it is eligible to do so.
For a Fund
organized as a fund of funds:
The Fund may also be eligible to make this special election, regardless of the overall share of the value of its assets that is invested in the securities of foreign corporations, if, at the close of each quarter
of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of its total assets consist of interests in underlying regulated investment companies.
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It is possible that because
most of the Fund's investments are shares of Underlying Funds, and in such a case, the tax treatment of the Fund's gains, losses, and distributions may differ from the tax treatment that would apply if either the Fund invested directly in the types
of securities held by the underlying funds or the Fund shareholders invested directly in the underlying funds. As a result, you may receive taxable distributions earlier and recognize higher amounts of capital gain or ordinary income than you
otherwise would.
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A sale, redemption or
exchange of Fund shares is a taxable event. This includes redemptions where you are paid in securities. Your sales, redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares (including those paid in securities) usually will result in a taxable capital gain or loss
to you, equal to the difference between the amount you receive for your shares (or are deemed to have received in the case of exchanges) and your adjusted tax basis in the shares, which is generally the amount you paid (or are deemed to have paid in
the case of exchanges) for them. Any such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for more than one year at the time of sale or exchange. In certain circumstances, capital losses may be
converted from short-term to long-term; in other circumstances, capital losses may be disallowed under the “wash sale” rules.
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For sales, redemptions and
exchanges of shares that were acquired in a non-qualified account after 2011, the Fund generally is required to report to shareholders and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) cost basis information with respect to those shares. The Fund uses average
cost basis as its default method of calculating cost basis. For more information regarding average cost basis reporting, other available cost basis methods, and selecting or changing to a different cost basis method, please see the SAI,
columbiathreadneedle.com/us, or contact the Fund at 800.345.6611. If you hold Fund shares through a financial intermediary (e.g., a brokerage firm), you should contact your financial intermediary to learn about its cost basis reporting default
method and the reporting elections available to your account.
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The Fund is required by
federal law to withhold tax on any taxable or tax-exempt distributions and redemption proceeds paid to you (including amounts paid to you in securities and amounts deemed to be paid to you upon an exchange of shares) if: you have not provided a
correct TIN or have not certified to the Fund that withholding does not apply, the IRS has notified us that the TIN listed on your account is incorrect according to its records, or the IRS informs the Fund that you are otherwise subject to backup
withholding.
|
Taxes
The information provided above is only a
summary of how U.S. federal income taxes may affect your investment in the Fund. It is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. It does not apply to certain types of
investors who may be subject to special rules, including foreign or tax-exempt investors or those holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA. Please see the SAI for more detailed tax information. You should
consult with your own tax advisor about the particular tax consequences to you of an investment in the Fund, including the effect of any foreign, state and local taxes, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.
[This page intentionally left blank]
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
The financial highlights table is intended
to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five fiscal years or, if shorter, the Fund’s period of operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Per share net investment
income (loss) amounts are calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. The total return in the table represents the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund assuming all dividends and
distributions had been reinvested. Total return does not reflect payment of sales charges, if any. Total return and portfolio turnover are not annualized for periods of less than one year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to
purchase and sales transactions of short-term instruments and certain derivatives, if any. If such transactions were included, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may be higher. Because Class Y shares of the Fund commenced operations after the
Fund’s fiscal year end, no financial highlights are provided for this class. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial
statements, is included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Financial Highlights
(continued)
Year
ended
|
Net
asset value,
beginning of
period
|
Net
investment
income
|
Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
|
Total
from
investment
operations
|
Distributions
from net
investment
income
|
Class
A
|
1/31/2017
|
$8.63
|
0.13
|
0.96
|
1.09
|
(0.20)
|
1/31/2016
|
$9.48
|
0.20
|
(0.83)
|
(0.63)
|
(0.22)
|
1/31/2015
(c)
|
$10.00
|
0.24
|
(0.49)
|
(0.25)
|
(0.27)
|
Class
C
|
1/31/2017
|
$8.64
|
0.07
|
0.95
|
1.02
|
(0.13)
|
1/31/2016
|
$9.48
|
0.14
|
(0.83)
|
(0.69)
|
(0.15)
|
1/31/2015
(e)
|
$10.00
|
0.18
|
(0.50)
|
(0.32)
|
(0.20)
|
Class
R4
|
1/31/2017
|
$8.63
|
0.16
|
0.97
|
1.13
|
(0.23)
|
1/31/2016
|
$9.48
|
0.22
|
(0.83)
|
(0.61)
|
(0.24)
|
1/31/2015
(f)
|
$10.00
|
0.27
|
(0.50)
|
(0.23)
|
(0.29)
|
Class
R5
|
1/31/2017
|
$8.63
|
0.16
|
0.95
|
1.11
|
(0.22)
|
1/31/2016
|
$9.47
|
0.22
|
(0.82)
|
(0.60)
|
(0.24)
|
1/31/2015
(g)
|
$10.00
|
0.26
|
(0.50)
|
(0.24)
|
(0.29)
|
Class
W
|
1/31/2017
|
$8.62
|
0.14
|
0.95
|
1.09
|
(0.20)
|
1/31/2016
|
$9.46
|
0.20
|
(0.82)
|
(0.62)
|
(0.22)
|
1/31/2015
(h)
|
$10.17
|
0.19
|
(0.66)
|
(0.47)
|
(0.24)
|
Class
Z
|
1/31/2017
|
$8.64
|
0.17
|
0.95
|
1.12
|
(0.23)
|
1/31/2016
|
$9.48
|
0.22
|
(0.82)
|
(0.60)
|
(0.24)
|
1/31/2015
(i)
|
$10.00
|
0.27
|
(0.50)
|
(0.23)
|
(0.29)
|
Notes
to Financial Highlights
|
(a)
|
In
addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense
ratios.
|
(b)
|
Total net
expenses include the impact of certain fee waivers/expense reimbursements made by the Investment Manager and certain of its affiliates, if applicable.
|
(c)
|
Class A
shares commenced operations on March 11, 2014. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.
|
(d)
|
Annualized.
|
(e)
|
Class C
shares commenced operations on March 11, 2014. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.
|
(f)
|
Class R4
shares commenced operations on March 11, 2014. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.
|
(g)
|
Class R5
shares commenced operations on March 11, 2014. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.
|
(h)
|
Class W
shares commenced operations on June 25, 2014. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.
|
(i)
|
Class Z
shares commenced operations on March 11, 2014. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Financial Highlights
(continued)
Total
distributions to
shareholders
|
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
|
Total
return
|
Total
gross
expense
ratio to
average
net assets
(a)
|
Total
net
expense
ratio to
average
net assets
(a), (b)
|
Net
investment
income
ratio to
average
net assets
|
Portfolio
turnover
|
Net
assets,
end of
period
(000's)
|
|
(0.20)
|
$9.52
|
12.75%
|
6.40%
|
0.58%
|
1.42%
|
8%
|
$78
|
(0.22)
|
$8.63
|
(6.79%)
|
2.17%
|
0.51%
|
2.27%
|
32%
|
$43
|
(0.27)
|
$9.48
|
(2.58%)
|
2.44%
(d)
|
0.55%
(d)
|
2.75%
(d)
|
17%
|
$14
|
|
(0.13)
|
$9.53
|
11.90%
|
7.15%
|
1.32%
|
0.71%
|
8%
|
$58
|
(0.15)
|
$8.64
|
(7.39%)
|
2.89%
|
1.25%
|
1.53%
|
32%
|
$37
|
(0.20)
|
$9.48
|
(3.24%)
|
3.21%
(d)
|
1.31%
(d)
|
1.99%
(d)
|
17%
|
$11
|
|
(0.23)
|
$9.53
|
13.16%
|
6.15%
|
0.31%
|
1.75%
|
8%
|
$10
|
(0.24)
|
$8.63
|
(6.56%)
|
1.91%
|
0.26%
|
2.46%
|
32%
|
$11
|
(0.29)
|
$9.48
|
(2.37%)
|
2.19%
(d)
|
0.30%
(d)
|
3.03%
(d)
|
17%
|
$9
|
|
(0.22)
|
$9.52
|
13.00%
|
6.18%
|
0.36%
|
1.66%
|
8%
|
$10
|
(0.24)
|
$8.63
|
(6.50%)
|
1.99%
|
0.31%
|
2.42%
|
32%
|
$9
|
(0.29)
|
$9.47
|
(2.42%)
|
2.24%
(d)
|
0.35%
(d)
|
2.97%
(d)
|
17%
|
$9
|
|
(0.20)
|
$9.51
|
12.78%
|
6.40%
|
0.57%
|
1.47%
|
8%
|
$9
|
(0.22)
|
$8.62
|
(6.70%)
|
2.19%
|
0.51%
|
2.22%
|
32%
|
$8
|
(0.24)
|
$9.46
|
(4.67%)
|
2.45%
(d)
|
0.55%
(d)
|
3.27%
(d)
|
17%
|
$9
|
|
(0.23)
|
$9.53
|
13.04%
|
6.15%
|
0.29%
|
1.79%
|
8%
|
$939
|
(0.24)
|
$8.64
|
(6.45%)
|
1.94%
|
0.26%
|
2.45%
|
32%
|
$4,074
|
(0.29)
|
$9.48
|
(2.37%)
|
2.20%
(d)
|
0.30%
(d)
|
3.02%
(d)
|
17%
|
$9,437
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Underlying Funds — Investment
Objectives and Strategies
The following is a brief
description of the investment objectives and principal investment strategies of certain other Columbia funds in which the Fund invests (collectively referred to as Underlying Funds in these appendices and as Funds in the descriptions below). The
Investment Manager does not necessarily invest Fund assets in each of the Underlying Funds listed below. The Investment Manager may add new Underlying Funds for investment or change Underlying Funds at any time. In addition, the principal investment
strategies of a Fund may change from time to time. Additional information regarding the Underlying Funds is available in the applicable Underlying Fund’s prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. This prospectus is not an offer for
any of the Underlying Funds. For copies of prospectuses of the Underlying Funds, which contains this and other information, call 800.345.6611 or visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund
Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide
shareholders with total return.
Under normal
circumstances, the Fund seeks to maintain substantial economic exposure to the performance of the commodities markets. The Fund invests, directly or indirectly, in a portfolio of commodity-linked investments, such as commodity-linked futures,
structured notes and/or swaps, that are designed to provide exposure to the investment return of assets that trade in the commodities markets, without investing directly in physical commodities. A substantial portion of the Fund’s net assets
will also be invested in a portfolio of fixed income securities rated investment-grade or, if unrated, deemed of comparable quality, which will consist primarily of: (i) U.S. Government securities, corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed
securities and/or asset-backed securities; and/or (ii) shares of an affiliated money market fund. In addition to investing in these holdings for their income-producing potential, these holdings will be designated by the Fund, as necessary, to serve
as collateral with respect to the Fund’s commodity-linked investments.
The Fund primarily expects to gain exposure to the commodities
markets by investing up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the Subsidiary). The Subsidiary’s commodity-linked investments are expected to produce
leveraged exposure to the performance of the commodities markets. It is expected that the gross notional value of the Fund’s (including the Subsidiary’s) commodity-linked investments will be equivalent to at least 90% of the Fund’s
net assets. Like the Fund, the Subsidiary will not invest directly in physical commodities. The Subsidiary also invests in investment-grade fixed income securities and shares of an affiliated money market fund for investment purposes or to serve as
collateral for its commodity-linked investments. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary permits it to gain exposure to the commodities markets in a potentially tax-efficient manner. The Subsidiary has the same investment objective as the Fund
and, like the Fund, is managed by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management or the Investment Manager) and subadvised by Threadneedle International Limited (Threadneedle).
The Fund may invest in derivatives,
including futures contracts (including commodity-linked futures), options contracts (including options on futures contracts), structured investments (including commodity-linked structured notes) and swaps (including commodity-linked swaps) to
maintain appropriate commodity market exposure. Actual exposures will vary over time based on factors such as market movements and assessments of market conditions by the Fund’s portfolio managers. The Fund may engage in derivative
transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges or in the “over-the-counter” (OTC) market. The Fund may from time to time emphasize one or more economic sectors in selecting its investments, including the energy and materials
sectors.
In constructing the Fund’s fixed-income
portfolio, Threadneedle seeks to identify a portfolio of investment-grade fixed income securities, generally with a dollar-weighted average portfolio duration of 1 year or less.
The Fund’s investment strategy may involve the frequent
trading of portfolio securities. Additionally, the Fund’s strategy of investing in derivative instruments and instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition, will also contribute to frequent portfolio trading and
high portfolio turnover (typically greater than 300% per year).
Columbia Corporate Income Fund
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Columbia Corporate Income Fund (the Fund) seeks total return,
consisting primarily of current income and secondarily of capital appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests
at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in debt securities issued by corporate and other non-governmental issuers, including dollar-denominated debt securities issued by foreign companies. The
Fund also invests at least 60% of total assets in securities that, at the time of purchase, are investment grade securities or in unrated securities determined to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in debt
instruments that, at the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade or are unrated but determined to be of comparable quality (commonly referred to as “high-yield” investments or “junk” bonds). Under normal
circumstances, the Fund’s average effective duration will be between three and ten years.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, including futures (such as
interest rate futures) for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued,
delayed delivery or forward commitment basis.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities
or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government obligations,
asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities.
Columbia Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Columbia Emerging Markets Bond Fund (the Fund) seeks to
provide shareholders with high total return through current income and, secondarily, through capital appreciation.
The Fund invests primarily in fixed income securities of
emerging markets issuers. For these purposes, emerging market countries are generally those either defined by World Bank-defined per capita income brackets or determined to be an emerging market based on the Fund investment team’s qualitative
judgments about a country’s level of economic and institutional development, among other factors. Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be
invested in fixed income securities of issuers that are located in emerging markets countries, or that earn 50% or more of their total revenues from goods or services produced in emerging markets countries or from sales made in emerging markets
countries. Fixed income securities may be denominated in either U.S. dollars or the local currency of the issuer. While the Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of foreign governmental and corporate entities located in
the same country, it will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in any single issuer. From time to time, the Fund may focus its investments in certain countries or geographic areas. The Fund can invest in emerging market sovereign debt
instruments of any credit quality, including those rated investment grade and below investment grade or considered to be of comparable quality (commonly referred to as “high yield” investments or “junk bonds”). Although the
emerging markets sovereign debt universe largely consists of investment grade instruments, a significant portion of that universe is rated in these lower rating categories. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in debt securities that are
rated below investment grade or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality.
The Fund may invest in debt instruments of any maturity and
does not seek to maintain a particular dollar-weighted average maturity.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, such as forward contracts
(including forward foreign currency contracts), futures (including interest rate futures) and swaps (including credit default swaps and credit default swap indexes) for hedging and investment purposes.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities
or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it can invest a
greater percentage of its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than can a diversified fund.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Columbia Floating Rate Fund
Columbia Floating Rate Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide
shareholders with a high level of current income and, as a secondary objective, preservation of capital.
Under normal market conditions, at least 80%
of the Fund’s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in floating rate loans and floating rate debt securities. These debt instruments will generally be rated non-investment grade by
recognized rating agencies (similar to “high-yield” investments or “junk bonds”) or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign investments.
The Fund normally invests in senior secured floating rate
loans. Senior floating rate loans held by the Fund will generally have final maturities of nine years or less.
The Fund may also invest in other securities, including
investment grade fixed income debt instruments, non-investment grade fixed income debt instruments, affiliated money market funds and certain money market instruments. To the extent the Fund invests in derivative instruments, the Fund may count the
value of derivative securities with floating rate loan characteristics towards its 80% policy. For purposes of the 80% policy, money market holdings with a remaining maturity of less than 60 days will be deemed floating rate assets.
Columbia Global Infrastructure Fund
Columbia Global Infrastructure Fund (the Fund) seeks to
provide shareholders with long-term growth of capital.
The Fund invests in infrastructure-related securities that
appear to be undervalued or that may be temporarily out of favor, but that the investment manager believes are entering a period of recovery (i.e., a period in which these infrastructure-related issuers have good prospects for growth or capital
appreciation). Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities (equity, fixed-income and/or other “hybrid” (convertible)
securities) of infrastructure-related issuers and/or securities intended primarily to finance infrastructure-related activities. Infrastructure-related issuers are defined as U.S. or foreign companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues or
profits from the ownership, development, construction, operation, utilization or financing of infrastructure-related assets, or have at least 50% of the fair market value of their assets invested in infrastructure-related assets. Investments in
infrastructure-related issuers may also include securities issued to finance infrastructure-related assets.
Infrastructure-related assets are the physical structures and
networks which provide necessary services to society. Examples of infrastructure-related assets include transportation assets (e.g., roads, bridges, railroads, airports, seaports, tunnels), utility assets (e.g., electric transmission and
distribution lines, power generation facilities, broadcast and wireless towers, gas and water distribution facilities, cable and satellite networks) and social assets (e.g., hospitals, schools, stadiums, courthouses). The Fund’s investments
include issuers with a direct investment in infrastructure-related companies and in issuers that operate or utilize infrastructure-related assets (e.g., airlines, automakers, and technology companies) or issuers with indirect exposure to
infrastructure-related assets (e.g., suppliers of construction materials). The Fund may also invest in securities that are intended to finance infrastructure-related activities. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of issuers
that are not infrastructure-related, including issuers that the investment manager believes may be undervalued due to their cyclical nature, market conditions, and/or changes in the economy. The Fund’s investments can include high-yield
instruments, which are investments rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality (commonly referred to as “high-yield securities” or
“junk” bonds). The Fund may invest in companies that have market capitalizations of any size.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 40% of
its net assets in issuers that maintain their principal place of business or conduct their principal business activities outside the U.S., issuers that have their securities traded on non-U.S. exchanges or issuers that have been formed under the
laws of non-U.S. countries (the 40% Global Investment Policy). The Fund considers an issuer to conduct its principal business activities outside the U.S. if it derives at least 50% of its revenue or profits from business outside the U.S. or has at
least 50% of its sales or assets outside the U.S. From time to time, the Fund may be below this 40% level and, in such circumstances, the Fund will then endeavor to invest its assets to bring the Fund’s net assets above this 40% level,
consistent with the
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
investment manager’s view of market
and other conditions and available investment opportunities. Such investments can include securities of emerging market and frontier market issuers. The Fund may from time to time emphasize one or more economic sectors in selecting its investments,
including the energy and industrials sectors.
In addition to investing in individual stocks, bonds or other
securities, the Fund may invest in publicly-traded units of master limited partnerships, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other pooled investment vehicles and investment companies.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and
other securities or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
Columbia Government Money Market Fund (formerly known as
Columbia Money Market Fund)
Columbia Government Money
Market Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with maximum current income consistent with liquidity and stability of principal.
The Fund invests at least 99.5% of its total assets in
government securities, cash and/or repurchase agreements collateralized solely by government securities or cash. For purposes of this policy, “government securities” are any securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by
the United States, or by a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an instrumentality of the Government of the United States pursuant to authority granted by the Congress of the United States, or any certificate of deposit for any of the
foregoing.
The Fund typically invests in U.S. Treasury
bills, notes and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate
instruments, and may transact in securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. The Fund invests in a portfolio of securities maturing in 397 days or less (as maturity is calculated by U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) rules governing the operation of money market funds) that will have a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less.
The securities purchased by the Fund are subject to the
quality, diversification, and other requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and other rules of the SEC. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including
the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in government securities and/or repurchase securities that are collateralized by government securities. The Fund will only purchase government securities, cash, repurchase agreements
collateralized solely by government securities or cash, and up to 0.5% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in other securities that present minimal credit risk as determined by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, the
Fund’s investment manager (the Investment Manager), pursuant to guidelines approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has determined that the Fund
will not be subject to liquidity fees and redemption gates at this time.
Columbia High Yield Bond Fund
Columbia High Yield Bond Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide
shareholders with high current income as its primary objective and, as its secondary objective, capital growth.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80%
of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in high-yield debt instruments (commonly referred to as “junk” bonds or securities). These high yield debt instruments include corporate debt securities
as well as floating rate loans rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in debt
instruments of foreign issuers.
Corporate debt instruments in which the Fund
invests are typically unsecured, with a fixed-rate of interest, and are usually issued by companies or similar entities to provide financing for their operations, or other activities.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
The Fund may invest in debt instruments of
any maturity and does not seek to maintain a particular dollar-weighted average maturity. Because the Fund emphasizes high-yield investments, more emphasis is put on credit risk by the portfolio managers in selecting investments than either maturity
or duration.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and
other securities or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
Columbia Income Opportunities Fund
Columbia Income Opportunities Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide
shareholders with a high total return through current income and capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the
Fund’s assets are invested primarily in income-producing debt securities, with an emphasis on the higher rated segment of the high-yield (junk bond) market. These income-producing debt instruments include corporate debt securities as well as
bank loans. The Fund will purchase only debt instruments rated B or above, or if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality. If a debt instrument falls below a B rating after investment by the Fund, the Fund may continue to hold the
instrument.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net
assets in foreign investments. The Fund may from time to time emphasize one or more sectors in selecting its investments.
Corporate debt instruments in which the Fund invests are
typically unsecured, with a fixed-rate of interest, and are usually issued by companies or similar entities to provide financing for their operations, or other activities.
The Fund may invest in debt instruments of any maturity and
does not seek to maintain a particular dollar-weighted average maturity. Because the Fund emphasizes high-yield investments, more emphasis is put on credit risk by the portfolio manager in selecting investments than either maturity or
duration.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and
other securities or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund (the Fund) seeks
to provide shareholders with total return that exceeds the rate of inflation over the long term.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund
invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in inflation-protected debt securities. These securities include inflation-indexed bonds of varying maturities issued by the U.S. Government and
non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities, and U.S. and non-U.S. corporations. The Fund currently intends to focus on inflation-protected debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. The Fund invests only in securities rated
investment grade at the time of purchase by a third-party rating agency or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality. Inflation-protected securities are designed to protect the future purchasing power of the money invested in them. The value
of an inflation-protected bond’s principal or the interest income paid on the bond is adjusted to track changes in an official inflation measure. For example, the U.S. Treasury uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (non-seasonally
adjusted) as the inflation measure.
Up to 20% of the Fund’s net assets may be invested in
non-inflation protected debt obligations issued by U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, as well as U.S. and foreign corporate debt obligations, mortgage- and asset-backed securities and money market instruments.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, including forward
contracts (including forward foreign currency contracts), futures (including interest rate futures), and swaps (including credit default swaps and credit default swap indexes) in seeking to manage portfolio duration and yield curve exposure and for
hedging purposes. The Fund’s use of derivatives creates leverage (market exposure in excess of the Fund’s assets) in the Fund’s portfolio.
The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued,
delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. Such securities may include mortgage-backed securities acquired or sold in the “to be announced” (TBA) market and those in a dollar roll transaction.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
The Fund’s investment strategy may involve the frequent
trading of portfolio securities.
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund (the Fund) seeks to
provide shareholders with a level of current income consistent with preservation of capital.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests
at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in corporate bonds. The Fund will primarily invest in debt securities with short- and intermediate-term maturities generally similar to those included in
the Fund’s benchmark index, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. 1-5 Year Corporate Index (the Index). The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in debt instruments that, at the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade or are unrated
but determined to be of comparable quality (commonly referred to as “high-yield” investments or “junk” bonds).
The Fund’s duration is managed to help reduce volatility
associated with changes in interest rates. Under normal conditions, the Fund will target duration to be similar to or lower than that of the Index, but will not exceed that of the Index by more than one year. As of October 31, 2016, the duration of
the Index was 2.69 years.
The Fund may invest in
privately placed and other securities or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory
restrictions.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of
its net assets in foreign investments, including emerging markets.
Columbia Mortgage Opportunities Fund
Columbia Mortgage Opportunities Fund (the Fund) seeks total
return, consisting of long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80%
of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in mortgage-related assets. Mortgage-related assets include, but are not limited to, long and short positions in mortgage-related securities that are either issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, mortgage-related securities issued by non-U.S. governments, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by
non-governmental entities, all of which may be represented by derivatives such as forward contracts, options, futures or swap agreements. Mortgage-related securities that either are issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S.
Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities include Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or Ginnie Mae) mortgage-backed bonds, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government; and Federal National
Mortgage Association (FNMA or Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or Freddie Mac) mortgage-backed bonds. FNMA and FHLMC are chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress; however, their securities are neither issued nor
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The Fund’s investments in mortgage-related securities include investments in stripped mortgage-backed securities such as interest-only (IO),
principal-only (PO) and inverse interest-only (IIO) securities. The Fund seeks to generate positive absolute total returns over complete market cycles by investing principally in mortgage-related assets as well as other types of fixed-income
securities and instruments such as asset-backed securities. A complete market cycle can be measured from market peak to peak or from market trough to trough.
The Fund may invest in debt instruments of
any maturity and does not seek to maintain either a particular dollar-weighted average maturity or a particular duration.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, such as futures (including
interest rate futures) to manage interest rate exposure, forward-settling transactions to produce incremental earnings, swaps (including credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and total return swaps) to manage credit and interest rate exposure,
options on swaps (commonly known as swaptions) to manage interest rate exposure, options on futures to hedge existing positions and IO securities to produce incremental earnings. The Fund’s use of derivatives may result in leverage (market
exposure in excess of the Fund’s assets). The Fund may hold a significant amount of cash, money market instruments (which may include investments in one or more affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or similar vehicles), other
high-quality, short-term investments, or other liquid assets to meet its segregation obligations as a result of its investments in derivatives. The Fund may also engage in short sales.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued,
delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. Such securities may include mortgage-backed securities acquired or sold in the “to be announced” (TBA) market and those in a dollar roll transaction. The Fund may also engage in repurchase
agreements.
The Fund may invest in debt instruments
that, at the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade or are unrated but determined to be of comparable quality (commonly referred to as “high-yield” investments or “junk” bonds).
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities
or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
The Fund’s investment strategy may involve the frequent
trading of portfolio securities.
The Fund is
non-diversified, which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than can a diversified fund.
Columbia Real Estate Equity Fund
Columbia Real Estate Equity Fund (the Fund) seeks capital
appreciation and above-average income by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in the stocks of companies principally engaged in the real estate industry, including
real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Under normal
circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies principally engaged in the real estate industry, including REITs. A company is
considered to be “principally engaged” in the real estate industry if at least 50% of its gross income or net profits are attributable to the ownership, construction, management or sale of residential, commercial or industrial real
estate. The Fund may invest in equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs.
The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it can invest a
greater percentage of its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than can a diversified fund.
Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund
Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund (the Fund) seeks to
provide shareholders with maximum current income consistent with liquidity and stability of principal.
The Fund’s assets primarily are
invested in money market instruments, such as marketable debt obligations issued by corporations or the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit, commercial
paper, including asset-backed commercial paper, and repurchase agreements. The Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in money market instruments issued by U.S. banks, U.S. branches of foreign banks and U.S. Government securities in the
event that such investments would be appropriate for the Fund in seeking to achieve its objective, including, for example, if the interest rate environment is such that these investments are expected to provide higher rates of return than other
money market instruments. The Fund may invest less than 25% in such investments if the interest rate environment is such that other money market instruments are expected to provide a higher rate of return. Additionally, the Fund may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign investments. The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities or instruments that are purchased and sold pursuant to Rule 144A or other exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the 1933 Act), subject to liquidity determinations and certain regulatory restrictions.
Although the Fund’s shares are priced with a floating
NAV (effective October 1, 2016), capital appreciation is not expected to play a role in the Fund’s return. The Fund’s yield generally will vary from day to day.
The Fund restricts its investments to instruments that meet
certain maturity and quality standards required by the SEC for money market funds. For example, the Fund:
■
|
Buys securities determined
to present minimal credit risk by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the Investment Manager).
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
■
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Limits its U.S.
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity to 60 days or less and its U.S. dollar-weighted average life to 120 days or less.
|
■
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Buys
obligations with remaining maturities of 397 days or less (as maturity is calculated by SEC rules governing the operation of money market funds).
|
■
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Buys only obligations that
are denominated in U.S. dollars.
|
The Fund is offered only to other Columbia Funds.
Underlying Funds — Principal Risks
The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is
directly related to its allocation among the Underlying Funds and the ability of the Underlying Funds to meet their investment objectives, as well as the investment performance of the Fund’s other investments. The following is a brief
description of certain of the principal risks associated with investment in the Underlying Funds in which the Fund may invest as part of its principal investment strategies. The Fund is subject indirectly to these risks through its investments
in the Underlying Funds, and is also subject directly to certain of these risks to the extent it invests in individual securities and other instruments, as described in
Principal Risks
above. Additional
information regarding the principal risks associated with investment in the Underlying Funds is available in the applicable Underlying Fund’s prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, which are incorporated by reference into this
prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer for any of the Underlying Funds.
The references in each case to the “Fund” within
each of the below risks descriptions in this Appendix B refers to the Underlying Fund(s) that the Fund may invest in.
Active Management Risk.
Certain Funds are actively managed by their portfolio managers. Certain other Funds are managed based primarily on quantitative methods, with the portfolio managers conducting a qualitative review of the quantitative output. In either case, the
Funds could underperform their benchmark indices and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
Changing Distribution Level Risk.
The Fund will normally receive income which may include interest, dividends and/or capital gains, depending upon its investments. The amount of the distributions the Fund pays will vary and generally depends on the
amount of income the Fund earns (less expenses) on the securities it holds, and capital gains or losses it recognizes. A decline in the Fund’s income or net capital gains from its investments will
reduce its distribution level.
Commodity
Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Regulatory Risk.
The Fund does not qualify for an exemption from registration as a “commodity pool” under rules of the Commodity Exchange Act (the CEA). Accordingly, the
Fund is a commodity pool under the CEA and the Investment Manager is registered as a “commodity pool operator” under the CEA. The Fund is subject to dual regulation by the SEC and the CFTC. Compliance with the CFTC’s regulatory
requirements could increase Fund expenses, adversely affecting the Fund’s total return.
Commodity-related Investment Risk.
The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include demand for the commodity, weather, embargoes,
tariffs, and economic health, political, international, regulatory and other developments. Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the value of the Fund’s investments to greater volatility than other types of investments.
Commodities investments may also subject the Fund to counterparty risk and liquidity risk. The Fund may invest in one or more underlying funds that make commodity-related investments through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries organized outside
the U.S. that are generally not subject to U.S. laws (including securities laws) and their protections. The Fund's investments in commodities or commodity-related investments can be limited by the Fund's intention to qualify as a regulated
investment company and can limit the Fund's ability to so qualify. If an underlying fund in which the Fund invests that itself invests directly or indirectly in commodities fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, such failure could
also cause the Fund to fail to so qualify.
Commodity-related Tax Risk.
The Fund intends to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Fund’s investments in commodities or commodity-related investments can be
limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company and can limit the Fund’s ability to so qualify.
Confidential Information Access Risk.
Portfolio managers may avoid the receipt of material, non-public information (Confidential Information) about the issuers of floating rate loans (including from the issuer itself) being considered for acquisition by the
Fund, or held in the Fund. A decision not to receive Confidential Information may disadvantage the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Convertible Securities Risk.
Convertible securities are subject to the usual risks associated with debt instruments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. Convertible securities also react to changes in the value of the common stock into which they convert, and are thus
subject to market risk. The Fund may also be forced to convert a convertible security at an inopportune time, which may decrease the Fund’s return.
Counterparty Risk.
Counterparty risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument held by the Fund or by a special purpose or structured vehicle invested in by the Fund may become insolvent or otherwise fail to perform its obligations. As a result, the
Fund may obtain no or limited recovery of its investment, and any recovery may be significantly delayed.
Credit Risk.
Credit risk is
the risk that the value of loans or other debt instruments may decline if the borrower or the issuer thereof defaults or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling, or is perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor its financial obligations, such as
making payments to the Fund when due. Rating agencies assign credit ratings to certain fixed-income securities to indicate their credit risk. Lower quality or unrated loans or securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk as compared
to higher-rated loans or securities. Non-investment grade loans or fixed-income instruments (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk”) may be subject to greater price fluctuations and are more likely to experience a default
than investment grade loans or fixed-income instruments and therefore may expose the Fund to increased credit risk. If the Fund purchases unrated loans or securities, or if the ratings of loans or securities held by the Fund are lowered after
purchase, the Fund will depend on analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual.
Derivatives Risk.
Derivatives may involve significant risks. Derivatives are financial instruments with a value in relation to, or derived from, the value of an underlying asset(s) or other reference, such as an index, rate or other
economic indicator (each an underlying reference). Derivatives may include those that are privately placed or otherwise exempt from SEC registration, including certain Rule 144A eligible securities. Derivatives could result in Fund losses if the
underlying reference does not perform as anticipated. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques, risks, and tax planning different from those associated with more traditional investment instruments.
The Fund’s derivatives strategy may not be successful and use of certain derivatives could result in substantial, potentially unlimited, losses to the Fund regardless of the Fund’s actual investment. A relatively small movement in the
price, rate or other economic indicator associated with the underlying reference may result in substantial loss for the Fund. Derivatives may be more volatile than other types of investments. The value of derivatives may be influenced by a variety
of factors, including national and international political and economic developments. Potential changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets may make derivatives more costly, may limit the market for derivatives, or may otherwise adversely
affect the value or performance of derivatives. Derivatives can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while
exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Forward Contracts Risk.
A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward
contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated and can experience lengthy periods of illiquidity, unusually high trading volume and other
negative impacts, such as political intervention, which may result in volatility or disruptions in such markets. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin
paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk,
counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Futures Contracts Risk.
A futures contract is an exchange-traded derivative transaction between two parties in which a buyer (holding the “long” position) agrees to pay a fixed price (or rate) at a specified future date for
delivery of an underlying reference from a seller (holding the “short” position). The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. Certain futures
contract markets are highly volatile, and futures contracts may be illiquid. Futures exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices by imposing a maximum permissible daily price movement. The Fund may be
disadvantaged if it is prohibited from
executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. At or prior to maturity of a futures contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in futures contract
prices. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced.
Because of the low margin deposits normally required in futures trading, it is possible that the Fund may employ a high degree of leverage in the portfolio. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in
substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. For certain types of futures contracts, losses are potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the
Fund’s NAV. Futures contracts executed (if any) on foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such
as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Options Risk.
Options are derivatives that give the purchaser the option to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying reference from or to a counterparty at a specified price (the strike price) on or before an expiration date. By
investing in options, the Fund is exposed to the risk that it may be required to buy or sell the underlying reference at a disadvantageous price on or before the expiration date. Options may involve economic leverage, which could result in greater
volatility in price movement. The Fund's losses could be significant, and are potentially unlimited for certain types of options. Options may be traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. At or prior to maturity of an options
contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in options prices. Options can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks
such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Structured Investments Risk.
Structured investments are over-the-counter derivatives that provide principal and/or interest payments based on the value of an underlying reference(s). Structured investments may lack a liquid secondary market and
their prices or value can be volatile which could result in significant losses for the Fund. Structured investments may create economic leverage which may increase the volatility of the value of the investment. Structured investments can increase
the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk,
leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Swaps Risk.
In a typical swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return earned on a specified underlying reference for a fixed return or the return from another underlying reference during a specified period of time.
Swaps may be difficult to value and may be illiquid. Swaps could result in Fund losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Swaps create significant investment leverage such that a relatively small price movement in
a swap may result in immediate and substantial losses to the Fund. The Fund may only close out a swap with its particular counterparty, and may only transfer a position with the consent of that counterparty. Certain swaps, such as short swap
transactions and total return swaps, have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Swaps can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit
risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, inflation risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Swaptions Risk.
A swaption is an options contract on a swap agreement. These transactions give a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into new swap agreements or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing
swap agreement at some designated future time on specified terms, in return for payment of the purchase price (the “premium”) of the option. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions to the same extent it may make use
of standard options on securities or other instruments. The writer of the contract receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the market value on the underlying swap agreement. Swaptions can be bundled and sold as a package.
These are commonly called interest rate caps, floors and collars.
Emerging Market Securities Risk.
Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more
likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk. In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid
changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity (i.e., lower trading volumes and less
liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners,
which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries, and some have a higher risk of currency devaluations.
Foreign Securities Risk.
Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. Foreign securities subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular
country of an issuer, including political, regulatory, economic, social, diplomatic and other conditions or events (including, for example, military confrontations, war and terrorism), occurring in the country or region, as well as risks associated
with less developed custody and settlement practices. Foreign securities may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of U.S. companies, and are subject to the risks associated with potential imposition of economic and other sanctions
against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country. In addition, foreign governments may impose withholding or other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or proceeds from the disposition of
foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. The performance of the Fund may also be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign currency's strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar,
particularly to the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Forward Commitments on Mortgage-Backed Securities (including
Dollar Rolls) Risk.
When purchasing mortgage-backed securities in the “to be announced” (TBA) market (MBS TBAs), the seller agrees to deliver mortgage-backed securities for an agreed upon price on an
agreed upon date, but may make no guarantee as to the specific securities to be delivered. In lieu of taking delivery of mortgage-backed securities, the Fund could enter into dollar rolls, which are transactions in which the Fund sells securities to
a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to purchase those or similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the
repurchase price, or that the counterparty may default on its obligations. These transactions may also increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of the security sold, the Fund will also be subject to the
risk that the investments purchased with such proceeds will decline in value (a form of leverage risk). MBS TBAs and dollar rolls are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be unable to perform in accordance
with the terms of the instrument.
Frequent
Trading Risk.
The portfolio managers may actively and frequently trade investments in the Fund's portfolio to carry out its investment strategies. Frequent trading of investments increases the possibility
that the Fund, as relevant, will realize taxable capital gains (including short-term capital gains, which are generally taxable to shareholders at higher rates than long-term capital gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes), which could reduce
the Fund's after-tax return. Frequent trading can also mean higher brokerage and other transaction costs, which could reduce the Fund's return. The trading costs and tax effects associated with portfolio turnover may adversely affect the
Fund’s performance.
Growth Securities Risk.
Growth
securities typically trade at a higher multiple of earnings than other types of equity securities. Accordingly, the market values of growth securities may never reach their expected market value and may decline in price. In addition,
growth securities, at times, may not perform as well as value securities or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.
High-Yield Investments Risk.
Securities and other debt instruments held by the Fund that are rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) and unrated debt instruments of comparable quality
expose the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund that invests solely or primarily in investment grade
debt instruments. In addition, these investments have greater price
fluctuations, are less liquid and are more likely to experience a default than higher-rated debt instruments. High-yield debt instruments are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and
repay principal.
Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk.
The loans or other debt instruments in which the Fund invests may include highly leveraged transactions whereby the borrower assumes large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to attempt to achieve
its business objectives. Loans or other debt instruments that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a greater risk (including default and bankruptcy) than other investments.
Impairment of Collateral Risk.
The value of collateral, if any, securing a loan can decline, and may be insufficient to meet the borrower’s obligations or difficult or costly to liquidate. In addition, the Fund’s access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or
other insolvency laws. Further, certain floating rate and other loans may not be fully collateralized and may decline in value.
Inflation-Protected Securities Risk.
Inflation-protected debt securities tend to react to changes in real interest rates (i.e., nominal interest rates minus the expected impact of inflation). In general, the price of such securities falls when real
interest rates rise, and rises when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on these securities will vary and may be more volatile than interest paid on ordinary bonds. In periods of deflation, the Fund may have no income at all from such
investments.
Infrastructure-Related Companies Risk.
Because the Fund concentrates its investments in infrastructure-related securities, the Fund has greater exposure to adverse economic, regulatory, political, legal, and other conditions or events affecting the issuers
of such securities. Additionally, infrastructure-related entities may be subject to regulation by various governmental authorities and may also be affected by governmental regulation of rates charged to customers, service interruption and/or legal
challenges due to environmental, operational or other conditions or events and the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards.
Interest Rate Risk.
Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates (which are currently near historic lows) rise, the values of loans and other fixed-income
instruments tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of loans and other fixed-income instruments tend to rise. Changes in the value of a fixed-income instrument usually will not affect the amount of income the Fund receives from it but
will generally affect the value of the Fund's shares. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income instrument, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate declines also may increase prepayments of
debt obligations, which, in turn, would increase prepayment risk. Similarly, a period of rising interest rates may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Actions by governments and central banking authorities can result in increases in
interest rates. Such actions may negatively affect the value of fixed-income instruments held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on the Fund's performance and NAV. Debt instruments with floating coupon rates are typically less sensitive to
interest rate changes, but these debt instruments may decline in value if their coupon rates do not rise as much as, or keep pace with, yields on such types of debt instruments. Because rates on certain floating rate loans and other debt
instruments reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV. Any interest rate increases could cause the value of the
Fund’s investments in fixed-income instruments to decrease. Rising interest rates may prompt redemptions from the Fund, which may force the Fund to sell investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so, which could result in
losses.
Investing in Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary Risk.
By investing in a Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. The Fund’s Principal Risks may also apply to a Subsidiary in which
the Fund invests (which are described in this prospectus). There can be no assurance that the investment objective of a Subsidiary will be achieved. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and any
Subsidiary in which it invests, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in this prospectus and the Fund’s SAI and could adversely affect the Fund and its
shareholders.
Issuer Risk.
An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its loans or securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor
performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on
suppliers, labor problems or shortages,
corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events, conditions or factors. The market capitalization of an issuer may also impact its risk profile. Investments in larger, more established companies may involve
certain risks associated with their larger size. For instance, larger, more established companies may be less able to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in consumer tastes or innovation from smaller competitors. Also,
larger companies are sometimes less able to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Leverage Risk.
Leverage occurs
when the Fund increases its assets available for investment using borrowings, short sales, derivatives, or similar instruments or techniques. Use of leverage can produce volatility and may exaggerate changes in the NAV of Fund shares and in the
return on the Fund’s portfolio, which may increase the risk that the Fund will lose more than it has invested. If the Fund uses leverage, through the purchase of particular instruments such as derivatives, the Fund may experience capital
losses that exceed the net assets of the Fund. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund's overall returns. Leverage presents the opportunity for increased net income and capital gains, but may also exaggerate the Fund’s
volatility and risk of loss. There can be no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.
Liquidity Risk.
Liquidity risk
is the risk associated with any event, circumstance, or characteristic of an investment or market that negatively impacts the Fund’s ability to sell, or realize the proceeds from the sale of, an investment at a desirable time or price.
Liquidity risk may arise because of, for example, a lack of marketability of the investment, which means that when seeking to sell its portfolio investments, the Fund could find that selling is more difficult than anticipated, especially during
times of high market volatility. Decreases in the number of financial institutions, including banks and broker-dealers, willing to make markets (match up sellers and buyers) in the Fund’s investments or decreases in their capacity or
willingness to trade such investments may increase the Fund’s exposure to this risk. The debt market has experienced considerable growth, and financial institutions making markets in instruments purchased and sold by the Fund (e.g., bond
dealers) have been subject to increased regulation. The impact of that growth and regulation on the ability and willingness of financial institutions to engage in trading or “making a market” in such instruments remains unsettled.
Certain types of investments, such as lower-rated securities or those that are purchased and sold in over-the-counter markets, may be especially subject to liquidity risk. Securities or other assets in which the Fund invests may be traded in the
over-the-counter market rather than on an exchange and therefore may be more difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price, which may have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a
similar instrument at the same time as the Fund could exacerbate the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk. The Fund may have to accept a lower selling price for the holding, sell other, liquid or more liquid, investments that it might otherwise
prefer to hold (thereby increasing the proportion of the Fund’s investments in less liquid or illiquid securities), or forego another more appealing investment opportunity. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased by the Fund may
later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. Changing regulatory, market or other conditions or environments (for example, the interest rate or credit environments) may also adversely affect the liquidity and the price
of the Fund's investments. Judgment plays a larger role in valuing illiquid or less liquid investments as compared to valuing liquid or more liquid investments. Price volatility may be higher for illiquid or less liquid investments as a result of,
for example, the relatively less frequent pricing of such securities (as compared to liquid or more liquid investments). Generally, the less liquid the market at the time the Fund sells a portfolio investment, the greater the risk of loss or decline
of value to the Fund. Overall market liquidity and other factors can lead to an increase in Fund redemptions, which may negatively impact Fund performance and NAV, including, for example, if the Fund is forced to sell investments in a down market.
Floating rate loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such loans, and are typically subject to extended settlement periods, each
of which gives rise to liquidity risk.
Loan Interests Risk.
Loan
interests may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. Loan interests generally are subject to restrictions on
transfer, and the Fund may be unable to sell its loan interests at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or may be able to sell them only at prices that are less than what the Fund regards as their fair market value. Accordingly, loan
interests may at times be illiquid. Loan interests may be difficult to value and typically have extended settlement periods (generally greater than 7 days). Extended settlement periods during
significant Fund redemption activity could potentially cause short-term
liquidity demands within the Fund. In seeking to meet liquidity demands, the Fund could be forced to sell investments at unfavorable prices, or borrow money or effect short settlements when possible (at a cost to the Fund), in an effort to generate
sufficient cash to pay redeeming shareholders. The Fund’s actions in this regard may not be successful. Interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged companies or transactions, such as corporate acquisitions, may be especially vulnerable
to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. Interests in secured loans have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets. There is a risk that the
value of any collateral securing a loan in which the Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the loan. In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund’s access to the collateral
may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Further, there is a risk that a court could take action with respect to a loan that is adverse to the holders of the loan, and the Fund, to enforce its rights in the event of a
default, bankruptcy or similar situation, may need to retain legal or similar counsel. This may increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect its NAV. Loans that have a lower priority for repayment in an issuer’s capital
structure may involve a higher degree of overall risk than more senior loans of the same borrower. In the event of a default, second lien secured loans will generally be paid only if the value of the collateral exceeds the amount of the
borrower’s obligations to the first lien secured lenders, and the remaining collateral may not be sufficient to cover the full amount owed on the loan in which the Fund has an interest. The Fund may acquire a participation interest in a loan
that is held by another party. When the Fund’s loan interest is a participation, the Fund may have less control over the exercise of remedies than the party selling the participation interest, and it normally would not have any direct rights
against the borrower.
Market Risk.
Market risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. An investment in the Fund could lose
money over short or long periods.
Master Limited
Partnership Risk.
Investments in securities (units) of master limited partnerships involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. Investors have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the
partnership. Investments are also subject to certain tax risks and conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of a master limited partnership.
Money Market Fund Investment Risk.
An investment in a money market fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds float their NAV while others seek to preserve
the value of investments at a stable NAV (typically, $1.00 per share). An investment in a money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable NAV per share, is not guaranteed and it is possible for the Fund to lose money by
investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent
the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts the Fund redeems from the money market fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee). These measures may result in an investment loss or prohibit the Fund
from redeeming shares when the Investment Manager would otherwise redeem shares. In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund directly bears, the Fund indirectly bears the fees and expenses of any money market funds in which it invests,
including affiliated money market funds. By investing in a Money Market Fund,
the Fund will be exposed to the investment risks of the money market fund in direct proportion to such investment. To the extent
the Fund invests in instruments such as derivatives, the Fund may hold investments, which may be significant, in money market fund shares to cover its obligations resulting from its investments in derivatives. Money market funds and the securities
they invest in are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money
market funds.
Money Market Fund Risk
(For Columbia Government Money Market Fund)
.
Although government money market funds (such as the Fund) may seek to preserve the value of shareholders’
investment at $1.00 per share, the NAVs of such money market fund shares can fall, and in infrequent cases in the past have fallen, below $1.00 per share, potentially causing shareholders who redeem their shares at such NAVs to lose money from their
original investment.
At times of (i) significant redemption
activity by shareholders, including, for example, when a single investor or a few large investors make a significant redemption of Fund shares, (ii) insufficient levels of cash in the Fund's portfolio to satisfy redemption activity, and (iii)
disruption in the normal operation of the markets in which the Fund buys and sells portfolio securities, the Fund could be forced to sell portfolio securities at unfavorable prices in order to generate sufficient cash to pay redeeming shareholders.
Sales of portfolio securities at such times could result in losses to the Fund and cause the NAV of Fund shares to fall below $1.00 per share. Additionally, in some cases, the default of a single portfolio security could cause the NAV of Fund shares
to fall below $1.00 per share. In addition, neither the Investment Manager nor any of its affiliates has a legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that they or any person will provide financial support to
the Fund at any time. The Fund may suspend redemptions or the payment of redemption proceeds when permitted by applicable regulations.
Money Market Fund Risk
(For Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund)
.
At times of (i) significant redemption activity by shareholders, including, for example, when a single investor or a
few large investors make a significant redemption of Fund shares, (ii) insufficient levels of cash in the Fund's portfolio to satisfy redemption activity, and (iii) disruption in the normal operation of the markets in which the Fund buys and sells
portfolio securities, the Fund could be forced to sell portfolio securities at unfavorable prices in order to generate sufficient cash to pay redeeming shareholders. Sales of portfolio securities at such times could result in losses to the Fund. In
addition, neither the Investment Manager nor any of its affiliates has a legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that they or any person will provide financial support to the Fund at any time. The Fund
may suspend redemptions or the payment of redemption proceeds when permitted by applicable regulations.
If, at any time, the Fund’s weekly liquid assets fall
below 30% of its total assets and the Board determines it is in the best interests of the Fund, the Fund may, as early as the same day and at any time during the day, impose a fee of up to 2% of the value of all shares redeemed and/or temporarily
suspend redemptions (sometimes referred to as imposing redemption gates) for up to 10 business days. If, at the end of any business day, the Fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of its total assets, the Fund must impose a fee, as of the
beginning of the next business day, of 1% of the value of all shares redeemed, unless the Board determines that imposing such a fee is not in the best interests of the Fund or the Board determines that a lower or higher fee (not to exceed 2% of the
value of all shares redeemed) would be in the best interests of the Fund. These determinations may affect the composition of the investment portfolio, performance and operating expenses of the Fund.
Mortgage- and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk.
The value of any mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities held by the Fund may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in: interest rates; factors concerning the interests in and
structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgages or other assets; the creditworthiness of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements; or the market's assessment of the quality
of underlying assets. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage-backed securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of a particular U.S. Government agency, authority,
enterprise or instrumentality, and some, but not all, are also insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Mortgage-backed securities issued by non-governmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage
insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may entail greater risk than obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Mortgage- and other asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the
possibility that the underlying mortgage or other asset may be refinanced or prepaid prior to maturity during periods of declining or low interest rates, causing the Fund to have to reinvest the money received in securities that have lower yields.
Rising or high interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, making their prices more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk.
The Fund is non-diversified, which generally means that it will invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund. This increases the risk that a
change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a diversified fund holding a greater number of investments. Accordingly, the Fund's value will likely be more
volatile than the value of a more diversified fund.
Preferred Stock Risk.
Preferred stock is a type of stock that generally pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights. The
price of a preferred stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which the stock trades. The most significant
risks associated with investments in preferred stock include issuer risk, market risk and interest rate risk (
i.e.
, the risk of losses attributable
to changes in interest rates).
Prepayment and
Extension Risk.
Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before
maturity and, in the case of extension risk, that the investment might not be called as expected. In the case of prepayment risk, if the investment is converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, the portfolio managers may not be able to invest
the proceeds in other investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. In the case of mortgage- or asset-backed securities, as interest rates decrease or spreads narrow, the likelihood of prepayment
increases. Conversely, extension risk is the risk that an unexpected rise in interest rates will extend the life of a mortgage- or asset-backed security beyond the prepayment time. If the Fund’s investments are locked in at a lower interest
rate for a longer period of time, the portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Real Estate-Related Investment Risk.
Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and in securities of other companies (wherever organized) principally engaged in the real estate industry subject the Fund to, among other things, risks similar to
those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general. These include risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of financing and changes in interest rates or property values.
REITs are entities that either own properties or make construction or mortgage loans, and also may include operating or finance companies. The value of interests in a REIT may be affected by, among other factors, changes in the value of the
underlying properties owned by the REIT, changes in the prospect for earnings and/or cash flow growth of the REIT itself, defaults by borrowers or tenants, market saturation, decreases in market rates for rents, and other economic, political, or
regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry, including REITs. REITs and similar non-U.S. entities depend upon specialized management skills, may have limited financial resources, may have less trading volume in their securities, and may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. REITs are also subject to the risk of failing to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Some REITs (especially
mortgage REITs) are affected by risks similar to those associated with investments in debt securities including changes in interest rates and the quality of credit extended.
Reinvestment Risk.
Reinvestment risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to reinvest income or principal at the same return it is currently earning.
Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Repurchase agreements are agreements in which the seller of a security to the Fund agrees to repurchase that security from the Fund at a mutually agreed upon price and time. Repurchase agreements carry the risk that the
counterparty may not fulfill its obligations under the agreement. This could cause the Fund's income and the value of your investment in the Fund to decline.
Rule 144A and Other Exempted Securities Risk.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities or instruments exempt from SEC registration (collectively “private placements”), subject to liquidity and other regulatory restrictions. In the
U.S. market, private placements are typically sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or qualified purchasers, as applicable. An insufficient number of buyers interested in purchasing private placements at a particular time could adversely
affect the marketability of such investments and the Fund might be unable to dispose of them promptly or at reasonable prices, subjecting the Fund to liquidity risk. The Fund may invest in private placements determined to be liquid as well as those
determined to be illiquid. Even if determined to be liquid, the Fund’s holdings of private placements may increase the level of Fund illiquidity if eligible buyers are unable or unwilling to purchase them at a particular time. Issuers of Rule
144A eligible securities are required to furnish information to potential investors upon request. However, the required disclosure is much less extensive than that
required of public companies and is not
publicly available since the offering is not filed with the SEC. Further, issuers of Rule 144A eligible securities can require recipients of the offering information (such as the Fund) to agree contractually to keep the information confidential,
which could also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to dispose of the security.
Sector Risk.
At times, the
Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within a sector. Companies in the same sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory,
political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that sector than funds that invest more broadly. Generally, the more , the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of
loss and volatility.
Energy Sector.
The Fund may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in the energy sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the energy sector are
subject to certain risks, including legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions and increased competition. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, among others, fluctuations in energy prices and supply
and demand of energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, local and international politics, and events occurring in nature. For instance, natural events (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or fires in prime natural resources
areas) and political events (such as government instability or military confrontations) can affect the value of companies involved in business activities in the energy sector. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general
civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The energy sector may also be affected by economic cycles, rising interest rates, high inflation, technical progress, labor relations, legislative
or regulatory changes, local and international politics, and adverse market conditions.
Industrials Sector.
The Fund
may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in the industrials sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the industrials sector are subject to certain risks,
including changes in supply and demand for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general, including decline in demand for such products due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction.
Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including government regulation, world events and economic conditions and risks for environmental damage and product liability claims.
Materials Sector.
The Fund
may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in the materials sector than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the materials sector are subject to certain risks,
including that many materials companies are significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, exchange rates, import controls, increased competition, environmental policies, consumer demand, and events occurring in nature. For
instance, natural events (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as government instability or military confrontations) can affect the value of companies involved in business activities in
the materials sector. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, among others, that at times worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to
poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The materials sector may also be
affected by economic cycles, rising interest rates, high inflation, technical progress, labor relations, legislative or regulatory changes, local and international politics, and adverse market conditions. In addition, prices of, and thus the
Fund’s investments in, precious metals are considered speculative and are affected by a variety of worldwide and economic, financial and political factors. Prices of precious metals may fluctuate sharply.
Short Positions Risk.
The Fund
may establish short positions which introduce more risk to the Fund than long positions (where the Fund owns the instrument or other asset) because the maximum sustainable loss on an instrument or other asset purchased (held long) is limited to the
amount paid for the instrument or other asset plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum price of the shorted instrument or other asset when purchased in the open market. Therefore, in theory, short positions have unlimited risk. The
Fund’s use of short positions in effect “leverages” the Fund. Leverage potentially exposes the Fund to greater risks of loss due to unanticipated
market movements, which may magnify losses and increase the volatility of
returns. To the extent the Fund takes a short position in a derivative instrument or other asset, this involves the risk of a potentially unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument or other asset.
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk.
Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies (small- and mid-cap companies) often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies (larger companies) because small- and mid-cap
companies tend to have less predictable earnings and may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths of larger companies. Securities of small- and mid-cap companies may be less liquid and
more volatile than the securities of larger companies.
Sovereign Debt Risk.
A
sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign
exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be
subject. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk.
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are a type of mortgage-backed security that receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from the underlying assets. Generally, there are two classes of
stripped mortgage-backed securities: Interest Only (IO) and Principal Only (PO). IOs entitle the holder to receive distributions consisting of all or a portion of the interest on the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities.
POs entitle the holder to receive distributions consisting of all or a portion of the principal of the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. The cash flows and yields on IOs and POs are extremely sensitive to the rate of
principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. A rapid rate of principal payments may adversely affect the yield to maturity of IOs. A slow rate of principal payments may adversely affect
the yield to maturity of POs. If prepayments of principal are greater than anticipated, an investor in IOs may incur substantial losses. If prepayments of principal are slower than anticipated, the yield on a PO will be affected more severely than
would be the case with a traditional mortgage-backed security.
Tax Risk.
To
qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund must meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income. The Fund's investments can be limited by the Fund's intention to qualify as a regulated investment company and can
limit the Fund's ability to so qualify. The tax treatment of certain investments and of the income and gain therefrom under the qualifying income test applicable to regulated investment companies is uncertain, and an adverse determination or future
guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) may affect the Fund's ability to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, including on a retroactive basis. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company, or
if it were ineligible to or otherwise could not cure such failure, the Fund would be ineligible (including retroactively) for the favorable tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies for one or more years, which would adversely affect
the value of the Fund. The Fund intends to invest a portion of its assets in the Subsidiary or Subsidiaries. The Fund will take steps to ensure that the Fund's income in respect of the Subsidiary or Subsidiaries will constitute qualifying income.
Failure to do so could impact the ability of the Fund to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company. If a net loss is realized by the Subsidiary or Subsidiaries, such loss is not generally available to offset the income of the Fund.
Also, net losses realized by the Subsidiary or Subsidiaries cannot be carried forward to offset income of the Subsidiary or Subsidiaries in future years.
U.S. Government Obligations Risk.
While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, such securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk (i.e., the risk that the U.S. Government may be, or be
perceived to be, unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments). Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Value Securities Risk.
Value securities are securities of companies that may have experienced, for example, adverse business, industry or other developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused the securities to be out of favor
and, in turn, potentially undervalued. The market value of a portfolio security may not meet portfolio
management’ s perceived value
assessment of that security, or may decline in price, even though portfolio management believes the securities are already undervalued. There is also a risk that it may take longer than expected for the value of these investments to rise to
portfolio management’s perceived value. In addition, value securities, at times, may not perform as well as growth securities or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
Additional
Information About the Fund
Additional information about the
Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s
performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI also provides additional information about the Fund and its policies. The SAI, which has been filed with the SEC, is legally part of this prospectus (incorporated by reference). To obtain these
documents free of charge, to request other information about the Fund and to make shareholder inquiries, please contact the Fund as follows:
By Mail:
Columbia Funds
c/o Columbia Management Investment Services Corp.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
By Telephone:
800.345.6611
Online:
columbiathreadneedle.com/us
Additionally, you can review and copy information
about the Fund (including this prospectus, the SAI and shareholder reports) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. To find out more about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 202.551.8090. Reports and
other information about the Fund are also available in the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You can receive copies of this information, for a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address:
publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
The investment company registration number of Columbia
Funds Series Trust I, of which the Fund is a series, is 811-04367.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is
the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.
© 2017 Columbia Management Investment
Distributors, Inc.
225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
800.345.6611
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
June 1, 2017
Columbia Funds Series Trust I
CMG
Ultra Short Term Bond Fund
|
CMGUX
|
|
|
Columbia
Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund
|
Class
A: CRAAX
|
Class
C: CRACX
|
Class K:
CRFRX
|
Class
R: CRKRX
|
Class
R4: CARRX
|
Class R5:
CRDRX
|
Class
T: CRAWX
|
Class
Y: CARYX
|
Class Z:
CRAZX
|
Columbia
Alternative Beta Fund
|
Class
A: CLAAX
|
Class
C: CLABX
|
Class R:
CRRLX
|
Class
R4: CLFUX
|
Class
R5: CLIVX
|
Class T:
CLAWX
|
Class
Y: CLAYX
|
Class
Z: CLAZX
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Class
A: LCTAX
|
Class
B: LCTBX
|
Class C:
LCTCX
|
Class
R4: CCTMX
|
Class
V: GCBAX
|
Class Y:
CCTYX
|
Class
Z: SCTEX
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Class
A: LITAX
|
Class
B: LITBX
|
Class C:
LITCX
|
Class
R4: CIMRX
|
Class
R5: CTMRX
|
Class V:
GIMAX
|
Class
T: CAFTX
|
Class
Y: CIMYX
|
Class Z:
SETMX
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Class
A: LMIAX
|
Class
B: LMIBX
|
Class C:
LMICX
|
Class
R4: CMANX
|
Class
R5: CMAUX
|
Class V:
GMBAX
|
Class
Y: CMMYX
|
Class
Z: SEMAX
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free New York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Class
A: LNYAX
|
Class
B: LNYBX
|
Class C:
LNYCX
|
Class
R4: CNYIX
|
Class
R5: CNYUX
|
Class V:
GANYX
|
Class
Y: CNYYX
|
Class
Z: GNYTX
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Class
A: COEAX
|
Class
B: COEBX
|
Class C:
CORCX
|
Class
R4: CORMX
|
Class
R5: CODRX
|
Class Y:
CORYX
|
Class
Z: CMBFX
|
|
|
Columbia
Balanced Fund
|
Class
A: CBLAX
|
Class
B: CBLBX
|
Class C:
CBLCX
|
Class
K: CLRFX
|
Class
R: CBLRX
|
Class R4:
CBDRX
|
Class
R5: CLREX
|
Class
T: CBDTX
|
Class Y:
CBDYX
|
Class
Z: CBALX
|
|
|
Columbia
Bond Fund
|
Class
A: CNDAX
|
Class
B: CNDBX
|
Class C:
CNDCX
|
Class
R: CBFRX
|
Class
R4: CNDRX
|
Class R5:
CNFRX
|
Class
V: CNDTX
|
Class
T: CBDWX
|
Class Y:
CBFYX
|
Class
Z: UMMGX
|
|
|
Columbia
California Tax-Exempt Fund
|
Class
A: CLMPX
|
Class
B: CCABX
|
Class C:
CCAOX
|
Class
R4: CCARX
|
Class
R5: CCAUX
|
Class Y:
CCXYX
|
Class
Z: CCAZX
|
|
|
Columbia
Contrarian Core Fund
|
Class
A: LCCAX
|
Class
B: LCCBX
|
Class C:
LCCCX
|
Class
K: CCRFX
|
Class
R: CCCRX
|
Class R4:
CORRX
|
Class
R5: COFRX
|
Class
V: SGIEX
|
Class T:
CTRWX
|
Class
Y: COFYX
|
Class
Z: SMGIX
|
|
Columbia
Corporate Income Fund
|
Class
A: LIIAX
|
Class
B: CIOBX
|
Class C:
CIOCX
|
Class
R4: CIFRX
|
Class
R5: CPIRX
|
Class T:
CPIWX
|
Class
Y: CRIYX
|
Class
Z: SRINX
|
|
Columbia
Disciplined Small Core Fund
|
Class
A: LSMAX
|
Class
B: LSMBX
|
Class C:
LSMCX
|
Class
R4: CFFRX
|
Class
R5: CLLRX
|
Class V:
SSCEX
|
Class
T: CSCWX
|
Class
Y: CPFRX
|
Class Z:
SMCEX
|
Columbia
Diversified Absolute Return Fund
|
Class
A: CDUAX
|
Class
C: CDUCX
|
Class R4:
CDUFX
|
Class
R5: CDUGX
|
Class
T: CDUWX
|
Class Y:
CDAYX
|
Class
Z: CDUZX
|
|
|
Columbia
Diversified Real Return Fund
|
Class
A: CDRAX
|
Class
C: CDRCX
|
Class R4:
CDRRX
|
Class
R5: CDRFX
|
Class
T: CDTWX
|
Class Y:
CDRYX
|
Class
Z: CDRZX
|
|
|
Columbia
Dividend Income Fund
|
Class
A: LBSAX
|
Class
B: LBSBX
|
Class C:
LBSCX
|
Class
R: CDIRX
|
Class
R4: CVIRX
|
Class R5:
CDDRX
|
Class
V: GEQAX
|
Class
T: CDVWX
|
Class Y:
CDDYX
|
Class
Z: GSFTX
|
|
|
Columbia
Emerging Markets Fund
|
Class
A: EEMAX
|
Class
B: CEBMX
|
Class C:
EEMCX
|
Class
K: CEKMX
|
Class
R: CEMRX
|
Class R4:
CEMHX
|
Class
R5: CEKRX
|
Class
T: CEMWX
|
Class Y:
CEKYX
|
Class
Z: UMEMX
|
|
|
Columbia
Global Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
Class
A: CSVAX
|
Class
B: CSVBX
|
Class C:
CSRCX
|
Class
R: CSGRX
|
Class
R4: CGOLX
|
Class R5:
CADPX
|
Class
T: CTVWX
|
Class
Y: CLSYX
|
Class Z:
CSVFX
|
Columbia
Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
Class
A: EENAX
|
Class
B: CEGBX
|
Class C:
EENCX
|
Class
K: CEGFX
|
Class
R: CETRX
|
Class R4:
CENRX
|
Class
R5: CNRRX
|
Class
T*: -
|
Class Y:
CGEYX
|
Class
Z: UMESX
|
|
|
Columbia
Global Technology Growth Fund
|
Class
A: CTCAX
|
Class
B: CTCBX
|
Class C:
CTHCX
|
Class
R4: CTYRX
|
Class
R5: CTHRX
|
Class T*:
-
|
Class
Y: CGTUX
|
Class
Z: CMTFX
|
|
Columbia
Greater China Fund
|
Class
A: NGCAX
|
Class
B: NGCBX
|
Class C:
NGCCX
|
Class
R4: CGCHX
|
Class
R5: CGCRX
|
Class T:
CGCWX
|
Class
Y: CGCYX
|
Class
Z: LNGZX
|
|
Columbia
High Yield Municipal Fund
|
Class
A: LHIAX
|
Class
B: CHMBX
|
Class C:
CHMCX
|
Class
R4: CHIYX
|
Class
R5: CHMYX
|
Class Y:
CHHYX
|
Class
Z: SRHMX
|
|
|
Columbia
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Class
A: LEGAX
|
Class
B: LEGBX
|
Class C:
LEGCX
|
Class
E: CLGEX
|
Class
F: CLGFX
|
Class K:
CLRUX
|
Class
R: CGWRX
|
Class
R4: CCGRX
|
Class R5:
CLWFX
|
Class
V: GAEGX
|
Class
T: CLGWX
|
Class Y:
CGFYX
|
Class
Z: GEGTX
|
|
|
Columbia
Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
Class
A: CBSAX
|
Class
B: CBSBX
|
Class C:
CMCCX
|
Class
K: CMCKX
|
Class
R: CMGRX
|
Class R4:
CPGRX
|
Class
R5: CMGVX
|
Class
V: CBSTX
|
Class T:
CMRWX
|
Class
Y: CMGYX
|
Class
Z: CLSPX
|
|
Columbia
Multi-Asset Income Fund
|
Class
A: CLNAX
|
Class
C: CLCNX
|
Class R4:
CLNFX
|
Class
R5: CLNVX
|
Class
T: CLNWX
|
Class Y:
CMUYX
|
Class
Z: CLNZX
|
|
|
Columbia
New York Tax-Exempt Fund
|
Class
A: COLNX
|
Class
B: CNYBX
|
Class C:
CNYCX
|
Class
R4: CNYEX
|
Class
R5: CNYRX
|
Class Y:
CNTYX
|
Class
Z: CNYZX
|
|
|
Columbia
Pacific/Asia Fund
|
Class
A: CASAX
|
Class
C: CASCX
|
Class R4:
CPRAX
|
Class
T: CPAWX
|
Class
Y: CPAYX
|
Class Z:
USPAX
|
Columbia
Real Estate Equity Fund
|
Class
A: CREAX
|
Class
B: CREBX
|
Class C:
CRECX
|
Class
K: CRRFX
|
Class
R: CRSRX
|
Class R4:
CRERX
|
Class
R5: CRRVX
|
Class
T: CREWX
|
Class Y:
CREYX
|
Class
Z: CREEX
|
|
|
Columbia
Select Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Class
A: ELGAX
|
Class
C: ELGCX
|
Class R:
URLGX
|
Class
R4: CSRRX
|
Class
R5: CGTRX
|
Class T:
CSLWX
|
Class
Y: CCWRX
|
Class
Z: UMLGX
|
|
Columbia
Small Cap Growth Fund I
|
Class
A: CGOAX
|
Class
B: CGOBX
|
Class C:
CGOCX
|
Class
K: CSCKX
|
Class
R: CCRIX
|
Class R4:
CHHRX
|
Class
R5: CSCRX
|
Class
T*: -
|
Class Y:
CSGYX
|
Class
Z: CMSCX
|
|
|
Columbia
Small Cap Value Fund I
|
Class
A: CSMIX
|
Class
B: CSSBX
|
Class C:
CSSCX
|
Class
R: CSVRX
|
Class
R4: CVVRX
|
Class R5:
CUURX
|
Class
T*: -
|
Class
Y: CSVYX
|
Class Z:
CSCZX
|
Columbia
Strategic Income Fund
|
Class
A: COSIX
|
Class
B: CLSBX
|
Class C:
CLSCX
|
Class
K: CSIVX
|
Class
R: CSNRX
|
Class R4:
CMNRX
|
Class
R5: CTIVX
|
Class
T: CTTWX
|
Class Y:
CPHUX
|
Class
Z: LSIZX
|
|
|
Columbia
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
Class
A: COLTX
|
Class
B: CTEBX
|
Class C:
COLCX
|
Class
R4: CTERX
|
Class
R5: CADMX
|
Class Y:
CTEYX
|
Class
Z: CTEZX
|
|
|
Columbia
Total Return Bond Fund
|
Class
A: LIBAX
|
Class
B: LIBBX
|
Class C:
LIBCX
|
Class
K: CIBKX
|
Class
R: CIBRX
|
Class R4:
CBNRX
|
Class
R5: CTBRX
|
Class
T: CIBWX
|
Class Y:
CTBYX
|
Class
Z: SRBFX
|
|
|
Columbia
U.S. Social Bond Fund
|
Class
A: CONAX
|
Class
C: CONCX
|
Class R4:
CONFX
|
Class
R5: COVNX
|
Class
Y: CONYX
|
Class Z:
CONZX
|
Columbia
U.S. Treasury Index Fund
|
Class
A: LUTAX
|
Class
B: LUTBX
|
Class C:
LUTCX
|
Class
R5: CUTRX
|
Class
T: CTIWX
|
Class Y:
CUTYX
|
Class
Z: IUTIX
|
|
|
Multi-Manager
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
Class
A: CPASX
|
Class
Z: CZAMX
|
|
Multi-Manager
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
Class
A: CDAAX
|
Class
Z: CDAZX
|
|
Multi-Manager
Growth Strategies Fund
|
Class
A: CSLGX
|
Class
Z: CZMGX
|
|
Multi-Manager
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
Class
A: CSCEX
|
Class
Z: CZMSX
|
|
Multi-Manager
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
Class
A: CMCPX
|
Class
Z: CTRZX
|
|
*
|
This class of shares is not
currently available for purchase.
|
Unless the context indicates otherwise, references
herein to “each Fund,” “the Fund,” “a Fund,” “the Funds” or “Funds” refers to each Fund listed above.
This Statement of Additional
Information (SAI) is not a prospectus, is not a substitute for reading any prospectus and is intended to be read in conjunction with each Fund’s current prospectus (as amended or supplemented), the date of which may be found in the section of
this SAI entitled
About the Trust
.
The most recent annual report for each Fund, which includes the Fund’s audited financial statements for its most recent fiscal period,
and the most recent semi-annual reports to shareholders of Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
and Columbia Small Cap Value Fund I, which include unaudited financial statements for the most
recent semi-annual period for the Funds, are incorporated by reference into this SAI.
Copies of the Funds' current prospectuses and
annual and semiannual reports may be obtained without charge by writing Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., P.O. Box 8081, Boston, MA 02266-8081, by calling Columbia Funds at 800.345.6611 or by visiting the Columbia Funds’ website
at www.columbiathreadneedle.com/us.
Table of Contents
|
2
|
|
7
|
|
10
|
|
18
|
|
18
|
|
54
|
|
81
|
|
81
|
|
83
|
|
83
|
|
109
|
|
121
|
|
127
|
|
129
|
|
131
|
|
135
|
|
137
|
|
139
|
|
143
|
|
143
|
|
147
|
|
147
|
|
158
|
|
162
|
|
162
|
|
165
|
|
167
|
|
168
|
|
174
|
|
174
|
|
174
|
|
175
|
|
181
|
|
182
|
|
185
|
|
185
|
|
186
|
|
188
|
|
188
|
|
189
|
|
191
|
|
208
|
|
248
|
|
A-1
|
|
B-1
|
|
C-1
|
|
D-1
|
|
S-1
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
1
|
SAI PRIMER
The SAI is a part of the Funds' registration
statement that is filed with the SEC. The registration statement includes the Funds' prospectuses, the SAI and certain exhibits. The SAI, and any supplements to it, can be found online at www.columbiathreadneedle.com/us and/or by accessing the
SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
For
purposes of any electronic version of this SAI, all references to websites or universal resource locators (URLs), are intended to be inactive and are not meant to incorporate the contents of any such website or URL into this SAI.
The SAI generally provides additional information
about the Funds that is not required to be in the Funds' prospectuses. The SAI expands discussions of certain matters described in the Funds' prospectuses and provides certain additional information about the Funds that may be of interest to some
investors. Among other things, the SAI provides information about:
■
|
the organization
of the Trust;
|
■
|
the Funds'
investments;
|
■
|
the Funds'
investment adviser, investment subadviser(s) (if any) and other service providers, including roles and relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, and conflicts of interest;
|
■
|
the governance of
the Funds;
|
■
|
the Funds'
brokerage practices;
|
■
|
the share classes
offered by the Funds;
|
■
|
the purchase,
redemption and pricing of Fund shares; and
|
■
|
the
application of U.S. federal income tax laws.
|
Investors may find this information important and
helpful. If you have any questions about the Funds, please call Columbia Funds at 800.345.6611 or contact your financial advisor.
Throughout this SAI, the term “financial
intermediary” may refer, generally, to one or more of the selling agents and/or servicing agents that are authorized to sell and/or service shares of the Funds, which may include broker-dealers and financial advisors as well as firms that
employ such broker-dealers and financial advisors, including, for example, brokerage firms, banks, investment advisers, third party administrators and other financial intermediaries, including Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates.
Each Fund typically updates its registration
statement approximately four months after the end of its fiscal year, although in certain circumstances a Fund may update its registration statement sooner. Some of the information in this SAI is reported for a Fund as of the end of the Fund’s
last fiscal year (or period) or during the Fund’s last fiscal year (or period). This is a reference to the fiscal year (or period) ending prior to the Fund’s last annual update, which may be fifteen months or more prior to the date of
the SAI. See
About the Trusts
for each Fund’s fiscal year end and most recent prospectus date (i.e., the date of the Fund’s last annual update).
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global
brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.
Before reading the SAI, you should consult the
prospectus for the Fund as well as the Glossary below, which defines certain of the terms used in the SAI. Terms not defined in the Glossary below generally have the same meaning as otherwise ascribed in a Fund’s prospectus.
Glossary
1933
Act
|
Securities
Act of 1933, as amended
|
1934
Act
|
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
|
1940
Act
|
Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended
|
Analytic
Investors
|
Analytic
Investors, LLC
|
Administrative
Services Agreement
|
The
Administrative Services Agreement, as amended, if applicable, between a Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Investment Manager
|
Ameriprise
Financial
|
Ameriprise
Financial, Inc.
|
AQR
|
AQR
Capital Management, LLC
|
BANA
|
Bank
of America, National Association
|
Bank
of America
|
Bank
of America Corporation
|
BFDS/DST
|
Boston
Financial Data Services, Inc./DST Systems, Inc.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
2
|
BMO
|
BMO
Asset Management Corp.
|
Board
|
The
Trust's Board of Trustees
|
Boston
Partners
|
Boston
Partners, a d.b.a. of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
|
Business
Day
|
Any
day on which the NYSE is open for business. A business day typically ends at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. If the NYSE is scheduled to close early, the business day will be considered to end as of the
time of the NYSE’s scheduled close. The Fund will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading or an intraday unscheduled closing as a close of regular trading on the NYSE for these purposes and will price its shares as of the
regularly scheduled closing time for that day (typically, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the NAV of Fund shares may be determined at such other time or times (in addition to or in lieu of the time set forth above) as the
Fund’s Board may approve or ratify. On holidays and other days when the NYSE is closed, the Fund's NAV is not calculated and the Fund does not accept buy or sell orders. However, the value of the Fund's assets may still be affected on such
days to the extent that the Fund holds foreign securities that trade on days that foreign securities markets are open.
|
CEA
|
Commodity
Exchange Act
|
CFST
|
Columbia
Funds Series Trust
|
CFST
I
|
Columbia
Funds Series Trust I
|
CFST
II
|
Columbia
Funds Series Trust II
|
CFTC
|
The
United States Commodities Futures Trading Commission
|
CMOs
|
Collateralized
mortgage obligations
|
Code
|
Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
|
Codes
of Ethics
|
The
codes of ethics adopted by the Funds, the Investment Manager, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and/or any sub-adviser, as applicable, pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act
|
Columbia
Funds Complex
|
The
fund complex that is comprised of the registered investment companies advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates
|
Columbia
Funds or Columbia Fund Family
|
The
open-end investment management companies, including the Funds, advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates or principally underwritten by the Distributor
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management Investment Advisers, LLC
|
Conestoga
|
Conestoga
Capital Advisors, LLC
|
Custodian
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.
|
DGHM
|
Dalton,
Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC
|
Distribution
Agreement
|
The
Distribution Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Distributor
|
Distribution
Plan(s)
|
One
or more of the plans adopted by the Board pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for the distribution of the Funds’ shares
|
Distributor
|
Columbia
Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
|
EAM
|
EAM
Investors, LLC
|
FDIC
|
Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation
|
Federated
|
Federated
Investment Management Company
|
FHLMC
|
The
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
|
Fitch
|
Fitch,
Inc.
|
FNMA
|
Federal
National Mortgage Association
|
The
Fund(s) or a Fund
|
One
or more of the open-end management investment companies listed on the front cover of this SAI
|
GNMA
|
Government
National Mortgage Association
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
3
|
Independent
Trustees
|
The
Trustees of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds
|
Interested
Trustees
|
The
Trustees of the Board who are currently deemed to be “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds
|
Investment
Management Services Agreement
|
The
Investment Management Services Agreement, as amended, if applicable, between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Investment Manager
|
Investment
Manager
|
Columbia
Management Investment Advisers, LLC
|
IRS
|
United
States Internal Revenue Service
|
JPMorgan
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., the Funds' custodian
|
LIBOR
|
London
Interbank Offered Rate
|
Loomis
Sayles
|
Loomis,
Sayles & Company, L.P.
|
Los
Angeles Capital
|
Los
Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc.
|
Management
Agreement
|
The
Management Agreements, as amended, if applicable, between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Investment Manager
|
Moody’s
|
Moody’s
Investors Service, Inc.
|
Multi-Manager
Strategies Funds
|
Multi-Manager
Alternative Strategies Fund, Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund, Multi-Manager Growth Strategies Fund, Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund, Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Strategies Fund and Multi-Manager Value
Strategies Fund. Shares of the Multi-Manager Strategies Funds are offered only through certain wrap fee programs sponsored and/or managed by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. or its affiliates.
|
NASDAQ
|
National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations system
|
|
|
NAV
|
Net
asset value per share of a Fund
|
NRSRO
|
Nationally
recognized statistical ratings organization (such as, for example, Moody’s, Fitch or S&P)
|
NSCC
|
National
Securities Clearing Corporation
|
NYSE
|
New
York Stock Exchange
|
Previous
Adviser
|
Columbia
Management Advisors, LLC, the investment adviser of certain Columbia Funds prior to May 1, 2010 when Ameriprise Financial acquired the long-term asset management business of the Previous Adviser, which was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Bank of America.
|
Previous
Distributor
|
Columbia
Management Distributors, Inc., the distributor of certain Columbia Funds prior to May 1, 2010 when Ameriprise Financial acquired the long-term asset management business of the Previous Adviser, which was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank
of America.
|
Previous
Transfer Agent
|
Columbia
Management Services, Inc., the transfer agent of certain Columbia Funds prior to May 1, 2010 when Ameriprise Financial acquired the long-term asset management business of the Previous Adviser, which was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank
of America.
|
Prudential
|
PGIM,
Inc., the asset management arm of Prudential Financial
|
PwC
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP
|
REIT
|
Real
estate investment trust
|
REMIC
|
Real
estate mortgage investment conduit
|
RIC
|
A
“regulated investment company,” as such term is used in the Code
|
S&P
|
Standard
& Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“Standard & Poor’s” and “S&P” are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by the Investment Manager. The
Columbia Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s and Standard & Poor’s makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Columbia Funds)
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
4
|
SAI
|
This
Statement of Additional Information, as amended and supplemented from time-to-time
|
SEC
|
United
States Securities and Exchange Commission
|
Shares
|
Shares
of a Fund
|
Subadvisory
Agreement
|
The
Subadvisory Agreement among the Trust on behalf of the Fund(s), the Investment Manager and a Fund’s investment subadviser(s), as the context may require
|
Subsidiary
|
One
or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of a Fund
|
TCW
|
TCW
Investment Management Company LLC
|
Threadneedle
|
Threadneedle
International Limited
|
Transfer
Agency Agreement
|
The
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Transfer Agent
|
Transfer
Agent
|
Columbia
Management Investment Services Corp.
|
Trustee(s)
|
One
or more members of the Board’s Trustees
|
Trust
|
Columbia
Funds Series Trust I, the registered investment company in the Columbia Fund Family to which this SAI relates
|
VP
– Managed Volatility Funds
|
Columbia
Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Conservative Fund, Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Conservative Growth Fund, Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Growth Fund, Columbia Variable Portfolio
– Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund, Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Flexible Conservative Growth Fund, Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Flexible Growth Fund and Columbia Variable Portfolio – U.S. Flexible Moderate
Growth Fund
|
Wasatch
|
Wasatch
Advisors Inc
|
Water
Island
|
Water
Island Capital, LLC
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
5
|
Throughout this SAI, the Funds are referred to as
follows:
Fund
Name:
|
|
Referred
to as:
|
CMG
Ultra Short Term Bond Fund
|
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
Columbia
Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund
|
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
Columbia
Alternative Beta Fund
|
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free New York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
Balanced Fund
|
|
Balanced
Fund
|
Columbia
Bond Fund
|
|
Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
California Tax-Exempt Fund
|
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
Columbia
Contrarian Core Fund
|
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
Columbia
Corporate Income Fund
|
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
Columbia
Disciplined Small Core Fund
|
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
Columbia
Diversified Absolute Return Fund
|
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
Columbia
Diversified Real Return Fund
|
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
Columbia
Dividend Income Fund
|
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
Columbia
Emerging Markets Fund
|
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
Columbia
Global Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
Columbia
Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
Columbia
Global Technology Growth Fund
|
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
Columbia
Greater China Fund
|
|
Greater
China Fund
|
Columbia
High Yield Municipal Fund
|
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
Columbia
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia
Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
|
Mid Cap
Growth Fund
|
Columbia
Multi-Asset Income Fund
|
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
Columbia
New York Tax-Exempt Fund
|
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
Columbia
Pacific/Asia Fund
|
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
Columbia
Real Estate Equity Fund
|
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
Columbia
Select Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia
Small Cap Growth Fund I
|
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
Columbia
Small Cap Value Fund I
|
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
Columbia
Strategic Income Fund
|
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
Columbia
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Columbia
Total Return Bond Fund
|
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
Columbia
U.S. Social Bond Fund
|
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
Columbia
U.S. Treasury Index Fund
|
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
Multi-Manager
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
Multi-Manager
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
Multi-Manager
Growth Strategies Fund
|
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
Multi-Manager
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
Multi-Manager
Total Return Bond Fund
|
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
6
|
ABOUT THE Trust
The Trust is an open-end management investment
company registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act with an address at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on October 6, 1987. On October 13, 2003, the Trust changed its name from Liberty-Stein Roe Funds Municipal Trust to Columbia Funds Trust IX. On September 19, 2005, the Trust changed its name from Columbia Funds Trust IX to its current name.
The offering of the shares is registered under the 1933 Act.
Fund
|
Fiscal
Year End
|
Prospectus
Date
|
Date
Began
Operations*
|
Diversified**
|
Fund
Investment Category***
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
May
31
|
10/1/2016
|
6/19/2012
|
No
|
Alternative
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
May
31
|
10/1/2016
|
1/28/2015
|
No
|
Alternative
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
October
31
|
3/1/2017
|
8/1/1994
|
No
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
October
31
|
3/1/2017
|
6/14/1993
|
Yes
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
October
31
|
3/1/2017
|
6/14/1993
|
No
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
October
31
|
3/1/2017
|
12/31/1991
|
No
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
July
31
|
12/1/2016
|
7/2/1984
|
Yes
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
Balanced
Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
10/1/1991
|
Yes
|
Equity/Taxable
fixed-income
|
Bond
Fund
|
April
30
|
9/1/2016
|
1/9/1986
|
Yes
|
Taxable
fixed-income
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
October
31
|
3/1/2017
|
6/16/1986
|
No
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
12/14/1992
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
April
30
|
9/1/2016
|
3/5/1986
|
Yes
|
Taxable
fixed-income
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
12/14/1992
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
May
31
|
10/1/2016
|
2/19/2015
|
Yes
|
Alternative
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
January
31
|
6/1/2017
|
3/11/2014
|
Yes
|
Fund-of-funds-fixed
income
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
May
31
|
10/1/2016
|
3/4/1998
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
1/2/1998
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
11/9/2000
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
12/31/1992
|
No
|
Equity
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
11/9/2000
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Greater
China Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
5/16/1997
|
No
|
Equity
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
May
31
|
10/1/2016
|
3/5/1984
|
Yes
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
July
31
|
12/1/2016
|
12/14/1990
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
11/20/1985
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
4/23/2012
|
No
|
Alternative
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
April
30
|
10/3/2016
|
10/17/2016
|
No
|
Alternative
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
March
31
|
8/1/2016
|
4/20/2012
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
4/20/2012
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
4/20/2012
|
Yes
|
Taxable
fixed-income
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
April
30
|
9/1/2016
|
3/27/2015
|
Yes
|
Flexible
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
October
31
|
3/1/2017
|
9/26/1986
|
No
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
7
|
Fund
|
Fiscal
Year End
|
Prospectus
Date
|
Date
Began
Operations*
|
Diversified**
|
Fund
Investment Category***
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
March
31
|
8/1/2016
|
12/31/1992
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
December
31
|
5/1/2017
|
4/1/1994
|
No
|
Equity
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
March
31
|
8/1/2016
|
10/1/1997
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
August
31
|
1/1/2017
|
10/1/1996
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
April
30
|
9/1/2016
|
7/25/1986
|
Yes
|
Equity
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
October
31
|
3/1/2017
|
4/21/1977
|
Yes
|
Taxable
fixed-income
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
July
31
|
12/1/2016
|
11/21/1978
|
Yes
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
April
30
|
9/1/2016
|
12/5/1978
|
Yes
|
Taxable
fixed-income
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
July
31
|
12/1/2016
|
3/26/2015
|
No
|
Tax-exempt
fixed-income
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
April
30
|
9/1/2016
|
6/4/1991
|
Yes
|
Taxable
fixed-income
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
July
31
|
12/1/2016
|
3/8/2004
|
Yes
|
Taxable
fixed-income
|
*
|
Certain Funds reorganized into
series of the Trust. The date of operations for these Funds represents the date on which the predecessor funds began operation.
|
**
|
A “diversified”
Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, except obligations issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and except securities of other investment companies. A “non-diversified” Fund may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of fewer issuers than a
“diversified” fund, which increases the risk that a change in the value of any one investment held by the Fund could affect the overall value of the Fund more than it would affect that of a “diversified” fund holding a
greater number of investments. Accordingly, a “non-diversified” Fund’s value will likely be more volatile than the value of a more diversified fund.
|
***
|
The Fund Investment Category is
used as a convenient way to describe Funds in this SAI and should not be deemed a description of the Fund’s principal investment strategies, which are described in the Fund’s prospectus.
|
Name Changes.
The table below identifies the Funds whose names have changed in the past five years, the effective date of the name change and the former name.
Fund
|
Effective
Date of Name Change
|
Previous
Fund Name
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation
|
October
1, 2014
|
Columbia
Risk Allocation Fund
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
October
1, 2016
|
Columbia
Adaptive Alternatives Fund
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
July
7, 2014
|
Columbia
Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
July
7, 2014
|
Columbia
Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
July
7, 2014
|
Columbia
Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
July
7, 2014
|
Columbia
New York Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
July
7, 2014
|
Columbia
Oregon Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
April
18, 2016
|
Columbia
Small Cap Core Fund
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
August
17, 2012
|
Columbia
Strategic Investor Fund
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
August
5, 2013
|
Columbia
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
July
7, 2014
|
Columbia
Technology Fund
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
February
28, 2017
October 12, 2016
|
Active
Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Alternatives Fund
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
February
28, 2017
|
Active
Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Directional Alternatives Fund
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
8
|
Fund
|
Effective
Date of Name Change
|
Previous
Fund Name
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
February
28, 2017
December 11, 2013
|
Active
Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Growth Fund
Columbia
Active Portfolios
®
– Select Large Cap Growth Fund
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
February
28, 2017
|
Active
Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
February
28, 2017
April 11, 2016
|
Active
Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Fund
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Core Plus Bond Fund
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
February
19, 2016
|
Columbia
Intermediate Bond Fund
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
9
|
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The following
discussion of “fundamental” and “non-fundamental” investment policies and limitations for each Fund supplements the discussion of investment policies in the Funds' prospectuses. A fundamental policy may be changed only with
Board and shareholder approval. A non-fundamental policy may be changed only with Board approval and does not require shareholder approval.
Unless otherwise noted in a Fund’s prospectus
or this SAI, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of a Fund’s assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding an investment standard, compliance with such
percentage limitation or standard will be determined solely at the time of the Fund’s acquisition of such security or asset (Time of Purchase Standard). Thus, a Fund may continue to hold a security even though it causes the Fund to exceed a
percentage limitation because of fluctuation in the value of the Fund’s assets.
Notwithstanding any of a Fund’s other
investment policies, the Fund, subject to certain limitations, may invest its assets in another investment company. These underlying funds have adopted their own investment policies that may be more or less restrictive than those of the Fund. Unless
a Fund has a policy to consider the policies of underlying funds, the Fund may engage in investment strategies indirectly that would otherwise be prohibited under the Fund’s investment policies.
In adhering to the fundamental and non-fundamental
investment restrictions and policies applicable to each of Alternative Beta Fund, MM Alternative Strategies Fund and Diversified Absolute Return Fund (previously defined collectively as the "Subsidiary"), each Fund will, to the extent possible,
treat any assets of its Subsidiary generally as if the assets were held directly by the Fund.
Fundamental Policies
The table below shows Fund-specific policies that
may be changed only with a “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund, which means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy. The table indicates whether or not a fund has a policy on a particular topic. A dash indicates that the Fund does not have a
Fundamental policy on a particular topic. The specific policy is stated in the paragraphs that follow the table.
Fund
|
A
Buy or
sell real
estate
|
B
Buy or sell
commodities
|
C
Issuer
Diversification
|
D
Concentrate
in any one
industry
|
E
Invest
80%
|
F
Act as an
underwriter
|
G
Lending
|
H
Borrow
money
|
I
Issue
senior
securities
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
A2
|
B4
|
—
|
D6
|
—
|
F2
|
G2
|
H2
|
I2
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D1
|
E2
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
E3
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D1
|
E4
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D1
|
E5
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C3
|
D1
|
E6
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Balanced
Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Bond
Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D1
|
E1
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
A2
|
B4
|
C4
|
D6
|
—
|
F2
|
G2
|
H2
|
I2
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
A1
|
B3
|
C1
|
D5
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D2
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D4
|
E9
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
10
|
Fund
|
A
Buy or
sell real
estate
|
B
Buy or sell
commodities
|
C
Issuer
Diversification
|
D
Concentrate
in any one
industry
|
E
Invest
80%
|
F
Act as an
underwriter
|
G
Lending
|
H
Borrow
money
|
I
Issue
senior
securities
|
Greater
China Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C2
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A1
|
B2
|
—
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A2
|
B5
|
—
|
D7
|
—
|
F2
|
G3
|
H3
|
I3
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
A2
|
B4
|
C4
|
D6
|
—
|
F2
|
G2
|
H2
|
I2
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D1
|
E1
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
—
|
D3
|
E7
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
E8
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
A2
|
B4
|
—
|
D6
|
—
|
F2
|
G2
|
H2
|
I2
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
A1
|
B1
|
C1
|
D1
|
—
|
F1
|
G1
|
H1
|
I1
|
A.
|
Buy or sell real
estate
|
A1 –
|
The Fund may not
purchase or sell real estate, except each Fund may: (i) purchase securities of issuers which deal or invest in real estate, (ii) purchase securities which are secured by real estate or interests in real estate and (iii) hold and dispose of real
estate or interests in real estate acquired through the exercise of its rights as a holder of securities which are secured by real estate or interests therein.
|
A2
–
|
The
Fund will not buy or sell real estate, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in: (i) securities or other instruments backed by real estate or interests in
real estate, (ii) securities or other instruments of issuers or entities that deal in real estate or are engaged in the real estate business, (iii) real estate investment trusts (REITs) or entities similar to REITs formed under the laws of non-U.S.
countries or (iv) real estate or interests in real estate acquired through the exercise of its rights as a holder of securities secured by real estate or interests therein.
|
B.
|
Buy or sell physical
commodities
|
B1 –
|
The Fund may not
purchase or sell commodities, except that each Fund may to the extent consistent with its investment objective: (i) invest in securities of companies that purchase or sell commodities or which invest in such programs, (ii) purchase and sell options,
forward contracts, futures contracts, and options on futures contracts and (iii) enter into swap contracts and other financial transactions relating to commodities.
(a)
This limitation does not apply to foreign currency transactions including without limitation forward currency contracts.
|
B2 –
|
The Fund may
invest up to 25% of its total assets in one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries that may invest in commodities, thereby indirectly gaining exposure to commodities, and may, to the extent consistent with its investment objective, (i) invest in
securities of companies that purchase or sell commodities or which invest in such programs, (ii) purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, and options on futures contracts and (iii) enter into swap contracts and other
financial transactions relating to commodities.
(a)
This policy does not limit foreign currency transactions including without limitation forward currency
contracts.
|
B3
–
|
The
Fund will not purchase or sell commodities, except to the extent permitted by applicable law from time to time.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
11
|
B4 –
|
The Fund will not
purchase or sell commodities, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
|
B5
–
|
The
Fund will not purchase or sell commodities, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
(a)
|
For purposes of the fundamental
investment policy on buying and selling physical commodities above, at the time of the establishment of the restriction for certain Funds, swap contracts on financial instruments or rates were not within the understanding of the term
“commodities.” Notwithstanding any federal legislation or regulatory action by the CFTC that subjects such swaps to regulation by the CFTC, these Funds will not consider such instruments to be commodities for purposes of this
restriction.
|
C.
|
Issuer
Diversification*
|
C1 –
|
The Fund may not
purchase securities (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) of any one issuer if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets will be invested in the securities of such issuer or it would
own more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer, except that: (i) up to 25% of its total assets may be invested without regard to these limitations and (ii) a Fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management
investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or any applicable exemptive relief.
|
C2 –
|
The Fund may not,
as a matter of fundamental policy, purchase securities (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) of any one issuer if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets will be invested in the
securities of such issuer or it would own more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer, except that: (i) up to 50% of its total assets may be invested without regard to these limitations and (ii) the Fund’s assets may be invested in
the securities of one or more management investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or any applicable exemptive relief.
|
C3 –
|
The Fund will not
make any investment inconsistent with its classification as a diversified company under the 1940 Act.
|
C4
–
|
The
Fund will not purchase securities (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) of any one issuer if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets will be invested in the securities of such
issuer or it would own more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer, except that: (a) up to 25% of its total assets may be invested without regard to these limitations; and (b) a Fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of one
or more management investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or any applicable exemptive relief, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
|
*
|
For purposes of applying the
limitation set forth in its issuer diversification policy above, a Fund does not consider futures or swaps central counterparties, where the Fund has exposure to such central counterparties in the course of making investments in futures and
securities, to be issuers.
|
D1 –
|
The Fund may not
purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided
that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii) notwithstanding
this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies or subsidiaries to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and
any applicable exemptive relief.
|
D2
–
|
The
Fund may not purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry,
provided that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; (ii)
notwithstanding this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies or subsidiaries to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and
regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief; and (iii) under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 25% of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase in the securities of issuers conducting their principal
business activities in the energy and other natural resources groups of industries.
(a)
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
12
|
D3 –
|
The Fund will
invest at least 65% of the value of its total assets in securities of companies principally engaged in the real estate industry.
|
D4 –
|
The Fund will,
under normal market conditions, invest at least 25% of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase in the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the technology and related group of industries, provided
that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii) notwithstanding
this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies or subsidiaries to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and
any applicable exemptive relief.
|
D5 –
|
The Fund may not
purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided
that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state, municipality or territory of the United States, or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii)
notwithstanding this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more management investment companies or subsidiaries to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and
regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief. The Fund will consider the concentration policies of any underlying funds in which it invests when evaluating compliance with its concentration policy.
|
D6 –
|
The Fund will not
purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided
that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state, municipality or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii)
notwithstanding this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more investment companies or subsidiaries to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations
thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. The Fund will consider the concentration policies of any underlying funds in which it invests when evaluating
compliance with its concentration policy.
|
D7
–
|
The
Fund will not purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same
industry, provided that: (i) there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and (ii)
notwithstanding this limitation or any other fundamental investment limitation, assets may be invested in the securities of one or more investment companies or subsidiaries to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations
thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
*
|
For purposes of applying the
limitation set forth in its concentration policy, above, a Fund will generally use the industry classifications provided by the Global Industry Classification System (GICS) for classification of issuers of equity securities and the classifications
provided by the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index for classification of issues of fixed-income securities. To the extent that a Fund’s concentration policy requires the Fund to consider the concentration policies of any underlying funds in
which it invests, the Fund will consider the portfolio positions at the time of purchase, which in the case of unaffiliated underlying funds is based on portfolio information made publicly available by them. Investments in private activity bonds
that are backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-governmental issuer are subject to a Fund's industry concentration policy. A Fund does not consider futures or swaps clearinghouses or securities clearinghouses, where the Fund has exposure to
such clearinghouses in the course of making investments in futures and securities, to be part of any industry.
|
(a)
|
In determining whether Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund has invested at least 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the energy and other natural resources groups of industries, the
Investment Manager currently uses the GICS produced by S&P and MSCI Inc. The Investment Manager currently considers companies in each of the indicated GICS industry groups to be within the energy and other natural resources groups of industries:
(i) Energy, (ii) Utilities, and (iii) Materials, but limited to companies in the following GICS industries and sub-industries: the Chemicals industry (companies that primarily produce or distribute industrial and basic chemicals, including the
Commodity Chemicals, Diversified Chemicals, Fertilizers & Agriculture Chemicals, Industrial Gases, and Specialty Chemicals sub-industries), the Metals & Mining industry (companies that primarily produce, process, extract, or distribute
precious or basic metals or minerals, including the Aluminum, Diversified Metals & Mining, Gold, Precious Metals & Minerals, and Steel sub-industries), and the Paper & Forest Products industry (companies that primarily cultivate or
manufacture timber or wood-related products or paper products, including the Forest Products and Paper Products sub-industries).
|
E1 –
|
The Fund will,
under normal circumstances, invest at least 80% of its total assets in state bonds, subject to applicable state requirements.
|
E2
–
|
Under
normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of net assets in municipal securities that pay interest exempt from federal income tax (including the federal alternative minimum tax) and Connecticut individual income tax. These securities are
issued by the State of Connecticut and its political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
13
|
|
instrumentalities,
by other qualified issuers (such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and by mutual funds that invest in such securities. Dividends derived from interest on municipal securities other than such securities will generally be exempt from
regular federal income tax (including the federal alternative minimum tax) but subject to Connecticut personal income tax. The Fund may comply with this 80% policy by investing in a partnership, trust or regulated investment company which invests in
such securities, in which case the Fund’s investment in such entity shall be deemed to be an investment in the underlying securities in the same proportion as such entity’s investment in such securities bears to its net assets.
|
E3 –
|
As a matter of
fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of net assets in municipal securities that pay interest exempt from federal income tax (including the federal alternative minimum tax). These securities are issued by
states and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, by other qualified issuers (such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and by mutual funds that invest in such securities. The Fund may comply with
this 80% policy by investing in a partnership, trust, or regulated investment company which invests in such securities, in which case the Fund’s investment in such entity shall be deemed to be an investment in the underlying securities in the
same proportion as such entity’s investment in such securities bears to its net assets.
|
E4 –
|
Under normal
circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of net assets in municipal securities that pay interest exempt from federal income tax (including the federal alternative minimum tax) and Massachusetts individual income tax. These securities are issued
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, by other qualified issuers (such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and by mutual funds that invest in such securities.
Dividends derived from interest on municipal securities other than such securities will generally be exempt from regular federal income tax (including the federal alternative minimum tax) but may be subject to Massachusetts personal income tax. The
Fund may comply with this 80% policy by investing in a partnership, trust, or regulated investment company which invests in such securities, in which case the Fund’s investment in such entity shall be deemed to be an investment in the
underlying securities in the same proportion as such entity’s investment in such securities bears to its net assets.
|
E5 –
|
As a matter of
fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of net assets in municipal securities that pay interest exempt from federal income tax (including the federal alternative minimum tax) and New York State individual income
tax. These securities are issued by the State of New York and its political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities and by other qualified issuers (such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Dividends derived from
interest on municipal securities other than such securities will generally be exempt from regular federal income tax (including the federal alternative minimum tax) but may be subject to New York State and New York City personal income tax. The Fund
may comply with this 80% policy by investing in a partnership, trust or regulated investment company which invests in such securities, in which case the Fund’s investment in such entity shall be deemed to be an investment in the underlying
securities in the same proportion as such entity’s investment in such securities bears to its net assets.
|
E6 –
|
Under normal
circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities issued by the State of Oregon and its political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities.
|
E7 –
|
Under normal
circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies principally engaged in the real estate industry, including REITs.
|
E8 –
|
Under normal
circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in tax-exempt bonds.
|
E9
–
|
Under
normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of net assets in equity securities (including, but not limited to, common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks) of technology companies that may
benefit from technological improvements, advancements or developments.
|
F1 –
|
The Fund may not
underwrite any issue of securities issued by other persons within the meaning of the 1933 Act except when it might be deemed to be an underwriter either: (i) in connection with the disposition of a portfolio security; or (ii) in connection with the
purchase of securities directly from the issuer thereof in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective. This restriction shall not limit the Fund’s ability to invest in securities issued by other registered investment companies.
|
F2
–
|
The
Fund will not underwrite any issue of securities issued by other persons within the meaning of the 1933 Act except when it might be deemed to be an underwriter either: (i) in connection with the disposition of a portfolio security; or (ii) in
connection with the purchase of securities directly from the issuer where the Fund later resells such securities. This restriction shall not limit the Fund’s ability to invest in securities issued by other registered investment companies.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
14
|
G1 –
|
The Fund may not
make loans, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
G2 –
|
The Fund will not
make loans, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
|
G3
–
|
The
Fund will not make loans, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
H1 –
|
The Fund may not
borrow money except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
H2 –
|
The Fund will not
borrow money except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
|
H3
–
|
The
Fund will not borrow money except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
I.
|
Issue senior
securities
|
I1 –
|
The Fund may not
issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
I2 –
|
The Fund will not
issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
|
I3
–
|
The
Fund will not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
Non-fundamental Policies
The following non-fundamental policies may be
changed by the Board at any time and may be in addition to those described in the Funds' prospectus.
Investment in Illiquid Securities
No more than 15% of the net assets of any Fund will be held in
securities and other instruments that are illiquid. “Illiquid Securities” are defined in accordance with the SEC staff’s current guidance and interpretations which provide that an illiquid security is a security which may not be
sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the security. Compliance with this limitation is not measured under the Time of Purchase Standard.
Investment in Other Investment Companies
The Funds may not purchase securities of other investment companies
except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
Investment in Foreign Securities
■
|
Bond Fund may
invest up to 25% of its assets in dollar-denominated debt securities issued by foreign governments, companies or other entities.
|
■
|
Balanced Fund,
Contrarian Core Fund and Dividend Income Fund each may invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities.
|
■
|
Disciplined Small
Core Fund, Large Cap Growth Fund, Mid Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund I and Small Cap Value Fund I
each may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.
|
■
|
Up to 25% of the
net assets of MM Total Return Bond Strategies Fund may be invested in foreign investments, which may include investments in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities, as well as investments in emerging markets securities.
|
■
|
MM Small Cap
Equity Strategies Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign investments.
|
■
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in dollar-denominated foreign debt securities.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
15
|
Selling Securities Short
■
|
Each Fund (other
than those Funds listed below) may not sell securities short, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.
|
■
|
The following
Funds may not sell securities short: AMT-Free OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Balanced Fund, Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Global Dividend Opportunity Fund, Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund, Global Technology Growth Fund, Mid Cap Growth
Fund, MM Growth Strategies Fund, MM Total Return Bond Strategies Fund Pacific/Asia Fund, Real Estate Equity Fund, Select Large Cap Growth Fund and Small Cap Growth Fund I.
|
■
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund may not have a short position, unless the Fund owns, or owns rights (exercisable without payment) to acquire, an equal amount of such securities.
|
Purchasing on Margin
■
|
Tax-Exempt Fund
may not purchase securities on margin, but may receive short-term credit to clear securities transactions and may make initial or maintenance margin deposits in connection with futures transactions.
|
Names Rule Policy
To the extent a Fund is subject to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act
(the Names Rule), and does not otherwise have a fundamental policy in place to comply with the Names Rule, such Fund has adopted the following non-fundamental policy: Shareholders will receive at least 60 days’ notice of any change to the
Fund’s investment objective or principal investment strategies made in order to comply with the Names Rule. The notice will be provided in plain English in a separate written document, and will contain the following prominent statement or
similar statement in bold-face type: “Important Notice Regarding Change in Investment Policy.” This statement will appear on both the notice and the envelope in which it is delivered, unless it is delivered separately from other
communications to investors, in which case the statement will appear either on the notice or the envelope in which the notice is delivered. A Fund subject to a fundamental policy in place to comply with the Names Rule will disclose in the
More Information About the Fund
section of its prospectus that its 80% policy cannot be changed without shareholder approval.
Summary of 1940 Act Restrictions on Certain
Activities
Certain of the Fund’s fundamental and, if
any, non-fundamental policies set forth above prohibit transactions “except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.” The following discussion summarizes the
flexibility that the Fund currently gains from these exceptions. To the extent the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder may, in the future, be amended to provide greater flexibility, or to the extent the SEC may in the future grant
exemptive relief providing greater flexibility, the Fund will be able to use that flexibility without seeking shareholder approval of its fundamental policies.
Borrowing money – The 1940 Act permits a Fund
to borrow up to 33
1
⁄
3
% of its total assets (including the amounts borrowed) from banks,
plus an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, which may be borrowed from banks or other sources. The exception in the fundamental policy allows the Funds to borrow money subject to these conditions. Compliance with this
limitation is not measured under the Time of Purchase Standard (meaning, a Fund may not exceed these thresholds including if, after borrowing, the Fund’s net assets decrease due to market fluctuations).
Buy or sell physical commodities – The 1940
Act does not directly limit a Fund’s ability to invest directly in physical commodities. However, a Fund’s direct and indirect investments in physical commodities may be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a RIC, and can
limit the Fund’s ability to so qualify. One of the requirements for favorable tax treatment as a RIC under the Code is that a Fund derive at least 90 percent of its gross income from certain qualifying sources of income. Income and gains from
direct commodities investments, and from certain indirect investments therein, do not constitute qualifying income for this purpose. A Fund that qualifies for an exclusion from the definition of a commodity pool under the CEA and has on file a
notice of exclusion under CFTC Rule 4.5 is limited in its ability to use certain financial instruments regulated under the CEA (“commodity interests”).
Investing in other investment companies – The
1940 Act, in summary, provides that a fund generally may not: (i) purchase more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of another investment company; (ii) purchase securities issued by another investment company in an amount representing more than
5% of the investing fund’s total assets; or (iii) purchase securities issued by investment companies that in the aggregate represent more than 10% of the acquiring fund’s total assets (the “3, 5 and 10 Rule”). Affiliated
funds-of-funds (i.e., those funds that invest in other funds within the same fund family), with respect to investments in such affiliated underlying funds, are not subject to the 3, 5 and 10 Rule and, therefore, may invest in affiliated underlying
funds without restriction. A fund-of-funds may also invest its assets in unaffiliated funds, but the fund-of-funds generally may not purchase more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one unaffiliated fund. Additionally, certain exceptions
to these limitations apply to investments in money market open-end funds. If shares of the Fund are purchased by an affiliated fund
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
16
|
beyond the 3, 5 and 10 Rule in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of
the 1940 Act, for so long as shares of the Fund are held by such other affiliated fund beyond the 3, 5 and 10 Rule, the Fund will not purchase securities of a registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust in reliance on
Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.
Issuing senior securities –
A “senior security” is an obligation with respect to the earnings or assets of a company that takes precedence over the claims of that company’s common stock with respect to the same earnings or assets. The 1940 Act prohibits an
open-end fund from issuing senior securities other than certain borrowings from a bank, but SEC staff interpretations allow a Fund to engage in certain types of transactions that otherwise might raise senior security concerns (such as short sales,
buying and selling financial futures contracts and other derivative instruments and selling put and call options), provided that the Fund segregates or designates on the Fund’s books and records liquid assets, or, as permitted by SEC staff
interpretations, otherwise covers the transaction with offsetting portfolio securities, in amounts sufficient to offset any liability associated with the transaction. The exception in the fundamental policy allows the Fund to operate in reliance
upon these staff interpretations.
Making loans (Lending) – Under the 1940 Act,
an open-end fund may loan money or property to persons who do not control and are not under common control with the Fund, except that a Fund may make loans to a wholly-owned subsidiary. In addition, the SEC staff takes the position that a Fund may
not lend portfolio securities representing more than one-third of the Fund’s total value. A Fund must receive from the borrower collateral at least equal in value to the loaned securities, marked to market daily. The exception in the
fundamental policy allows the Fund to make loans to third parties, including loans of its portfolio securities, subject to these conditions.
Selling securities short – A Fund may sell a
security short by borrowing the security, then selling it to a third party. The Fund will eventually need to close out the short sale by buying the security and returning it, together with interest, to the party from whom the Fund borrowed the
security. The SEC staff takes the position that, as described under “Issuing senior securities” above, a mutual fund must segregate or designate on the Fund’s books and records liquid assets with a value equal to, or otherwise
cover the obligation to return, the security. The exception in the fundamental policy allows the Fund to sell securities short provided it designates liquid assets with a value equal to, or otherwise covers the obligation to return, the
security.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
17
|
ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS
Each Fund’s investment objective, principal
investment strategies and related principal risks are discussed in each Fund’s prospectus. Each Fund’s prospectus identifies the types of securities in which the Fund invests principally and summarizes the principal risks to the
Fund’s portfolio as a whole associated with such investments. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus or this SAI, the investment objective and policies of a Fund may be changed without shareholder approval.
To the extent that a type of security identified in
the table below for a Fund is not described in the Fund’s prospectus (or as a sub-category of such security type in this SAI), the Fund generally invests in such security type, if at all, as part of its non-principal investment
strategies.
Information about individual types
of securities (including certain of their associated risks) in which some or all of the Funds may invest is set forth below. Each Fund may invest in these types of securities, subject to its investment objective and fundamental and non-fundamental
investment policies. A Fund is not required to invest in any or all of the types of securities listed below.
Funds-of-funds invest in a combination of underlying
funds, although they may also invest directly in stocks, bonds and other securities. These underlying funds have their own investment strategies and types of investments they are allowed to engage in and purchase. Funds-of-funds may invest directly
or indirectly through investments in underlying funds, in securities and other instruments and may engage in the investment strategies indicated in the table below.
Certain Investment Activity Limits.
The overall investment and other activities of the Investment Manager and its affiliates may limit the investment opportunities for each Fund in certain markets, industries or transactions or in
individual issuers where limitations are imposed upon the aggregate amount of investment by the Funds and other accounts managed by the Investment Manager and accounts of its affiliates (collectively, affiliated investors). From time to time, each
Fund’s activities also may be restricted because of regulatory restrictions applicable to the Investment Manager and its affiliates and/or because of their internal policies. See
Investment Management and Other Services – Other
Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest
.
Temporary Defensive Positions.
Each Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive investment positions that may be inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market,
economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation investing some or all of its assets in money market instruments or shares of affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds or holding some or all of its assets in cash or
cash equivalents. The Fund may take such defensive investment positions for as long a period as deemed necessary.
Other Strategic and Investment Measures.
A Fund may also from time to time take temporary portfolio positions that may or may not be consistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in
attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, social or other conditions, including, without limitation, investing in derivatives, such as forward contracts, futures contracts, options, structured investments and swaps, for various
purposes, including among others, investing in particular derivatives in seeking to reduce investment exposure, or in seeking to achieve indirect investment exposure, to a sector, country, region or currency where the Investment Manager (or Fund
subadviser, if applicable) believes such defensive positioning is appropriate. Each Fund may do so without limit and for as long a period as deemed necessary, when the Investment Manager or the Fund’s subadviser, if applicable: (i) believes
that market conditions are not favorable for profitable investing or to avoid losses, (ii) is unable to locate favorable investment opportunities; or (iii) determines that a temporary defensive position is advisable or necessary in order to meet
anticipated redemption requests, or for other reasons. While the Fund is so positioned, derivatives could comprise a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Investing in this manner
may adversely affect Fund performance. During these times, the portfolio managers may make frequent portfolio holding changes, which could result in increased trading expenses and taxes, and decreased Fund performance.
Types of Investments
A black circle indicates that the investment
strategy or type of investment generally is authorized for a category of Funds. Exceptions are noted following the table. See
About the Trust
for fund investment categories.
Type
of Investment
|
Alternative
|
Equity
and
Flexible
|
Funds-of-Funds
– Equity and
Fixed Income
|
Taxable
Fixed
Income
(a)
|
Tax-Exempt
Fixed
Income
|
Asset-Backed
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Bank
Obligations (Domestic and Foreign)
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Collateralized
Bond Obligations
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Commercial
Paper
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
18
|
Type
of Investment
|
Alternative
|
Equity
and
Flexible
|
Funds-of-Funds
– Equity and
Fixed Income
|
Taxable
Fixed
Income
(a)
|
Tax-Exempt
Fixed
Income
|
Common
Stock
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
—
|
Convertible
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Corporate
Debt Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Custody
Receipts and Trust Certificates
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Debt
Obligations
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Depositary
Receipts
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
—
|
Derivatives
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Dollar
Rolls
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Exchange-Traded
Notes
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Foreign
Currency Transactions
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Foreign
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Guaranteed
Investment Contracts (Funding Agreements)
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
High-Yield
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Illiquid
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Inflation
Protected Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Initial
Public Offerings
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Inverse
Floaters
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Investments
in Other Investment Companies (Including ETFs)
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Listed
Private Equity Funds
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Money
Market Instruments
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Municipal
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Participation
Interests
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Partnership
Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Preferred
Stock
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Private
Placement and Other Restricted Securities
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Real
Estate Investment Trusts
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Repurchase
Agreements
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Reverse
Repurchase Agreements
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Short
Sales
(b)
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Sovereign
Debt
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Standby
Commitments
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
U.S.
Government and Related Obligations
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Variable
and Floating Rate Obligations
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
Warrants
and Rights
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
(a)
|
Total Return Bond Fund is not
authorized to purchase common stock or bank obligations. U.S. Treasury Index Fund is not authorized to purchase asset-backed securities, bank obligations, convertible securities, corporate debt obligations (other than money market instruments),
depositary receipts, dollar rolls, foreign currency transactions, foreign securities, guaranteed investment contracts, inverse floaters, high-yield securities, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, participation interests, partnership
securities, REITs, reverse repurchase agreements, short sales, sovereign debt and standby commitments. Ultra Short Term Bond is not authorized to purchase common stock, foreign currency transactions and short sales.
|
(b)
|
See
Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Policies
for Funds that are not permitted to sell securities short.
|
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities represent interests in, or debt instruments
that are backed by, pools of various types of assets that generate cash payments generally over fixed periods of time, such as, among others, motor vehicle installment sales, contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and
personal property, and receivables from revolving (credit card)
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
19
|
agreements. Such securities entitle the security holders to receive
distributions (
i.e.
, principal and interest) that are tied to the payments made by the borrower on the underlying assets (less fees paid to the originator, servicer, or other parties, and fees paid for credit
enhancement), so that the payments made on the underlying assets effectively pass through to such security holders. Asset-backed securities typically are created by an originator of loans or owner of accounts receivable that sells such underlying
assets to a special purpose entity in a process called a securitization. The special purpose entity issues securities that are backed by the payments on the underlying assets, and have a minimum denomination and specific term. Asset-backed
securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. Collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) are but one example of
an asset-backed security. See
Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, – Debt Obligations – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities
and
– Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with asset-backed securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Bank Obligations (Domestic and Foreign)
Bank obligations include certificates of deposit, bankers’
acceptances, time deposits and promissory notes that earn a specified rate of return and may be issued by (i) a domestic branch of a domestic bank, (ii) a foreign branch of a domestic bank, (iii) a domestic branch of a foreign bank or (iv) a foreign
branch of a foreign bank. Bank obligations may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations. See
Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations
for
more information.
Certificates of deposit, or
so-called CDs, typically are interest-bearing debt instruments issued by banks and have maturities ranging from a few weeks to several years. Yankee dollar certificates of deposit are negotiable CDs issued in the United States by branches and
agencies of foreign banks. Eurodollar certificates of deposit are CDs issued by foreign banks with interest and principal paid in U.S. dollars. Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar CDs typically have maturities of less than two years and have interest rates
that typically are pegged to the London Interbank Offered Rate or LIBOR. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on and accepted by banks, are a customary means of effecting payment for merchandise sold in import-export transactions and are
a general source of financing. A time deposit can be either a savings account or CD that is an obligation of a financial institution for a fixed term. Typically, there are penalties for early withdrawals of time deposits. Promissory notes are
written commitments of the maker to pay the payee a specified sum of money either on demand or at a fixed or determinable future date, with or without interest.
Bank investment contracts are issued by banks.
Pursuant to such contracts, a Fund may make cash contributions to a deposit fund of a bank. The bank then credits to the Fund payments at floating or fixed interest rates. A Fund also may hold funds on deposit with its custodian for temporary
purposes.
Certain bank obligations, such as
some CDs, are insured by the FDIC up to certain specified limits. Many other bank obligations, however, are neither guaranteed nor insured by the FDIC or the U.S. Government. These bank obligations are “backed” only by the
creditworthiness of the issuing bank or parent financial institution. Domestic and foreign banks are subject to different governmental regulation. Accordingly, certain obligations of foreign banks, including Eurodollar and Yankee dollar obligations,
involve different and/or heightened investment risks than those affecting obligations of domestic banks, including, among others, the possibilities that: (i) their liquidity could be impaired because of political or economic developments; (ii) the
obligations may be less marketable than comparable obligations of domestic banks; (iii) a foreign jurisdiction might impose withholding and other taxes at high levels on interest income; (iv) foreign deposits may be seized or nationalized; (v)
foreign governmental restrictions such as exchange controls may be imposed, which could adversely affect the payment of principal and/or interest on those obligations; (vi) there may be less publicly available information concerning foreign banks
issuing the obligations; and (vii) the reserve requirements and accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements applicable to foreign banks may differ (including, less stringent) from those applicable to domestic
banks. Foreign banks generally are not subject to examination by any U.S. Government agency or instrumentality. See
Types of Investments – Foreign Securities
.
Although
one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with bank obligations include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, and Prepayment and Extension
Risk.
Collateralized Bond Obligations
Collateralized bond obligations (CBOs) are investment grade bonds
backed by a pool of bonds, which may include junk bonds (which are considered speculative investments). CBOs are similar in concept to collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), but differ in that CBOs represent different degrees of credit quality
rather than different maturities. (See
Types of Investments – Mortgage-Backed Securities
and
– Asset-Backed Securities
.
) CBOs are often privately offered and sold, and thus not registered under the federal securities laws.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
20
|
Underwriters of CBOs package a large and diversified
pool of high-risk, high-yield junk bonds, which is then structured into “tranches.” Typically, the first tranche represents a senior claim on collateral and pays the lowest interest rate; the second tranche is junior to the first tranche
and therefore subject to greater risk and pays a higher rate; the third tranche is junior to both the first and second tranche, represents the lowest credit quality and instead of receiving a fixed interest rate receives the residual interest
payments — money that is left over after the higher tranches have been paid. CBOs, like CMOs, are substantially overcollateralized and this, plus the diversification of the pool backing them, may earn certain of the tranches investment-grade
bond ratings. Holders of third-tranche CBOs stand to earn higher or lower yields depending on the rate of defaults in the collateral pool. See
Types of Investments – High-Yield
Securities
.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with CBOs include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, High-Yield Securities Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper is a short-term debt obligation, usually sold on a
discount basis, with a maturity ranging from 2 to 270 days issued by banks, corporations and other borrowers. It is sold to investors with temporary idle cash as a way to increase returns on a short-term basis. These instruments are generally
unsecured, which increases the credit risk associated with this type of investment. See
Types of Investments — Debt Obligations and — Illiquid Securities. See Appendix A for a discussion
of securities ratings.
Although one or
more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with commercial paper include: Credit Risk and Liquidity Risk.
Common Stock
Common stock represents a unit of equity ownership of a
corporation. Owners typically are entitled to vote on the selection of directors and other important corporate governance matters, and to receive dividend payments, if any, on their holdings. However, ownership of common stock does not entitle
owners to participate in the day-to-day operations of the corporation. Common stocks of domestic and foreign public corporations can be listed, and their shares traded, on domestic stock exchanges, such as the NYSE or the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Domestic and foreign corporations also may have their shares traded on foreign exchanges, such as the London Stock Exchange or Tokyo Stock Exchange. See
Types of Investments – Foreign
Securities
. Common stock may be privately placed or publicly offered. The price of common stock is generally determined by corporate earnings, type of products or services offered, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity,
and market conditions generally. In the event that a corporation declares bankruptcy or is liquidated, the claims of secured and unsecured creditors and owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common
stock. See
Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities, – Preferred Stock
and
– Convertible
Securities
for more information.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with common stock include: Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred
stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio or predetermined price (the conversion
price). As such, convertible securities combine the investment characteristics of debt securities and equity securities. A holder of convertible securities is entitled to receive the income of a bond, debenture or note or the dividend of a preferred
stock until the conversion privilege is exercised. The market value of convertible securities generally is a function of, among other factors, interest rates, the rates of return of similar nonconvertible securities and the financial strength of the
issuer. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, conversely, to rise as interest rates decline. However, a convertible security’s market value tends to reflect the market price of the common stock
of the issuing company when that stock price approaches or is greater than its conversion price. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the rate of return of
the convertible security. Because both interest rate and common stock’s market movements can influence their value, convertible securities generally are not as sensitive to changes in interest rates as similar non-convertible debt securities
nor generally as sensitive to changes in share price as the underlying common stock. Convertible securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be
privately placed or publicly offered. See
Types of Investments — Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, —Debt Obligations - Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities, —
Common Stock, — Corporate Debt Securities and — Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities for more information.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
21
|
Certain convertible securities may have a mandatory
conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into common stock or other equity securities (of the same or a different issuer) at a specified date and at a specified exchange ratio. Certain convertible securities may be
convertible at the option of the issuer, which may require a holder to convert the security into the underlying common stock, even at times when the value of the underlying common stock or other equity security has declined substantially. In
addition, some convertible securities may be rated below investment grade or may not be rated and, therefore, may be considered speculative investments. Companies that issue convertible securities frequently are small- and mid-capitalization
companies and, accordingly, carry the risks associated with such companies. In addition, the credit rating of a company’s convertible securities generally is lower than that of its conventional debt securities. Convertible securities are
senior to equity securities and have a claim to the assets of an issuer prior to the holders of the issuer’s common stock in the event of liquidation but generally are subordinate to similar non-convertible debt securities of the same issuer.
Some convertible securities are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates when their predetermined conversion price is much higher than the price for the issuing company’s common stock.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with convertible securities include: Convertible Securities Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Market Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk, and Reinvestment Risk.
Corporate Debt Securities
Corporate debt securities are long and short term fixed income
securities typically issued by businesses to finance their operations. Corporate debt securities are issued by public or private companies, as distinct from debt securities issued by a government or its agencies. The issuer of a corporate debt
security often has a contractual obligation to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal periodically or on a specified maturity date. Corporate debt securities typically have four distinguishing features: (1) they are
taxable; (2) they have a par value of $1,000; (3) they have a term maturity, which means they come due at a specified time period; and (4) many are traded on major securities exchanges. Notes, bonds, debentures and commercial paper are the most
common types of corporate debt securities, with the primary difference being their interest rates, maturity dates and secured or unsecured status. Commercial paper has the shortest term and usually is unsecured, as are debentures. The broad category
of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by domestic or foreign companies of all kinds, including those with small-, mid- and large-capitalizations. The category also includes bank loans, as well as assignments, participations and other
interests in bank loans. Corporate debt securities may be rated investment grade or below investment grade and may be structured as fixed-, variable or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be
privately placed or publicly offered. They may also be senior or subordinated obligations. See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings. See
Types of Investments — Variable- and
Floating-Rate Obligations, — Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities, — Debt Obligations, — Commercial Paper
and —
High-Yield Securities
for more
information.
Extendible commercial notes
(ECNs) are very similar to commercial paper except that, with ECNs, the issuer has the option to extend the notes’ maturity. ECNs are issued at a discount rate, with an initial redemption of not more than 90 days from the date of issue. If
ECNs are not redeemed by the issuer on the initial redemption date, the issuer will pay a premium (step-up) rate based on the ECN’s credit rating at the time.
Because of the wide range of types and maturities of
corporate debt securities, as well as the range of creditworthiness of issuers, corporate debt securities can have widely varying risk/return profiles. For example, commercial paper issued by a large established domestic corporation that is rated by
an NRSRO as investment grade may have a relatively modest return on principal but present relatively limited risk. On the other hand, a long-term corporate note issued, for example, by a small foreign corporation from an emerging market country that
has not been rated by an NRSRO may have the potential for relatively large returns on principal but carries a relatively high degree of risk.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with corporate debt securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, High-Yield Securities Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk and Reinvestment Risk.
Custody Receipts and Trust Certificates
Custody receipts and trust certificates are derivative products
that evidence direct ownership in a pool of securities. Typically, a sponsor will deposit a pool of securities with a custodian in exchange for custody receipts evidencing interests in those securities. The sponsor generally then will sell the
custody receipts or trust certificates in negotiated transactions at varying prices. Each custody receipt or trust certificate evidences the individual securities in the pool and the holder of a custody receipt or trust certificate generally will
have all the rights and privileges of owners of those securities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with custody receipts and trust certificates include: Liquidity Risk and Counterparty Risk. In addition, custody receipts and trust certificates generally are subject to the same risks as the
securities evidenced by the receipts or certificates.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
22
|
Debt Obligations
Many different types of debt obligations exist (for example, bills,
bonds, and notes). Issuers of debt obligations have a contractual obligation to pay interest at a fixed, variable or floating rate on specified dates and to repay principal by a specified maturity date. Certain debt obligations (usually intermediate
and long-term bonds) have provisions that allow the issuer to redeem or “call” a bond before its maturity. Issuers are most likely to call these securities during periods of falling interest rates. When this happens, an investor may have
to replace these securities with lower yielding securities, which could result in a lower return.
The market value of debt obligations is affected
primarily by changes in prevailing interest rates and the issuer’s perceived ability to repay the debt. The market value of a debt obligation generally reacts inversely to interest rate changes. When prevailing interest rates decline, the
market value of the bond usually rises, and when prevailing interest rates rise, the market value of the bond usually declines.
In general, the longer the maturity of a debt
obligation, the higher its yield and the greater the sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Conversely, the shorter the maturity, the lower the yield and the lower the sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
As noted, the values of debt obligations also may be
affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of their issuers. Generally, the lower the quality rating of a security, the higher the degree of risk as to the payment of interest and return of principal. To compensate investors for
taking on such increased risk, those issuers deemed to be less creditworthy generally must offer their investors higher interest rates than do issuers with better credit ratings. See
Types of
Investments — Corporate Debt Securities, — High-Yield Securities
and
— Preferred Stock - Trust-Preferred Securities
for information.
Event-Linked Instruments/Catastrophe Bonds.
A Fund may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in “event-linked bonds” or “event-linked swaps” or by implementing “event-linked strategies.” Event-linked
exposure results in gains or losses that typically are contingent on, or formulaically related to, defined trigger events. Examples of trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes, weather-related phenomena or statistics relating to such events.
Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” If a trigger event occurs, the principal amount of the bond is reduced (potentially to zero), and a Fund may lose all or a portion of its entire principal invested
in the bond or the entire notional amount on a swap.
Stripped Securities.
Stripped securities are the separate income or principal payments of a debt security and evidence ownership in either the future interest or principal payments on an instrument. There are many different
types and variations of stripped securities. For example, Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal Securities (STRIPS) can be component parts of a U.S. Treasury security where the principal and interest components are traded
independently through DTC, a clearing agency registered pursuant to Section 17A of the 1934 Act and created to hold securities for its participants, and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants
through electronic computerized book-entries, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Treasury Investor Growth Receipts (TIGERs) are U.S. Treasury securities stripped by brokers. Stripped mortgage-backed securities,
(SMBS) also can be issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Stripped securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations.
SMBS usually are structured with two or more classes
that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from a pool of mortgage-backed assets. Common types of SMBS will be structured so that one class receives some of the interest and most of the principal from the
mortgage-backed assets, while another class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal.
See
Types of Investments – Mortgage-Backed Securities, – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations
and
– U.S. Government and Related
Obligations
for more information.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with stripped securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk and Stripped Securities Risk
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment
Transactions.
When-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by a Fund, with payment and delivery taking place in the future after the
customary settlement period for that type of security. Normally, the settlement date occurs within 45 days of the purchase although in some cases settlement may take longer. The investor does not pay for the securities or receive dividends or
interest on them until the contractual settlement date. When engaging in when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions, a Fund typically will designate liquid assets in an amount equal to or greater than the purchase price. The
payment obligation and, if applicable, the interest rate that will be received on the securities, are fixed at the time that a Fund agrees to purchase the securities. A Fund generally will enter into when-issued, delayed delivery and forward
commitment transactions only with the intention of completing such transactions.
However, a Fund’s portfolio manager may
determine not to complete a transaction if he or she deems it appropriate to close out the transaction prior to its completion. In such cases, a Fund may realize short-term gains or losses. See
Types
of Investments — Asset-Backed Securities
and
— Mortgage-Backed Securities
for more information.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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23
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To Be Announced Securities (“TBAs”).
As with other delayed delivery transactions, a seller agrees to issue a TBA security at a future date. However, the seller does not specify the particular securities to be delivered. Instead, the Fund
agrees to accept any security that meets specified terms. For example, in a TBA mortgage-backed security transaction, the Fund and the seller would agree upon the issuer, interest rate and terms of the underlying mortgages. The seller would not
identify the specific underlying mortgages until it issues the security. TBA mortgage-backed securities increase market risks because the underlying mortgages may be less favorable than anticipated by the Fund. See
Types of Investments
— Asset-Backed Securities
and
— Mortgage-Backed Securities
for more information.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk and Market Risk.
Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities.
Zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities are types of debt instruments that do not necessarily make payments of interest in fixed amounts or at fixed intervals. Asset-backed securities,
convertible securities, corporate debt securities, foreign securities, high-yield securities, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, participation interests, stripped securities, U.S. Government and related obligations and other types of
debt instruments may be structured as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities.
Zero-coupon securities do not pay interest on a
current basis but instead accrue interest over the life of the security. These securities include, among others, zero-coupon bonds, which either may be issued at a discount by a corporation or government entity or may be created by a brokerage firm
when it strips the coupons from a bond or note and then sells the bond or note and the coupon separately. This technique is used frequently with U.S. Treasury bonds, and zero-coupon securities are marketed under such names as CATS (Certificate of
Accrual on Treasury Securities), TIGERs or STRIPS. Zero-coupon bonds also are issued by municipalities. Buying a municipal zero-coupon bond frees its purchaser of the obligation to pay regular federal income tax on imputed interest, since the
interest is exempt for regular federal income tax purposes. Zero-coupon certificates of deposit and zero-coupon mortgages are generally structured in the same fashion as zero-coupon bonds; the certificate of deposit holder or mortgage holder
receives face value at maturity and no payments until then.
Pay-in-kind securities normally give the issuer an
option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or to give the holder of the security a similar security with the same coupon rate and a face value equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made.
Step-coupon securities trade at a discount from
their face value and pay coupon interest that gradually increases over time. The coupon rate is paid according to a schedule for a series of periods, typically lower for an initial period and then increasing to a higher coupon rate thereafter. The
discount from the face amount or par value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issue.
Zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities
holders generally have substantially all the rights and privileges of holders of the underlying coupon obligations or principal obligations. Holders of these securities typically have the right upon default on the underlying coupon obligations or
principal obligations to proceed directly and individually against the issuer and are not required to act in concert with other holders of such securities.
See Appendix A for a discussion of securities
ratings. See
Types of Investments — Asset-Backed Securities
and
— Mortgage-Backed Securities
for more information.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with zero-coupon, step-coupon, and pay-in-kind securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk and Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk.
Determining Investment Grade for Purposes of
Investment Policies.
Unless otherwise stated in the Fund’s prospectus, when determining, under a Fund’s investment policies, whether a debt instrument is investment grade or below
investment grade for purposes of purchase by the Fund, the Fund will apply a particular credit quality rating methodology, as described within the Fund’s shareholder reports, when available. These methodologies typically make use of credit
quality ratings assigned by a third-party rating agency or agencies, when available. Credit quality ratings assigned by a rating agency are subjective opinions, not statements of fact, and are subject to change, including daily. Credit quality
ratings apply to the Fund’s debt instrument investments and not the Fund itself.
Ratings limitations under a Fund’s investment
policies are applied at the time of purchase by a Fund. Subsequent to purchase, a debt instrument may cease to be rated by a rating agency or its rating may be reduced by a rating agency(ies) below the minimum required for purchase by a Fund.
Neither event will require the sale of such debt instrument, but it may be a factor in considering whether to continue to hold the instrument. Unless otherwise stated in a Fund’s prospectus or in this SAI, a Fund may invest in debt instruments
that are not rated by a rating agency. When a debt instrument is not rated by a rating agency, the Investment Manager or, as applicable, a Fund subadviser determines, at the time of purchase, whether such debt instrument is of investment grade or
below investment grade (e.g., junk bond) quality. A Fund’s debt instrument holdings that are not rated by a rating agency are typically referred to as “Not Rated” within the Fund’s shareholder reports.
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See Appendix A for a discussion of securities
ratings.
Although one or more of the other
risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with debt obligations include: Confidential Information Access Risk, Credit Risk, Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk, Impairment of Collateral Risk, Interest Rate Risk,
Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk and Reinvestment Risk.
Determining Average Maturity.
When determining the average maturity of a Fund's portfolio, the Fund may use the effective maturity of a portfolio security by, among other things, adjusting for interest rate reset dates, call dates
or “put” dates.
Depositary
Receipts
See
Types of Investments – Foreign Securities
below.
Derivatives
General
Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are based on (or
“derived” from) traditional securities (such as a stock or a bond), assets (such as a commodity, like gold), reference rates (such as LIBOR), market indices (such as the S& P 500
®
Index) or customized baskets of securities or instruments. Some forms of derivatives, such as exchange-traded futures and options on securities,
commodities, or indices, are traded on regulated exchanges. These types of derivatives are standardized contracts that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and published daily. Non-standardized derivatives, on the
other hand, tend to be more specialized or complex, and may be harder to value. Many derivative instruments often require little or no initial payment and therefore often create inherent economic leverage. Derivatives, when used properly, can
enhance returns and be useful in hedging portfolios and managing risk. Some common types of derivatives include futures; options; options on futures; forward foreign currency exchange contracts; forward contracts on securities and securities
indices; linked securities and structured products; CMOs; swap agreements and swaptions.
A Fund may use derivatives for a variety of reasons,
including, for example: (i) to enhance its return; (ii) to attempt to protect against possible unfavorable changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for its portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations (
i.e.
, to hedge); (iii) to protect its unrealized gains reflected in the value of its portfolio securities; (iv) to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes; (v) to
reduce transaction costs; (vi) to manage the effective maturity or duration of its portfolio; and/or (vii) to maintain cash reserves while remaining fully invested.
Certain Funds may employ portfolio margining with
respect to derivatives investments, which creates leverage in a Fund’s portfolio (subjecting the Fund to Leverage Risk). Portfolio margining is a methodology that computes margin requirements for an account based on the greatest projected net
loss of all positions in a product class or group, and uses computer modeling to perform risk analysis using multiple pricing scenarios. The pricing scenarios are designed to measure the theoretical loss of the positions, given changes in the
underlying price and implied volatility inputs to the model. Accordingly, the margin required is based on the greatest loss that would be incurred in a portfolio if the value of its components move up or down by a predetermined amount.
A Fund may use any or all of the above investment
techniques and may purchase different types of derivative instruments at any time and in any combination. The use of derivatives is a function of numerous variables, including market conditions. See also
Types of Investments — Warrants and Rights
and
— Debt Obligations - When Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment
Transactions.
Although one or more of
the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with transactions in derivatives (including the derivatives instruments discussed below) include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk,
Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Derivatives Risk, Derivatives Risk – Forward Contracts Risk, Derivatives Risk – Futures Contracts Risk, Derivatives Risk – Inverse Floaters Risk, Derivatives Risk – Options Risk, Derivatives Risk
– Structured Investments Risk and/or Derivatives Risk – Swaps Risk.
Structured Investments (Indexed or Linked
Securities)
General
.
Indexed or linked securities, also often referred to as “structured products,” are instruments that may have varying combinations of equity and debt characteristics. These instruments are
structured to recast the investment characteristics of the underlying security or reference asset. If the issuer is a unit investment trust or other special purpose vehicle, the structuring will typically involve the deposit with or purchase by such
issuer of specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans or securities) and/or the execution of various derivative transactions, and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities (structured securities) backed by, or
representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying
maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments.
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Indexed and Inverse Floating Rate Securities.
A Fund may invest in securities that provide a potential return based on a particular index or interest rates. For example, a Fund may invest in debt securities that pay interest based on an index of
interest rates. The principal amount payable upon maturity of certain securities also may be based on the value of the index. To the extent a Fund invests in these types of securities, a Fund’s return on such securities will rise and fall with
the value of the particular index: that is, if the value of the index falls, the value of the indexed securities owned by a Fund will fall. Interest and principal payable on certain securities may also be based on relative changes among particular
indices.
A Fund may also invest in
so-called “inverse floaters” or “residual interest bonds” on which the interest rates vary inversely with a floating rate (which may be reset periodically by a dutch auction, a remarketing agent, or by reference to a
short-term tax-exempt interest rate index). A Fund may purchase synthetically-created inverse floating rate bonds evidenced by custodial or trust receipts. A trust funds the purchase of a bond by issuing two classes of certificates: short-term
floating rate notes (typically sold to third parties) and the inverse floaters (also known as residual certificates). No additional income beyond that provided by the trust’s underlying bond is created; rather, that income is merely divided-up
between the two classes of certificates. Generally, income on inverse floating rate bonds will decrease when interest rates increase, and will increase when interest rates decrease. Such securities can have the effect of providing a degree of
investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in response to changes in market interest rates at a rate that is a multiple of the actual rate at which fixed-rate securities increase or decrease in response to such changes. As a
result, the market values of such securities will generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate securities. To seek to limit the volatility of these securities, a Fund may purchase inverse floating obligations that have
shorter-term maturities or that contain limitations on the extent to which the interest rate may vary. Certain investments in such obligations may be illiquid. Furthermore, where such a security includes a contingent liability, in the event of an
adverse movement in the underlying index or interest rate, a Fund may be required to pay substantial additional margin to maintain the position.
Credit-Linked Securities.
Among the income-producing securities in which a Fund may invest are credit linked securities. The issuers of these securities frequently are limited purpose trusts or other special purpose vehicles
that, in turn, invest in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain fixed income markets. For instance, a Fund may
invest in credit-linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to a certain market and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income-producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, investments
in these credit linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on or linked to the
issuer’s receipt of payments from, and the issuer’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the issuer invests. For instance, the issuer may sell one or more credit default
swaps, under which the issuer would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs,
the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and/or principal that a Fund would
receive. A Fund’s investments in these securities are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments. These securities generally are exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established
trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.
Equity-Linked Notes.
An equity-linked note (ELN) is a debt instrument whose value is based on the value of a single equity security, basket of equity securities or an index of equity securities (each, an
Underlying Equity). An ELN typically provides interest income, thereby offering a yield advantage over investing directly in an Underlying Equity. The Fund may purchase ELNs that trade on a securities exchange or those that trade on the
over-the-counter markets, including Rule 144A securities. The Fund may also purchase ELNs in a privately negotiated transaction with the issuer of the ELNs (or its broker-dealer affiliate). The Fund may or may not hold an ELN until its
maturity.
Equity-linked securities also
include issues such as Structured Yield Product Exchangeable for Stock (STRYPES), Trust Automatic Common Exchange Securities (TRACES), Trust Issued Mandatory Exchange Securities (TIMES) and Trust Enhanced Dividend Securities (TRENDS). The issuers of
these equity-linked securities generally purchase and hold a portfolio of stripped U.S. Treasury securities maturing on a quarterly basis through the conversion date, and a forward purchase contract with an existing shareholder of the company
relating to the common stock. Quarterly distributions on such equity-linked securities generally consist of the cash received from the U.S. Treasury securities and such equity-linked securities generally are not entitled to any dividends that may be
declared on the common stock.
ELNs also
include participation notes issued by a bank or broker-dealer that entitles the Fund to a return measured by the change in value of an Underlying Equity. Participation notes are typically used when a direct investment in the Underlying Equity is
restricted due to country-specific regulations. Investment in a participation note is not the same as investment in the constituent shares of the company (or other issuer type) to which the Underlying Equity is economically tied. A participation
note represents
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only an obligation of the company or other issuer type to provide
the Fund the economic performance equivalent to holding shares of the Underlying Equity. A participation note does not provide any beneficial or equitable entitlement or interest in the relevant Underlying Equity. In other words, shares of the
Underlying Equity are not in any way owned by the Fund.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with equity-linked notes include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Liquidity Risk and Market Risk
Index-, Commodity- and Currency-Linked Securities.
“Index-linked” or “commodity-linked” notes are debt securities of companies that call for interest payments and/or payment at maturity in different terms than the typical note
where the borrower agrees to make fixed interest payments and to pay a fixed sum at maturity. Principal and/or interest payments on an index-linked or commodity-linked note depend on the performance of one or more market indices, such as the S&P
500
®
Index, a weighted index of commodity futures such as crude oil, gasoline and natural gas or the market prices of a particular commodity or
basket of commodities or securities. Currency-linked debt securities are short-term or intermediate-term instruments having a value at maturity, and/or an interest rate, determined by reference to one or more foreign currencies. Payment of principal
or periodic interest may be calculated as a multiple of the movement of one currency against another currency, or against an index.
Index-, commodity- and currency-linked securities
may entail substantial risks. Such instruments may be subject to significant price volatility. The company issuing the instrument may fail to pay the amount due on maturity. The underlying investment may not perform as expected by a Fund’s
portfolio manager. Markets and underlying investments and indexes may move in a direction that was not anticipated by a Fund’s portfolio manager. Performance of the derivatives may be influenced by interest rate and other market changes in the
United States and abroad, and certain derivative instruments may be illiquid.
Linked securities are often issued by unit
investment trusts. Examples of this include such index-linked securities as S&P Depositary Receipts (SPDRs), which is an interest in a unit investment trust holding a portfolio of securities linked to the S&P 500
®
Index, and a type of exchange-traded fund (ETF). Because a unit investment trust is an investment company under the 1940 Act, a Fund’s
investments in SPDRs are subject to the limitations set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, although the SEC has issued exemptive relief permitting investment companies such as the Funds to invest beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A)
subject to certain conditions. SPDRs generally closely track the underlying portfolio of securities, trade like a share of common stock and pay periodic dividends proportionate to those paid by the portfolio of stocks that comprise the S&P 500
®
Index. As a holder of interests in a unit investment trust, a Fund would indirectly bear its ratable share of that unit investment trust’s
expenses. At the same time, a Fund would continue to pay its own management and advisory fees and other expenses, as a result of which a Fund and its shareholders in effect would be absorbing levels of fees with respect to investments in such unit
investment trusts.
Because linked securities
typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Investments in structured products may be structured as a class that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right
of payment of another class. Subordinated linked securities typically have higher rates of return and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured products. Structured products sometimes are sold in private placement transactions and often
have a limited trading market.
Investments in
linked securities have the potential to lead to significant losses because of unexpected movements in the underlying financial asset, index, currency or other investment. The ability of a Fund to utilize linked securities successfully will depend on
its ability correctly to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Because currency-linked securities usually relate to foreign currencies, some of which may be currencies from emerging market countries, there are certain
additional risks associated with such investments.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures
Contracts
Futures Contracts.
A futures contract sale creates an obligation by the seller to deliver the type of security or other asset called for in the contract at a specified delivery time for a stated price. A futures contract
purchase creates an obligation by the purchaser to take delivery of the type of security or other asset called for in the contract at a specified delivery time for a stated price. The specific security or other asset delivered or taken at the
settlement date is not determined until on or near that date. The determination is made in accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the futures contract was made. A Fund may enter into futures contracts which are traded on national or
foreign futures exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying security or other asset. Futures exchanges and trading in the United States are regulated under the CEA by the CFTC, a U.S. Government agency. See
CFTC
Regulation
below for information on CFTC regulation.
Traders in futures contracts may be broadly
classified as either “hedgers” or “speculators.” Hedgers use the futures markets primarily to offset unfavorable changes (anticipated or potential) in the value of securities or other assets currently owned or expected to be
acquired by them. Speculators less often own the securities or other assets underlying the futures contracts which they trade, and generally use futures contracts with the expectation of realizing profits from fluctuations in the value of the
underlying securities or other assets.
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Upon entering into futures contracts, in compliance
with regulatory requirements, cash or liquid securities, at least equal in value to the amount of a Fund’s obligation under the contract (less any applicable margin deposits and any assets that constitute “cover” for such
obligation), will be designated in a Fund’s books and records.
Unlike when a Fund purchases or sells a security, no
price is paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract, although a Fund is required to deposit with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash and/or U.S. Government
securities in order to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. This amount is known as “initial margin.” The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in security transactions,
in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by a Fund to finance the transactions. Rather, initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit intended to assure completion of the contract
(delivery or acceptance of the underlying security or other asset) that is returned to a Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Minimum initial margin requirements are established by
the relevant futures exchange and may be changed. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin which may range upward from less than 5% of the
value of the contract being traded. Subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the broker (or the custodian) are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying security or other asset fluctuates, a process known as
“marking to market.” If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of additional variation margin will be required. Conversely, a change in the contract value
may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made for as long as the contract remains open. A Fund expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.
Although futures contracts by their terms call for
actual delivery or acceptance of securities or other assets (stock index futures contracts or futures contracts that reference other intangible assets do not permit delivery of the referenced assets), the contracts usually are closed out before the
settlement date without the making or taking of delivery. A Fund may elect to close some or all of its futures positions at any time prior to their expiration. The purpose of taking such action would be to reduce or eliminate the position then
currently held by a Fund. Closing out an open futures position is done by taking an opposite position (“buying” a contract which has previously been “sold,” “selling” a contract previously “purchased”)
in an identical contract (
i.e.
, the same aggregate amount of the specific type of security or other asset with the same delivery date) to terminate the position. Final determinations are made as to whether the
price of the initial sale of the futures contract exceeds or is below the price of the offsetting purchase, or whether the purchase price exceeds or is below the offsetting sale price. Final determinations of variation margin are then made,
additional cash is required to be paid by or released to a Fund, and a Fund realizes a loss or a gain. Brokerage commissions are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold.
Successful use of futures contracts by a Fund is
subject to its portfolio manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and other factors affecting securities and commodities markets. This requires different skills and techniques than those required to
predict changes in the prices of individual securities. A Fund, therefore, bears the risk that future market trends will be incorrectly predicted.
The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in
some strategies can be substantial, due both to the relatively low margin deposits required and the potential for an extremely high degree of leverage involved in futures contracts. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures
contract may result in an immediate and substantial loss to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would
result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit if the contract were closed out.
Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount posted as initial margin for the contract.
In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund
would continue to be required to make daily cash payments in order to maintain its required margin. In such a situation, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities in order to meet daily margin requirements at a time
when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The inability to close the futures position also could have an adverse impact on the ability to hedge effectively.
To reduce or eliminate a hedge position held by a
Fund, a Fund may seek to close out a position. The ability to establish and close out positions will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that this market will develop or continue to exist for
a particular futures contract, which may limit a Fund’s ability to realize its profits or limit its losses. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading
interest in certain contracts; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions, closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series
of contracts, or underlying securities; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances, such as volume in excess of trading or clearing capability, may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or a clearing corporation
may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other
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reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue
the trading of contracts (or a particular class or series of contracts), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in the class or series of contracts) would cease to exist, although outstanding contracts on the exchange that had been
issued by a clearing corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
Interest Rate Futures Contracts.
Bond prices are established in both the cash market and the futures market. In the cash market, bonds are purchased and sold with payment for the full purchase price of the bond being made in cash,
generally within five business days after the trade. In the futures market, a contract is made to purchase or sell a bond in the future for a set price on a certain date. Historically, the prices for bonds established in the futures markets have
tended to move generally in the aggregate in concert with the cash market prices and have maintained fairly predictable relationships. Accordingly, a Fund may use interest rate futures contracts as a defense, or hedge, against anticipated interest
rate changes. A Fund presently could accomplish a similar result to that which it hopes to achieve through the use of interest rate futures contracts by selling bonds with long maturities and investing in bonds with short maturities when interest
rates are expected to increase, or conversely, selling bonds with short maturities and investing in bonds with long maturities when interest rates are expected to decline. However, because of the liquidity that is often available in the futures
market, the protection is more likely to be achieved, perhaps at a lower cost and without changing the rate of interest being earned by a Fund, through using futures contracts.
Interest rate futures contracts are traded in an
auction environment on the floors of several exchanges — principally, the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange. Each exchange guarantees performance under contract provisions through a
clearing corporation, a nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership. A public market exists in futures contracts covering various financial instruments including long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes; GNMA modified pass-through
mortgage backed securities; three-month U.S. Treasury Bills; and ninety-day commercial paper. A Fund may also invest in exchange-traded Eurodollar contracts, which are interest rate futures on the forward level of LIBOR. These contracts are
generally considered liquid securities and trade on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Such Eurodollar contracts are generally used to “lock-in” or hedge the future level of short-term rates. A Fund may trade in any interest rate futures
contracts for which there exists a public market, including, without limitation, the foregoing instruments.
Index Futures Contracts.
An index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of an index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Entering into a contract to buy units of an index
is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position in the index. Entering into a contract to sell units of an index is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position in the index. A unit is
the current value of the index. A Fund may enter into stock index futures contracts, debt index futures contracts, or other index futures contracts appropriate to its objective(s).
Municipal Bond Index Futures Contracts.
Municipal bond index futures contracts may act as a hedge against changes in market conditions. A municipal bond index assigns values daily to the municipal bonds included in the index based on the
independent assessment of dealer-to-dealer municipal bond brokers. A municipal bond index futures contract represents a firm commitment by which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount equal to a specified dollar amount multiplied by
the difference between the municipal bond index value on the last trading date of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the underlying securities in the index is made.
Commodity-Linked Futures Contracts.
Commodity-linked futures contracts are traded on futures exchanges. These futures exchanges offer a central marketplace in which to transact in futures contracts, a clearing corporation to process
trades, and standardization of expiration dates and contract sizes. Futures markets also specify the terms and conditions of delivery as well as the maximum permissible price movement during a trading session. Additionally, the commodity futures
exchanges may have position limit rules that limit the amount of futures contracts that any one party may hold in a particular commodity at any point in time. These position limit rules are designed to prevent any one participant from controlling a
significant portion of the market.
Commodity-linked futures contracts are generally
based upon commodities within six main commodity groups: (1) energy, which includes, among others, crude oil, brent crude oil, gas oil, natural gas, gasoline and heating oil; (2) livestock, which includes, among others, feeder cattle, live cattle
and hogs; (3) agriculture, which includes, among others, wheat (Kansas wheat and Chicago wheat), corn and soybeans; (4) industrial metals, which includes, among others, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel and zinc; (5) precious metals, which includes,
among others, gold and silver; and (6) softs, which includes cotton, coffee, sugar and cocoa. A Fund may purchase commodity futures contracts, swaps on commodity futures contracts, options on futures contracts and options and futures on commodity
indices with respect to these six main commodity groups and the individual commodities within each group, as well as other types of commodities.
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The price of a commodity futures contract will
reflect the storage costs of purchasing the physical commodity. These storage costs include the time value of money invested in the physical commodity plus the actual costs of storing the commodity less any benefits from ownership of the physical
commodity that are not obtained by the holder of a futures contract (this is sometimes referred to as the “convenience yield”). To the extent that these storage costs change for an underlying commodity while a Fund is long futures
contracts on that commodity, the value of the futures contract may change proportionately.
In the commodity futures markets, if producers of
the underlying commodity wish to hedge the price risk of selling the commodity, they will sell futures contracts today to lock in the price of the commodity at delivery tomorrow. In order to induce speculators to take the corresponding long side of
the same futures contract, the commodity producer must be willing to sell the futures contract at a price that is below the expected future spot price. Conversely, if the predominant hedgers in the futures market are the purchasers of the underlying
commodity who purchase futures contracts to hedge against a rise in prices, then speculators will only take the short side of the futures contract if the futures price is greater than the expected future spot price of the commodity.
The changing nature of the hedgers and speculators
in the commodity markets will influence whether futures contract prices are above or below the expected future spot price. This can have significant implications for a Fund when it is time to replace an existing contract with a new contract. If the
nature of hedgers and speculators in futures markets has shifted such that commodity purchasers are the predominant hedgers in the market, a Fund might open the new futures position at a higher price or choose other related commodity-linked
investments.
The values of commodities which
underlie commodity futures contracts are subject to additional variables which may be less significant to the values of traditional securities such as stocks and bonds. Variables such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes and
tariffs may have a larger impact on commodity prices and commodity-linked investments, including futures contracts, commodity-linked structured notes, commodity-linked options and commodity-linked swaps, than on traditional securities. These
additional variables may create additional investment risks which subject a Fund’s commodity-linked investments to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.
Options on Futures Contracts.
A Fund may purchase and write call and put options on those futures contracts that it is permitted to buy or sell. A Fund may use such options on futures contracts in lieu of writing options directly
on the underlying securities or other assets or purchasing and selling the underlying futures contracts. Such options generally operate in the same manner as options purchased or written directly on the underlying investments. A futures option gives
the holder, in return for the premium paid, the right, but not the obligation, to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the writer of the option a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise, the
writer of the option is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of the futures contract and the exercise price. Like the buyer or seller of a futures contract, the holder or writer of an option has the right to terminate its position
prior to the scheduled expiration of the option by selling or purchasing an option of the same series, at which time the person entering into the closing purchase transaction will realize a gain or loss. There is no guarantee that such closing
purchase transactions can be effected.
A Fund will enter into written options on futures
contracts only when, in compliance with regulatory requirements, it has designated cash or liquid securities at least equal in value to the underlying security’s or other asset’s value (less any applicable margin deposits). A Fund will
be required to deposit initial margin and maintenance margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it pursuant to brokers’ requirements similar to those described above.
Options on Index Futures Contracts.
A Fund may also purchase and sell options on index futures contracts. Options on index futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in an index futures
contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the
writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer’s futures margin account, which represents the amount by which the market price of the index futures contract, at
exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the index future. If an option is exercised on the last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will
be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of the option and the closing level of the index on which the future is based on the expiration date. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the
exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.
Use by Tax-Exempt Funds of Interest Rate and U.S.
Treasury Security Futures Contracts and Options.
If a Fund invests in tax-exempt securities, it may purchase and sell futures contracts and related options on interest rate and U.S. Treasury
securities when, in the opinion of a Fund’s portfolio manager, price movements in these security futures and related options will correlate closely with price movements in the tax-exempt securities which are the subject of the hedge. Interest
rate and U.S. Treasury securities futures contracts require the seller to deliver, or the purchaser to take delivery of, the type of security called for in the contract at a specified date and price. Options on interest rate and U.S. Treasury
security futures contracts give the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to assume a position in a futures contract at the specified option exercise price at any time during the period of the option.
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Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Futures Contracts and
Options Thereon.
Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. A Fund may use Eurodollar futures
contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in the LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments are linked.
Options
Options on Stocks, Stock Indices and Other Indices.
A Fund may purchase and write (
i.e.
, sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to
particular stocks or stock indices, and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC). Stock index options are put options and call options on various
stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks.
There is a key difference between stock options and
index options in connection with their exercise. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the
index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price
of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market
value of the securities included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the S&P 500
®
Index or a narrower market index, such as the S&P 100
®
Index. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment.
A Fund may, for the purpose of hedging its
portfolio, subject to applicable securities regulations, purchase and write put and call options on foreign stock indices listed on foreign and domestic stock exchanges.
As an alternative to purchasing call and put options
on index futures, a Fund may purchase call and put options on the underlying indices themselves. Such options could be used in a manner identical to the use of options on index futures. Options involving securities indices provide the holder with
the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option based on movements in the relevant index. Such options must be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the OCC. Such options may relate to particular
securities or to various stock indices, except that a Fund may not write covered options on an index.
Writing Covered Options.
A Fund may write covered call options and covered put options on securities held in its portfolio. Call options written by a Fund give the purchaser the right to buy the underlying securities from a
Fund at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the security’s market price; put options give the purchaser the right to sell the underlying securities to a Fund at the stated exercise
price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the security’s market price.
A Fund may write covered options, which means that,
so long as a Fund is obligated as the writer of a call option, it will own the underlying securities subject to the option (or comparable securities satisfying the cover requirements of securities exchanges). In the case of put options, a Fund will
hold liquid assets equal to the price to be paid if the option is exercised. In addition, a Fund will be considered to have covered a put or call option if and to the extent that it holds an option that offsets some or all of the risk of the option
it has written. A Fund may write combinations of covered puts and calls (straddles) on the same underlying security.
A Fund will receive a premium from writing a put or
call option, which increases a Fund’s return on the underlying security if the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. The amount of the premium reflects, among other things, the relationship between the exercise price and the
current market value of the underlying security, the volatility of the underlying security, the amount of time remaining until expiration, current interest rates, and the effect of supply and demand in the options market and in the market for the
underlying security. By writing a call option, a Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option but continues to bear the risk of a decline in the value
of the underlying security. By writing a put option, a Fund assumes the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security for an exercise price higher than the security’s then-current market value, resulting in a potential
capital loss unless the security subsequently appreciates in value.
A Fund’s obligation to sell an instrument
subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by a Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected
by purchasing on an exchange an offsetting option of the same series (
i.e.
, same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will
ordinarily be effected in order to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms
on such underlying instrument. A Fund realizes a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction (option premium
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plus transaction costs) is less or more than the premium received
from writing the option. Because increases in the market price of a call option generally reflect increases in the market price of the security underlying the option, any loss resulting from a closing purchase transaction may be offset in whole or
in part by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security.
If a Fund writes a call option but does not own the
underlying security, and when it writes a put option, a Fund may be required to deposit cash or securities with its broker as “margin” or collateral for its obligation to buy or sell the underlying security. As the value of the
underlying security varies, a Fund may also have to deposit additional margin with the broker. Margin requirements are complex and are fixed by individual brokers, subject to minimum requirements currently imposed by the Federal Reserve Board and by
stock exchanges and other self-regulatory organizations.
Purchasing Put Options.
A Fund may purchase put options to protect its portfolio holdings in an underlying security against a decline in market value. Such hedge protection is provided during the life of the put option since
a Fund, as holder of the put option, is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise price regardless of any decline in the underlying security’s market price. For a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying
security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. By using put options in this manner, a Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have realized from appreciation of the underlying security
by the premium paid for the put option and by transaction costs.
Purchasing Call Options.
A Fund may purchase call options, including call options to hedge against an increase in the price of securities that a Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection is provided during the life
of the call option since a Fund, as holder of the call option, is able to buy the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any increase in the underlying security’s market price. In order for a call option to be profitable, the
market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. These costs will reduce any profit a Fund might have realized had it bought the underlying security at the time it
purchased the call option.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options.
OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) are generally established through negotiation with the other party to the options contract. A Fund will enter into OTC options transactions only with
primary dealers in U.S. Government securities and, in the case of OTC options written by a Fund, only pursuant to agreements that will assure that a Fund will at all times have the right to repurchase the option written by it from the dealer at a
specified formula price. A Fund will treat the amount by which such formula price exceeds the amount, if any, by which the option may be “in-the-money” as an illiquid investment. It is the present policy of a Fund not to enter into any
OTC option transaction if, as a result, more than 15% (10% in some cases; refer to your Fund’s prospectuses) of a Fund’s net assets would be invested in (i) illiquid investments (determined under the foregoing formula) relating to OTC
options written by a Fund, (ii) OTC options purchased by a Fund, (iii) securities which are not readily marketable, and (iv) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
Swap Agreements
General
. Swap
agreements are derivative instruments that can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease a
Fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. A Fund may enter into a variety of swap agreements,
including interest rate, index, commodity, commodity futures, equity, equity index, credit default, bond futures, total return, portfolio and currency exchange rate swap agreements, and other types of swap agreements such as caps, collars and
floors. A Fund also may enter into swaptions, which are options to enter into a swap agreement.
Swap agreements are usually entered into without an
upfront payment because the value of each party’s position is the same. The market values of the underlying commitments will change over time, resulting in one of the commitments being worth more than the other and the net market value
creating a risk exposure for one party or the other.
In a typical interest rate swap, one party agrees to
make regular payments equal to a floating interest rate times a “notional principal amount,” in return for payments equal to a fixed rate times the same amount, for a specified period of time. If a swap agreement provides for payments in
different currencies, the parties might agree to exchange notional principal amounts as well. In a total return swap agreement, the non-floating rate side of the swap is based on the total return of an individual security, a basket of securities, an
index or another reference asset. Swaps may also depend on other prices or rates, such as the value of an index or mortgage prepayment rates.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party
agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing
options. A collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor. In interest rate collar transactions, one party sells a cap and purchases a floor, or vice versa, in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding
given minimum or maximum levels or collar amounts.
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Swap agreements will tend to shift a Fund’s
investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if a Fund agreed to pay fixed rates in exchange for floating rates while holding fixed-rate bonds, the swap would tend to decrease a Fund’s exposure to long-term interest
rates. Another example is if a Fund agreed to exchange payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency. In that case, the swap agreement would tend to decrease a Fund’s exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign
currency and interest rates.
Because swaps are
two-party contracts that may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. If a swap is not liquid, it may not
be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.
Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the
amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. When a counterparty’s obligations are not fully secured by collateral, then the Fund is essentially an unsecured
creditor of the counterparty. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund will have contractual remedies, but there is no assurance that a counterparty will be able to meet its obligations pursuant to such contracts or that, in the event of default, the
Fund will succeed in enforcing contractual remedies. Counterparty risk still exists even if a counterparty’s obligations are secured by collateral because the Fund’s interest in collateral may not be perfected or additional collateral
may not be promptly posted as required. Counterparty risk also may be more pronounced if a counterparty’s obligations exceed the amount of collateral held by the Fund (if any), the Fund is unable to exercise its interest in collateral upon
default by the counterparty, or the termination value of the instrument varies significantly from the marked-to-market value of the instrument.
Counterparty risk with respect to derivatives will
be affected by new rules and regulations affecting the derivatives market. Some derivatives transactions are required to be centrally cleared, and a party to a cleared derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and
the clearing member through which it holds its cleared position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivative transaction. Credit risk of market participants with respect to derivatives that are centrally cleared is
concentrated in a few clearing houses, and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system. A clearing member is obligated by
contract and by applicable regulation to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to cleared derivatives transactions from the clearing member’s proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing
broker from its customers are generally held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account, and the clearing member may invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. The assets of a Fund
might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of a Fund’s clearing member, because the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing broker’s customers
for a relevant account class. Also, the clearing member is required to transfer to the clearing organization the amount of margin required by the clearing organization for cleared derivatives, which amounts are generally held in an omnibus account
at the clearing organization for all customers of the clearing member. Regulations promulgated by the CFTC require that the clearing member notify the clearing house of the amount of initial margin provided by the clearing member to the clearing
organization that is attributable to each customer. However, if the clearing member does not provide accurate reporting, the Funds are subject to the risk that a clearing organization will use a Fund’s assets held in an omnibus account at the
clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. In addition, clearing members generally provide to the clearing organization the net amount of variation margin
required for cleared swaps for all of its customers in the aggregate, rather than the gross amount of each customer. The Funds are therefore subject to the risk that a clearing organization will not make variation margin payments owed to a Fund if
another customer of the clearing member has suffered a loss and is in default, and the risk that a Fund will be required to provide additional variation margin to the clearing house before the clearing house will move the Fund’s cleared
derivatives transactions to another clearing member. In addition, if a clearing member does not comply with the applicable regulations or its agreement with the Funds, or in the event of fraud or misappropriation of customer assets by a clearing
member, a Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the clearing member with respect to the margin held by the clearing member.
Interest Rate Swaps.
Interest rate swap agreements are often used to obtain or preserve a desired return or spread at a lower cost than through a direct investment in an instrument that yields the desired return or spread.
They are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate cash flow for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. In a standard interest rate swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange
their respective commitments to pay fixed or floating interest rates on a predetermined specified (notional) amount. The swap agreement’s notional amount is the predetermined basis for calculating the obligations that the swap counterparties
have agreed to exchange. Under most swap agreements, the obligations of the parties are exchanged on a net basis. The two payment streams are netted out, with each party receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two
payments. Interest rate swaps can be based on various measures of interest rates, including LIBOR, swap rates, Treasury rates and foreign interest rates.
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Credit Default Swap Agreements.
A Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements, which may have as reference obligations one or more securities or a basket of securities that are or are not currently held by a Fund. The
protection “buyer” in a credit default contract is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no credit event, such as a default,
on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference
entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap. If a Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, a
Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable
obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, a Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the
seller, a Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
Credit default swap agreements may involve greater
risks than if a Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly since, in addition to risks relating to the reference obligation, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. A Fund will enter into
credit default swap agreements generally with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. A buyer generally will lose its investment and recover nothing if no credit event occurs and the swap is held to its termination date. If a
credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of
value to the seller.
A Fund’s
obligations under a credit default swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund). For bilateral credit default swaps (CDS) where the Fund is the seller of protection, the Fund will cover the full notional amount
of the swap minus any collateral on deposit. In connection with credit default swaps in which a Fund is the buyer, the Fund will segregate or designate cash or other liquid assets in accordance with its policies and procedures. Such segregation or
designation will ensure that a Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction. Such segregation or designation will not limit a Fund’s exposure to loss.
Equity Swaps.
A Fund may engage in equity swaps. Equity swaps allow the parties to the swap agreement to exchange components of return on one equity investment (
e.g.
, a basket of equity securities or an index) for a component of return on another non-equity or equity investment, including an exchange of differential rates of return. Equity swaps may be used to
invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances where direct investment may be restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impractical. Equity swaps also may be used for other purposes, such as hedging or
seeking to increase total return.
Total
Return Swap Agreements.
Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of the assets underlying
the contract, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying
assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. Total return swap agreements may effectively add leverage to
a Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
Total return swap agreements are subject to the risk
that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations to a Fund thereunder, and conversely, that a Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, a Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (
i.e.
, the two payment streams are netted against one another with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund’s
obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be designated by a Fund in its
books and records. If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of a Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of a Fund’s obligations will be designated
by a Fund in an amount equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the total return swap agreement or the amount it would have cost a Fund initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount a Fund is
obligated to pay or is to receive under the total return swap agreement.
Variance, Volatility and Correlation Swap Agreements.
Variance and volatility swaps are contracts that provide exposure to increases or decreases in the volatility of certain referenced assets. Correlation swaps are contracts that provide exposure to
increases or decreases in the correlation between the prices of different assets or different market rates.
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Commodity-Linked Swaps.
Commodity-linked swaps are two-party contracts in which the parties agree to exchange the return or interest rate on one instrument for the return of a particular commodity, commodity index or
commodities futures or options contract. The payment streams are calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. A one-period swap contract operates in a manner similar to a forward or futures contract because there is an agreement to
swap a commodity for cash at only one forward date. A Fund may engage in swap transactions that have more than one period and therefore more than one exchange of commodities.
A Fund may invest in total return commodity swaps to
gain exposure to the overall commodity markets. In a total return commodity swap, a Fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If the
commodity swap is for one period, the Fund will pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, the Fund will pay an adjustable or floating fee.
With a “floating” rate, the fee is pegged to a base rate such as LIBOR, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, a Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset
date.
Cross Currency Swaps.
Cross currency swaps are similar to interest rate swaps, except that they involve multiple currencies. A Fund may enter into a cross currency swap when it has exposure to one currency and desires
exposure to a different currency. Typically, the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal
amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. In addition to paying and receiving amounts at the beginning and termination of the agreements, both sides will have to pay in full periodically based
upon the currency they have borrowed. Changes in foreign exchange currency rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.
Contracts for Differences.
Contracts for differences are swap arrangements in which the parties agree that their return (or loss) will be based on the relative performance of two different groups or baskets of securities. Often,
one or both baskets will be an established securities index. A Fund’s return will be based on changes in value of theoretical long futures positions in the securities comprising one basket (with an aggregate face value equal to the notional
amount of the contract for differences) and theoretical short futures positions in the securities comprising the other basket. A Fund also may use actual long and short futures positions and achieve similar market exposure by netting the payment
obligations of the two contracts. A Fund typically enters into contracts for differences (and analogous futures positions) when its portfolio manager believes that the basket of securities constituting the long position will outperform the basket
constituting the short position. If the short basket outperforms the long basket, a Fund will realize a loss — even in circumstances when the securities in both the long and short baskets appreciate in value.
Swaptions.
A swaption is an options contract on a swap agreement. These transactions give a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into new swap agreements or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise
modify an existing swap agreement (which are described herein) at some designated future time on specified terms, in return for payment of the purchase price (the “premium”) of the option. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and
call swaptions to the same extent it may make use of standard options on securities or other instruments. The writer of the contract receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the market value on the underlying swap agreement.
Swaptions can be bundled and sold as a package. These are commonly called interest rate caps, floors and collars (which are described herein).
Many swaps are complex and often valued
subjectively. Many over-the-counter derivatives are complex and their valuation often requires modeling and judgment, which increases the risk of mispricing or incorrect valuation. The pricing models used may not produce valuations that are
consistent with the values the Fund realizes when it closes or sells an over-the-counter derivative. Valuation risk is more pronounced when the Fund enters into over-the-counter derivatives with specialized terms because the market value of those
derivatives in some cases is determined in part by reference to similar derivatives with more standardized terms. Incorrect valuations may result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties, undercollateralization and/or errors in
calculation of the Fund’s net asset value.
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) established a framework for the regulation of OTC swap markets; the framework outlined the joint responsibility of the CFTC and the SEC in regulating swaps. The CFTC is responsible for the
regulation of swaps, the SEC is responsible for the regulation of security-based swaps and they are both jointly responsible for the regulation of mixed swaps.
Risk of Potential Governmental Regulation of
Derivatives
It is possible that government regulation of
various types of derivative instruments, including futures and swap agreements, may limit or prevent the Funds from using such instruments as a part of their investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent the Funds from being able to achieve
their investment objectives. The effects of present or future legislation and regulation in this area are not known, but the effects could be substantial and adverse.
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The futures markets are subject to comprehensive
statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. In addition, the SEC, CFTC and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the implementation or reduction of speculative
position limits, the implementation of higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension of trading.
The regulation of swaps and futures transactions in
the U.S. is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. There is a possibility of future regulatory changes altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in a Fund or the
ability of a Fund to continue to implement its investment strategies. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law in July 2010, has changed the way in which the U.S. financial system is supervised and regulated. Title VII of the
Dodd-Frank Act sets forth a new legislative framework for OTC derivatives, such as swaps, in which the Funds may invest. Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act makes broad changes to the OTC derivatives market, grants significant new authority to the SEC
and the CFTC to regulate OTC derivatives and market participants, and will require clearing of many OTC derivatives transactions.
Recent U.S. and non-U.S. legislative and regulatory
reforms, including those related to the Dodd-Frank Act, have resulted in, and may in the future result in, new regulation of derivative instruments and the Fund's use of such instruments. New regulations could, among other things, restrict the
Fund's ability to engage in derivative transactions (for example, by making certain types of derivative instruments or transactions no longer available to the Fund) and/or increase the costs of such transactions, and the Fund may as a result be
unable to execute its investment strategies in a manner the Investment Manager might otherwise choose.
Additional Risk Factors in Cleared Derivatives
Transactions
Under recently adopted rules and regulations,
transactions in some types of swaps (including interest rate swaps and credit default swaps on North American and European indices) are required to be centrally cleared. In a transaction involving those swaps (“cleared derivatives”), a
Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Funds are not members of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the
Funds will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Funds will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through their accounts at clearing
members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house.
In many ways, centrally cleared derivative
arrangements are less favorable to open-end funds than bilateral arrangements. For example, the Funds may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives positions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in
contrast to a bilateral derivatives position, following a period of notice to a Fund, a clearing member generally can require termination of an existing cleared derivatives position at any time or increases in margin requirements above the margin
that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing positions or to terminate those positions at any time. Any increase in margin requirements or
termination of existing cleared derivatives positions by the clearing member or the clearing house could interfere with the ability of a Fund to pursue its investment strategy. Further, any increase in margin requirements by a clearing member could
also expose a Fund to greater credit risk to its clearing member, because margin for cleared derivatives transactions in excess of clearing house’s margin requirements typically is held by the clearing member. Also, a Fund is subject to risk
if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or that the Investment Manager expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund’s behalf. While the documentation
in place between the Funds and their clearing members generally provides that the clearing members will accept for clearing all transactions submitted for clearing that are within credit limits (specified in advance) for each Fund, the Funds are
still subject to the risk that no clearing member will be willing or able to clear a transaction. In those cases, the position might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the position, including loss of an
increase in the value of the position and/or loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Funds and clearing members is developed by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the
Funds than typical bilateral derivatives documentation. For example, documentation relating to cleared derivatives generally includes a one-way indemnity by the Funds in favor of the clearing member for losses the clearing member incurs as the
Funds’ clearing member and typically does not provide the Funds any remedies if the clearing member defaults or becomes insolvent. While futures contracts entail similar risks, the risks likely are more pronounced for cleared swaps due to
their more limited liquidity and market history.
Some types of cleared derivatives are required to be
executed on an exchange or on a swap execution facility. A swap execution facility is a trading platform where multiple market participants can execute derivatives by accepting bids and offers made by multiple other participants in the platform.
While this execution requirement is designed to increase transparency and liquidity in the cleared derivatives market, trading on a swap execution facility can create additional costs and risks for the Funds. For example, swap execution facilities
typically charge fees, and if a Fund executes derivatives on a swap execution facility through a broker intermediary, the intermediary may impose fees as well. Also, a Fund may indemnify a swap execution facility, or a broker intermediary who
executes cleared derivatives on a swap execution facility on the Fund’s behalf, against any losses or costs that may be incurred as a result of the Fund’s transactions on the swap execution facility.
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These and other new rules and regulations could,
among other things, further restrict a Fund’s ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital
requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations are new and evolving, so their potential impact on the Funds and the financial system are not yet known. While the new regulations and the central
clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk (
i.e.
, the risk that the interdependence of large derivatives dealers could cause a number of those dealers to suffer liquidity,
solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that the new clearing mechanisms will achieve that result, and in the meantime, as noted above, central clearing and related requirements expose the Funds to new kinds of risks and
costs.
CFTC Regulation
Pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), each
of Alternative Beta Fund, MM Alternative Strategies Fund, MM Directional Alternative Strategies Fund, Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund and Diversified Absolute Return Fund do not qualify for an exclusion from the definition of a commodity pool.
Accordingly, each of these Funds is registered as a "commodity pool" and the Investment Manager is registered as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to these Funds under the CEA.
Each of the other Funds listed on the cover of this
SAI qualifies for an exclusion from the definition of a commodity pool under the CEA and has on file a notice of exclusion under CFTC Rule 4.5. Accordingly, the Investment Manager is not subject to registration or regulation as a “commodity
pool operator” under the CEA with respect to these Funds, although the Investment Manager is a registered “commodity pool operator” and “commodity trading advisor”. To remain eligible for the exclusion, each of these
Funds is limited in its ability to use certain financial instruments regulated under the CEA (“commodity interests”), including futures and options on futures and certain swaps transactions. In the event that a Fund’s investments
in commodity interests are not within the thresholds set forth in the exclusion, one or more Funds not currently registered as a “commodity pool” may be required to register as such, which could increase Fund expenses, adversely
affecting the Fund’s total return.
Dollar
Rolls
Dollar rolls involve selling securities (
e.g.
, mortgage-backed securities or U.S. Treasury securities) and simultaneously entering into a commitment to purchase those or similar securities on a specified future date and price from the same party. Mortgage
dollar rolls and U.S. Treasury rolls are types of dollar rolls. A Fund foregoes principal and interest paid on the securities during the “roll” period. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower
forward price for the future purchase of the securities, as well as the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The investor also could be compensated through the receipt of fee income equivalent to a lower forward price. Dollar
roll transactions may result in higher transaction costs for a Fund.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with mortgage dollar rolls include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk and Interest Rate Risk.
Exchange-traded notes (ETNs)
ETNs are instruments that combine aspects of bonds and
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and are designed to provide investors with access to the returns, less investor fees and expenses, of various market benchmarks or strategies to which they are usually linked. When an investor buys an ETN, the issuer,
typically an underwriting bank, promises to pay upon maturity the amount reflected in the benchmark or strategy (minus fees and expenses). Some ETNs make periodic coupon payments. Like ETFs, ETNs are traded on an exchange, but ETNs have additional
risks compared to ETFs, including the risk that if the credit of the ETN issuer becomes suspect, the investment might lose some or all of its value. Though linked to the performance, for example, of a market benchmark, ETNs are not equities or index
funds, but they do share several characteristics. Similar to equities, ETNs are traded on an exchange and can be sold short. Similar to index funds, ETNs may be linked to the return of a benchmark or strategy, but ETNs don't have an ownership
interest in the instruments underlying the benchmark or strategy the ETN is tracking.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with exchange-traded notes include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk and Market Risk.
Foreign Currency Transactions
Because investments in foreign securities usually involve
currencies of foreign countries and because a Fund may hold cash and cash equivalent investments in foreign currencies, the value of a Fund’s assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency
exchange rates and exchange control regulations. Also, a Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, causing a Fund’s NAV to
fluctuate. Currency exchange rates are generally determined by the forces of supply
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and demand in the foreign exchange markets, actual or anticipated
changes in interest rates, and other complex factors. Currency exchange rates also can be affected by the intervention of U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political
developments.
Spot Rates and Derivative
Instruments
.
A Fund may conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either at the spot (cash) rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market
or by entering into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (forward contracts). (See
Types of Investments – Derivatives
.) These contracts are traded in the interbank market
conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of
such derivative instruments, a Fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
A Fund may enter into forward contracts for a
variety of reasons, including for risk management (hedging) or for investment purposes.
When a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase
or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency or has been notified of a dividend or interest payment, it may desire to lock in the price of the security or the amount of the payment, usually in U.S. dollars, although it could desire to
lock in the price of the security in another currency. By entering into a forward contract, a Fund would be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between different currencies from the
date the security is purchased or sold to the date on which payment is made or received or when the dividend or interest is actually received.
A Fund may enter into forward contracts when
management of the Fund believes the currency of a particular foreign country may decline in value relative to another currency. When selling currencies forward in this fashion, a Fund may seek to hedge the value of foreign securities it holds
against an adverse move in exchange rates. The precise matching of forward contract amounts and the value of securities involved generally will not be possible since the future value of securities in foreign currencies more than likely will change
between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult and successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
This method of protecting the value of a
Fund’s securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange that can be achieved at some point in time. Although forward
contracts can be used to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in value of hedged currency, they will also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of such currency increase.
A Fund may also enter into forward contracts when
the Fund’s portfolio manager believes the currency of a particular country will increase in value relative to another currency. A Fund may buy currencies forward to gain exposure to a currency without incurring the additional costs of
purchasing securities denominated in that currency.
For example, the combination of U.S.
dollar-denominated instruments with long forward currency exchange contracts creates a position economically equivalent to a position in the foreign currency, in anticipation of an increase in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S.
dollar. Conversely, the combination of U.S. dollar-denominated instruments with short forward currency exchange contracts is economically equivalent to borrowing the foreign currency for delivery at a specified date in the future, in anticipation of
a decrease in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar.
Unanticipated changes in the currency exchange
results could result in poorer performance for Funds that enter into these types of transactions.
A Fund may designate cash or securities in an amount
equal to the value of the Fund’s total assets committed to consummating forward contracts entered into under the circumstance set forth above. If the value of the securities declines, additional cash or securities will be designated on a daily
basis so that the value of the cash or securities will equal the amount of the Fund’s commitments on such contracts.
At maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may either
deliver (if a contract to sell) or take delivery of (if a contract to buy) the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation by entering into an offsetting contract with the same currency trader, having the same maturity date, and
covering the same amount of foreign currency.
If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it
will incur a gain or loss to the extent there has been movement in forward contract prices. If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to buy or sell the foreign currency.
Although a Fund values its assets each business day
in terms of U.S. dollars, it may not intend to convert its foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. However, it will do so from time to time, and such conversions involve certain currency conversion costs. Although foreign exchange
dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (spread) between the prices at which they buy and sell various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while
offering a lesser rate of exchange should a Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
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It is possible, under certain circumstances,
including entering into forward currency contracts for investment purposes, that a Fund will be required to limit or restructure its forward contract currency transactions to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the
Code.
Options on Foreign Currencies.
A Fund may buy put and call options and write covered call and cash-secured put options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes and to gain exposure to foreign currencies. For example, a decline in
the dollar value of a foreign currency in which securities are denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In order to protect against the diminutions in the value of
securities, a Fund may buy put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency does decline, a Fund would have the right to sell the currency for a fixed amount in dollars and would thereby offset, in whole or in part, the adverse
effect on its portfolio that otherwise would have resulted.
Conversely, where a change in the dollar value of a
currency would increase the cost of securities a Fund plans to buy, or where a Fund would benefit from increased exposure to the currency, a Fund may buy call options on the foreign currency, giving it the right to purchase the currency for a fixed
amount in dollars. The purchase of the options could offset, at least partially, the changes in exchange rates.
As in the case of other types of options, however,
the benefit to a Fund derived from purchases of foreign currency options would be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent
anticipated, a Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options that would require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in rates.
A Fund may write options on foreign currencies for
similar purposes. For example, when a Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value of foreign-denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates, it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant
currency, giving the option holder the right to purchase that currency from the Fund for a fixed amount in dollars. If the expected decline occurs, the option would most likely not be exercised and the diminution in value of securities would be
offset, at least partially, by the amount of the premium received.
Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option when
a foreign currency is expected to appreciate, a Fund could write a put option on the relevant currency, giving the option holder the right to that currency from the Fund for a fixed amount in dollars. If rates move in the manner projected, the put
option would expire unexercised and allow the Fund to hedge increased cost up to the amount of the premium.
As in the case of other types of options, however,
the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction. If this does not occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund would be required to
buy or sell the underlying currency at a loss that may not be offset by the amount of the premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund also may be required to forego all or a portion of the benefits that might otherwise
have been obtained from favorable movements on exchange rates.
An option written on foreign currencies is covered
if a Fund holds currency sufficient to cover the option or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that currency without additional cash consideration upon conversion of assets denominated in that currency or exchange of other currency held
in its portfolio. An option writer could lose amounts substantially in excess of its initial investments, due to the margin and collateral requirements associated with such positions.
Options on foreign currencies are traded through
financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign currency options also are traded on certain national securities exchanges, such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange, subject to SEC regulation. In
an over-the-counter trading environment, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there are no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited
extent over a period of time. Although the purchaser of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount could be lost.
Foreign currency option positions entered into on a
national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the OCC, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the
over-the-counter market, potentially permitting a Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.
Foreign Currency Futures and Related Options.
A Fund may enter into currency futures contracts to buy or sell currencies. It also may buy put and call options and write covered call and cash-secured put options on currency futures. Currency
futures contracts are similar to currency forward contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures call for payment of delivery in
U.S. dollars. A Fund may use currency futures for the same purposes as currency forward contracts, subject to CFTC limitations.
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Currency futures and options on futures values can
be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but will not reflect other factors that may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-denominated bond against a decline in the Yen, but will
not protect a Fund against price decline if the issuer’s creditworthiness deteriorates. Because the value of a Fund’s investments denominated in foreign currency will change in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may
not be possible to match the amount of a forward contract to the value of a Fund’s investments denominated in that currency over time.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with foreign currency transactions include: Foreign Currency Risk, Derivatives Risk, Interest Rate Risk, and Liquidity Risk.
Foreign Securities
Unless otherwise stated in a Fund’s prospectus, stocks, bonds
and other securities or investments are deemed to be “foreign” based primarily on the issuer’s place of organization/incorporation, but the Fund may also consider the issuer’s domicile, its principal place of business, its
primary stock exchange listing, the source of its revenue or other factors. A Fund’s investments in foreign markets, may include issuers in emerging markets, as well as frontier markets, each of which carry heightened risks as compared with
investments in other typical foreign markets. Unless otherwise stated in a Fund’s prospectus, emerging market countries are generally those either defined by World Bank-defined per capita income brackets or determined to be an emerging market
based on the Fund portfolio manager’s qualitative judgments about a country’s level of economic and institutional development, among other factors. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed
capital markets than typical emerging market countries (which themselves have increased investment risk relative to investing in more developed markets) and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier
market countries. Foreign securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See
Types of Investments — Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, — Debt Obligations - Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities
and
— Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
Due to the potential for foreign withholding taxes,
MSCI publishes two versions of its indices reflecting the reinvestment of dividends using two different methodologies: gross dividends and net dividends. While both versions reflect reinvested dividends, they differ with respect to the manner in
which taxes associated with dividend payments are treated. In calculating the net dividends version, MSCI incorporates reinvested dividends applying the withholding tax rate applicable to foreign non-resident institutional investors that do not
benefit from double taxation treaties. The Investment Manager believes that the net dividends version of MSCI indices better reflects the returns U.S. investors might expect were they to invest directly in the component securities of an MSCI
index.
There is a practice in certain foreign
markets under which an issuer’s securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where such shares are voted. This is
referred to as “share blocking.” The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent a Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked, trades in such
securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country. As a consequence of these restrictions, the Investment Manager, on behalf of a Fund, may abstain
from voting proxies in markets that require share blocking.
Foreign securities may include depositary receipts,
such as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts issued in registered form by a domestic bank or trust company that evidence ownership
of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. EDRs are foreign currency-denominated receipts issued in Europe, typically by foreign banks or trust companies and foreign branches of domestic banks, that evidence ownership of foreign or
domestic securities. GDRs are receipts structured similarly to ADRs and EDRs and are marketed globally. Depositary receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. In general, ADRs, in registered
form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Fund
may invest in depositary receipts through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an
unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no
obligation to distribute interest holder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities. The issuers of unsponsored depositary
receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be limited information available regarding such issuers and/or limited correlation between available information and the market value of the
depositary receipts.
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Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with foreign securities include: Emerging Markets Securities Risk, Foreign Currency Risk, Foreign Securities Risk, Frontier Market Risk, Geographic Focus Risk, Issuer Risk and Market
Risk.
Guaranteed Investment Contracts (Funding
Agreements)
Guaranteed investment contracts, or funding
agreements, are short-term, privately placed debt instruments issued by insurance companies. Pursuant to such contracts, a Fund may make cash contributions to a deposit fund of the insurance company’s general account. The insurance company
then credits to a Fund payments at negotiated, floating or fixed interest rates. A Fund will purchase guaranteed investment contracts only from issuers that, at the time of purchase, meet certain credit and quality standards. In general, guaranteed
investment contracts are not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance companies, and an active secondary market does not exist for these investments. In addition, the issuer may not be able to pay the principal
amount to a Fund on seven days’ notice or less, at which time the investment may be considered illiquid under applicable SEC regulatory guidance and subject to certain restrictions. See
Types
of Investments – Illiquid Securities
.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with guaranteed investment contracts (funding agreements) include: Credit Risk and Liquidity Risk.
High-Yield Securities
High-yield, or low and below investment grade securities (below
investment grade securities are also known as “junk bonds”) are debt securities with the lowest investment grade rating (
e.g.
, BBB by S&P and Fitch or Baa by Moody’s), that are below
investment grade (
e.g.
, lower than BBB by S&P and Fitch or Baa by Moody’s) or that are unrated but determined by a Fund’s portfolio manager to be of comparable quality. These types of
securities may be issued to fund corporate transactions or restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, debt reclassifications or similar events, are more speculative in nature than securities with higher ratings and tend to be
more sensitive to credit risk, particularly during a downturn in the economy. These types of securities generally are issued by unseasoned companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by companies or municipalities that have
questionable credit strength. High-yield securities and comparable unrated securities: (i) likely will have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of one or more NRSROs, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions; (ii) are speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; and (iii) may have a less liquid secondary market, potentially
making it difficult to value or sell such securities. Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of
lower-quality securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer
that affect the market value of the securities. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. High-yield securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon,
pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See
Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, – Debt Obligations –
Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities
and
– Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
The rates of return on these types of securities
generally are higher than the rates of return available on more highly rated securities, but generally involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income, including the possibility of default by or insolvency of the issuers
of such securities. Accordingly, a Fund may be more dependent on the Investment Manager’s (or, if applicable, a subadviser’s) credit analysis with respect to these types of securities than is the case for more highly rated
securities.
The market values of certain
high-yield securities and comparable unrated securities tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than are the market values of more highly rated securities. In addition, issuers of high-yield
and comparable unrated securities often are highly leveraged and may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of
rising interest rates may be impaired.
The
risk of loss due to default is greater for high-yield and comparable unrated securities than it is for higher rated securities because high-yield securities and comparable unrated securities generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to
more senior indebtedness. A Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its holdings of such securities. The existence of limited markets for
lower-rated debt securities may diminish a Fund’s ability to: (i) obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing such securities and calculating portfolio net asset value; and (ii) sell the securities at fair market value either to
meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or in financial markets.
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Many lower-rated securities are not registered for
offer and sale to the public under the 1933 Act. Investments in these restricted securities may be determined to be liquid (able to be sold within seven days at approximately the price at which they are valued by a Fund) pursuant to policies
approved by the Fund’s Trustees. Investments in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that have not been determined to be liquid, may not exceed 15% of a Fund’s net assets. A Fund is not otherwise subject to any limitation
on its ability to invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities may be less liquid than other lower-rated securities, potentially making it difficult to value or sell such securities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with high-yield securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, High-Yield Securities Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Illiquid Securities
Illiquid securities are defined by a Fund consistent with the SEC
staff’s current guidance and interpretations which provide that an illiquid security is an asset which may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which a Fund has valued
the investment on its books. Some securities, such as those not registered under U.S. securities laws, cannot be sold in public transactions. Some securities are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to contractual or legal restrictions on
resale. Subject to its investment policies, a Fund may invest in illiquid investments and may invest in certain restricted securities that are deemed to be illiquid securities at the time of purchase.
In October 2016, the SEC
adopted a new rule relating to the management of liquidity risk by certain investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, such as the Funds. The new rule may impact the Funds' performance and ability to achieve their respective investment
objectives. The Investment Manager continues to evaluate the potential impact of this new rule, which has a compliance date of December 1, 2018 as it relates to the Funds.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risk typically associated with illiquid securities include: Liquidity Risk.
Inflation-Protected Securities
Inflation is a general rise in prices of goods and services.
Inflation erodes the purchasing power of an investor’s assets. For example, if an investment provides a total return of 7% in a given year and inflation is 3% during that period, the inflation-adjusted, or real, return is 4%.
Inflation-protected securities are debt securities whose principal and/or interest payments are adjusted for inflation, unlike debt securities that make fixed principal and interest payments. One type of inflation-protected debt security is issued
by the U.S. Treasury. The principal of these securities is adjusted for inflation as indicated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban consumers and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The CPI is a measurement of changes in the cost of
living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy.
If the CPI falls, the principal value of
inflation-protected securities will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Conversely, if the CPI rises, the principal value of
inflation-protected securities will be adjusted upward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities will be increased. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury
inflation-protected securities, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the inflation-protected securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Other inflation-indexed securities include inflation-related bonds,
which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.
Other issuers of inflation-protected debt securities
include other U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, corporations and foreign governments. There can be no assurance that the CPI or any foreign inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and
services. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a foreign country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes
in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.
Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected
security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by IRS regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though
these amounts are not received until the bond matures. Similarly, a Fund treated as a regulated investment company (RIC) under the Code that holds these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments
in the form of cash or reinvested shares, which are taxable to shareholders.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with inflation-protected securities include: Inflation-Protected Securities Risk, Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk. In addition, inflation-protected securities issued by non-U.S. government
agencies or instrumentalities are subject to Credit Risk.
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Initial Public Offerings
A Fund may invest in initial public offerings (IPOs) of common
stock or other primary or secondary syndicated offerings of equity or debt securities issued by a corporate issuer. Fixed income funds frequently invest in these types of offerings of debt securities. A purchase of IPO securities often involves
higher transaction costs than those associated with the purchase of securities already traded on exchanges or markets. A Fund may hold IPO securities for a period of time, or may sell them soon after the purchase. Investments in IPOs could have a
magnified impact — either positive or negative — on a Fund’s performance while the Fund’s assets are relatively small. The impact of an IPO on a Fund’s performance may tend to diminish as the Fund’s assets grow.
In circumstances when investments in IPOs make a significant contribution to a Fund’s performance, there can be no assurance that similar contributions from IPOs will continue in the future.
Although one or more risks described in this SAI may
also apply, the risks typically associated with IPOs include: IPO Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk and Small Company Securities Risk.
Inverse Floaters
See
Types of
Investments – Derivatives – Indexed or Linked Securities (Structured Products)
above.
Investments in Other Investment Companies (Including
ETFs)
Investing in
other investment companies may be a means by which a Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective. A Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations
thereunder and any exemptive relief currently or in the future available to a Fund. These securities include shares of other affiliated or unaffiliated open-end investment companies (
i.e.
, mutual funds),
closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), UCITS funds (pooled investment vehicles established in accordance with the Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities adopted by European Union member states) and business
development companies.
Except with
respect to funds structured as funds-of-funds or so-called master/feeder funds or other funds whose strategies otherwise allow such investments, the 1940 Act generally requires that a fund limit its investments in another investment company or
series thereof so that, as determined at the time a securities purchase is made: (i) no more than 5% of the value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of any one investment company; (ii) no more than 10% of the value of its total
assets will be invested in the aggregate in securities of other investment companies; and (iii) no more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company or series thereof will be owned by a fund or by companies controlled by a
fund. Such other investment companies may include ETFs, which are shares of publicly traded unit investment trusts, open-end funds or depositary receipts that may be passively managed (e.g., they seek to track the performance of specific indexes or
companies in related industries) or they may be actively managed. The SEC has granted orders for exemptive relief to certain ETFs that permit investments in those ETFs by certain other registered investment companies in excess of these limits.
ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the
secondary market on a per-share basis, which allows investors to purchase and sell ETF shares at their market price throughout the day. Certain ETFs, such as passively managed ETFs, hold portfolios of securities that are designed to replicate, as
closely as possible before expenses, the price and yield of a specified market index. The performance results of these ETFs will not replicate exactly the performance of the pertinent index due to transaction and other expenses, including fees to
service providers borne by ETFs. ETF shares are sold and redeemed at net asset value only in large blocks called creation units. The Funds’ ability to redeem creation units may be limited by the 1940 Act, which provides that ETFs will not be
obligated to redeem shares held by the Funds in an amount exceeding one percent of their total outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days.
Although a Fund may derive certain advantages from
being able to invest in shares of other investment companies, such as to be fully invested, there may be potential disadvantages. Investing in other investment companies may result in higher fees and expenses for a Fund and its shareholders. A
shareholder may be charged fees not only on Fund shares held directly but also on the investment company shares that a Fund purchases. Because these investment companies may invest in other securities, they are also subject to the risks associated
with a variety of investment instruments as described in this SAI.
Under the 1940 Act and rules and regulations
thereunder, a Fund may purchase shares of affiliated funds, subject to certain conditions. Investing in affiliated funds may present certain actual or potential conflicts of interest. For more information about such actual and potential conflicts of
interest, see
Investment Management and Other Services – Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest
.
Although
one or more of the other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with the securities of other investment companies include: Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risk, Investing in Other Funds Risk, Issuer Risk and Market
Risk.
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Listed Private Equity Funds
A Fund may invest directly in listed private equity
funds, which may include, among others, business development companies, investment holding companies, publicly traded limited partnership interests (common units), publicly traded venture capital funds, publicly traded venture capital trusts,
publicly traded private equity funds, publicly traded private equity investment trusts, publicly traded closed-end funds, publicly traded financial institutions that lend to or invest in privately held companies and any other publicly traded vehicle
whose purpose is to invest in privately held companies.
A Fund may invest in listed private equity funds
that hold investments in a wide array of businesses and industries at various stages of development, from early stage to later stage to fully mature businesses. A Fund may invest in listed private equity funds that emphasize making equity and
equity-like (preferred stock, convertible stock and warrants) investments in later stage to mature businesses, or may invest in listed private equity funds making debt investments or investments in companies at other stages of development. In
addition, a Fund may invest in the common stock of closed-end management investment companies, including business development companies that invest in securities of listed private equity companies.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with investment in listed private equity funds include: Credit Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Sector Risk, and Valuation Risk.
Money Market Instruments
Money market instruments include cash equivalents and short-term
debt obligations which include: (i) bank obligations, including certificates of deposit (CDs), time deposits and bankers’ acceptances, and letters of credit of banks or savings and loan associations having capital surplus and undivided profits
(as of the date of its most recently published annual financial statements) in excess of $100 million (or the equivalent in the instance of a foreign branch of a U.S. bank) at the date of investment; (ii) funding agreements; (iii) repurchase
agreements; (iv) obligations of the United States, foreign countries and supranational entities, and each of their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities; (v) certain corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper, short-term corporate
obligations and extendible commercial notes; (vi) participation interests; and (vii) municipal securities. Money market instruments may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations and may be privately placed or publicly offered.
A Fund may also invest in affiliated and unaffiliated money market mutual funds, which invest primarily in money market instruments. See
Types of Investments — Variable- and Floating-Rate
Obligations
and
— Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
With respect to money market securities, certain
U.S. Government obligations are backed or insured by the U.S. Government, its agencies or its instrumentalities. Other money market securities are backed only by the claims paying ability or creditworthiness of the issuer.
Bankers’ acceptances
are marketable short-term credit instruments used to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods. They are termed “accepted” when a bank unconditionally guarantees their payment at
maturity.
A Fund may invest its daily
cash balance in Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund, a money market fund established for the exclusive use of the funds in the Columbia Fund Complex and other institutional clients of the Investment Manager.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with money market instruments include: Credit Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk and Money Market Fund Risk.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed securities are a type of asset-backed security that
represent interests in, or debt instruments backed by, pools of underlying mortgages. In some cases, these underlying mortgages may be insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Mortgage-backed securities entitle the security
holders to receive distributions that are tied to the payments made on the underlying mortgage collateral (less fees paid to the originator, servicer, or other parties, and fees paid for credit enhancement), so that the payments made on the
underlying mortgage collateral effectively pass through to such security holders. Mortgage-backed securities are created when mortgage originators (or mortgage loan sellers who have purchased mortgage loans from mortgage loan originators) sell the
underlying mortgages to a special purpose entity in a process called a securitization. The special purpose entity issues securities that are backed by the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, and have a minimum denomination and specific term.
Mortgage-backed securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See
Types of Investments — Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, — Debt Obligations - Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities
and
— Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued or
guaranteed by GNMA (also known as Ginnie Mae), FNMA (also known as Fannie Mae), or FHLMC (also known as Freddie Mac), but also may be issued or guaranteed by other issuers, including private companies. GNMA is a government-owned corporation that is
an agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It guarantees, with the full faith and credit of the United States, full and timely payment of all monthly principal and interest on its mortgage-backed securities. Until recently,
FNMA and FHLMC were government-sponsored corporations
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owned entirely by private stockholders. Both issue mortgage-related
securities that contain guarantees as to timely payment of interest and principal but that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The value of the companies’ securities fell sharply in 2008 due to concerns that the
firms did not have sufficient capital to offset losses. The U.S. Treasury has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In addition, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the U.S.
Treasury with additional authority to lend Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac emergency funds and to purchase the companies’ stock, as described below. In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed in conservatorship.
In the past Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have received
significant capital support through U.S. Treasury preferred stock purchases and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage-backed securities. There can be no assurance that these or other agencies of the government will provide such support in the
future. The future status of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac could be impacted by, among other things, the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie
Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s operations and activities under the senior stock purchase agreements, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations,
ownership structure and/or mission of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are a type of
mortgage-backed security that receives differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from the underlying assets. Generally, there are two classes of stripped mortgage-backed securities: Interest Only (IO) and Principal Only (PO). IOs
entitle the holder to receive distributions consisting of all or a portion of the interest on the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. POs entitle the holder to receive distributions consisting of all or a portion of the
principal of the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. See
Types of Investments — Debt Obligations - Stripped Securities
for more information.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) are
hybrid mortgage-related instruments issued by special purpose entities secured by pools of mortgage loans or other mortgage-related securities, such as mortgage pass-through securities or stripped mortgage-backed securities. CMOs may be structured
into multiple classes, often referred to as “tranches,” with each class bearing a different stated maturity and entitled to a different schedule for payments of principal and interest, including prepayments. Principal prepayments on
collateral underlying a CMO may cause it to be retired substantially earlier than its stated maturity or final distribution dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of the premium if any has been paid. The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed
securities differ from those of other debt securities. Among the differences are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently on mortgage-backed securities, usually monthly, and principal may be repaid at any time. These factors may
reduce the expected yield. Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a periodic basis. The principal and interest payments on the underlying mortgage assets may be allocated among the various classes of CMOs in several ways.
Typically, payments of principal, including any prepayments, on the underlying mortgage assets are applied to the classes in the order of their respective stated maturities or final distribution dates, so that no payment of principal is made on CMOs
of a class until all CMOs of other classes having earlier stated maturities or final distribution dates have been paid in full.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) are a
specific type of mortgage-backed security collateralized by a pool of mortgages on commercial real estate.
CMO residuals are mortgage securities issued by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose
entities of the foregoing. The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses and any
management fee of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual
represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the
amount of administrative expenses and the pre-payment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to pre-payments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an
interest-only (“IO”) class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely
sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances an ETF may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in
a CMO residual. CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review of the
characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have been registered under the 1933 Act. CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be subject to
certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed “illiquid” and subject to a Fund’s limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
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Mortgage pass-through securities are interests in
pools of mortgage-related securities that differ from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these securities
provide a monthly payment which consists of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans,
net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred.
Some mortgage-related securities (such as securities issued by the GNMA) are described as “modified pass-through.” These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of
certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
REMICs are entities that own mortgages and elect
REMIC status under the Code and, like CMOs, issue debt obligations collateralized by underlying mortgage assets that have characteristics similar to those issued by CMOs.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with mortgage- and asset-backed securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Mortgage- and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk
and Reinvestment Risk.
Municipal
Securities
Municipal securities include debt obligations
issued by governmental entities, including states, political subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, and authorities, as well as U.S. territories, commonwealths and possessions (such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and their
political subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, and authorities, to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities, the refunding of outstanding obligations, the payment of general
operating expenses, and the extension of loans to public institutions and facilities.
Municipal securities may include municipal bonds,
municipal notes and municipal leases, which are described below. Municipal bonds are debt obligations of a governmental entity that obligate the municipality to pay the holder a specified sum of money at specified intervals and to repay the
principal amount of the loan at maturity. Municipal securities can be classified into two principal categories, including “general obligation” bonds and other securities and “revenue” bonds and other securities. General
obligation bonds are secured by the issuer’s full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue securities are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in
some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source, such as the user of the facility being financed. Municipal securities also may include “moral obligation” securities, which normally are issued by
special purpose public authorities. If the issuer of moral obligation securities is unable to meet its debt service obligations from current revenues, it may draw on a reserve fund, the restoration of which is a moral commitment but not a legal
obligation of the governmental entity that created the special purpose public authority. Municipal securities may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities and may be
privately placed or publicly offered. See
Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, – Debt Obligations – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon Securities
and
– Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
Municipal notes may be issued by governmental
entities and other tax-exempt issuers in order to finance short-term cash needs or, occasionally, to finance construction. Most municipal notes are general obligations of the issuing entity payable from taxes or designated revenues expected to be
received within the relevant fiscal period. Municipal notes generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes can be subdivided into two sub-categories: (i) municipal commercial paper and (ii) municipal demand obligations.
Municipal commercial paper typically consists of
very short-term unsecured negotiable promissory notes that are sold, for example, to meet seasonal working capital or interim construction financing needs of a governmental entity or agency. While these obligations are intended to be paid from
general revenues or refinanced with long-term debt, they frequently are backed by letters of credit, lending agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility agreements offered by banks or institutions. See
Types of Investments – Commercial Paper
for more information.
Municipal demand obligations can be subdivided into
two general types: variable rate demand notes and master demand obligations. Variable rate demand notes are tax-exempt municipal obligations or participation interests that provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the notes.
They permit the holder to demand payment of the notes, or to demand purchase of the notes at a purchase price equal to the unpaid principal balance, plus accrued interest either directly by the issuer or by drawing on a bank letter of credit or
guaranty issued with respect to such note. The issuer of the municipal obligation may have a corresponding right to prepay at its discretion the outstanding principal of the note plus accrued interest upon notice comparable to that required for the
holder to demand payment. The variable rate demand notes in which a Fund may invest are payable, or are subject to purchase, on demand, usually on notice of seven calendar days or less. The terms of the notes generally provide that interest rates
are adjustable at intervals ranging from daily to six months.
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Master demand obligations are tax-exempt municipal
obligations that provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid and permit daily changes in the amount borrowed. The interest on such obligations is, in the opinion of counsel for the borrower, excluded from gross income for U.S.
federal income tax purposes (but not necessarily for alternative minimum tax purposes). Although there is no secondary market for master demand obligations, such obligations are considered by a Fund to be liquid because they are payable upon
demand.
Municipal lease obligations are
participations in privately arranged loans to state or local government borrowers and may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire
land, equipment, and facilities. An investor may purchase these obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such obligations. In general, municipal lease obligations are unrated, in which case they will be determined by a
Fund’s portfolio manager to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase to rated instruments that may be acquired by a Fund. Frequently, privately arranged loans have variable interest rates and may be backed by a bank letter of credit.
In other cases, they may be unsecured or may be secured by assets not easily liquidated.
Moreover, such loans in most cases are not backed by
the taxing authority of the issuers and may have limited marketability or may be marketable only by virtue of a provision requiring repayment following demand by the lender.
Municipal leases may be subject to greater risks
than general obligation or revenue bonds. State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet in order to issue municipal obligations. Municipal leases may contain a covenant by the state or municipality
to budget for and make payments due under the obligation. Certain municipal leases may, however, provide that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each
year.
Although lease obligations do not
constitute general obligations of the municipal issuer to which the government’s taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation ordinarily is backed by the government’s covenant to budget for, appropriate, and make the payments due under
the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses that provide that the government has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated
for such purpose on a periodic basis. In the case of a “non-appropriation” lease, a Fund’s ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default likely will be limited to the repossession of the leased
property in the event that foreclosure proves difficult.
Tender option bonds are municipal securities having
relatively long maturities and bearing interest at a fixed interest rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax-exempt rates that is coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial
institution, to grant the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. The financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the
municipal security’s coupon rate and the rate that would cause the security to trade at face value on the date of determination.
There are variations in the quality of municipal
securities, both within a particular classification and between classifications, and the rates of return on municipal securities can depend on a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer,
general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. The ratings of NRSROs represent their opinions as to the quality of municipal securities. It should be
emphasized, however, that these ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and municipal securities with the same maturity, interest rate, and rating may have different rates of return while municipal securities of the same
maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same rate of return. The municipal bond market is characterized by a large number of different issuers, many having smaller sized bond issues, and a wide choice of different maturities
within each issue. For these reasons, most municipal bonds do not trade on a daily basis and many trade only rarely. Because many of these bonds trade infrequently, the spread between the bid and offer may be wider and the time needed to develop a
bid or an offer may be longer than for other security markets. See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings. (See
Types of Investments – Debt Obligations
.)
Standby Commitments.
Standby commitments are securities under which a purchaser, usually a bank or broker-dealer, agrees to purchase, for a fee, an amount of a Fund’s municipal obligations. The amount payable by a
bank or broker-dealer to purchase securities subject to a standby commitment typically will be substantially the same as the value of the underlying municipal securities. A Fund may pay for standby commitments either separately in cash or by paying
a higher price for portfolio securities that are acquired subject to such a commitment.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with standby commitments include: Counterparty Risk, Market Risk and Municipal Securities Risk.
Taxable Municipal Obligations.
Interest or other investment return is subject to federal income tax for certain types of municipal obligations for a variety of reasons. These municipal obligations do not qualify for the federal
income tax exemption because (a) they did not receive necessary authorization for tax-exempt treatment from state or local government authorities,
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(b) they exceed certain regulatory limitations on the cost of
issuance for tax-exempt financing or (c) they finance public or private activities that do not qualify for the federal income tax exemption. These non-qualifying activities might include, for example, certain types of multi-family housing, certain
professional and local sports facilities, refinancing of certain municipal debt, and borrowing to replenish a municipality’s underfunded pension plan.
For more information about the key risks associated
with investments in municipal securities of particular states, see Appendix C. See Appendix A for a discussion of securities ratings. (See
Types of Investments – Debt Obligations
.)
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with municipal securities include: Credit Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Market Risk and Municipal Securities Risk.
Participation Interests
Participation interests (also called pass-through certificates or
securities) represent an interest in a pool of debt obligations, such as municipal bonds or notes that have been “packaged” by an intermediary, such as a bank or broker-dealer. Participation interests typically are issued by partnerships
or trusts through which a Fund receives principal and interest payments that are passed through to the holder of the participation interest from the payments made on the underlying debt obligations. The purchaser of a participation interest receives
an undivided interest in the underlying debt obligations. The issuers of the underlying debt obligations make interest and principal payments to the intermediary, as an initial purchaser, which are passed through to purchasers in the secondary
market, such as a Fund. Mortgage-backed securities are a common type of participation interest. Participation interests may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations or as zero-coupon, pay-in- kind and step-coupon securities
and may be privately placed or publicly offered. See
Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations, – Debt Obligations – Zero-Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Coupon
Securities
and
– Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
Loan participations also are a type of participation
interest. Loans, loan participations, and interests in securitized loan pools are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to a lender or consortium of lenders (typically banks, insurance companies, investment banks,
government agencies, or international agencies).
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with loan participations include: Confidential Information Access Risk, Credit Risk and Interest Rate Risk.
Partnership Securities
The Fund may invest in securities issued by publicly traded
partnerships or master limited partnerships or limited liability companies (together referred to as “PTPs/MLPs”). These entities are limited partnerships or limited liability companies that may be publicly traded on stock exchanges or
markets such as the NYSE, the NYSE Alternext US LLC (“NYSE Alternext”) (formerly the American Stock Exchange) and NASDAQ. PTPs/MLPs often own businesses or properties relating to energy, natural resources or real estate, or may be
involved in the film industry or research and development activities. Generally PTPs/MLPs are operated under the supervision of one or more managing partners or members. Limited partners, unit holders, or members (such as a fund that invests in a
partnership) are not involved in the day-to-day management of the company. Limited partners, unit holders, or members are allocated income and capital gains associated with the partnership project in accordance with the terms of the partnership or
limited liability company agreement.
At times
PTPs/MLPs may potentially offer relatively high yields compared to common stocks. Because PTPs/MLPs are generally treated as partnerships or similar limited liability “pass-through” entities for tax purposes, they do not ordinarily pay
income taxes, but pass their earnings on to unit holders (except in the case of some publicly traded firms that may be taxed as corporations). For tax purposes, unit holders may initially be deemed to receive only a portion of the distributions
attributed to them because certain other portions may be attributed to the repayment of initial investments and may thereby lower the cost basis of the units or shares owned by unit holders. As a result, unit holders may effectively defer taxation
on the receipt of some distributions until they sell their units. These tax consequences may differ for different types of entities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with partnership securities include: Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk and Market Risk.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock represents units of ownership of a corporation that
frequently have dividends that are set at a specified rate. Preferred stock has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock shares some of the characteristics of both debt and equity.
Preferred stock ordinarily does not carry voting rights. Most preferred stock is cumulative; if dividends are passed (
i.e.
, not paid for any reason), they accumulate and must be paid before common stock
dividends. Participating preferred stock entitles its holders to share in profits above and beyond the declared dividend, along with common shareholders, as distinguished from nonparticipating preferred stock, which is limited to the stipulated
dividend. Convertible preferred stock is exchangeable for a given number of shares of common stock and thus tends to be more volatile than nonconvertible preferred stock, which generally behaves more like a fixed income bond. Preferred stock may
be
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privately placed or publicly offered. The price of a preferred
stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which the stock trades. See
Types of Investments – Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
for more information.
Auction preferred stock (APS) is a type of
adjustable-rate preferred stock with a dividend determined periodically in a Dutch auction process by corporate bidders. An APS is distinguished from standard preferred stock because its dividends change from time to time. Shares typically are
bought and sold at face values generally ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per share. Holders of APS may not be able to sell their shares if an auction fails, such as when there are more shares of APS for sale at an auction than there are purchase
bids.
Although one or more of the other risks
described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with preferred stock include: Convertible Securities Risk, Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk and Market Risk.
Trust-Preferred Securities.
Trust-preferred securities, also known as trust-issued securities, are securities that have characteristics of both debt and equity instruments and are typically treated by the Funds as debt
investments.
Generally, trust-preferred
securities are cumulative preferred stocks issued by a trust that is created by a financial institution, such as a bank holding company. The financial institution typically creates the trust with the objective of increasing its capital by issuing
subordinated debt to the trust in return for cash proceeds that are reflected on the financial institutions balance sheet.
The primary asset owned by the trust is the
subordinated debt issued to the trust by the financial institution. The financial institution makes periodic interest payments on the debt as discussed further below. The financial institution will subsequently own the trust’s common
securities, which may typically represent a small percentage of the trust’s capital structure. The remainder of the trust’s capital structure typically consists of trust-preferred securities which are sold to investors. The trust uses
the sales proceeds to purchase the subordinated debt issued by the financial institution. The financial institution uses the proceeds from the subordinated debt sale to increase its capital while the trust receives periodic interest payments from
the financial institution for holding the subordinated debt.
The trust uses the interest received to make
dividend payments to the holders of the trust-preferred securities. The dividends are generally paid on a quarterly basis and are often higher than other dividends potentially available on the financial institution’s common stocks. The
interests of the holders of the trust-preferred securities are senior to those of common stockholders in the event that the financial institution is liquidated, although their interests are typically subordinated to those of other holders of other
debt issued by the institution.
The primary
benefit for the financial institution in using this particular structure is that the trust-preferred securities issued by the trust are treated by the financial institution as debt securities for tax purposes (as a consequence of which the expense
of paying interest on the securities is tax deductible), but are treated as more desirable equity securities for purposes of the calculation of capital requirements.
In certain instances, the structure involves more
than one financial institution and thus, more than one trust. In such a pooled offering, an additional separate trust may be created. This trust will issue securities to investors and use the proceeds to purchase the trust-preferred securities
issued by other trust subsidiaries of the participating financial institutions. In such a structure, the trust-preferred securities held by the investors are backed by other trust-preferred securities issued by the trust subsidiaries.
If a financial institution is financially unsound
and defaults on interest payments to the trust, the trust will not be able to make dividend payments to holders of the trust-preferred securities such as the Fund, as the trust typically has no business operations other than holding the subordinated
debt issued by the financial institution(s) and issuing the trust-preferred securities and common stock backed by the subordinated debt.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with trust-preferred securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Private Placement and Other Restricted
Securities
Private placement securities are securities that
have been privately placed and are not registered under the 1933 Act. They are generally eligible for sale only to certain eligible investors. Private placements often may offer attractive opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the
open market. Private placement and other “restricted” securities often cannot be sold to the public without registration under the 1933 Act or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or they are
“not readily marketable” because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Asset-backed securities, common stock, convertible securities, corporate debt securities, foreign securities, high-yield
securities, money market instruments, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, participation interests, preferred stock and other types of equity and debt instruments may be privately placed or restricted securities.
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Private placements typically may be sold only to
qualified institutional buyers or, in the case of the initial sale of certain securities, such as those issued in collateralized debt obligations or collateralized loan obligations, to accredited investors (as defined in Rule 501(a) under the 1933
Act), or in a privately negotiated transaction or to a limited number of qualified purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption from
registration.
Although one or more of the
other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with private placement and other restricted securities include: Issuer Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk and Confidential Information Access Risk.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are pooled investment
vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest
the majority of their assets directly in real property, such as shopping centers, nursing homes, office buildings, apartment complexes, and hotels, and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains
by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs can be subject to extreme volatility due to
fluctuations in the demand for real estate, changes in interest rates, and adverse economic conditions.
Partnership units of real estate and other types of
companies sometimes are organized as master limited partnerships in which ownership interests are publicly traded.
Similar to regulated investment companies, REITs are
not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with certain requirements under the Code. The failure of a REIT to continue to qualify as a REIT for tax purposes can materially affect its value. A Fund will indirectly bear its
proportionate share of any expenses paid by a REIT in which it invests. REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund investing in REITs to
request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. In the alternative, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with REITs include: Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Market Risk and Real Estate-Related Investment Risk.
Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are agreements under which a Fund acquires a
security for a relatively short period of time (usually within seven days) subject to the obligation of a seller to repurchase and a Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund’s cost plus interest). The
repurchase agreement specifies the yield during the purchaser’s holding period. Repurchase agreements also may be viewed as loans made by a Fund that are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase, which may consist of a variety of
security types. A Fund typically will enter into repurchase agreements only with commercial banks, registered broker-dealers and the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation. Such transactions are monitored to ensure that the value of the underlying
securities will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including any accrued interest.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with repurchase agreements include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Issuer Risk, Market Risk and Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements under which a Fund
temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed-upon time (normally within 7 days) and
price which reflects an interest payment. A Fund generally retains the right to interest and principal payments on the security. Reverse repurchase agreements also may be viewed as borrowings made by a Fund.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with reverse repurchase agreements include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk, Leverage Risk, Market Risk and Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Short Sales
A Fund may sometimes sell securities short when it owns an equal
amount of the securities sold short. This is a technique known as selling short “against the box.” If a Fund makes a short sale “against the box,” it would not immediately deliver the securities sold and would not receive the
proceeds from the sale. The seller is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers the securities sold, at which time it receives the proceeds of the sale. To secure its obligation to deliver securities sold
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short, a Fund will deposit in escrow in a separate account with the
custodian an equal amount of the securities sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such securities. A Fund can close out its short position by purchasing and delivering an equal amount of the securities sold short, rather than
by delivering securities already held by a Fund, because a Fund might want to continue to receive interest and dividend payments on securities in its portfolio that are convertible into the securities sold short.
Short sales “against the box” entail
many of the same risks and considerations described below regarding short sales not “against the box.” However, when a Fund sells short “against the box” it typically limits the amount of its effective leverage. A
Fund’s decision to make a short sale “against the box” may be a technique to hedge against market risks when a Fund’s portfolio manager believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a
security owned by a Fund or a security convertible into or exchangeable for such security. In such case, any future losses in a Fund’s long position would be reduced by a gain in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses in
the long position are reduced will depend upon the amount of securities sold short relative to the amount of the securities a Fund owns, either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where a Fund owns convertible securities, changes in the
investment values or conversion premiums of such securities. Short sales may have adverse tax consequences to a Fund and its shareholders.
Subject to its fundamental and non-fundamental
investment policies, a Fund may engage in short sales that are not “against the box,” which are sales by a Fund of securities, contracts or instruments that it does not own in hopes of purchasing the same security, contract or instrument
at a later date at a lower price. The technique is also used to protect a profit in a long-term position in a security, commodity futures contract or other instrument. To make delivery to the buyer, a Fund must borrow or purchase the security. If
borrowed, a Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed from the third party, so a Fund must purchase the security at the market price at a later time. If the price of the security has increased during this time, then a Fund will incur a
loss equal to the increase in price of the security from the time of the short sale plus any premiums and interest paid to the third party. (Until the security is replaced, a Fund is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividends or
interest which accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, a Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the
extent necessary to meet the margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.) Short sales of forward commitments and derivatives do not involve borrowing a security. These types of short sales may include futures, options, contracts for
differences, forward contracts on financial instruments and options such as contracts, credit-linked instruments, and swap contracts.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with short sales include: Leverage Risk, Market Risk and Short Positions Risk.
Sovereign Debt
Sovereign debt obligations are issued or guaranteed by foreign
governments or their agencies. It may be in the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan participations. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a
timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the
economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. (See also
Types of Investments –
Foreign Securities
.) In addition, there may be no legal recourse against a sovereign debtor in the event of a default.
Sovereign debt includes Brady Bonds, which are
securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external commercial bank
indebtedness.
Although one or more of the
other risks described in this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with sovereign debt include: Credit Risk, Emerging Markets Securities Risk, Foreign Securities Risk, Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
Standby Commitments
See
Types of
Investments – Municipal Securities
above.
U.S. Government and Related Obligations
U.S. Government obligations include U.S. Treasury obligations and
securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. Government or by various agencies or instrumentalities established or sponsored by the U.S. Government. U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies
or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government differ in their interest rates, maturities and time of issuance, as well as with respect to whether they are guaranteed by the U.S. Government. U.S. Government and related obligations may be structured as
fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations. See
Types of Investments – Variable- and Floating-Rate Obligations
for more information.
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Investing in U.S. Government and related obligations
is subject to certain risks. While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, such securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk (
i.e.
, the risk
that the U.S. Government may be, or be perceived to be, unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments). Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may
not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality and, as a result, may be subject to
greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises historically have involved limited risk of loss of principal if held to
maturity. However, no assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law.
Government-sponsored entities issuing securities
include privately owned, publicly chartered entities created to reduce borrowing costs for certain sectors of the economy, such as farmers, homeowners, and students. They include the Federal Farm Credit Bank System, Farm Credit Financial Assistance
Corporation, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), and Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Government-sponsored entities may issue discount notes (with maturities ranging from overnight to 360 days) and bonds. On
September 7, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), an agency of the U.S. Government, placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship, a statutory process with the objective of returning the entities to normal business operations.
FHFA will act as the conservator to operate the enterprises until they are stabilized.
On August 5, 2011, S& P lowered its long-term
sovereign credit rating for the United States of America to “AA+” from “AAA”. Because a Fund may invest in U.S. Government obligations, the value of its shares may be adversely affected by S&P’s downgrade or any
future downgrades of the U.S. Government’s credit rating. The long-term impact of the downgrade is uncertain. See Appendix A for a description of securities ratings.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with U.S. Government and related obligations include: Credit Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Prepayment and Extension Risk, Reinvestment Risk and U.S. Government Obligations
Risk.
Variable- and Floating-Rate
Obligations
Variable- and floating-rate obligations are debt
instruments that provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate and, under certain circumstances, varying principal amounts. Unlike a fixed interest rate, a variable, or floating, rate is one that rises and declines based on the movement of
an underlying index of interest rates and may pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified formula. Variable- or floating-rate securities frequently include a demand feature enabling the holder to sell the securities
to the issuer at par. In many cases, the demand feature can be exercised at any time. Some securities that do not have variable or floating interest rates may be accompanied by puts producing similar results and price characteristics. Variable-rate
demand notes include master demand notes that are obligations that permit the investor to invest fluctuating amounts, which may change daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the investor (as lender), and the borrower. The
interest rates on these notes fluctuate. The issuer of such obligations normally has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified
number of days’ notice to the holders of such obligations. Because these obligations are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments generally will be traded. There generally is not
an established secondary market for these obligations. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the lender’s right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to
pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies and may involve heightened risk of default by the issuer. Asset-backed securities, bank obligations, convertible securities, corporate debt
securities, foreign securities, high-yield securities, money market instruments, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, participation interests, stripped securities, U.S. Government and related obligations and other types of debt
instruments may be structured as variable- and floating-rate obligations.
Most floating rate loans are acquired directly from
the agent bank or from another holder of the loan by assignment. Most such loans are secured, and most impose restrictive covenants on the borrower. These loans are typically made by a syndicate of banks and institutional investors, represented by
an agent bank which has negotiated and structured the loan and which is responsible generally for collecting interest, principal, and other amounts from the borrower on its own behalf and on behalf of the other lending institutions in the syndicate,
and for enforcing its rights and the rights of the syndicate against the borrower. Each of the lending institutions, including the agent bank, lends to the borrower a portion of the total amount of the loan, and retains the corresponding interest in
the loan. Floating rate loans may include delayed draw term loans and prefunded or synthetic letters of credit.
A Fund’s ability to receive payments of
principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loans held by it will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan would adversely
affect the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets, which would be reflected
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in a reduction in the Fund’s NAV. Banks and other lending
institutions generally perform a credit analysis of the borrower before originating a loan or purchasing an assignment in a loan. In selecting the loans in which the Fund will invest, however, the Investment Manager will not rely on that credit
analysis of the agent bank, but will perform its own investment analysis of the borrowers. The Investment Manager’s analysis may include consideration of the borrower’s financial strength and managerial experience, debt coverage,
additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. Investments in loans may be of any quality, including “distressed”
loans, and will be subject to the Fund’s credit quality policy.
Loans may be structured in different forms,
including assignments and participations. In an assignment, a Fund purchases an assignment of a portion of a lender’s interest in a loan. In this case, the Fund may be required generally to rely upon the assigning bank to demand payment and
enforce its rights against the borrower, but would otherwise be entitled to all of such bank’s rights in the loan.
The borrower of a loan may, either at its own
election or pursuant to terms of the loan documentation, prepay amounts of the loan from time to time. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to reinvest the proceeds of any loan prepayment at the same interest rate or on the same terms as
those of the original loan.
Corporate loans in
which a Fund may purchase a loan assignment are made generally to finance internal growth, mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, stock repurchases, leveraged buy-outs, dividend payments to sponsors and other corporate activities. The highly
leveraged capital structure of certain borrowers may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. The Fund may hold investments in loans for a very short period of time when opportunities to resell the
investments that a Fund’s Portfolio Manager believes are attractive arise.
Certain of the loans acquired by a Fund may involve
revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the Fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon
the terms specified in the loan assignment. To the extent that the Fund is committed to make additional loans under such an assignment, it will at all times designate cash or securities in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments.
Notwithstanding its intention in certain situations
to not receive material, non-public information with respect to its management of investments in floating rate loans, the Investment Manager may from time to time come into possession of material, non-public information about the issuers of loans
that may be held in a Fund’s portfolio. Possession of such information may in some instances occur despite the Investment Manager’s efforts to avoid such possession, but in other instances the Investment Manager may choose to receive
such information (for example, in connection with participation in a creditors’ committee with respect to a financially distressed issuer). As, and to the extent, required by applicable law, the Investment Manager’s ability to trade in
these loans for the account of the Fund could potentially be limited by its possession of such information. Such limitations on the Investment Manager’s ability to trade could have an adverse effect on the Fund by, for example, preventing the
Fund from selling a loan that is experiencing a material decline in value. In some instances, these trading restrictions could continue in effect for a substantial period of time.
In some instances, other accounts managed by the
Investment Manager may hold other securities issued by borrowers whose floating rate loans may be held in a Fund’s portfolio. These other securities may include, for example, debt securities that are subordinate to the floating rate loans held
in the Fund’s portfolio, convertible debt or common or preferred equity securities.
In certain circumstances, such as if the credit
quality of the issuer deteriorates, the interests of holders of these other securities may conflict with the interests of the holders of the issuer’s floating rate loans. In such cases, the Investment Manager may owe conflicting fiduciary
duties to the Fund and other client accounts. The Investment Manager will endeavor to carry out its obligations to all of its clients to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that in some cases certain clients may achieve a lower economic return,
as a result of these conflicting client interests, than if the Investment Manager’s client accounts collectively held only a single category of the issuer’s securities.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with variable- or floating-rate obligations include: Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk and Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Warrants and Rights
Warrants and rights are types of securities that give a holder a
right to purchase shares of common stock. Warrants usually are issued together with a bond or preferred stock and entitle a holder to purchase a specified amount of common stock at a specified price typically for a period of years. Rights usually
have a specified purchase price that is lower than the current market price and entitle a holder to purchase a specified amount of common stock typically for a period of only weeks. Warrants may be used to enhance the marketability of a bond or
preferred stock. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or
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voting rights and they do not represent any rights in the assets of
the issuer. Warrants may be considered to have more speculative characteristics than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant
ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date, if any.
The potential exercise price of warrants or rights
may exceed their market price, such as when there is no movement in the market price or the market price of the common stock declines.
Although one or more of the other risks described in
this SAI may also apply, the risks typically associated with warrants and rights include: Convertible Securities Risk, Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Issuer Risk and Market Risk.
Information Regarding Risks
The following is a summary of risks of investing in
the Funds and the risk characteristics associated with the various investment instruments available to the Funds for investment. A Fund’s risk profile is largely defined by the Fund’s primary portfolio holdings and principal investment
strategies (for the description of a Fund’s principal investment strategies and principal risks, please see that Fund’s prospectus). However, the Funds are allowed to use securities, instruments, other assets and investments, strategies
and techniques other than those described in the Fund’s principal investment strategies, subjecting the Fund to the risks associated with these securities, instruments, other assets and investments, strategies and techniques.
An investment in the Funds is not a bank deposit and
is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the FDIC or any other government agency. One or more of the following risks may be associated with an investment in a Fund at any time:
Active Management Risk.
The Fund is actively managed and its performance therefore will reflect, in part, the ability of the portfolio managers to make investment decisions that will achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Due to its
active management, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies.
Activist Strategies Risk.
The Fund may purchase securities of a company that is the subject of a proxy contest or which activist investors are attempting to influence, in the expectation that new management or a change in business strategies
will cause the price of the company’s securities to increase. If the proxy contest, or the new management, is not successful, the market price of the company’s securities will typically fall.
In addition, where an acquisition or restructuring
transaction or proxy fight is opposed by the subject company’s management, the transaction often becomes the subject of litigation. Such litigation involves substantial uncertainties and may impose substantial cost and expense on the
Fund.
Allocation Risk.
For any Fund that uses an asset allocation strategy in pursuit of its investment objective, there is a risk that the Fund's allocation among asset classes, investments, managers, strategies and/or investment styles will
cause the Fund's shares to lose value or cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies, or that the investments themselves will not produce the returns expected.
Alternative Strategies Investment Risk.
An investment in alternative investment strategies (Alternative Strategies), whether through direct investment or through one or more underlying funds that use Alternative Strategies, involves risks, which may be
significant. Alternative Strategies may include strategies, instruments or other assets, such as derivatives, that seek investment returns uncorrelated with the broad equity and fixed income/debt markets, as well as those providing exposure to other
markets (such as commodity markets), including but not limited to absolute (positive) return strategies. Alternative Strategies may fail to achieve their desired performance, market or other exposure, or their returns (or lack thereof) may be more
correlated with the broad equity and/or fixed income/debt markets than was anticipated, and the Fund may lose money. Some Alternative Strategies may be considered speculative.
To the extent that an underlying fund is charged a
performance (or incentive) fee (which would indirectly be borne by the Fund’s shareholders), such fees may create incentives for the underlying fund’s manager to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than in the absence
of these fees. Because these fees are often based on both realized and unrealized appreciation, the fee may be greater than if it were based only on realized gains. In addition, underlying fund managers may receive compensation for relative
performance of the underlying fund even if the underlying fund’s overall returns are negative.
Arbitrage Strategies Risk.
The Fund may purchase securities at prices only slightly below the anticipated value to be paid or exchanged for such securities in a merger, exchange offer or cash tender offer, and substantially above the prices at
which such securities traded immediately prior to announcement of the transaction. If there is a perception that the proposed transaction will not be consummated or will be delayed, the market price of the security may decline sharply, which would
result in a loss to the Fund. In addition, if the manager determines that the offer is likely to be increased, either by the original bidder or by another party, the Fund may purchase securities above the offer price; such purchases are subject to a
high degree of risk.
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The consummation of mergers and tender and exchange
offers can be prevented or delayed by a variety of factors, including opposition by the management or shareholders of the target company, private litigation or litigation involving regulatory agencies, and approval or non-action of regulatory
agencies. The likelihood of occurrence of these and other factors, and their impact on an investment, can be very difficult to evaluate.
Asset-Backed Securities Risk.
The value of the Fund's asset-backed securities may be affected by, among other things, changes in interest rates, factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the receivables,
the creditworthiness of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements, or the market's assessment of the quality of underlying assets. Asset-backed securities represent interests in, or are
backed by, pools of receivables such as credit card, auto, student and home equity loans. They may also be backed by securities backed by these types of loans and others, such as mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities can have a fixed or an
adjustable rate. Most asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the possibility that the underlying debt may be refinanced or prepaid prior to maturity during periods of declining or low interest rates, causing the Fund to
have to reinvest the money received in securities that have lower yields. In addition, the impact of prepayments on the value of asset-backed securities may be difficult to predict and may result in greater volatility. Rising or high interest rates
tend to extend the duration of asset-backed securities, resulting in valuations that are volatile and sensitive to changes in interest rates.
Bankruptcy Process and Trade Claims Risk.
The Fund may purchase bankruptcy claims. There are a number of significant risks inherent in the bankruptcy process. The effect of a bankruptcy filing on a company may adversely and permanently affect the company and
cause it to be incapable of restoring itself as a viable business. Many events in a bankruptcy are the product of contested matters and adversarial proceedings. The duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is difficult to predict and a creditor’s
return on investment can be adversely affected by delays while the plan of reorganization is being finalized. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and are paid out of the debtor’s estate
before any return to creditors. The Fund may also purchase trade claims against companies, including companies in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings, which include claims of suppliers for unpaid goods delivered, claims for unpaid services
rendered, claims for contract rejection damages and claims related to litigation. An investment in trade claims is very speculative, illiquid, and carries a high degree of risk. The markets in trade claims are generally not regulated by U.S. federal
securities laws or the SEC.
Changing
Distribution Level Risk.
The Fund will normally receive income which may include interest, dividends and/or capital gains, depending upon its investments. The amount of the distributions the Fund pays will vary and
generally depends on the amount of income the Fund earns (less expenses) on the loans and securities it holds, and capital gains or losses it recognizes. A decline in the Fund’s income or net capital gains from its investments will reduce its
distribution level.
Closed-End Investment
Company Risk.
Closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAV, which may affect whether the Fund will realize gain or loss upon its sale of the closed-end investment company’s
shares. Closed-end investment companies may employ leverage, which also subjects the closed-end investment company to increased risks such as increased volatility.
Commodity-related Investment Risk.
The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include demand for the commodity, weather, embargoes,
tariffs, and economic health, political, international, regulatory and other developments. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may, in turn, reduce market prices and cause the value of
Fund shares to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the value of the Fund's investments to greater volatility than other types of investments. No, or
limited, active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market
conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments. Certain types of commodities instruments are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be unable to perform in accordance with the
terms of the instrument. The Fund may make commodity-related investments through, and may invest in one or more underlying funds that make commodity-related investments through, one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries organized outside the U.S. that
are generally not subject to U.S. laws (including securities laws) and their protections. However, any such subsidiary is wholly owned and controlled by the Fund and any underlying fund subsidiary is wholly-owned and controlled by the underlying
fund, making it unlikely that the subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund or the underlying fund and their shareholders. Further, any such subsidiaries will be subject to the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, and can be
adversely affected by developments in that jurisdiction.
Concentration Risk.
To the extent that the Fund concentrates its investment in particular issuers, countries, geographic regions, industries or sectors, the Fund may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund that invests in
a wider variety of issuers, countries, geographic regions, industries, sectors or investments.
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Confidential Information Access Risk.
In many instances, issuers of floating rate loans offer to furnish material, non-public information (Confidential Information) to prospective purchasers or holders of the issuer’s floating rate loans to help
potential investors assess the value of the loan. Portfolio managers may avoid the receipt of Confidential Information about the issuers of floating rate loans being considered for acquisition by the Fund, or held in the Fund. A decision not to
receive Confidential Information from these issuers may disadvantage the Fund as compared to other floating rate loan investors, and may adversely affect the price the Fund pays for the loans it purchases, or the price at which the Fund sells the
loans. Further, in situations when holders of floating rate loans are asked, for example, to grant consents, waivers or amendments, the ability to assess the desirability of such consents, waivers or amendments may be compromised. For these and
other reasons, it is possible that the decision not to receive Confidential Information could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Convertible Securities Risk.
Convertible securities are subject to the usual risks associated with debt instruments, such as interest rate risk (the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates) and credit risk (the risk that the issuer
of a debt instrument will default or otherwise become unable, or be perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor a financial obligation, such as making payments to the Fund when due). Convertible securities also react to changes in the value of the
common stock into which they convert, and are thus subject to market risk (the risk that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise). Because the value of a
convertible security can be influenced by both interest rates and the common stock's market movements, a convertible security generally is not as sensitive to interest rates as a similar debt instrument, and generally will not vary in value in
response to other factors to the same extent as the underlying common stock. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities would typically be paid before the company's common stockholders but after holders
of any senior debt obligations of the company. The Fund may be forced to convert a convertible security before it otherwise would choose to do so, which may decrease the Fund's return.
Counterparty Risk.
The risk exists that a counterparty to a financial instrument held by the Fund or by a special purpose or structured vehicle in which the Fund invests may become insolvent or otherwise fail to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties,
including making payments to the Fund. The Fund may obtain no or limited recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganizational proceedings, and any recovery may be significantly delayed. Transactions that the Fund enters into may involve counterparties
in the financial services sector and, as a result, events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.
Credit Risk.
Credit
risk is the risk that the value of loans or other debt instruments may decline if the borrower or the issuer thereof defaults or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling, or is perceived to be unable or unwilling, to honor its financial obligations,
such as making payments to the Fund when due. Various factors could affect the actual or perceived willingness or ability of the borrower or the issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, including changes in the financial condition of
the borrower or the issuer or in general economic conditions. Fixed-income securities backed by an issuer's taxing authority may be subject to legal limits on the issuer's power to increase taxes or otherwise to raise revenue, or may be dependent on
legislative appropriation or government aid. Certain fixed-income securities are backed only by revenues derived from a particular project or source, rather than by an issuer's taxing authority, and thus may have a greater risk of default. Rating
agencies assign credit ratings to certain loans and fixed-income instruments to indicate their credit risk. Lower quality or unrated loans or securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk as compared to higher-rated loans or
securities. Non-investment grade loans or fixed-income instruments (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk”) may be subject to greater price fluctuations and are more likely to experience a default than investment grade loans
or fixed-income instruments and therefore may expose the Fund to increased credit risk. If the Fund purchases unrated loans or fixed-income securities, or if the ratings of such investments held by the Fund are lowered after purchase, the Fund will
depend on analysis of credit risk more heavily than usual. If the issuer of a loan declares bankruptcy or is declared bankrupt, there may be a delay before the Fund can act on the collateral securing the loan, which may adversely affect the Fund.
Further, there is a risk that a court could take action with respect to a loan that is adverse to the holders of the loan. Such actions may include invalidating the loan, the lien on the collateral, the priority status of the loan, or ordering the
refund of interest previously paid by the borrower. Any such actions by a court could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. A default or expected default of a loan could also make it difficult for the Fund to sell the loan at a price
approximating the value previously placed on it. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy or similar situation, the Fund may be required to retain legal or similar counsel. This may increase the Fund’s operating
expenses and adversely affect its NAV. Loans that have a lower priority for repayment in an issuer’s capital structure may involve a higher degree of overall risk than more senior loans of the same borrower.
Cybersecurity Breaches and Technology and Related
Systems Failure Risk.
The Funds and their service providers, including but not limited to the Investment Manager (in its role as investment adviser and/or administrator to the Funds), Ameriprise Financial (the
Investment Manager’s parent company), any investment subadvisers, the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian, and other service providers, as well as their underlying service providers (collectively, the Service Providers), are heavily
dependent on proprietary and third-party technology and infrastructure and related operational and information systems, networks, computers, devices, programs, applications, data and functions (collectively, Systems) to perform necessary
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activities. The Systems that the
Funds and the Service Providers (referred to herein as we, us and our) rely upon may be vulnerable to many threats, breaches and failures, some of which may be outside of our control, including significant damage and disruption arising from Systems
failures or cybersecurity breaches. Systems failures include malfunctions, user error, conduct (or misconduct) of or arising from employees and agents, and failures arising from cybersecurity breaches, natural disasters, or other actions or events
(whether foreseeable or unforeseeable). Cybersecurity breaches include intentional (e.g., cyber-attacks, hacking, phishing scams, unauthorized payment requests) and unintentional events or activity (e.g., user errors arising from or caused by us or
our agents). Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches may result in (i) proprietary or confidential information or data being lost, withheld for ransom, misused, destroyed, stolen, released, corrupted or rendered unavailable, including personal
investor information (and that of beneficial owners of investors), (ii) unauthorized access to Systems and loss of operational capacity, including from, for example, denial-of-service attacks (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to
intended users), and (iii) the misappropriation of Fund or investor assets or sensitive information. Any such events could negatively impact our Systems and may have significant adverse impacts on the Funds and their shareholders.
Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches may
cause delays or mistakes in materials provided to shareholders and may also interfere with or negatively impact the processing of Fund investor transactions, pricing of Fund investments, calculating Fund NAVs, and trading within a Fund’s
portfolio, while causing or subjecting us to reputational damage, violations of law, legal claims, regulatory fines, penalties, financial losses and reimbursement, expenses or other compensation and remediation costs, as well as additional
compliance, legal, and operational costs. Such events could negatively impact the Fund, its shareholders and affect our business, financial condition and performance or results of operations.
The trend toward broad consumer and general public
notification of Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches could exacerbate the harm to the Fund, its shareholders and our business, financial condition and performance or results of operations. Even if we successfully protect our Systems from
failures or cybersecurity breaches, we may incur significant expenses in connection with our responses to any such events, as well as the need for adoption, implementation and maintenance of appropriate security measures. We could also suffer harm
to our business and reputation if attempted or actual cybersecurity breaches are publicized. We cannot be certain that evolving threats from cyber-criminals and other cyber-threat actors, exploitation of new vulnerabilities in our Systems, or other
developments, or data thefts, System break-ins or inappropriate access will not compromise or breach the technology or other security measures protecting our Systems.
To date, we have not experienced any material
Systems failures or cybersecurity breaches, however, we routinely encounter and address such threats. For example, in 2015 the then-available Columbia ETFs were for a period unable to price their portfolios due to a technology issue impacting the
ETFs’ third-party administrator. In another case, in 2014, Ameriprise Financial and other financial institutions experienced distributed denial-of-service attacks intended to disrupt clients’ online access. While Ameriprise Financial was
able to detect and respond to this incident without loss of client assets or information, Ameriprise Financial has since enhanced its security capabilities and will continue to assess its ability to monitor and respond to such threats. In addition
to the foregoing, the experiences of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates with Systems failures, cybersecurity breaches and technology threats have included, as examples, phishing scams, introductions of malware, attempts at electronic break-ins,
and unauthorized payment requests. Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches may be difficult to detect, may go undetected for long periods or may never be detected. The impact of such events may be compounded over time. Although the Funds and the
Service Providers evaluate the materiality of Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches that it detects, the Funds and the Service Providers may conclude that some such events are not material and may choose not to address them. Such conclusions
may not prove to be correct.
Although we have
established business continuity/disaster recovery plans and systems (Continuity and Recovery Plans) designed to prevent or mitigate the effects of Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches, there are inherent limitations in Continuity and Recovery
Plans. These limitations include the possibility that certain risks have not been identified or that Continuity and Recovery Plans might not – despite testing and monitoring – operate as designed, be sufficient to stop or mitigate losses
or otherwise be unable to achieve their objectives. The Funds and their shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. In addition, the Fund cannot control the Continuity and Recovery Plans of the Service Providers. As a result, there can be
no assurance that the Funds will not suffer losses relating to Systems failures or cybersecurity breaches affecting us in the future, particularly third-party service providers, as the Funds cannot control any Continuity and Recovery Plans or
cybersecurity defenses implemented by such parties.
Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches may
necessitate significant investment to repair or replace impacted Systems. In addition, we, including the Funds, may incur substantial costs for Systems failure risk management and cybersecurity risk management in order to attempt to prevent any such
events or incidents in the future.
Insurance
and other traditional risk-shifting tools may be held by or available to us in order to manage or mitigate the risks associated with Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches, but they are subject to terms and limitations such as deductibles,
coinsurance, limits and policy exclusions, as well as risk of counterparty denial of coverage, default or insolvency. While Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates maintain cyber liability insurance that provides both third-party liability and
first-party
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liability coverages, this insurance does not cover the Funds and,
with regard to covered entities, may not be sufficient to protect us against all losses. In addition, contractual remedies may not be available with respect to Service Providers or may prove inadequate if available (e.g., because of limits on the
liability of the Service Providers) to protect the Funds against all losses.
Stock and other market exchanges, financial
intermediaries and issuers of, and counterparties to, the Funds’ investments and, in the case of ETFs, market makers and authorized participants, also may be adversely impacted by Systems failures and cybersecurity breaches in their own
businesses, subjecting them to the risks described herein, as well as other additional or enhanced risks particular to their businesses, which could result in losses to the Funds and their shareholders. Issuers of securities or other instruments in
which the Funds invest may also experience Systems failures or cybersecurity breaches, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Funds’ investment in such issuers to lose money.
Depositary Receipts Risk.
Depositary receipts are receipts issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies. Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American Depositary
Receipts (ADRs). Depositary receipts involve risks similar to the risks associated with investments in foreign securities, including those associated with investing in the particular country of an issuer, which may be related to the particular
political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events, including, for example, military confrontations, war and terrorism, occurring in the country and fluctuations in its currency, as well as market risk tied to the underlying
foreign company. In addition, ADR holders may have limited voting rights, may not have the same rights afforded typical company stockholders in the event of a corporate action such as an acquisition, merger or rights offering and may experience
difficulty in receiving company stockholder communications. A potential conflict of interest exists to the extent that the Fund invests in ADRs for which the Fund's custodian serves as depository bank.
Derivatives Risk.
Derivatives may involve significant risks. Derivatives are financial instruments, traded on an exchange or in the over-the-counter (OTC) markets, with a value in relation to, or derived from, the value of an
underlying asset(s) (such as a security, commodity or currency) or other reference, such as an index, rate or other economic indicator (each an underlying reference). Derivatives may include those that are privately placed or otherwise exempt from
SEC registration, including certain Rule 144A eligible securities. Derivatives could result in Fund losses if the underlying references do not perform as anticipated. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment
techniques, risks, and tax planning different from those associated with more traditional investment instruments. The Fund’s derivatives strategy may not be successful and use of certain derivatives could result in substantial, potentially
unlimited, losses to the Fund regardless of the Fund’s actual investment. A relatively small movement in the price, rate or other economic indicator associated with the underlying reference may result in substantial loss for the Fund.
Derivatives may be more volatile than other types of investments. Derivatives can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, including the risk of an adverse credit event associated with the
underlying reference (credit risk), the risk of an adverse movement in the value, price or rate of the underlying reference (market risk), the risk of an adverse movement in the value of underlying currencies (foreign currency risk) and the risk of
an adverse movement in underlying interest rates (interest rate risk). Derivatives may expose the Fund to additional risks, including the risk of loss due to a derivative position that is imperfectly correlated with the underlying reference it is
intended to hedge or replicate (correlation risk), the risk that a counterparty will fail to perform as agreed (counterparty risk), the risk that a hedging strategy may fail to mitigate losses, and may offset gains (hedging risk), the risk that
losses may be greater than the amount invested (leverage risk), the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell an investment at an advantageous time or price (liquidity risk), the risk that the investment may be difficult to value (pricing risk), and
the risk that the price or value of the investment fluctuates significantly over short periods of time (volatility risk). The value of derivatives may be influenced by a variety of factors, including national and international political and economic
developments. Potential changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets may make derivatives more costly, may limit the market for derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives.
Derivatives Risk – Forward Contracts Risk.
A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward
contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated (there is no limit on daily price movements and speculative position limits are not
applicable). The principals who deal in certain forward contract markets are not required to continue to make markets in the underlying references in which they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity, sometimes of significant
duration. There have been periods during which certain participants in forward contract markets have refused to quote prices for certain underlying references or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which they were
prepared to buy and that at which they were prepared to sell. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in forward contract
prices. The liquidity of the markets for forward contracts depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the market for forwards
could be reduced. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the
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margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund’s risk
exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity
risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
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forward foreign currency contract
is a derivative (forward contract) in which the underlying reference is a country's or region’s currency. The Fund may agree to buy or sell a country's or region’s
currency at a specific price on a specific date in the future. These instruments may fall in value (sometimes dramatically) due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations, subjecting the Fund to foreign currency risk (the
risk that Fund performance may be negatively impacted by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund exposes a significant percentage of its assets to currencies other than the U.S. dollar). The
effectiveness of any currency hedging strategy by a Fund may be reduced by the Fund’s inability to precisely match forward contract amounts and the value of securities involved. Forward foreign currency contracts used for hedging may also
limit any potential gain that might result from an increase or decrease in the value of the currency. The Fund may use these instruments to gain leveraged exposure to currencies, which is a speculative investment practice that increases the Fund's
risk exposure and the possibility of losses. Unanticipated changes in the currency markets could result in reduced performance for the Fund. When the Fund converts its foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, it may incur currency conversion costs due
to the spread between the prices at which it may buy and sell various currencies in the market.
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forward interest rate agreement
is a derivative whereby the buyer locks in an interest rate at a future settlement date. If the interest rate on the settlement date exceeds the lock rate, the buyer pays the seller
the difference between the two rates (based on the notional value of the agreement). If the lock rate exceeds the interest rate on the settlement date, the seller pays the buyer the difference between the two rates (based on the notional value of
the agreement). The Fund may act as a buyer or a seller.
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Derivatives Risk – Futures Contracts Risk.
A futures contract is an exchange-traded derivative transaction between two parties in which a buyer (holding the “long” position) agrees to pay a fixed price (or rate) at a specified future date for delivery
of an underlying reference from a seller (holding the “short” position). The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than the agreed upon price, while the buyer hopes for the contrary. Certain futures contract
markets are highly volatile, and futures contracts may be illiquid. Futures exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices by imposing a maximum permissible daily price movement. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from
executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement. At or prior to maturity of a futures contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in futures contract
prices. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced.
Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange on which they were entered into or through a linked exchange, and no secondary market exists for such contracts. Futures positions are marked to market each day and variation
margin payment must be paid to or by the Fund. Because of the low margin deposits normally required in futures trading, it is possible that the Fund may employ a high degree of leverage in the portfolio. As a result, a relatively small price
movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. For certain types of futures contracts, losses are potentially unlimited. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of
futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. Futures contracts executed (if any) on foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying
references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and
volatility risk.
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bond (or debt instrument) future
is a derivative that is an agreement for the contract holder to buy or sell a bond or other debt instrument, a basket of bonds or other debt instrument, or the bonds or other debt
instruments in an index on a specified date at a predetermined price. The buyer (long position) of a bond future is obliged to buy the underlying reference at the agreed price on expiry of the future.
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commodity-linked future
is a derivative that is an agreement to buy or sell one or more commodities (such as crude oil, gasoline and natural gas), basket of commodities or indices of commodity futures at a specific
date in the future at a specific price.
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currency future
, also an FX future or foreign exchange future, is a derivative that is an agreement to exchange one currency for another at a specified date in the future at a price (exchange rate) that is fixed on
the purchase date.
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An
equity future
is a derivative that is an agreement for the contract holder to buy or sell a specified amount of an individual equity, a basket of equities or the securities in an equity index on a specified date at
a predetermined price.
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An
interest rate future
is a derivative that is an agreement whereby the buyer and seller agree to the future delivery of an interest-bearing instrument on a specific date at a pre-determined price. Examples include
Treasury-bill futures, Treasury-bond futures and Eurodollar futures.
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Derivatives Risk – Inverse Floaters Risk.
Inverse variable or floating rate obligations, sometimes referred to as inverse floaters, are a type of over-the-counter derivative debt instrument with a variable or floating coupon rate that moves in the opposite
direction of an underlying reference, typically short-term interest rates. As short-term interest rates go down, the holders of the inverse floaters receive more income and, as short-term interest rates go up, the holders of the inverse floaters
receive less income. Variable rate securities provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the coupon rate, while floating rate securities have a coupon rate that changes whenever there is a change in a designated benchmark index or the
issuer’s credit rating. While inverse floaters tend to provide more income than similar term and credit quality fixed-rate bonds, they also exhibit greater volatility in price movement, which could result in significant losses for the Fund. An
inverse floater may have the effect of investment leverage to the extent that its coupon rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index or reference rate of interest, which could result in increased losses for the
Fund. There is a risk that the current interest rate on variable and floating rate instruments may not accurately reflect current market interest rates or adequately compensate the holder for the current creditworthiness of the issuer. Some inverse
floaters are structured with liquidity features and may include market-dependent liquidity features that may expose the Fund to greater liquidity risk. Inverse floaters can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their
attendant risks, such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility
risk.
Derivatives Risk – Options
Risk.
Options are derivatives that give the purchaser the option to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying reference from or to a counterparty at a specified price (the strike price) on or before an expiration date.
The Fund may purchase or write (i.e., sell) put and call options on an underlying reference it is otherwise permitted to invest in. By investing in options, the Fund is exposed to the risk that it may be required to buy or sell the underlying
reference at a disadvantageous price on or before the expiration date. If the Fund sells a put option, the Fund may be required to buy the underlying reference at a strike price that is above market price, resulting in a loss. If the Fund sells a
call option, the Fund may be required to sell the underlying reference at a strike price that is below market price, resulting in a loss. If the Fund sells a call option that is not covered (it does not own the underlying reference), the Fund's
losses are potentially unlimited. Options may involve economic leverage, which could result in greater volatility in price movement. Options may be traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. At or prior to maturity of an
options contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in options prices. Options can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant
risks such as credit risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
Derivatives Risk – Structured Investments Risk.
Structured investments are over-the-counter derivatives that provide principal and/or interest payments based on the value of an underlying reference(s). Structured investments typically provide interest income, thereby
offering a potential yield advantage over investing directly in an underlying reference. Structured investments may lack a liquid secondary market and their prices or value can be volatile which could result in significant losses for the Fund. In
some cases, depending on its terms, a structured investment may provide that principal and/or interest payments may be adjusted below zero resulting in a potential loss of principal and/or interest payments. Additionally, the particular terms of a
structured investment may create economic leverage by requiring payment by the issuer of an amount that is a multiple of the price change of the underlying reference. Economic leverage will increase the volatility of structured investment prices,
and could result in increased losses for the Fund. The Fund’s use of structured instruments may not work as intended. If structured investments are used to reduce the duration of the Fund’s portfolio, this may limit the Fund’s
return when having a longer duration would be beneficial (for instance, when interest rates decline). Structured investments can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, market
risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
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commodity-linked structured note
is a derivative (structured investment) that has principal and/or interest payments based on the market price of one or more particular commodities (such as crude oil, gasoline and
natural gas), a basket of commodities, indices of commodity futures or other economic variable. If payment of interest on a commodity-linked structured note is linked to the value of a particular commodity, basket of commodities, commodity index or
other economic variable, the Fund might receive lower interest payments (or not receive any of the interest due) on its investments if there is a loss of value in the underlying reference. Further, to the extent that the amount of principal to be
repaid upon maturity is linked to the value of a particular commodity, basket of commodities, commodity index or other economic variable, the Fund might not receive a portion (or any) of the principal at maturity of the investment or upon earlier
exchange. At any time, the risk of loss associated with a particular structured note in the Fund’s portfolio may be significantly higher than the value of
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the note. A liquid
secondary market may not exist for the commodity-linked structured notes held in the Fund’s portfolio, which may make it difficult for the notes to be sold at a price acceptable to the portfolio manager(s) or for the Fund to accurately value
them.
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Structured
investments include
collateralized debt obligations
which are debt instruments that are collateralized by the underlying cash flows of a pool of financial assets or receivables.
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An
equity-linked note (ELN)
is a derivative (structured investment) that has principal and/or interest payments based on the value of a single equity security, a basket of equity securities or an index of equity
securities. An ELN typically provides interest income, thereby offering a yield advantage over investing directly in an underlying equity. The Fund may purchase ELNs that trade on a securities exchange or those that trade on the over-the-counter
markets, as well as in privately negotiated transactions with the issuer of the ELN. The liquidity of unlisted ELNs is normally determined by the willingness of the issuer to make a market in the ELN. While the Fund will seek to purchase ELNs only
from issuers that it believes to be willing to, and capable of, repurchasing the ELN at a reasonable price, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell any ELN at such a price or at all. This may impair the Fund’s ability to
enter into other transactions at a time when doing so might be advantageous. The Fund’s investments in ELNs have the potential to lead to significant losses because ELNs are subject to the market and volatility risks associated with their
underlying equity. In addition, because ELNs often take the form of unsecured notes of the issuer, the Fund would be subject to the risk that the issuer may default on its obligations under the ELN, thereby subjecting the Fund to the further risk of
being too concentrated in the securities (including ELNs) of that issuer. The Fund may or may not hold an ELN until its maturity. ELNs also include participation notes.
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Derivatives Risk – Swaps Risk.
In a typical swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return earned on a specified underlying reference for a fixed return or the return from another underlying reference during a specified period of time.
Swaps may be difficult to value and may be illiquid. Swaps could result in Fund losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Swaps create significant investment leverage such that a relatively small price movement in
a swap may result in immediate and substantial losses to the Fund. The Fund may only close out a swap with its particular counterparty, and may only transfer a position with the consent of that counterparty. Certain swaps, such as short swap
transactions and total return swaps, have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Swaps can increase the Fund’s risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit
risk, market risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to correlation risk, counterparty risk, hedging risk, inflation risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk, pricing risk and volatility risk.
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commodity-linked swap
is a derivative (swap) that is an agreement where the underlying reference is the market price of one or more particular commodities (such as crude oil, gasoline and natural gas), basket of
commodities or indices of commodity futures.
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credit default swap
(including a swap on a credit default index, sometimes referred to as a credit default swap index) is a derivative and special type of swap where one party pays, in effect, an insurance premium
through a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return upon the occurrence of a particular credit event by one or more third parties, such as bankruptcy, default or a similar event. A credit default
swap may be embedded within a structured note or other derivative instrument. Credit default swaps enable an investor to buy or sell protection against such a credit event (such as an issuer’s bankruptcy, restructuring or failure to make
timely payments of interest or principal). Credit default swap indices are indices that reflect the performance of a basket of credit default swaps and are subject to the same risks as credit default swaps. If such a default were to occur, any
contractual remedies that the Fund may have may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws, which could delay or limit the Fund's recovery. Thus, if the counterparty under a credit default swap defaults on its obligation to make payments
thereunder, as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, the Fund may lose such payments altogether, or collect only a portion thereof, which collection could involve costs or delays. The Fund’s return from investment in a credit default swap
index may not match the return of the referenced index. Further, investment in a credit default swap index could result in losses if the referenced index does not perform as expected. Unexpected changes in the composition of the index may also
affect performance of the credit default swap index. If a referenced index has a dramatic intraday move that causes a material decline in the Fund’s net assets, the terms of the Fund’s credit default swap index may permit the
counterparty to immediately close out the transaction. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another credit default swap index or otherwise achieve desired exposure, even if the referenced index reverses all or a portion of its
intraday move.
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An
inflation rate swap
is a derivative typically used to transfer inflation risk from one party to another through an exchange of cash flows. In an inflation rate swap, one party pays a fixed rate on a notional
principal amount, while the other party pays a floating rate linked to an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
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An
interest rate swap
is a derivative in which two parties agree to exchange interest rate cash flows, based on a specified notional amount from a fixed rate to a floating rate (or vice versa) or from one floating rate
to another. Interest rate swaps can be based on various measures of interest rates, including LIBOR, swap rates, treasury rates and foreign interest rates.
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Portfolio and total
return swaps
are derivative swap transactions in which one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return of a defined underlying reference during a specified period of time. In return, the
other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return of a different underlying reference.
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Contracts for
differences
are swap arrangements in which the parties agree that their return (or loss) will be based on the relative performance of two different groups or baskets of securities or other instruments. Often, one or
both baskets will be an established securities index. The Fund’s return will be based on changes in value of theoretical long futures positions in the securities comprising one basket (with an aggregate face value equal to the notional amount
of the contract for differences) and theoretical short futures positions in the securities comprising the other basket. The Fund also may use actual long and short futures positions and achieve similar market exposure by netting the payment
obligations of the two contracts. If the short basket outperforms the long basket, the Fund will realize a loss – even in circumstances when the securities in both the long and short baskets appreciate in value.
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Derivatives Risk – Swaptions Risk.
A swaption is an options contract on a swap agreement. These transactions give a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into new swap agreements or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing
swap agreement at some designated future time on specified terms, in return for payment of the purchase price (the “premium”) of the option. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions to the same extent it may make use
of standard options on securities or other instruments. The writer of the contract receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the market value on the underlying swap agreement. Swaptions can be bundled and sold as a package.
These are commonly called interest rate caps, floors and collars.
Distressed Securities Risk.
The Fund may purchase distressed securities of business enterprises involved in workouts, liquidations, reorganizations, bankruptcies and similar situations. Since there is typically substantial uncertainty concerning
the outcome of transactions involving business enterprises in these situations, there is a high degree of risk of loss, including loss of the entire investment.
In bankruptcy, there can be considerable delay in
reaching accord on a restructuring plan acceptable to a bankrupt company’s lenders, bondholders and other creditors and then obtaining the approval of the bankruptcy court. Such delays could result in substantial losses to the investments in
such company’s securities or obligations. Moreover, there is no assurance that a plan favorable to the class of securities held by the Fund will be adopted or that the subject company might not eventually be liquidated rather than
reorganized.
In liquidations (both in and out
of bankruptcy) and other forms of corporate reorganization, there exists the risk that the reorganization either will be unsuccessful, will be delayed or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security, the value of which will be less than
the purchase price of the security in respect of which such distribution is received. It may be difficult to obtain accurate information concerning a company in financial distress, with the result that the analysis and valuation are especially
difficult. The market for securities of such companies tends to be illiquid and sales may be possible only at substantial discounts.
Dollar Rolls Risk.
Dollar rolls are transactions in which the Fund sells securities to a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to purchase those or similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the
securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price, or that the counterparty may default on its obligations. These transactions may also increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and may result in higher
transactions costs for the Fund. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of the security sold, the Fund will also be subject to the risk that the investments purchased with such proceeds will decline in value (a form of leverage risk).
Emerging Market Securities Risk.
Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more likely to have
greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk. In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid changes or
developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity (
i.e.
, lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more
developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries. Some emerging market
countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates and may have hostile relations with other countries.
Operational and Settlement Risks of Securities in
Emerging Markets.
In addition to having less developed securities markets, banks in emerging markets that are eligible foreign sub-custodians may be recently organized, lack extensive operating experience or lack
effective government oversight or regulation. In addition, there may be legal restrictions or limitations on the
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ability of the Fund to recover assets held in custody by a foreign
sub-custodian in the event of the bankruptcy of the sub-custodian. Because settlement systems may be less organized than in developed markets and because delivery versus payment settlement may not be possible or reliable, there may be a greater risk
that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities of the Fund may be lost because of failures of or defects in the system, including fraud or corruption. Settlement systems in emerging markets also have a higher risk of failed trades.
Risks Related to Currencies and Corporate Actions in
Emerging Markets.
Risks related to currencies and corporate actions are also greater in emerging market countries than in developed countries. For example, some emerging market countries may have fixed or managed
currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. Further, certain currencies may not have an active trading market internationally, or countries may have varying exchange rates. Some emerging market countries have a higher risk of
currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience sustained periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates which can have negative effects on a country’s economy and securities markets. Corporate action
procedures in emerging market countries may be less reliable and have limited or no involvement by the depositories and central banks. Lack of standard practices and payment systems can lead to significant delays in payment.
Risks Related to Corporate and Securities Laws in
Emerging Markets.
Securities laws in emerging markets may be relatively new and unsettled and, consequently, there is a risk of rapid and unpredictable change in laws regarding foreign investment, securities
regulation, title to securities and shareholder rights. Accordingly, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which issuers in certain emerging markets
are subject may be less advanced than the systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and therefore, shareholders of such issuers may not receive many of the protections available to shareholders of issuers located in
more developed countries. These risks may be heightened in China and Russia.
China Stock Connect Risk.
The risks noted here are in addition to the risks described under
Emerging Market Securities Risk
. A Fund may, directly or
indirectly (through, for example, participation notes or other types of equity-linked notes), purchase shares in mainland China-based companies that trade on Chinese stock exchanges such as the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange
(China A-Shares) through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect (Stock Connect), a mutual market access program designed to, among other things, enable foreign investment in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) via brokers in Hong Kong. There
are significant risks inherent in investing in China A-Shares through Stock Connect. The underdeveloped state of PRC’s investment and banking systems subjects the settlement, clearing, and registration of China A-Shares transactions to
heightened risks. Stock Connect can only operate when both PRC and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. As such, if either or both markets are closed on
a U.S. trading day, a Fund may not be able to dispose of its China A-Shares in a timely manner, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. PRC regulations require that a fund that wishes to sell its China A-Shares pre-deliver the
China A-Shares to a broker. If the China A-Shares are not in the broker’s possession before the market opens on the day of sale, the sell order will be rejected. This requirement could also limit a fund’s ability to dispose of its China
A-Shares purchased through Stock Connect in a timely manner. Additionally, Stock Connect is subject to daily quota limitations on purchases of China A-Shares. Once the daily quota is reached, orders to purchase additional China A-Shares through
Stock Connect will be rejected. A Fund’s investment in China A-Shares may only be traded through Stock Connect and is not otherwise transferable. Stock Connect utilizes an omnibus clearing structure, and the Fund’s shares will be
registered in its custodian’s name on the Central Clearing and Settlement System. This may limit the ability of the Investment Manager (and/or any subadviser, as the case may be) to effectively manage a Fund, and may expose the Fund to the
credit risk of its custodian or to greater risk of expropriation. Investment in China A-Shares through Stock Connect may be available only through a single broker that is an affiliate of the Fund’s custodian, which may affect the quality of
execution provided by such broker. Stock Connect restrictions could also limit the ability of a Fund to sell its China A-Shares in a timely manner, or to sell them at all. Further, different fees, costs and taxes are imposed on foreign investors
acquiring China A-Shares acquired through Stock Connect, and these fees, costs and taxes may be higher than comparable fees, costs and taxes imposed on owners of other securities providing similar investment exposure.
EuroZone-Related Risk.
A number of countries in the European Union (EU) have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional EU member countries may also fall subject to such difficulties.
These events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments in euro-denominated securities and derivatives contracts, securities of issuers located in the EU or with significant exposure to EU issuers or countries.
If the euro is dissolved entirely, the legal and contractual consequences for holders of euro-denominated obligations and derivative contracts would be determined by laws in effect at such time. Such investments may continue to be held, or
purchased, to the extent consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and permitted under applicable law. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could adversely affect the value of Fund
shares.
Certain countries in the EU
have had to accept assistance from supra-governmental agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Stability Mechanism (the ESM) or other supra-governmental agencies. The European Central Bank has also been intervening to purchase
Eurozone debt in an attempt to stabilize markets and reduce borrowing costs.
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There can be no assurance that these agencies will
continue to intervene or provide further assistance and markets may react adversely to any expected reduction in the financial support provided by these agencies. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others
including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or withdraw from
the EU. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, could be significant and far-reaching.
Event-Driven Trading Risk.
The Fund may seek to profit from the occurrence of specific corporate or other events. A delay in the timing of these events, or the failure of these events to occur at all, may have a significant negative effect on the
Fund’s performance.
Event-driven
investing requires the relevant manager to make predictions about (i) the likelihood that an event will occur and (ii) the impact such event will have on the value of a company’s securities. If the event fails to occur or it does not have the
effect foreseen, losses can result. For example, the adoption of new business strategies, a meaningful change in management or the sale of a division or other significant assets by a company may not be valued as highly by the market as the manager
had anticipated, resulting in losses. In addition, a company may announce a plan of restructuring which promises to enhance value and fail to implement it, resulting in losses to investors.
Event-Linked Instruments Risk.
The Fund may seek to profit from investment in debt securities whose performance is linked to the occurrence of specific “trigger” events, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or
weather-related phenomena. If a trigger event causes losses exceeding a specific amount in the geographic region and time period specified in a bond, the Fund may lose a portion or all of its principal invested in the bond or suffer a reduction in
credited interest. Some event-linked bonds have features that delay the return of capital upon the occurrence of a specified event; in these cases, whether or not there is loss of capital or interest, the return on the investment may be
significantly lower during the extension period. Bonds commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds” are a type of event-linked instrument in which the Fund may invest. Catastrophe bonds may be issued by government agencies, insurance
companies, reinsurers, special purpose corporations or other on-shore or off-shore entities (such special purpose entities are created to accomplish a narrow and well-defined objective, such as the issuance of a note in connection with a reinsurance
transaction). The return on these securities is tied primarily to property insurance risk and is analogous to underwriting insurance in certain circumstances. By isolating insurance risk, these securities are largely uncorrelated to other more
traditional investments. Risks associated with investment in catastrophe bonds would include, for example, a major hurricane or similar catastrophe striking a heavily populated area of the East Coast of the United States or a major earthquake with
an epicenter in an urban area on the West Coast of the United States. In addition to specified trigger events, catastrophe bonds may expose the Fund to other risks, such as credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional
interpretations, adverse tax consequences, liquidity risk, and foreign exchange risk. Event-linked exposure often provides for an extension of maturity to process and audit loss claims where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An
extension of maturity may increase volatility. From time to time, the volume of catastrophe bonds available in the market may be insufficient to enable the Fund to invest as great a percentage of its assets in catastrophe bonds as it would
like.
Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risk.
An ETF’s share price may not track its specified market index (if any) and may trade below its NAV. Certain ETFs use a “passive” investment strategy and do not take defensive positions in volatile or
declining markets. Other ETFs in which the Fund may invest are actively managed ETFs (
i.e.
, they do not track a particular benchmark), which
indirectly subjects the Fund to active management risk. An active secondary market in an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained and may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions or other
reasons. There can be no assurance an ETF’s shares will continue to be listed on an active exchange. In addition, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of the Fund’s expenses and similar expenses incurred through ownership of
the ETF.
The Fund generally expects to
purchase shares of ETFs through broker-dealers in transactions on a securities exchange, and in such cases the Fund will pay customary brokerage commissions for each purchase and sale. Shares of an ETF may also be acquired by depositing a specified
portfolio of the ETF’s underlying securities, as well as a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends of the securities (net of expenses) up to the time of deposit, with the ETF’s custodian, in exchange for which the ETF will
issue a quantity of new shares sometimes referred to as a “creation unit.” Similarly, shares of an ETF purchased on an exchange may be accumulated until they represent a creation unit, and the creation unit may be redeemed in kind for a
portfolio of the underlying securities (based on the ETF’s NAV) together with a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends as of the date of redemption. The Funds may redeem creation units for the underlying securities (and any
applicable cash), and may assemble a portfolio of the underlying securities (and any required cash) to purchase creation units. The Funds’ ability to redeem creation units may be limited by the 1940 Act, which provides that ETFs, the shares of
which are purchased in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, will not be obligated to redeem such shares in an amount exceeding one percent of their total outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days.
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Exchange-Traded Notes Risk.
Exchange-traded notes (ETNs) are unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities that expose the Fund to the risk that an ETN’s issuer may be unable to pay, which means that the Fund is subject to issuer credit risk,
including that the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. ETNs do not typically offer principal protection, so the Fund may lose some or all
of its investment. The returns of ETNs are usually linked to the performance of a market benchmark or strategy, less investor fees and expenses. The Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the ETN, which may cause the
Fund’s returns to be lower. The return on ETNs will typically be lower than the total return on a direct investment in the components of the underlying index or strategy because of the ETN’s investor fees and expenses. The value of an
ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in the underlying market, changes in the applicable interest rates, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that
affect the referenced underlying benchmark or strategy.
Foreign Currency Risk.
The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its
assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short or long periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in
interest rates, imposition of currency controls and economic or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also incur currency conversion costs when converting foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa. Restrictions on
currency trading may be imposed by foreign countries, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Even though the currencies of some countries may be pegged to the U.S. dollar, the conversion rate may be controlled
by government regulation or intervention at levels significantly different than what would prevail in a free market. Significant revaluations of the U.S. dollar exchange rate of these currencies could cause substantial reductions in the Fund’s
NAV.
Foreign Currency-Related
Tax Risk.
As a regulated investment company (RIC), the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from sources treated as “qualifying income” under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended. The Fund may gain exposure to local currency markets through forward currency contracts. Although foreign currency gains currently constitute “qualifying income,” the Internal Revenue Service has the authority to
issue regulations excluding from the definition of “qualifying income” a RIC’s foreign currency gains not “directly related” to its “principal business” of investing in stock or securities (or options and
futures with respect thereto). Such regulations might treat gains from some of the Fund’s foreign currency-denominated positions as not qualifying income and there is a possibility that such regulations might be applied retroactively, in which
case, the Fund might not qualify as a RIC for one or more years. In the event the Internal Revenue Service issues such regulations, the Fund’s Board may authorize a significant change in investment strategy or the Fund’s
liquidation.
Foreign Securities Risk.
Investments in or exposure to foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in or exposure to securities of U.S. companies. For example, foreign markets can be extremely volatile. Foreign
securities may also be less liquid than securities of U.S. companies so that the Fund may, at times, be unable to sell foreign securities at desirable times or prices. Brokerage commissions, custodial costs and other fees are also generally higher
for foreign securities. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments. In addition, foreign governments may impose withholding or
other taxes on the Fund’s income, capital gains or proceeds from the disposition of foreign securities, which could reduce the Fund’s return on such securities. In some cases, such withholding or other taxes could potentially be
confiscatory. Other risks include: possible delays in the settlement of transactions or in the payment of income; generally less publicly available information about foreign companies; the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other
conditions or events (including, for example, military confrontations, war and terrorism), possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of a company or its assets or the assets of a particular investor or category of investors; accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards that may be less comprehensive and stringent than those applicable to domestic companies; the imposition of economic and other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or
businesses within the country; and the generally less stringent standard of care to which local agents may be held in the local markets. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about the securities and business operations of
certain foreign issuers. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the
level of risks. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in
issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets. Additionally, investments in certain countries may subject the Fund to a number of tax rules the application of which may be uncertain. Countries may amend or revise their existing tax
laws and/or procedures in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in or uncertainties regarding the laws, regulations or procedures of a country could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund, directly or indirectly, including by
reducing the after-tax profits of companies located in such countries in which the Fund invests, or result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The performance of the Fund may also be negatively impacted by fluctuations in a foreign
currency's strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly to the extent the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets
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denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Currency
rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short or long periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, imposition of currency exchange controls and economic or political developments in the U.S. or
abroad. The Fund may also incur currency conversion costs when converting foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa.
Operational and Settlement Risks of Foreign
Securities.
The Fund’s foreign securities are generally held outside the United States in the primary market for the securities in the custody of certain eligible foreign banks and trust companies
(“foreign sub-custodians”), as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). Settlement practices for foreign securities may differ from those in the United States. Some countries have limited governmental oversight
and regulation of industry practices, stock exchanges, depositories, registrars, brokers and listed companies, which increases the risk of corruption and fraud and the possibility of losses to the Fund. In particular, under certain circumstances,
foreign securities may settle on a delayed delivery basis, meaning that the Fund may be required to make payment for securities before the Fund has actually received delivery of the securities or deliver securities prior to the receipt of payment.
Typically, in these cases, the Fund will receive evidence of ownership in accordance with the generally accepted settlement practices in the local market entitling the Fund to delivery or payment at a future date, but there is a risk that the
security will not be delivered to the Fund or that payment will not be received, although the Fund and its foreign sub-custodians take reasonable precautions to mitigate this risk. Losses can also result from lost, stolen or counterfeit securities;
defaults by brokers and banks; failures or defects of the settlement system; or poor and improper record keeping by registrars and issuers.
Share Blocking.
Share blocking refers to a practice in certain foreign markets under which an issuer’s securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a
shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders takes place. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked,
trades in such securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country. As a consequence of these restrictions, the Investment Manager, on behalf of the
Fund, may abstain from voting proxies in markets that require share blocking.
Forward Commitments on Mortgage-Backed Securities
(including Dollar Rolls) Risk.
When purchasing mortgage-backed securities in the “to be announced” (TBA) market (MBS TBAs), the seller agrees to deliver mortgage-backed securities for an agreed upon
price on an agreed upon date, but may make no guarantee as to the specific securities to be delivered. In lieu of taking delivery of mortgage-backed securities, the Fund could enter into dollar rolls, which are transactions in which the Fund sells
securities to a counterparty and simultaneously agrees to purchase those or similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may
decline below the repurchase price, or that the counterparty may default on its obligations. These transactions may also increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of the security sold, the Fund will also
be subject to the risk that the investments purchased with such proceeds will decline in value (a form of leverage risk). MBS TBAs and dollar rolls are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument may not perform or be unable to
perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument.
Frontier Market
Risk.
Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than typical emerging market countries (which themselves have increased investment risk relative to more
developed market countries) and, as a result, the Fund’s exposure to risks associated with investing in emerging market countries are magnified when the Fund invests in frontier market countries. The increased risks include: the potential for
extreme price volatility and illiquidity in frontier market countries; government ownership or control of parts of the private sector and of certain companies; trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and
other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which frontier market countries trade; and the relatively new and unsettled securities laws in many frontier market countries. Securities issued by foreign governments or
companies in frontier market countries are even more likely than emerging markets securities to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in
Foreign Securities Risk
.
Fund-of-Funds Risk.
Determinations regarding asset classes or underlying funds and the Fund’s allocations thereto may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective, in whole or in part. The selected underlying funds’ performance may be
lower than the performance of the asset class they were selected to represent or may be lower than the performance of alternative underlying funds that could have been selected to represent the asset class. The Fund also is exposed to the same risks
as the underlying funds in direct proportion to the allocation of its assets among the underlying funds. Therefore, to the extent that the Fund invests significantly in a particular underlying fund, the Fund’s performance would be
significantly impacted by the performance of such underlying fund. Generally, by investing in a combination of underlying funds, the Fund has exposure to the risks of many areas of the market. By concentrating its investments in relatively few
underlying funds, the Fund may have more concentrated market exposures, subjecting the Fund to greater risk of loss should those markets decline or fail to rise. The ability of the Fund to realize its investment objective will depend, in large part,
on the extent to which the underlying funds realize their
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investment objectives. There is no guarantee that the underlying
funds will achieve their respective investment objectives. The performance of underlying funds could be adversely affected if other entities that invest in the same underlying funds make relatively large investments or redemptions in such underlying
funds. The Fund, and its shareholders, indirectly bear a portion of the expenses of any funds in which the Fund invests. Because the expenses and costs of each underlying fund are shared by its investors, redemptions by other investors in an
underlying fund could result in decreased economies of scale and increased operating expenses for such underlying fund. These transactions might also result in higher brokerage, tax or other costs for an underlying fund. This risk may be
particularly important when one investor owns a substantial portion of an underlying fund. The Investment Manager may have potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated funds over unaffiliated funds for investment by the Fund, and may also
face potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated funds, because the fees the Investment Manager receives from some underlying funds may be higher than the fees paid by other underlying funds. Also, to the extent that the Fund is
constrained/restricted from investing (or investing further) in a particular underlying fund for one or more reasons (e.g., underlying fund capacity constraints or regulatory restrictions) or if the Fund chooses to sell its investment in an
underlying fund because of poor investment performance or for other reasons, the Fund may have to invest in another underlying fund(s), including less desirable funds – from a strategy or investment performance standpoint – which could
have a negative impact on Fund performance. In addition, Fund performance could be negatively impacted if an appropriate alternate underlying fund(s) does not present itself in a timely manner or at all.
Geographic Focus Risk.
The Fund may be particularly susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries within the specific geographic regions in which the Fund invests. Currency
devaluations could occur in countries that have not yet experienced currency devaluation to date, or could continue to occur in countries that have already experienced such devaluations. As a result, the Fund’s NAV may be more volatile than
the NAV of a more geographically diversified fund.
Global Economic
Risk.
Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region
or across the globe. For instance, a significant slowdown in China’s economy is adversely affecting worldwide commodity prices and the economies of many countries, especially those that depend heavily on commodity production and/or trade with
China. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations. The imposition of sanctions by the United States or another government on a country could
cause disruptions to the country’s financial system and economy, which could negatively impact the value of securities.
At a referendum in June 2016, the United Kingdom
(the UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU), thereby initiating the British exit from the EU (commonly known as “Brexit”). In March 2017, the UK formally invoked Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon to begin the process under which the
UK shall withdraw from the EU in due course. Upon invoking Article 50, the UK triggered a two-year period for negotiation of the terms of the withdrawal from the EU. However, there remains a significant degree of uncertainty about how negotiations
relating to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and new trade agreements will be conducted, as well as the potential consequences and precise timeframe for Brexit. During the negotiating period and beyond, the impact of Brexit on the UK and
European economies and the broader global economy could be significant, resulting in negative impacts on currency and financial markets generally, such as increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth in markets in the
UK, Europe and globally, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio investments.
The UK has one of the largest economies in Europe,
and member countries of the EU are substantial trading partners of the UK. The City of London’s economy is dominated by financial services, some of which may have to move outside of the UK post-referendum (e.g., currency trading, international
settlement). Under the terms of Brexit, banks may be forced to move staff and comply with two separate sets of rules or lose business to banks in Europe. Furthermore, Brexit creates the potential for decreased trade, the possibility of capital
outflows from the UK, devaluation of the pound sterling, the cost of higher corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty, and the risk that all the above could damage business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. As a result of
Brexit, the British economy and its currency may be negatively impacted by changes to its economic and political relations with the EU and other countries. Any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, would likely cause
additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
The impact of Brexit in the near- and long-term is
still unknown and could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets, currencies and asset valuations around the world. Any attempt by the Fund to hedge against or otherwise protect its portfolio or to profit from such
circumstances may fail and, accordingly, an investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods.
Growth Securities Risk.
Growth securities typically trade at a higher multiple of earnings than other types of equity securities. Accordingly, the market values of growth securities may never reach their expected market value and may decline
in price. In addition, growth securities, at times, may not perform as well as value securities or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.
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Hedging Transactions Risk.
The Fund may invest in securities and utilize financial instruments for a variety of hedging purposes. Hedging transactions may limit the opportunity for gain if the value of the portfolio position should increase.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will engage in hedging transactions at any given time, even under volatile market conditions, or that any hedging transactions the Fund engages in will be successful. Moreover, it may not be possible for the
Fund to enter into a hedging transaction at a price sufficient to protect its assets. The Fund may not anticipate a particular risk so as to hedge against it.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a
portfolio position does not eliminate fluctuations in the values of portfolio positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline, but establishes other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thus moderating the
decline in the portfolio positions’ value. Such hedging transactions also limit the opportunity for gain if the value of the portfolio position should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against an exchange rate,
interest rate or security price fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to enter into a hedging transaction at a price sufficient to protect its assets from the decline in value of the portfolio positions anticipated
as a result of such fluctuations.
The Fund is
not required to attempt to hedge portfolio positions and, for various reasons, may determine not to do so. Furthermore, the Fund may not anticipate a particular risk so as to hedge against it. While the Fund may enter into hedging transactions to
seek to reduce risk, such transactions may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if the Fund had not engaged in any such hedging transaction. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used
in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio position being hedged may vary. For a variety of reasons, the Fund may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged.
Such imperfect correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. The successful utilization of hedging and risk management transactions requires skills complementary to those needed in the
selection of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Moreover, it should be noted that a portfolio will always be exposed to certain risks that cannot be hedged, such as credit risk (relating both to particular securities and counterparties) and
liquidity risk.
High-Yield Investments Risk.
Securities and other debt instruments held by the Fund that are rated below investment grade (commonly called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) and unrated debt instruments of comparable quality tend
to be more sensitive to credit risk than higher-rated debt instruments and may experience greater price fluctuations in response to perceived changes in the ability of the issuing entity or obligor to pay interest and principal when due than to
changes in interest rates. These investments are generally more likely to experience a default than higher-rated debt instruments. High-yield debt instruments are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity
to pay interest and repay principal. These debt instruments typically pay a premium – a higher interest rate or yield – because of the increased risk of loss, including default. High-yield debt instruments may require a greater degree of
judgment to establish a price, may be difficult to sell at the time and price the Fund desires, may carry high transaction costs, and also are generally less liquid than higher-rated debt instruments. The ratings provided by third party rating
agencies are based on analyses by these ratings agencies of the credit quality of the debt instruments and may not take into account every risk related to whether interest or principal will be timely repaid. In adverse economic and other
circumstances, issuers of lower-rated debt instruments are more likely to have difficulty making principal and interest payments than issuers of higher-rated debt instruments.
Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk.
The loans or other debt instruments in which the Fund invests may consist of transactions involving refinancings, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions and other financings for general corporate purposes. The
Fund’s investments also may include senior obligations of a borrower issued in connection with a restructuring pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (commonly known as “debtor-in-possession” financings), provided that
such senior obligations are determined by the Fund’s portfolio managers to be a suitable investment for the Fund. In such highly leveraged transactions, the borrower assumes large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to
attempt to achieve its business objectives. Such business objectives may include but are not limited to: management’s taking over control of a company (leveraged buy-out); reorganizing the assets and liabilities of a company (leveraged
recapitalization); or acquiring another company. Loans or other debt instruments that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a greater risk (including default and bankruptcy) than other investments.
Impairment of Collateral Risk.
The value of collateral, if any, securing a loan can decline, and may be insufficient to meet the borrower’s obligations or difficult or costly to liquidate. In addition, the Fund’s access to collateral may
be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Further, certain floating rate and other loans may not be fully collateralized and may decline in value.
Inflation Risk.
Inflation risk is the uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in
the domestic or global economy, and the Fund’s investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.
Inflation-Protected Securities Risk.
Inflation-protected debt securities tend to react to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates can be described as nominal interest rates minus the expected impact of inflation. In general, the price of an
inflation-protected debt security falls when real interest rates rise, and rises when real interest rates fall. Interest payments on
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inflation-protected debt securities will vary as the principal
and/or interest is adjusted for inflation and may be more volatile than interest paid on ordinary bonds. In periods of deflation, the Fund may have no income at all from such investments. Income earned by a shareholder depends on the amount of
principal invested, and that principal will not grow with inflation unless the shareholder reinvests the portion of Fund distributions that comes from inflation adjustments. A Fund’s investment in certain inflation-protected debt securities
may generate taxable income in excess of the interest they pay to the Fund, which may cause the Fund to sell investments to obtain cash to make income distributions to shareholders, including at times when it may not be advantageous to do so.
IPO Risk.
IPOs are
subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. To the extent the Fund determines to invest in IPOs, it may not be able to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if
any) of the securities being offered in an IPO are available to the Fund. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do
so. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease. IPOs sold within 12 months of purchase may result in increased short-term capital gains, which will be taxable to the
Fund’s shareholders as ordinary income.
Interest Rate Risk.
Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates (which are currently near historic lows) rise, the values of loans and other fixed-income instruments tend to fall, and if
interest rates fall, the values of loans and other fixed-income instruments tend to rise. Changes in the value of a fixed-income instrument usually will not affect the amount of income the Fund receives from it but will generally affect the value of
the Fund's shares. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income instrument, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate declines also may increase prepayments of debt obligations, which, in turn,
would increase prepayment risk. Similarly, a period of rising interest rates may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Actions by governments and central banking authorities can result in increases in interest rates. Such actions may
negatively affect the value of fixed-income instruments held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on the Fund's performance and NAV. Debt instruments with floating coupon rates are typically less sensitive to interest rate changes, but these
debt instruments may decline in value if their coupon rates do not rise as much as, or keep pace with, yields on such types of debt instruments. Because rates on certain floating rate loans and other debt instruments reset only periodically, changes
in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV. Any interest rate increases could cause the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income
instruments to decrease. Rising interest rates may prompt redemptions from the Fund, which may force the Fund to sell investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so, which could result in losses.
Investing in Other Funds Risk.
The Fund’s investment in other funds (affiliated and/or unaffiliated funds, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs)) subjects the Fund to the investment performance (positive or negative) and risks of the
underlying funds in direct proportion to the Fund’s investment therein. In addition, investments in ETFs have unique characteristics, including, but not limited to, the expense structure and additional expenses associated with investing in
ETFs. The performance of the underlying funds could be adversely affected if other investors in the same underlying funds make relatively large investments or redemptions in such underlying funds. The Fund, and its shareholders, indirectly bear a
portion of the expenses of any funds in which the Fund invests. Because the expenses and costs of an underlying fund are shared by its investors, redemptions by other investors in the underlying funds could result in decreased economies of scale and
increased operating expenses for such underlying fund. These transactions might also result in higher brokerage, tax or other costs for the underlying funds. This risk may be particularly important when one investor owns a substantial portion of the
underlying funds. The Investment Manager may have potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated underlying funds for investment by the Fund because the fees paid to it by some underlying funds are higher than the fees paid by other
underlying funds, as well as a potential conflict in selecting affiliated funds over unaffiliated funds. Also, to the extent that the Fund is constrained/restricted from investing (or investing further) in a particular underlying fund for one or
more reasons (e.g., underlying fund capacity constraints or regulatory restrictions) or if the Fund chooses to sell its investment in an underlying fund because of poor investment performance or for other reasons, the Fund may have to invest in
other underlying funds, including less desirable funds – from a strategy or investment performance standpoint – which could have a negative impact on Fund performance. In addition, Fund performance could be negatively impacted if an
appropriate alternate underlying fund does not present itself in a timely manner or at all.
Issuer Risk.
An issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its loans or securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Poor
performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, natural disasters or other events,
conditions or factors. The market capitalization of an issuer may also impact its risk profile. Investments in larger, more established companies may involve certain risks associated with their larger size. For instance, larger, more established
companies may be less able to respond
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quickly to new competitive
challenges, such as changes in consumer tastes or innovation from smaller competitors. Also, larger companies are sometimes less able to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic
expansion.
Large Fund Investor Risk.
The Fund may from time to time sell a substantial amount of its shares to relatively few investors or a single investor, including other funds advised by the Investment Manager, or third parties. Sales to and
redemptions from large investors may be very substantial relative to the size of the Fund and carry potentially adverse effects. While it is not possible to predict the overall effect of such sales and redemptions, such transactions may adversely
affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is required to invest cash received in connection with a sale or to sell a substantial amount of its portfolio securities to facilitate a redemption, in either case, a time when the
Fund would otherwise prefer not to invest or sell, such as in an up market or down market, respectively. Such transactions may also increase the Fund’s transaction costs, which would also detract from Fund performance, while also having
potentially negative tax consequences to investors. The Fund, because of a large redemption, may be forced to sell its liquid or more liquid positions, resulting in the Fund holding a higher percentage of less liquid or illiquid securities
(securities that may be unable to sell at a favorite time or price). Because the expenses and costs of the Fund are shared by its investors, large redemptions in the Fund could result in decreased economies of scale and increased operating expenses
for non-redeeming Fund shareholders. In addition, in the event of a Fund proxy proposal, a large investor(s) could dictate with its/their vote the results of the proposal, which may have a less favorable impact on minority-stake
shareholders.
Leverage Risk.
Leverage occurs when the Fund increases its assets available for investment using borrowings, short sales, derivatives, or similar instruments or techniques. Use of leverage can produce volatility and may exaggerate
changes in the NAV of Fund shares and in the return on the Fund’s portfolio, which may increase the risk that the Fund will lose more than it has invested. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not
be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet any required asset segregation or position coverage requirements. Futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts and other derivatives can allow the Fund to obtain
large investment exposures in return for meeting relatively small margin requirements. As a result, investments in those transactions may be highly leveraged. If the Fund uses leverage, through the purchase of particular instruments such as
derivatives, the Fund may experience capital losses that exceed the net assets of the Fund. Because short sales involve borrowing securities and then selling them, the Fund’s short sales effectively leverage the Fund’s assets. The
Fund’s assets that are used as collateral to secure the Fund’s obligations to return the securities sold short may decrease in value while the short positions are outstanding, which may force the Fund to use its other assets to increase
the collateral. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund's overall returns. Leverage presents the opportunity for increased net income and capital gains, but may also exaggerate the Fund's volatility and risk of loss. There
can be no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.
Liquidity Risk.
Liquidity risk is the risk associated with any event, circumstance, or characteristic of an investment or market that negatively impacts the Fund’s ability to sell, or realize the proceeds from the sale of, an investment at a desirable time or
price. Liquidity risk may arise because of, for example, a lack of marketability of the investment. Decreases in the number of financial institutions, including banks and broker-dealers willing to make markets (match up sellers and buyers) in the
Fund’s investments or decreases in their capacity or willingness to trade such investments may increase the Fund’s exposure to this risk. The debt market has experienced considerable growth, and financial institutions making markets in
instruments purchased and sold by the Fund (e.g., bond dealers) have been subject to increased regulation. The impact of that growth and regulation on the ability and willingness of financial institutions to engage in trading or “making a
market” in such instruments remains unsettled. As a result, the Fund, when seeking to sell its portfolio investments, could find that selling is more difficult than anticipated, especially during times of high market volatility. Market
participants attempting to sell the same or a similar instrument at the same time as the Fund could exacerbate the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk. The Fund may have to accept a lower selling price for the holding, sell other investments
that it might otherwise prefer to hold, or forego another more appealing investment opportunity. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased by the Fund may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. Changing
regulatory, market or other conditions or environments (for example, the interest rate or credit environments) may also adversely affect the liquidity and the price of the Fund's investments. Certain types of investments, such as structured notes
and non-investment grade fixed-income securities, as an example, may be especially subject to liquidity risk. Floating rate loans also generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale and may trade infrequently on the secondary
market. The value of the loan to the Fund may be impaired in the event that the Fund needs to liquidate such loans. The inability to purchase or sell floating rate loans and other debt instruments at a fair price may have a negative impact on the
Fund’s performance. Securities or other assets in which the Fund invests may be traded in the over-the-counter market rather than on an exchange and therefore may be more difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Judgment plays a larger
role in valuing illiquid or less liquid investments as compared to valuing liquid or more liquid investments. Price volatility may be higher for illiquid or less liquid investments as a result of, for example, the relatively less frequent pricing of
such securities (as compared to liquid or more liquid investments). Generally, the less liquid the market at the time the Fund sells
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a portfolio investment, the greater the risk of loss or decline of
value to the Fund. Overall market liquidity and other factors can lead to an increase in Fund redemptions, which may negatively impact Fund performance and NAV, including, for example, if the Fund is forced to sell investments in a down
market.
Governments and their regulatory
agencies and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Legislation or regulation may also change the
way in which the Fund or the Investment Manager or any Fund subadviser, as the case may be, are regulated or supervised. Such legislation or regulation could affect or preclude a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Governments and their regulatory agencies and
self-regulatory organizations may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a
program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of a Fund’s portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose the Funds to greater market and liquidity risk and potential
difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Funds.
While the Investment Manager and any subadvisers can
endeavor to take various preventative measures to address liquidity risk, including conducting periodic portfolio risk analysis/management and stress-testing, such measures may not be successful and may not have fully accounted for the specific
circumstances that ultimately impact a Fund and its holdings.
Listed Private Equity Fund Investment Risk.
Private equity funds include financial institutions or vehicles whose principal business is to invest in and lend capital to privately held companies. The Fund is subject to the underlying risks that affect private
equity funds in which it invests, which may include increased liquidity risk, valuation risk, sector risk and credit risk. Limited or incomplete information about the companies in which private equity funds invest, and relatively concentrated
investment portfolios of private equity funds, may expose the Fund to greater volatility and risk of loss. Fund investment in private equity funds subjects Fund shareholders indirectly to the fees and expenses incurred by private equity
funds.
Loan Assignment/Loan Participation
Risk.
If a bank loan is acquired through an assignment, the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. If a bank loan is
acquired through a participation, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, and the Fund may not benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has
purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.
Loan Interests Risk.
Loan interests may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. Loan interests
generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and the Fund may be unable to sell loan interests at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or may be able to sell them only at prices that are less than what the Fund regards as their
fair market value. Accordingly, loan interests may at times be illiquid. Loan interests may be difficult to value and typically have extended settlement periods (generally greater than 7 days), which expose the Fund to the risk that the receipt of
principal and interest payments may be delayed until the loan interest settles. Extended settlement periods during significant Fund redemption activity could potentially cause short-term liquidity demands within the Fund. In seeking to meet
liquidity demands, the Fund could be forced to sell investments at unfavorable prices, or borrow money or effect short settlements when possible (at a cost to the Fund), in an effort to generate sufficient cash to pay redeeming shareholders. The
Fund’s actions in this regard may not be successful. Interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged companies or transactions, such as corporate acquisitions, may be especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market
conditions.
Interests in secured loans
have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets, although many covenants may be waived or modified with the consent of a certain percentage of the holders of
the loans even if the Fund does not consent. There is a risk that the value of any collateral securing a loan in which the Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the loan. In most
loan agreements there is no formal requirement to pledge additional collateral. In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund’s access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Further, there is a risk
that a court could take action with respect to a loan that is adverse to the holders of the loan, including the Fund. Such actions may include invalidating the loan, the lien on the collateral, the priority status of the loan, or ordering the refund
of interest previously paid by the borrower. Any such actions by a court could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. A default or expected default of a loan could also make it difficult for the Fund to sell the loan at a price approximating
the value previously placed on it. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy or similar situation, the Fund may be required to retain legal or similar counsel. This may increase the Fund’s operating expenses and
adversely affect its NAV. Loans that have a lower priority for repayment in an issuer’s capital structure may involve a higher degree of overall risk than more senior loans of the same borrower. In the event of a default, second lien secured
loans will generally be paid only if the value of the collateral exceeds the amount of the borrower’s obligations to the first lien secured lenders. The remaining collateral may not be sufficient to cover the
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full amount owed on the loan in which the Fund has an interest. In
addition, if a secured loan is foreclosed, the Fund would likely bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. The collateral may be difficult to sell and the Fund would bear the risk that the collateral may
decline in value while the Fund is holding it. From time to time, disagreements may arise amongst the holders of loans and debt in the capital structure of an issuer, which may give rise to litigation risks, including the risk that a court could
take action adverse to the holders of the loan, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance.
The Fund may acquire a loan interest by obtaining an
assignment of all or a portion of the interests in a particular loan that are held by an original lender or a prior assignee. As an assignee, the Fund normally will succeed to all rights and obligations of its assignor with respect to the portion of
the loan that is being assigned. However, the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of a loan assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the original lenders or the assignor. Alternatively, the Fund may acquire a
participation interest in a loan that is held by another party. When the Fund’s loan interest is a participation, the Fund may have less control over the exercise of remedies than the party selling the participation interest, and the Fund
normally would not have any direct rights against the borrower. As a participant, the Fund also would be subject to the risk that the party selling the participation interest would not remit the Fund’s pro rata share of loan payments to the
Fund. It may also be difficult for the Fund to obtain an accurate picture of a lending bank’s financial condition.
Macro Strategy Risk.
The profitability of any macro program depends primarily on the ability of its manager to predict derivative contract price movements to implement investment ideas regarding macroeconomic trends. Price movements for commodity interests are
influenced by, among other things: changes in interest rates; governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies; weather and climate conditions; natural disasters, such as hurricanes; changing supply and
demand relationships; changes in balances of payments and trade; U.S. and international rates of inflation and deflation; currency devaluations and revaluations; U.S. and international political and economic events; and changes in philosophies and
emotions of market participants. The manager’s trading methods may not take all of these factors into account.
The global macro programs to which the Fund’s
investments are exposed typically use derivative financial instruments that are actively traded using a variety of strategies and investment techniques that involve significant risks. The derivative financial instruments traded include commodities,
currencies, futures, options and forward contracts and other derivative instruments that have inherent leverage and price volatility that result in greater risk than instruments used by typical mutual funds, and the systematic programs used to trade
them may rely on proprietary investment strategies that are not fully disclosed, which may in turn result in risks that are not anticipated.
Market Risk.
Market
risk refers to the possibility that the market values of securities or other investments that the Fund holds will fall, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, or fail to rise. The value of Fund investments may fall or fail to rise because of a variety
of actual or perceived factors affecting an issuer (e.g., an unfavorable earnings report), the industry or sector in which it operates, or the market as a whole, which may reduce the value of an investment in the Fund. Accordingly, an investment in
the Fund could lose money over short or long periods. The market values of the investments the Fund holds can be affected by changes or potential or perceived changes in U.S. or foreign economies, financial markets, interest rates and the liquidity
of these investments, among other factors.
Master Limited Partnership Risk.
Investments in securities (units) of master limited partnerships involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. Holders of these units have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the
partnership. These units may be subject to cash flow and dilution risks. There are also certain tax risks associated with such an investment. In particular, the Fund’s investment in master limited partnerships can be limited by the
Fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and can limit the Fund’s ability to so qualify. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders, subordinated
unit holders and the general partner of a master limited partnership, including a conflict arising as a result of incentive distribution payments. In addition, there are risks related to the general partner’s right to require unit holders to
sell their common units at an undesirable time or price.
Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk.
Securities of mid-capitalization companies (mid-cap companies) can, in certain circumstances, have more risk than securities of larger capitalization companies (larger companies). For example, mid-cap companies may be
more vulnerable to market downturns and adverse business or economic events than larger companies because they may have more limited financial resources and business operations. Mid-cap companies are also more likely than larger companies to have
more limited product lines and operating histories and to depend on smaller management teams. Securities of mid-cap companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes and may fluctuate more sharply in value than securities of larger
companies. When the Fund takes significant positions in mid-cap companies with limited trading volumes, the liquidation of those positions, particularly in a distressed market, could be difficult and result in Fund investment losses. In addition,
some mid-cap companies may not be widely followed by the investment community, which can lower the demand for their stocks.
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Model and Technology Risk.
Investment strategies or programs that are fundamentally dependent on proprietary or licensed technology, such as, among other things, hardware, software, model-based strategies, data gathering systems, order execution,
and trade allocation systems, and/or risk management systems may not be successful on an ongoing basis or could contain errors, omissions, imperfections, or malfunctions. Any such errors, imperfections or limitations in a model could affect the
ability of the manager to implement strategies. Despite testing, monitoring and independent safeguards, these errors may result in, among other things, execution and allocation failures and failures to properly gather, organize and analyze amounts
of data from third parties and other external sources. More specifically, as it is not possible or practicable for a manager to factor all relevant, available data into quantitative model forecasts and/or trading decisions, managers (and/or
affiliated licensors of such data) will use their discretion to determine what data to gather with respect to an investment strategy and what subset of that data the models will take into account to produce forecasts that may have an impact on
ultimate trading decisions, all of which may have a negative effect on the Fund.
Errors are often extremely difficult to detect and
some may go undetected for long periods of time and some may never be detected. The adverse impact caused by these errors can compound over time. A manager (and/or the licensor of the models or technology) may detect certain errors that it chooses,
in its sole discretion, not to address or fix. By necessity, models make simplifying assumptions that limit their efficacy. Models that appear to explain prior market data can fail to predict future market events. Moreover, an increasing number of
market participants may rely on models that are similar to those used by a manager (or an affiliate of a manager), which may result in a substantial number of market participants taking the same action with respect to an investment. Should one or
more of these other market participants begin to divest themselves of one or more portfolio investments, the Fund could suffer losses. Additionally, shareholders should be aware that there is no guarantee that a manager that uses quantitative
techniques will use any specific data or type of data in generating forecasts or making trading decisions on behalf of the Fund, nor is there any guarantee that the data actually utilized in generating forecasts or making trading decisions on behalf
of the Fund will be (i) the most accurate data available or (ii) free from errors.
Money Market Fund Investment Risk.
An investment in a money market fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds float their NAV while others seek to preserve
the value of investments at a stable NAV (typically $1.00 per share). An investment in a money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable NAV per share, is not guaranteed and it is possible for the Fund to lose money by
investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent
the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts the Fund redeems from the money market fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee). These measures may result in an investment loss or prohibit the Fund
from redeeming shares when the Investment Manager would otherwise redeem shares. In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund directly bears, the Fund indirectly bears the fees and expenses of any money market funds in which it invests,
including affiliated money market funds. To the extent these fees and expenses, along with the fees and expenses of any other funds in which the Fund may invest, are expected to equal or exceed 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets,
they will be reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses set forth in the table under “Fees and Expenses of the Fund.” By investing in a money market fund, the Fund will be exposed to the investment risks of the money market fund in
direct proportion to such investment. The money market fund may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund, through its investment in the money market fund, may not achieve its investment objective. To the extent the Fund invests in instruments
such as derivatives, the Fund may hold investments, which may be significant, in money market fund shares to cover its obligations resulting from the Fund’s investments in derivatives. Money market funds and the securities they invest in are
subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money market
funds.
Because a decision to impose or
not impose such liquidity fees and/or redemption gates on an affiliated money market fund may negatively impact any Funds that invest in it, all to which the Investment Manager and Board may also owe a fiduciary duty, any recommendation by the
Investment Manager or decision by the Board with respect to such fees or gates on the affiliated money market fund may present potential conflicts of interest to the Investment Manager and the Board. The Board of the affiliated money market fund,
for example, could be conflicted by a determination to not impose such fees and/or gates at a time when, if implemented, the other Columbia Funds could potentially experience negative impacts, while not imposing such fees and/or gates could
potentially result in a negative impact to the affiliated money market fund. Any decisions by the Board to favor such fees and/or gates could result in reduced or limited investments in the affiliated money market fund by the other Columbia Funds,
which may lead to increased affiliated money market fund expenses (which would be borne by the remaining Fund investors).
If a liquidity fee or redemption gate is imposed, an
investing Columbia Fund may have to sell other investments at less than opportune times rather than using the cash invested in the money market fund to meet shareholder redemptions. The Investment Manager, as a result of any such fees and/or gates
on an affiliated money market fund (or the potential imposition thereof,
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recognizing that the Investment Manager will be aware of the
affiliated money market fund’s liquid assets position), may determine to not invest the other Columbia Funds’ assets in the affiliated money market fund, and potentially be forced to invest in more expensive, lower-performing
investments.
Mortgage- and Other Asset-Backed
Securities Risk.
The value of any mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities held by the Fund may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in: interest rates; factors concerning the
interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgages or other assets; the creditworthiness of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements; or the market's assessment of
the quality of underlying assets. Mortgage-backed securities represent interests in, or are backed by, pools of mortgages from which payments of interest and principal (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities) are distributed
to the holders of the mortgage-backed securities. Other types of asset-backed securities typically represent interests in, or are backed by, pools of receivables such as credit, automobile, student and home equity loans. Mortgage- and other
asset-backed securities can have a fixed or an adjustable rate. Mortgage- and other asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the possibility that the underlying mortgage or other asset may be refinanced or prepaid prior to
maturity during periods of declining or low interest rates, causing the Fund to have to reinvest the money received in securities that have lower yields. In addition, the impact of prepayments on the value of mortgage- and other asset-backed
securities may be difficult to predict and may result in greater volatility. Rising or high interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, making them more volatile and more sensitive to changes in
interest rates. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage-backed securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed (i) by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (in the case of securities
guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association) or (ii) by its agencies, authorities, enterprises or instrumentalities (in the case of securities guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)), which are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government (although FNMA and FHLMC may be able to access capital from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations under such securities). Mortgage-backed securities
issued by non-governmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers) may be supported by various credit enhancements, such as pool
insurance, guarantees issued by governmental entities, letters of credit from a bank or senior/subordinated structures, and may entail greater risk than obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government, whether or not such obligations are guaranteed by
the private issuer.
Multi-Strategy Risk.
The multi-strategy approach employed by the Fund involves special risks, which include the risk that investment decisions, at the Fund or the underlying fund level, may conflict with each other; for example, at any
particular time, one manager may be purchasing shares of an issuer whose shares are being sold by another manager. Consequently, the Fund could indirectly incur transaction costs without accomplishing any net investment result. Also, managers may
use proprietary or licensed investment strategies that are based on considerations and factors that are not fully disclosed to the Fund or other investors.
Moreover, consistent with the Fund’s
investment objectives, these proprietary or licensed investment strategies, which may include quantitative mathematical models or systems, may be changed or refined over time. A manager (or the licensor of the strategies used by the manager) may
make certain changes to the strategies the manager has previously used, may not use such strategies at all (or the manager’s license may be revoked), or may use additional strategies, where such changes or discretionary decisions, and the
reasons for such changes or decisions, are also not disclosed to the Fund or other investors. These strategies may involve risks under some market conditions that are not anticipated by the Investment Manager or the Fund.
Municipal Securities Risk.
Municipal securities are debt obligations generally issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including general financing for state and local governments, or financing for a specific project or public
facility, and include obligations of the governments of the U.S. territories, commonwealths and possessions such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the extent such obligations are exempt from state and federal income taxes.
Municipal securities can be significantly affected by political and legislative changes at the state or federal level. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed by the taxing authority of the local government, by the credit of a private
issuer, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets or by domestic or foreign entities providing credit support, such as letters of credit, guarantees or insurance, and are generally classified into general
obligation bonds and special revenue obligations. General obligation bonds are backed by an issuer's taxing authority and may be vulnerable to limits on a government's power or ability to raise revenue or increase taxes. They may also depend for
payment on legislative appropriation and/or funding or other support from other governmental bodies. Revenue obligations are payable from revenues generated by a particular project or other revenue source, and are typically subject to greater risk
of default than general obligation bonds because investors can look only to the revenue generated by the project or other revenue source backing the project, rather than to the general taxing authority of the state or local government issuer of the
obligations. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance projects in sectors such as education, health care, transportation and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. The amount of publicly
available information for municipal issuers is generally less than for corporate issuers.
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Issuers in a state, territory,
commonwealth or possession in which the Fund invests may experience significant financial difficulties. Such financial difficulties may lead to credit rating downgrade(s) of such issuers which, in turn, could affect the market values and
marketability of many or all municipal obligations of issuers in such state, territory, commonwealth or possession. The value of the Fund’s shares will be negatively impacted to the extent it invests in such securities. In the past two years,
securities issued by Puerto Rico and its agencies and instrumentalities have been subject to multiple credit downgrades as a result of Puerto Rico's ongoing fiscal challenges and uncertainty about its ability to make full repayment on these
obligations. More recently, certain issuers of Puerto Rican municipal securities have failed to make payments on obligations that have come due, and additional missed payments or defaults may be likely to occur in the future. To the extent a Fund
invests in these securities, such developments could adversely impact the Fund's performance. The Fund’s annual and semiannual reports show the Fund’s investment exposures at a point in time. The risk of investing in the Fund is directly
correlated to the Fund’s investment exposures.
The Fund’s investments in municipal securities
may include securities of issuers in the health care sector, which subjects the Fund’s investments to the risks associated with that sector, including the risk of regulatory action or policy changes by numerous governmental agencies and
bodies, including federal, state, and local governmental agencies, as well as requirements imposed by private entities, such as insurance companies. A major source of revenue for the health care industry is payments from the Medicare and Medicaid
programs. As a result, the industry is sensitive to legislative changes and reductions in governmental spending for such programs. Numerous other factors may affect the industry, such as general and local economic conditions, demand for services,
expenses (including, among others, malpractice insurance premiums) and competition among health care providers. Additional factors also may adversely affect health care facility operations, such as adoption of legislation proposing a national health
insurance program, other state or local health care reform measures, medical and technological advances that alter the need for or cost of health services or the way in which such services are delivered, changes in medical coverage that alter the
traditional fee-for-service revenue stream, and efforts by employers, insurers, and governmental agencies to reduce the costs of health insurance and health care services.
Opportunistic Investing Risk.
Undervalued securities involve the risk that they may never reach their expected full market value, either because the market fails to recognize the security's intrinsic worth or the expected value was misgauged.
Undervalued securities also may decline in price even though the Investment Manager believes they are already undervalued. Turnaround companies may never improve their fundamentals, may take much longer than expected to improve, or may improve much
less than expected. Development stage companies could fail to develop and deplete their assets, resulting in large percentage losses.
Preferred Stock
Risk.
Preferred stock is a type of stock that generally pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does
not ordinarily carry voting rights. The price of a preferred stock is generally determined by earnings, type of products or services, projected growth rates, experience of management, liquidity, and general market conditions of the markets on which
the stock trades. The most significant risks associated with investments in preferred stock include issuer risk, market risk and interest rate risk (
i.e.
, the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates).
Prepayment and Extension Risk.
Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity and, in the case
of extension risk, that the investment might not be called as expected. In the case of prepayment risk, if the investment is converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in other
investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. In the case of mortgage- or other asset-backed securities, as interest rates decrease or spreads narrow, the likelihood of prepayment increases. Conversely,
extension risk is the risk that an unexpected rise in interest rates will extend the life of a mortgage- or asset-backed security beyond the prepayment time. If the Fund's investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for a longer period of
time, the portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Quantitative Model Risk.
The Fund may use quantitative methods to select investments. Securities or other investments selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance for
many reasons, including factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, and changing sources of market returns, among others. Any errors or imperfections in the quantitative analyses or models, or
in the data on which they are based, could adversely affect the effective use of such analyses or models, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. It is not possible or practicable for a quantitative manager to factor all
relevant, available data into quantitative model forecasts and/or trading decisions. Quantitative managers will use their discretion to determine what data to gather with respect to an investment strategy and what data the models will take into
account to produce forecasts that may have an impact on ultimate trading decisions. Shareholders should be aware that there is no guarantee that a quantitative manager will
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use any specific data or type of data in making trading decisions
on behalf of the Fund, nor is there any guarantee that the data actually utilized in generating forecasts or making trading decisions on behalf of the Fund will be the most accurate data available or free from errors. There can be no assurance that
these methodologies will enable the Fund to achieve its objective.
Real Estate-Related Investment Risk.
Investments in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and in securities of other companies (wherever organized) principally engaged in the real estate industry subject the Fund to, among other things, risks similar to
those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general. These include risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of financing and changes in interest rates or property values.
REITs are entities that either own properties or make construction or mortgage loans, and also may include operating or finance companies. The value of interests in a REIT may be affected by, among other factors, changes in the value of the
underlying properties owned by the REIT, changes in the prospect for earnings and/or cash flow growth of the REIT itself, defaults by borrowers or tenants, market saturation, decreases in market rates for rents, and other economic, political, or
regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry, including REITs. REITs and similar non-U.S. entities depend upon specialized management skills, may have limited financial resources, may have less trading volume in their securities, and may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. REITs are also subject to the risk of failing to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Some REITs (especially
mortgage REITs) are affected by risks similar to those associated with investments in debt securities including changes in interest rates and the quality of credit extended.
Redemption Risk.
The
Fund may need to sell portfolio securities to meet redemption requests. The Fund could experience a loss when selling portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if there is (i) significant redemption activity by shareholders, including, for
example, when a single investor or few large investors make a significant redemption of Fund shares, (ii) a disruption in the normal operation of the markets in which the Fund buys and sells portfolio securities or (iii) the inability of the Fund to
sell portfolio securities because such securities are illiquid. In such events, the Fund could be forced to sell portfolio securities at unfavorable prices in an effort to generate sufficient cash to pay redeeming shareholders. The Fund may suspend
redemptions or the payment of redemption proceeds when permitted by applicable regulations.
Regulatory Risk — Alternative Investments.
Legal, tax, and regulatory developments may adversely affect the Fund and its investments. The regulatory environment for the Fund and certain of its investments is evolving, and changes in the regulation of investment
funds, their managers, and their trading activities and capital markets, or a regulator’s disagreement with the Fund’s or others’ interpretation of the application of certain regulations, may adversely affect the ability of the
Fund to pursue its investment strategy, its ability to obtain leverage and financing, and the value of investments held by the Fund. There has been an increase in governmental, as well as self-regulatory, scrutiny of the investment industry in
general and the alternative investment industry in particular. It is impossible to predict what, if any, changes in regulations may occur, but any regulation that restricts the ability of the Fund or any underlying funds or other investments to
trade in securities or other instruments or the ability of the Fund or underlying funds to employ, or brokers and other counterparties to extend, credit in their trading (as well as other regulatory changes that result) could have a material adverse
impact on the Fund’s performance.
Shareholders should understand that the Fund’s
business is dynamic and is expected to change over time. Therefore, the Fund and its underlying investments may be subject to new or additional regulatory constraints in the future. Such regulations may have a significant impact on shareholders or
the operations of the Fund, including, without limitation, restricting the types of investments the Fund may make, preventing the Fund from exercising its voting rights with regard to certain financial instruments, requiring the Fund to disclose the
identity of its investors or otherwise. To the extent the Fund or its underlying investments are subject to such regulation, such regulations may have a detrimental effect on one or more shareholders. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult
their own advisors regarding an investment in the Fund.
Regulatory Risk — Money Market Funds.
Money market funds and the securities they invest in are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may
affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money market funds.
Reinvestment Risk.
Reinvestment risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to reinvest income or principal at the same return it is currently earning.
Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Repurchase agreements are agreements in which the seller of a security to the Fund agrees to repurchase that security from the Fund at a mutually agreed upon price and time. Repurchase agreements carry the risk that the
counterparty may not fulfill its obligations under the agreement. This could cause the Fund's income and the value of your investment in the Fund to decline.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk.
Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements in which a Fund sells a security to a counterparty, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at a mutually agreed upon price
and time. Reverse repurchase agreements carry the risk that the market value of the security sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which the Fund must repurchase the security. Reverse repurchase agreements also may be viewed as a form
of
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borrowing, and borrowed assets used for investment creates leverage
risk. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund's overall returns. Leverage presents the opportunity for increased net income and capital gains, but may also exaggerate the Fund’s volatility and risk of loss. There can be
no guarantee that this strategy will be successful.
Rule 144A and Other Exempted Securities Risk.
The Fund may invest in privately placed and other securities or instruments exempt from SEC registration (collectively “private placements”), subject to liquidity and other regulatory restrictions. In the
U.S. market, private placements are typically sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or qualified purchasers, as applicable. An insufficient number of buyers interested in purchasing private placements at a particular time could adversely
affect the marketability of such investments and the Fund might be unable to dispose of them promptly or at reasonable prices, subjecting the Fund to liquidity risk. The Fund may invest in private placements determined to be liquid as well as those
determined to be illiquid. Even if determined to be liquid, the Fund’s holdings of private placements may increase the level of Fund illiquidity if eligible buyers are unable or unwilling to purchase them at a particular time. The Fund may
also have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Additionally, the purchase price and subsequent valuation of private placements typically reflect a discount,
which may be significant, from the market price of comparable securities for which a more liquid market exists. Issuers of Rule 144A eligible securities are required to furnish information to potential investors upon request. However, the required
disclosure is much less extensive than that required of public companies and is not publicly available since the offering is not filed with the SEC. Further, issuers of Rule 144A eligible securities can require recipients of the offering information
(such as the Fund) to agree contractually to keep the information confidential, which could also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to dispose of the security.
Sector Risk.
At
times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within a sector. Companies in the same sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory,
political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that sector than funds that invest more broadly. Generally, the more broadly the Fund invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially
reduces the risks of loss and volatility.
Sector Risk — Consumer Discretionary Sector
Investments.
To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the consumer discretionary sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if
it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to certain risks, including fluctuations in the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest
rate changes, increased competition and consumer confidence. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including reduced disposable household income, reduced consumer spending, changing demographics and consumer tastes.
Sector Risk — Energy Sector Investments.
To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the energy sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider
variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the energy sector are subject to certain risks, including legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions and increased competition. Performance of such companies may be affected
by factors including, among others, fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, local and international politics, and events occurring in nature. For instance,
natural events (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or fires in prime natural resources areas) and political events (such as government instability or military confrontations) can affect the value of companies involved in business activities in the
energy sector. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The energy sector may also be affected by economic cycles,
rising interest rates, high inflation, technical progress, labor relations, legislative or regulatory changes, local and international politics, and adverse market conditions.
Sector Risk — Financial Services Sector
Investments.
To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the financial services sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it
were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the financial services sector are subject to certain risks, including the risk of regulatory change, decreased liquidity in credit markets and unstable interest rates.
Such companies may have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to real estate developers, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect that industry. Performance of such companies may be affected by competitive
pressures and exposure to investments or agreements that, under certain circumstances, may lead to losses (
e.g.
, subprime loans). Companies in the
financial services sector are subject to extensive governmental regulation that may limit the amount and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and interest rates and fees that they may charge. In addition, profitability of
such companies is largely dependent upon the availability and the cost of capital.
Sector Risk — Health Care Sector Investments.
To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the health care sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider
variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the health care sector are subject to certain risks, including restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, government approval of medical products and services,
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competitive pricing pressures, and the rising cost of medical
products and services (especially for companies dependent upon a relatively limited number of products or services). Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, government regulation, obtaining and protecting patents (or the
failure to do so), product liability and other similar litigation as well as product obsolescence.
Sector Risk — Industrials Sector Investments.
To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the industrials sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in that sector than if it were invested in a wider
variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the industrials sector are subject to certain risks, including changes in supply and demand for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general, including
decline in demand for such products due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including government regulation, world events and economic conditions and
risks for environmental damage and product liability claims.
Sector Risk — Materials Investments.
To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in the materials sector, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in the materials sector than if it were invested in a
wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the materials sector are subject to certain risks, including that many materials companies are significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, exchange rates,
import controls, increased competition, environmental policies, consumer demand, and events occurring in nature. For instance, natural events (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as
government instability or military confrontations) can affect the value of companies involved in business activities in the materials sector. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, among others, that at times worldwide
production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities,
depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The materials sector may also be affected by economic cycles, rising interest rates, high inflation, technical progress, labor relations, legislative or regulatory
changes, local and international politics, and adverse market conditions. In addition, prices of, and thus the Fund’s investments in, precious metals are considered speculative and are affected by a variety of worldwide and economic, financial
and political factors. Prices of precious metals may fluctuate sharply.
Sector Risk — Technology and Technology-Related
Sector Investment Risk.
To the extent a Fund concentrates its investments in companies in technology and technology related sectors, it may be more susceptible to the particular risks that may affect companies in
those sectors, as well as other technology-related sectors (collectively, the technology sectors) than if it were invested in a wider variety of companies in unrelated sectors. Companies in the technology sectors are subject to certain risks,
including the risk that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including obtaining and protecting patents (or
the failure to do so) and significant competitive pressures, including aggressive pricing of their products or services, new market entrants, competition for market share and short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological
developments. Such competitive pressures may lead to limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. As a result, the value of their securities may fall or fail to rise. In addition, many technology sector companies have limited operating histories
and prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.
Short Positions
Risk.
A Fund that establishes short positions introduces more risk to the Fund than a fund that only takes long positions (where the Fund owns the instrument or other asset) because the maximum sustainable loss on
an instrument or other asset purchased (held long) is limited to the amount paid for the instrument or other asset plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum price of the shorted instrument or other asset when purchased in the open
market. Therefore, in theory, short positions have unlimited risk. The Fund’s use of short positions in effect “leverages” the Fund. Leverage potentially exposes the Fund to greater risks of loss due to unanticipated market
movements, which may magnify losses and increase the volatility of returns. To the extent the Fund takes a short position in a derivative instrument or other asset, this involves the risk of a potentially unlimited increase in the value of the
underlying instrument or other asset.
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Securities Risk.
Securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies (small- and mid-cap companies) can, in certain circumstances, have a higher potential for gains than securities of larger, more established companies (larger
companies) but may also have more risk. For example, small- and mid-cap companies may be more vulnerable to market downturns and adverse business or economic events than larger companies because they may have more limited financial resources and
business operations. Small- and mid-cap companies are also more likely than larger companies to have more limited product lines and operating histories and to depend on smaller management teams. Securities of small- and mid-cap companies may trade
less frequently and in smaller volumes and may be less liquid and fluctuate more sharply in value than securities of larger companies. When the Fund takes significant positions in small- and mid-cap companies with limited trading
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volumes, the liquidation of those positions, particularly in a
distressed market, could be prolonged and result in losses to the Fund. In addition, some small- and mid-cap companies may not be widely followed by the investment community, which can lower the demand for their stocks.
Sovereign Debt Risk.
A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign
exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be
subject.
With respect to sovereign debt
of emerging market issuers, investors should be aware that certain emerging market countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the
payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis and that has led to defaults and the restructuring of certain indebtedness to the
detriment of debtholders. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.
Special Situations Risk.
Securities of companies that are involved in an initial public offering or a major corporate event, such as a business consolidation or restructuring, may be exposed to heightened risk because of the high degree of
uncertainty that can be associated with such events. Securities issued in initial public offerings often are issued by companies that are in the early stages of development, have a history of little or no revenues and may operate at a loss following
the offering. It is possible that there will be no active trading market for the securities after the offering, and that the market price of the securities may be subject to significant and unpredictable fluctuations. Initial public offerings are
subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. To the extent the Fund determines to invest in initial public offerings, it may not be able to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only
a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an initial public offering are available to the Fund. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in initial public offerings
may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. Securities purchased in initial public offerings which are sold within 12 months after purchase may result in increased short-term capital gains, which will be taxable to the
Fund’s shareholders as ordinary income. Certain “special situation” investments are investments in securities or other instruments that are determined to be illiquid or lacking a readily ascertainable fair value. Certain special
situation investments prevent ownership interests therein from being withdrawn until the special situation investment, or a portion thereof, is realized or deemed realized, which may negatively impact Fund performance. Investing in special
situations may have a magnified effect on the performance of funds with small amounts of assets.
Stripped Securities Risk.
Stripped securities are the separate income or principal components of debt securities. These securities are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, and therefore subject to greater fluctuations in price
than typical interest bearing debt securities. For example, stripped mortgage-backed securities have greater interest rate risk than mortgage-backed securities with like maturities, and stripped treasury securities have greater interest rate risk
than traditional government securities with identical credit ratings.
Systems and Technology Risk.
The Investment Manager and, as the case may be, any Fund subadvisers, use various technology in managing the Fund, consistent with its investment objective and strategy described in the Fund’s prospectus. For
example, proprietary and third-party data and systems may be utilized to support decision making for the Fund. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies and similar circumstances may impair the performance
of these systems, which may negatively affect Fund performance.
Terrorism, War, Natural Disaster and Epidemic Risk.
Terrorism, war, military confrontations and related geopolitical events (and their aftermath) have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on
U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters, such as, for example, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and weather-related phenomena generally, as well as widespread disease and virus
epidemics, can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely affecting individual companies, sectors, industries, markets, currencies, interest and inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value
of the Funds’ investments.
U.S.
Government Obligations Risk.
While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, such securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk (
i.e.
, the risk that the U.S. Government may be, or may be perceived to be, unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, such as making payments).
Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. For example, securities issued by the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Banks are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency, authority, instrumentality or enterprise and, as a result, are subject to greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.
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Valuation Risk.
The
sales price the Fund (or an underlying fund or other investment vehicle) could receive for any particular investment may differ from the Fund’s (or an underlying fund’s or other investment vehicle’s) valuation of the investment,
particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology that produces an estimate of the fair value of the security/instrument, which may prove to be inaccurate. Investors who purchase or
redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding securities or other instruments (or holding shares of underlying funds or other investment vehicles that have fair-valued securities or other instruments in their portfolios) may receive fewer or
more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund (or underlying fund or other investment vehicle) had not fair-valued the security or instrument or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of
foreign securities, certain fixed-income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the market on which they are valued, but before the Fund determines its NAV.
Warrants and Rights Risk.
Warrants are securities giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of issuance) during a specified
period or perpetually. Warrants may be acquired separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer.
Warrants are subject to the risks associated with the security underlying the warrant, including market risk. Warrants may expire unexercised and subject the Fund to liquidity risk (the risk that it may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate the
instrument at an advantageous time or price), which may result in Fund losses. Rights are available to existing shareholders of an issuer to enable them to maintain proportionate ownership in the issuer by being able to buy newly issued shares.
Rights allow shareholders to buy the shares below the current market price. Rights are typically short-term instruments that are valued separately and trade in the secondary market during a subscription (or offering) period. Holders can exercise the
rights and purchase the stock, sell the rights or let them expire. Their value, and their risk of investment loss, is a function of that of the underlying security.
Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk.
Zero-coupon bonds are bonds that do not pay interest in cash on a current basis, but instead accrue interest over the life of the bond. As a result, these securities are issued at a discount and their values may
fluctuate more than the values of similar securities that pay interest periodically. Although these securities pay no interest to holders prior to maturity, interest accrued on these securities is reported as income to the Fund and affects the
amounts distributed to its shareholders, which may cause the Fund to sell investments to obtain cash to make income distributions to shareholders, including at times when it may not be advantageous to do so.
Auditor Independence Risk.
The Fund prepares financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and has engaged PwC to serve as the independent accountant to the Fund. As the Fund’s independent accountant,
PwC must meet regulatory requirements relating to independence, including the SEC’s auditor independence rules which prohibit accounting firms from having certain financial relationships with their audit clients and affiliated entities.
Specifically, as interpreted by SEC staff, under Rule 2-01(c)(1)(ii)(A) of Regulation S-X (the Loan Rule), an accounting firm would not be considered independent if it receives a loan from a lender or an affiliate of a lender that is a “record
or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the audit client’s equity securities.” PwC has advised the Audit Committee of the Board that PwC and certain of its affiliates have loans from lenders who are also record owners of more
than 10% of the shares issued by several funds in the Columbia Funds Complex or certain other entities within the Ameriprise Financial investment company complex.
On June 20, 2016, the SEC staff issued a
“no-action” letter (the Loan Rule No-Action Letter) confirming that it would not recommend that the SEC commence enforcement action against a fund that continues to fulfill its regulatory requirements under the federal securities laws by
using audit services performed by an audit firm that is not in compliance with the Loan Rule, provided that: (1) the audit firm has complied with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Rule 3526(b)(1) and 3526(b)(2) or, with respect to
any fund or entity to which Rule 3526 does not apply, has provided substantially equivalent communications; (2) the audit firm’s non-compliance under the Loan Rule is limited to certain lending relationships; and (3) notwithstanding such
non-compliance, the audit firm has concluded that it is objective and impartial with respect to the issues encompassed within its engagement. Although the Loan Rule No-Action Letter was issued to one fund complex, it is generally available to other
fund complexes. The SEC staff stated that the relief under the Loan Rule No-Action Letter is temporary and will expire 18 months after the issuance of the letter.
After evaluating the facts and circumstances related
to the Loan Rule and PwC’s lending relationships, PwC advised the Audit Committee of the Board that (1) PwC is independent with respect to the Fund, within the meaning of PCAOB Rule 3520, (2) PwC has concluded that it is objective and
impartial with respect to the issues encompassed within its engagement, including the audit of the Fund’s financial statements, and (3) PwC believes that it can continue to serve as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting
firm. It is the Fund’s understanding that issues under the Loan Rule affect other major accounting firms and many mutual fund complexes. It is anticipated that an ultimate resolution of the issues under the Loan Rule will be
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achieved; however, if PwC were determined not to be independent or
the Fund were unable to rely on the Loan Rule No-Action Letter or some form of exemptive relief, among other things, the financial statements audited by PwC may have to be audited by another independent registered public accounting firm and the Fund
could incur additional expense and other burdens on its operations.
Certain of the risks described above in this SAI may
also apply, directly or indirectly, to the Investment Manager and any investment subadviser and their affiliates, which may negatively impact their respective abilities to provide services to the Funds, potentially resulting in losses to the Fund or
other consequences.
Borrowings
In general, pursuant to the 1940 Act, a Fund may
borrow money only from banks in an amount not exceeding 33
1
⁄
3
% of its total assets
(including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed this amount must be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33
1
⁄
3
% limitation.
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into
a revolving credit facility agreement (the Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Citibank N.A. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. whereby the Funds may borrow for the temporary funding of shareholder redemptions or for
other temporary or emergency purposes. Pursuant to a December 8, 2015 amendment, the Credit Agreement, which is a collective agreement between the Funds and certain other funds managed by the Investment Manager (collectively, the Participating
Funds), severally and not jointly, permits the Participating Funds to borrow up to an aggregate commitment amount of $1 billion (the Commitment Limit) at any time outstanding, subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the
Credit Agreement. A Fund may borrow up to the maximum amount allowable under its current Prospectus and this SAI, subject to various other legal, regulatory or contractual limits. Borrowing results in interest expense and other fees and expenses for
a Fund that may impact that Fund’s expenses, including any net expense ratios. The costs of borrowing may reduce a Fund's return. If a Fund borrows pursuant to the Credit Agreement, that Fund is charged interest at a variable rate. Each Fund
also pays a commitment fee equal to its pro rata share of the amount of the credit facility. The availability of assets under the Credit Agreement can be affected by other Participating Funds’ borrowings under the agreement. As such, a Fund
may be unable to borrow (or borrow further) under the Credit Agreement if the Commitment Limit has been reached.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
To generate additional income, a Fund may lend up to
33%, or such lower percentage specified by the Fund or Investment Manager, of the value of its total assets (including securities out on loan) to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. JPMorgan serves as lending agent
(the Lending Agent) to the Funds pursuant to a securities lending agreement (the Securities Lending Agreement) approved by the Board. Under the Securities Lending Agreement, the Lending Agent loans Fund securities to approved borrowers pursuant to
borrower agreements in exchange for collateral at least equal in value to the loaned securities, marked to market daily. Collateral may consist of cash, securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities (collectively,
“U.S. Government securities”) or such other collateral as may be approved by the Board. For loans secured by cash, the Fund retains the interest earned on cash collateral, but the Fund is required to pay the borrower a rebate for the use
of the cash collateral. For loans secured by U.S. Government securities, the borrower pays a borrower fee to the Lending Agent on behalf of the Fund.
If the market value of the loaned securities goes
up, the Fund will require additional collateral from the borrower. If the market value of the loaned securities goes down, the borrower may request that some collateral be returned. During the existence of the loan, the Fund will receive from the
borrower amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities, as well as interest on such amounts.
Loans are subject to termination by a Fund or a
borrower at any time. A Fund may choose to terminate a loan in order to vote in a proxy solicitation, as described in this SAI under
Investment Management and Other Services – Proxy Voting
Policies and Procedures – General.
Securities lending involves counterparty risk,
including the risk that a borrower may not provide sufficient or any collateral when required or may not return the loaned securities, timely or at all. Counterparty risk also includes a potential loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower or
the Lending Agent defaults or fails financially. This risk is increased if a Fund’s loans are concentrated with a single borrower or limited number of borrowers. There are no limits on the number of borrowers a Fund may use and a Fund may lend
securities to only one or a small group of borrowers. Funds participating in securities lending also bear the risk of loss in connection with investments of cash collateral received from the borrowers. Cash collateral is invested in accordance with
investment guidelines contained in the Securities Lending Agreement and approved by the Board. Some or all of the cash collateral received in connection with the securities lending program may be invested in one or more pooled investment vehicles,
including, among other vehicles, money market funds managed by the Lending Agent (or its affiliates). The
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Lending Agent shares in any income resulting from the investment of
such cash collateral, and an affiliate of the Lending Agent may receive asset-based fees for the management of such pooled investment vehicles, which may create a conflict of interest between the Lending Agent (or its affiliates) and the Fund with
respect to the management of such cash collateral. To the extent that the value or return of a Fund’s investments of the cash collateral declines below the amount owed to a borrower, a Fund may incur losses that exceed the amount it earned on
lending the security. The Lending Agent will indemnify a fund from losses resulting from a borrower’s failure to return a loaned security when due, but such indemnification does not extend to losses associated with declines in the value of
cash collateral investments. The Investment Manager is not responsible for any loss incurred by the Funds in connection with the securities lending program.
The Funds currently do not participate in the
securities lending program, but the Board may determine to renew participation in the future.
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INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER
SERVICES
The Investment Manager and
Subadvisers
Columbia Management Investment
Advisers, LLC, located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, is the investment manager of the Funds as well as for other funds in the Columbia Fund Family. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, which is
located at 1099 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474. Ameriprise Financial is a holding company, which primarily conducts business through its subsidiaries to provide financial planning, products and services that are designed to be
utilized as solutions for clients’ cash and liquidity, asset accumulation, income, protection and estate and wealth transfer needs.
The Investment Manager and its investment advisory
affiliates (Participating Affiliates) around the world may coordinate in providing services to their clients. Such coordination may include functional leadership of the business (the “Global” business). From time to time the Investment
Manager (or any affiliated investment subadviser to the Funds, as the case may be) may engage its Participating Affiliates to provide a variety of services such as investment research, investment monitoring, trading,
and discretionary investment management (including portfolio management) to certain accounts managed by the Investment Manager, including the Funds. These Participating Affiliates will provide services to the Investment Manager (or any
affiliated investment subadviser to the Funds as the case may be) either pursuant to subadvisory agreements, personnel-sharing agreements or similar inter-company arrangements and the Funds will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any
such arrangements. These Participating Affiliates, like the Investment Manager, are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Ameriprise Financial and are registered with the appropriate respective regulators in their home jurisdictions and, where
required, the SEC and the CFTC in the United States.
Pursuant to some of these arrangements, certain
employees of these Participating Affiliates may serve as “associated persons” of the Investment Manager and, in this capacity, subject to the oversight and supervision of the Investment Manager and consistent with the investment
objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Funds' prospectuses and this SAI may provide such services to the Funds on behalf of the Investment Manager.
Services Provided
Each Fund has entered into the Management Agreement with the
Investment Manager, effective as of the date set forth in the Management Agreement Fee Schedule table in the
Management Agreement Fee Rates
section
below (the Management Agreement Effective Date). Under the Management Agreement, the Investment Manager has contracted to, subject to general oversight by the Board, manage and supervise the day-to-day operations and business affairs of the Funds.
In this role, the Investment Manager furnishes each such Fund with investment research and advice and all of the services necessary for, or appropriate to, the business and effective operation of each Fund that are not (a) provided by employees or
other agents engaged by the Fund or (b) required to be provided by any person pursuant to any other agreement or arrangement with the Fund. Under the Management Agreement, any liability of the Investment Manager to the Trust, a Fund and/or its
shareholders is limited to situations involving the Investment Manager’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence in the performance of its duties or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.
The Management Agreement may be terminated with
respect to a Fund at any time on 60 days’ written notice by the Investment Manager or by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund. The Management Agreement will automatically terminate upon any
assignment thereof, will continue in effect for two years from its initial effective date and thereafter will continue from year to year with respect to a Fund only so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the Board or by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Investment Manager or the Trust, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Investment Manager pays all compensation of the
Trustees and officers of the Trust who are employees of the Investment Manager or its affiliates, except for the Chief Compliance Officer, a portion of whose salary is paid by the Columbia Funds (excluding those Funds that pay a Unitary Fee, as
defined below). Except to the extent expressly assumed by the Investment Manager and except to the extent required by law to be paid or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager does not have a duty to pay any Fund operating
expenses incurred in the organization and operation of a Fund, including, but not limited to, auditing, legal, custodial, investor servicing and shareholder reporting expenses. The Fund pays the cost of printing and mailing Fund prospectuses to
shareholders.
The Investment Manager, at its
own expense, provides office space, facilities and supplies, equipment and personnel for the performance of its functions under each Fund’s Management Agreement.
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Management Agreement Fee Rates
Each Fund set forth in the table
below, unless otherwise noted, pays the Investment Manager an annual fee for its management services, as set forth in the Management Agreement and the table below, as of the date specified in the Management Agreement Effective Date column. The fee
is calculated as a percentage of the daily net assets of each Fund and is paid monthly. The Investment Manager and/or its affiliates may from time to time waive fees and/or reimburse certain Fund expenses. See the Funds’ prospectuses for more
information.
Management Agreement Fee
Schedule
Fund
|
Assets
(millions)
|
Annual
rate at
each asset level
|
Management
Agreement
Effective Date
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
(a)
|
$0
- $500
|
0.960%
|
10/1/2016
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.955%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
0.950%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $12,000
|
0.940%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.930%
|
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.480%
|
3/1/2016
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.475%
|
12/1/2015
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
(b)
|
>$1,000
- $2,000
|
0.445%
|
12/1/2015
|
|
>$2,000
- $3,000
|
0.420%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.385%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $9,000
|
0.360%
|
|
|
>$9,000
- $10,000
|
0.350%
|
|
|
>$10,000
- $12,000
|
0.340%
|
|
|
>$12,000
- $15,000
|
0.330%
|
|
|
>$15,000
- $24,000
|
0.320%
|
|
|
>$24,000
- $50,000
|
0.300%
|
|
|
>$50,000
|
0.290%
|
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$0
- $250
|
0.470%
|
12/1/2015
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
>$250
- $500
|
0.465%
|
3/1/2016
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.415%
|
3/1/2016
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
0.380%
|
3/1/2016
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.340%
|
3/1/2016
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
>$6,000
- $7,500
|
0.330%
|
3/1/2016
|
|
>$7,500
- $12,000
|
0.320%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.310%
|
|
Balanced
Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.720%
|
1/1/2016
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.670%
|
10/1/2015
|
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.620%
|
|
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.570%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.550%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
0.530%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.520%
|
|
Bond
Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.500%
|
1/1/2016
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.495%
|
9/1/2015
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
>$1,000
- $2,000
|
0.480%
|
9/1/2015
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
>$2,000
- $3,000
|
0.460%
|
9/1/2015
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.450%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $7,500
|
0.430%
|
|
|
>$7,500
- $9,000
|
0.415%
|
|
|
>$9,000
- $12,000
|
0.410%
|
|
|
>$12,000
- $20,000
|
0.390%
|
|
|
>$20,000
- $24,000
|
0.380%
|
|
|
>$24,000
- $50,000
|
0.360%
|
|
|
>$50,000
|
0.340%
|
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.770%
|
8/1/2015
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.720%
|
1/1/2016
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.670%
|
1/1/2016
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.620%
|
12/1/2015
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.600%
|
8/1/2015
|
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
0.580%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.570%
|
|
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|
84
|
Fund
|
Assets
(millions)
|
Annual
rate at
each asset level
|
Management
Agreement
Effective Date
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.870%
|
1/1/2016
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.820%
|
1/1/2016
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
0.770%
|
9/1/2015
|
|
>$3,000
- $12,000
|
0.760%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.750%
|
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
(a)
|
$0
- $500
|
1.180%
|
10/1/2015
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
1.130%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
1.100%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
1.070%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
1.040%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
1.030%
|
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
$0
- $250
|
1.180%
|
1/1/2016
|
|
>$250
- $500
|
1.160%
|
|
|
>$500
- $750
|
1.140%
|
|
|
>$750
- $1,000
|
1.115%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.870%
|
|
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.820%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.770%
|
|
|
>$6,000
|
0.720%
|
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
$0
- $1,000
|
0.750%
|
1/1/2016
|
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.670%
|
|
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.620%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.600%
|
|
|
>$6,000
|
0.580%
|
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.870%
|
1/1/2016
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.820%
|
|
|
>$1,000
|
0.770%
|
|
Greater
China Fund
|
$0
- $1,000
|
0.950%
|
1/1/2016
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.870%
|
8/1/2015
|
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.820%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.770%
|
|
|
>$6,000
|
0.720%
|
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.540%
|
10/1/2015
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.535%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $2,000
|
0.505%
|
|
|
>$2,000
- $3,000
|
0.480%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.445%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $7,500
|
0.420%
|
|
|
>$7,500
- $10,000
|
0.410%
|
|
|
>$10,000
- $12,000
|
0.400%
|
|
|
>$12,000
- $15,000
|
0.390%
|
|
|
>$15,000
- $24,000
|
0.380%
|
|
|
>$24,000
- $50,000
|
0.360%
|
|
|
>$50,000
|
0.340%
|
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.820%
|
1/1/2016
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.770%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.720%
|
|
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.670%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $12,000
|
0.660%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.650%
|
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
(a)
|
$0
- $500
|
1.100%
|
1/1/2016
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
1.050%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
1.020%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.990%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
0.960%
|
|
|
>
$12,000
|
0.950%
|
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
All
assets
|
1.60%
|
8/17/2016
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
85
|
Fund
|
Assets
(millions)
|
Annual
rate at
each asset level
|
Management
Agreement
Effective Date
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
$0
- $250
|
0.980%
|
1/1/2016
|
|
>$250
- $500
|
0.930%
|
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.875%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
0.870%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $12,000
|
0.860%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.850%
|
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.660%
|
9/1/2015
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.625%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.610%
|
|
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.600%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.570%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
0.545%
|
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.510%
|
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.750%
|
5/1/2016
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.745%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.720%
|
|
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.670%
|
|
|
>$3,000
|
0.660%
|
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
$0
- $500
|
0.600%
|
3/1/2016
|
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.590%
|
|
|
>$1,000
- $2,000
|
0.575%
|
|
|
>$2,000
- $3,000
|
0.555%
|
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.530%
|
|
|
>$6,000
- $7,500
|
0.505%
|
|
|
>$7,500
- $9,000
|
0.490%
|
|
|
>$9,000
- $10,000
|
0.481%
|
|
|
>$10,000
- $12,000
|
0.469%
|
|
|
>$12,000
- $15,000
|
0.459%
|
|
|
>$15,000
- $20,000
|
0.449%
|
|
|
>$20,000
- $24,000
|
0.433%
|
|
|
>$24,000
- $50,000
|
0.414%
|
|
|
>$50,000
|
0.393%
|
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
(c)
|
All
assets
|
0.400%
|
9/1/2015
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
(d)
|
All
assets
|
0.250%
|
12/1/2015
|
(a) When calculating asset levels for
purposes of determining fee breakpoints, asset levels are based on net assets of the Fund, including assets invested in any wholly-owned subsidiary advised by the Investment Manager (“Subsidiaries”). Fees payable by the Fund under this
agreement shall be reduced by any management services fees paid to the Investment Manager by any Subsidiaries under separate management agreements with the Subsidiaries.
(b) Effective December 1, 2016, the fee schedule changed
resulting in a fee rate decrease for all asset levels.
(c)
The Investment Manager, from the management services fee it receives from the Fund, pays all operating expenses of the Fund, with the exception of brokerage fees and commissions, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of Trustees who are not officers,
directors or employees of the Investment Manager or its affiliates, distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees and any extraordinary non-recurring expenses that may arise, including litigation expenses.
(d) In return for the management services fee, the Investment
Manager has agreed to pay all of the operating costs and expenses of the Fund other than Independent Trustees fees and expenses, including their legal counsel, auditing expenses, interest incurred on borrowing by the Fund, if any, portfolio
transaction expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses. This fee is sometimes referred to herein as the “Unitary Fee.” Any custody credits are applied to offset Fund expenses prior to determining the expenses the Investment Manager is
required to bear; however, the Investment Manager bears any custodian overdraft charges. The Fund does not pay custodian or transfer agent fees because payment for such services is included in its Unitary Fee.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
86
|
Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a management services fee according to the following schedules:
Asset
Category
|
Assets
(millions)
|
Annual
rate at
each asset level
|
Management
Agreement
Effective Date
|
|
|
|
|
Category 1
: Assets invested in affiliated mutual funds, exchange- traded funds and closed-end funds that pay a management services fee (or an investment management
services fee, as applicable) to the Investment Manager.
|
$0
- $500
|
0.060%
|
10/1/2015
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.055%
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
0.050%
|
>$3,000
- $12,000
|
0.040%
|
>$12,000
|
0.030%
|
Category 2
: Assets invested in exchange-traded funds and mutual funds that are not managed by the Investment Manager or its affiliates.
|
$0
- $500
|
0.160%
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.155%
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
0.150%
|
>$3,000
- $12,000
|
0.140%
|
>$12,000
|
0.130%
|
Category 3
: Securities, instruments and other assets not described above, including without limitation affiliated mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and closed-end
funds that do not pay a management services fee (or an investment management services fee, as applicable) to the Investment Manager, third party closed-end funds, derivatives and individual securities.
|
$0
- $500
|
0.760%
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.745%
|
>$1,000
- $1,500
|
0.730%
|
>$1,500
- $3,000
|
0.720%
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.690%
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
0.665%
|
>$12,000
|
0.630%
|
In no event shall the
management services fee be negative even if the value of one of the categories is a negative amount (for instance, if the Fund’s liabilities exceed the value of assets in Category 3). Although the fee for each category is calculated separately
and there is no negative management services fee, the Investment Manager currently intends to calculate the management services fee by reducing (but not below $0) any management services fee payable on one category by any negative management
services fee in another category. The Investment Manager may change this calculation methodology at any time.
Diversified Real Return Fund.
The Investment Manager has implemented a schedule for Diversified Real Return Fund’s management services fees whereby the Fund pays (i) a 0.02% management services fee on its assets invested in
affiliated funds (including ETFs and closed-end funds) that pay a management services fee (or investment advisory services fee, as applicable) to the Investment Manager; and (ii) a 0.76% management services fee on its assets invested in ETFs and
mutual funds that are not managed by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, securities, instruments and other assets not described above, including without limitation affiliated mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end mutual funds that do not pay a
management services fee to the Investment Manager, third party closed-end funds, derivatives and individual securities.
Under the Management Agreement, each Fund that does
not pay a Unitary Fee also pays taxes, brokerage commissions and nonadvisory expenses, which include custodian fees and charges; fidelity bond premiums; certain legal fees; registration fees for shares; consultants’ fees; compensation of Board
members, officers and employees not employed by the Investment Manager or its affiliates; corporate filing fees; organizational expenses; expenses incurred in connection with lending securities; interest and fee expense related to a Fund’s
participation in inverse floater structures; and expenses properly payable by a Fund, approved by the Board.
Management Services Fees Paid.
The table below shows the total management services fees paid by each Fund, as applicable, under the Management Agreement for the last three fiscal periods (net of management services fee waivers).
Amounts shown for the first period that management services fees were paid for each Fund are for the period from the Fund’s Management Agreement Effective Date through the applicable fiscal year end. The table is organized by fiscal year end.
For more information about fees waived or Fund expenses reimbursed by the Investment Manager, see
Expense Limitations
.
Management Services Fees
|
Management
Services Fees
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$1,750
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Fund
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
87
|
|
Management
Services Fees
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
$10,774,541
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
$1,466,562
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
$27,503,236
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
$1,850,973
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
$4,120,977
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(a)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
$387,936
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
$4,030,575
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
$10,476,193
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
$1,480,883
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
$2,017,753
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
$1,360,397
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
$1,189,076
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
$31,592,477
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
$3,193,770
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$1,434,255
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
$14,487,605
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
$11,938,008
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
$98,416
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
$2,387,448
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
$18,729,563
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
$32,688,864
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
$1,772,071
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
$8,354,982
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
$3,221,310
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
$1,170,361
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
$2,823,794
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Greater
China Fund
|
$727,251
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
$9,262,706
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
$5,482,144
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
$7,075,706
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
$18,227,573
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
$2,314,637
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$505,837
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$7,342,461
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$933,954
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$920,201
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
88
|
|
Management
Services Fees
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
$1,731,638
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
$713,605
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
$10,820,358
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
$2,757,449
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
(a) The Fund commenced operations on
October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
Investment Management Services Agreement
Prior to the Management Agreement Effective Date listed for each
Fund in the
Management Agreement Fee Rates
section above, each Fund, except MM Directional Alternative Strategies Fund, unless otherwise noted, was party to the Investment Management Services
Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement with the Investment Manager for advisory and administrative services, respectively. Each Fund party to these agreements paid the Investment Manager an annual fee for advisory services, as set forth
in the Investment Management Services Agreement, and a separate fee for administrative services under the Administrative Services Agreement. See
Investment Management and Other Services – The
Administrator
for information with respect to the Administrative Services Agreement. As of the Management Agreement Effective Date listed for each Fund, these services have been combined under the Management Agreement as described
above.
Services Provided Under the Investment
Management Services Agreement
Under the Investment Management
Services Agreement, the Investment Manager was contracted to furnish each Fund with investment research and advice. For these services, unless otherwise noted, each Fund paid a monthly fee to the Investment Manager based on the daily closing value
of the total net assets of a Fund. Under the Investment Management Services Agreement, any liability of the Investment Manager to the Trusts, a Fund and/or its shareholders is limited to situations involving the Investment Manager’s own
willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence in the performance of its duties or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.
Investment Advisory Services Fee
Prior to the Management Agreement Effective Date,
the investment advisory services fee was calculated as a percentage of the daily net assets of each Fund and was paid monthly at the annual rates set forth in the Investment Management Services Agreement.
Investment Advisory Services Fees Paid.
The table below shows the total investment advisory services fees paid by each Fund under the Investment Management Services Agreement for the last three fiscal periods (net of investment advisory
services fee waivers). Amounts shown for each Fund's most recent fiscal period, beginning with the Funds with a fiscal period ended March 31, 2016, are for the period from the first day of the applicable fiscal year through the Fund's Management
Agreement Effective Date (see
Management Agreement Fee Schedule
). The table is organized by fiscal year end. For more information about fees waived or Fund expenses reimbursed by the
Investment Manager, see
Expense Limitations
.
Investment Advisory Services Fees
|
Investment
Advisory Services Fees
|
Fund
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$2,260
|
$6,504
|
$6,813
(a)
|
Fund
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
4,662,175
|
11,264,268
|
9,510,480
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
772,948
|
2,337,343
|
2,684,715
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
14,071,760
|
40,020,937
|
36,199,976
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
890,053
|
3,091,167
|
4,135,423
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
2,057,083
|
6,174,639
|
6,040,737
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
89
|
|
Investment
Advisory Services Fees
|
Fund
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(b)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
$184,801
|
$47,483
(c)
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
2,410,692
|
9,230,465
|
$10,928,618
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
4,803,822
|
15,122,287
|
18,867,679
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
134,417
|
325,652
|
315,583
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
869,670
|
1,474,567
|
112,337
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
674,446
|
642,780
(d)
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
402,600
|
320,186
(e)
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
15,277,338
|
47,320,865
|
45,795,703
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
1,326,979
|
3,742,648
|
3,539,495
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
599,072
|
1,802,859
|
1,762,302
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
6,999,213
|
20,114,401
|
18,583,489
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
5,125,319
|
15,029,336
|
14,994,704
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
33,567
|
26,951
(f)
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
1,224,265
|
4,102,773
|
4,577,428
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
6,697,690
|
15,376,747
|
11,084,447
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
12,844,105
|
33,944,896
|
24,213,965
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
1,296,456
|
7,204,789
|
9,076,791
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
3,910,352
|
14,725,495
|
13,473,223
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
1,654,873
|
5,854,673
|
6,295,514
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
555,215
|
2,082,111
|
2,627,816
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
1,315,278
|
2,604,481
|
1,674,084
|
Greater
China Fund
|
405,805
|
1,277,028
|
1,191,231
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
4,700,583
|
15,395,981
|
17,409,882
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
2,594,022
|
7,820,583
|
7,445,886
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
3,830,983
|
6,947,679
|
5,699,757
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
7,029,420
|
19,958,476
|
16,983,316
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
1,248,693
|
5,347,823
|
9,821,868
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
211,065
|
634,771
|
688,737
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
2,934,748
|
8,483,272
|
8,262,651
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
391,155
|
1,171,729
|
1,203,390
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
370,479
|
1,072,538
|
1,014,210
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
701,751
|
1,959,863
|
1,870,343
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
256,900
|
709,903
|
682,302
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
4,071,702
|
10,818,719
|
11,508,313
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
1,126,073
|
3,776,529
|
3,762,944
|
(a)
|
For the period from March 11,
2014 (commencement of operations) to January 31, 2015.
|
(b)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
(c)
|
For the period from March 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2015.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
90
|
(d)
|
For the period from January 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(e)
|
For the period from February
19, 2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(f)
|
For the period from March 26,
2015 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2015.
|
Manager of Managers Exemption
The SEC has issued an order that permits the Investment Manager,
subject to the approval of the Board, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement for a Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The order permits a Fund to add or to change unaffiliated
subadvisers or to change the fees paid to such subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change.
The Investment Manager and its affiliates may have
other relationships, including significant financial relationships, with current or potential subadvisers or their affiliates, which may create certain conflicts of interest. When making recommendations to the Board to appoint or to change a
subadviser, or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement, the Investment Manager discloses to the Board the nature of any such material relationships
.
Subadvisory Agreements
The assets of certain Funds are managed by subadvisers that have
been selected by the Investment Manager, subject to the review and approval of the Board. Generally, the Investment Manager recommends a subadviser to the Board based upon its assessment of the skills of the subadvisers in managing other assets in
accordance with objectives and investment strategies substantially similar to those of the applicable Fund. Among other responsibilities, the Investment Manager (i) monitors on a daily basis the compliance of the subadviser with the investment
objectives and related policies of the Fund, (ii) assesses changes to the subadvisers' business brought to the Investment Manager’s attention by subadviser or otherwise publicly announced, (iii) performs due diligence reviews of the
subadviser, (iv) monitors the performance of each subadviser and (v) regularly provides reports on such performance to the Board. However, short-term investment performance is not the only factor in selecting or terminating a subadviser, and the
Investment Manager does not expect to make frequent changes of subadvisers. Subadvisers affiliated with the Investment Manager must be approved by shareholders.
The Investment Manager allocates the assets of a
Fund with multiple subadvisers among the subadvisers. Each subadviser has discretion, subject to oversight by the Board and the Investment Manager, to purchase and sell portfolio assets, consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives,
policies, and restrictions. Generally, the services that a subadviser provides to the Fund are limited to asset management and related recordkeeping services.
The Investment Manager has entered
into a subadvisory agreement with each subadviser under which the subadviser provides investment advisory and portfolio management assistance to some or all of the Fund’s portfolio, as well as investment research and statistical information,
subject to the oversight by the Investment Manager. A subadviser may also serve as a discretionary or non-discretionary investment adviser to management or advisory accounts that are unrelated in any manner to the Investment Manager or its
affiliates.
With respect to each of
Alternative Beta Fund, MM Directional Alternative Strategies Fund, Diversified Absolute Return Fund, Diversified Real Return Fund, Multi-Asset Income Fund and U.S. Social Bond Fund, the Funds' Board of Trustees and initial shareholder have approved
a subadvisory agreement between the Investment Manager and Threadneedle, an affiliate of the Investment Manager and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. As of the date of this SAI, Threadneedle is not providing services to
the Funds pursuant to the subadvisory agreement and therefore has not received any fees thereunder. To the extent Threadneedle begins to provide services to the Funds pursuant to the subadvisory agreement, subadvisory fees will be paid at the rates
included in the following table.
The following table shows the
subadvisory fee schedules for fees paid by the Investment Manager to subadvisers for Funds that have subadvisers. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the daily net assets of the applicable Fund (or portion thereof subadvised by the applicable
subadviser), subject to any exceptions as noted in the table below, and is paid monthly. The table is organized by fiscal year end.
Subadvisers and Subadvisory Agreement Fee Schedules
Fund
|
Subadviser
|
Parent
Company/Other
Information
|
Fee
Schedule
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
Threadneedle
(since commencement of operations)
|
A
|
0.00%
for all assets
(a)
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
91
|
Fund
|
Subadviser
|
Parent
Company/Other
Information
|
Fee
Schedule
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
Loomis
Sayles
(effective December 11, 2013)
|
B
|
0.27%
for all assets
|
Los
Angeles Capital
(effective February 7, 2017)
|
M
|
0.30%
on the first $100 million declining to 0.13% as assets increase
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
Boston
Partners
(since commencement of operations)
|
K
|
0.95%
for all assets
|
AQR
(since commencement of operations)
|
C
|
0.90%
on the first $100 million declining to 0.85% as assets increase
|
Analytic
Investors
(since commencement of operations)
|
L
|
0.750%
on the first $20 million declining to 0.625% as assets increase
|
Threadneedle
(since commencement of operations)
|
A
|
0.72%
for all assets
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
Threadneedle
(since commencement of operations)
|
A
|
0.16%
for all assets
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
Threadneedle
(since commencement of operations)
|
A
|
0.45%
for all assets
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
Threadneedle
(since commencement of operations)
|
A
|
0.45%
for all assets
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
Threadneedle
(since commencement of operations)
|
A
|
0.16%
for all assets
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
92
|
Fund
|
Subadviser
|
Parent
Company/Other
Information
|
Fee
Schedule
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
AQR
(since commencement of operations)
|
C
|
0.65%
on the first $500 million declining to 0.50% as assets increase
(b)
|
TCW
(effective March 29, 2017)
|
E
|
0.30%
on the first $500 million declining to 0.15% as assets increase
|
Water
Island
(since commencement of operations)
|
D
|
0.70%
on the first $50 million declining to 0.60% as assets increase
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
BMO
(c)
(effective May 1, 2017)
|
I
|
0.30%
on the first $200 million, declining to 0.20% as assets increase
(b)
|
Conestoga
(effective October 1, 2012)
|
F
|
0.48%
on all assets
|
DGHM
(since commencement of operations)
|
G
|
0.65%
of the first $50 million declining to 0.35% as assets increase up to $200 million, thereafter 0.45%
|
EAM
(since commencement of operations)
|
H
|
0.50%
of the first $100 million declining to 0.40% as assets increase
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
Loomis
Sayles
(effective April 11, 2016)
|
B
|
0.15%
on the first $500 million and 0.08% as assets increase
|
Prudential
(effective May 16, 2016)
|
J
|
0.20%
on the first $300 million declining to 0.09% as assets increase
|
TCW
(since commencement of operations)
|
E
|
0.18%
on the first $500 million declining to 0.05% as assets increase
(b)
|
(a)
|
The Fund invests substantially
all of its assets in affiliated underlying funds, for which the Investment Manager is not paid management services fees and, therefore, the subadvisory fee rate is 0.00%.
|
(b)
|
The fee is calculated based on
the combined net assets of certain Columbia Funds subject to the subadviser’s investment management.
|
(c) Effective May 1, 2017, the subadvisory fee schedule changed
resulting in a fee rate decrease for certain asset levels.
A – Threadneedle is a direct subsidiary of
Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Limited and an affiliate of the Investment Manager, and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. Threadneedle and Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Limited are located at Cannon Place,
78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6AG, United Kingdom.
B – Loomis Sayles is a subsidiary of Natixis
US, which is part of Natixis Asset Management, an international asset management group based in Paris, France. It is located at One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111.
C – AQR is a Delaware limited liability
company formed in 1998 and is located at Two Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830. AQR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AQR Capital Management Holdings, LLC (AQR Holdings), which has no activities other than holding the interest of AQR.
Clifford S. Asness, Ph.D., M.B.A. may be deemed to control AQR through his voting control of the Board of Members of AQR Holdings. Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., a publicly traded holding company, holds a minority interest in AQR Holdings.
D – Water Island is located at 41 Madison
Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10010. John S. Orrico, President of Water Island, controls Water Island.
E – TCW, which is located at 865 South
Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc. On February 6, 2013, The Carlyle Group acquired The TCW Group, Inc. from Société Générale, S.A.
F – Conestoga is a Delaware limited liability
company located at 550 East Swedesford Road, Suite 120, Wayne, PA 19087. Conestoga is an employee-owned independent registered investment adviser. Conestoga was organized in 2001 and provides investment management services to institutional and
individual clients.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
93
|
G – DGHM is a Delaware limited liability
company located at 565 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2101, New York, New York 10017. DGHM is 80% owned by Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., which is organized as a bank holding company focusing on wealth management through private banking and
investment services. The remaining 20% interest in DGHM is employee owned. REMS provides advisory services with respect to investments that the portion of the MM Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund managed by DGHM may make in REITs. REMS is located at
1100 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 305, Naples, Florida 34102. The principal owners of REMS are Edward W. Turville, John E. Webster, John S. Whitaker, Michael H. Shelly and Beach Investment Management, LLC.
H – EAM is located at 2533 South Coast Highway
101, Suite 240, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California 92007. Prior to June 13, 2011, the firm was named Eudaimonia Asset Management, LLC. EAM employees/members own approximately 56% of EAM and Bryon C. Roth, through a majority ownership of CR Financial
Holdings, Inc., indirectly owns the remaining 44% interest in the firm.
I – BMO, which is located at 115 South LaSalle
Street, 11th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60603, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMO Financial Corp., which is in turn a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of Montréal, a publicly held Canadian diversified financial services company.
J – Prudential, which is located at 655 Broad
Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. Prudential is the global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc.
K – Boston Partners, which is located at 909
Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Robeco Group (“Robeco”), a global investment management company headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Robeco is majority-owned by ORIX Corporation of
Japan.
L – Analytic Investors is located
at 555 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, California 90013. Analytic Investors is an employee owned and controlled independent registered investment adviser. Analytic Investors was organized in 1970 and provides investment management services to
institutional and individual clients. On October 1, 2016, Wells Capital Management, Inc., a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, acquired Analytic Investors.
M – Los Angeles Capital is located at 11150
Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Los Angeles Capital is an employee owned, independent registered investment adviser. Los Angeles Capital was formed in 2002 and provides investment management and subadvisory services to
institutional investors globally, mutual funds and pooled funds.
The following table shows the subadvisory fees paid
by the Investment Manager to subadvisers in the last three fiscal periods or, if shorter, since the Fund’s commencement of operations.
With respect to each of Alternative Beta Fund, MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund, Diversified Absolute Return Fund, Diversified Real Return Fund, Multi-Asset Income Fund and U.S. Social Bond Fund, as of the date of this SAI, Threadneedle is not providing services to the Funds pursuant to
the subadvisory agreement; accordingly, payments to Threadneedle from these Funds are not included in the following table.
|
|
Subadvisory
Fees Paid
|
Fund
|
Subadviser
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
LA
Capital
(a)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Loomis
Sayles
|
$2,082,561
|
$713,550
|
$52,526
(b)
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(c)
|
Analytic
Investors
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
AQR
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Boston
Partners
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
AQR
|
1,935,948
|
1,855,699
|
1,541,430
|
Former
subadviser:
Eaton Vance
(through November 25, 2013)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
193,271
|
TCW
(a)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Wasatch
|
1,433,722
|
1,546,847
|
1,597,801
|
Water
Island
|
1,558,201
|
1,549,211
|
1,420,066
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
94
|
|
|
Subadvisory
Fees Paid
|
Fund
|
Subadviser
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
BMO
|
$601,312
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Conestoga
|
1,210,731
|
$894,675
|
$769,719
|
DGHM
|
1,156,275
|
907,318
|
778,710
|
EAM
|
1,022,250
|
875,997
|
768,575
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
Former
subadviser:
Federated
(through May 13, 2016)
|
972,639
|
1,321,671
|
1,184,125
|
Loomis
Sayles
|
506,365
(d)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Prudential
|
613,465
(e)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
TCW
|
1,540,587
|
1,577,344
|
1,883,217
|
(a)
|
The subadviser began managing
the Fund after its last fiscal year end; therefore there are no fees to report.
|
(b)
|
For the period from December
11, 2013 to March 31, 2014.
|
(c)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
(d)
|
For the period from April 11,
2016 to August 31, 2016.
|
(e)
|
For the period from May 16,
2016 to August 31, 2016.
|
Portfolio Managers.
The following table provides information about the portfolio managers of each Fund . The references in the Potential Conflicts of Interest and the Structure of Compensation columns in the table below
refer, respectively, to the descriptions in the
Potential Conflicts of Interest
and
Structure of Compensation
subsections
immediately following the table. The table is organized by fiscal year end.
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending January 31 – Information is as of January 31, 2017, unless otherwise noted
|
Diversified
Real Return
Fund
|
Jeffrey
Knight
|
26
RICs
2 PIVs
6 other
accounts
|
$68.61
billion
$16.31 million
$16.09 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Anwiti
Bahuguna
|
22
RICs
22 PIVs
16 other accounts
|
$66.29
billion
$2.43 billion
$97.77 million
|
None
|
None
|
Joshua
Kutin
|
12
RICs
4 PIVs
8 other accounts
|
$8.32
billion
$0.47 million
$47.36 million
|
None
|
None
|
Dan
Boncarosky
|
10
RICs
2 other accounts
|
$6.02
million
$0.19 million
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
95
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending March 31 – Information is as of March 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted
|
MM
Growth Strategies
Fund
|
Columbia
Management:
Thomas M. Galvin
|
6 RICs
3 PIVs
2663 other
accounts
|
$6.19 billion
$342.23 million
$5.15 billion
|
3 other accounts
($1 B)
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Richard
A. Carter
|
6
RICs
3 PIVs
2667 other
accounts
|
$6.19
billion
$342.23 million
$5.14 billion
|
3
other
accounts
($1 B)
|
None
|
Todd
D. Herget
|
6
RICs
3 PIVs
2667 other
accounts
|
$6.19
billion
$342.23 million
$5.13 billion
|
3
other
accounts
($1 B)
|
None
|
Loomis
Sayles:
Aziz
Hamzaogullari
|
16 RICs
10 PIVs
82 other
accounts
|
$12.9 billion
$1.48 billion
$7.78 billion
|
1 PIV
($7.78 B)
|
None
|
Loomis
Sayles
|
Loomis
Sayles
|
Los
Angeles Capital:
Thomas Stevens
(h)
|
13 RICs
12 PIVs
37 other accounts
|
$4.26 billion
$4.33 billion
$13.74 billion
|
1 RIC ($2.25 B)
4 PIVs ($2.58 B)
5 other accounts
($7.98 B)
|
None
|
Los Angeles
Capital
|
Los Angeles
Capital
|
Hal
Reynolds
(h)
|
12
RICs
12 PIVs
37 other accounts
|
$4.18
billion
$4.33 billion
$13.74 billion
|
1
RIC ($2.25 B)
4 PIVs ($2.58 B)
5 other accounts
($7.98 B)
|
None
|
Daniel
Allen
(h)
|
9
RICs
12 PIVs
37 other accounts
|
$1.18
billion
$4.33 billion
$13.74 billion
|
4
PIVs ($2.58 B)
5 other accounts
($7.98 B)
|
None
|
Daniel
Arche
(h)
|
5
PIVs
13 other accounts
|
$2.66
billion
$1.70 billion
|
2
PIVs ($1.93 B)
|
None
|
Pacific/
Asia
Fund
|
Jasmine
(Weili)
Huang
|
4
RICs
1 PIV
12 other
accounts
|
$2.35
billion
$528.86 million
$81.79 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Daisuke
Nomoto
|
3
RICs
1 PIV
3 other
accounts
|
$825.08
million
$528.86 million
$0.67 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
$50,001 –
$100,000
(a)
|
Christine
Seng
|
1
RIC
1 PIV
|
$48.43
million
$33.90 million
|
None
|
None
(c)
|
Threadneedle
|
Threadneedle
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
96
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
Select
Large
Cap Growth
Fund
|
Thomas
M. Galvin
|
6
RICs
3 PIVs
2663 other
accounts
|
$2.02
billion
$342.23 million
$5.15 billion
|
3
other
accounts
($1 B)
|
Over
$1,000,000
(a)
$100,001 –
$500,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Richard
A. Carter
|
6
RICs
3 PIVs
2667 other
accounts
|
$2.02
billion
$342.23 million
$5.14 billion
|
3
other
accounts
($1 B)
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
$100,001 –
$500,000
(b)
|
Todd
D. Herget
|
6
RICs
3 PIVs
2667 other
accounts
|
$2.02
billion
$342.23 million
$5.13 billion
|
3
other
accounts
($1 B)
|
$500,001
–
$1,000,000
(b)
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending April 30 – Information is as of April 30, 2016, unless otherwise noted
|
Bond
Fund
|
Carl
W. Pappo
|
5
RICs
1 PIV
24 other
accounts
|
$11.86
billion
$55.18 million
$2.28 billion
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Jason
Callan
|
8
RICs
7 PIVs
4 other
accounts
|
$15.59
billion
$15.17 billion
$1.21 million
|
None
|
None
|
Corporate
Income
Fund
|
Tom
Murphy
|
12
RICs
29 PIVs
34 other
accounts
|
$2.04
billion
$34.95 billion
$4.85 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Tim
Doubek
|
10
RICs
1 PIV
33 other
accounts
|
$2.01
billion
$91.59 million
$4.59 billion
|
None
|
$50,001
–
$100,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
Brian
Lavin
|
13
RICs
1 PIV
5 other
accounts
|
$19.30
billion
$55.18 million
$3.64 million
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
97
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
MM
Directional
Alternative Strategies
Fund
|
Boston
Partners:
Joseph Feeney
(f)
|
2 RICs
|
$6.70 million
|
None
|
None
|
Boston
Partners
|
Boston
Partners
|
Eric
Connerly
(f)
|
2
RICs
|
$6.70
million
|
None
|
None
|
AQR:
Michele Aghassi
(f)
|
17 RICs
19 PIVs
10 other
accounts
|
$5.97 billion
$9.87 billion
$2.54 billion
|
12 PIVs
($5.5 B)
1 other
account
($306 M)
|
None
|
AQR
|
AQR
|
Andrea
Frazzini
(f)
|
35
RICs
28 PIVs
32 other
accounts
|
$15.25
billion
$15.07 billion
$12.80 billion
|
19
PIVs
($11.18 B)
7 other
accounts
($1.18 B)
|
None
|
Jacques
Friedman
(f)
|
48
RICs
46 PIVs
112 other
accounts
|
$25.10
billion
$21.80 billion
$52.80 billion
|
33
PIVs
($16.14 B)
33 other
accounts
($13. 61 B)
|
None
|
Hoon
Kim
(f)
|
8
RICs
14 PIVs
21 other
accounts
|
$3.90
billion
$6.06 billion
$8.90 billion
|
9
PIVs
($2.84 B)
4 other
accounts
($681 M)
|
None
|
Analytic
Investors:
Harindra de Silva
(f)
|
13 RICs
18 PIVs
32 other
accounts
|
$5.44 million
$2.21 million
$7.32 million
|
3 PIVs
($197.9 M)
2 other
accounts
($266 M)
|
None
|
Analytic
Investors
|
Analytic
Investors
|
Dennis
Bein
(f)
|
10
RICs
18 PIVs
31 other
accounts
|
$3.06
million
$2.21 million
$7.01 million
|
3
PIVs
($197.9 M)
2 other
accounts
($266 M)
|
None
|
David
Krider
(f)
|
5
RIVs
14 PICs
11 other
accounts
|
$1.44
million
$1.91 million
$2.12 million
|
1
PIV
($128.6 M)
1 other
account
($31.3 M)
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
98
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
Multi-Asset
Income
Fund
|
Jeffrey
Knight
|
23
RICs
3 PIVs
5 other
accounts
|
$66.68
billion
$524.75 million
$9.66 million
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Anwiti
Bahuguna
|
18
RICs
22 PIVs
16 other
accounts
|
$65.50
billion
$2.72 billion
$109.38 million
|
1
PIV
($504 M)
|
None
|
Dan
Boncarosky
|
2
RICs
2 other
accounts
|
$6.62
million
$0.16 million
|
None
|
None
|
Joshua
Kutin
|
4
RICs
4 PIVs
14 other
accounts
|
$1.18
billion
$24.36 million
$9.39 million
|
None
|
None
|
Small
Cap
Value Fund I
|
Jeremy
Javidi
|
1
RIC
1 PIV
10 other
accounts
|
$350.99
million
$172.13 million
$33.90 million
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Total
Return
Bond Fund
|
Brian
Lavin
|
13
RICs
1 PIV
5 other
accounts
|
$17.34
billion
$55.18 million
$3.64 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Carl
W. Pappo
|
5
RICs
1 PIV
24 other
accounts
|
$9.25
billion
$55.18 million
$2.28 billion
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Jason
Callan
|
8
RICs
7 PIVs
4 other
accounts
|
$12.98
billion
$15.17 billion
$1.21 million
|
None
|
None
|
U.S.
Treasury
Index Fund
|
Alan
Erickson
(h)
|
39
other accounts
|
$930.23
million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending May 31 – Information is as of May 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted
|
Adaptive
Risk
Allocation
Fund
|
Jeffrey
L. Knight
|
23
RICs
3 PIVs
5 other
accounts
|
$66.42
billion
$526.68 million
$15.57 million
|
None
|
over
$1,000,000
(a)
$100,001 –
$500,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management;
Columbia
Management –
FoF
|
Columbia
Management
|
Joshua
Kutin
|
4
RICS
4 PIVS
8 other
accounts
|
$729.16
million
$25.60 million
$10.12 million
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
99
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
Alternative
Beta
Fund
|
Jeffrey
L. Knight
|
23
RICs
3 PIVs
5 other
accounts
|
$66.83
billion
$526.68 million
$15.57 million
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
William
Landes
|
2
RICs
1 PIV
3 other
accounts
|
$421.67
million
$8.19 million
$5.30 million
|
None
|
over
$1,000,000
(a)
|
Marc
Khalamayzer
|
6
RICs
2 other
accounts
|
$95.97
million
$100,414.54
|
None
|
$1-$10,000
(b)
|
Joshua
Kutin
|
4
RICS
4 PIVS
8 other
accounts
|
$1.14
billion
$25.60 million
$10.12 million
|
None
|
$50,001
–
$100,000
(b)
|
Diversified
Absolute
Return
Fund
|
Jeffrey
L. Knight
|
23
RICs
3 PIVs
5 other
accounts
|
$66.89
billion
$526.68 million
$15.57 million
|
None
|
$500,001
–
$1,000,000
(a)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Brian
Virginia
|
10
RICs
8 other
accounts
|
$59.93
billion
$2.56 million
|
None
|
None
|
Joshua
Kutin
|
4
RICS
4 PIVS
8 other
accounts
|
$1.20
billion
$25.60 million
$10.12 million
|
None
|
None
|
Alex
Wilkinson
(h)
|
1
other account
|
$0.004
million
|
None
|
None
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
Michael
S.
Barclay
|
1
RIC
2 PIVs
73 other
accounts
|
$44.26
million
$933.66 million
$1.16 billion
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)(d)
$50,001 –
$100,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Scott
L. Davis
|
1
RIC
2 PIVs
75 other
accounts
|
$44.26
million
$933.66 million $1.23 billion
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
$100,001 –
$500,000
(b)
|
Peter
Santoro
|
4
RICs
2 PIVs
67 other
accounts
|
$1.63
billion
$933.66 million
$1.54 billion
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
High
Yield
Municipal
Fund
|
Chad
H.
Farrington
|
2
RICs
12 other
accounts
|
$766.91
million
$172.67 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Catherine
Stienstra
(e)
|
5
RICs
2 PIVs
4 other
accounts
|
$3.94
billion
$1.78 billion
$14.39 million
|
None
|
$1
–
$10,000
(b)
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending July 31 – Information is as of July 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted
|
AMT-Free
OR
Intermediate
Muni Bond
Fund
|
Brian
M.
McGreevy
|
11
RICs
7 other
accounts
|
$4.48
billion
$268.07 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Paul
Fuchs
|
5
RICs
6 other accounts
|
$3.53
billion
$1.40 million
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
100
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
Large
Cap
Growth Fund
|
Peter
R.
Deininger
|
4
RICs
8 other
accounts
|
$3.56
billion
$257.87 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
John
T. Wilson
|
4
RICs
8 other
accounts
|
$3.56
billion
$270.03 million
|
None
|
over
$1,000,000
(a)
$100,001 –
$500,000
(b)
|
Tchintcia
S. Barros
|
4
RICs
7 other
accounts
|
$3.56
billion
$257.54 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Kimberly
A.
Campbell
|
24
other
accounts
|
$162.04
million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
James
Dearborn
|
1
RIC
4 other
accounts
|
$31.39
million
$0.91 million
|
None
|
None
|
U.S.
Social
Bond Fund
|
James
Dearborn
|
4
other
accounts
|
$0.91
million
|
None
|
$50,001
–
$100,000
(a)
$50,001 –
$100,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Chad
Farrington
|
2
RICs
12 other
accounts
|
$1.77
billion
$173.77 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Tom
Murphy
|
12
RICs
29 PIVs
34 other
accounts
|
$3.18
billion
$35.72 billion
$4.97 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Ultra
Short
Term Bond
Fund
|
Leonard
A. Aplet
|
6
RICs
14 PIVs
67 other
accounts
|
$18.15
billion
$2.35 billion
$6.53 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Ronald
Stahl
|
3
RICs
13 PIVs
49 other
accounts
|
$4.20
billion
$2.68 billion
$5.50 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Greg
Liechty
|
3
RICs
13 PIVs
46 other
accounts
|
$4.20
billion
$2.68 billion
$5.46 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
101
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending August 31 – Information is as of August 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted
|
Balanced
Fund
|
Leonard
A. Aplet
|
6
RICs
14 PIVs
65 other
accounts
|
$17.85
billion
$2.34 billion
$6.24 billion
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Brian
Lavin
|
13
RICs
1 PIV
5 other
accounts
|
$25.35
billion
$59.61 million
$3.72 million
|
None
|
None
|
Gregory
S.
Liechty
|
3
RICs
13 PIVs
45 other
accounts
|
$3.77
billion
$2.67 billion
$5.27 billion
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Guy
W. Pope
|
9
RICs
7 PIVs
52 other
accounts
|
$13.83
billion
$1.46 billion
$4.58 billion
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
$100,001 -
$500,000
(b)
|
Ronald
B. Stahl
|
3
RICs
13 PIVs
48 other
accounts
|
$3.77
billion
$2.67 billion
$5.22 billion
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
Guy
W. Pope
|
9
RICs
7 PIVs
52 other
accounts
|
$7.46
billion
$1.46 billion
$4.58 billion
|
None
|
Over
$1,000,000
(a)(i)
$500,001 –
$1,000,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Disciplined
Small
Core Fund
|
Brian
Condon
|
19
RICs
4 PIVs
44 other
accounts
|
$13.01
billion
$184.86 million
$5.42 billion
|
None
|
$10,001-$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Peter
Albanese
(h)
|
7
RICs
3 PIVs
37 other accounts
|
$12.29
billion
$134.69 million
$5.53 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
Robert
B.
Cameron
|
2
RICs
1 PIV
9 other
accounts
|
$702.37
billion
$634.96 million
$90.56 million
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Jasmine
(Weili)
Huang
|
4
RICs
1 PIV
12 other
accounts
|
$1.05
billion
$634.96 million
$90.38 million
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(b)
|
Dara
J. White
|
2
RICs
2 PIV
7 other
accounts
|
$702.37
million
$656.74 million
$92.14 million
|
None
|
$500,001
–
$1,000,000
(a)
$100,001 –
$500,000
(b)
|
Young
Kim
|
2
RICs
1 PIV
7 other
accounts
|
$702.37
billion
$634.96 million
$89.66 million
|
None
|
$10,001-$50,000
(b)
|
Perry
Vickery
(g)
|
5
other accounts
|
$0.82
million
|
None
|
$1
- $10,000
(a)
$1 - $10,000
(b)
|
Global
Dividend
Opportunity
Fund
|
Jonathan
Crown
|
1
other
account
|
$29.14
million
|
None
|
None
(c)
|
Threadneedle
|
Threadneedle
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
102
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
Global
Energy
and Natural
Resources
Fund
|
Josh
Kapp
|
1
PIV
4 other
accounts
|
$26.65
million
$1.59 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Jonathan
Mogil
|
1
RIC
1 PIV
11 other
accounts
|
$5.94
million
$26.65 million
2.01 million
|
None
|
None
|
Global
Technology
Growth Fund
|
Rahul
Narang
|
5
RICs
7 other
accounts
|
$1.22
billion
$0.72 million
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Greater
China
Fund
|
Jasmine
(Weili)
Huang
|
4
RICs
1 PIV
12 other
accounts
|
$2.25
billion
$634.96 million
$90.38 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Mid
Cap
Growth Fund
|
George
J. Myers
|
1
RIC
2 PIVs
9 other
accounts
|
$420.97
million
$210.62 million
$16.18 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(a)
$10,001-$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Brian
D. Neigut
|
1
RIC
2 PIVs
8 other
accounts
|
$420.97
million
$210.62 million
$15.36 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
William
Chamberlain
|
1
RIC
1 PIV
5 other
accounts
|
$420.97
million
$205.94 million
$15.17 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
103
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
MM Alternative Strategies
Fund
|
AQR:
Clifford S. Asness
|
38 RICs
48 PIVs
75 other
accounts
|
$28.18 billion
$24.56 billion
$31.67 billion
|
37 PIVs
($19.15 B)
25 other
accounts
($9.79 B)
|
None
|
AQR
|
AQR
|
Brian
K. Hurst
|
12
RICs
57 PIVs
21 other
accounts
|
$21.13
billion
$31.55 billion
$11.21 billion
|
48
PIVs
($26.1 B)
5 other
accounts
($4.28 B)
|
None
|
John
M. Liew
|
21
RICs
39 PIVs
31 other
accounts
|
$25.17
billion
$18.86 billion
$13.77 billion
|
31
PIVs
($13.69 B)
10 other
accounts
($5.03 B)
|
None
|
Yao
Hua Ooi
|
12
RICs
47 PIVs
3 other
accounts
|
$21.13
billion
$24.73 billion
$1.31 billion
|
41
PIVs
($21.51 B)
2 other
accounts
($1.01B)
|
None
|
Ari
Levine
|
6
RICs
38 PIVs
8 other
accounts
|
$16.24
billion
$22.31 billion
$3.69 billion
|
33
PIVs
($17.74 B)
3 other
accounts
($1.52 B)
|
None
|
TCW:
Tad Rivelle
(j)
|
29 RICs
21 PIVs
233 other accounts
|
$112.32 billion
$7.63 billion
$32.36 billion
|
23 PIVs
($1.65 B)
9 other
accounts
($4.17 B)
|
None
|
TCW
|
TCW
|
Stephen
M. Kane
(j)
|
30
RICs
24 PIVs
233 other accounts
|
$103.61
billion
$8.83 billion
$32.36 billion
|
23
PIVs
($1.65 B)
9 other
accounts
($4.17 B)
|
None
|
Laird
R.
Landmann
(j)
|
28
RICs
21 PIVs
233 other accounts
|
$103.62
billion
$7.67 billion
$32.36 billion
|
23
PIVs
($1.65 B)
9 other
accounts
($4.17 B)
|
None
|
Bryan
Whalen
(j)
|
26
RICs
19 PIVs
233 other accounts
|
$112.30
billion
$7.57 billion
$32.36 billion
|
23
PIVs
($1.65 B)
9 other
accounts
($4.17 B)
|
None
|
Water
Island:
Edward Chen
|
3 RICs
|
$403 million
|
None
|
None
|
Water
Island
|
Water
Island
|
Gregory
Loprete
|
4
RICs
|
$2.43
billion
|
None
|
None
|
Todd
W. Munn
|
4
RICs
|
$2.43
billion
|
None
|
None
|
Roger
P.
Foltynowicz
|
4
RICs
|
$2.43
billion
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
104
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
MM
Small Cap
Equity Strategies Fund
|
Columbia
Management:
Jarl Ginsberg
|
4 RICs
24 other
accounts
|
$2.90 billion
$99.17 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Christian
K.
Stadlinger
|
4
RICs
17 other
accounts
|
$2.90
billion
$102.61 million
|
None
|
None
|
Conestoga:
Robert M. Mitchell
|
2 RICs
121 other
accounts
|
$837.50 million
$804.30 million
|
None
|
None
|
Conestoga
|
Conestoga
|
Joseph
F.
Monahan
|
2
RICs
121 other
accounts
|
$837.50
million
$804.30 million
|
None
|
None
|
DGHM:
Jeffrey C. Baker
|
3 RICs
6 PIVs
78 other
accounts
|
$80 million
$187.91 million
$1.35 billion
|
4 PIVs
($87.07 M)
4 other
accounts
($174.67 M)
|
None
|
DGHM
|
DGHM
|
Bruce
H. Geller
|
3
RICs
6 PIVs
78 other
accounts
|
$80
million
$187.91 million
$1.35 billion
|
4
PIVs
($87.07 M)
4 other
accounts
($174.67 M)
|
None
|
Peter
A. Gulli
|
3
RICs
6 PIVs
78 other
accounts
|
$80
million
$187.91 million
$1.35 billion
|
4
PIVs
($87.07 M)
4 other
accounts
($174.67 M)
|
None
|
Edward
W. Turville
(with REMS)
|
3
RICs
6 PIVs
78 other
accounts
|
$80
million
$187.91 million
$1.35 billion
|
4
PIVs
($87.07 M)
4 other
accounts
($174.67 M)
|
None
|
EAM:
Montie L.
Weisenberger
|
6 RICs
1 PIV
7 other
accounts
|
$293.5 million
$86 million
$259.30 million
|
None
|
None
|
EAM
|
EAM
|
BMO:
David Corris
|
1 RICs
6 PIVs
125 other
accounts
|
$192.53 million
$4.32 billion
$4.5 billion
|
None
|
None
|
BMO
|
BMO
|
Thomas
Lettenberger
|
1
RICs
20 other
accounts
|
$192.53
million
$114.64 million
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
105
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
|
Columbia
Management:
Carl W. Pappo
|
5 RICs
1 PIV
24 other
accounts
|
$10.83 billion
$59.61 billion
$2.33 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
|
Brian
Lavin
|
13
RICs
1 PIV
5 other
accounts
|
$18.82
billion
$59.61 million
$3.72 million
|
None
|
None
|
|
Jason
Callan
|
8
RICs
7 PIVs
4 other
accounts
|
$14.71
billion
$15.76 billion
$834,227.78
|
None
|
None
|
|
Loomis
Sayles:
Christopher Harms
|
3 RICs
5 PIVs
143 other
accounts
|
$1.42 billion
$1.36 billion
$12.31 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Loomis
Sayles
|
Loomis
Sayles
|
MM
Total
Return
Bond Strategies Fund
|
Clifton
Rowe
|
3
RICS
7 PIVs
138 other
accounts
|
$1.42
billion
$1.52 billion
$12.45 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Kurt
Wagner
|
3
RICs
9 PIVs
155 other
accounts
|
$1.42
billion
$10.68 billion
$15.79 billion
|
2
other
accounts
($4.63 B)
|
None
|
Prudential:
Michael Collins
|
28 RICS
7 PIVs
64 other
accounts
|
$48.28 billion
$6.67 billion
$18.17 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Prudential
|
Prudential
|
|
Robert
Tipp
|
23
RICS
18 PIVs
80 other
accounts
|
$24.39
billion
$9.50 billion
$21.17 billion
|
1
PIV
($0.10 M)
|
None
|
|
Richard
Piccirillo
|
36
RICS
23 PIVs
116 other
accounts
|
$40.08
billion
$10.53 billion
$43.42 billion
|
2
PIVs
|
None
|
|
Gregory
Peters
|
14
RICS
7 PIVs
33 other
accounts
|
$33.59
billion
$2.91 billion
$15.29 billion
|
None
|
None
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
106
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
|
TCW:
Tad Rivelle
|
31 RICs
40 PIVs
235 other
accounts
|
$115.44 billion
$6.25 billion
$36.29 billion
|
22 PIVs
($1.82 B)
6 other
accounts
($3.44 B)
|
None
|
TCW
|
TCW
|
|
Stephen
M. Kane
|
32
RICs
43 PIVs
235 other
accounts
|
$105.71
billion
$7.44 billion
$36.29 billion
|
22
PIVs
($1.82 B)
6 other
accounts
($3.44 B)
|
None
|
|
Laird
R.
Landmann
|
30
RICs
40 PIVs
235 other
accounts
|
$105.71
billion
$ 6.27 billion
$36.29 billion
|
22
PIVs
($1.82 B)
6 other
accounts
($3.44 B)
|
None
|
|
Bryan
Whalen
|
28
RICs
42 PIVs
235 other
accounts
|
$115.44
billion
$8.38 billion
$36.29 billion
|
22
PIVs
($1.82 B)
6 other
accounts
($3.44 B)
|
None
|
Small
Cap
Growth Fund I
|
Daniel
Cole
|
1
RIC
6 other
accounts
|
$27.58
million
$3.41 million
|
None
|
$10,001-$50,000
(a)
$50,001-$100,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Wayne
M.
Collette
|
1
RIC
1 PIV
5 other
accounts
|
$27.58
million
$4.69 million
$3.93 million
|
None
|
None
|
Lawrence
W. Lin
|
1
RIC
1 PIV
8 other
accounts
|
$27.58
million
$4.69 million
$2.07 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(a)
$1–$10,000
(b)
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending October 31 – Information is as of October 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted
|
AMT-Free
CT
Intermediate
Muni Bond
Fund
|
Brian
McGreevy
|
11
RICs
7 other
accounts
|
$4.77
billion
$228.83 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Paul
F. Fuchs
|
11
RICs
6 other
accounts
|
$4.77
billion
$1.42 million
|
None
|
None
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate
Muni Bond
Fund
|
Paul
F. Fuchs
|
11
RICs
6 other
accounts
|
$2.51
billion
$1.42 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Brian
McGreevy
|
11
RICs
7 other
accounts
|
$2.51
billion
$228.83 million
|
None
|
$10,001
–
$50,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
AMT-Free
MA
Intermediate
Muni Bond
Fund
|
Paul
F. Fuchs
|
11
RICs
6 other
accounts
|
$4.64
billion
$1.42 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Brian
McGreevy
|
11
RICs
7 other
accounts
|
$4.64
billion
$228.83 million
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
107
|
|
|
Other
accounts Managed (excluding the Fund)
|
Ownership
of Fund
Shares
|
Potential
Conflicts
of Interest
|
Structure
of
Compensation
|
Fund
|
Portfolio
Manager
|
Number
and Type
of Account*
|
Approximate
Total Net
Assets
|
Performance-
Based
Accounts**
|
AMT-Free
NY
Intermediate
Muni Bond
Fund
|
Paul
F. Fuchs
|
11
RICs
6 other
accounts
|
$4.64
billion
$1.42 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Brian
McGreevy
|
11
RICs
7 other
accounts
|
$4.64
billion
$228.83 million
|
None
|
None
|
CA
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Catherine
Stienstra
|
5
RICs
2 PIVs
4 other
accounts
|
$4.35
billion
$1.78 billion
$13.87 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Anders
Myhran
|
3
RICs
1 PIV
2 other
accounts
|
$2.52
billion
$1.73 billion
$1.32 million
|
None
|
None
|
NY
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Catherine
Stienstra
|
5
RICs
2 PIVs
4 other
accounts
|
$4.67
billion
$1.78 billion
$13.87 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Anders
Myhran
|
3
RICs
1 PIV
2 other
accounts
|
$2.84
billion
$1.73 billion
$1.32 million
|
None
|
None
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
Brian
Lavin
|
13
RICs
1 PIV
5 other
accounts
|
$17.34
billion
$59.51 million
$3.70 million
|
None
|
None
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
Colin
Lundgren
|
2
RICs
88 other
accounts
|
$1.36
billion
$1.17 billion
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(b)
|
Gene
Tannuzzo
|
4
RICs
1 PIV
94 other
accounts
|
$1.61
billion
$111.47 million
$1.22 billion
|
None
|
$100,001
–
$500,000
(a)
$100,001 –
$500,000
(b)
|
For
Funds with fiscal year ending December 31 – Information is as of December 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted
|
Real
Estate
Equity Fund
|
Arthur
J. Hurley
|
1
RIC
9 other
accounts
|
$4.16
million
$1.62 million
|
None
|
$1
–
$10,000
(a)
$10,001 –
$50,000
(b)
|
Columbia
Management
|
Columbia
Management
|
*
|
RIC refers to a Registered
Investment Company; PIV refers to a Pooled Investment Vehicle.
|
**
|
Number and type of accounts
for which the advisory fee paid is based in part or wholly on performance and the aggregate net assets in those accounts.
|
(a)
|
Excludes any notional
investments.
|
(b)
|
Notional investments through a
deferred compensation account.
|
(c)
|
The Fund is available for sale
only in the U.S. The portfolio managers do not reside in the U.S. and therefore do not hold any shares of the Fund.
|
(d)
|
The portfolio manager’s
ownership information (excluding any notional investments) is provided as of September 28, 2016. As of May 31, 2016, the portfolio manager’s ownership (excluding any notional investments) was $50,001-$100,000.
|
(e)
|
The portfolio manager began
managing the Fund effective October 1, 2016; reporting information is provided as of July 31, 2016.
|
(f)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016; reporting information is provided as of July 31, 2016.
|
(g)
|
The portfolio manager began
managing the Fund after its last fiscal year end; reporting information is provided as of October 31, 2016.
|
(h)
|
The portfolio manager began
managing the Fund after its last fiscal year end; reporting information is provided as of December 31, 2016.
|
(i)
|
The portfolio manager’s
ownership information (excluding any notional investments) is provided as of September 7, 2016. As of August 31, 2016, the portfolio manager’s ownership (excluding any notional investments) was $500,001-$1,000,000.
|
(j)
|
The portfolio manager began
managing the Fund after its last fiscal year end; reporting information is provided as of January 31, 2017.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
108
|
Potential Conflicts of Interest
|
Analytic Investors
: Analytic Investors and its officers, employees and beneficial owners shall be free from time to time to acquire, possess, manage, and dispose of securities or other investment assets for their own accounts, for the
accounts of their families, for the account of any entity in which they have a beneficial interest or for the accounts of others for whom they may provide investment advisory, brokerage or other services (collectively, “Managed
Accounts”), in transactions which may or may not correspond with transactions effected or positions held in the fund. It is understood that when Analytic Investors determines that it would be appropriate for the fund and one or more Managed
Accounts to participate in an investment opportunity, Analytic Investors will seek to execute orders for the fund and for such Managed Accounts on a basis which it considers equitable, but that equality of treatment of the fund and other Managed
Accounts is not assured. In such situations, Analytic Investors may (but is not be required to) place orders for the fund and each other Managed Account simultaneously and if all such orders are not filled at the same price, Analytic Investors may
cause the fund and each Managed Account to pay or receive the average of the prices at which the orders were filled. If all such orders cannot be fully executed under prevailing market conditions, Analytic Investors may allocate the securities
traded among the fund and other Managed Accounts in a manner which it considers equitable, taking into account the size of the order placed for the fund and each other Managed Account as well as any other factors which it deems relevant.
|
|
Certain of the
Managed Accounts that Analytic Investors advises may sell securities short, including securities with respect to which other Managed Accounts hold long positions. The portfolio managers and traders for these Managed Accounts are not separated from
the rest of Analytic Investors’ investment personnel and therefore have access to full information about Analytic Investors’ investment research and the investment decisions and strategies being employed for the Managed Accounts. These
Managed Accounts pay Analytic Investors management fees at rates comparable to and in some cases lower than those paid by the fund and other Managed Accounts. Analytic Investors also receives a significant share of any profits earned by certain of
the Managed Accounts as incentive compensation. As a result, Analytic Investors may have a conflict between its own interests and the interests of other Analytic Investors investment advisory clients in managing the portfolios of certain of these
Managed Accounts.
|
|
AQR:
Each of the portfolio managers is also responsible for managing other accounts in addition to the Fund, including other accounts of AQR, or its affiliates. Other accounts may include, without limitation, separately
managed accounts for foundations, endowments, pension plans, and high net-worth families; registered investment companies; unregistered investment companies relying on either Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act (such companies are
commonly referred to as “hedge funds”); foreign investment companies; and may also include accounts or investments managed or made by the portfolio managers in a personal or other capacity (“Proprietary Accounts”). Management
of other accounts in addition to the Fund can present certain conflicts of interest, as described below.
|
|
From time to time,
potential conflicts of interest may arise between a portfolio manager’s management of the investments of the Fund, on the one hand, and the management of other accounts, on the other. The other accounts 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. Because of their positions with the Fund, the portfolio managers know the size, timing and possible market impact
of the Fund’s trades. It is theoretically possible that the portfolio managers could use this information to the advantage of other accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of the Fund.
|
|
A potential
conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager’s management of a number of accounts (including Proprietary Accounts) with similar investment strategies. Often, an investment opportunity may be suitable for both the Fund and
other accounts, but 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. In addition,
different account guidelines and/or differences within particular investment strategies may lead to the use of different investment practices for portfolios with a similar investment strategy. AQR will not necessarily purchase or sell the same
securities at the same time, same direction, or in the same proportionate amounts for all eligible accounts, particularly if different accounts have materially different amounts of capital under management by AQR, different amounts of investable
cash available, different strategies, or different risk tolerances. As a result, although AQR manages numerous accounts and/or portfolios with similar or identical investment objectives, or may manage accounts with different objectives that trade in
the same securities, the portfolio decisions relating to these accounts, and the performance resulting from such decisions, may differ from account to account.
|
|
Whenever decisions
are made to buy or sell securities by the Fund and one or more of the other accounts (including Proprietary Accounts) simultaneously, AQR or the portfolio manager may aggregate the purchases and sales of the securities and will allocate the
securities transactions in a manner that it believes to be equitable under the circumstances. To this end, AQR has adopted policies and procedures that are intended to ensure that investment opportunities are allocated equitably among accounts over
time. As a result of the allocations, there may be instances where the Fund will not participate in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts or the Fund may not be allocated the full amount of the securities sought
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
109
|
|
to be traded.
While these aggregation and allocation policies could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to the Fund from time to time, it is the opinion of AQR that the overall benefits outweigh any disadvantages that may
arise from this practice. Subject to applicable laws and/or account restrictions, AQR may buy, sell or hold securities for other accounts while entering into a different or opposite investment decision for the Fund.
|
|
AQR and the
Fund’s portfolio managers may also face a conflict of interest where some accounts pay higher fees to AQR than others, such as by means of performance fees. Specifically, the entitlement to a performance fee in managing one or more accounts
may create an incentive for AQR to take risks in managing assets that it would not otherwise take in the absence of such arrangements. Additionally, since performance fees reward AQR for performance in accounts which are subject to such fees, AQR
may have an incentive to favor these accounts over those that have only fixed asset-based fees with respect to areas such as trading opportunities, trade allocation, and allocation of new investment opportunities.
|
|
AQR has
implemented specific policies and procedures (e.g., a code of ethics and trade allocation policies) that seek to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with the management of the Fund and other accounts and that are
designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated fairly and equitably over time.
|
|
BMO:
A conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager being responsible for multiple accounts, including the Fund, which may have different investment guidelines and objectives. In addition to the Fund,
these accounts may include other mutual funds managed on an advisory or subadvisory basis, separate accounts, and collective trust accounts. An investment opportunity may be suitable for a Fund as well as for any of the other managed accounts.
However, the investment may not be available in sufficient quantity for all of the accounts to participate fully. In addition, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Fund and the other accounts. The other accounts may have
similar investment objectives or strategies as the Fund, they may track the same benchmarks or indexes as the Fund tracks, and they may sell securities that are eligible to be held, sold or purchased by the Fund. A portfolio manager may be
responsible for accounts that have different advisory fee schedules, which may create the incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another in terms of access to investment opportunities. A portfolio manager also may manage
accounts whose investment objectives and policies differ from those of the Fund, which may cause the portfolio manager to effect trading in one account that may have an adverse effect on the value of the holdings within another account, including a
Fund.
|
|
To address and
manage these potential conflicts of interest, BMO has adopted compliance policies and procedures to allocate investment opportunities and to ensure that each of its clients is treated on a fair and equitable basis. Such policies and procedures
include, but are not limited to, trade allocation and trade aggregation policies, cross trading policies, portfolio manager assignment practices, and oversight by investment management, and/or compliance departments.
|
|
Boston Partners:
Boston Partners owes its clients a duty of loyalty and monitors situations in which the interests of its advisory clients may be in conflict with its own interests. Boston Partners identifies business practices that may
cause a conflict of interest between it and its clients, discloses such conflicts of interest to clients and develops reasonable procedures to mitigate such conflicts.
|
|
Boston Partners
has identified the following potential conflicts of interest and the measures it uses to address these matters:
|
|
Equitable
Treatment of Accounts
Boston Partners recognizes that potential conflicts may arise from the side-by-side management of registered investment companies and “investment accounts,” which include privately offered funds and separately
managed accounts of individuals and institutional investors. Where Boston Partners’ separately managed accounts are charged performance fees, portfolio managers may be inclined to take investment risks that are outside the scope of such
client’s investment objectives and strategy. In addition, since Boston Partners’ private investment funds charge performance fees and share those fees with portfolio managers, such portfolio managers may also be inclined to take
additional investment risks. Boston Partners maintains a Trade Allocation and Aggregation Policy as well as a Simultaneous Management Policy to ensure that client accounts are treated equitably. The CD reviews allocations and dispersion regularly,
and accounts within the same strategy are precluded from simultaneously holding a security long and short. There are certain circumstances that would permit a long/short portfolio to take a contra position in a security that is held in another
strategy. This happens very infrequently and the contra position is generally not related to the fundamental views of the security (i.e. – initiating a long position in a security at year-end to take advantage of tax-loss selling as a short
term investment, or initiating a position based solely on its relative weight in the benchmark to manage investment risk). However in certain situations, the investment constraints of a strategy, including but not limited to country, region,
industry or benchmark, may result in a different investment thesis for the same security. Each situation is fully vetted and approved by the firm’s Chief Investment Officer or his designee. Risk Management performs periodic reviews to ensure
the product complies with the investment strategy and defined risk parameters.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
110
|
|
Furthermore, since
Boston Partners charges a performance fee on certain accounts, and in particular these accounts may receive “new issues” allocations, Boston Partners has a conflict of interest in allocating new issues to these accounts. Boston Partners
maintains an IPO Allocation Policy and the CD assists in, and/or reviews, the allocation of new issues to ensure that IPOS are being allocated among all eligible accounts in an equitable manner.
|
|
Utilizing
Brokerage to Advantage Boston Partners
Boston Partners does not place trades through affiliated brokers. Securities trades are executed through brokerage firms with which Boston Partners maintains other advantageous relationships, such as soft
dollars. In these cases, the broker may expect commission business in return. Boston Partners has established a Trade Management Oversight Committee (the “TOC”) to evaluate brokerage services and to review commissions paid to brokers. In
addition, Boston Partners maintains a Best Execution Policy and a Soft Dollar Policy to assist in its monitoring efforts. Boston Partners also identifies affiliates of the investment companies for which it acts as investment adviser or sub adviser
to ensure it is trading in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
|
|
Directed
Brokerage
Boston Partners faces an inherent conflict since it is in a position to direct client transactions to a broker or dealer in exchange for distribution capacity. Boston Partners maintains policies which prohibit its traders from
considering a broker-dealer’s distribution capacity for promoting or selling Boston Partners’ separate account services, mutual funds, or proprietary funds (collectively “Boston Partners’ Services”) during the broker
selection process. Nor will Boston Partners compensate any broker either directly or indirectly by directing brokerage transactions to that broker for consideration in selling Boston Partners’ services.
|
|
Mixed Use
Allocations and Use of Soft Dollars to Benefit Adviser
Soft dollar services which have a “mixed use” allocation present a conflict of interest when determining the allocation between those services that primarily benefit Boston
Partners’ clients and those that primarily benefit Boston Partners. In addition, a conflict of interest exists when Boston Partners uses soft dollars to pay expenses that would normally be paid by Boston Partners. Boston Partners has developed
soft dollar policies which require it to make a good faith allocation of “mixed use” services and to document its analysis. In addition, the CD reviews all requests for soft dollars to ensure inclusion under the safe harbor of Section 28
(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).
|
|
Trade Errors
A
conflict arises when an investment adviser requests a broker/dealer to absorb the cost of a trade error in return for increased trading and/or commissions. Boston Partners prohibits correcting a trade error for any quid pro quo with a broker and has
procedures for the proper correction of trade errors.
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Principal
Transactions
A principal transaction occurs when an investment adviser, acting for the account of itself or an affiliate buys a security from, or sells a security to a client. An inherent conflict of interest exists since an adviser has an
opportunity to transfer unwanted securities from its account to a client's account, sell securities to a client’s account at prices above the market, or transfer more favorably priced securities from a client account to its account. Boston
Partners generally does not permit the selling of a security from one client account and the purchasing of the same security in another client account if Boston Partners has a principal interest in one of the accounts at the time of the transaction.
Additionally, Boston Partners requires that clients give consent by signing subscription agreements to purchase a pooled investment vehicle in which Boston Partners or a related entity has an interest.
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Cross Trades
Cross transactions between clients create an inherent conflict of interest because Boston Partners has a duty to obtain the most favorable price for both the selling client and the purchasing client. Boston Partners generally does not engage in
cross trading, however Boston Partners has procedures to ensure that any cross trade is in the best interests of all clients.
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Affiliated
Investments
Potential conflicts exist if Boston Partners directs client investments into affiliated vehicles in order to increase the size of these vehicles and thereby increase its compensation by (a) lowering overall expenses of the vehicle,
some of which Boston Partners may have responsibility for; (b) permitting greater marketing of the vehicle which will generate greater fee revenue for Boston Partners; or (c) allowing Boston Partners or an affiliate to redeem its investment capital
in such vehicle. To mitigate any detriment to the client, Boston Partners has product suitability procedures and will obtain a client’s consent prior to investing client assets in an affiliated vehicle.
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Proprietary
Trading Opportunities
Employees are in a position to take investment opportunities for themselves or Boston Partners before such opportunities are executed on behalf of clients. Employees have a duty to advance Boston Partners’ client
interests before Boston Partners
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interests or their
personal interests. Boston Partners must assure that employees do not favor their own or Boston Partners’ accounts. The Code includes procedures on ethical conduct and personal trading, including preclearance and blackout procedures, to which
all employees are subject.
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Insider
Trading/Non-Public Information
Employees are in a position to learn material nonpublic information. Such employees are in a position to trade in their personal accounts on such information, to the potential disadvantage of client accounts. The
Code addresses insider trading including permissible activities. Employees certify, at least annually, that they are in compliance with the Code.
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Boston Partners
periodically discusses securities which may be held in client accounts with external investment professionals when sourcing and analyzing investment ideas. These discussions may include but are not limited to economic factors, market outlook, sector
and industry views, and general and/or specific information regarding securities. Discussion of specific securities creates a conflict which could disadvantage Boston Partners’ clients if the external parties were to act upon this information,
including but not limited to front-running and scalping either particular securities or numerous securities in a similar sector to the extent such information is known about Boston Partners’ holdings. Boston Partners has policies prohibiting
discussion of client investments for non-business purposes and has outlined permissible activities as well as certain other prohibitions when sourcing investment ideas for business purposes.
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Value-Added
Investors
A senior executive from a public company or a private company that is a hedge fund, broker-dealer, investment adviser, or investment bank, (collectively “VAIs”), may invest in Boston Partners’ private funds. A
conflict exists if Boston Partners invests in companies affiliated with a VAI or if a VAI who works at a private company provide material non-public information to Boston Partners or vice versa. Both of these conflicts raise issues with respect to
information sharing. Boston Partners has procedures to: i) identify these individuals through its annual outside businesses questionnaire, its annual compliance questionnaire, review of new account start-up documents, and its 5130 and 5131
questionnaires, and ii) monitor conflicts these persons present through its pre-trade compliance system and/or email surveillance.
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Selective
Disclosure
Selective disclosure occurs when material information is given to a single investor, or a limited group of investors, and not to all investors at the same time. This practice may allow one set of investors to profit on undisclosed
information prior to giving others the same opportunity. In order to prevent this conflict of interest, Boston Partners has procedures regarding the dissemination of account holdings.
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Valuation of
Client Accounts
Because Boston Partners calculates its own advisory fees, it has an incentive to over-value such accounts to either increase the fees payable by the client, or to conceal poor performance for an incentive fee. Boston Partners has
several safeguards in place to mitigate this conflict. Boston Partners has a policy for the valuation of securities. Boston Partners’ Operations Department (“Operations”) reconciles cash, assets, and prices for all client accounts
with the client’s custodian bank’s records on a monthly basis. Finally the CD, periodically reviews client fee invoices.
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Representing
Clients \t times, clients may request Boston Partners represent their interests in class action litigation, bankruptcies or other matters. Boston Partners’ expertise lies in investment management and has an inherent conflict of interest if
cast in any other role. When possible, Boston Partners’ investment management agreements include provisions that Boston Partners will not act on behalf of the client in class actions, bankruptcies or matters of litigation.
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Outside Business
Activities
An employee’s outside business activities may conflict with the employee’s duties to Boston Partners and its clients. Boston Partners requires all employees to disclose any outside employment to the CD, who, in conjunction
with the employee’s supervisor and the Director of HR, will identify any potential conflicts. In the event that a resolution to the conflict cannot be reached, the employee may be asked to terminate either his outside employment or his
position with Boston Partners.
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Business Gifts and
Entertainment
Boston Partners employees periodically give or receive gifts from clients. Boston Partners employees host clients or receive entertainment provided by a client. Such gifts or entertainment may be considered efforts to gain unfair
advantage. Boston Partners maintains a gifts and entertainment policy and has developed a “Q&A” guide for employees regarding certain types of gifts and entertainment. Generally, employees are not permitted to give or receive gifts
of more than $100 in value, per person, per year. Entertainment that is normal or customary in the industry is considered appropriate. Employees should consult the CD if they are unsure about a particular gift or value of entertainment.
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Illegal or
Unethical Behavior
Unethical or illegal conduct by employees damages Boston Partners’ ability to meet its fiduciary duties to clients. Employees are required to report to management any actual or suspected illegal or unethical conduct on
the part of other employees of which they become aware or any situations in which they are concerned about the “best course of action.” In
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addition,
employees are required to certify annually that they are in compliance with this Manual. Regardless of whether a government inquiry occurs, Boston Partners views seriously any violation of this Manual. Disciplinary sanctions may be imposed on any
employee committing a violation of this Manual.
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Proxy Voting
Boston Partners’ proxy voting authority for its clients, puts it in a position where its interests may conflict with the best interests of its clients when determining how to vote. Boston Partners has a proxy voting policy and has engaged an
outside vendor to execute proxies according to this policy. Boston Partners has a procedure to handle conflicts of interest which may arise in voting client securities.
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Consulting
Relationships
Boston Partners may purchase software, educational programs and peer group information from consulting firms that represent Boston Partners clients. Due to the lack of payment transparency, these relationships could give rise to
improper activity on the part of the investment adviser or the consultant. Products purchased from consultants must serve a legitimate need for Boston Partners’ business and may not be acquired to influence a consultant’s recommendation
of Boston Partners.
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Columbia Management:
Like other investment professionals with multiple clients, a Fund’s portfolio manager(s) may face certain potential conflicts of interest in connection with managing both the Fund and other accounts at the same
time. The Investment Manager and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that attempt to address certain of the potential conflicts that portfolio managers face in this regard. Certain of these conflicts of interest are summarized
below.
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The management of
accounts with different advisory fee rates and/or fee structures, including accounts that pay advisory fees based on account performance (performance fee accounts), may raise potential conflicts of interest for a portfolio manager by creating an
incentive to favor higher fee accounts.
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Potential
conflicts of interest also may arise when a portfolio manager has personal investments in other accounts that may create an incentive to favor those accounts. As a general matter and subject to the Investment Manager’s Code of Ethics and
certain limited exceptions, the Investment Manager’s investment professionals do not have the opportunity to invest in client accounts, other than the funds.
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A portfolio
manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those Funds and/or accounts. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where Funds and/or accounts
managed by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.
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A portfolio
manager may be able to select or influence the selection of the broker/dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the Funds. A portfolio manager’s decision as to the selection of broker/dealers could produce disproportionate
costs and benefits among the Funds and the other accounts the portfolio manager manages.
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A potential
conflict of interest may arise when a portfolio manager buys or sells the same securities for a Fund and other accounts. On occasions when a portfolio manager considers the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund as well
as other accounts, the Investment Manager’s trading desk may, to the extent consistent with applicable laws and regulations, aggregate the securities to be sold or bought in order to obtain the best execution and lower brokerage commissions,
if any. Aggregation of trades may create the potential for unfairness to a Fund or another account if a portfolio manager favors one account over another in allocating the securities bought or sold. The Investment Manager and its Participating
Affiliates (including Threadneedle) may coordinate their trading operations for certain types of securities and transactions pursuant to personnel-sharing agreements or similar intercompany arrangements. However, typically the Investment Manager
does not coordinate trading activities with a Participating Affiliate with respect to accounts of that Participating Affiliate unless such Participating Affiliate is also providing trading services for accounts managed by the Investment Manager.
Similarly, a Participating Affiliate typically does not coordinate trading activities with the Investment Manager with respect to accounts of the Investment Manager unless the Investment Manager is also providing trading services for accounts
managed by such Participating Affiliate. As a result, it is possible that the Investment Manager and its Participating Affiliates may trade in the same instruments at the same time, in the same or opposite direction or in different sequence, which
could negatively impact the prices paid by the Fund on such instruments. Additionally, in circumstances where trading services are being provided on a coordinated basis for the Investment Manager’s accounts (including the Funds) and the
accounts of one or more Participating Affiliates in accordance with applicable law, it is possible that the allocation opportunities available to the Funds may be decreased, especially for less actively traded securities, or orders may take longer
to execute, which may negatively impact Fund performance.
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“Cross
trades,” in which a portfolio manager sells a particular security held by a Fund to another account (potentially saving transaction costs for both accounts), could involve a potential conflict of interest if, for example, a portfolio manager
is permitted to sell a security from one account to another account at a higher price than an independent third party would pay.
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The Investment
Manager and the Funds have adopted compliance procedures that provide that any transactions between a Fund and another account managed by the Investment Manager are to be made at a current market price, consistent with applicable laws and
regulations.
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Another potential
conflict of interest may arise based on the different investment objectives and strategies of a Fund and other accounts managed by its portfolio manager(s). Depending on another account’s objectives and other factors, a portfolio manager may
give advice to and make decisions for a Fund that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of decisions made, with respect to another account. A portfolio manager’s investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition
to basic suitability for the particular account involved. Thus, a portfolio manager may buy or sell a particular security for certain accounts, and not for a Fund, even though it could have been bought or sold for the Fund at the same time. A
portfolio manager also may buy a particular security for one or more accounts when one or more other accounts are selling the security (including short sales). There may be circumstances when a portfolio manager’s purchases or sales of
portfolio securities for one or more accounts may have an adverse effect on other accounts, including the Funds.
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To the extent a
Fund invests in underlying funds, a portfolio manager will be subject to the potential conflicts of interest described in
Potential Conflicts of Interest – Columbia Management – FOF (Fund-of-Funds)
below.
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A
Fund’s portfolio manager(s) also may have other potential conflicts of interest in managing the Fund, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could exist in managing the Fund and other accounts. Many of
the potential conflicts of interest to which the Investment Manager’s portfolio managers are subject are essentially the same or similar to the potential conflicts of interest related to the investment management activities of the Investment
Manager and its affiliates.
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Columbia Management
– FoF (Fund-of-Funds):
Management of funds-of-funds differs from that of the other Funds. The portfolio management process is set forth generally below and in more detail in the Funds’ prospectus.
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Portfolio
managers of the fund-of-funds may be involved in determining each funds-of-fund’s allocation among the three main asset classes (equity, fixed income and cash) and the allocation among investment categories within each asset class, as well as
each funds-of-fund’s allocation among the underlying funds.
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Because of the
structure of the funds-of-funds, the potential conflicts of interest for the portfolio managers may be different than the potential conflicts of interest for portfolio managers who manage other Funds.
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The
Investment Manager and its affiliates may receive higher compensation as a result of allocations to underlying funds with higher fees.
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In addition to the accounts
above, portfolio managers may manage accounts in a personal capacity that may include holdings that are similar to, or the same as, those of the Fund. The Investment Manager has in place a Code of Ethics that is designed to address conflicts and
that, among other things, imposes restrictions on the ability of the portfolio managers and other “investment access persons” to invest in securities that may be recommended or traded in the Fund and other client accounts.
To the extent a fund-of-funds
invest in securities and instruments other than other Funds, the portfolio manager is subject to the potential conflicts of interest described in
Potential Conflicts of Interest – Columbia Management
above.
A Fund’s
portfolio manager(s) also may have other potential conflicts of interest in managing the Fund, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could exist in managing the fund and other accounts. Many of the potential
conflicts of interest to which the Investment Manager’s portfolio managers are subject are essentially the same or similar to the potential conflicts of interest related to the Investment Management activities of the Investment Manager and its
affiliates.
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Conestoga:
Like other investment professionals with multiple clients, portfolio managers may face certain potential conflicts of interest in connection with managing both the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to
Conestoga (Conestoga’s Sleeve) and other accounts at the same time. Conestoga has adopted compliance policies and procedures that attempt to address certain of the potential conflicts that Conestoga’s portfolio managers face in this
regard. Certain of those conflicts of interest are summarized below.
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The
management of accounts with different advisory or sub-advisory fee rates and/or fee and expense structures may raise certain potential conflicts of interest for a portfolio manager by creating an incentive to favor higher fee, or higher profit
margin accounts.
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Potential
conflicts of interest also may arise when a portfolio manager has personal investments in other accounts that may create an incentive to favor those accounts. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may
devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts managed by a particular portfolio manager have different investment
strategies.
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A portfolio
manager may be able to select or influence the selection of the broker-dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for a fund. A portfolio manager’s decision as to the selection of broker-dealers could produce disproportionate
costs and benefits among Conestoga’s Sleeve and the other accounts the portfolio manager manages.
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A potential
conflict of interest may arise when a portfolio manager buys or sells the same securities for the Conestoga’s Sleeve and other accounts. On occasions when a portfolio manager considers the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best
interests of Conestoga’s Sleeve as well as other accounts, the Conestoga’s trading desk may, to the extent consistent with applicable laws and regulations, aggregate the securities to be sold or bought in order to obtain the best
execution and lower brokerage commissions, if any. Aggregation of trades may create the potential for unfairness to Conestoga’s Sleeve or the Fund or another account if a portfolio manager favors one account over another in allocating the
securities bought or sold.
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“Cross
trades,” in which a portfolio manager sells a particular security held by Conestoga’s Sleeve to another account (potentially saving transaction costs for both accounts), could involve a potential conflict of interest if, for example, a
portfolio manager is permitted to sell a security from one account to another account at a higher price than an independent third party would pay. The Investment Manager has adopted compliance procedures that provide that any transactions between
the Fund and another account managed by Conestoga are to be made at a current market price, consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
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Another potential
conflict of interest may arise based on the different investment objectives and strategies of Conestoga’s Sleeve and other accounts managed by its portfolio manager(s). Depending on another account’s objectives and other factors, a
portfolio manager may give advice to and make decisions for Conestoga’s Sleeve that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of decisions made, with respect to another account. A portfolio manager’s investment decisions are
the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular account involved. Thus, a portfolio manager may buy or sell a particular security for certain accounts, and not for Conestoga’s Sleeve, even though it could have
been bought or sold for Conestoga’s Sleeve at the same time. A portfolio manager also may buy a particular security for one or more accounts when one or more other accounts are selling the security. There may be circumstances when a portfolio
manager’s purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more accounts may have an adverse effect on other accounts, including the Fund.
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The
portfolio manager(s) also may have other potential conflicts of interest in managing Conestoga’s Sleeve, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could exist in managing Conestoga’s Sleeve and other
accounts. Many of the potential conflicts of interest to which the Conestoga’s portfolio managers are subject are essentially the same or similar to the potential conflicts of interest related to the investment management activities of the
Investment Manager or other subadvisers of the Fund.
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DGHM:
The portfolio managers’ management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the investments of the portion of the Fund’s assets
allocated to DGHM (DGHM’s Sleeve), on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts include hedge funds, separately managed private clients and discretionary 401(k) accounts (“Other
Accounts”). The Other Accounts might have similar investment objectives as the Fund, be compared to the same index as the Fund, or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased, or sold by DGHM’s
Sleeve.
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Knowledge of the
Timing and Size of Fund Trades
. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio managers’ day-to-day management of DGHM’s Sleeve. The portfolio managers know the size and timing of
trades for DGHM’s Sleeve and the Other Accounts, and may be able to predict the market impact of the DGHM’s Sleeve trades. It is theoretically possible that the portfolio managers could use this information to the advantage of Other
Accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of DGHM’s Sleeve, or vice versa.
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Investment
Opportunities.
DGHM provides investment supervisory services for a number of investment products that have varying investment guidelines. The same portfolio management team works across all investment products.
Differences in the compensation structures of DGHM’s investment products may give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive for DGHM to allocate the investment opportunities it believes might be the most profitable to the client
accounts where it might benefit the most from the investment gains.
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EAM:
The portfolio manager is responsible for managing other accounts invested in the same strategy as the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to EAM (EAM’s Sleeve). These other accounts include separately
managed accounts for pension funds. In addition, other EAM portfolio managers manage accounts which have similar investment strategies and may invest in some of the same securities as EAM’s Sleeve or the Fund.
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From time to time,
potential conflicts of interest may arise between the portfolio manager’s management of the investments of EAM’s Sleeve, on the one hand, and the management of other accounts, on the other. For example, an investment opportunity may be
suitable for both EAM’s Sleeve and other accounts, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both EAM’s Sleeve and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment
held by EAM’s Sleeve and another account. Whenever decisions are made to buy or sell securities by EAM’s Sleeve and one or more of the other accounts simultaneously, EAM or the portfolio managers may aggregate the purchases and sales of
the securities and will allocate the securities transactions in a manner that it believes to be equitable under the circumstances. As a result of the allocations, there may be instances when EAM’s Sleeve will not participate in a transaction
that is allocated among other accounts or that may not be allocated the full amount of the securities sought to be traded. Another potential conflict may arise when a portfolio manager may have an incentive to allocate opportunities to an account
where EAM and the portfolio manager have a greater financial incentive, such as a performance fee account.
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EAM has
implemented specific policies and procedures (
e.g.
, a code of ethics and trade allocation policies) that seek to address these potential conflicts.
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Loomis
Sayles:
Conflicts of interest may arise in the allocation of investment opportunities and the allocation of aggregated orders among the Funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers. A portfolio
manager potentially could give favorable treatment to some accounts for a variety of reasons, including favoring larger accounts, accounts that pay higher fees, accounts that pay performance-based fees, accounts of affiliated companies and accounts
in which the portfolio manager has an interest. Such favorable treatment could lead to more favorable investment opportunities or allocations for some accounts. Loomis Sayles makes investment decisions for all accounts (including institutional
accounts, mutual funds, hedge funds and affiliated accounts) based on each account’s availability of other comparable investment opportunities and Loomis Sayles’ desire to treat all accounts fairly and equitably over time. Loomis Sayles
maintains trade allocation and aggregation policies and procedures to address these potential conflicts. Conflicts of interest also may arise to the extent a portfolio manager short sells a stock in one client account but holds that stock long in
other accounts, including the Funds, or sells a stock for some accounts while buying the stock for others, and through the use of “soft dollar arrangements,” which are discussed in Loomis Sayles’ Brokerage Allocation Policies and
Procedures and Loomis Sayles’ Trade Aggregation and Allocation Policies and Procedures.
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Los Angeles Capital
: Los Angeles Capital has implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, which Los Angeles Capital believes address the potential for conflicts of interest
associated with managing portfolios for multiple clients to ensure that all clients are treated equitably and fairly. While each client account is managed individually, Los Angeles Capital will, at any given time, purchase and/or sell the same
securities for a number of accounts.
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When appropriate,
Los Angeles Capital will aggregate trades in the same securities for many accounts. In these situations, client accounts will receive the same execution price per share, which will reflect the average of multiple prices if the order was executed in
multiple trades. Accounts participating in an aggregated trade will be charged a pro-rata share of the total commission charges. However, where a client has specified directed brokerage or a specific order strategy (e.g., market on-close), such
transactions may not be aggregated with other orders and may result in commission rates and execution prices that differ from those obtained in an aggregated transaction. In addition, aggregated trades that are partially filled will generally be
allocated on a pro-rata basis, subject to adjustments for factors such as available cash and maintenance of guideline weightings.
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Los Angeles
Capital’s portfolio managers may manage accounts that are charged a performance-based fee alongside accounts with standard asset-based fee schedules. While performance-based fee arrangements may be viewed as creating an incentive to favor
certain accounts over others in the allocation of investment opportunities, Los Angeles Capital has designed and implemented procedures to ensure that all clients are treated fairly and equally, and to prevent conflicts from influencing the
allocation of investment opportunities.
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Los Angeles
Capital regularly rotates the order for the trading of U.S. strategy accounts and non-U.S. strategy accounts. Given the number of different strategies, the customization of guidelines and turnover in accounts, the weekly trade lists for accounts
vary from one account to the next. In a typical week, Los Angeles Capital will begin trading its U.S. strategy accounts followed shortly thereafter by its non-U.S. strategy accounts. While most accounts are traded weekly, some strategies are traded
less frequently. Los Angeles Capital endeavors to complete the rebalancing of accounts to be traded within a trading week using alphas generated at the start of the trading week. Los Angeles Capital’s proprietary accounts may be traded in
rotation with client accounts, after the trading of most client accounts, or on a particular day of the week
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depending on
liquidity, size, model constraints and resource constraints. Los Angeles Capital’s proprietary accounts are invested in liquid securities. Investment personnel of Los Angeles Capital or its affiliates may be permitted to be commercially or
professionally involved with an issuer of securities. Any potential conflicts of interest from such involvement would be monitored for compliance with the firm's Code of Ethics.
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Prudential
: Like other investment advisers, Prudential is subject to various conflicts of interest in the ordinary course of its business. Prudential strives to identify potential risks, including conflicts of interest, that are
inherent in its business, and conducts annual conflict of interest reviews. When actual or potential conflicts of interest are identified, Prudential seeks to address such conflicts through one or more of the following methods:
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elimination of the
conflict;
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disclosure of the
conflict; or
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management of the
conflict through the adoption of appropriate policies, procedures or other mitigants.
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Prudential follows
the policies of Prudential Financial on business ethics, personal securities trading by investment personnel, and information barriers. Prudential has adopted a code of ethics, allocation policies and conflicts of interest policies, among others,
and has adopted supervisory procedures to monitor compliance with its policies. Prudential cannot guarantee, however, that its policies and procedures will detect and prevent, or result in the disclosure of, each and every situation in which a
conflict may arise.
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Side-by-Side
Management of Accounts and Related Conflicts of Interest. Prudential’s side-by-side management of multiple accounts can create conflicts of interest. Examples are detailed below, followed by a discussion of how Prudential addresses these
conflicts.
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Performance
Fees— Prudential manages accounts with asset-based fees alongside accounts with performance-based fees. This side-by-side management may be deemed to create an incentive for Prudential and its investment professionals to favor one account over
another. Specifically, Prudential could be considered to have the incentive to favor accounts for which it receives performance fees, and possibly take greater investment risks in those accounts, in order to bolster performance and increase its
fees.
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Affiliated
accounts— Prudential manages accounts on behalf of its affiliates as well as unaffiliated accounts. Prudential could be considered to have an incentive to favor accounts of affiliates over others.
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Large
accounts—large accounts typically generate more revenue than do smaller accounts and certain of Prudential’s strategies have higher fees than others. As a result, a portfolio manager could be considered to have an incentive when
allocating scarce investment opportunities to favor accounts that pay a higher fee or generate more income for Prudential.
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Long only and
long/short accounts— Prudential manages accounts that only allow it to hold securities long as well as accounts that permit short selling. Prudential may, therefore, sell a security short in some client accounts while holding the same security
long in other client accounts. These short sales could reduce the value of the securities held in the long only accounts. In addition, purchases for long only accounts could have a negative impact on the short positions.
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Securities of the
same kind or class— Prudential may buy or sell for one client account securities of the same kind or class that are purchased or sold for another client at prices that may be different. Prudential may also, at any time, execute trades of
securities of the same kind or class in one direction for an account and in the opposite direction for another account due to differences in investment strategy or client direction. Different strategies trading in the same securities or types of
securities may appear as inconsistencies in Prudential’s management of multiple accounts side-by-side.
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Financial
interests of investment professionals— Prudential investment professionals may invest in certain investment vehicles that it advises. Also, certain of these investment vehicles are options under the 401(k) and deferred compensation plans
offered by Prudential Financial. In addition, the value of grants under Prudential’s long-term incentive plan is affected by the performance of certain client accounts. As a result, Prudential investment professionals may have financial
interests in accounts managed by Prudential or that are related to the performance of certain client accounts.
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Non-discretionary
accounts or models— Prudential provides non-discretionary investment advice and non-discretionary model portfolios to some clients and manages others on a discretionary basis. Trades in non-discretionary accounts could occur before, in concert
with, or after Prudential executes similar trades in its discretionary accounts. The non-discretionary clients may be disadvantaged if Prudential delivers the model investment portfolio or investment advice to them after it initiates trading for the
discretionary clients, or vice versa.
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How Prudential
Addresses These Conflicts of Interest. Prudential has developed policies and procedures designed to address the conflicts of interest with respect to its different types of side-by-side management described above.
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The
head of Prudential and its chief investment officer periodically review and compare performance and performance attribution for each client account within its various strategies.
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In keeping with
Prudential’s fiduciary obligations, its policy with respect to trade aggregation and allocation is to treat all of its accounts fairly and equitably over time. Prudential’s trade management oversight committee, which generally meets
quarterly, is responsible for providing oversight with respect to trade aggregation and allocation. Prudential’s compliance group reviews a sampling of new issue allocations and related documentation to confirm compliance with trade
aggregation and allocation procedures. In addition, Prudential’s trade management oversight committee reviews forensic reports of new issue allocation throughout the year so that new issue allocation in each of its strategies is reviewed at
least once during each year. This forensic analysis includes such data as: (i) the number of new issues allocated in the strategy; (ii) the size of new issue allocations to each portfolio in the strategy;(iii) the profitability of new issue
transactions; and (iv) portfolio turnover. The procedures above are designed to detect patterns and anomalies in Prudential’s side-by-side management and trading so that it may assess and improve its processes.
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Prudential has
policies and procedures that specifically address its side-by-side management of long/short and long only portfolios. These procedures address potential conflicts that could arise from differing positions between long/short and long only portfolios.
In addition, lending opportunities with respect to securities for which the market is demanding a slight premium rate over normal market rates are allocated to long only accounts prior to allocating the opportunities to long/short accounts.
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Conflicts Related
to Prudential’s Affiliations. As an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Prudential is part of a diversified, global financial services organization. Prudential is affiliated with many types of U.S. and non-U.S. financial
service providers, including insurance companies, broker-dealers, commodity trading advisors, commodity pool operators and other investment advisers. Some of its employees are officers of some of these affiliates.
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Conflicts Arising
Out of Legal Restrictions. Prudential may be restricted by law, regulation or contract as to how much, if any, of a particular security it may purchase or sell on behalf of a client, and as to the timing of such purchase or sale. These restrictions
may apply as a result of its relationship with Prudential Financial and its other affiliates. Prudential does not purchase securities issued by Prudential Financial for client accounts. In addition, Prudential’s holdings of a security on
behalf of its clients may, under some SEC rules, be aggregated with the holdings of that security by other Prudential Financial affiliates. These holdings could, on an aggregate basis, exceed certain reporting or ownership thresholds that are
monitored, and Prudential may restrict purchases to avoid exceeding these thresholds. In addition, Prudential could receive material, non-public information with respect to a particular issuer and, as a result, be unable to execute transactions in
securities of that issuer for its clients. For example, Prudential’s bank loan team often invests in private bank loans in connection with which the borrower provides material, non-public information, resulting in restrictions on trading
securities issued by those borrowers. Prudential has procedures in place to carefully consider whether to intentionally accept material, non-public information with respect to certain issuers. Prudential is generally able to avoid receiving
material, non-public information from its affiliates and other units within Prudential by maintaining information barriers. In some instances, it may create an isolated information barrier around a small number of its employees so that material,
non-public information received by such employees is not attributed to the rest of Prudential.
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Conflicts Related
to Outside Business Activity. From time to time, certain of Prudential employees or officers may engage in outside business activity, including outside directorships. Any outside business activity is subject to prior approval pursuant to
Prudential’s personal conflicts of interest and outside business activities policy. Actual and potential conflicts of interest are analyzed during such approval process. Prudential could be restricted in trading the securities of certain
issuers in client portfolios in the unlikely event that an employee or officer, as a result of outside business activity, obtains material, nonpublic information regarding an issuer. The executive chairman of Prudential serves on the board of
directors of the operator of an electronic trading platform. Prudential has adopted procedures to address the conflict relating to trading on this platform. The procedures include independent monitoring by Prudential’s chief investment officer
and chief compliance officer and reporting on Prudential’s use of this platform to the President of Prudential.
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Conflicts Related
to Investment of Client Assets in Affiliated Funds. Prudential may invest client assets in funds that it manages or sub advises for an affiliate. Prudential may also invest cash collateral from securities lending transactions in these funds. These
investments benefit both Prudential and its affiliate.
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PICA General
Account. Because of the substantial size of the general account of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (PICA), trading by PICA’s general account, including Prudential’s trades on behalf of the account, may affect market prices.
Although Prudential doesn’t expect that PICA’s general account will execute transactions that will move a market frequently, and generally only in response to unusual market or issuer events, the execution of these transactions could
have an adverse effect on transactions for or positions held by other clients.
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Conflicts
Related to Securities Holdings and Other Financial Interests
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Securities
Holdings. Prudential, Prudential Financial, PICA’s general account and accounts of other affiliates of Prudential (collectively, affiliated accounts) hold public and private debt and equity securities of a large number of issuers and may
invest in some of the same companies as other client accounts but at different levels in the capital structure. These investments can result in conflicts between the interests of the affiliated accounts and the interests of Prudential’s
clients. For example: (i) Affiliated accounts can hold the senior debt of an issuer whose subordinated debt is held by Prudential’s clients or hold secured debt of an issuer whose public unsecured debt is held in client accounts. In the event
of restructuring or insolvency, the affiliated accounts as holders of senior debt may exercise remedies and take other actions that are not in the interest of, or are adverse to, other clients that are the holders of junior debt. (ii) To the extent
permitted by applicable law, Prudential may also invest client assets in offerings of securities the proceeds of which are used to repay debt obligations held in affiliated accounts or other client accounts. Prudential’s interest in having the
debt repaid creates a conflict of interest. Prudential has adopted a refinancing policy to address this conflict. Prudential may be unable to invest client assets in the securities of certain issuers as a result of the investments described above.
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Conflicts Related
to the Offer and Sale of Securities. Certain of Prudential’s employees may offer and sell securities of, and interests in, commingled funds that it manages or subadvises. There is an incentive for Prudential’s employees to offer these
securities to investors regardless of whether the investment is appropriate for such investor since increased assets in these vehicles will result in increased advisory fees to it. In addition, such sales could result in increased compensation to
the employee.
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Conflicts Related
to Long-Term Compensation. The performance of many client accounts is not reflected in the calculation of changes in the value of participation interests under Prudential’s long-term incentive plan. This may be because the composite
representing the strategy in which the account is managed is not one of the composites included in the calculation or because the account is excluded from a specified composite due to guideline restrictions or other factors. As a result of the
long-term incentive plan, Prudential’s portfolio managers from time to time have financial interests related to the investment performance of some, but not all, of the accounts they manage. To address potential conflicts related to these
financial interests, Prudential has procedures, including trade allocation and supervisory review procedures, designed to ensure that each of its client accounts is managed in a manner that is consistent with Prudential’s fiduciary
obligations, as well as with the account’s investment objectives, investment strategies and restrictions. For example, Prudential’s chief investment officer reviews performance among similarly managed accounts with the head of Prudential
on a quarterly basis.
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Other Financial
Interests. Prudential and its affiliates may also have financial interests or relationships with issuers whose securities it invests in for client accounts. These interests can include debt or equity financing, strategic corporate relationships or
investments, and the offering of investment advice in various forms. For example, Prudential may invest client assets in the securities of issuers that are also its advisory clients. In addition, some of Prudential’s affiliates originate
and/or service commercial mortgage loans that are sold to certain issuers of agency and private-label commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and serve as security for CMBS issued by them. The proceeds of CMBS offerings by such issuers may be
used to pay the purchase price for commercial mortgage loans sold to such issuers by Prudential’s affiliates. Purchases of CMBS for Prudential’s advisory clients may be viewed as supporting the business of the sponsors of the CMBS who
acquire mortgages from Prudential’s affiliates. In addition, the commercial mortgage loans sold by Prudential’s affiliates are typically sold on a servicing retained basis, which means one of Prudential’s affiliates (an
“affiliated servicer”) may provide certain services with respect to the mortgage loans for compensation. As a result, these commercial mortgage loans will typically be serviced by Prudential’s affiliated servicer for the life of
the CMBS deal or until the deal or the specific commercial mortgage matures or is terminated. In the event that a dispute arises with respect to an affiliate’s origination or servicing of a commercial mortgage loan in a CMBS trust, the
affiliate’s positions and efforts may be contrary to the interests of holders of the CMBS. Unless prohibited by applicable law, Prudential may invest assets of clients in CMBS secured by commercial mortgage loans originated and/or serviced by
Prudential’s affiliates. In order to mitigate the conflicts of interest related to purchases of these CMBS, Prudential will not invest in CMBS offerings for unaffiliated clients in the primary or secondary market where commercial mortgage
loans contributed by Prudential’s affiliates exceed 25% of the commercial mortgage loans backing such CMBS at the time of purchase. The activities of these affiliates restrict the universe of CMBS that Prudential is able to purchase for client
accounts.
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In general,
conflicts related to the securities holdings and financial interests described above are addressed by the fact that Prudential makes investment decisions for each client independently considering the best economic interests of such client.
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Conflicts Related
to Valuation and Fees.
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When client
accounts hold illiquid or difficult to value investments, Prudential faces a conflict of interest when making recommendations regarding the value of such investments since its management fees are generally based on the value of assets under
management. Prudential believes that its valuation policies and procedures mitigate this conflict effectively and enable it to value client assets fairly and in a manner that is consistent with the client’s best interests.
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Conflicts
Related to Securities Lending Fees
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When Prudential
manages a client account and also serves as securities lending agent for the account, it could be considered to have the incentive to invest in securities that would yield higher securities lending rates. This conflict is mitigated by the fact that
Prudential’s advisory fees are generally based on the value of assets in a client’s account. In addition, Prudential’s securities lending function has a separate reporting line to its chief operating officer (rather than its chief
investment officer).
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TCW:
TCW has policies and controls to avoid and/or mitigate conflicts of interest across its businesses. The policies and procedures in TCW’s Code of Ethics (the “Code”) serve to address or mitigate both
conflicts of interest and the appearance of any conflict of interest. The Code contains several restrictions and procedures designed to eliminate conflicts of interest relating to personal investment transactions, including (i) reporting account
openings, changes, or closings (including accounts in which an Access Person has a "beneficial interest"), (ii) pre-clearance of non-exempt personal investment transactions (make a personal trade request for Securities) and (iii) the completion of
timely required reporting (Initial Holdings Report, Quarterly Transactions Report, Annual Holdings Report and Annual Certificate of Compliance).
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In addition, the
Code addresses potential conflicts of interest through its policies on insider trading, anti-corruption, an employee’s outside business activities, political activities and contributions, confidentiality and whistleblower provisions.
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Conflicts of
interest may also arise in the management of accounts and investment vehicles. These conflicts may raise questions that would allow TCW to allocate investment opportunities in a way that favors certain accounts or investment vehicles over other
accounts or investment vehicles, or incentivize a TCW portfolio manager to receive greater compensation with regard to the management of certain account or investment vehicles. TCW may give advice or take action with certain accounts or investment
vehicles that could differ from the advice given or action taken on other accounts or investment vehicles. When an investment opportunity is suitable for more than one account or investment vehicle, such investments will be allocated in a manner
that is fair and equitable under the circumstances to all TCW clients. As such, TCW has adopted compliance policies and procedures in its Portfolio Management Policy that helps to identify a conflict of interest and then specifies how a conflict of
interest is managed. TCW’s Trading and Brokerage Policy also discusses the process of timing and method of allocations, and addresses how the firm handles affiliate transactions.
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The respective
Equity and Fixed Income Trading and Allocation Committees review trading activities on behalf of client accounts, including the allocation of investment opportunities and address any issues with regard to side-by-side management in order to ensure
that all of TCW’s clients are treated on a fair and equitable basis. Further, the Portfolio Analytics Committee reviews TCW’s investment strategies, evaluates various analytics to facilitate risk assessment, changes to performance
composites and benchmarks and monitors the implementation and maintenance of the Global Investment Performance Standards or GIPS® compliance.
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TCW’s
approach to handling conflicts of interest is multi-layered starting with its policies and procedures, reporting and pre-clearance processes and oversight by various committees.
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Threadneedle:
Threadneedle portfolio managers may manage one or more mutual funds as well as other types of accounts, including proprietary accounts, separate accounts for institutions, and other pooled investment vehicles. Portfolio
managers make investment decisions for an account or portfolio based on its investment objectives and policies, and other relevant investment considerations. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle whose
fees may be materially greater than the management fees paid by the Fund and may include a performance-based fee. Management of multiple funds and accounts may create potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment
opportunities, and the aggregation and allocation of trades. In addition, a portfolio manager’s responsibilities at Threadneedle include working as a securities analyst. This dual role may give rise to conflicts with respect to making
investment decisions for accounts that he/she manages versus communicating his/her analyses to other portfolio managers concerning securities that he/she follows as an analyst.
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Threadneedle
has a fiduciary responsibility to all of the clients for which it manages accounts. Threadneedle seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate securities to client accounts
in a fair and timely manner. Threadneedle has developed policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the management
of multiple types of accounts for multiple clients.
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Water Island:
Water Island’s portfolio managers may face certain potential conflicts of interest in connection with their responsibility for managing multiple similar accounts. Other accounts may include, without limitation:
separately managed accounts, registered investment companies, unregistered investment companies such as pooled investment vehicles and hedge funds, and proprietary accounts. Management of multiple accounts can present certain conflicts of interest,
including variation in compensation across accounts, conflicts that may arise from the purchase or sale of similar securities for more than one account, conflicts arising from transactions between accounts, conflicts arising from transactions
involving ‘pilot’ funds, and conflicts arising from the selection of brokers and dealers to effect transactions. Water Island’s compliance team
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has implemented
trading and allocation policies and oversight procedures in order to closely monitor and ensure equitable treatment of all accounts to address these conflicts.
Variation in Compensation
- A potential
conflict of interest related to variation in compensation may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the accounts that they manage. A portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain accounts
over others if the structure of the investment adviser’s management fee and/or the portfolio manager’s compensation differs among accounts (such as where certain accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees),
or if the portfolio manager or Water Island has a greater financial interest in one or more of the accounts. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager’s performance record or to
derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.
Purchase or
Sale of Securities for More Than One Account
- To address these and other potential conflicts of interest, Water Island has implemented policies and procedures designed to allocate securities among the various accounts it advises in a fair
and equitable manner over time. In addition, Water Island has implemented processes for monitoring the effectiveness of these policies and procedures, including periodic reviews of allocations by its compliance department so as to help ensure
equitable treatment. Water Island has also adopted policies and procedures to address certain additional conflicts specifically, as further described below.
Cross Trades
- “Cross trades,”
in which one account sells a particular security to another account (saving transaction costs for both accounts), may also pose a potential conflict of interest. Conflicts may arise if, for example, one account is permitted to sell a security to
another account at a higher price than an independent third party would pay, or if such trades result in more attractive investments being allocated to higher-fee accounts. In an effort to address this potential conflict of interest, Water Island
has adopted compliance procedures that, consistent with applicable law, include Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act, provide that any transactions between the advised accounts are to be made for cash without payment of any commission, spread, or other
type of brokerage costs and at an independent current market price. Proposed cross trade must be reviewed and approved by Water Island’s compliance department prior to execution.
Pilot Funds
-
Water Island may from time to time establish “pilot” or “incubator” funds for the purpose of testing proposed investment strategies or products prior to accepting assets from outside investors. These pilot accounts may be in
the form of registered investment companies, private funds such as partnerships, or separate accounts. Typically, Water Island or an affiliate supplies the funding for these accounts. Employees of Water Island, including the portfolio manager(s),
may also invest in certain pilot accounts. Pilot funds and accounts may, and frequently do, invest in the same securities as the other accounts managed by Water Island. In an effort to address this potential conflict of interest, Water Island has
adopted a policy to treat pilot accounts in the same manner as client accounts for purposes of trading allocation – neither favoring nor disfavoring them. For example, pilot accounts would be included in the daily block trade aggregation
procedures alongside client accounts (except that pilot accounts do not participate in initial public offerings).
Selection of Brokers/Dealers
- A portfolio manager may be able to select or influence
the selection of the broker/dealers that are used to execute securities transactions. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide Water Island with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise be available. These services may be more beneficial to certain accounts than to others. In
order to be assured of continuing to receive services considered of value to its clients, Water Island has adopted a brokerage allocation policy embodying the concepts of Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act. A portfolio manager’s decision as to
the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the accounts that they manage, although the payment of brokerage commissions is always subject to the requirement that Water Island determine in good faith
that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided.
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The portfolio
managers may also face other potential conflicts of interest in the management of multiple similar accounts, and the examples above are not intended to provide an exhaustive list or complete description of every conflict that may arise.
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Structure of Compensation
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Analytic Investors:
Analytic Investors’ compensation structure for professional employees consists of an industry median base salary (based on independent industry information) and an annual discretionary bonus. Bonus amounts are
determined using the following factors: the overall success of Analytic Investors in terms of profitability; the overall success of the department or team; and an individual’s contribution to the team, based on goals established during the
performance period. Compensation based on investment strategy performance is not tied to individual account performance, but rather to each strategy as a whole. Strategy performance information is based on pre-tax calculations for the prior calendar
year. No portfolio manager is directly compensated a portion of an advisory fee based on the performance of a specific account.
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Portfolio
managers’ base salaries are typically reviewed on an annual basis determined by each portfolio manager’s anniversary date of employment. Discretionary bonuses are determined annually, upon analysis of information from the prior calendar
year. Analytic has granted equity interests to each employee of the firm. These equity interests entitle the employee to a certain share of Analytic’s net operating income (which is net of compensation expenses, including variable
compensation) at year end. No single individual can hold more than 20% of the equity interests issued by Analytic and, in the aggregate, 60% of the equity interests issued will be held by investment team personnel.
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AQR
: The compensation for each of the portfolio managers that is a Principal of AQR is in the form of distributions based on the net income generated by AQR and each Principal’s relative ownership in AQR. Net income
distributions are a function of assets under management and performance of the funds and accounts managed by AQR. A Principal’s relative ownership in AQR is based on cumulative research, leadership and other contributions to AQR. There is no
direct linkage between assets under management, performance and compensation. However, there is an indirect linkage in that superior performance tends to attract assets and thus increase revenues. Each portfolio manager is also eligible to
participate in AQR’s 401(k) retirement plan which is offered to all employees of AQR.
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The
compensation for the portfolio managers that are not Principals of AQR primarily consists of a fixed base salary and a discretionary bonus (“Total Compensation”). Total Compensation is reviewed at least annually under a formal review
program and increases are granted on a merit basis. Job performance contributes significantly to the determination of any Total Compensation increase; other factors, such as seniority are also considered. A portfolio manager’s performance is
not based on any specific fund’s or strategy’s assets under management or performance, but is affected by the overall performance of the firm. Each portfolio manager is also eligible to participate in AQR’s 401(k) retirement plan
which is offered to all employees or AQR.
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BMO:
Compensation for BMO’s portfolio managers consists of base salary, which is monitored to ensure competitiveness in the external marketplace. In addition to base salary, portfolio managers have a portion of their
compensation tied to the investment performance of client accounts. The formula for each professional varies according to their level of portfolio responsibility and seniority. Investment professionals also may receive bonuses of restricted share
units or other units linked to the performance of the Bank of Montreal, the indirect owner of BMO Asset Management Corp.
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Boston Partners
: All investment professionals receive a compensation package comprised of an industry competitive base salary and a discretionary bonus and long-term incentives. Through our bonus program, key investment professionals
are rewarded primarily for strong investment performance.
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Typically, bonuses
are based upon a combination of one or more of the following four criteria:
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1. Individual
Contribution: an evaluation of the professional’s individual contribution based on the expectations established at the beginning of each year;
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2. Product
Investment Performance: performance of the investment product(s) with which the individual is involved versus the pre-designed index, based on the excess return;
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3. Investment Team
Performance: the financial results of the investment group; and
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4. Firm-wide
Performance: the overall financial performance of Boston Partners.
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Boston Partners
professional compensation consultants with asset management expertise to annually review our practices to ensure that they remain highly competitive. The firm offers a profit participation plan focused on the firm's investment professionals whereby
participants receive the equivalent of an equity stake in the firm. The incentive plan provides for the issuance of restricted shares and options that vest over multi-year periods.
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Columbia Management
: Portfolio manager direct compensation is typically comprised of a base salary, and an annual incentive award that is paid either in the form of a cash bonus if the size of the award is under a specified threshold, or,
if the size of the award is over a specified threshold, the award is paid in a combination of a cash bonus, an equity incentive award, and deferred compensation. Equity incentive awards are made in the form of Ameriprise Financial restricted stock,
or for more senior employees both Ameriprise Financial restricted stock and stock options. The investment return credited on deferred compensation is based on the performance of specified Columbia Funds, in most cases including the Columbia Funds
the portfolio manager manages.
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Base salary is
typically determined based on market data relevant to the employee’s position, as well as other factors including internal equity. Base salaries are reviewed annually, and increases are typically given as promotional increases, internal equity
adjustments, or market adjustments.
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Annual
incentive awards are variable and are based on (1) an evaluation of the employee’s investment performance and (2) the results of a peer and/or management review of the employee, which takes into account skills and attributes such as team
participation, investment process, communication, and professionalism. Scorecards are used to measure performance of Columbia Funds and other accounts managed by the employee versus benchmarks and/or peer groups. Performance
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versus benchmark
and peer group is generally weighted for the rolling one, three, and five year periods. One year performance is weighted 10%, three year performance is weighted 60%, and five year performance is weighted 30%. Relative asset size is a key determinant
for fund weighting on a scorecard. Typically, weighting would be proportional to actual assets. Consideration may also be given to performance in managing client assets in sectors and industries assigned to the employee as part of his/her investment
team responsibilities, where applicable. For leaders who also have group management responsibilities, another factor in their evaluation is an assessment of the group’s overall investment performance.
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Equity incentive
awards are designed to align participants’ interests with those of the shareholders of Ameriprise Financial. Equity incentive awards vest over multiple years, so they help retain employees.
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Deferred
compensation awards are designed to align participants’ interests with the investors in the Columbia Funds and other accounts they manage. The value of the deferral account is based on the performance of Columbia Funds. Employees have the
option of selecting from various Columbia Funds for their deferral account, however portfolio managers must allocate a minimum of 25% of their incentive awarded through the deferral program to the Columbia Fund(s) they manage. Deferrals vest over
multiple years, so they help retain employees.
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Exceptions to this
general approach to bonuses exist for certain teams and individuals. Funding for the bonus pool is determined by management and depends on, among other factors, the levels of compensation generally in the investment management industry taking into
account investment performance (based on market compensation data) and both Ameriprise Financial and Columbia Management profitability for the year, which is largely determined by assets under management.
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For
all employees the benefit programs generally are the same, and are competitive within the financial services industry. Employees participate in a wide variety of plans, including options in Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent
Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k), and a cash balance pension plan.
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Conestoga:
Each of the Fund’s portfolio managers is a partner of Conestoga. As such, each portfolio manager receives a share of Conestoga’s annual profits, as specified in the manager’s partnership agreement with
Conestoga, from Conestoga’s management of the Fund and all other accounts.
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DGHM:
The portfolio managers’ compensation varies with the general success of the firm. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of a fixed annual salary, plus additional remuneration based on assets
under management. The portfolio managers’ compensation is not directly linked to the performance of the Fund or other accounts managed by the firm, although positive performance and growth in managed assets are factors that may contribute to
distributable profits and assets under management.
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EAM:
The portfolio manager’s compensation is comprised of a base salary, a revenue allocation and firm profit allocation. The salary is in-line with industry specific benchmarks. The revenue allocation is based on
firm-wide revenue while the profit allocation is based on firm-wide profitability. There is no direct linkage between performance and compensation, however, there is an indirect linkage as superior performance tends to attract and retain assets and
consequently increase revenues and profitability.
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Loomis Sayles:
Loomis Sayles believes that portfolio manager compensation should be driven primarily by the delivery of consistent and superior long-term performance for its clients. Portfolio manager compensation is made up primarily
of three main components: base salary, variable compensation and a long-term incentive program. Although portfolio manager compensation is not directly tied to assets under management, a portfolio manager’s base salary and/or variable
compensation potential may reflect the amount of assets for which the manager is responsible relative to other portfolio managers. Loomis Sayles also offers a profit sharing plan. Base salary is a fixed amount based on a combination of factors,
including industry experience, firm experience, job performance and market considerations. Variable compensation is an incentive-based component and generally represents a significant multiple of base salary. Variable compensation is based on four
factors: investment performance, profit growth of the firm, profit growth of the manager’s business unit and team commitment. Investment performance is the primary component of total variable compensation and generally represents at least 60%
of the total for fixed-income managers and 70% for equity managers. The other three factors are used to determine the remainder of variable compensation, subject to the discretion of the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) and senior
management. The CIO and senior management evaluate these other factors annually.
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Equity
Managers
.
While mutual fund performance and asset size do not directly contribute to the compensation calculation, investment performance for equity managers is measured by comparing the performance of Loomis
Sayles’ institutional composites to the performance of the applicable Morningstar peer group and/or the Lipper universe. Generally speaking the performance of the respective product’s fund is compared against the applicable Morningstar
peer group and/or the Lipper universe. If the majority of the assets in the product are contained in the mutual fund that comparison will drive compensation. To the extent the majority of assets managed in the fund strategy are for institutional
separate accounts, the
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Evestment Alliance
institutional peer group will also be used as an additional comparison. In situations where substantially all of the assets for the strategy are institutional, the institutional peer group will be used as the primary method of comparison. A
manager’s performance relative to the peer group for the 1, 3 and 5 year periods (or since the start of the manager’s tenure, if shorter) is used to calculate the amount of variable compensation payable due to performance. The 1 year may
be eliminated for some products (large cap growth, all cap growth and global growth). Longer-term performance (3 and 5 or 10 years for large cap growth, all cap growth and global growth) years or since the start of the manager’s tenure, if
shorter) combined is weighted more than shorter-term performance (1 year or 3 years for large cap growth, all cap growth and global growth). In addition, the performance measurement for equity compensation incorporates a consistency metric using
longer term (3, 5, etc.) rolling return compared to the peer group over a sustained measurement period (5, 7, etc. years). The exact method may be adjusted to a product’s particular style. If a manager is responsible for more than one product,
the rankings of each product are weighted based on relative revenue of accounts represented in each product. An external benchmark is used as a secondary comparison. The external benchmark used for the MM Growth Strategies Fund is the Russell 1000
Growth Index.
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In cases where the
institutional peer groups are used, Loomis Sayles believes they represent the most competitive product universe while closely matching the investment styles offered by the Loomis Sayles fund.
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Fixed-Income
Managers. While mutual fund performance and asset size do not directly contribute to the compensation calculation, investment performance for fixed-income managers is measured by comparing the performance of Loomis Sayles’ institutional
composite (pre-tax and net of fees) in the manager’s style to the performance of an external benchmark and a customized peer group. The external benchmark used for the investment style utilized by each fund is noted below. The customized peer
group is created by Loomis Sayles and is made up of institutional managers in the particular investment style. A manager’s relative performance for the past five years, or seven years for some products, is used to calculate the amount of
variable compensation payable due to performance. To ensure consistency, Loomis Sayles analyzes the five or seven year performance on a rolling three year basis. If a manager is responsible for more than one product, the rankings of each product are
weighted based on relative revenue size of accounts represented in each product. Loomis Sayles uses both an external benchmark and a customized peer group as a point of comparison for fixed-income manager performance because it believes they
represent an appropriate combination of the competitive fixed-income product universe and the investment styles offered by Loomis Sayles. The external benchmark used for the MM Total Return Bond Strategies Fund is the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index.
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In addition to the
compensation described above, portfolio managers may receive additional compensation based on the overall growth of their strategies.
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General. Most
mutual funds are not included in the Loomis Sayles’ strategy composites, so unlike managed accounts, fund performance and asset size in those cases would not directly contribute to this calculation. However, each fund managed by Loomis Sayles
employs strategies endorsed by Loomis Sayles and fits into the product category for the relevant investment style. Loomis Sayles may adjust compensation if there is significant dispersion among the returns of the composite and accounts not included
in the composite.
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|
Loomis
Sayles has developed and implemented two distinct long-term incentive plans to attract and retain investment talent. The plans supplement existing compensation. The first plan has several important components distinguishing it from traditional
equity ownership plans:
|
■
|
the plan grants
units that entitle participants to an annual payment based on a percentage of company earnings above an established threshold;
|
■
|
upon retirement, a
participant will receive a multi-year payout for his or her vested units; and
|
■
|
participation
is contingent upon signing an award agreement, which includes a non-compete covenant.
|
The second plan is similarly
constructed although the participants’ annual participation in company earnings is deferred for two years from the time of award and is only payable if the portfolio manager remains at Loomis Sayles. In this plan, there are no post-retirement
payments or non-compete covenants.
Senior management expects that
the variable compensation portion of overall compensation will continue to remain the largest source of income for those investment professionals included in the plan. The plan is initially offered to portfolio managers and over time the scope of
eligibility is likely to widen. Management has full discretion on what units are issued and to whom.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
124
|
Portfolio managers also
participate in the Loomis Sayles profit sharing plan, in which Loomis Sayles makes a contribution to the retirement plan of each employee based on a percentage of base salary (up to a maximum amount). The portfolio managers also participate in the
Loomis Sayles defined benefit pension plan, which applies to all Loomis Sayles employees who joined the firm prior to May 3, 2003. The defined benefit is based on years of service and base compensation (up to a maximum amount).
|
Los Angeles Capital:
Los Angeles Capital’s portfolio managers participate in a competitive compensation program that is aimed at attracting and retaining talented employees with an emphasis on disciplined risk management, ethics and
compliance-centered behavior. No component of Los Angeles Capital’s compensation policy or payment scheme is tied directly to the performance of one or more client portfolios or funds.
|
|
Each of Los
Angeles Capital’s portfolio managers receives a base salary fixed from year to year. In addition, the portfolio managers participate in Los Angeles Capital’s profit sharing plan. The aggregate amount of the contribution to Los Angeles
Capital’s profit sharing plan is based on overall firm profitability with amounts paid to individual employees based on their relative overall compensation. Each of the portfolio managers also are shareholders of Los Angeles Capital and
receive compensation based upon the firm’s overall profits. Certain portfolio managers are also eligible to receive a discretionary bonus from Los Angeles Capital.
|
|
Prudential
: The base salary of an investment professional Prudential is based on market data relative to similar positions as well as the past performance, years of experience and scope of responsibility of the individual.
Incentive compensation, including the annual cash bonus, the long-term equity grant and grants under Prudential’s long-term incentive plan, is primarily based on such person’s contribution to Prudential’s goal of providing
investment performance to clients consistent with portfolio objectives, guidelines and risk parameters and market-based data such as compensation trends and levels of overall compensation for similar positions in the asset management industry. In
addition, an investment professional’s qualitative contributions to the organization are considered in determining incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not solely based on the performance of, or value of assets in, any single
account or group of client accounts.
|
|
An investment
professional’s annual cash bonus is paid from an annual incentive pool. The pool is developed as a percentage of Prudential’s operating income and is refined by business metrics, which may include:
|
|
- business
development initiatives, measured primarily by growth in operating income;
|
|
- the number of
investment professionals receiving a bonus; and/or
|
|
- investment
performance of portfolios: (i) relative to appropriate peer groups and/or (ii) as measured against relevant investment indices.
|
|
Long-term
compensation consists of Prudential Financial restricted stock and grants under the long-term incentive plan. Grants under the long-term incentive plan are participation interests in notional accounts with a beginning value of a specified dollar
amount. The value attributed to these notional accounts increases or decreases over a defined period of time based, in part, on the performance of investment composites representing a number of Prudential’s most frequently marketed investment
strategies. An investment composite is an aggregation of accounts with similar investment strategies. The long-term incentive plan is designed to more closely align compensation with investment performance and the growth of Prudential’s
business. Both the restricted stock and participation interests are subject to vesting requirements.
|
|
TCW:
The overall objective of TCW’s compensation program for portfolio managers is to attract experienced 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 contributions to the successful performance of the accounts they manage. Portfolio managers are compensated through a
combination of base salary, profit sharing based compensation (“profit sharing”), bonus and equity incentive participation in the TCW’s parent company (“equity incentives”). Profit sharing and equity incentives
generally represent most of the portfolio managers’ compensation. In some cases, portfolio managers are eligible for discretionary bonuses.
|
|
Salary.
Salary is agreed to with managers at time of employment and is reviewed from time to time. It does not change significantly and generally does not constitute a significant part of the portfolio manager’s
compensation.
|
|
Profit
Sharing.
Profit sharing for investment professionals is based on net income relating to accounts in the investment strategy area for which the investment professionals are responsible. In most cases, revenues are
allocated to a pool and profit sharing compensation is allocated among members of the investment team after the deduction of certain expenses (including base salaries) related to the strategy group. The allocations are based on the investment
professionals’ contributions to TCW and its clients, including qualitative and quantitative contributions.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
125
|
|
The profit sharing
percentage used to compensate investment professionals for investment services related to the Funds is generally the same as that used to compensate investment professionals for other client accounts in the same strategy managed by MetWest or one of
the other TCW-affiliated advisers (together, “the TCW Group”). In some cases, the profit sharing pool includes revenues related to more than one product, in which case each participant in the pool is entitled to profit sharing derived
from his or her contributions to all the included products.
|
|
Investment
professionals are not directly compensated for generating performance fees. In some cases, the profit sharing percentage or pool may be increased by the relative pre-tax performance of the investment strategy composite returns, net of fees and
expenses, to that of the benchmark. The measurement of performance relative to the benchmark can be based on single year or multiple year metrics, or a combination thereof. The benchmark used is the one associated with the Fund managed by the
portfolio manager as disclosed in the prospectus. Benchmarks vary from strategy to strategy but, within a given strategy, the same benchmark applies to all accounts, including the Funds.
|
|
Discretionary
Bonus/Guaranteed Minimums.
Discretionary bonuses may be paid out of an investment team’s profit sharing pool, as determined by the supervisor(s) in the department. Investment professionals do not receive profit
sharing or the company has determined the combination of salary and profit sharing does not adequately compensate an investment professional, discretionary bonuses may be paid by the TCW Group. Also, pursuant to contractual arrangements, some
investment professionals received minimum bonuses.
|
|
Equity Incentives.
Management believes that equity ownership aligns the interest of investment professionals with the interests of the firm and its clients. Accordingly, TCW’s key investment professionals participate in equity
incentives through ownership or participation in restricted unit plans that vest over time or unit appreciation plans of TCW’s parent company. The plans include the Fixed Income Retention Plan, Restricted Unit Plan and 2013 Equity Unit
Incentive Plan.
|
|
Under the Fixed
Income Retention Plan, certain investment professionals in the fixed income area were awarded cash and/or partnership units in TCW’s parent company, either on a contractually-determined basis or on a discretionary basis. Awards under this plan
were made in or after 2010 vested over a period of time.
|
|
Under the
Restricted Unit Plan, certain investment professionals in the fixed income and equity areas were awarded partnership units in TCW’s parent company. Awards under this plan vest over time. Vesting is in part dependent on satisfaction of
performance criteria.
|
|
Under the 2013
Equity Unit Incentive Plan, certain investment professionals in the fixed income and equity areas are awarded options to acquire partnership units in TCW’s parent company with a strike price equal to the fair market value of the option at the
date of grant. The options granted under the plan are subject to vesting and other conditions.
|
|
Other
Plans and Compensation Vehicles.
Investment professionals may also elect to participate in the TCW Group’s 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.
|
|
Threadneedle:
Direct compensation is typically comprised of a base salary, and an annual incentive award that is paid either in the form of a cash bonus if the size of the award is under a specified threshold, or, if the size of the
award is over a specified threshold, the award is paid in a combination of a cash bonus, an equity incentive award, and deferred compensation. Equity incentive awards are made in the form of Ameriprise Financial restricted stock, or for more senior
employees both Ameriprise Financial restricted stock and stock options. The investment return credited on deferred compensation is based on the performance of specified Threadneedle funds, in most cases including the funds the portfolio manager
manages.
|
|
Base salary is
typically determined based on market data relevant to the employee’s position, as well as other factors including internal equity. Base salaries are reviewed annually, and increases are typically given as promotional increases, internal equity
adjustments, or market adjustments.
|
|
Annual
incentive awards and pool funding are variable and are designed to reward:
|
■
|
Investment
performance, both at the individual and team levels
|
■
|
Client
requirements, in particular the alignment with clients through a mandatory deferral into the company’s own products
|
■
|
Team
cooperation and Values
|
Scorecards are used to measure
performance of Threadneedle funds and other accounts managed by the employee. Prior to 2016, the primary measurement of performance was return versus the relevant benchmark on a 1- and 3-year basis, with a bias towards 3-year performance in order to
incentivize delivery of longer-term performance. In order to provide an integrated global compensation framework to investment employees across all locations, in 2016 performance will be measured versus peer performance wherever appropriate, in
addition to return versus benchmark. In addition, longer-term
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
126
|
performance will be incorporated, using 1-year,
3-year, and 4-year performance in 2016, and 1-year, 3-year, 5-year performance from 2017 onwards, both weighted 10% on the 1-year, 60% on the 3-year, and 30% on the 4 or 5-year. Consideration may also be given to performance in managing client
assets in sectors and industries assigned to the employee as part of his/her investment team responsibilities, where applicable.
Equity incentive awards are
designed to align participants’ interests with those of the shareholders of Ameriprise Financial. Equity incentive awards vest over multiple years, so they help retain employees.
Deferred compensation awards are
designed to align participants’ interests with the investors in the funds and other accounts they manage. The value of the deferral account is based on the performance of those funds. Employees have the option of selecting from various
internal funds for their deferral account. Deferrals vest over multiple years, so they help to retain employees and to align their longer-term interests with those of the investor.
Exceptions to this general
approach to bonuses exist for certain teams and individuals. Funding for the bonus pool is determined by management and overseen by the EMEA Remuneration Committee, and depends on, among other factors, the levels of compensation generally in the
investment management industry taking into account investment performance (based on market compensation data) and both Ameriprise Financial and the asset management business profitability for the year, which is largely determined by assets under
management.
For all
employees the benefit programs generally are the same, and are competitive within the Financial Services Industry. Employees participate in a wide variety of plans, including options in Medical, Health Care, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability
Insurance, and retirement savings plans.
|
Water Island:
Investment professionals are compensated with salary and a bonus based on individual performance, both relative and absolute fund performance, and profitability of Water Island. Profit sharing in Water Island may also
be included as potential compensation. In addition, Water Island believes employee ownership and the opportunity for all employees to hold ownership interests in Water Island fosters teamwork and encourages longevity in tenure. Ownership shares may
be issued to employees based on tenure, position, and contribution to Water Island. Water Island’s policies help ensure that the financial interests of its key investment personnel are aligned with its clients’ financial interests. Water
Island also expends efforts to help ensure it attracts and retains key investment talent. Its goal is to focus its employees on long-term rather than short-term performance and to encourage employee retention.
|
The Administrator
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (which
is also the Investment Manager) serves as administrator of the Funds.
Administrative Services Agreement
Prior to the Management Agreement Effective Date listed for each
Fund in the
Investment Management and Other Services – The Investment Manager and Subadvisers – Management Agreement Fee Rates
section, each Fund, except MM Directional Alternative
Strategies Fund, unless otherwise noted, was party to the Investment Management Services Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement with the Investment Manager for advisory and administrative services, respectively. Each Fund party to these
agreements paid the Investment Manager an annual fee for advisory services, as set forth in the Investment Management Services Agreement, and a separate fee for administrative services under the Administrative Services Agreement. See
Investment Management and Other Services – The Investment Manager and Subadvisers – Investment Management Services Agreement
for information with respect to the Investment Management
Services Agreement. As of the Management Agreement Effective Date for each Fund, these services have been combined under the Management Agreement as described in the
Investment Management and Other
Services – The Investment Manager and Subadvisers
section.
Services Provided Under the Administrative Services
Agreement
Pursuant to the terms of the Administrative
Services Agreement, the Investment Manager has agreed to provide all of the services necessary for, or appropriate to, the business and effective operation of each Fund that are not (a) provided by employees or other agents engaged by the Fund or
(b) required to be provided by any person pursuant to any other agreement or arrangement with the Fund.
Administrative Services Fee
Prior to the Management Agreement
Effective Date, the administrative services fee was calculated as a percentage of the daily net assets of each Fund and was paid monthly at the annual rates as set forth in the Administrative Services Agreement.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
127
|
Administrative Services Fees Paid.
The table below shows the total administrative services fees paid by each Fund under the Administrative Services Agreement for the last three fiscal periods. Amounts shown for each Fund's most recent
fiscal period, beginning with the Funds with a fiscal period ended March 31, 2016, are for the period from the first day of the applicable fiscal year through the Fund's Management Agreement Effective Date (see
Management Agreement Fee
Schedule
). The table is organized by fiscal year end.
Administrative Services Fees
|
Administrative
Services Fees
|
Fund
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$420
|
$2,208
|
$2,157
(a)
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
392,250
|
938,124
|
788,903
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
71,076
|
214,928
|
246,870
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
1,095,275
|
3,122,847
|
2,844,401
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
142,968
|
492,269
|
648,503
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
314,329
|
942,806
|
923,677
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(b)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
18,480
|
4,748
(c)
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
243,472
|
930,547
|
1,100,362
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
705,786
|
2,202,786
|
2,670,960
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
403,250
|
976,955
|
946,749
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
88,584
|
149,017
|
14,195
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
48,241
|
43,808
(d)
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
29,280
|
23,286
(e)
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
1,293,409
|
3,998,779
|
3,874,276
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
192,012
|
542,532
|
514,436
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
101,527
|
305,465
|
298,874
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
584,102
|
1,688,311
|
1,574,915
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
815,484
|
2,394,304
|
2,389,135
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
4,699
|
3,773
(f)
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
(g)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
605,430
|
1,412,144
|
1,003,963
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
1,004,339
|
2,679,269
|
1,980,665
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
131,266
|
727,538
|
915,159
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
292,437
|
1,140,095
|
1,030,737
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
139,005
|
490,647
|
527,055
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
48,280
|
181,053
|
228,506
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Greater
China Fund
|
37,315
|
117,428
|
109,539
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
365,736
|
1,201,473
|
1,364,213
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
202,111
|
609,318
|
580,432
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
128
|
|
Administrative
Services Fees
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
$349,312
|
$638,594
|
$524,224
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
985,615
|
2,809,022
|
2,434,558
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
126,449
|
540,729
|
989,666
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
36,936
|
111,085
|
120,529
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
472,435
|
1,364,016
|
1,327,108
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
67,735
|
202,872
|
208,051
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
64,375
|
186,753
|
177,279
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
119,000
|
331,278
|
316,431
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
44,957
|
124,233
|
119,403
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
497,333
|
1,322,802
|
1,406,311
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
97,784
|
325,962
|
324,853
|
(a)
|
For the period from March 11,
2014 (commencement of operations) to January 31, 2015.
|
(b)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
(c)
|
For the period from March 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2015.
|
(d)
|
For the period from January 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(e)
|
For the period from February
19, 2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(f)
|
For the period from March 26,
2015 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2015.
|
(g)
|
The Fund did not pay an
administrative services fee under the Administrative Services Agreement because payment for such services was included in its Unitary Fee.
|
The Distributor
Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
(the Distributor), 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial and an affiliate of the Investment Manager, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor for the continuous offering of
shares of the Funds pursuant to a Distribution Agreement. The Distribution Agreement obligates the Distributor to use reasonable efforts to find purchasers for the shares of the Funds.
Distribution Obligations
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, as agent,
sells shares of the Funds on a continuous basis and transmits purchase and redemption orders that it receives to the Trust or the Transfer Agent, or their designated agents. Additionally, the Distributor has agreed to use reasonable efforts to
solicit orders for the sale of shares and to undertake advertising and promotion as it believes appropriate in connection with such solicitation. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, at its own expense, finances those activities
as it deems reasonable and which are primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Funds, including, but not limited to, advertising, compensation of underwriters, dealers and sales personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to
other than existing shareholders, and the printing and mailing of sales literature. The Distributor, however, may be compensated or reimbursed for all or a portion of such expenses to the extent permitted by a Distribution Plan adopted by the Trust
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. See
Investment Management and Other Services – Distribution and/or Servicing Plans
for more information about the share classes for which the
Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan.
See
Investment Management and Other Services – Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest
for more information about conflicts
of interest, including those that relate to the Investment Manager and its affiliates.
The Distribution Agreement became effective with
respect to each Fund after approval by its Board, and, after an initial two-year period, continues from year to year, provided that such continuation of the Distribution Agreement is specifically approved at least annually by the Board, including
its Independent Trustees. The Distribution Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable with respect to each Fund at any time without penalty by the Trust (by vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund) or by the Distributor on 60 days’ written notice.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
129
|
Underwriting Commissions Paid by the Funds
The Distributor received commissions and other compensation for its
services as reflected in the following charts, which show amounts paid to the Distributor, as well as amounts the Distributor retained, after paying commissions, for the three most recently completed fiscal years.
Sales Charges Paid to, and Retained by, Distributor
|
Sales
Charges Paid to Distributor
|
Amount
Retained by Distributor
After Paying Commissions
|
Fund
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$897
|
$0
|
$0
(a)
|
$129
|
$0
|
$0
(a)
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
17,791
|
7,352
|
5,038
|
2,639
|
1,015
|
1,169
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
1,022,570
|
1,136,315
|
1,763,649
|
164,470
|
234,232
|
256,761
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
67,551
|
42,181
|
39,971
|
11,628
|
6,802
|
7,616
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
36,891
|
80,500
|
141,793
|
6,685
|
12,942
|
30,440
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(b)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
471
|
0
(c)
|
N/A
|
71
|
0
(c)
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
57,953
|
33,869
|
43,299
|
8,670
|
6,117
|
7,868
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
240,913
|
279,465
|
262,066
|
38,295
|
47,107
|
50,390
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
2,677
|
14,959
|
23,853
|
2,677
|
3,658
|
7,073
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
368,923
|
616,767
|
8,014
|
75,668
|
89,399
|
1,168
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
48,909
|
9,733
(d)
|
N/A
|
7,683
|
1,415
(d)
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
3,037
|
0
(e)
|
N/A
|
410
|
0
(e)
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
1,845,108
|
1,603,065
|
2,273,504
|
292,895
|
263,988
|
386,812
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
244,719
|
361,055
|
157,293
|
46,510
|
58,286
|
26,423
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
94,063
|
72,678
|
97,659
|
15,790
|
11,662
|
19,906
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
1,084,362
|
1,005,649
|
753,732
|
173,619
|
150,091
|
118,220
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
1,261,223
|
1,557,740
|
1,198,509
|
206,688
|
239,816
|
192,558
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
11,261
|
0
(f)
|
N/A
|
1,697
|
0
(f)
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
10,975,587
|
6,281,355
|
3,027,922
|
1,701,137
|
951,730
|
455,972
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
4,193,236
|
4,190,663
|
2,420,284
|
658,542
|
612,550
|
386,442
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
24,451
|
57,817
|
134,084
|
4,216
|
12,448
|
20,682
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
158,125
|
223,116
|
298,791
|
23,619
|
33,697
|
47,106
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
43,430
|
90,766
|
114,351
|
7,019
|
14,294
|
17,962
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
213,270
|
319,897
|
130,325
|
32,963
|
49,263
|
20,711
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
562,528
|
509,917
|
157,172
|
118,082
|
74,714
|
24,452
|
Greater
China Fund
|
27,322
|
112,545
|
42,848
|
11,040
|
21,019
|
8,058
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
358,920
|
317,206
|
324,615
|
54,093
|
48,677
|
51,046
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
130
|
|
Sales
Charges Paid to Distributor
|
Amount
Retained by Distributor
After Paying Commissions
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
$36,703
|
$29,677
|
$37,109
|
$5,534
|
$4,679
|
$6,056
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
11,020
|
12,062
|
8,733
|
1,792
|
2,755
|
1,346
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
117,184
|
148,524
|
123,677
|
20,121
|
29,051
|
21,649
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
30,867
|
11,664
|
23,261
|
8,906
|
2,118
|
3,824
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
48,490
|
21,110
|
24,769
|
11,913
|
4,309
|
4,129
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
148,911
|
143,676
|
140,634
|
27,312
|
23,774
|
25,042
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
168,081
|
60,483
|
92,518
|
29,102
|
9,753
|
15,649
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
2,239,469
|
1,355,201
|
764,465
|
392,648
|
219,886
|
136,566
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
129,130
|
115,646
|
148,666
|
18,689
|
23,378
|
24,627
|
(a)
|
For the period from March 11,
2014 (commencement of operations) to January 31, 2015.
|
(b)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
(c)
|
For the period from March 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2015.
|
(d)
|
For the period from January 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(e)
|
For the period from February
19, 2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(f)
|
For the period from March 26,
2015 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2015.
|
Part of the sales charge may be paid to selling
dealers who have agreements with the Distributor. The Distributor will retain the balance of the sales charge. At times the entire sales charge may be paid to selling dealers. See the prospectus for amounts retained by financial intermediaries as a
percentage of the offering price.
Distribution and/or
Servicing Plans
The Trustees have adopted
distribution and/or shareholder servicing plans for certain share classes. See the cover of this SAI for the share classes offered by the Funds.
The table below shows the annual distribution and/or
services fees (payable monthly and calculated based on an annual percentage of average daily net assets) and the combined amount of such fees applicable to each share class. The Trust is not aware as to what amount, if any, of the distribution and
service fees paid to the Distributor were, on a Fund-by-Fund basis, used for advertising, printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders, compensation to broker-dealers, compensation to sales personnel, or interest, carrying
or other financing charges.
|
Distribution
Fee
|
Service
Fee
|
Combined
Total
|
Class
A
|
up
to 0.10%
|
0.25%
|
Up
to 0.25%
(a)(b)
|
Class
A for Multi-Manager Strategies Funds
|
up
to 0.25%
|
up
to 0.25%
|
0.25%
(c)
|
Class
B
|
0.75%
|
0.25%
|
1.00%
(b)
|
Class
C
|
0.75%
|
0.25%
|
1.00%
(b)(d)
|
Class
E
|
0.10%
|
0.25%
|
0.35%
|
Class
F
|
0.75%
|
0.25%
|
1.00%
|
Class
K
|
None
|
None
(e)
|
None
(e)
|
Class
R
|
0.50%
|
—
(f)
|
0.50%
|
Class
R4
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Class
R5
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Class
V
|
None
|
0.50%
(g)
|
0.50%
(g)
|
Class
T
|
up
to 0.25%
|
up
to 0.25%
|
0.25%
|
Class
Y
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Class
Z
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Shares
of Ultra Short Term Bond Fund
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
(a)
|
As shown in the table below,
the maximum distribution and service fees of Class A shares varies among the Funds.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
131
|
Funds
|
Class
A
Distribution Fee
|
Class
A
Service Fee
|
Class
A
Combined Total
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund, Alternative Beta Fund, AMT-Free CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, AMT-Free MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, AMT-Free NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Bond Fund, CA Tax-Exempt Fund, Corporate Income Fund, Diversified Absolute
Return Fund, Diversified Real Return Fund; Emerging Markets Fund, Global Dividend Opportunity Fund, Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund, Greater China Fund, Multi-Asset Income Fund, NY Tax-Exempt Fund, Pacific/Asia Fund, Select Large Cap Growth
Fund, Small Cap Value Fund I, Strategic Income Fund, U.S. Social Bond Fund and U.S. Treasury Index Fund
|
—
|
0.25%
|
0.25%
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, HY Municipal Fund and Tax-Exempt Fund
|
—
|
0.20%
|
0.20%
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Balanced Fund, Contrarian Core Fund, Disciplined Small Core Fund, Dividend Income Fund, Global Technology Growth Fund, Large Cap Growth Fund, Mid Cap Growth Fund, Real Estate Equity Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund I and
Total Return Bond Fund
|
up
to 0.10%
|
up
to 0.25%
|
Up
to 0.35%; these Funds may pay distribution and service fees up to a maximum of 0.35% of their average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares but currently limit such fees to an aggregate fee of not more than 0.25%
|
(b)
|
The annual service fee for
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of HY Municipal Fund, AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund and Tax-Exempt Fund may equal up to 0.20% of the average daily net asset value of all shares of such Fund class. The annual distribution fee for Class B
and Class C shares for AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund shall be 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class B and Class C shares. The Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive the Service Fee for Class A, Class B and Class
C shares of U.S. Treasury Index Fund so that the Service Fee does not exceed 0.15% annually. This arrangement may be modified by the Distributor at any time.
|
(c)
|
Class A shares of
Multi-Manager Strategies Funds may pay distribution and service fees up to a maximum of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares (comprised of up to 0.25% for distribution services and up to 0.25% for
shareholder liaison services).
|
(d)
|
The Distributor has voluntarily
agreed to waive a portion of the distribution fee for Class C shares of the following Funds so that the distribution fee does not exceed the specified percentage annually: 0.45% for AMT-Free CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, AMT-Free MA Intermediate
Muni Bond Fund, AMT-Free NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, AMT-Free OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, CA Tax-Exempt Fund and NY Tax-Exempt Fund; 0.60% for Corporate Income Fund; 0.65% for HY Municipal Fund and Tax-Exempt Fund; and 0.70% for U.S.
Treasury Index Fund. These arrangements may be modified or terminated by the Distributor at any time.
|
(e)
|
Under a Plan Administration
Services Agreement, the Funds’ Class K shares pay for plan administration services. These fees for Class K shares are not paid pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan. See
Investment Management and Other
Services – Other Services Provided – Plan Administration Services
for more information.
|
(f)
|
Class R shares pay a
distribution fee pursuant to a Fund’s distribution (Rule 12b-1) plan for Class R shares. The Funds do not have a shareholder service plan for Class R shares.
|
(g)
|
The shareholder servicing fees
for Class V shares are up to 0.50% of average daily net assets attributable to Class V shares for equity Funds and 0.40% for fixed income Funds. In general, the Funds currently limit such fees to a maximum of 0.25% for equity Funds and 0.15% for
fixed income Funds. These fees for Class V shares are not paid pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan. See
Class V Shares Shareholder Service Fees
below for more information.
|
If you maintain shares of a Fund directly with the
Fund, without working directly with a financial advisor or financial intermediary, distribution and service fees, as applicable, are retained by the Distributor as payment or reimbursement for incurring certain distribution and shareholder service
related expenses.
Over time, these
distribution and/or shareholder service fees will reduce the return on your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The Fund will pay these fees to the Distributor and/or to eligible financial intermediaries for as
long as the distribution and/or shareholder servicing plans continue in effect. The Fund may reduce or discontinue payments at any time. Your financial intermediary may also charge you other additional fees for providing services to your account,
which may be different from those described here.
The shareholder servicing plans permit the Funds to
compensate or reimburse financial intermediaries for the shareholder services they have provided. The Distribution Plans permit the Funds to compensate or reimburse the Distributor and/or financial intermediaries for activities or expenses primarily
intended to result in the sale of the classes’ shares. Payments are made at an annual rate and paid monthly, as a percentage of average daily net assets, set from time to time by the Board, and are charged as expenses of each Fund directly to
the applicable share class. A substantial portion of the expenses incurred pursuant to these plans may be paid to affiliates of the Distributor and Ameriprise Financial.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
132
|
Under the shareholder servicing plan, the Board must
review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts paid under the servicing agreements and the purposes for which those expenditures were made. The initial term of the shareholder servicing plan is one year and it will continue in effect
from year to year provided that its continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the
shareholder servicing plan or in any agreement related to it. Any material amendment to the shareholder servicing plan must be approved in the same manner. The shareholder servicing plan is terminable at any time with respect to the Funds by a vote
of a majority of the Independent Trustees.
The
Trustees believe the Distribution Plans could be a significant factor in the growth and retention of a Fund’s assets resulting in more advantageous expense ratios and increased investment flexibility which could benefit each class of Fund
shareholders. The Distribution Plans will continue in effect from year to year so long as continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees. The Distribution Plans may not be amended
to increase the fee materially without approval by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant class of shares, and all material amendments of the Distribution Plans must be approved by the Trustees in the manner provided
in the foregoing sentence. The Distribution Plans may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant class of shares.
Class V Shares Shareholder Service Fees
The Funds that offer Class V shares have adopted a shareholder
services plan that permits them to pay for certain services provided to Class V shareholders by their financial intermediaries. Equity Funds may pay shareholder servicing fees up to an aggregate annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily
net assets attributable to Class V shares (comprised of up to 0.25% for shareholder liaison services and up to 0.25% for administrative support services). Fixed income Funds may pay shareholder servicing fees up to an aggregate annual rate of 0.40%
of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class V shares (comprised of an annual rate of up to 0.20% for shareholder liaison services and up to 0.20% for administrative support services). These fees are currently limited to an
aggregate annual rate of not more than 0.25% for equity Funds and not more than 0.15% for fixed income Funds. These fees for Class V shares are not paid pursuant to a 12b-1 plan. With respect to those Funds that declare dividends on a daily basis,
the shareholder servicing fee shall be waived by the financial intermediaries to the extent necessary to prevent net investment income from falling below 0.00% on a daily basis. The Funds consider “administrative support services” to
include, without limitation, (i) aggregating and processing purchase and redemption orders, (ii) providing beneficial owners with statements showing their positions in the Funds, (iii) processing dividend payments, (iv) providing sub-accounting
services for Fund shares held beneficially, (v) forwarding shareholder communications, such as proxies, shareholder reports, dividend and tax notices, and updating prospectuses to beneficial owners, (vi) receiving, tabulating and transmitting
proxies executed by the beneficial owners, (vii) sub-transfer agent services for beneficial owners of Fund shares and (viii) other similar services. If you maintain shares of a Fund directly with the Fund, without working directly with a financial
advisor or other intermediary, shareholder services fees may be retained by the Distributor as payment or reimbursement for incurring certain shareholder service related expenses.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
133
|
Fees Paid
The table below shows the distribution and/or servicing fees paid
by each Fund during the Fund's last fiscal year (or period). The table is organized by fiscal year end.
12b-1 Fees
Fund
|
Class
A
|
Class
B
|
Class
C
|
Class
R
|
Class
T
|
Class
V
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$162
|
N/A
|
$415
|
N/A
|
$22
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
5,776,564
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
8,663
|
N/A
|
10,488
|
N/A
|
6
|
N/A
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
3,752,327
|
N/A
|
2,367,868
|
$105,960
|
83,291
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
128,581
|
$4,870
|
96,241
|
10,332
|
25
|
$16,765
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
266,084
|
3,840
|
111,083
|
N/A
|
139,545
|
N/A
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(a)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
120
|
N/A
|
657
|
N/A
|
23
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
653,179
|
13,661
|
285,741
|
15,814
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
2,871,342
|
78,725
|
563,148
|
13,808
|
1,359,214
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
47,907
|
8,247
|
68,443
|
N/A
|
319,950
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
398,939
|
N/A
|
590,225
|
1,669
|
518,696
|
N/A
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
39,577
|
N/A
|
17,952
|
48
|
301,579
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
383
|
N/A
|
98
|
N/A
|
61,508
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
5,647,307
|
62,372
|
6,478,551
|
412,994
|
311
|
187,690
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
310,960
|
4,298
|
363,227
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
110,057
|
109
|
183,890
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
(b)
|
4,363,946
|
125,631
|
906,736
|
86,669
|
325,462
|
440,986
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
6,518,006
|
13,895
|
913,046
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
2,077
|
N/A
|
422
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
6,031,202
|
73,401
|
9,213,426
|
292,874
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
6,359,888
|
76,014
|
5,323,306
|
345,403
|
294,416
|
357,601
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
250,214
|
2,399
|
179,472
|
N/A
|
617
|
148,334
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
580,051
|
18,344
|
190,994
|
40,367
|
20,750
|
N/A
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
280,065
|
6,799
|
111,887
|
4,313
|
5
|
N/A
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
227,547
|
6,868
|
146,575
|
24,563
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
379,362
|
6,362
|
516,075
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Greater
China Fund
|
167,517
|
5,754
|
112,133
|
N/A
|
5
|
N/A
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
2,253,655
|
57,021
|
488,241
|
86,554
|
417
|
53,974
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
1,911,440
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
3,105,137
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
14,233,353
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
440,204
|
9,779
|
136,468
|
7,188
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
134
|
Fund
|
Class
A
|
Class
B
|
Class
C
|
Class
R
|
Class
T
|
Class
V
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$24,212
|
$1,162
|
$43,420
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$17,726
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
490,408
|
2,057
|
501,956
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21,573
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
64,976
|
105
|
69,750
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
28,882
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
72,795
|
242
|
156,578
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
10,847
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
966,458
|
1,320
|
348,326
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
420,524
|
2,121
|
177,674
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
3,993,115
|
68,094
|
2,636,196
|
$19,497
|
$24
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
304,416
|
9,707
|
180,603
|
44,163
|
64
|
N/A
|
(a)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
(b)
|
The Fund paid distribution
and/or service fees of $51,563 for Class E shares and $8,125 for Class F shares for the fiscal year ended 2016.
|
Other Services Provided
The Transfer Agent
Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. is the transfer agent
for the Funds. The Transfer Agent is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent provides transfer agency, dividend disbursing and shareholder services to the Funds, for which the Funds
pay transfer agency fees based on the cost of servicing the Funds and a target profit margin. The Funds pay the Transfer Agent an annual fee payable monthly that varies by account type (on a per account or asset-based basis). With respect to Class Y
shares, the annual rate for transfer agency fees is currently capped at 0.025%. As described below under
Other Practices – Additional Shareholder Servicing Payments
, transfer agency fees
for Class K and Class R5 shares are also subject to an expense limitation.
In addition to the fees above, the Funds pay a fee
for shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries who maintain shares through omnibus or networked accounts. See
Other Practices – Additional Shareholder Servicing Payments
for more information.
The Funds also pay
certain reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses of the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent also may retain as additional compensation for its services revenues for fees for wire, telephone and redemption orders, IRA trustee agent fees and account
transcripts due the Transfer Agent from Fund shareholders and credits (net of bank charges) earned with respect to balances in accounts the Transfer Agent maintains in connection with its services to the Funds. Transfer agency costs for each Fund
are calculated separately for each of (i) Class K and Class R5 shares, (ii) Class Y shares, and (iii) all other share classes.
The fees paid to the Transfer Agent may be changed
by the Board without shareholder approval.
The
Transfer Agent retains BFDS/DST, 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, MA 02169 as the Funds’ sub-transfer agent. BFDS/DST assists the Transfer Agent in carrying out its duties.
Plan Administration Services
The Funds that offer Class K shares have a Plan Administration
Services Agreement with the Transfer Agent. Under the agreement, the Funds pay an annual plan administration services fee for the provision of various administrative, recordkeeping, communication and educational services, including services such as
implementation and conversion services, account set-up and maintenance, reconciliation and account recordkeeping, education services and administration to various plan types, including 529 plans, retirement plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
The fee for services is equal on an annual basis to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund attributable to Class K shares. These fees for Class K shares are not paid pursuant to a 12b-1 plan.
The Custodian
The Funds' securities and cash are held pursuant to a custodian
agreement with JPMorgan, 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005. JPMorgan is responsible for safeguarding the Funds' cash and securities, receiving and delivering securities and collecting the Funds' interest and dividends. The
custodian is permitted to deposit some or all of its securities in central depository systems as allowed by federal law. For its services, each Fund pays its custodian a maintenance charge and a charge per transaction in addition to reimbursing the
custodian’s out-of-pocket expenses.
As
part of this arrangement, securities purchased outside the United States are maintained in the custody of various foreign branches of JPMorgan or in other financial institutions as permitted by law and by the Funds' custodian agreement.
Statement
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PwC, which is located at 45 South Seventh Street, Suite 3400,
Minneapolis, MN 55402, is the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm. The financial statements contained in each Fund’s Annual Report were audited by PwC. The Board has selected PwC as the independent registered public accounting
firm to audit the Funds' books and review their tax returns for their respective fiscal years.
The
Report of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
and the audited financial statements are included in the annual report to shareholders of each Fund, and are incorporated herein by reference. No other parts of the annual or semi-annual reports
to shareholders are incorporated by reference herein. The audited financial statements incorporated by reference into the Funds' prospectuses and this SAI have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of the independent registered public
accounting firm, given on its authority as an expert in auditing and accounting.
Counsel
Ropes & Gray LLP serves as legal counsel to the Trust. Its
address is Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston St., Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Vedder Price P.C. serves as co-counsel. Its address is 1401 I Street N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005.
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Expense Limitations
The Investment Manager and certain of its affiliates
have agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse certain expenses, subject to certain exclusions described in a Fund’s prospectus, so that certain Funds’ net operating expenses, after giving effect to fees waived/expenses reimbursed and any
balance credits and/or overdraft charges from the Fund’s custodian, do not exceed specified rates for specified time periods, also as described in a Fund’s prospectus.
The table below shows the total Fund level expenses
reimbursed by the Investment Manager and its affiliates for the last three fiscal periods. The table is organized by fiscal year end.
Expenses Reimbursed
|
Amounts
Reimbursed
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$135,013
|
$153,869
|
$176,999
(a)
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
21,114
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
908,180
|
752,335
|
238,061
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
476,459
|
89,583
|
1,218
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(b)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
411,083
|
64,010
(c)
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
1,923
|
0
|
0
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
1,507,986
|
2,029,498
|
2,408,094
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
1,037,002
|
677,252
|
657,944
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
331,893
|
633,805
|
299,257
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
976,916
|
335,108
(d)
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
392,299
|
90,008
(e)
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
788,955
|
770,550
|
660,295
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
39,812
|
153,915
|
228,550
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
217,320
|
69,661
(f)
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
83,758
|
93,709
|
123,048
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
38,331
|
0
|
0
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
767,205
|
446,626
|
70,960
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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137
|
|
Amounts
Reimbursed
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
Greater
China Fund
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
1,786,978
|
1,694,733
|
1,560,798
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
135,594
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
277,658
|
288,981
|
301,578
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
2,078,361
|
2,569,822
|
2,332,871
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
446,678
|
462,338
|
453,509
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
591,994
|
576,794
|
536,026
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
348,734
|
457,819
|
422,557
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
226,407
|
244,644
|
230,452
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
97,786
|
627,722
|
23,441
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
(a)
|
For the period from March 11,
2014 (commencement of operations) to January 31, 2015.
|
(b)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
(c)
|
For the period from March 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2015.
|
(d)
|
For the period from January 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(e)
|
For the period from February
19, 2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(f)
|
For the period from March 26,
2015 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2015.
|
The table below shows the total fees waived by the
Investment Manager and its affiliates for the last three fiscal periods. If a Fund is not shown, there were no fees waived for the relevant fiscal periods. The table is organized by fiscal year end.
Fees Waived
|
Fees
Waived
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
N/A
|
$5,339
|
$18,710
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
$19,565
|
22,458
|
28,402
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
N/A
|
63,536
|
114,650
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
44,856
|
28,560
|
11,418
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
214,103
|
28,890
(a)
|
N/A
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
42,675
|
30,431
|
20,060
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
78,724
|
76,493
|
83,762
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
107,301
|
160,023
|
280,401
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
201,700
|
66,602
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
18,599
|
18,684
|
20,981
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
74,080
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
29,880
|
29,586
|
34,367
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
138
|
|
Fees
Waived
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$67,077
|
$57,409
|
$58,408
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
149,221
|
127,240
|
118,938
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
76,118
|
53,321
|
47,893
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
0
|
0
|
242,507
|
(a)
|
For the period from January 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and Its
Affiliates —
Certain Conflicts of Interest
As described above in the
Investment Management and Other Services
section of this SAI, and in the
More Information About the Fund – Primary Service Providers
section of each
Fund's prospectus, the Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent, all affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, receive compensation from the Funds for the various services they provide to the Funds. Additional information as to the specific
terms regarding such compensation is set forth in these affiliated service providers’ contracts with the Funds, each of which typically is included as an exhibit to Part C of each Fund's registration statement.
In many instances, the compensation paid to the
Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates for the services they provide to the Funds is based, in some manner, on the size of the Funds' assets under management. As the size of the Funds' assets under management grows, so does the
amount of compensation paid to the Investment Manager and, as the case may be, other Ameriprise Financial affiliates for providing services to the Funds. This relationship between Fund assets and any affiliated service provider compensation may
create economic and other conflicts of interests of which Fund investors should be aware. These potential conflicts of interest, as well as additional ones, are discussed in detail below and also are addressed in other disclosure materials,
including the Funds' prospectuses. Many of these conflicts of interest also are highlighted in account documentation and other disclosure materials of Ameriprise Financial affiliates that make available or offer the Columbia Funds as investments in
connection with their respective products and services. In addition, Parts 1A and 2A of the Investment Manager’s Form ADV, which it must file with the SEC as an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, provide
information about the Investment Manager’s business, assets under management, affiliates and potential conflicts of interest. Parts 1A and 2A of the Investment Manager’s Form ADV are available online through the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Additional actual or
potential conflicts of interest and certain investment activity limitations that could affect the Funds may arise from the financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including, for example, the investment
advisory/management services provided for clients and customers other than the Funds. Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates are engaged in a wide range of financial activities beyond the fund-related activities of the Investment Manager,
including, among others, broker-dealer (sales and trading), asset management, insurance and other financial activities. The broad range of financial services activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may involve multiple advisory,
transactional, lending, financial and other interests in securities and other instruments, and in companies, that may be bought, sold or held by the Funds. The following describes certain actual and potential conflicts of interest that may be
presented.
Actual and Potential Conflicts of
Interest Related to the Investment Advisory/Management Activities of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates in Connection With Other Advised/Managed Funds and Accounts
The Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other affiliates
of Ameriprise Financial may advise or manage funds and accounts other than the Funds. In this regard, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may provide investment advisory/management and other services to other advised/managed funds and accounts
that are similar to those provided to the Funds. The Investment Manager and Ameriprise Financial’s other investment adviser affiliates (including, for example, Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC) will give investment advice to and make
investment decisions for advised/managed funds and accounts, including the Funds, as they believe to be in that fund’s and/or account’s best interests, consistent with their fiduciary duties. The Funds and the other advised/managed funds
and accounts of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates are separately and potentially divergently managed, and there is no assurance that any investment advice Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates give to other advised/managed funds and accounts
will also be given simultaneously or otherwise to the Funds.
A variety of other actual and potential conflicts of
interest may arise from the advisory relationships of the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates with other clients and customers. Advice given to the Funds and/or investment decisions made for the Funds
by the Investment Manager or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may differ from, or may conflict with, advice given to and/or investment decisions made by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates for
other advised/managed funds and accounts. As a result, the performance of the
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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139
|
Funds may differ from the performance of other funds or accounts
advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates. Similarly, a position taken by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, on behalf of other funds or accounts
may be contrary to a position taken on behalf of the Funds. Moreover, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager, may take a position on behalf of other advised/managed funds and accounts, or for their own proprietary
accounts, that is adverse to companies or other issuers in which the Funds are invested. For example, the Funds may hold equity securities of a company while another advised/managed fund or account may hold debt securities of the same company. If
the portfolio company were to experience financial difficulties, it might be in the best interest of the Funds for the company to reorganize while the interests of the other advised/managed fund or account might be better served by the liquidation
of the company. This type of conflict of interest could arise as the result of circumstances that cannot be generally foreseen within the broad range of investment advisory/management activities in which Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates
engage.
Investment transactions made on behalf
of other funds or accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates also may have a negative effect on the value, price or investment strategies of the Funds. For example, this could
occur if another advised/managed fund or account implements an investment decision ahead of, or at the same time as, the Funds and causes the Funds to experience less favorable trading results than they otherwise would have experienced based on
market liquidity factors. In addition, the other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, including the other Columbia Funds and accounts of Ameriprise Financial
and its affiliates, may have the same or very similar investment objective and strategies as the Funds. In this situation, the allocation of, and competition for, investment opportunities among the Funds and other funds and/or accounts
advised/managed by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial or other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may create conflicts of interest especially where, for example, limited investment availability is involved. The Investment Manager has adopted
policies and procedures designed to address the allocation of investment opportunities among the Funds and other funds and accounts advised by the Investment Manager, Ameriprise Financial and other affiliates of Ameriprise Financial. For more
information, see
Investment Management and Other Services – The Investment Manager and Subadvisers – Portfolio Managers – Potential Conflicts of Interest
.
Sharing of Information among Advised/Managed
Accounts
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including
the Investment Manager, also may possess information that could be material to the management of a Fund and may not be able to, or may determine not to, share that information with the Fund, even though the information might be beneficial to the
Fund. This information may include actual knowledge regarding the particular investments and transactions of other advised/managed funds and accounts, as well as proprietary investment, trading and other market research, analytical and technical
models, and new investment techniques, strategies and opportunities. Depending on the context, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates generally will have no obligation to share any such information with the Funds. In general, employees of
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including the portfolio managers of the Investment Manager, will make investment decisions without regard to information otherwise known by other employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, and
generally will have no obligation to access any such information and may, in some instances, not be able to access such information because of legal and regulatory constraints or the internal policies and procedures of Ameriprise Financial and its
affiliates. For example, if the Investment Manager or another Ameriprise Financial affiliate, or their respective employees, come into possession of non-public information regarding another advised/managed fund or account, they may be prohibited by
legal and regulatory constraints, or internal policies and procedures, from using that information in connection with transactions made on behalf of the Funds. For more information, see
Investment
Management and Other Services – The Investment Manager and Subadvisers – Portfolio Managers – Potential Conflicts of Interest
.
Soft Dollar Benefits
Certain products and services, commonly referred to as “soft
dollar services” (including, to the extent permitted by law, research reports, economic and financial data, financial publications, proxy analysis, computer databases and other research-oriented materials), that the Investment Manager may
receive in connection with brokerage services provided to a Fund may have the inadvertent effect of disproportionately benefiting other advised/managed funds or accounts. This could happen because of the relative amount of brokerage services
provided to a Fund as compared to other advised/managed funds or accounts, as well as the relative compensation paid by a Fund.
Services Provided to Other Advised/Managed
Accounts
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including
the Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent, also may act as an investment adviser, investment manager, administrator, transfer agent, custodian, trustee, broker-dealer, agent, or in another capacity, for advised/managed funds and
accounts other than the Funds, and may receive compensation for acting in such capacity. This compensation that the Investment Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates receive could be greater than the
compensation Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates receive for acting in the same or
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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140
|
similar capacity for the Funds. In addition, the Investment
Manager, Distributor and Transfer Agent and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may receive other benefits, including enhancement of new or existing business relationships. This compensation and/or the benefits that Ameriprise Financial and its
affiliates may receive from other advised/managed funds and accounts and other relationships could potentially create incentives to favor other advised/managed funds and accounts over the Funds. Trades made by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates
for the Funds may be, but are not required to be, aggregated with trades made for other funds and accounts advised/managed by the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates. If trades are aggregated among the Funds and those other
funds and accounts, the various prices of the securities being traded may be averaged, which could have the potential effect of disadvantaging the Funds as compared to the other funds and accounts with which trades were aggregated.
Proxy Voting
The Investment Manager has adopted proxy voting policies and
procedures that are designed to provide that all proxy voting is done in the best interests of its clients, including the Funds, without any resulting benefit or detriment to the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates, including Ameriprise
Financial and its affiliates. Although the Investment Manager endeavors to make all proxy voting decisions with respect to the interests of the Funds for which it is responsible in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures, the
Investment Manager’s proxy voting decisions with respect to a Fund’s portfolio securities may or may not benefit other advised/managed funds and accounts, and/or clients, of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. For more information
about the Funds' proxy voting policies and procedures, see
Investment Management and Other Services – Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
.
Certain Trading Activities
The directors/trustees, officers and employees of Ameriprise
Financial and its affiliates may buy and sell securities or other investments for their own accounts, and in doing so may take a position that is adverse to the Funds. In order to reduce the possibility that such personal investment activities of
the directors/trustees, officers and employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates will materially adversely affect the Funds, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates have adopted policies and procedures, and the Funds, the Board, the
Investment Manager and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics that addresses such personal investment activities. For more information, see
Investment Management and Other Services
– Codes of Ethics
.
Affiliate
Transactions
Subject to applicable legal and regulatory
requirements, a Fund may enter into transactions in which Ameriprise Financial and/or its affiliates, or companies that are deemed to be affiliates of a Fund because of, among other factors, their or their affiliates’ ownership or control of
shares of the Fund, may have an interest that potentially conflicts with the interests of the Fund. For example, an affiliate of Ameriprise Financial may sell securities to a Fund from an offering in which it is an underwriter or that it owns as a
dealer, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Applicable legal and regulatory requirements also may prevent a Fund from engaging in transactions with an affiliate of the Fund, which may include Ameriprise Financial and its
affiliates, or from participating in an investment opportunity in which an affiliate of a Fund participates.
Certain Investment Limitations
Regulatory and other restrictions may limit a Fund’s
investment activities in various ways. For example, certain securities may be subject to ownership limitations due to regulatory limits on investments in certain industries (such as, for example, banking and insurance) and markets (such as emerging
or international markets), or certain transactions (such as those involving certain derivatives or other instruments) or mechanisms imposed by certain issuers (such as, among others, poison pills). Certain of these restrictions may impose limits on
the aggregate amount of investments that may be made by affiliated investors in the aggregate or in individual issuers. In these circumstances, the Investment Manager may be prevented from acquiring securities for a Fund (that it might otherwise
prefer to acquire) if the acquisition would cause the Fund and its affiliated investors to exceed an applicable limit. These types of regulatory and other applicable limits are complex and vary significantly in different contexts including, among
others, from country to country, industry to industry and issuer to issuer. The Investment Manager has policies and procedures designed to monitor and interpret these limits. Nonetheless, given the complexity of these limits, the Investment Manager
and/or its affiliates may inadvertently breach these limits, and a Fund may therefore be required to sell securities that it might otherwise prefer to hold in order to comply with such limits. In addition, aggregate ownership limitations could cause
performance dispersion among funds and accounts managed by the Investment Manager with similar investment objectives and strategies and portfolio management teams. For example, if further purchases in an issuer are restricted due to regulatory or
other reasons, a portfolio manager would not be able to acquire securities or other assets of an issuer for a new Fund that may already be held by other funds and accounts with the same/similar investment objectives and strategies that are managed
by the same portfolio management team. The Investment Manager may also choose to limit purchases in an issuer to a certain threshold for risk management purposes. If the holdings of the Investment Manager’s affiliates are included in that
limitation, a Fund may be more limited in its ability to purchase a particular security or other asset than if the holdings of the Investment Manager’s
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affiliates had been excluded from the limitation. At certain times,
a Fund may be restricted in its investment activities because of relationships that an affiliate of the Fund, which may include Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, may have with the issuers of securities. This could happen, for example, if a
Fund desired to buy a security issued by a company for which Ameriprise Financial or an affiliate serves as underwriter. In any of these scenarios, a Fund’s inability to participate (or participate further) in a particular investment, despite
a portfolio manager’s desire to so participate, may negatively impact Fund performance. The internal policies and procedures of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates covering these types of restrictions and addressing similar issues also may
at times restrict a Fund’s investment activities. See also
About Fund Investments – Certain Investment Activity Limits
.
Actual and Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to
Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates’ Non-Advisory Relationships with Clients and Customers other than the Funds
The financial relationships that Ameriprise Financial and its
affiliates may have with companies and other entities in which a Fund may invest can give rise to actual and potential conflicts of interest. Subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, a Fund may invest (a) in the securities of
Ameriprise Financial and/or its affiliates and/or in companies in which Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates have an equity, debt or other interest, and/or (b) in the securities of companies held by other Columbia Funds. The purchase, holding and
sale of such securities by a Fund may enhance the profitability and the business interests of Ameriprise Financial and/or its affiliates and/or other Columbia Funds. There also may be limitations as to the sharing with the Investment Manager of
information derived from the non-investment advisory/management activities of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates because of legal and regulatory constraints and internal policies and procedures (such as information barriers and ethical walls).
Because of these limitations, Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates generally will not share information derived from its non-investment advisory/management activities with the Investment Manager.
Actual and Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to
Ameriprise Financial Affiliates’ Marketing and Use of the Columbia Funds as Investment Options
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates also provide a variety of
products and services that, in some manner, may utilize the Columbia Funds as investment options. For example, the Columbia Funds may be offered as investments in connection with brokerage and other securities products offered by Ameriprise
Financial and its affiliates, and may be utilized as investments in connection with fiduciary, investment management and other accounts offered by affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, as well as for other Columbia Funds structured as
“funds-of-funds.” The use of the Columbia Funds in connection with other products and services offered by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates may introduce economic and other conflicts of interest. These conflicts of interest are
highlighted in account documentation and other disclosure materials for the other products and services offered by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates.
Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including
the Investment Manager, may, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, make payments to their affiliates in connection with the promotion and sale of the Funds' shares, in addition to the sales-related and other compensation that
these parties may receive from the Funds, if any. As a general matter, personnel of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not receive compensation in connection with their sales or use of the Funds that is greater than that paid in connection
with their sales of other comparable products and services. Nonetheless, because the compensation that the Investment Manager and other affiliates of Ameriprise Financial may receive for providing services to the Funds is generally based on the
Funds' assets under management and those assets will grow as shares of the Funds are sold, potential conflicts of interest may exist. See
Other Practices – Additional Shareholder Servicing
Payments
and
–
Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries
for more information.
Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to
Affiliated Indexes
Columbia Management and its
affiliates may develop, own and operate stock market and other indexes (each, an Affiliated Index) based on investment and trading strategies developed by Columbia Management and/or its affiliates (Affiliated Index Strategies). Some of the ETFs for
which Columbia Management acts as investment adviser (the Affiliated Index ETFs) seek to track the performance of the Affiliated Indexes. Columbia Management and/or its affiliates may, from time to time, manage other funds or accounts that invest in
these Affiliated Index ETFs. In the future, Columbia Management and/or its affiliates may manage client accounts that track the same Affiliated Indexes used by the Affiliated Index ETFs or which are based on the same, or substantially similar,
Affiliated Index Strategies that are used in the operation of the Affiliated Indexes and the Affiliated Index ETFs. The operation of the Affiliated Indexes, the Affiliated Index ETFs and other accounts managed in this manner may give rise to
potential conflicts of interest.
For example,
any accounts managed by Columbia Management and/or its affiliates that seek to track the same Affiliated Indexes may engage in purchases and sales of securities at different times. These differences may result in certain accounts having more
favorable performance relative to that of the Affiliated Index or other accounts that seek to track the Affiliated Index. Other potential conflicts include (i) the potential for unauthorized access to Affiliated Index information, allowing
Affiliated Index
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
142
|
changes that benefit Columbia Management and/or its affiliates or
other accounts managed by Columbia Management and/or its affiliates and not the clients in the accounts seeking to track the Affiliated Index, and (ii) the manipulation of Affiliated Index pricing to present the performance of accounts seeking to
track the Affiliated Index, or the firm’s tracking ability, in a preferential light.
Columbia Management has adopted policies and
procedures that are designed to address potential conflicts that may arise in connection with the operation of the Affiliated Indexes, the Affiliated Index ETFs and other accounts.
To the extent it is intended that an account managed
by Columbia Management and/or its affiliates seeks to track an Affiliated Index, the account may not match (performance or holdings), and may vary substantially from, such index for any period of time. An account that seeks to track an index may
purchase, hold and sell securities at times when another client would not do so. Columbia Management and its affiliates do not guarantee that any tracking error targets will be achieved. Accounts managed by Columbia Management and/or its affiliates
that seek to track an index may be negatively impacted by errors in the index, either as a result of calculation errors, inaccurate data sources or otherwise. Columbia Management and its affiliates do not guarantee the timeliness, accuracy and/or
completeness of an index and are not responsible for errors, omissions or interruptions in the index (including when Columbia Management or an affiliate acts as the index provider) or the calculation thereof (including when Columbia Management or an
affiliate acts as the calculation agent).
Columbia Management and its affiliates are not
obligated to license the Affiliated Indexes to clients or other third-parties.
Codes of Ethics
The Funds, the Investment Manager, the subadvisers
and the Distributor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act, including Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. These Codes of Ethics permit personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics to invest in securities, including
securities that may be bought or held by the Funds. These Codes of Ethics are included as exhibits to Part C of the Funds' registration statement. These Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room and may be
obtained by calling the SEC at 202.551.8090; they also are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the SEC’s Public
Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures
General.
The Funds have delegated to the Investment Manager the responsibility to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds, including Funds managed by subadvisers. In deciding to delegate
this responsibility to the Investment Manager, the Board reviewed the policies adopted by the Investment Manager. These included the procedures that the Investment Manager follows when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Funds
and their shareholders and the Investment Manager and its affiliates.
The Investment Manager’s policy is to vote all
proxies for Fund securities in a manner considered by the Investment Manager to be in the best economic interests of its clients, including the Funds, without regard to any benefit or detriment to the Investment Manager, its employees or its
affiliates. The best economic interests of clients is defined for this purpose as the interest of enhancing or protecting the value of client accounts, considered as a group rather than individually, as the Investment Manager determines in its
discretion. The Investment Manager endeavors to vote all proxies of which it becomes aware prior to the vote deadline; provided, however, that in certain circumstances the Investment Manager may refrain from voting securities. For instance, the
Investment Manager may refrain from voting foreign securities if it determines that the costs of voting outweigh the expected benefits of voting and typically will not vote securities if voting would impose trading restrictions.
Oversight.
The operation of the Investment Manager’s proxy voting policy and procedures is overseen by a committee (the Proxy Voting Committee) composed of representatives of the Investment Manager’s
equity investments, equity research, compliance, legal and operations functions. The Proxy Voting Committee has the responsibility to review, at least annually, the Investment Manager’s proxy voting policies to ensure consistency with internal
policies, regulatory requirements, conflicts of interest and client disclosures.
Predetermined voting guidelines will be used to vote
securities. The voting guidelines indicate whether to vote for, against or abstain from particular proposals, or whether the matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Proxy Voting Committee may determine to vote differently from the
guidelines on particular proposals in the event it determines that doing so is in the clients’ best economic interests. The Investment Manager may also consider the voting recommendations of analysts, portfolio managers and information
obtained from outside resources, including one or more third party research providers. When proposals are not covered by the voting guidelines or a voting determination must be made on a case-by-case basis, a portfolio manager or analyst will make
the voting determination based on his or her determination of the clients’ best economic interests; provided, however, for securities held in funds managed in traditional index strategies and not in any other fund or account
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
143
|
managed by the Investment Manager, proxies will generally be voted
in accordance with the recommendation of a third party research provider if the proposal is not covered by the voting guidelines or a voting determination must be made on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the Proxy Voting Committee may determine
proxy votes when proposals require special consideration.
Addressing Conflicts of Interest.
The Investment Manager seeks to address potential material conflicts of interest by having predetermined voting guidelines. In addition, if the Investment Manager determines that a material conflict of
interest exists, the Investment Manager will invoke one or more of the following conflict management practices: (i) causing the proxies to be voted in accordance with the recommendations of an independent third party (which may be the Investment
Manager’s proxy voting administrator or research provider); (ii) causing the proxies to be delegated to an independent third party (which may be the Investment Manager’s proxy voting administrator or research provider); and (iii) in
unusual cases, with the Board’s consent and upon ample notice, forwarding the proxies to the Board so that the Board may vote the proxies for the Funds. A member of the Proxy Voting Committee is prohibited from voting on any proposal for which
he or she has a conflict of interest by reason of a direct relationship with the issuer or other party affected by a given proposal. Persons making recommendations to the Proxy Voting Committee or its members are required to disclose to the
committee any relationship with a party making a proposal or other matter known to the person that would create a potential conflict of interest.
Voting Proxies of Affiliated Underlying Funds.
Certain Funds may invest in shares of other Columbia Funds (referred to in this context as “underlying funds”) and may own substantial portions of these underlying funds. If such Funds are
in a master-feeder structure, the feeder Fund will either seek instructions from its shareholders with regard to the voting of proxies with respect to the master fund’s shares and vote such proxies in accordance with such instructions or vote
the shares held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other master fund shareholders. With respect to Funds that hold shares of underlying funds other than in a master-feeder structure, the holding Funds will vote proxies of underlying
funds in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of the underlying fund’s shares, unless the Board otherwise instructs.
Proxy Voting Agents.
The Investment Manager has retained Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., a third-party vendor, as its proxy voting administrator to implement its proxy voting process and to provide recordkeeping
and vote disclosure services. The Investment Manager has retained both Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. and Glass-Lewis & Co. to provide proxy research services.
Additional Information.
Information regarding how the Columbia Funds (except certain Columbia Funds that do not invest in voting securities) voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month
period ended June 30 will be available by August 31 of this year free of charge: (i) through the Columbia Funds’ website at www.columbiathreadneedle.com/us and (ii) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. For a copy of the Investment
Manager’s voting guidelines in effect on the date of this SAI, see Appendix B to this SAI.
Organization and Management of Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
Each of Alternative Beta Fund, MM Alternative
Strategies Fund and Diversified Absolute Return Fund (previously defined collectively as the "Subsidiary") (for purposes of this section, referred to collectively as a “Fund”) may invest a portion of its assets, within the limitations of
Subchapter M and Section 817(h) of the Code, as applicable, in one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (previously defined collectively as the “Subsidiary”). The Subsidiary is a limited liability company organized under the laws of
the Cayman Islands, whose registered office is located at P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman Islands.
The Subsidiary is overseen by its own board of
directors and is not registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund, as the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, does not have all of the protections offered by the 1940 Act to shareholders of investment companies registered under the 1940 Act. However, the
Subsidiary is wholly-owned and controlled by the Fund and the Fund’s Board of Trustees oversees the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary.
The Investment Manager and, where applicable, the Fund’s subadvisers are responsible for the Subsidiary’s day-to-day business pursuant to their separate agreements with, or in respect of, the Subsidiary. The following individuals serve
as a director of the Subsidiary:
Name,
address, year of birth
|
Position
held with Subsidiary
and length of service
|
Principal
occupation during past five years
|
Anthony
P. Haugen
807 Ameriprise
Financial Center,
Minneapolis, MN 55474-2405
Born 1964
|
Director
since
November 2013
|
Vice
President – Finance, Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
since June 2004
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
144
|
Name,
address, year of birth
|
Position
held with Subsidiary
and length of service
|
Principal
occupation during past five years
|
Amy
K. Johnson
5228 Ameriprise
Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474-2405
Born 1965
|
Director
since
November 2013
|
See
Fund Governance – Fund Officers
.
|
Christopher
O. Petersen
5228 Ameriprise
Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474-2405
Born 1970
|
Director
since
January 2015
|
See
Fund Governance – Fund Officers
.
|
The Subsidiary has entered into a separate
management agreement for the provision of advisory and administrative services with the Investment Manager. Under this agreement, the Investment Manager provides the Subsidiary with the same type of management services, under the same terms, as are
provided to the Fund. The Subsidiary pays the Investment Manager an annual fee for its management services, as set forth in the management agreement and the table below.
Management Agreement Fee Schedule
Subsidiary
|
Assets
(millions)
|
Annual
rate at
each asset level
(a)
|
ASGM
Offshore Fund, Ltd.
|
$0
- $500
|
1.100%
|
ASMF
Offshore Fund, Ltd.
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
1.050%
|
(Subsidiaries
of MM Alternative Strategies Fund)
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
1.020%
|
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
0.990%
|
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
0.960%
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.950%
|
CAAF
Offshore Fund, Ltd.
|
$0
- $500
|
0.960%
|
(Subsidiary
of Alternative Beta Fund)
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
0.955%
|
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
0.950%
|
|
>$3,000
- $12,000
|
0.940%
|
|
>$12,000
|
0.930%
|
CDARF1
Offshore Fund, Ltd.
|
$0
- $500
|
1.180%
|
CDARF2
Offshore Fund, Ltd.
|
>$500
- $1,000
|
1.130%
|
CDARF3
Offshore Fund, Ltd.
|
>$1,000
- $3,000
|
1.100%
|
(Subsidiaries
of Diversified Absolute Return Fund)
|
>$3,000
- $6,000
|
1.070%
|
|
>$6,000
- $12,000
|
1.040%
|
|
>$12,000
|
1.030%
|
(a)
|
When calculating asset levels
for purposes of determining fee rate breakpoints, asset levels are based on aggregate net assets of the Fund and the Parent Fund. When calculating the fee payable under this agreement, the annual rates are based on a percentage of the daily net
assets of the Fund.
|
The Subsidiary has entered into a separate contract
for the provision of custody services with the same service providers who provide those services to the Fund. The Subsidiary has also entered into arrangements with PwC to serve as the Subsidiary’s independent registered public accounting
firm. The Subsidiary will bear the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the services that it receives pursuant to each of these separate agreements and arrangements. The Fund expects that the expenses borne by the Subsidiary will not be
material in relation of the value of the Fund’s assets.
For purposes of adhering to the Fund’s
compliance policies and procedures, the Investment Manager will treat the assets of the Subsidiary as if the assets were held directly by the Fund. The Chief Compliance Officer makes periodic reports to the Fund’s Board regarding the
management and operations of the Subsidiary.
The financial information of the Subsidiary is
consolidated into the Fund’s financial statements, as contained within the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports provided to shareholders.
Please refer to the section titled “
Taxation – The Subsidiary
” for information about certain tax considerations relating to the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary.
By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is
indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are subject to the same risks that would apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The
Subsidiary is subject to the same principal risks to which the Fund is subject (as described in the Fund’s prospectus). There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiary is not
registered under the 1940 Act and, except as otherwise noted, is not subject to the investor protections of the 1940 Act.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
145
|
However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the
Fund and the Subsidiary are both managed by the Investment Manager, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund’s Board has oversight responsibility for the
investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. In managing the Subsidiary’s investment portfolio, the Investment Manager will manage the
Subsidiary’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions.
The Investment Manager and any subadviser, if
applicable, as it relates to the Subsidiary, complies with provisions of the 1940 Act relating to investment advisory contracts under Section 15 as an investment adviser to the Fund under Section 2(a)(20) of the 1940 Act. The Fund complies with the
provisions of the 1940 Act, including those relating to investment policies (Section 8) and capital structure and leverage (Section 18) on an aggregate basis with the Subsidiary, and the Subsidiary complies with the provisions relating to affiliated
transactions and custody (Section 17).
Changes
in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the applicable prospectus
and this SAI and could adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. For example, the Cayman Islands laws currently do not impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the
Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law were changed and the Subsidiary was required to pay Cayman Islands taxes, the investment returns of the Fund would likely decrease.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
146
|
FUND GOVERNANCE
Board of Trustees and Officers
Shareholders elect the Board that oversees the
Funds' operations. The Board appoints officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on policies set by the Board. The following table provides basic biographical information about the Funds' Trustees as of the date of this
SAI, including their principal occupations during the past five years, although specific titles for individuals may have varied over the period. The year set forth beneath Length of Service in the table below is the year in which the Trustee was
first appointed or elected as Trustee to any Fund currently in the Columbia Funds Complex or a predecessor thereof. Under current Board policy, members serve terms of indefinite duration.
Trustees
Independent Trustees
Name,
Address, Year of Birth
|
Position
Held with the Trust and Length of Service
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years and Other Relevant
Professional Experience
|
Number
of Funds
in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
Overseen
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee During
the Past Five Years
|
Committee
Assignments
|
Janet
Langford Carrig
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1957
|
Trustee
1996
|
Senior
Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, ConocoPhillips (independent energy company) since September 2007
|
57
|
None
|
Compliance,
Product and Distribution, Governance, Investment Oversight Committee #2
|
Douglas
A. Hacker
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1955
|
Trustee
and Chairman of the Board
1996
|
Independent
business executive since May 2006; Executive Vice President – Strategy of United Airlines from December 2002 to May 2006; President of UAL Loyalty Services (airline marketing company) from September 2001 to December 2002; Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines from July 1999 to September 2001
|
57
|
Spartan
Nash Company (food distributor); Nash Finch Company (food distributor) from 2005 to 2013; Aircastle Limited (aircraft leasing); SeaCube Container Leasing Ltd. (container leasing) from 2010 to 2013; and Travelport Worldwide Limited (travel
information technology)
|
Audit,
Governance, Investment Oversight Committee #1
|
Nancy
T. Lukitsh
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1956
|
Trustee
2011
|
Senior
Vice President, Partner and Director of Marketing, Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment adviser) from 1997 to 2010; Chair, Wellington Management Portfolios (commingled non-U.S. investment pools) from 2007 to 2010; Director, Wellington
Trust Company, NA and other Wellington affiliates from 1997 to 2010
|
57
|
None
|
Advisory
Fees & Expenses, Product and Distribution, Investment Oversight Committee #2
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
147
|
Name,
Address, Year of Birth
|
Position
Held with the Trust and Length of Service
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years and Other Relevant
Professional Experience
|
Number
of Funds
in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
Overseen
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee During
the Past Five Years
|
Committee
Assignments
|
David
M. Moffett
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1952
|
Trustee
2011
|
Retired.
Consultant to Bridgewater and Associates
|
57
|
Director,
CSX Corporation (transportation suppliers); Genworth Financial, Inc. (financial and insurance products and services); Paypal Holdings Inc. (payment and data processing services); Trustee, University of Oklahoma Foundation; former Director, eBay
Inc. (online trading community), 2007-2015; and former Director, CIT Bank, CIT Group Inc. (commercial and consumer finance), 2010-2016
|
Compliance,
Audit, Investment Oversight Committee #1
|
Charles
R. Nelson
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1942
|
Trustee
1981
|
Retired.
Professor Emeritus, University of Washington since 2011; Professor of Economics, University of Washington from 1976 to 2011; Ford and Louisa Van Voorhis Professor of Political Economy, University of Washington from 1993 to 2011; Adjunct Professor
of Statistics, University of Washington from 1980 to 2011; Associate Editor, Journal of Money, Credit and Banking from September 1993 to 2008; consultant on econometric and statistical matters
|
57
|
None
|
Advisory
Fees & Expenses, Compliance, Investment Oversight Committee #2
|
John
J. Neuhauser
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1943
|
Trustee
1984
|
President,
Saint Michael’s College since August 2007; Director or Trustee of several non-profit organizations, including University of Vermont Medical Center; Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties, Boston College from August 1999 to October
2005; University Professor, Boston College from November 2005 to August 2007
|
57
|
Liberty
All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund (closed-end funds)
|
Advisory
Fees & Expenses, Product and Distribution, Investment Oversight Committee #2
|
Patrick
J. Simpson
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1944
|
Trustee
2000
|
Of
Counsel, Perkins Coie LLP (law firm) since 2015; Partner, Perkins Coie LLP from 1988 to 2014
|
57
|
None
|
Advisory
Fees & Expenses, Audit, Governance, Investment Oversight Committee #1
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
148
|
Name,
Address, Year of Birth
|
Position
Held with the Trust and Length of Service
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years and Other Relevant
Professional Experience
|
Number
of Funds
in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
Overseen
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee During
the Past Five Years
|
Committee
Assignments
|
Anne-Lee
Verville
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1945
|
Trustee
1998
|
Retired.
General Manager, Global Education Industry from 1994 to 1997, President – Application Systems Division from 1991 to 1994, Chief Financial Officer – US Marketing & Services from 1988 to 1991, and Chief Information Officer from 1987
to 1988, IBM Corporation (computer and technology)
|
57
|
Enesco
Group, Inc. (producer of giftware and home and garden decor products) from 2001 to 2006
|
Audit,
Compliance, Investment Oversight Committee #1
|
Consultant to the Independent Trustees*
Name,
Address, Year of Birth
|
Position
Held with the Funds and Length of Service
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years and Other Relevant
Professional Experience
|
Number
of Funds
in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
Overseen
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee During
the Past Five Years
|
Committee
Assignments
|
J.
Kevin Connaughton
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1964
|
Independent
Trustee Consultant
2016
|
Independent
Trustee Consultant, Columbia Funds since March 2016; Managing Director and General Manager of Mutual Fund Products, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC from May 2010 to February 2015; President, Columbia Funds from 2009 to 2015; and senior
officer of Columbia Funds and affiliated funds from 2003 to 2015
|
57
|
Board
of Governors, Gateway Healthcare since January 2016; Trustee, New Century Portfolios since March 2015; and Director, The Autism Project since March 2015
|
Product
and Distribution, Advisory Fees & Expenses, Audit, Investment Oversight Committees #1 & #2
|
Natalie
A. Trunow
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin Street,
Mail Drop BX32 05228,
Boston, MA 02110
1967
|
Independent
Trustee Consultant
2016
|
Independent
Trustee Consultant, Columbia Funds since September 2016; Chief Executive Officer, Millennial Partners (investment consulting services to institutions) since January 2016; Director of Investments, Casey Family Programs from April 2016 to September
2016; Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Calvert Investments from August 2008 to January 2016; Section Head and Portfolio Manager, General Motors Asset Management from June 1997 to August 2008
|
57
|
Healthcare
Services for Children with Special Needs
|
Product
and Distribution, Advisory Fees & Expenses, Compliance, Investment Oversight Committees #1 & #2
|
*
|
J. Kevin Connaughton was
appointed consultant to the Independent Trustees effective March 1, 2016. Natalie A. Trunow was appointed consultant to the Independent Trustees effective September 1, 2016. Shareholders of the Funds are expected to be asked to elect each of Mr.
Connaughton and Ms. Trunow as a Trustee at a future shareholder meeting.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
149
|
Interested Trustee Affiliated with Investment
Manager*
Name,
Address,
Year of Birth
|
Position
Held
with the Trust and Length of Service
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years
and Other Relevant
Professional Experience
|
Number
of
Funds in the
Columbia Funds Complex
Overseen
|
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During the Past Five Years
|
Committee
Assignments
|
William
F. Truscott
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC,
225 Franklin St.
Boston, MA 02110
1960
|
Trustee
2012
|
Chairman
of the Board and President, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010 and February 2012, respectively; Chief Executive Officer, Global Asset Management, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since September 2012 (previously Chief Executive
Officer, U.S. Asset Management & President, Annuities, May 2010 - September 2012); Director and Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. since May 2010 and February 2012, respectively; Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer, RiverSource Distributors, Inc. since 2006; Director, Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings, SARL since 2014; President and Chief Executive Officer, Ameriprise Certificate Company, 2006 - August 2012.
|
183
|
Chairman
of the Board, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010; Director, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. since May 2010; Former Director, Ameriprise Certificate Company, 2006 - January 2013
|
None
|
*
|
Interested person (as defined
under the 1940 Act) by reason of being an officer, director, security holder and/or employee of the Investment Manager or Ameriprise Financial.
|
The Officers
The Board has appointed officers who are responsible
for day-to-day business decisions based on policies it has established. The officers serve at the pleasure of the Board. The following table provides basic information about the Officers of the Trust as of the date of this SAI, including principal
occupations during the past five years, although their specific titles may have varied over the period. In addition to Mr. Truscott, who is Senior Vice President, the Funds' other officers are:
Fund Officers
Name,
Address
and Year of Birth
|
Position
and Year
First Appointed to
Position for any Fund in the
Columbia Funds Complex
or a Predecessor Thereof
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Christopher
O. Petersen
5228 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
Born 1970
|
President
and Principal Executive Officer (2015)
|
Vice
President and Lead Chief Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since January 2015 (previously, Vice President and Chief Counsel January 2010 – December 2014); officer of Columbia Funds and affiliated funds since 2007.
|
Michael
G. Clarke
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1969
|
Treasurer
(2011), Chief Financial Officer (2009) and Chief Accounting Officer (2015)
|
Vice
President – Mutual Fund Administration, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, since May 2010; senior officer of Columbia Funds and affiliated funds since 2002.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
150
|
Name,
Address
and Year of Birth
|
Position
and Year
First Appointed to
Position for any Fund in the
Columbia Funds Complex
or a Predecessor Thereof
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Paul
B. Goucher
100 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Born 1968
|
Senior
Vice President (2011), Chief Legal Officer (2015) and Assistant Secretary (2008)
|
Senior
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since January 2017 (previously Vice President and Lead Chief Counsel, November 2008 – January 2017 and January 2013 – January 2017, respectively; and Chief
Counsel, January 2010 - January 2013); Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010.
|
Thomas
P. McGuire
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1972
|
Senior
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2012)
|
Vice
President – Asset Management Compliance, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., since May 2010; Chief Compliance Officer, Ameriprise Certificate Company since September 2010.
|
Colin
Moore
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1958
|
Senior
Vice President (2010)
|
Executive
Vice President and Global Chief Investment Officer, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., since July 2013; Executive Vice President and Global Chief Investment Officer, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since July 2013 (previously Director and
Global Chief Investment Officer, 2010 – 2013).
|
Michael
E. DeFao
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1968
|
Vice
President (2011) and Assistant Secretary (2010)
|
Vice
President and Chief Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since May 2010.
|
Amy
Johnson
5228 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
Born 1965
|
Vice
President (2006)
|
Managing
Director and Global Head of Operations, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since April 2016 (previously Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, 2010 – 2016).
|
Lyn
Kephart-Strong
5228 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
Born 1960
|
Vice
President (2015)
|
President,
Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. since October 2014; Vice President & Resolution Officer, Ameriprise Trust Company since August 2009.
|
Ryan
C. Larrenaga
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
Born 1970
|
Vice
President and Secretary (2015)
|
Vice
President and Group Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since August 2011; officer of Columbia Funds and affiliated funds since 2005.
|
Responsibilities of the Board with respect to fund
management
The Board consists of ten Trustees who have varied
experience and skills. With respect to Mr. Truscott, the Trustees have concluded that having a senior officer of the Investment Manager serve as a Trustee benefits Fund shareholders by facilitating communication between the Independent Trustees and
the senior management of the Investment Manager, and by assisting efforts to align the interests of the Investment Manager more closely with those of Fund shareholders. Further information about the backgrounds and qualifications of the Trustees can
be found in the section
Trustee Biographical Information and Qualifications
. The Board has several standing committees, which are an integral part of each Fund’s overall governance and
risk oversight structure. The roles of each committee are more fully described in the section
Committees of the Board
below.
The Funds have retained the Investment Manager as
the Funds’ investment adviser and administrator. The Investment Manager provides the Funds with investment advisory services, and is responsible for day-to-day administration of the Funds and management of the risks that arise from the
Funds’ investments and operations. The Board provides oversight of the services provided by the Investment Manager, including risk management services. In addition, each committee of the Board provides oversight of the Investment
Manager’s risk management services with respect to the particular activities within the committee’s purview. In the course of providing oversight, the Board and the committees receive a wide range of reports with respect to the
Funds’ activities, including reports regarding each Fund’s investment portfolio, the compliance of the Funds with applicable laws, and the Funds’ financial accounting and reporting. The Board and the relevant committees meet
periodically with officers of the Funds and the Investment Manager and with representatives of various of the Funds’ service providers. The Board and certain committees also meet periodically with the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer to
receive reports regarding the compliance
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
151
|
of the Funds and the Investment Manager with the federal securities
laws and their internal compliance policies and procedures. In addition, the Board meets periodically with the portfolio managers of the Funds to receive reports regarding the management of the Funds, including their investment risks.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may
affect the Funds can be identified in advance; 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 various investment-related risks) in seeking to achieve the
Funds’ investment objectives; and that the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject
to substantial limitations.
The Board reviews
its leadership structure periodically and believes that its structure is appropriate, in light of the size of the Trust and the nature of its business, to enable the Board to exercise its oversight of the Funds and the other investment companies
overseen by the Trustees. In particular, the Board believes that having an Independent Trustee serve as the chair of the Board and having other Independent Trustees serve as chairs of each committee promotes independence from the Investment Manager
in setting agendas and conducting meetings. The Board believes that its committee structure makes the oversight process more efficient and more effective by allowing, among other things, smaller groups of Trustees to bring increased focus to matters
within the purview of each committee.
Trustee
Biographical Information and Qualifications
The following
provides an overview of the considerations that led the Board to conclude that each individual serving as a Trustee should so serve. Generally, no one factor was decisive in the selection of an individual to join the Board. Among the factors the
Board considered when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board were the following: (i) the individual’s business and professional experience and accomplishments; (ii) the individual’s ability to work effectively with the
other Trustees; (iii) the individual’s prior experience, if any, serving on the boards of public companies (including, where relevant, other investment companies) and other complex enterprises and organizations; and (iv) how the
individual’s skills, experience and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board.
In respect of each current Trustee, the
individual’s substantial professional accomplishments and experience, including in fields related to the operations of the Fund, were a significant factor in the determination that, in light of the business and structure of the Trust, the
individual should serve as a Trustee. Following is a summary of each Trustee’s particular professional experience and additional considerations that contributed to the Board’s conclusion that an individual should serve as a
Trustee:
Douglas A. Hacker
— Mr. Hacker has extensive executive experience, having served in various executive roles with United Airlines and more recently as an independent business executive. Mr. Hacker also has experience on other boards
of directors. As former chief financial officer of United Airlines, Mr. Hacker has significant experience in accounting and financial management, including in a public company setting.
Janet Langford Carrig
— Ms. Carrig is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for ConocoPhillips. Prior to joining ConocoPhillips, Ms. Carrig held senior legal and leadership roles in other large corporations and
law firms, including as a partner at the law firms Sidley & Austin and at Zelle, Hoffman, Voelbel, Mason and Gette. Ms. Carrig has previously served on the board of directors for a public company and various industry groups and non-profit
organizations.
Nancy T. Lukitsh
— Ms. Lukitsh has extensive executive experience in the financial services industries, particularly with respect to the marketing of investment products, having served as Senior Vice President, Partner and Director
of Marketing for Wellington Management Company, LLP. Ms. Lukitsh has previously served as Chair of Wellington Management Portfolios (commingled investment pools designed for non-U.S. institutional investors) and as a director of other Wellington
affiliates. In addition, she has previously served on the boards of directors of various non-profit organizations. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.
David M. Moffett
— Mr. Moffett has extensive executive and board of director experience, including serving on audit committees for public companies. Mr. Moffett was selected as CEO when the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation was placed under
conservatorship in 2008, and served as a consultant to its interim chief executive officer and the board of directors until 2009. Formerly, Mr. Moffett was the CFO of a large U.S. bank holding company where his responsibilities included trust and
wealth management.
Charles R. Nelson
— Dr. Nelson is an experienced investment company trustee, having served on the Board, and the boards of predecessor funds, since 1981. He served as Professor of Economics at the University of Washington from 1976
to 2011, he has written several books, authored numerous articles in economics and finance, and served on editorial boards of professional journals. He is a Fellow of the Econometric Society and his contributions were the subject of a conference at
the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in 2006. Additionally, he is an experienced consultant on economic and statistical matters.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
152
|
John J. Neuhauser
— Dr. Neuhauser is an experienced investment company trustee, having served on the Board since 1985 and on the boards of other investment companies. In addition to his board experience, Dr. Neuhauser has extensive executive experience. He is
currently the President of Saint Michael’s College and has served in a variety of other leadership roles in higher education.
Patrick J. Simpson
— Mr. Simpson is of counsel and formerly a partner in the Portland, Oregon office of Perkins Coie LLP, an international law firm. Mr. Simpson’s practice has included such relevant areas as corporate governance, corporate finance and
securities law compliance for private and public companies.
Anne-Lee Verville
— Ms. Verville has significant executive experience. Prior to her retirement in 1997, she held various leadership and executive roles with IBM Corporation. Ms. Verville has previously served on the board of directors for a public company and
non-profit organizations.
William F.
Truscott
— Mr. Truscott has significant executive and board experience with financial services and investment companies. Mr. Truscott has served on the Board of Trustees of certain Columbia funds since 2001. He
has served as chairman of the board of the Investment Manager since May 2010 and since February 2012 has served as its president. From 2001 to April 2010, Mr. Truscott served as the president, chairman of the board and chief investment officer of
the Investment Manager. He has served as director of the Distributor since May 2010 and since February 2012 has served as its chief executive officer. From 2008 to April 2010, Mr. Truscott served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer
of the Distributor.
Consultant to the
Independent Trustees:
J. Kevin Connaughton
— Mr. Connaughton has significant executive and board experience with financial services and investment companies. Mr. Connaughton served as a senior officer of certain Columbia funds from 2003 through 2015. He
served as the managing director and general manager of mutual fund products for the Investment Manager from 2010 through 2015.
Natalie A. Trunow
— Ms. Trunow has extensive executive experience in financial services and with investment companies, including service as Chief Executive Officer at Millennial Partners (investment consulting services to
institutions), as Director of Investments at Casey Family Programs Foundation, as Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Calvert Investments, which included oversight responsibilities for public and private equity investments,
sub-advised fixed income, asset allocation and balanced funds, and as Section Head and Portfolio Manager responsible for alternative and traditional funds at General Motors Asset Management. Ms. Trunow also currently serves on the board of a
non-profit organization.
Committees of
the Board
For purposes of this section, the
term Independent Trustees includes Mr. Connaughton and Ms. Trunow, as Consultants to the Independent Trustees.
The Board has organized the following standing
committees to facilitate its work: the Audit Committee, the Governance Committee, the Advisory Fees & Expenses Committee, the Compliance Committee, the Investment Oversight Committees and the Product and Distribution Committee. These Committees
are comprised solely of Independent Trustees. The table above describing each Trustee also includes their respective committee assignments. The duties of these committees are described below.
Board Governance Committee.
The Governance Committee’s functions include recommending to the Board nominees for Independent Trustee positions and for appointments to various committees, overseeing the Board’s periodic
evaluations of the effectiveness of the Board, reviewing and recommending to the Board governance and other policies and practices to be followed in carrying out the Trustees’ duties and responsibilities and reviewing and making
recommendations to the Board regarding the compensation of the Independent Trustees.
The Governance Committee will consider nominees for
Trustee recommended by shareholders provided that, as applicable, such recommendations are submitted by the date disclosed in a Fund’s proxy statement and otherwise comply with applicable securities laws, including Rule 14a-8 under the 1934
Act. Such shareholder recommendations must be in writing and should be sent to the attention of Douglas A. Hacker, Chair of the Board, Columbia Family of Funds, 225 Franklin Street, Mail Drop BX32 05228, Boston, MA 02110. Shareholder recommendations
should include the proposed nominee’s biographical information (including business experience for the past ten years) and a description of the qualifications of the proposed nominee, along with a statement from the proposed nominee that he or
she is willing to serve and meets the requirements to serve as an Independent Trustee, if applicable.
Compliance Committee.
The Compliance Committee’s functions include, among other things, monitoring, supervising and assessing the performance of the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer and reviewing his
compensation, reviewing periodically and recommending changes to the codes of ethics and compliance policies of the Funds and its service providers, and reviewing each Fund’s portfolio execution.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
153
|
Advisory Fees & Expenses Committee.
The Advisory Fees & Expenses Committee’s functions include reviewing and making recommendations to the Board as to contracts requiring approval of a majority of the Independent Trustees and
as to any other contracts or fee proposals that may be referred to the Advisory Fees & Expenses Committee by the Board.
Investment Oversight Committee.
Each Independent Trustee also serves on an Investment Oversight Committee (IOC). Each IOC is responsible for monitoring, on an ongoing basis, a select group of Columbia Funds overseen by the Board and
gives particular consideration to such matters as each Fund’s adherence to its investment mandates, historical performance, changes in investment processes and personnel, and proposed changes to investment objectives. Investment personnel who
manage the Funds attend IOC meetings from time to time to assist each IOC in its review of the Funds.
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee’s functions include making recommendations to the Board regarding the selection and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewing matters
relating to accounting and auditing practices and procedures, accounting records and the internal accounting controls of the Funds and certain service providers.
Product and Distribution Committee.
The Product and Distribution Committee’s functions include, among other things, reviewing such matters relating to the marketing of the Funds and the distribution of the Fund’s shares,
including matters relating to the design and positioning of Funds, marketing and distribution strategies for the Funds and the effectiveness and competitiveness of such strategies, as the Committee may deem appropriate.
The table below shows the number of times each
committee met during the indicated fiscal years. The Table is organized by fiscal year end.
Committee Meetings
Fiscal
Period
|
Audit
Committee
|
Governance
Committee
|
Advisory
Fees
& Expenses
Committee
|
Compliance
Committee
|
Investment
Oversight
Committee
|
Product
&
Distribution
Committee
|
For
the fiscal year
ending January 31, 2017
|
6
|
5
|
6
|
5
|
8
|
4
|
For
the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2016
|
5
|
5
|
7
|
5
|
10
|
6
|
For
the fiscal year
ending April 30, 2016
|
5
|
5
|
8
|
4
|
10
|
6
|
For
the fiscal year
ending May 31, 2016
|
4
|
4
|
7
|
4
|
8
|
5
|
For
the fiscal year
ending July 31, 2016
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
10
|
6
|
For
the fiscal year
ending August 31, 2016
|
6
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
10
|
7
|
For
the fiscal year
ending October 31, 2016
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
8
|
5
|
For
the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2016
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
8
|
3
|
Beneficial Equity
Ownership
The tables below show, for each Trustee, the amount
of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of all Funds in the Columbia Funds Complex overseen by the Trustee, including notional amounts through the Deferred
Compensation Plan, where noted, stated as one of the following ranges: A = $0; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000. The information is provided as of December 31, 2016.
The tables only include ownership of Columbia Funds
overseen by the Trustees; the Trustees and Officers may own shares of other Columbia Funds they do not oversee.
Independent Trustee Ownership
Fund
|
Carrig
|
Hacker
|
Lukitsh
|
Moffett
|
Nelson
|
Neuhauser
|
Simpson
|
Verville
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
154
|
Fund
|
Carrig
|
Hacker
|
Lukitsh
|
Moffett
|
Nelson
|
Neuhauser
|
Simpson
|
Verville
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Balanced
Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
D
|
E
(a)
|
Bond
Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
C
(a)
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
D
(a)
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
E
(a)
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
(a)
|
D
(a)
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
(a)
|
A
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
D
(a)
|
A
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
E
(a)
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Greater
China Fund
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
High
Yield Municipal Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
D
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
E
(a)
|
D
(a)
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
B
|
A
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
(a)
|
A
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
D
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
(a)
|
A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
E
(a)
|
A
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
D
(a)
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
A
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
E
|
A
|
E
(a)
|
A
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Funds in the Columbia Funds Complex Overseen by the Trustee
|
E
(a)
|
E
|
E
|
E
(a)
|
E
|
E
|
E
(a)
|
E
(a)
|
(a)
|
Includes the value of
compensation payable under a Deferred Compensation Plan that is determined as if the amounts deferred had been invested, as of the date of deferral, in shares of one or more funds in the Columbia Funds Complex overseen by the Trustee as specified by
the Trustee.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
155
|
Consultant to the Independent Trustees Ownership
Fund
|
Connaughton
|
Trunow
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Balanced
Fund
|
C
|
A
|
Bond
Fund
|
A
|
A
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
E
|
A
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
D
|
A
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Greater
China Fund
|
A
|
A
|
High
Yield Municipal Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
A
|
A
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
E
|
A
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
A
|
A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
A
|
A
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
E
|
A
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
156
|
Fund
|
Connaughton
|
Trunow
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
A
|
A
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Funds in the
Columbia Funds Complex Overseen by the Consultant
|
E
|
A
|
Interested Trustee Ownership
Fund
|
Truscott
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
E
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
E
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
A
|
Balanced
Fund
|
A
|
Bond
Fund
|
A
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
E
(a)
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
B
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
A
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
A
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
D
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
A
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
A
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
A
|
Greater
China Fund
|
A
|
High
Yield Municipal Fund
|
E
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
D
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
A
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
|
A
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
A
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
A
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
A
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
A
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
A
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
A
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
E
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
A
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
E
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
A
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
C
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
157
|
Fund
|
Truscott
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
A
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
B
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
A
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Funds in the
Columbia Funds Complex Overseen by the Trustee
|
E
(a)
|
(a)
|
Includes notional investments
through a deferred compensation account. Mr. Truscott’s deferred compensation plan is separate from that of the Independent Trustees (for these purposes, including Mr. Connaughton and Ms. Trunow, as Consultants to the Independent Trustees).
|
Compensation
For purposes of this section, the term Independent
Trustees includes Mr. Connaughton and Ms. Trunow, as Consultants to the Independent Trustees.
Total compensation.
The following table shows the total compensation paid to Independent Trustees for their services from all the Funds in the Columbia Funds Complex overseen by the Trustee for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 2017.
Mr. Truscott
is not compensated for his services on the Board.
Trustee
Name
|
Total
Cash Compensation
from the Columbia
Funds
Complex
Paid to Trustee
(a)
|
Amount
Deferred
from Total
Compensation
(b)
|
Trustee
|
|
|
Janet
L. Carrig
|
$233,750
|
$233,750
|
Douglas
A. Hacker
|
$361,250
|
$0
|
Nancy
T. Lukitsh
|
$238,250
|
$0
|
William
E. Mayer
(c)
|
$187,250
|
$0
|
David
M. Moffett
|
$239,250
|
$196,750
|
Charles
R. Nelson
|
$223,250
|
$0
|
John
J. Neuhauser
|
$246,250
|
$0
|
Patrick
J. Simpson
|
$251,750
|
$103,000
|
Anne-Lee
Verville
|
$234,750
|
$0
|
Consultant
|
|
|
J.
Kevin Connaughton
(d)
|
$243,750
|
$0
|
Natalie
A. Trunow
(e)
|
$139,750
|
$37,500
|
(a)
|
Includes any portion of cash
compensation Trustees elected to defer during the fiscal period.
|
(b)
|
The Trustees may elect to defer
a portion of the total cash compensation payable. Additional information regarding the Deferred Compensation Plan is described below.
|
(c)
|
Mr. Mayer served as Trustee
until December 31, 2016, and stopped receiving compensation from the Funds and the Columbia Funds Complex as of such date.
|
(d)
|
For the period from March 1,
2016 (when Mr. Connaughton was appointed consultant to the Independent Trustees) to January 31, 2017. Mr. Connaughton receives compensation from the Funds for serving as a consultant to the Independent Trustees at an annual rate of $255,000.
|
(e)
|
For the period from September
1, 2016 (when Ms. Trunow was appointed consultant to the Independent Trustees) to January 31, 2017. Ms. Trunow receives compensation from the Funds for serving as a consultant to the Independent Trustees at an annual rate of $255,000.
|
In addition to
the above compensation, all Independent Trustees receive reimbursements for reasonable expenses related to their attendance at meetings of the Board or standing committees, which are not included in the amounts shown.
Independent Trustees did not accrue any pension or
retirement benefits as part of Fund expenses, nor will they receive any annual benefits upon retirement.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Under the terms of the Deferred Fee Agreement (the Deferred
Compensation Plan), each eligible Trustee may elect, on an annual basis, to defer receipt of all or a portion of compensation payable to him or her for service as a Trustee for that calendar year (expressly, a Trustee may elect to defer his/her
annual retainer, his/her attendance fees, or both components, which together
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
158
|
comprise total compensation for service). Fees deferred by a
Trustee are credited to a book reserve account (the Deferral Account) established by the Columbia Funds, the value of which is derived from the rate of return of one or more Columbia Funds selected by the Trustee (with accruals to the Deferral
Account beginning at such time as a Trustee’s fund elections having been established, and proceeds for service having been paid into such account, and terminating at such time as when proceeds become payable to such Trustee under the Deferred
Compensation Plan). Trustees may change their fund elections only in accordance with the provisions of the Deferred Compensation Plan.
Distributions from a Trustee’s Deferral
Account will be paid by check, either in a lump sum or in annual installments. Payments made in annual installments are disbursed over a period of up to ten years, following such time as a Trustee may qualify to receive such payments. If a deferring
Trustee dies prior to or after the commencement of the disbursement of amounts accrued in his/her Deferral Account, the balance of the account will be distributed to his/her designated beneficiary either in lump sum or in annual payments as
established by such Trustee himself/herself, his/her beneficiary or his/her estate. Amounts payable under the Deferred Compensation Plan are not funded or secured in any way, and each deferring Trustee has the status of a general unsecured creditor
of the Columbia Fund(s) from which compensation has been deferred.
Compensation from each Fund
.
The following table shows the compensation paid to Independent Trustees from each Fund during its last fiscal year (or period), as well as the amount deferred
from each Fund, which is included in the total. The table is organized by fiscal year end.
Fund
|
Aggregate
Compensation from Fund
|
Independent
Trustees
|
|
Consultant
to Independent Trustees
|
Janet
L.
Carrig
(a)
|
Douglas
A.
Hacker
|
Nancy
T.
Lukitsh
|
William
E.
Mayer
(b)
|
David
M.
Moffett
(c)
|
Charles
R.
Nelson
|
John
J.
Neuhauser
|
Patrick
J.
Simpson
(d)
|
Anne-Lee
Verville
(e)
|
J.
Kevin
Connaughton
(f)
|
Natalie
A.
Trunow
(g)
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$1,362
|
$2,105
|
$1,387
|
$1,098
|
$1,393
|
$1,299
|
$1,434
|
$1,467
|
$1,367
|
$1,417
|
$814
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,362
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,153
|
$0
|
$0
|
$601
|
$0
|
$0
|
$212
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
$5,697
|
$8,289
|
$5,821
|
$5,386
|
$5,567
|
$5,436
|
$5,937
|
$5,888
|
$5,734
|
$630
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$5,697
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$5,567
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,519
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
$1,841
|
$2,717
|
$1,893
|
$1,746
|
$1,812
|
$1,766
|
$1,932
|
$1,912
|
$1,862
|
$145
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,841
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,812
|
$0
|
$0
|
$786
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
$14,928
|
$22,139
|
$15,370
|
$14,162
|
$14,707
|
$14,324
|
$15,688
|
$15,532
|
$15,146
|
$1,194
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$14,928
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$14,707
|
$0
|
$0
|
$6,314
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
$2,502
|
$3,721
|
$2,543
|
$2,371
|
$2,480
|
$2,355
|
$2,596
|
$2,580
|
$2,554
|
$782
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,502
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,480
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,434
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
$3,982
|
$5,919
|
$4,046
|
$3,775
|
$3,947
|
$3,748
|
$4,129
|
$4,106
|
$4,065
|
$1,216
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$3,982
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$3,947
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,568
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(h)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
$1,528
|
$2,275
|
$1,554
|
$1,448
|
$1,517
|
$1,439
|
$1,586
|
$1,576
|
$1,560
|
$492
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,528
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,517
|
$0
|
$0
|
$647
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
$2,964
|
$4,412
|
$3,011
|
$2,810
|
$2,939
|
$2,790
|
$3,073
|
$3,056
|
$3,028
|
$850
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,964
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,939
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,252
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
$7,958
|
$11,839
|
$8,092
|
$7,545
|
$7,876
|
$7,493
|
$8,258
|
$8,208
|
$8,207
|
$2,500
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$7,958
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$7,876
|
$0
|
$0
|
$3,377
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
$2,277
|
$3,401
|
$2,322
|
$2,160
|
$2,271
|
$2,147
|
$2,371
|
$2,352
|
$2,326
|
$828
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,277
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,271
|
$0
|
$0
|
$959
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
$2,208
|
$3,279
|
$2,255
|
$2,093
|
$2,190
|
$2,104
|
$2,316
|
$2,302
|
$2,254
|
$715
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,208
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,190
|
$0
|
$0
|
$969
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
$1,691
|
$2,513
|
$1,727
|
$1,604
|
$1,678
|
$1,611
|
$1,773
|
$1,762
|
$1,727
|
$540
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,691
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,678
|
$0
|
$0
|
$740
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
159
|
Fund
|
Aggregate
Compensation from Fund
|
Independent
Trustees
|
|
Consultant
to Independent Trustees
|
Janet
L.
Carrig
(a)
|
Douglas
A.
Hacker
|
Nancy
T.
Lukitsh
|
William
E.
Mayer
(b)
|
David
M.
Moffett
(c)
|
Charles
R.
Nelson
|
John
J.
Neuhauser
|
Patrick
J.
Simpson
(d)
|
Anne-Lee
Verville
(e)
|
J.
Kevin
Connaughton
(f)
|
Natalie
A.
Trunow
(g)
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
$1,614
|
$2,399
|
$1,650
|
$1,530
|
$1,604
|
$1,539
|
$1,694
|
$1,683
|
$1,648
|
$533
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,614
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,604
|
$0
|
$0
|
$708
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
$18,018
|
$26,725
|
$18,379
|
$17,079
|
$17,889
|
$17,146
|
$18,863
|
$18,759
|
$18,386
|
$5,523
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$18,018
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$17,889
|
$0
|
$0
|
$7,912
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
$3,047
|
$4,527
|
$3,113
|
$2,889
|
$3,025
|
$2,904
|
$3,196
|
$3,176
|
$3,111
|
$999
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$3,047
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$3,025
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,336
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$2,264
|
$3,380
|
$2,312
|
$2,147
|
$2,267
|
$2,157
|
$2,374
|
$2,374
|
$2,326
|
$1,271
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,264
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,267
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,004
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
$7,952
|
$11,859
|
$8,114
|
$7,537
|
$7,948
|
$7,568
|
$8,328
|
$8,328
|
$8,169
|
$4,336
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$7,952
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$7,948
|
$0
|
$0
|
$3,528
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
$9,510
|
$14,189
|
$9,713
|
$9,018
|
$9,510
|
$9,058
|
$9,970
|
$9,969
|
$9,771
|
$5,314
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$9,510
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$9,510
|
$0
|
$0
|
$4,224
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
$1,415
|
$2,114
|
$1,446
|
$1,342
|
$1,419
|
$1,349
|
$1,485
|
$1,484
|
$1,455
|
$798
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,415
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,419
|
$0
|
$0
|
$627
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
$4,216
|
$6,293
|
$4,305
|
$4,000
|
$4,214
|
$4,015
|
$4,419
|
$4,418
|
$4,332
|
$2,334
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$4,216
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$4,214
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,867
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
$9,402
|
$13,775
|
$9,666
|
$8,900
|
$9,211
|
$9,044
|
$9,921
|
$9,845
|
$9,516
|
$5,510
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$9,402
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$9,211
|
$0
|
$0
|
$4,313
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
$15,223
|
$22,281
|
$15,646
|
$14,407
|
$14,832
|
$14,633
|
$16,052
|
$15,914
|
$15,394
|
$8,542
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$15,223
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$14,832
|
$0
|
$0
|
$6,963
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
$2,168
|
$3,240
|
$2,241
|
$2,058
|
$2,117
|
$2,088
|
$2,300
|
$2,273
|
$2,213
|
$1,137
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,168
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,117
|
$0
|
$0
|
$936
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
$3,572
|
$5,303
|
$3,687
|
$3,389
|
$3,489
|
$3,440
|
$3,784
|
$3,743
|
$3,635
|
$1,932
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$3,572
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$3,489
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,572
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
$2,690
|
$3,999
|
$2,778
|
$2,552
|
$2,632
|
$2,591
|
$2,850
|
$2,821
|
$2,740
|
$1,476
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,690
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,632
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,182
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
$1,841
|
$2,727
|
$1,899
|
$1,745
|
$1,800
|
$1,773
|
$1,949
|
$1,929
|
$1,872
|
$1,019
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,841
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,800
|
$0
|
$0
|
$817
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
$2,273
|
$3,362
|
$2,343
|
$2,154
|
$2,228
|
$2,188
|
$2,405
|
$2,383
|
$2,310
|
$1,291
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,273
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,228
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,014
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Greater
China Fund
|
$1,623
|
$2,408
|
$1,675
|
$1,539
|
$1,589
|
$1,563
|
$1,719
|
$1,701
|
$1,652
|
$900
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,623
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,589
|
$0
|
$0
|
$717
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
$5,155
|
$7,674
|
$5,325
|
$4,891
|
$5,037
|
$4,965
|
$5,465
|
$5,405
|
$5,254
|
$2,800
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$5,155
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$5,037
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,256
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
$2,871
|
$4,257
|
$2,962
|
$2,723
|
$2,806
|
$2,764
|
$3,040
|
$3,009
|
$2,921
|
$1,596
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,871
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,806
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,272
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
$3,844
|
$5,722
|
$3,970
|
$3,645
|
$3,760
|
$3,702
|
$4,075
|
$4,032
|
$3,918
|
$2,113
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$3,844
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$3,760
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,686
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
$12,212
|
$17,974
|
$12,567
|
$11,572
|
$11,931
|
$11,745
|
$12,894
|
$12,788
|
$12,390
|
$6,907
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$12,212
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$11,931
|
$0
|
$0
|
$5,527
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
$2,229
|
$1,313
|
$2,301
|
$2,114
|
$2,177
|
$2,146
|
$2,361
|
$2,336
|
$2,270
|
$1,212
|
N/A
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,229
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,177
|
$0
|
$0
|
$978
|
$0
|
$0
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
160
|
Fund
|
Aggregate
Compensation from Fund
|
Independent
Trustees
|
|
Consultant
to Independent Trustees
|
Janet
L.
Carrig
(a)
|
Douglas
A.
Hacker
|
Nancy
T.
Lukitsh
|
William
E.
Mayer
(b)
|
David
M.
Moffett
(c)
|
Charles
R.
Nelson
|
John
J.
Neuhauser
|
Patrick
J.
Simpson
(d)
|
Anne-Lee
Verville
(e)
|
J.
Kevin
Connaughton
(f)
|
Natalie
A.
Trunow
(g)
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$1,668
|
$2,528
|
$1,686
|
$1,581
|
$1,680
|
$1,548
|
$1,732
|
$1,768
|
$1,658
|
$1,351
|
$546
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,668
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,680
|
$0
|
$0
|
$739
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$5,751
|
$8,706
|
$5,813
|
$5,450
|
$5,792
|
$5,339
|
$5,972
|
$6,095
|
$5,717
|
$4,680
|
$1,861
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$5,751
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$5,792
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,556
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$1,924
|
$2,915
|
$1,945
|
$1,823
|
$1,937
|
$1,785
|
$1,998
|
$2,038
|
$1,912
|
$1,557
|
$625
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,924
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,937
|
$0
|
$0
|
$852
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$1,907
|
$2,889
|
$1,927
|
$1,807
|
$1,920
|
$1,769
|
$1,980
|
$2,020
|
$1,895
|
$1,545
|
$624
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,907
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,920
|
$0
|
$0
|
$845
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
$2,395
|
$3,627
|
$2,421
|
$2,269
|
$2,411
|
$2,222
|
$2,487
|
$2,538
|
$2,380
|
$1,941
|
$779
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,395
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,411
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,062
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
$1,764
|
$2,673
|
$1,782
|
$1,672
|
$1,775
|
$1,636
|
$1,831
|
$1,869
|
$1,752
|
$1,435
|
$587
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$1,764
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,775
|
$0
|
$0
|
$782
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
$6,206
|
$9,405
|
$6,267
|
$5,884
|
$6,240
|
$5,752
|
$6,438
|
$6,576
|
$6,161
|
$5,078
|
$2,169
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$6,206
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$6,240
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,754
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
$2,307
|
$3,586
|
$2,350
|
$2,218
|
$2,360
|
$2,198
|
$2,430
|
$2,486
|
$2,315
|
$1,910
|
$778
|
Amount
Deferred
|
$2,307
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$2,360
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,032
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
(a)
|
As of December 31, 2016, the
value of Ms. Carrig’s account under the deferred compensation plan was $1,254,843.
|
(b)
|
Mr. Mayer served as Trustee
until December 31, 2016, and stopped receiving compensation from the Funds and the Columbia Funds Complex as of such date.
|
(c)
|
As of December 31, 2016, the
value of Mr. Moffett's account under the deferred compensation plan was $468,310.
|
(d)
|
As of December 31, 2016, the
value of Mr. Simpson’s account under the deferred compensation plan was $2,146,984.
|
(e)
|
As of December 31, 2016, the
value of Ms. Verville’s account under the deferred compensation plan was $558,310.
|
(f)
|
Payments to Mr. Connaughton
are for the period from March 1, 2016 (when he was first appointed consultant to the Independent Trustees) through the applicable fiscal year end. Mr. Connaughton receives compensation from the Funds for serving as a consultant to the Independent
Trustees at an annual rate of $255,000.
|
(g)
|
Payments to Ms. Trunow are for
the period from September 1, 2016 (when she was first appointed consultant to the Independent Trustees) through the applicable fiscal year end. Ms. Trunow receives compensation from the Funds for serving as a consultant to the Independent Trustees
at an annual rate of $255,000.
|
(h)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
161
|
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND RELATED
PRACTICES
General Brokerage Policy, Brokerage
Transactions and Broker Selection
Subject to
policies established by the Board, as well as the terms of the Investment Management Services Agreement, Management Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement, as applicable, the Investment Manager (and/or the investment subadviser(s) who makes the
day-to-day investment decisions for all or a portion of a Fund’s net assets) is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities and other instruments and assets for a Fund, for the selection of broker-dealers, for the execution of a
Fund’s transactions and for the allocation of brokerage commissions in connection with such transactions. The Investment Manager effects transactions for the Fund consistent with its duty to seek best execution of client (including Fund)
orders under the circumstances of the particular transaction. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected through broker-dealers who charge negotiated commissions for their services. Orders may be directed to any
broker-dealer to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law and by the policies and procedures of the Investment Manager and/or any investment subadvisers.
In the over-the-counter market, securities generally
are traded on a “net” basis with dealers acting as principals for their own accounts without stated commissions, although the price of a security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are bought
at a fixed price that includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter’s “concession” or “discount.” On occasion, certain money market instruments may be bought directly
from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid.
The Investment Manager effects security transactions
for the Funds consistent with its duty to seek best execution of client (including the Funds) orders under the circumstances of the particular transaction. In seeking such execution, the Investment Manager will use its best judgment in evaluating
the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various relevant factors, including, without limitation, the size and type of the transaction, the nature and character of the market for the security or other instrument or asset, the
confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required for the transaction, the general execution and operational capabilities of the broker-dealer, the reputation, reliability, experience and financial condition of the broker-dealer,
the value and quality of the services rendered by the broker-dealer in this instance and other transactions and the reasonableness of the spread or commission, if any. Research services received from broker-dealers supplement the Investment
Manager’s own research and may include the following types of information: statistical and background information on industry groups and individual companies; forecasts and interpretations with respect to U.S. and foreign economies,
securities, markets, specific industry groups and individual companies; information on political developments; Fund management strategies; performance information on securities and other instruments and assets and information concerning prices of
same; and information supplied by specialized services to the Investment Manager and to the Board with respect to the performance, investment activities and fees and expenses of other funds. Such information may be communicated electronically,
orally or in written form.
Broker-dealers may,
from time to time, arrange meetings with management of companies and provide access to consultants who supply research information. The outside research is useful to the Investment Manager since, in certain instances, the broker-dealers utilized by
the Investment Manager may follow a different universe of issuers and other matters than those that the Investment Manager’s staff follow. In addition, this research provides the Investment Manager with a different perspective on investment
matters, even if the securities research obtained relates to issuers followed by the Investment Manager.
Research services that are provided to the
Investment Manager by broker-dealers are available for the benefit of all accounts managed or advised by the Investment Manager. In some cases, the research services are available only from the broker-dealer providing such services. In other cases,
the research services may be obtainable from alternative sources. Broker-dealer research typically supplements rather than replaces the Investment Manager’s own research, tending to improve the quality of its investment advice. However, to the
extent that the Investment Manager would have bought any such research services had such services not been provided by broker-dealers, the expenses of such services to the Investment Manager could be considered to have been reduced accordingly.
Certain research services furnished by broker-dealers may be useful to the clients of the Investment Manager other than the Funds. Conversely, any research services received by the Investment Manager through the placement of transactions of other
clients may be of value to the Investment Manager in fulfilling its obligations to the Funds. The Investment Manager is of the opinion that this material is beneficial in supplementing its research and analysis; and, therefore, it may benefit the
Funds by improving the quality of the Investment Manager’s investment advice. The advisory fees paid by the Funds are not reduced because the Investment Manager receives such services.
Under Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Investment
Manager shall not be “deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached its fiduciary duty” solely because under certain circumstances it has caused the account to pay a higher commission than the lowest available. To obtain the
benefit of Section 28(e), the Investment Manager must make a good faith determination that the commissions paid are “reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such member, broker, or dealer, viewed
in terms of either that particular transaction or his overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
162
|
as to which he exercises investment discretion.” Accordingly,
the price to a Fund in any transaction may be less favorable than that available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the portfolio execution services offered. Some broker-dealers may indicate that
the provision of research services is dependent upon the generation of certain specified levels of commissions and underwriting concessions by the Investment Manager’s clients, including the Funds.
The Investment Manager does not consider sales of
shares of the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers through which to execute securities transactions on behalf of the Funds. On a periodic basis, the Investment Manager makes a comprehensive review of the broker-dealers and the
overall reasonableness of their commissions, which evaluates execution, operational efficiency, and research services. Certain limited reviews are also conducted by an independent third-party evaluator.
Commission rates are established pursuant to
negotiations with broker-dealers based on the quality and quantity of execution services provided by broker-dealers in light of generally prevailing rates. On exchanges on which commissions are negotiated, the cost of transactions may vary among
different broker-dealers. Transactions on foreign stock exchanges involve payment of brokerage commissions that generally are fixed. Transactions in both foreign and domestic over-the-counter markets generally are principal transactions with
dealers, and the costs of such transactions involve dealer spreads rather than brokerage commissions. With respect to over-the-counter transactions, the Investment Manager, where possible, will deal directly with dealers who make a market in the
securities involved, except in those circumstances in which better prices and execution are available elsewhere.
The Investment Manager or a subadviser, if
applicable, may use step-out transactions. A “step-out” is an arrangement in which the Investment Manager or subadviser executes a trade through one broker-dealer but instructs that broker-dealer to step-out all or a part of the trade to
another broker-dealer. The second broker-dealer will clear and settle, and receive commissions for, the stepped-out portion. The Investment Manager or subadviser may receive research products and services in connection with step-out
transactions.
Use of Fund commissions may
create potential conflicts of interest between the Investment Manager or subadviser and a Fund. However, the Investment Manager and each subadviser has policies and procedures in place intended to mitigate these conflicts and ensure that the use of
fund commissions falls within the “safe harbor” of Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act. Some products and services may be used for both investment decision-making and non-investment decision-making purposes (“mixed use” items). The
Investment Manager and each subadviser, to the extent it has mixed use items, has procedures in place to assure that Fund commissions pay only for the investment decision-making portion of a mixed-use item.
Some broker-dealers with whom the Investment
Manager’s Fixed Income Department executes trades provide the Fixed Income Department with proprietary research products and services, though the Fixed Income Department does not put in place any client commission arrangements with such
broker-dealers. However, such research may be considered by the Fixed Income Department when determining which broker-dealers to include on its approved broker-dealer list. It is the Investment Manager’s policy not to execute a fixed income
trade with a broker-dealer at a lower bid/higher offer than that provided by another broker-dealer in consideration of the value of research products and services received by the Fixed Income Department.
In certain instances, there may be securities that
are suitable for a Fund as well as for one or more of the other clients of the Investment Manager. Investment decisions for the Funds and for the Investment Manager’s other clients are made with the goal of achieving their respective
investment objectives. A particular security may be bought or sold for only one client even though it may be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more other
clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when a number of accounts receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives
of more than one client. When two or more clients are engaged simultaneously in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. In some cases, this policy could have
a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security in a particular transaction that may affect the Funds.
The Investment Manager operates several separate
trading desks in different geographic locations in the United States. The trading desks support different portfolio management teams managing a variety of accounts and products. Nevertheless, the equity desks are functionally and operationally
integrated so as to operate as one virtual desk. The fixed income desks, however, function and operate separately but can provide support to each other to assure the continuation of services if necessary. By operating the fixed income trading desks
in this manner, the Funds may forego certain opportunities including the aggregation of trades across accounts that trade on different trading desks, which could result in one trading desk competing with another in the market for similar trades. In
addition, it is possible that the separate fixed income trading desks may be on opposite sides of a trade at the same time. While the trading desks operate in several locations, the desks do have linkages in oversight and reporting lines and are
generally conducted under similar policies and procedures. In addition, certain fixed income portfolio managers currently have the authority to execute trades themselves.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
163
|
As the Investment Manager seeks to enhance its
investment capabilities and services to its clients, including the Funds, the Investment Manager may engage certain of its investment advisory affiliates (Participating Affiliates) around the world to provide a variety of services. For example, the
Investment Manager may engage Participating Affiliates and their personnel to provide (jointly or in coordination with the Investment Manager) services relating to client relations, investment monitoring, account administration, trading and
discretionary investment management (including portfolio management and risk management) to certain accounts the Investment Manager manages, including the Funds, other pooled vehicles and separately managed accounts. In some circumstances, a
Participating Affiliate may delegate responsibility for providing those services to another Participating Affiliate. In addition, the Investment Manager may provide certain similar services to its Participating Affiliates for accounts they
manage.
The Investment Manager believes that
harnessing the collective expertise of the firm and its Participating Affiliates will benefit its clients. In this regard, the Investment Manager has certain portfolio management and client servicing teams at both the firm and at Participating
Affiliates (through subadvisory or other intercompany arrangements) operating jointly to provide a better client experience. These joint teams use expanded and shared capabilities that the Investment Manager and its Participating Affiliates provide,
including the sharing of research and other information by investment personnel (
e.g.
, portfolio managers and analysts) across the firm and at its Participating Affiliates relating to economic perspectives,
market analysis and equity and fixed income securities analysis.
Participating Affiliates may provide certain
advisory and trading-related services to certain of the Investment Manager’s accounts, including the Funds. The Investment Manager may also provide similar services to certain accounts of Participating Affiliates. The Investment Manager
believes that local trading in certain local markets will benefit its clients, including the Funds. However, such services may result in potential conflicts of interest to such accounts.
The Investment Manager has portfolio management
teams in its multiple geographic locations that may share research information regarding leveraged loans. The Investment Manager operates separate and independent trading desks in these locations for the purpose of purchasing and selling leveraged
loans. As a result, the Investment Manager does not aggregate orders in leveraged loans across portfolio management teams. For example, funds and other client accounts being managed by these portfolio management teams may purchase and sell the same
leveraged loan in the secondary market on the same day at different times and at different prices. There is also the potential for a particular account or group of accounts, including a Fund, to forego an opportunity or to receive a different
allocation (either larger or smaller) than might otherwise be obtained if the Investment Manager were to aggregate trades in leveraged loans across the portfolio management teams. Although the Investment Manager does not aggregate orders in
leveraged loans across its portfolio management teams in the multiple geographic locations, it operates in this structure subject to its duty to seek best execution.
The Funds may participate, if and when practicable,
in bidding for the purchase of portfolio securities directly from an issuer in order to take advantage of the lower purchase price available to members of a bidding group. A Fund will engage in this practice, however, only when the Investment
Manager, in its sole discretion, believes such practice to be otherwise in such Fund’s interests.
The Funds will not execute portfolio transactions
through, or buy or sell portfolio securities from or to the Investment Manager and its affiliates acting as principal (including repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements), except to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or order.
However, the Investment Manager is authorized to allocate buy and sell orders for portfolio securities to certain broker-dealers and financial institutions, including, in the case of agency transactions, broker-dealers and financial institutions
that are affiliated with Ameriprise Financial. To the extent that a Fund executes any securities trades with an affiliate of Ameriprise Financial, such Fund does so in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act and the procedures that such Fund
has adopted pursuant to the rule. In this regard, for each transaction, the Board will determine that the transaction is effected in accordance with the Funds’ Rule 17e-1 procedures, which require: (i) the transaction resulted in prices for
and execution of securities transactions at least as favorable to the particular Fund as those likely to be derived from a non-affiliated qualified broker-dealer; (ii) the affiliated broker-dealer charged the Fund commission rates consistent with
those charged by the affiliated broker-dealer in similar transactions to clients comparable to the Fund and that are not affiliated with the broker-dealer in question; and (iii) the fees, commissions or other remuneration paid by the Fund did not
exceed 2% of the sales price of the securities if the sale was effected in connection with a secondary distribution, or 1% of the purchase or sale price of such securities if effected in other than a secondary distribution.
Certain affiliates of Ameriprise Financial may have
deposit, loan or commercial banking relationships with the corporate users of facilities financed by industrial development revenue bonds or private activity bonds bought by certain of the Funds. Ameriprise Financial or certain of its affiliates may
serve as trustee, custodian, tender agent, guarantor, placement agent, underwriter, or in some other capacity, with respect to certain issues of securities. Under certain circumstances, a Fund may buy securities from a member of an underwriting
syndicate in which an affiliate of Ameriprise Financial is a member. The Funds have adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act, and intend to comply with the requirements of Rule 10f-3, in connection with any purchases of
securities that may be subject to Rule 10f-3.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
164
|
Given the breadth of the Investment Manager’s
investment management activities, investment decisions for the Funds are not always made independently from those other investment companies and accounts advised or managed by the Investment Manager. To the extent permitted by law, when a purchase
or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of one or more of the Funds and another investment portfolio, investment company or account, the Investment Manager may aggregate the securities to be sold or bought for
the Funds with those to be sold or bought for other investment portfolios, investment companies or accounts in executing transactions, and such transactions will be averaged as to price and available investments allocated as to amount in a manner
which the Investment Manager believes to be equitable to the Funds and such other investment portfolio, investment company or account. In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size
of the position obtained or sold by the Fund.
See
Investment
Management and Other Services – Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates – Certain Conflicts of Interest
for more information about these and other conflicts of interest.
Brokerage Commissions
The following charts reflect the amounts of
brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the three most recently completed fiscal years. In certain instances, the Funds may pay brokerage commissions to broker-dealers that are affiliates of Ameriprise Financial. As indicated above, all such
transactions involving the payment of brokerage commissions to affiliates are done in compliance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act.
Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid by the
Funds
The following chart reflects the aggregate amount of
brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the three most recently completed fiscal years. Differences, year to year, in the amount of brokerage commissions paid by a Fund were primarily the result of increased market volatility as well as
shareholder purchase and redemption activity in the Fund. The table is organized by fiscal year end.
Total Brokerage Commissions
|
Total
Brokerage Commissions
|
Fund
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$260
|
$530
|
$932
(a)
|
Fund
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
1,540,259
|
1,048,675
|
603,846
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
456,905
|
510,601
|
975,653
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
2,716,236
|
2,312,302
|
2,355,987
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
23,846
|
15,224
|
14,153
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
54,070
|
59,212
|
18,989
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(b)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
22,078
|
42,481
(c)
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
1,960,857
|
2,305,255
|
2,220,756
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
167,980
|
72,702
|
62,945
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
239,119
|
210,129
|
38,958
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
46,588
|
23,795
(d)
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
2,293,997
|
618,976
(e)
|
N/A
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
1,853,862
|
2,285,197
|
2,025,676
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
165
|
|
Total
Brokerage Commissions
|
Fund
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
$1,107,524
|
$1,344,066
|
$2,033,118
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
13
|
0
(f)
|
N/A
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
1,567,482
|
827,182
|
710,397
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
3,952,735
|
2,566,680
|
2,340,216
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
1,236,808
|
821,155
|
638,076
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
3,765,444
|
4,498,397
|
4,414,146
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
853,746
|
1,119,280
|
1,393,143
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
112,438
|
265,939
|
188,876
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
328,663
|
333,197
|
238,290
|
Greater
China Fund
|
136,815
|
268,667
|
372,496
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
2,710,169
|
2,311,420
|
2,780,196
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
1,059,559
|
1,427,187
|
922,515
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
3,051,542
|
1,967,401
|
1,184,871
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
489,671
|
210,419
|
176,614
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
1,065,842
|
1,711,624
|
3,823,650
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
1,232
|
0
|
0
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
809
|
0
|
0
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
178,818
|
129,182
|
185,392
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
245,905
|
284,239
|
354,039
|
(a)
|
For the period from March 11,
2014 (commencement of operations) to January 31, 2015.
|
(b)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
(c)
|
For the period from March 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2015.
|
(d)
|
For the period from January 27,
2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(e)
|
For the period from February
19, 2015 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2015.
|
(f)
|
For the period from March 26,
2015 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 2015.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
166
|
Brokerage Commissions Paid to Brokers Affiliated with
the Investment Manager
Affiliates of the Investment Manager
may engage in brokerage and other securities transactions on behalf of a Fund according to procedures adopted by the Board and to the extent consistent with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. Subject to approval by the Board, the
same conditions apply to transactions with broker-dealer affiliates of any Fund subadviser. The Investment Manager will use an affiliate only if (i) the Investment Manager determines that the Fund will receive prices and executions at least as
favorable as those offered by qualified independent brokers performing similar brokerage and other services for the Fund and (ii) the affiliate charges the Fund commission rates consistent with those the affiliate charges comparable unaffiliated
customers in similar transactions and if such use is consistent with terms of the Investment Management Services Agreement or Management Agreement, as applicable.
No brokerage commissions were paid by the Funds in
the last three fiscal periods to brokers affiliated with the Funds' Investment Manager or any subadvisers.
Directed Brokerage
The Funds or the Investment Manager, through an
agreement or understanding with a broker-dealer, or otherwise through an internal allocation procedure, may direct, subject to applicable legal requirements, the Funds' brokerage transactions to a broker-dealer because of the research services it
provides the Funds or the Investment Manager.
Reported numbers include third party soft dollar
commissions and portfolio manager directed commissions directed for research. The Investment Manager also receives proprietary research from brokers, but these amounts have not been included in the table.
During each Fund’s last fiscal year (or
period), the Funds directed certain brokerage transactions and paid related commissions in the amounts as follows:
Brokerage Directed for Research
|
Brokerage
directed for research
|
Fund
|
Amount
of Transactions
|
Amount
of Commissions Imputed or Paid
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$0
|
$0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
1,517,665,346
|
420,972
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
52,449,273
|
63,914
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
3,248,841,086
|
798,945
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Bond
Fund
|
0
|
0
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
0
|
0
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(b)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
4,258,586
|
2,616
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
368,327,131
|
604,735
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
20,967,719
|
26,939
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
0
|
0
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
15,020,515
|
5,985
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
2,538,520,190
|
1,162,507
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
1,278,719,755
|
387,718
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
167
|
|
Brokerage
directed for research
|
Fund
|
Amount
of Transactions
|
Amount
of Commissions Imputed or Paid
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
$0
|
$0
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Balanced
Fund
|
1,479,727,469
|
633,181
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
3,368,355,252
|
1,499,177
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
193,420,723
|
240,205
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
292,049,386
|
453,519
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
193,563,196
|
153,386
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
18,748,965
|
18,160
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
50,838,672
|
30,056
|
Greater
China Fund
|
30,519,955
|
42,459
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
1,072,187,150
|
693,071
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
1,486,064,409
|
272,850
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
1,195,220,470
|
769,582
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
0
|
0
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
445,486,642
|
322,503
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
0
|
0
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
0
|
0
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
0
|
0
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
0
|
0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
109,816,330
|
57,313
|
(a)
|
For the period from March 11,
2014 (commencement of operations) to January 31, 2015.
|
(b)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers
In certain cases, the Funds, as part of their
principal investment strategies, or otherwise as a permissible investment, will invest in the common stock or debt obligations of the regular broker-dealers that the Investment Manager uses to transact brokerage for the Funds.
As of each Fund’s last fiscal year (or period)
end, the Funds owned securities of their “regular brokers or dealers” or their parents, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act, as shown in the table below:
Investments in Securities of Regular Brokers or Dealers
Fund
|
Issuer
|
Value
of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31, 2017
|
Diversified
Real Return
|
None
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
168
|
Fund
|
Issuer
|
Value
of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31, 2016
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30, 2016
|
Bond
Fund
|
Chase
Issuance Trust
|
$864,660
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$8,173,803
|
Citigroup
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$1,426,646
|
Citigroup
Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
|
$815,117
|
Credit
Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
|
$352,138
|
GS
Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$977,456
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$3,029,070
|
JPMorgan
Chase Capital XXI
|
$180,469
|
JPMorgan
Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$1,556,227
|
LB-UBS
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$1,115,309
|
Merrill
Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust
|
$3,393
|
Morgan
Stanley Re-Remic Trust
|
$2,097,122
|
Morgan
Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust
|
$503,594
|
PNC
Financial Services Group, Inc.(The)
|
$2,099,960
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$5,845,638
|
E*TRADE
Financial Corp.
|
$815,632
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$1,593,005
|
MM
Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(a)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$249,900
|
Citigroup
Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
|
$1,490,311
|
Credit
Suisse First Boston International AG
|
$3,022,230
|
Credit
Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
|
$1,644,143
|
E*TRADE
Financial Corp.
|
$113,366
|
Goldman
Sachs International
|
$18,268
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$376,038
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank
|
$3,035,460
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$3,065,220
|
PNC
Financial Services Group, Inc.(The)
|
$23,938
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
|
None
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
169
|
Fund
|
Issuer
|
Value
of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
|
Total
Return Bond Fund
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$15,906,677
|
Citigroup
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$20,254,717
|
Citigroup
Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
|
$27,150,573
|
Credit
Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
|
$28,255,172
|
Credit
Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$2,165,029
|
Credit
Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
|
$8,191,332
|
E*TRADE
Financial Corp.
|
$2,532,524
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$33,293,837
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank NA
|
$10,852,634
|
JPMorgan
Chase Capital XXI
|
$14,965,985
|
JPMorgan
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust
|
$2,383,965
|
JPMorgan
Resecuritization Trust
|
$6,719,898
|
LB-UBS
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$7,213,513
|
Merrill
Lynch Capital Trust I
|
$2,208,300
|
Merrill
Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust
|
$22,188
|
Banc
of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$6,849,813
|
Banc
of America Merrill Lynch Re-Remic Trust
|
$914,601
|
Morgan
Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust
|
$5,409,616
|
Morgan
Stanley Capital I Trust
|
$4,395,273
|
Morgan
Stanley Re-Remic Trust
|
$10,227,733
|
PNC
Bank NA
|
$3,525,164
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31, 2016
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
Affiliated
Managers Group, Inc.
|
$(121,638)
|
TD
Ameritrade Holding Corp.
|
$(78,114)
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$215,246
|
Credit
Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
|
$1,091,648
|
Eaton
Vance Corp.
|
$(40,214)
|
Franklin
Resources, Inc.
|
$(387,282)
|
Banc
of America Merrill Lynch Re-Remic Trust
|
$493,307
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$101,406
|
Raymond
James & Associates
|
$(379,874)
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$252,372,982
|
PNC
Financial Services Group, Inc.(The)
|
$117,812,915
|
High
Yield Municipal Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31, 2016
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
The
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
|
$21,388,689
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$252,789
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
170
|
Fund
|
Issuer
|
Value
of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$10,011,720
|
The
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
|
$10,071,000
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$14,086,744
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$10,025,820
|
Morgan
Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust
|
$1,162,709
|
PNC
Bank NA
|
$8,927,660
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31, 2016
|
Balanced
Fund
|
Bear
Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$16,450,158
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$106,028,945
|
Citigroup
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$482,090
|
Citigroup/Deutsche
Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$5,748,907
|
Credit
Suisse AG
|
$4,724,716
|
E*TRADE
Financial Corp.
|
$645,387
|
GS
Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$78,309
|
The
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
|
$9,955,950
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$98,719,526
|
JPMorgan
Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$4,110,300
|
JPMorgan
Resecuritization Trust
|
$522,527
|
LB-UBS
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$9,838,007
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$84,955,526
|
Morgan
Stanley Capital I Trust
|
$22,879,837
|
Morgan
Stanley Re-Remic Trust
|
$6,651,635
|
PNC
Bank NA
|
$4,459,788
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$279,369,992
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$258,101,303
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$212,779,976
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
Piper
Jaffray Companies
|
$288,470
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$12,988,552
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Greater
China Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$7,492,554
|
PNC
Financial Services Group, Inc.(The)
|
$5,316,621
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
Westwood
Holdings Group, Inc.
|
$3,228,225
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
171
|
Fund
|
Issuer
|
Value
of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
Chase
Issuance Trust
|
$31,479,027
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$51,080,950
|
Citigroup
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$42,613,989
|
Citigroup
Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
|
$9,348,987
|
Credit
Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
|
$17,205,829
|
Credit
Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$5,559,012
|
Credit
Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
|
$2,379,522
|
E*TRADE
Financial Corp.
|
$1,750,525
|
GS
Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$17,752,330
|
The
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
|
$43,697,858
|
Jefferies
Group LLC
|
$3,846,766
|
JPMorgan
Chase & Co.
|
$48,599,132
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank
|
$2,731,236
|
JPMorgan
Chase Capital XXI
|
$14,724,102
|
JPMorgan
Chase Capital XXIII
|
$6,220,000
|
JPMorgan
Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$26,940,168
|
JPMorgan
Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$1,232,984
|
JPMorgan
Mortgage Trust
|
$1,668,698
|
JPMorgan
Resecuritization Trust
|
$4,930,989
|
LB-UBS
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$1,303,729
|
Lehman
XS Trust
|
$6,246,273
|
Merrill
Lynch Mortgage Trust
|
$2,764,494
|
Banc
of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
|
$3,189,913
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
$22,019,189
|
Morgan
Stanley Capital I Trust
|
$17,326,337
|
Morgan
Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust
|
$5,368,810
|
Morgan
Stanley Re-Remic Trust
|
$5,264,546
|
Morgan
Stanley Resecuritization Trust
|
$1,117,087
|
PNC
Bank NA
|
$3,618,633
|
Stifel
Financial Corp.
|
$1,760,412
|
UBS-Citigroup
Commercial Mortgage Trust
|
$4,091,067
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
None
|
N/A
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31, 2016
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
Citigroup,
Inc.
|
$7,111,984
|
Citigroup
Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
|
$17,730,919
|
Credit
Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
|
$83,633,735
|
Credit
Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
|
$19,139,185
|
E*TRADE
Financial Corp.
|
$3,080,629
|
GS
Mortgage Securities Trust
|
$21,421,993
|
Jefferies
Resecuritization Trust
|
$1,109,232
|
Banc
of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
|
$11,697,246
|
Banc
of America Merrill Lynch Re-Remic Trust
|
$3,797,102
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
172
|
Fund
|
Issuer
|
Value
of securities owned
at end of fiscal period
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31, 2016
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
None
|
N/A
|
(a)
|
The Fund commenced operations
on October 17, 2016, and therefore has no reporting information for periods prior to such date.
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
173
|
OTHER PRACTICES
Performance Disclosure
Effective beginning with performance reporting for
the December 31, 2011 year end, in presenting performance information for newer share classes, if any, of a Fund, the Fund typically includes, for periods prior to the offering of such share classes, the performance of the Fund’s oldest share
class (except as otherwise disclosed), adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable, based on the expense ratios of those share classes for the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal
year for which data was available at December 31, 2011 or, for Funds and classes first offered after January 1, 2011, the expected expense differential at the time the newer share class is first offered. Actual expense differentials across classes
will vary over time. The performance of the Fund’s newer share classes would have been substantially similar to the performance of the Fund’s oldest share class because all share classes of a Fund are invested in the same portfolio of
securities, and would have differed only to the extent that the classes do not have the same sales charges and/or expenses (and any differences in expenses between share classes may change over time).
Prior to December 31, 2011, in presenting
performance information for a newer share class of a Fund, the Fund would typically include, for periods prior to the offering of such newer share class, the performance of an older share class, the class-related operating expense structure of which
was most similar to that of the newer share class, and for periods prior to the initial offering of such older share class, would include the performance of successively older share classes with successively less similar expense structures. Such
performance information was not restated to reflect any differences in expenses between share classes and if such differences had been reflected, the performance shown might have been lower. Because, prior to December 31, 2011, the Funds used a
different methodology for presenting performance information for a newer share class, such performance information published before December 31, 2011 may differ from corresponding performance information published after December 31, 2011.
For certain Funds, performance shown includes the
returns of a predecessor to the Fund. The table below identifies the predecessor fund for certain of these Funds and shows the periods when performance shown is that of the predecessor fund or a predecessor to that fund.
Fund
|
|
Predecessor
Fund
|
|
For
periods prior to:
|
Bond
Fund
|
|
Excelsior
Core Bond Fund, a series of Excelsior Funds, Inc.
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
|
Excelsior
Emerging Markets Fund, a series of Excelsior Funds, Inc.
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
|
Excelsior
Energy and Natural Resources Fund, a series of Excelsior Funds, Inc.
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
|
Excelsior
Pacific/Asia Fund, a series of Excelsior Funds, Inc.
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
Excelsior
Large Cap Growth Fund, a series of Excelsior Funds, Inc.
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
Portfolio Turnover
A change in the securities held by a Fund is known
as “portfolio turnover.” High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other
securities. Such sales may also result in adverse tax consequences to a Fund’s shareholders. The trading costs and tax effects associated with portfolio turnover may adversely affect a Fund’s performance. For each Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate, see the
Fees and Expenses of the Fund — Portfolio Turnover
section in the prospectuses for that Fund.
In any particular year, market conditions may result
in greater rates than are presently anticipated. The rate of a Fund’s turnover may vary significantly from time to time depending on, among other factors, economic, market and other conditions.
See below for an explanation of any significant
variation in a Fund’s portfolio turnover rates over the two most recently completed fiscal years:
For Total Return Bond Fund, during the fiscal year
ended April 30, 2016, the Fund experienced a higher rate of portfolio turnover than during the previous fiscal year. This was due to changes made to the Fund’s principal investment strategy, which became effective on February 19, 2016, and to
strategic investment decisions based on market factors.
For Diversified Absolute Return Fund, during the
fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, the Fund experienced a higher rate of portfolio turnover than during the previous fiscal year. This was largely due to the fact that the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, was the Fund’s first full fiscal
year.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
174
|
For Disciplined Small Core Fund, during the fiscal
year ended August 31, 2016, the Fund experienced a higher rate of portfolio turnover than during the previous fiscal year. This was due to changes made to the Fund’s principal investment strategy, which became effective on January 19,
2016.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information
The Board and the Investment Manager believe that
the investment ideas of the Investment Manager and any subadviser with respect to portfolio management of a Fund should seek to benefit the Fund and its shareholders, and do not want to afford speculators an opportunity to profit by anticipating
Fund trading strategies. However, the Board also believes that selective disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings can, under appropriate circumstances, be made for purposes beneficial to the Fund and its shareholders or for other purposes
under conditions that are designed to protect the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Board has therefore adopted policies and
procedures relating to disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities. These policies and procedures are intended to protect the confidentiality of Fund portfolio holdings information and generally prohibit the release of such information until
such information is made available to the general public, unless such persons have been authorized to receive such information on a selective basis, as described below. It is the policy of the Fund not to provide or permit others to provide
portfolio holdings on a selective basis, and the Investment Manager does not intend to selectively disclose portfolio holdings or expect that such holdings information will be selectively disclosed, except where necessary for the Fund’s
operation or where there are other legitimate business purposes for doing so and, in any case, where conditions are met that are designed to protect the interests of the Funds and their shareholders.
Although the Investment Manager seeks to limit the
selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information and such selective disclosure is monitored under the Fund’s compliance program for conformity with the policies and procedures, there can be no assurance that these policies will protect
the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information. Under no circumstances may the Investment Manager, its affiliates or any employee thereof receive any consideration or compensation
for disclosing such holdings information.
Public
Disclosures
The Funds’ portfolio
holdings are currently disclosed to the public through filings with the SEC and postings on the Funds’ website. The information is available on the Funds’ website as described below.
■
|
For equity,
alternative and flexible funds (other than the equity funds identified below) and funds-of-funds (equity and fixed income), a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of month-end is posted approximately, but no earlier than, 15 calendar days
after such month-end.
|
■
|
For Columbia Small
Cap Growth Fund I and Columbia Variable Portfolio – Small Company Growth Fund, a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of month-end is posted approximately, but no earlier than, 30 calendar days after such month-end.
|
■
|
For fixed-income
Funds (other than money market funds), a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of calendar quarter-end is posted approximately, but no earlier than, 30 calendar days after such quarter-end.
|
■
|
For money market
Funds, a complete list of Fund portfolio holdings as of month-end is posted no later than five business days after such month-end. Such month-end holdings are continuously available on the website for at least six months, together with a link to an
SEC webpage where a user of the website may obtain access to the Fund’s most recent 12 months of publicly available filings on Form N-MFP. Money market Fund portfolio holdings information posted on the website, at minimum, includes with
respect to each holding, the name of the issuer, the category of investment (
e.g.
, Treasury debt, government agency debt, asset backed commercial paper, structured investment vehicle note), the CUSIP number
(if any), the principal amount, the maturity date (as determined under Rule 2a-7 for purposes of calculating weighted average maturity), the final maturity date (if different from the maturity date previously described), coupon or yield and the
value. The money market Funds will also disclose on the website its overall weighted average maturity, weighted average life maturity, percentage of daily liquid assets, percentage of weekly liquid assets and daily inflows and outflows.
|
Portfolio holdings of
Funds owned solely by the Investment Manager or its affiliates are not disclosed on the website. A complete schedule of each Fund’s portfolio holdings is available semiannually and annually in shareholder reports filed on Form N-CSR and, after
the first and third fiscal quarters, in regulatory filings on Form N-Q. These shareholder reports and regulatory filings are filed with the SEC in accordance with federal securities laws. Shareholders may obtain each Fund’s Form N-CSR and N-Q
filings on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, each Fund’s Form N-CSR and N-Q filings may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may call the SEC at 202.551.8090 for information
about the SEC’s website or the operation of the public reference room.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
175
|
In addition, the Investment Manager makes publicly
available information regarding certain Fund’s largest five to fifteen holdings, as a percentage of the market value of the Funds’ portfolios as of a month-end. This holdings information is made publicly available through the website
columbiathreadneedle.com/us, approximately 15 calendar days following the month-end. The scope of the information that is made available on the Funds’ websites pursuant to the Funds’ policies may change from time to time without prior
notice.
The Investment Manager may also
disclose more current portfolio holdings information as of specified dates on the Funds’ website.
The Funds, the Investment Manager and their
affiliates may include portfolio holdings information that already has been made public through a website posting or SEC filing in marketing literature and other communications to shareholders, advisors or other parties, provided that the
information is disclosed no earlier than when the information is disclosed publicly on the funds’ website or no earlier than the time a fund files such information in a publicly available SEC filing required to include such information.
Other Disclosures
The Funds’ policies and procedures provide
that no disclosures of the Funds’ portfolio holdings may be made prior to the portfolio holdings information being made available to the general public unless (i) the Funds have a legitimate business purpose for making such disclosure, (ii)
the Funds or their authorized agents authorize such non-public disclosure of information, and (iii) the party receiving the non-public information enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement or is otherwise subject to a confidentiality
obligation.
In determining the existence of a
legitimate business purpose for making portfolio disclosures, the following factors, among others, are considered: (i) any prior disclosure must be consistent with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the fiduciary duties of
the Investment Manager; (ii) any conflicts of interest between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Investment Manager, the Funds’ Distributor or any affiliated person of a Fund, the Investment Manager or
Distributor on the other; and (iii) any prior disclosure to a third party, although subject to a confidentiality agreement, would not make conduct lawful that is otherwise unlawful.
Fund complete portfolio holdings may be disclosed
between and among the following persons (collectively, Affiliates and Agents) for legitimate business purposes within the scope of their official duties and responsibilities, subject to Fund policies and procedures designed to prevent the misuse of
inside information, by agreement, or under applicable laws, rules, and regulations: (1) persons who are subject to the Code of Ethics or policies and procedures designed to prevent the misuse of inside information; (2) an investment adviser,
distributor, administrator, transfer agent, or custodian to the Fund; (3) an accounting firm, an auditing firm, or outside legal counsel retained by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, or the Fund; (4) an investment adviser to whom complete
portfolio holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes when the adviser is in merger or acquisition talks with a the Investment Manager or its parent company; and (5) a newly hired subadviser to whom complete portfolio holdings are disclosed
prior to the time it commences its duties.
The
frequency with which complete portfolio holdings may be disclosed between and among Affiliates and Agents, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed between and among
the Affiliates and Agents, is determined by such Affiliates and Agents based on the facts and circumstances, including, without limitation, the nature of the portfolio holdings information to be disclosed, the risk of harm to the Funds and their
shareholders, and the legitimate business purposes served by such disclosure. The frequency of disclosure between and among Affiliates and Agents varies and may be as frequent as daily, with no lag. Any disclosure of Fund complete portfolio holdings
to any Affiliates and Agents as previously described may also include a list of the other investment positions that make up the Fund, such as cash investments and derivatives.
The Funds also disclose portfolio holdings
information as required by federal, state or international securities laws, and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities, or in connection with litigation or potential litigation, a
restructuring of a holding, where such disclosure is necessary to participate or explore participation in a restructuring of the holding (
e.g.
, as part of a bondholder group), or to the issuer of a holding,
pursuant to a request of the issuer or any other party who is duly authorized by the issuer.
In certain limited situations, the Funds may provide
portfolio holdings to an institutional client (or its custodian or other agent) when the client is effecting a redemption in-kind from a Fund and the Investment Manager believes that such disclosure will not be harmful to the Fund. In these
situations, the Investment Manager makes it clear through non-disclosure agreements or other means that the recipient must ensure that the confidential information is used only as necessary to effect the redemption-in-kind and will maintain the
information in a manner designed to protect against unauthorized access or misuse.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
176
|
The Board has adopted policies to ensure that the
Fund’s portfolio holdings information is only disclosed in accordance with these policies. Before any selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information is permitted, the person seeking to disclose such holdings information must submit a
written request to the Portfolio Holdings Committee (“PHC”). The PHC, which is chaired by the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer, is comprised of members from the Investment Manager’s legal department and compliance department,
and the Funds’ President. The PHC is authorized by the Board to perform an initial review of requests for disclosure of holdings information to evaluate whether there is a legitimate business purpose for selective disclosure, whether selective
disclosure is in the best interests of a Fund and its shareholders, to consider any potential conflicts of interest between the Fund, the Investment Manager, and its affiliates, and to safeguard against improper use of holdings information. Factors
considered in this analysis are whether the recipient has agreed to or has a duty to keep the holdings information confidential and whether risks have been mitigated such that the recipient has agreed or has a duty to use the holdings information
only as necessary to effectuate the purpose for which selective disclosure may be authorized. Before portfolio holdings may be selectively disclosed, requests approved by the PHC must also be authorized by the Funds’ President, Chief
Compliance Officer or General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer or their respective designees. On at least an annual basis, the PHC reviews the approved recipients of selective disclosure and may require a resubmission of the request, in order to
re-authorize certain ongoing arrangements. These procedures are intended to be reasonably designed to protect the confidentiality of Fund holdings information and to prohibit their release to individual investors, institutional investors,
intermediaries that distribute the Fund’s shares, and other parties, until such holdings information is made public or unless such persons have been authorized to receive such holdings information on a selective basis, as set forth
above.
Ongoing Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
Arrangements:
The Funds currently have ongoing
arrangements with certain approved recipients with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings information prior to such information being made public. Portfolio holdings information disclosed to such recipients is current as of the time of its
disclosure, is disclosed to each recipient solely for purposes consistent with the services described below and has been authorized in accordance with the policy. No compensation or consideration is received in exchange for this information. In
addition to the daily information provided to a Fund’s custodians, subcustodians, Investment Manager and subadvisers, the following disclosure arrangements are in place:
Identity
of Recipient
|
|
Conditions/restrictions
on use of information
|
|
Frequency
of
Disclosure
|
Recipients
under arrangements with the Funds or Investment Manager:
|
|
|
Accudelta
|
|
Used
to report returns and analytics to client facing materials.
|
|
Monthly
|
Barclays
Capital
|
|
Used
for analytics including risk and attribution assessment.
|
|
Daily
|
BlackRock
|
|
Used
for fixed income trading and decision support.
|
|
Daily
|
Bloomberg
|
|
Used
for portfolio analytics, statistical analysis and independent research.
|
|
Daily,
Monthly and Quarterly
|
Bolger,
Inc.
|
|
Used
for commercial printing.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Boston
Investors Communications Group, LLC (BICG)
|
|
Used
for writing services that require disclosing portfolio holdings in advance of their dissemination to the general public.
|
|
Monthly
|
Capital
Markets Services (CMS) Group
|
|
Used
for intraday post-trade information when equity exposures (either via futures or options trades) are modified beyond certain limits for VP – Managed Volatility Funds.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Catapult
|
|
Used
for commercial printing.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Citigroup
|
|
Used
for mortgage decision support.
|
|
Daily
|
Donnelley
Financial Solutions
|
|
Used
to provide Edgar filing and typesetting services, and printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports. Used for commercial printing.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Elevation
Exhibits & Events
|
|
Used
for trade show exhibits.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
177
|
Identity
of Recipient
|
|
Conditions/restrictions
on use of information
|
|
Frequency
of
Disclosure
|
Equifax
|
|
Used
to ensure that Columbia Management does not violate the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanction requirements.
|
|
Daily
|
Ernst
& Young, LLP
|
|
Used
to analyze PFIC investments.
|
|
Monthly
|
Eva
Dimensions
|
|
Used
as a research service for small cap stock.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Eze
Software Group
|
|
Used
to facilitate the evaluation of commission rates and to provide flexible commission reporting.
|
|
Daily
|
FactSet
Research Systems, Inc.
|
|
Used
for provision of quantitative analytics, charting and fundamental data and for portfolio analytics. Used also to cover product and marketing developments related to index funds, ETFs, index derivatives, and other sophisticated investment
strategies.
|
|
Daily
or Monthly
|
Harte-Hanks
|
|
Used
for printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Imagine
Print Solutions
|
|
Used
for commercial printing.
|
|
Daily,
Monthly and Quarterly
|
Institutional
Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS)
|
|
Used
for proxy voting administration and research on proxy matters.
|
|
Daily
|
Intex
Solutions Inc.
|
|
Used
to provide mortgage analytics.
|
|
Periodic
|
Investment
Technology Group, Inc.
|
|
Used
to evaluate and assess trading activity, execution and practices.
|
|
Quarterly
|
Investor
Tools
|
|
Used
for municipal bond analytics, research and decision support.
|
|
As
Needed
|
JDP
Marketing Services
|
|
Used
to write or edit Columbia Fund shareholder reports, quarterly fund commentaries, and communications, including shareholder letters and management’s discussion of Columbia Fund performance.
|
|
Monthly,
as needed
|
John
Roberts, Inc.
|
|
Used
for commercial printing.
|
|
Daily,
Monthly and Quarterly
|
Kendall
Press
|
|
Used
for commercial printing.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Kynex
|
|
Used
to provide portfolio attribution reports for the Columbia Convertible Securities Fund. Used also for portfolio analytics.
|
|
Daily
|
Malaspina
Communications
|
|
Used
to facilitate writing management’s discussion of Columbia Fund performance for Columbia Fund shareholder reports and periodic marketing communications.
|
|
Monthly
|
Markit
|
|
Used
for an asset database for analytics and investor reporting. Used to reconcile client commission trades with broker-dealers.
|
|
As
Needed and Monthly
|
Merrill
Corporation
|
|
Used
to provide Edgar filing and typesetting services, as well as printing of prospectuses, factsheets, annual and semi-annual reports.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Morningstar
|
|
Used
for independent research and ranking of funds. Used also for statistical analysis.
|
|
Monthly,
Quarterly or As Needed
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
178
|
Identity
of Recipient
|
|
Conditions/restrictions
on use of information
|
|
Frequency
of
Disclosure
|
MSCI
Inc.
|
|
Used
as a hosted portfolio management platform designed for research, reporting, strategy development, portfolio construction and performance and risk attribution, and used for risk analysis and reporting.
|
|
Daily
|
Print
Craft
|
|
Used
to assemble kits and mailing that include the fact sheets.
|
|
As
Needed
|
RegEd,
Inc.
|
|
Used
to review external and certain internal communications prior to dissemination.
|
|
Daily
|
SEI
Investment Company
|
|
Used
for trading wrap accounts and to reconcile wrap accounts.
|
|
Daily
|
SS&C
Technologies, Inc.
|
|
Used
to translate account positions for reconciliations.
|
|
Daily
|
SunGard
Investment Systems LLC
|
|
Used
as portfolio accounting system.
|
|
Daily
|
Sustainalytics
US Inc.
|
|
Used
to support the investment process for Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund.
|
|
At
least Monthly
|
S.W.I.F.T.
Scrl.
|
|
Used
to send trade messages via SWIFT, to custodians.
|
|
Daily
|
Thomson
Reuters
|
|
Used
for statistical analysis.
|
|
Monthly
|
Threadneedle
Investments
|
|
Used
by portfolio managers and research analysts in supporting certain management strategies, and by shared support partners (legal, operations, compliance, risk, etc.) to provide Fund maintenance and development.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Universal
Wilde
|
|
Used
to provide printing and mailing services for prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, and supplements.
|
|
As
Needed
|
Visions,
Inc.
|
|
Used
for commercial printing.
|
|
Daily,
Monthly and Quarterly
|
Wilshire
Associates, Inc.
|
|
Used
to provide daily performance attribution reporting based on daily holdings to the investment and investment analytics teams.
|
|
Daily
|
Wolters
Kluwer
|
|
Used
to perform tax calculations specific to wash sales and used to analyze tax straddles (diminution of risk).
|
|
Monthly
|
Identity
of Recipient
|
|
Conditions/restrictions
on use of information
|
|
Frequency
of
Disclosure
|
Recipients
under arrangements with subadvisers:
|
|
|
Advent
APX
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for portfolio accounting system.
|
|
Daily
|
Advent
Custodial Data
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for custodian reconciliation system.
|
|
Daily
|
Advent
Software Inc.
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for portfolio management information systems.
|
|
Daily
|
Advisory
Compliance Associates Group
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for best execution analysis.
|
|
Quarterly
|
Ashland
Partners & Co. LLP
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for organizational controls audit.
|
|
Annually
|
Bank
of New York Mellon
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for back office asset servicing.
|
|
Daily
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
179
|
Identity
of Recipient
|
|
Conditions/restrictions
on use of information
|
|
Frequency
of
Disclosure
|
Bloomberg
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for analytical and statistical information.
|
|
Daily
|
Brown
Brothers Harriman InfoFX
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for FX trade execution for non-US trades.
|
|
Daily
|
Charles
River Development
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for order management, for OMS trading system and for compliance.
|
|
Daily
|
DDM
Marketing & Communications
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for marketing and reporting.
|
|
Quarterly
|
Electra
Information Systems, Inc.
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for portfolio holdings reconciliation and transactions for outside custodians.
|
|
Daily
|
Ernst
& Young, LLP
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers to provide general audit services.
|
|
Semi-annually
|
eVestment
OMNI
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for marketing and reporting.
|
|
Quarterly
|
FactSet
Research Systems, Inc.
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for analytical and statistical information and for portfolio attribution.
|
|
Daily
|
Financial
Recovery Technologies Services
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for class action monitoring.
|
|
Quarterly
|
Glass
Lewis
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for proxy voting services.
|
|
Daily
|
Infinit-O
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for reconciling cash and positions.
|
|
Daily
|
Institutional
Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”)
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for proxy voting services.
|
|
Daily
|
MSCI
Barra
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for portfolio analytics and analysis.
|
|
Daily
|
Northern
Trust
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for settlement, accounting, reconciliation and performance.
|
|
Daily
|
Omgeo,
LLC
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for trade settlement. Used by certain subadvisers for block trade confirmation between Charles River and ISDA counterparty.
|
|
Daily
|
Trade
Informatics
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for equity trading transaction cost analysis.
|
|
Daily
|
Traina
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for block trade confirmation.
|
|
Daily
|
TriOptima
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for back office reconciliation.
|
|
Daily
|
Triton
(ITG)
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for transaction cost analysis.
|
|
Daily
|
William
O’Neil
|
|
Used
by certain subadvisers for research, analytical and statistical information.
|
|
Daily
|
In addition,
portfolio holdings information may be provided from time to time to the Funds’ counsel, counsel to the independent trustees and the Funds’ independent auditors in connection with the services they provide to the Funds or the trustees.
Portfolio holdings information may also be provided to affiliates of the Investment Manager to monitor risks and various holdings limitations that must be aggregated with affiliated funds and accounts, among other purposes. The Investment Manager
and the subadvisers use a variety of broker-dealers and other agents to effect securities transactions on behalf of the Funds. These broker-dealers may become aware of the Funds’ intentions, transactions and positions in performing their
functions.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
180
|
Additional Shareholder Servicing Payments
The Funds, along with the Transfer Agent, the
Distributor and the Investment Manager, may pay significant amounts to financial intermediaries, including other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for providing shareholder services, including the types of services that would otherwise be provided
directly by a mutual fund’s transfer agent. The level of payments made to financial intermediaries may vary by financial intermediary and according to distribution channel. A number of factors may be considered in determining payments to a
financial intermediary, including, without limitation, the nature of the services provided to shareholders or retirement plan participants that invest in the Funds through retirement plans. These services may include sub-accounting, sub-transfer
agency, participant recordkeeping, shareholder or participant reporting, shareholder or participant transaction processing, maintaining shareholder records, preparing account statements and/or the provision of call center support and other customer
services.
Effective October 1, 2016, the Board
authorized each Fund to pay up to the lesser of the amount charged by the financial intermediary for such services or such fees up to a channel-specific cap established by the Board from time to time. For certain distribution channels, the
reimbursement is set at a per account amount for accounts of intermediaries that charge a per account fee. The amounts in excess of the amount reimbursed by a Fund are borne by the Transfer Agent, the Investment Manager and/or their affiliates.
These payments are in addition to the annual transfer agency fees paid by a Fund to the Transfer Agent, as described in the
Investment Management and Other Services – Other Services Provided
– The Transfer Agent
section above, and may include payments to financial intermediaries that charge networking fees for certain services provided in connection with the maintenance of shareholder accounts through the NSCC. With respect
to Class K and Class R5 shares, the annual rate for transfer agency fees and reimbursement of fees for additional shareholder services is currently capped at 0.075%. With respect to Class Y shares, the Transfer Agent does not currently pay financial
intermediaries for shareholder services and the Fund does not currently pay the Transfer Agent for any shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. Payments for these additional shareholder services are made by a Fund to the Transfer
Agent who in turn makes payments to the financial intermediary for the provision of such services. The Funds’ Transfer Agent, Distributor and/or their affiliates will pay, from its or their own resources, amounts in excess of the amount paid
by the Funds to financial intermediaries in connection with the provision of these additional shareholder services and other services.
The Funds also may make additional payments to
financial intermediaries that charge networking fees for certain services provided in connection with the maintenance of shareholder accounts through the NSCC. A significant portion of these networking account fees are paid to financial
intermediaries affiliated with Ameriprise Financial.
In addition, the Transfer Agent, the Distributor and
other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may make lump sum payments to selected financial intermediaries receiving shareholder servicing payments as compensation for the costs of printing literature for participants, account maintenance fees or fees
for establishment of the Funds on the financial intermediary’s system or other similar services.
As of April 2017, the Transfer Agent and/or other
Ameriprise Financial affiliates had agreed to make shareholder servicing payments with respect to the Funds to the financial intermediaries or their affiliates shown below.
Recipients of Shareholder Servicing Payments Relating to the
Funds from the Transfer Agent and/or other Ameriprise Financial Affiliates
■
|
ADP Broker-Dealer,
Inc.
|
■
|
American
Enterprise Investment Services Inc.*
|
■
|
American United
Life Insurance Co.
|
■
|
Ameriprise
Financial Services, Inc.*
|
■
|
AXA Equitable Life
Insurance
|
■
|
Benefit Plan
Administrators
|
■
|
BMO Harris Bank
(f/k/a Marshall & Illsley Trust Company)
|
■
|
Charles Schwab
& Co., Inc.
|
■
|
Charles Schwab
Trust Co.
|
■
|
Daily Access
Concepts, Inc.
|
■
|
Digital Retirement
Solutions
|
■
|
Edward D. Jones
& Co., LP
|
■
|
Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc.
|
■
|
Fidelity
Investments Institutional Operations Co.
|
■
|
First Mercantile
Trust Co.
|
■
|
Guardian Insurance
and Annuity Company Inc.
|
■
|
Genworth Life and
Annuity Insurance Company
|
■
|
Genworth Life
Insurance Co. of New York
|
■
|
Hartford Life
Insurance Company
|
■
|
ICMA Retirement
Corporation
|
■
|
Janney Montgomery
Scott, Inc.
|
■
|
John Hancock Life
Insurance Company (USA)
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
181
|
■
|
John Hancock Life
Insurance Company of New York
|
■
|
John Hancock Trust
Company
|
■
|
Lincoln Life &
Annuity Company of New York
|
■
|
Lincoln National
Life Insurance Company
|
■
|
Lincoln Retirement
Services
|
■
|
LPL Financial
Corporation
|
■
|
Massachusetts
Mutual Life Insurance Company
|
■
|
Mercer HR
Services, LLC
|
■
|
Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
|
■
|
Mid Atlantic
Capital Corporation
|
■
|
Minnesota Life
Insurance Co.
|
■
|
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney
|
■
|
MSCS Financial
Services Division of Broadridge Business Process Outsourcing LLC
|
■
|
National Financial
Services
|
■
|
Nationwide
Investment Services
|
■
|
Newport Retirement
Services, Inc.
|
■
|
New York State
Deferred Compensation Plan
|
■
|
Oppenheimer &
Co., Inc.
|
■
|
Plan
Administrators, Inc.
|
■
|
Principal Life
Insurance Company of America
|
■
|
Prudential
Insurance Company of America
|
■
|
Prudential
Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company
|
■
|
Raymond James
& Associates
|
■
|
Robert W. Baird
& Co., Inc.
|
■
|
Sammons Retirement
Solutions
|
■
|
SEI Private Trust
Company
|
■
|
Standard Insurance
Company
|
■
|
TD Ameritrade
Clearing, Inc.
|
■
|
TD Ameritrade
Trust Company
|
■
|
The Retirement
Plan Company
|
■
|
Teachers Insurance
and Annuity Association of America
|
■
|
Transamerica
Advisors Life Insurance Company
|
■
|
Transamerica
Advisors Life Insurance Company of New York
|
■
|
Transamerica
Financial Life Insurance Company
|
■
|
T. Rowe Price
Group, Inc.
|
■
|
UBS Financial
Services, Inc.
|
■
|
Unified Trust
Company, N.A.
|
■
|
Upromise
Investments, Inc.
|
■
|
VALIC Retirement
Services Company
|
■
|
Voya Retirement
Insurance and Annuity Company
|
■
|
Voya Institutional
Plan Services, LLP
|
■
|
Voya Investments
Distributors, LLC
|
■
|
Voya Financial
Partners, LLC
|
■
|
Wells Fargo
Clearing Services, LLC
|
■
|
Wilmington Trust
Retirement & Institutional Services Company
|
*
|
Ameriprise Financial affiliate
|
The Transfer
Agent, the Distributor, the Investment Manager and/or their affiliates may enter into similar arrangements with other financial intermediaries from time to time. Therefore, the preceding list is subject to change at any time without notice.
Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries
Financial intermediaries may receive
different commissions, sales charge reallowances and other payments with respect to sales of different classes of shares of the Funds. These other payments may include shareholder servicing payments to retirement plan administrators and other
institutions in amounts described above under
Other Practices – Additional Shareholder Servicing Payments.
The Distributor and other Ameriprise
Financial affiliates may pay additional compensation to selected financial intermediaries, including other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, under the categories described below. These categories are not mutually exclusive, and a single financial
intermediary may receive payments under all categories. A financial intermediary also may receive lump sum payments described above under
Other Practices – Additional Shareholder Servicing
Payments.
Such payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of a Fund to its customers. The amount of payments made to financial intermediaries may vary. In determining the
amount of payments to be made, the Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates may consider a number of factors, including, without limitation, asset mix and length of relationship with the financial intermediary, the size of the
customer/shareholder base of the financial intermediary, the manner in which customers of the financial intermediary make investments in the Funds, the nature and scope of marketing support or services provided by the financial intermediary (as
described more fully below) and the costs incurred by the financial intermediary in connection with maintaining the infrastructure necessary or desirable to support investments in the Funds.
These additional payments by the
Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates are made pursuant to agreements between the Distributor and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates and financial intermediaries, and do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a
Fund share, or the amount a Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales or the distribution fees and expenses paid by the Fund as shown under the heading
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
in the
Fund’s prospectuses.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
182
|
Marketing Support Payments
The Distributor, the Investment Manager and/or their
affiliates make payments, from their own resources, to certain financial intermediaries, including other Ameriprise Financial affiliates, for marketing support services relating to the Columbia Funds, including, but not limited to, business planning
assistance, educating financial intermediary personnel about the Funds and shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the financial intermediary’s preferred or recommended fund list or otherwise identifying the Funds as being part of a
complex to be accorded a higher degree of marketing support than complexes not making such payments, access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial intermediary, client servicing and systems
infrastructure support and data analytics. Not all financial intermediaries receive marketing support payments. These payments are generally based upon one or more of the following factors: average net assets of the Columbia Funds distributed by the
Distributor attributable to that financial intermediary, gross sales of the Columbia Funds distributed by the Distributor attributable to that financial intermediary, compensation for ticket charges (fees that a financial intermediary firm charges
its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or a negotiated lump sum payment.
While the financial arrangements may vary for each
financial intermediary, the marketing support payments to each financial intermediary generally are expected to be between 0.05% and 0.40% on an annual basis for payments based on average net assets of the Funds attributable to the financial
intermediary and between 0.05% and 0.25% on an annual basis for firms receiving a payment based on gross sales of the Funds attributable to the financial intermediary. The Distributor, the Investment Manager and other Ameriprise Financial affiliates
make payments with respect to a Fund or the Columbia Funds in materially larger amounts or on a basis materially different from those described above when dealing with certain financial intermediaries. Such increased payments may enable the
financial intermediaries to offset credits that they may provide to their customers.
As of April 2017, the Distributor, the Investment
Manager or their affiliates had agreed to make marketing support payments relating to the Funds to the following financial intermediaries or their affiliates.
Recipients of Marketing Support Payments Relating to the Funds
from the Distributor and/or other Ameriprise Financial Affiliates
■
|
Ameriprise
Financial Services, Inc.*
|
■
|
Cetera Financial
Group, Inc.
|
■
|
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc./Citibank
|
■
|
Commonwealth
Financial Network
|
■
|
J.J.B. Hilliard,
W.L. Lyons, Inc.
|
■
|
Lincoln Financial
Advisors Corp.
|
■
|
LPL Financial
Corporation
|
■
|
Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
|
■
|
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney
|
■
|
Northwestern
Mutual Investment Services, LLC
|
■
|
Oppenheimer &
Co., Inc.
|
■
|
Raymond James
& Associates, Inc.
|
■
|
Raymond James
Financial Services, Inc.
|
■
|
UBS Financial
Services Inc.
|
■
|
Unified Trust
Company, N.A.
|
■
|
US Bancorp
Investments, Inc.
|
■
|
Vanguard Marketing
Corp.
|
■
|
Voya Financial
Advisors, LLC
|
■
|
Wells Fargo
Advisors Financial Network, LLC
|
■
|
Wells Fargo
Clearing Services, LLC
|
*
|
Ameriprise Financial affiliate
|
The
Distributor, the Investment Manager and/or their affiliates may enter into similar arrangements with other financial intermediaries from time to time. Therefore, the preceding list is subject to change at any time without notice.
Other Payments
From time to time, the Distributor, from
its own resources and not as an expense of the Fund, typically provides additional compensation to certain financial intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Funds to the extent not prohibited by laws or the rules of any
self-regulatory agency, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Such compensation provided by the Distributor includes financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable the Distributor to participate in and/or present
at financial intermediary-sponsored conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other financial intermediary employees, financial intermediary entertainment and other financial
intermediary-sponsored events, and travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, retention and due diligence trips. The Distributor makes payments for entertainment
events it deems appropriate, subject to the Distributor’s internal guidelines and applicable law. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. Your financial intermediary may charge you fees or commissions in addition to
those disclosed in this SAI. You should consult with your financial intermediary and review carefully any disclosure your financial intermediary provides regarding its services and compensation. Depending on the financial arrangement in place at any
particular time, a financial intermediary and its financial consultants may have a financial incentive for recommending a
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
183
|
particular fund, including the Funds, or a particular share class
over other funds or share classes. See
Investment Management and Other Services — Other Roles and Relationships of Ameriprise Financial and its Affiliates — Certain Conflicts of Interest
for more information.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
184
|
CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER
SECURITIES
Description of the Trust's
Shares
The Trust may issue an unlimited number
of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of each Fund, without par value, and to divide or combine the shares of any series into a greater or lesser number of shares of that Fund without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial
interests in that Fund and to divide such shares into classes. Most of the Funds are authorized to issue multiple classes of shares. Such classes are designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class E, Class F, Class K, Class R, Class R4, Class R5,
Class T, Class V, Class Y and Class Z. A Fund offers only those classes of shares listed on the cover of its prospectuses. Each share of a class of a Fund represents an equal proportional interest in that Fund with each other share in the same class
and is entitled to such distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to that Fund as are declared in the discretion of the Board. However, different share classes of a Fund pay different distribution amounts because each share
class has different expenses. Each time a distribution is made, the net asset value per share of the share class is reduced by the amount of the distribution.
Subject to certain limited exceptions discussed in
each Fund’s prospectuses and in this SAI, a Fund may no longer be accepting new investments from current shareholders or prospective investors in general or with respect to one or more classes of shares. The Funds, however, may at any time and
without notice, accept new investments in general or with respect to one or more previously closed classes of shares.
Restrictions on Holding or Disposing of Shares
There are no restrictions on the right of shareholders to retain or
dispose of the Funds' shares, other than the possible future termination of the Funds or the relevant class. The Funds or any class of shares of the Funds may be terminated by reorganization into another mutual fund or by liquidation and
distribution of their assets. Unless terminated by reorganization or liquidation, the Funds and classes will continue indefinitely.
Shareholder Liability
The Trust is organized as a business trust under Massachusetts law.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust disclaims any shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the
Funds and the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by a Fund or the Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Fund property for
all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of a Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances (which are considered remote) in
which a Fund would be unable to meet its obligations and the disclaimer was inoperative. The risk of a Fund incurring financial loss on account of another series of the Trust also is believed to be remote, because it would be limited to
circumstances in which the disclaimer was inoperative and the other series of the Trust was unable to meet its obligations.
Dividend Rights
The shareholders of a Fund are entitled to receive any dividends or
other distributions declared for the Fund. No shares have priority or preference over any other shares of the Funds with respect to distributions. Distributions will be made from the assets of the Funds, and will be paid pro rata to all shareholders
of each Fund (or class) according to the number of shares of each Fund (or class) held by shareholders on the record date. The amount of income dividends per share may vary between separate share classes of the Funds based upon differences in the
way that expenses are allocated between share classes pursuant to a multiple class plan.
Voting Rights and Shareholder Meetings
Shareholders have the power to vote only as expressly granted under
the 1940 Act or under Massachusetts business trust law. Each whole share (or fractional share) outstanding on the record date shall be entitled to a number of votes on any matter on which it is entitled to vote equal to the net asset value of the
share (or fractional share) in U.S. dollars determined at the close of business on the record date (for example, a share having a net asset value of $10.50 would be entitled to 10.5 votes).
Shareholders have no independent right to vote on
any matter, including the creation, operation, dissolution or termination of the Trust. Shareholders have the right to vote on other matters only as the Board authorizes. Currently, the 1940 Act requires that shareholders have the right to vote,
under certain circumstances, to: (i) elect Trustees; (ii) approve investment advisory agreements; (iii) approve a change in subclassification of a Fund; (iv) approve any change in fundamental investment policies; (v) approve a distribution plan
under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act; and (vi) to terminate the independent accountant. With respect to matters that affect one class but not another, shareholders vote as a class; for example, the approval of a distribution plan applicable to that
class is voted on by holders of that class of shares. Subject to the foregoing, all shares of a Trust have equal voting rights and will be voted in the aggregate, and not by Fund, except where voting by Fund is required by law or where
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
185
|
the matter involved only affects one Fund. For example, a change in
a Fund’s fundamental investment policy affects only one Fund and would be voted upon only by shareholders of the Fund involved. Additionally, approval of an investment advisory agreement or, if shareholder approval is required under exemptive
relief, investment subadvisory agreement, since it only affects one Fund, is a matter to be determined separately by each Fund. Approval by the shareholders of one Fund is effective as to that Fund whether or not sufficient votes are received from
the shareholders of the other series to approve the proposal as to those Funds. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each whole share held and a proportional fractional vote for each fractional vote held, on matters on which they are entitled
to vote. Fund shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights. The Trust is not required to hold, and has no present intention of holding, annual meetings of shareholders. Special meetings may be called for certain purposes.
Previously, the Trust had voluntarily undertaken to
adhere to certain governance measures contemplated by an SEC settlement order with respect to the Trust’s prior investment adviser in 2005. Over the past several years, the SEC has adopted many rules under the 1940 Act and the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 to strengthen fund governance and compliance oversight of funds and their investment advisers.
Accordingly, although the Trust
may continue to follow
certain governance practices noted in the 2005 settlement order, it will do so as the Board deems appropriate and not pursuant to any voluntary undertakings. In this regard, the Board has determined that it is unnecessary to commit to holding a
meeting of shareholders to elect trustees at least every five years. Instead, the Board will convene meetings of shareholders to elect trustees as required by the 1940 Act or as deemed appropriate by the Board.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or a
Fund, all shares have equal rights and shareholders of a Fund are entitled to a proportionate share of the assets of the Fund that are available for distribution and to a distribution of any general assets not attributable to a particular Fund that
are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Board may determine.
Preemptive Rights
There are no preemptive rights associated with Fund shares.
Conversion Rights
Conversion features and exchange privileges, if applicable, are
described in the Funds’ prospectuses and Appendix S to this SAI.
Redemptions
Each Fund’s dividend, distribution and redemption policies
can be found in its prospectuses. However, the Board may suspend the right of shareholders to sell shares when permitted or required to do so by law or compel sales of shares in certain cases.
Sinking Fund Provisions
The Trust has no sinking fund provisions.
Calls or Assessment
All Fund shares are issued in uncertificated form only and when
issued will be fully paid and non-assessable by its Trust.
Conduct of the Trust's Business
Forum Selection. The Trust’s Bylaws provide
that the sole and exclusive forums for any shareholder (including a beneficial owner of shares) to bring (i) any action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Trust, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any
Trustee, officer or employee, if any, of the Trust to the Trust or the Trust’s shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Trust or any of its Trustees, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the statutory
or common law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any federal securities law, in each case as amended from time to time, or the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs
doctrine shall be within the federal or state courts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This forum selection provision may limit a
shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the shareholder finds favorable for disputes with the Trust and/or any of its Trustees, officers, employees or service providers. If a court were to find the forum selection
provision contained in the Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Trust may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
Derivative and Direct Claims of Shareholders. The
Trust’s Bylaws contain provisions regarding derivative and direct claims of shareholders. As used in the Bylaws, a “direct” shareholder claim refers to (i) a claim based upon alleged violations of a shareholder’s individual
rights independent of any harm to the Trust, including a shareholder’s voting rights under the Bylaws; rights to receive a dividend payment as may be declared from time to time; rights to inspect books and records; or other similar rights
personal to the shareholder and independent of any harm to the Trust; and (ii) a claim for which a direct shareholder action
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
186
|
is expressly provided under the U.S. federal securities laws. Any
other claim asserted by a shareholder, including without limitation any claims purporting to be brought on behalf of the Trust or involving any alleged harm to the Trust, is considered a “derivative” claim as used in the Bylaws.
A shareholder may not bring or maintain any court
action or other proceeding asserting a derivative claim or any claim asserted on behalf of the Trust or involving any alleged harm to the Trust without first making demand on the Trustees requesting the Trustees to bring or maintain such action,
proceeding or claim. The requirement to make such demand shall not be excused under any circumstances, including claims of alleged interest on the part of the Trustees, unless the shareholder makes a specific showing that irreparable nonmonetary
injury to the Trust would otherwise result.
A
shareholder may not bring or maintain a court action or other proceeding asserting a direct claim against the Trust, the Trustees, or officers predicated upon an express or implied right of action under the Declaration of Trust or U.S. federal
securities laws (excepting direct shareholder actions expressly provided by U.S. federal securities laws), unless the shareholder has obtained authorization from the Trustees to bring the action. The requirement of authorization shall not be excused
under any circumstances, including claims of alleged interest on the part of the Trustees.
The Trustees of the Trust shall consider any demand
or request for authorization to bring or maintain a court action, proceeding or claim within 90 days of its receipt by the Trust . In their sole discretion, the Trustees may submit the matter to a vote of shareholders of the Trust or of any series
or class of shares, as appropriate. Any decision by the Trustees to settle or to authorize (or not to settle or to authorize) such court action, proceeding or claim, or to submit the matter to a vote of shareholders, shall be binding upon the
shareholder seeking authorization.
Any person
purchasing or otherwise holding any interest in shares of beneficial interest of the Trust will be deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions. These provisions may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim against
the Trustees, officers or other employees of the Trust and/or its service providers.
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Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Shares
Purchase and Redemption
An investor may buy, sell and transfer shares in the
Funds utilizing the methods, and subject to the restrictions, described in the Funds’ prospectuses. The following information supplements information in the Funds’ prospectuses.
Purchases of shares of the Funds may be effected on
a Business Day. Each Trust and the Distributor reserve the right to reject any purchase order. The issuance of shares is recorded on the books of the Trust, and share certificates are not issued. Purchase orders for shares in the Funds that are
received by the Distributor or by the Transfer Agent before the end of the Business Day (typically 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day but are not executed until 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the
Business Day on which immediately available funds in payment of the purchase price are received by the Fund’s Custodian.
The Funds have authorized one or more broker-dealers
to accept buy and sell orders on the Funds’ behalf. These broker-dealers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept buy and sell orders on the Funds’ behalf. The Funds will be deemed to have received a buy or sell order
when an authorized broker-dealer, or, if applicable, a broker-dealer’s authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at each Fund’s net asset value next computed after they are accepted by an authorized
broker-dealer or the broker’s authorized designee.
Should a Fund stop selling shares, the Board may
make a deduction from the value of the assets held by the Fund to cover the cost of future liquidations of the assets so as to distribute these costs fairly among all shareholders.
The Trust also may make payment for sales in readily
marketable securities or other property if it is appropriate to do so in light of the Trust’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.
Under the 1940 Act, the Funds may suspend the right
of redemption or postpone the date of payment for shares during any period when (i) trading on the NYSE is restricted by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC; (ii) the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings;
(iii) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; (iv) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC. (The Funds may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of their shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing
conditions).
The Trust has elected to be
governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, as a result of which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares, subject to the exceptions listed above, with respect to any one shareholder during any 90-day period, solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of each Fund at the beginning of the period. Although redemptions in excess of this limitation would normally be paid in cash, the Fund reserves the right to make these payments in whole or in part in securities
or other assets in case of an emergency, or if the payment of a redemption in cash would be detrimental to the existing shareholders of the Fund as determined by the Board. In these circumstances, the securities distributed would be valued as set
forth in this SAI. Should a Fund distribute securities, a shareholder may incur brokerage fees or other transaction costs in converting the securities to cash.
The timing and magnitude of cash inflows from
investors buying Fund shares could prevent a Fund from always being fully invested. Conversely, the timing and magnitude of cash outflows to investors redeeming Fund shares could require large ready reserves of uninvested cash to meet shareholder
redemptions. Either situation could adversely impact a Fund’s performance.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
The Funds are required to comply with various anti-money laundering
laws and regulations. Consequently, the Funds may request additional required information from you to verify your identity. Your application will be rejected if it does not contain your name, social security number, date of birth and permanent
street address. If at any time the Funds believe a shareholder may be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of suspicious persons, the Funds may choose not to establish a new
account or may be required to “freeze” a shareholder’s account. The Funds also may be required to provide a governmental agency with information about transactions that have occurred in a shareholder’s account or to transfer
monies received to establish a new account, transfer an existing account or transfer the proceeds of an existing account to a governmental agency. In some circumstances, the law may not permit the Funds to inform the shareholder that it has taken
the actions described above.
Pay-out Plans
You can use any of several pay-out plans to redeem your investment
in regular installments. If you redeem shares, you may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge as discussed in the prospectus. While the plans differ on how the pay-out is figured, they all are based on the redemption of your investment.
Net investment income dividends and any capital gain distributions will
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automatically be reinvested, unless you elect to receive them in
cash. If you redeem an IRA or a qualified retirement account, certain restrictions, federal tax penalties, and special federal income tax reporting requirements may apply. You should consult your tax advisor about this complex area of the tax
law.
Applications for a systematic investment
in a class of a Fund subject to a sales charge normally will not be accepted while a pay-out plan for any of those Funds is in effect. Occasional investments, however, may be accepted.
To start any of these plans, please consult your
financial intermediary. Your authorization must be received at least five days before the date you want your payments to begin. Payments will be made on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis. Your choice is effective until you
change or cancel it.
Offering Price
The share price of each Fund is based on each
Fund’s net asset value (NAV) per share, which is calculated separately for each class of shares as of the end of the Business Day.
The value of each Fund’s portfolio securities
is determined in accordance with the Trust’s valuation procedures, which are approved by the Board. Except as described below under “Fair Valuation of Portfolio Securities,” the Fund’s portfolio securities are typically
valued using the following methodologies:
Equity Securities.
Equity securities (including common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants and ETFs) listed on an exchange are valued at the closing price on their primary exchange (which, in the case of foreign securities, may be a foreign
exchange) or, if a closing price is not readily available, at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter equity securities not listed on any national exchange but included in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the
NASDAQ Official Closing Price or, if the official closing price is not readily available, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Equity securities and ETFs that are not listed on any national exchange and are not included in the
NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Shares of other open-end investment companies (other than ETFs) are valued at the latest net asset value reported by those companies as of the valuation
time.
Fixed Income Securities.
Debt securities with remaining maturities in excess of 60 days are valued at market value based on an evaluated bid, which may be obtained from a pricing service. If pricing information is unavailable from a pricing
service or is not believed to be reflective of market value, then a security may be valued at a bid quote from a broker-dealer, or, if a bid quote from a broker-dealer is not available, at fair value. Debt securities with remaining maturities of 60
days or less are valued at their amortized cost value if such value is approximately the same as market value. If the amortized cost value of such securities is not reflective of market value, then the valuation process for debt securities with
remaining maturities in excess of 60 days will be applied. Amortized cost is determined by systematically increasing the carrying value of a security if acquired at a discount, or reducing the carrying value if acquired at a premium, so that the
carrying value is equal to maturity value on the maturity date. Short-term variable rate demand notes are typically valued at par value. Newly issued debt securities may be valued at purchase price for up to two days following purchase or at fair
value if the purchase price is not believed to be reflective of market value.
Futures, Options and Other Derivatives.
Futures and options on futures are valued based on the settle price at the close of regular trading on their principal exchange or, in the absence of transactions, they are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked
prices closest to the last reported sale price. Listed options are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. If market quotations are not readily available, futures and options are valued using quotations from broker-dealers.
Customized derivative products are valued at a price provided by a pricing service or, if such a price is unavailable, a broker quote or at a price derived from an internal valuation model.
Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.
Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are generally valued at a price equal to the amount of cash invested in the repurchase agreement, or borrowed in the reverse repurchase agreement, respectively, at the time of
valuation.
Bank Loans.
Bank loans purchased in the primary market are typically valued at acquisition cost for up to two days, and are then valued using a market quotation from a pricing service or quote from a broker-dealer, or if such quotes
are unavailable, fair value. For bank loans trading in the secondary market, prices are obtained from a pricing service and are based upon the average of one or more indicative bids from broker-dealers.
Private Placement Securities.
Private placement securities requiring fair valuation are typically valued utilizing prices from broker-dealers or using internal analysis and any issuer-provided financial information.
Foreign Currencies.
Foreign currencies, securities denominated in foreign currencies and payables/receivables denominated in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars utilizing spot exchange rates at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Forward foreign
currency contracts are valued in U.S. dollars utilizing the applicable forward currency exchange rate as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
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Fair Valuation of Portfolio Securities.
In the event that (i) market quotations or valuations from other sources are not readily available, such as when trading is halted or securities are not actively
traded; (ii) market quotations or valuations from other sources are not reflective of market value (i.e., such prices or values are deemed unreliable in the judgment of the Investment Manager); or (iii) a significant event has been recognized in
relation to a security or class of securities that is not reflected in market quotations or valuations from other sources, such as when an event impacting a foreign security occurs after the closing of the security’s foreign exchange but
before the closing of the NYSE, a fair value for each such security is determined in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board. The fair value of a security is likely to be different from the quoted or published price and fair value
determinations often require significant judgment.
In general, any relevant factors may be taken into
account in determining fair value, including but not limited to the following, among others: the fundamental analytical data relating to the security; the value of other financial instruments, including derivative securities traded on other markets
or among dealers; trading volumes on markets, exchanges, or among dealers; values of baskets of securities traded on other markets, exchanges, or among dealers; changes in interest rates; observations from financial institutions; government actions
or pronouncements; other news events; information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; nature and expected duration of the
event, if any, giving rise to the valuation issue; pricing history; the relative size of the position in the portfolio; internal models; and other relevant information.
With respect to securities traded on foreign
markets, relevant factors may include, but not be limited to, the following: the value of foreign securities traded on other foreign markets; ADR and/or GDR trading; closed-end fund trading; foreign currency exchange activity and prices; and the
trading of financial products that are tied to baskets of foreign securities, such as certain exchange-traded index funds. A systematic independent fair value pricing service assists in the fair valuation process for foreign securities in order to
adjust for possible changes in value that may occur between the close of the foreign exchange and the time at which a Fund’s NAV is determined. Although the use of this service is intended to decrease opportunities for time zone arbitrage
transactions, there can be no assurance that it will successfully decrease arbitrage opportunities.
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TAXATION
The following information supplements and should be
read in conjunction with the section in the Funds’ prospectuses entitled
Distributions and Taxes
. The prospectuses generally describe the U.S. federal income tax treatment of distributions by the Funds.
This section of the SAI provides additional information concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations, judicial authority, and administrative rulings and practice, all as in effect as of the date
of this SAI and all of which are subject to change, including changes with retroactive effect. Except as specifically set forth below, the following discussion does not address any state, local or foreign tax matters. The Funds may or may not invest
in all of the securities or other instruments described in this
Taxation
section. Please see the Funds' prospectuses for information about a Fund's investments, as well as each Fund’s
semiannual and annual shareholder reports.
A
shareholder’s tax treatment may vary depending upon his or her particular situation. This discussion applies only to shareholders holding Fund shares as capital assets within the meaning of the Code. Except as otherwise noted, it may not apply
to certain types of shareholders who may be subject to special rules, such as insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, shareholders holding Fund shares through tax-advantaged accounts (such as 401(k) Plan Accounts or Individual Retirement
Accounts, variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance contracts), financial institutions, broker-dealers, entities that are not organized under the laws of the United States or a political subdivision thereof, persons who are neither
citizens nor residents of the United States, shareholders holding Fund shares as part of a hedge, straddle, or conversion transaction, and shareholders who are subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax.
The Trust has not requested and will not request an
advance ruling from the IRS as to the U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the following discussion and the discussions
in the prospectuses address only some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Funds. Prospective shareholders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors and financial planners regarding the U.S.
federal tax consequences of an investment in a Fund, the application of state, local, or foreign laws, and the effect of any possible changes in applicable tax laws on their investment in the Funds.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company
It is intended that each Fund qualify as a “regulated
investment company” under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1 of the Code. Each Fund will be treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the provisions of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies
generally will apply separately to each Fund, even though each Fund is a series of the Trust. Furthermore, each Fund will separately determine its income, gains, losses, and expenses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In order to qualify for the special tax treatment
accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders under the Code, each Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year generally from (i) dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to
securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income attributable to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies (including, but not limited to, gains
from options, futures or forward contracts) and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership, as defined below. In general, for purposes of this 90% gross income requirement, income derived from a partnership
(other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the regulated
investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (generally, defined as a partnership (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily
tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that derives less than 90% of its gross income from the qualifying income described in clause (i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities
will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes if they meet the passive income requirement under Section 7704(c)(2) of the Code. Certain of a Fund’s investments in master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and ETFs, if any, may
qualify as interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules do not apply to a regulated investment company, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items
attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.
Each Fund must also diversify its holdings so that,
at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year: (i) at least 50% of the fair market value of its total assets consists of (A) cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated
investment companies, and (B) other securities, of any one issuer (other than those described in clause (A)) to the extent such securities do not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and are not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, the securities of any one
issuer
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(other than those described in clause (i)(A)), the securities
(other than securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded
partnerships.
In addition, for purposes of
meeting this diversification requirement, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” includes the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership and in the case of a Fund’s investments in loan
participations, the Fund shall treat both the financial intermediary and the issuer of the underlying loan as an issuer. The qualifying income and diversification requirements described above may limit the extent to which a Fund can engage in
certain derivative transactions, as well as the extent to which it can invest in MLPs and certain commodity-linked ETFs.
In addition, each Fund generally must distribute to
its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for the taxable year, which generally includes its ordinary income and the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and at least 90% of its net
tax-exempt interest income (if any) for the taxable year.
If a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment
company that is accorded special tax treatment, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any of the investment company taxable income and net capital gain (
i.e.
, the excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) it distributes to its shareholders. Each Fund generally intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the
dividends-paid deduction) and its net capital gain. However, no assurance can be given that a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation. Any investment company taxable income or net capital gain retained by a Fund will be subject to
tax at regular corporate rates.
If a Fund
retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to a tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice mailed within 60 days of the close of the Fund’s
taxable year to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate
shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of
shares owned by a shareholder of a Fund will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income under clause (i) of the preceding
sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.
In determining its net capital gain, including in
connection with determining the amount available to support a Capital Gain Dividend (as defined below), its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, a regulated investment company generally may elect to treat part or all of any post-October
capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion, if any, of the taxable year after October 31 or, if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to such portion, if any,
of the taxable year) or late-year ordinary loss (generally, the sum of its (i) net ordinary loss from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion, if any, of the taxable year after October 31 and its (ii)
other net ordinary loss attributable to the portion, if any, of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.
In order to comply with the distribution
requirements described above applicable to regulated investment companies, a Fund generally must make the distributions in the same taxable year that it realizes the income and gain, although in certain circumstances, a Fund may make the
distributions in the following taxable year in respect of income and gains from the prior taxable year. Shareholders generally are taxed on any distributions from a Fund in the year they are actually distributed. If a Fund declares a distribution to
shareholders of record in October, November or December of one calendar year and pays the distribution in January of the following calendar year, however, the Fund and its shareholders will be treated as if the Fund paid the distribution on December
31 of the earlier year.
If a Fund were to fail
to meet the income, diversification or distribution tests described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure including by paying a fund-level tax or interest, making additional distributions, or disposing of certain assets. If the Fund
were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or were otherwise to fail to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment under the Code, it would be taxed in the same
manner as an ordinary corporation without any deduction for its distributions to shareholders. In this case, all distributions from the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits (including any distributions of its net tax-exempt
income and net long-term capital gains) to its shareholders would be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial
distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company.
Excise Tax
If a Fund fails to distribute by
December 31 of each calendar year at least the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for that year (excluding capital gains and losses) and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (adjusted for net ordinary losses) for the 1-year period ending on October
31 of that year (or November 30; in the case of a Fund with a December 31 year end that makes the
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election described above, no such
gains or losses will be so treated if the Fund makes the election described above), and any of its ordinary income and capital gain net income from previous years that were not distributed during such years, the Fund will be subject to a
nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of property that would be properly taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year
(or November 30 or December 31 if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects) are generally treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. For purposes of the excise tax, a Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on
which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year. Each Fund generally intends to actually distribute or be deemed to have distributed substantially all of its ordinary income and capital gain net
income, if any, by the end of each calendar year and, thus, expects not to be subject to the excise tax. However, no assurance can be given that a Fund will not be subject to the excise tax. Moreover, a Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax
rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (for example, if the amount of excise tax to be paid is deemed de minimis by a Fund).
Capital Loss Carryovers
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital
losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a Fund’s net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain limitations, a Fund is able to carry forward a net capital loss from any taxable year to offset its capital gains,
if any, realized during a subsequent taxable year.
If a Fund incurs or has incurred net capital losses
in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-2010 losses”), those losses will be carried forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration; any such carryover losses will retain their character as short-term
or long-term. If a Fund incurred net capital losses in a taxable year beginning on or before December 22, 2010 (“pre-2011 losses”), the Fund is permitted to carry such losses forward for eight taxable years; in the year to which they are
carried over, such losses are treated as short-term capital losses that first offset short-term capital gains, and then offset any long-term capital gains. The Fund must use any post-2010 losses, which will not expire, before it uses any pre-2011
losses. This increases the likelihood that pre-2011 losses will expire unused at the conclusion of the eight-year carryover period.
Capital gains that are offset by carried forward
capital losses are not subject to fund-level U.S. federal income taxation, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. Accordingly, the Funds do not expect to distribute any capital gains so offset. The Funds cannot carry back or
carry forward any net operating losses (defined as deductions and ordinary losses in excess of ordinary income).
The total capital loss carryovers below include
post-October capital losses, if applicable.
Capital Loss
Carryovers
Fund
|
Total
Capital Loss
Carryovers
|
Amount
Expiring in
|
|
Amount
not Expiring
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
|
Short-term
|
Long-term
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending January 31
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
$1,027,662
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$0
|
$1,027,662
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending March 31
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
$3,989,621
|
$0
|
$3,573,332
|
$416,289
|
|
$0
|
$0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending April 30
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
$31,534,840
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$12,564,309
|
$18,970,531
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
$3,628,691
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$3,628,691
|
$0
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending May 31
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
$4,118,122
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$4,118,122
|
$0
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
$6,311,800
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$5,826,674
|
$485,126
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
$1,249,633
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$386,927
|
$862,706
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
$72,071,451
|
$17,741,445
|
$35,721,468
|
$4,244,605
|
|
$2,054,931
|
$12,309,002
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending July 31
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$170,115
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$170,115
|
$0
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
$7,286,973
|
$0
|
$0
|
$7,286,973
|
|
$0
|
$0
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
$38,010
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$38,010
|
$0
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
$27,930,203
|
$2,249,159
|
$1,023,617
|
$11,369,928
|
|
$5,015,515
|
$8,271,984
|
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193
|
Fund
|
Total
Capital Loss
Carryovers
|
Amount
Expiring in
|
|
Amount
not Expiring
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
|
Short-term
|
Long-term
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending August 31
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
$146,153,490
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$113,253,752
|
$32,899,738
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
$12,431,340
|
$8,531,694
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$3,798,463
|
$101,183
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
$26,156,104
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$2,380,326
|
$23,775,778
|
Greater
China Fund
|
$2,853,948
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$2,402,148
|
$451,800
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
$38,450,359
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$16,103,999
|
$22,346,360
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending October 31
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
$6,686,046
|
$832,773
|
$62,558
|
$0
|
|
$5,790,715
|
$0
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
$6,434,594
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$0
|
$6,434,594
|
For
Funds with fiscal period ending December 31
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
$5,025,563
|
$5,025,563
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
$0
|
$0
|
Equalization
Accounting
Each Fund may use the so-called
“equalization method” of accounting to allocate a portion of its “accumulated earnings and profits,” which generally equals a Fund’s undistributed net investment income and realized capital gains, with certain
adjustments, to redemption proceeds. This method permits a Fund to achieve more balanced distributions for both continuing and redeeming shareholders. Although using this method generally will not affect a Fund’s total returns, it may reduce
the amount of income and gains that the Fund would otherwise distribute to continuing shareholders by reducing the effect of redemptions of Fund shares on Fund distributions to shareholders. The IRS has not sanctioned the particular equalization
method used by the Funds, and thus a Fund’s use of this method may be subject to IRS scrutiny.
Taxation of Fund Investments
In general, realized gains or losses on the sale of securities held
by a Fund will be treated as capital gains or losses, and long-term capital gains or losses if the Fund has held or is deemed to have held the securities for more than one year at the time of disposition.
If a Fund purchases a debt obligation with original
issue discount (“OID”) (generally a debt obligation with an issue price less than its stated principal amount, such as a zero-coupon bond), the Fund may be required to annually include in its income a portion of the OID as ordinary
income, even though the Fund will not receive cash payments for such discount until maturity or disposition of the obligation, and depending on market conditions and the credit quality of the bond, might not ever receive cash for such discount. OID
on tax-exempt bonds is generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax (but may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or "AMT," as that term is defined below).
Inflation-protected bonds generally can be expected
to produce OID income as their principal amounts are adjusted upward for inflation. In general, gains recognized on the disposition of (or the receipt of any partial payment of principal on) a debt obligation (including a municipal obligation)
purchased by a Fund at a market discount, generally at a price less than its principal amount, will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the portion of market discount which accrued, but was not previously recognized pursuant to an
available election, during the term that the Fund held the debt obligation.
A Fund generally will be required to make
distributions to shareholders representing the OID or market discount (if an election is made by the Fund to include market discount over the holding period of the applicable debt obligation) on debt securities that is currently includible in
income, even though the cash representing such income may not have been received by the Fund, and depending on market conditions and the credit quality of the bond, might not ever be received. Cash to pay such distributions may be obtained from
borrowing or from sales proceeds of securities held by a Fund which the Fund otherwise might have continued to hold; obtaining such cash might be disadvantageous for the Fund. In addition, payment-in-kind securities similarly will give rise to
income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though a Fund receives no cash interest payment on the security during the year. A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations (such as high-yield
corporate debt securities) may not (and interest paid on debt obligations owned by a Fund that are considered for tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not) be deductible to the issuer, possibly affecting the
cash flow of the issuer.
If a Fund invests in
debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default, special tax issues may exist for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about
issues such as: (1) whether a Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation and, if so, (2) the amount of market discount the Fund should recognize, (3) when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, (4) when and to
what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and (5) how payments received on obligations in
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default should be allocated between principal and income. These and
other related issues will be addressed by a Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status and eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company
and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Very generally, when a Fund purchases a bond at a
price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity – that is, at a premium – the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if a Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it
purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current interest taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition
or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, a Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period. In the case of a tax-exempt bond, tax rules require a Fund to reduce its tax basis and the tax-exempt
interest available for exempt-interest dividends to shareholders by the amount of the amortized premium.
If an option granted by a Fund is sold, lapses or is
otherwise terminated through a closing transaction, such as a repurchase by the Fund of the option from its holder, the Fund generally will realize a short-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the premium income is greater or less than
the amount paid by the Fund in the closing transaction, unless the option is subject to Section 1256 of the Code, described below. Some capital losses realized by a Fund in the sale, exchange, exercise or other disposition of an option may be
deferred if they result from a position that is part of a “straddle,” discussed below. If securities are sold by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a covered call option granted by it, the Fund generally will add the premium received to
the sale price of the securities delivered in determining the amount of gain or loss on the sale. If securities are purchased by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option granted by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received
from its cost basis in the securities purchased.
Some regulated futures contracts, foreign currency
contracts, and non-equity, listed options that may be used by a Fund will be deemed “Section 1256 contracts.” A Fund will be required to “mark to market” any such contracts held at the end of the taxable year by treating them
as if they had been sold on the last day of that year at market value. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss realized on all dispositions of Section 1256 contracts, including deemed dispositions under the “mark-to-market” rule, generally
will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the remaining 40% will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as entirely ordinary income or loss as
described below. These provisions may require a Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from the mark-to-market rule and the “60%/40%” rule and may
require the Fund to defer the recognition of losses on certain futures contracts, foreign currency contracts, and non-equity options.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by a Fund
in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, certain options, futures contracts, forward contracts and similar instruments relating to foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a
foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income or loss and may affect the amount and timing of recognition of the Fund’s income. Under future U.S. Treasury
Regulations, any such transactions that are not directly related to a Fund’s investments in stock or securities (or its options contracts or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) may have to be limited in order to enable the
Fund to satisfy the 90% qualifying income test described above. If the net foreign exchange loss exceeds a Fund’s net investment company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss) for a taxable year, the resulting ordinary loss for
such year will not be available as a carryover and thus cannot be deducted by the Fund or its shareholders in future years.
Offsetting positions held by a Fund involving
certain derivative instruments, such as forward, futures and options contracts, may be considered, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to constitute “straddles.” “Straddles” are defined to include “offsetting
positions” in actively traded personal property. The tax treatment of “straddles” is governed by Section 1092 of the Code which, in certain circumstances, overrides or modifies the provisions of Section 1256. If a Fund is treated
as entering into a “straddle” and at least one (but not all) of the Fund’s positions in derivative contracts comprising a part of such straddle is governed by Section 1256 of the Code, described above, then such straddle could be
characterized as a “mixed straddle.” A Fund may make one or more elections with respect to “mixed straddles.” Depending upon which election is made, if any, the results with respect to a Fund may differ. Generally, to the
extent the straddle rules apply to positions established by a Fund, losses realized by the Fund may be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in any offsetting positions. Moreover, as a result of the straddle rules, short-term capital loss on
straddle positions may be recharacterized as long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gain may be characterized as short-term capital gain. In addition, the existence of a straddle may affect the holding period of the offsetting positions. As a
result, the straddle rules could cause distributions that would otherwise constitute “qualified dividend income” or qualify for the dividends-received deduction to fail to satisfy the applicable holding period requirements (as described
below). Furthermore, the Fund may be required to capitalize, rather than deduct currently, any interest expense and carrying charges applicable to a position that is part of a straddle, including any interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry any positions that are part of a straddle. The application of the straddle rules to certain offsetting Fund positions can
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therefore affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions
to shareholders, and may result in significant differences from the amount, timing and character of distributions that would have been made by the Fund if it had not entered into offsetting positions in respect of certain of its portfolio
securities.
If a Fund enters into a
“constructive sale” of any appreciated financial position in stock, a partnership interest, or certain debt instruments, the Fund will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and must recognize gain (but not
loss) with respect to that position. A constructive sale of an appreciated financial position occurs when a Fund enters into certain offsetting transactions with respect to the same or substantially identical property, including, but not limited to:
(i) a short sale; (ii) an offsetting notional principal contract; (iii) a futures or forward contract; or (iv) other transactions identified in future U.S. Treasury Regulations. The character of the gain from constructive sales will depend upon a
Fund’s holding period in the appreciated financial position. Losses realized from a sale of a position that was previously the subject of a constructive sale will be recognized when the position is subsequently disposed of. The character of
such losses will depend upon a Fund’s holding period in the position beginning with the date the constructive sale was deemed to have occurred and the application of various loss deferral provisions in the Code. Constructive sale treatment
does not apply to certain closed transactions, including if such a transaction is closed on or before the 30th day after the close of the Fund’s taxable year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged throughout the 60-day
period beginning with the day such transaction was closed.
The amount of long-term capital gain a Fund may
recognize from certain derivative transactions with respect to interests in certain pass-through entities is limited under the Code’s constructive ownership rules. The amount of long-term capital gain is limited to the amount of such gain the
Fund would have had if the Fund directly invested in the pass-through entity during the term of the derivative contract. Any gain in excess of this amount is treated as ordinary income. An interest charge is imposed on the amount of gain that is
treated as ordinary income.
If a Fund makes a
distribution of income received by the Fund in lieu of dividends (a “substitute payment”) with respect to securities on loan pursuant to a securities lending transaction, such income will not constitute qualified dividend income to
individual shareholders and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. Similar consequences may apply to repurchase and other derivative transactions. Similarly, to the extent that the Funds make
distributions of income received by such Fund in lieu of tax-exempt interest with respect to securities on loan, such distributions will not constitute exempt-interest dividends (defined below) to shareholders.
In addition, a Fund’s transactions in
securities and certain types of derivatives (
e.g.,
options, futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements) may be subject to other special tax rules, such as the “wash sale” rules or the
short-sale rules, the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains, and/or
convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
Certain of a Fund’s investments in derivative
instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, as well as any of its foreign currency transactions and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund’s book income
exceeds the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and
profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If a Fund’s book income is
less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax
treatment.
Rules governing the U.S. federal
income tax aspects of derivatives, including swap agreements and certain commodity-linked investments, are in a developing stage and are not entirely clear in certain respects. Accordingly, while each Fund intends to account for such transactions in
a manner it deems to be appropriate, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise
satisfied the relevant requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid fund-level tax. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for a Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company may
limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in certain derivatives or commodity-linked transactions.
Certain of the Funds employ a multi-manager approach
in which the Investment Manager and one or more investment subadvisers each provide day-to-day portfolio management for a portion (or “sleeve”) of the Fund’s assets. Due to this multi-manager approach, certain of these Funds’
investments may be more likely to be subject to one or more special tax rules (including, but not limited to, wash sale, constructive sale, short sale, and straddle rules) that may affect the timing, character and/or amount of a Fund’s
distributions to shareholders.
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Any investment by a Fund in equity securities of a
REIT may result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings; if the Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Dividends received by a Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction.
A Fund may invest directly or indirectly in residual
interests in REMICs or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”). Under an IRS notice, and U.S. Treasury Regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income (including income
allocated to the Fund from a REIT, a regulated investment company or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will
be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as a Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the
regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. As a result, the Fund may not be a suitable investment for certain
tax-exempt shareholders, as noted under
Tax-Exempt Shareholders
below.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to
shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan,
an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or certain other tax-exempt entities) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required
to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax.
Some amounts received by a Fund from its investments
in MLPs will likely be treated as returns of capital because of accelerated deductions available with respect to the activities of MLPs. On the disposition of an investment in such an MLP, the Fund will likely realize taxable income in excess of
economic gain from that asset (or, in later periods, if a Fund does not dispose of the MLP, the Fund will likely realize taxable income in excess of cash flow received by the Fund from the MLP), and the Fund must take such income into account in
determining whether the Fund has satisfied its regulated investment company distribution requirements. The Fund may have to borrow or liquidate securities to satisfy its distribution requirements and meet its redemption requests, even though
investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for the Fund to borrow money or sell securities at the time. In addition, distributions attributable to gain from the sale of MLPs that are characterized as ordinary income under the
Code’s recapture provisions will be taxable to Fund shareholders as ordinary income.
As noted above, certain of the ETFs and MLPs in
which a Fund may invest qualify as qualified publicly traded partnerships. In such cases, the net income derived from such investments will constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described earlier for
qualification as a regulated investment company. If, however, such a vehicle were to fail to qualify as a qualified publicly traded partnership in a particular year, a Fund’s investment in that vehicle would be treated as an investment in a
publicly traded partnership subject to taxation as a corporation, which would reduce the amount of income available for distribution by the vehicle to the Fund, and could adversely affect the Fund’s qualification for the asset diversification
test, and thus could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a regulated investment company for a particular year. In addition, as described above, the diversification requirement for regulated investment company qualification will
limit a Fund’s investments in one or more vehicles that are qualified publicly traded partnerships to 25% of the Fund’s total assets as of the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year.
“Passive foreign investment companies”
(“PFICs”) are generally defined as foreign corporations where at least 75% of their gross income for their taxable year is income from passive sources (such as certain interest, dividends, rents and royalties, or capital gains) or at
least 50% of their assets on average produce or are held for the production of such passive income. If a Fund acquires any equity interest in a PFIC, the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and interest charges on “excess
distributions” received from the PFIC or on gain from the sale of such equity interest in the PFIC, even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. Excess distributions and gain from the sale
of interests in PFICs may be characterized as ordinary income even though, absent the application of PFIC rules, these amounts may otherwise have been classified as capital gain.
A Fund will not be permitted to pass through to its
shareholders any credit or deduction for these special taxes and interest charges incurred with respect to a PFIC. Elections may be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections would require a Fund to include
its share of the PFIC’s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the PFIC (in the case of a “QEF election”), or to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in its
interests in the PFIC “to the market” as though the Fund had sold and repurchased such interests on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year, treating such gains and losses as ordinary income and loss (in the case of a
“mark-to-market election”). The QEF and mark-to-market elections may require a Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid
taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require a Fund to liquidate other investments prematurely to meet the minimum distribution requirements
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described above, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain
and adversely affect the Fund’s total return. Each Fund may attempt to limit and/or manage its holdings in PFICs to minimize tax liability and/or maximize returns from these investments but there can be no assurance that it will be able to do
so. Moreover, because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation as a PFIC, a Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above in some instances. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as qualified
dividend income, as defined below.
A U.S.
person, including a Fund, who owns (directly or indirectly) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation is a “U.S. Shareholder” for purposes of the controlled foreign corporation
(“CFC”) provisions of the Code. Generally, a CFC is a foreign corporation that is owned (directly, indirectly, or constructively) more than 50% (measured by voting power or value) by U.S. Shareholders.
Each wholly-owned subsidiary of each of Alternative
Beta Fund, MM Alternative Strategies Fund and Diversified Absolute Return Fund (previously defined collectively as the "Subsidiary") is expected to be a CFC in which the Fund owning the Subsidiary will be a U.S. Shareholder. As a U.S. Shareholder,
such a Fund is required to include in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of a CFC’s “subpart F income,” whether or not such income is actually distributed by the CFC. Subpart F income generally includes net gains
from the disposition of stocks or securities, receipts with respect to securities loans, net gains from transactions (including futures, forward, and similar transactions) in commodities, and net payments received with respect to equity swaps and
similar derivatives. Subpart F income is treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the CFC’s underlying income. Net losses incurred by a CFC during a tax year do not flow through to the Fund and thus will not be available to
offset income or capital gain generated from the Fund’s other investments. In addition, net losses incurred by a CFC during a tax year generally cannot be carried forward by the CFC to offset gains realized by it in subsequent taxable years.
The Fund will take steps to ensure that the Fund’s income in respect of the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income. The Subsidiary may be required to sell investments in order to make cash payments to the Fund, including at a time when
it may be disadvantageous to do so. Please refer to the section entitled
Taxation – The Subsidiary
for further information.
In addition, if any income earned by a Subsidiary
were treated as “effectively connected” with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (“effectively connected income” or “ECI”), such income would be subject to both a so-called “branch
profits tax” of 30% and a federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. corporations, at the entity level. If, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a Subsidiary were to earn ECI in connection with its direct investment activities, a
portion or all of the Subsidiary’s income would be subject to these U.S. taxes. The Funds that own one or more Subsidiaries expect that, in general, the activities of the Subsidiaries will be conducted in such a manner that they will not be
treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business, but there can be no assurance that the entity will not recognize any effectively connected income. The imposition of U.S. taxes on ECI could significantly reduce shareholders’ returns on their
investments in a Fund owning a Subsidiary subject to such taxes. The Fund does not expect that income from any Subsidiary will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income. In addition, the Fund does not expect that distributions from any
Subsidiary will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
In addition to the investments described above,
prospective shareholders should be aware that other investments made by a Fund may involve complex tax rules that may result in income or gain recognition by the Fund without corresponding current cash receipts. Although each Fund seeks to avoid
significant noncash income, such noncash income could be recognized by a Fund, in which case the Fund may distribute cash derived from other sources in order to meet the minimum distribution requirements described above. In this regard, a Fund could
be required at times to liquidate investments prematurely in order to satisfy its minimum distribution requirements, which may accelerate the recognition of gain and adversely affect the Fund’s total return.
Taxation of Distributions
Except for exempt-interest dividends (defined below) paid by a
Fund, distributions paid out of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in the Fund, generally are deemed to be taxable distributions and must be reported by each shareholder who is required to
file a U.S. federal income tax return. Dividends and distributions on a Fund’s shares are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains, even though
such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s net asset value reflects
either unrealized gains, or realized but undistributed income or gains. Such realized income and gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses. For U.S. federal income tax
purposes, a Fund’s earnings and profits, described above, are determined at the end of the Fund’s taxable year. Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will first be treated as a return of
capital up to the amount of a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her Fund shares and then as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her Fund shares, thus reducing any loss or
increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of his or her shares. A Fund may make distributions in excess of its earnings and profits to a limited extent, from time to time.
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For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions
of investment income (except for exempt-interest dividends and qualified dividend income, each defined below) are generally taxable as ordinary income, and distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned (or is deemed to have
owned) for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions properly reported by a Fund as capital gain dividends (Capital Gain Dividends) will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain (to the extent such distributions
do not exceed the Fund’s actual net long-term capital gain for the taxable year), regardless of how long a shareholder has held Fund shares, and do not qualify as dividends for purposes of the dividends-received deduction or as qualified
dividend income (defined below). Each Fund will report Capital Gain Dividends, if any, in written statements furnished to its shareholders.
Some states will not tax distributions made to
individual shareholders that are attributable to interest a Fund earns on direct obligations of the U.S. Government if the Fund meets the state’s minimum investment or reporting requirements, if any. Investments in GNMA or FNMA securities,
bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities generally do not qualify for tax-free treatment. This exemption may not apply to corporate shareholders.
Sales and Exchanges of Fund Shares
Generally, if a shareholder sells or exchanges his or her Fund
shares, he or she generally will realize a taxable capital gain or loss on the difference between the amount received for the shares (or deemed received in the case of an exchange) and his or her tax basis in the shares. This gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if he or she has held (or is deemed to have held) such Fund shares for more than one year at the time of the sale or exchange, and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise.
If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring
Fund shares and sells or exchanges those Fund shares within 90 days of having acquired such shares and if, as a result of having initially acquired those shares, he or she subsequently pays a reduced sales charge on a new purchase of shares of the
Fund or a different regulated investment company, the sales charge previously incurred in acquiring the Fund’s shares generally shall not be taken into account (to the extent the previous sales charges do not exceed the reduction in sales
charges on the new purchase) for the purpose of determining the amount of gain or loss on the disposition, but generally will be treated as having been incurred in the new purchase. This sales charge basis deferral rule shall apply only when a
shareholder makes such new acquisition of Fund shares or shares of a different regulated investment company during the period beginning on the date the original Fund shares are disposed of and ending on January 31 of the calendar year following the
calendar year the original Fund shares are disposed of. If a shareholder realizes a loss on a disposition of Fund shares, the loss generally will be disallowed under the “wash sale” rules to the extent that he or she purchases (including
through the reinvestment of dividends) substantially identical shares within the 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition. Any disallowed loss generally will be reflected in an adjustment to the tax basis of
the purchased shares.
If a shareholder
receives a Capital Gain Dividend or is deemed to receive a distribution of long-term capital gain with respect to any Fund share and such Fund share is held or treated as held for six months or less, then (unless otherwise disallowed) any loss on
the sale or exchange of that Fund share will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the Capital Gain Dividend or deemed long-term capital gain distribution. If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less,
the loss will generally be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends (defined below) received on those shares. However, this loss disallowance does not apply with respect to redemptions of Fund shares with a holding period beginning
after December 22, 2010 if such Fund declares substantially all of its net tax-exempt income as exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis, and pays such dividends on at least a monthly basis (as would typically be the case for tax-exempt money
market funds).
Cost Basis Reporting
Each Fund generally is required to report to shareholders and the
IRS gross proceeds on the sale, redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In addition, for shares purchased, including shares purchased through dividend reinvestment, on or after January 1, 2012, the Funds (or the shareholder’s financial
intermediary, if Fund shares are held through a financial intermediary) generally are required to provide the shareholders and the IRS, upon the sale, redemption or exchange of Fund shares, with cost basis information about those shares as well as
information about whether any gain or loss is short- or long-term and whether any loss is disallowed under the “wash sale” rules. This reporting is not required for Fund shares held in a retirement or other tax-advantaged account. With
respect to Fund shares in accounts held directly with a Fund, each Fund will calculate and report cost basis using the Fund’s default method of average cost, unless the shareholder instructs the Fund to use a different calculation method. A
Fund will not report cost basis for shares whose cost basis is uncertain or unknown to the Fund. Please visit the Columbia Funds’ website at www.columbiathreadneedle.com/us or contact the Funds at 800.345.6611 for more information regarding
average cost basis reporting and other available methods for cost basis reporting and how to select or change a particular method or to choose specific shares to sell, redeem or exchange. If a shareholder retains Fund shares through a financial
intermediary, he or she should contact such financial intermediary to learn about the Fund’s cost basis reporting default method and the reporting elections available to his or her account. The Funds do not recommend any particular method
of
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determining cost basis. The shareholder should consult a tax
advisor to determine which available cost basis method is best. When completing U.S. federal and state income tax returns, shareholders should carefully review the cost basis and other information provided and make any additional basis, holding
period or other adjustments that may be required.
Foreign Taxes
Amounts realized by a Fund from sources within foreign countries
may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund’s total assets at the close of
its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to file an annual election with the IRS pursuant to which the Fund may pass through to its shareholders on a pro rata basis foreign income and similar taxes
paid by the Fund with respect to foreign securities that the Fund has held for at least the minimum holding periods specified in the Code and such taxes may be claimed, subject to certain limitations, either as a tax credit or deduction by the
shareholders. In some cases, a Fund may also be eligible to pass through to its shareholders the foreign taxes paid by underlying funds (as defined below) in which it invests that themselves elected to pass through such taxes to their shareholders,
see
Special Tax Considerations Pertaining to Funds-of-Funds
below.
Certain Funds may qualify for and make the election; however, even if a Fund qualifies for the election for any
year, it may determine not to make the election for such year. If a Fund does not so qualify or qualifies but does not so elect, then shareholders will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by or withheld
from payments to the Fund. A Fund will notify its shareholders in written statements if it has elected for the foreign taxes paid by it to “pass through” for that year.
In general, if a Fund makes the election, the Fund
itself will not be permitted to claim a credit or deduction for foreign taxes paid in that year, and the Fund’s dividends-paid deduction will be increased by the amount of foreign taxes paid that year. Fund shareholders generally shall include
their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund in their gross income and treat that amount as paid by them for the purpose of the foreign tax credit or deduction, provided that any applicable holding period and other requirements
have been met. If a shareholder claims a credit for foreign taxes paid, in general, the credit will be subject to certain limits. A deduction for foreign taxes paid may be claimed only by shareholders that itemize their deductions. Shareholders that
are not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and those who invest in the Fund through tax-exempt accounts (including those who invest through IRAs or other tax-advantaged retirement plans), generally will receive no benefit from any tax credit or
deduction passed through by the Fund.
Special
Tax Considerations Pertaining to Tax-Exempt Funds
If, at the
close of each quarter of a regulated investment company’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of obligations the interest on which is exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 103(a) of the Code, then
the regulated investment company may qualify to pay “exempt-interest dividends” and pass through to its shareholders the tax-exempt character of its income from such obligations. Certain of the Funds intend to so qualify and are designed
to provide shareholders with a high level of income in the form of exempt-interest dividends, which are generally exempt from U.S. federal income tax (each such qualifying Fund, a “Tax-Exempt Fund”). In some cases, a Fund may also be
eligible to pass through to its shareholders the tax-exempt character of any exempt-interest dividends it receives from underlying funds (as defined below) in which it invests, see
Special Tax
Considerations Pertaining to Funds-of-Funds
below.
Distributions by a Tax-Exempt Fund, other than those
attributable to interest on the Tax-Exempt Fund’s tax-exempt obligations and properly reported as exempt-interest dividends, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain or, in some cases, could constitute a
return of capital to shareholders. See
Taxation of Distributions
above. Each Tax-Exempt Fund will notify its shareholders in written statements of the portion of the distributions for the
taxable year that constitutes exempt-interest dividends. The percentage of a shareholder’s income reported as tax-exempt for any particular distribution may be substantially different from the percentage of the Tax-Exempt Fund’s income
that was tax-exempt during the period covered by the distribution. The deductibility of interest paid or accrued on indebtedness incurred by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares of a Tax-Exempt Fund may be limited. The portion of such interest
that is non-deductible generally equals the amount of such interest times the ratio of a Tax-Exempt Fund’s exempt-interest dividends received by the shareholder to all of the Tax-Exempt Fund’s dividends received by the shareholder
(excluding Capital Gain Dividends and any capital gains required to be included in the shareholder’s long term capital gains in respect of capital gains retained by the Tax-Exempt Fund, as described earlier).
Although exempt-interest dividends are generally
exempt from U.S. federal income tax, there may not be a similar exemption under the laws of a particular state or local taxing jurisdiction. Thus, exempt-interest dividends may be subject to state and local taxes ; however, each state-specific
Tax-Exempt Fund generally invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal bonds that pay interest that is exempt not only from U.S. federal income tax, but also from the applicable state’s personal income tax (but not necessarily local
taxes or taxes of other states).
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You should consult your tax advisor to discuss the
tax consequences of your investment in a Tax-Exempt Fund. Tax-exempt interest on certain “private activity bonds” has been designated as a “tax preference item” and must be added back to taxable income for purposes of
calculating U.S. federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). To the extent that a Tax-Exempt Fund invests in certain private activity bonds, its shareholders will be required to report that portion of the Tax-Exempt Fund’s
distributions attributable to income from the bonds as a tax preference item in determining their U.S. federal AMT, if any. Shareholders will be notified of the tax status of distributions made by a Tax-Exempt Fund. Persons who may be
“substantial users” (or “related persons” of substantial users) of facilities financed by private activity bonds should consult their tax advisors before purchasing shares in a Tax-Exempt Fund. In addition, exempt-interest
dividends paid by a Tax-Exempt Fund to a corporate shareholder are, with very limited exceptions, included in the shareholder’s “adjusted current earnings” as part of its U.S. federal AMT calculation. As of the date of this SAI,
individuals are subject to the U.S. federal AMT at a maximum rate of 28% and corporations at a maximum rate of 20%. Shareholders with questions or concerns about the U.S. federal AMT should consult their own tax advisors.
Ordinarily, a Tax-Exempt Fund relies on an opinion
from the issuer’s bond counsel that interest on the issuer’s obligation will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. However, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge such exemption, which could cause
interest on the obligation to be taxable and could jeopardize a Tax-Exempt Fund’s ability to pay exempt-interest dividends. Similar challenges may occur as to state-specific exemptions. Also, from time to time legislation may be introduced or
litigation may arise that would change the treatment of exempt-interest dividends. Such litigation or legislation may have the effect of raising the state or other taxes payable by shareholders on such dividends. Shareholders should consult their
tax advisors for the current law on exempt-interest dividends.
A shareholder who receives Social Security or
railroad retirement benefits should consult his or her tax advisor to determine what effect, if any, an investment in a Tax-Exempt Fund may have on the U.S. federal taxation of such benefits. Exempt-interest dividends are included in income for
purposes of determining the amount of benefits that are taxable.
Special Tax Considerations Pertaining to
Funds-of-Funds
Certain Funds (each such fund, a
Fund-of-Funds) invest their assets primarily in shares of other mutual funds, ETFs or other companies that are regulated investment companies (collectively, underlying funds). Consequently, their income and gains will normally consist primarily of
distributions from underlying funds and gains and losses on the disposition of shares of underlying funds. To the extent that an underlying fund realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, a Fund-of-Funds will not be able to
benefit from those losses until (i) the underlying fund realizes gains that it can reduce by those losses, or (ii) the Fund-of-Funds recognizes its share of those losses (so as to offset distributions of capital gains from other underlying funds)
when it disposes of shares of the underlying fund. Moreover, even when a Fund-of-Funds does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss, which will not be treated as favorably for U.S. federal income
tax purposes as a short-term capital loss or an ordinary deduction. In particular, a Fund-of-Funds will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of underlying fund shares against its ordinary income (including distributions of
any net short-term capital gains realized by an underlying fund).
In addition, in certain circumstances, the
“wash sale” rules may apply to sales of underlying fund shares by a Fund-of-Funds. As discussed above, a wash sale occurs if shares of an underlying fund are sold by a Fund-of-Funds at a loss and the Fund-of-Funds acquires additional
shares of that same underlying fund within the period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the sale. The rules could defer losses of a Fund-of-Funds on sales of underlying fund shares (to the extent such sales are wash
sales) for extended (and, in certain cases, potentially indefinite) periods of time.
As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain
other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gain that a Fund-of-Funds will be required to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Fund-of-Funds invested
directly in the securities held by the underlying funds, rather than investing in shares of the underlying funds. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from a Fund-of-Funds (
e.g.,
long-term
capital gain, exempt interest, eligibility for dividends-received deduction) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund-of-Funds invested directly in the securities held by the underlying funds.
Depending on the percentage ownership of a
Fund-of-Funds in an underlying fund before and after a redemption of underlying fund shares, the redemption of shares by the Fund-of-Funds of such underlying fund may cause the Fund-of-Funds to be treated as receiving a dividend in the full amount
of the redemption proceeds instead of receiving a capital gain or loss on the redemption of shares of the underlying fund. This could be the case where a Fund-of-Funds holds a significant interest in an underlying fund that is not “publicly
offered” (as defined in the Code) and redeems only a small portion of such interest. Dividend treatment of a redemption by a Fund-of-Funds would affect the amount and character of income required to be distributed by both the Fund-of-Funds and
the underlying fund for the year in which the redemption occurred. It is possible that such a dividend would qualify as “qualified dividend income”; otherwise, it would be taxable as ordinary income and could cause shareholders of a
Fund-of-Funds to recognize higher amounts of ordinary income than if the shareholders had held shares of the underlying fund directly.
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If a Fund-of-Funds receives dividends from an
underlying fund, and the underlying fund reports such dividends as “qualified dividend income,” as discussed below, then the Fund-of-Funds is permitted, in turn, to report a portion of its distributions as “qualified dividend
income,” provided the Fund-of-Funds meets the holding period and other requirements with respect to shares of the underlying fund. If a Fund-of-Funds receives dividends from an underlying fund, and the underlying fund reports such dividends as
eligible for the dividends-received deduction, then the Fund-of-Funds is permitted, in turn, to report a portion of its distributions as eligible for the dividends-received deduction, provided the Fund-of-Funds meets the holding period and other
requirements with respect to shares of the underlying fund.
If a Fund-of-Funds is a “qualified
fund-of-funds” (a regulated investment company that invests at least 50% of its total assets in other regulated investment companies at the close of each quarter of its taxable year), it will be able to distribute exempt-interest dividends and
thereby pass through to its shareholders the tax-exempt character of any interest received on tax-exempt obligations in which it directly invests or any exempt-interest dividends it receives from underlying funds in which it invests. For further
considerations pertaining to exempt-interest dividends, see
Special Tax Considerations Pertaining to Tax-Exempt Funds
above.
Further, if a Fund-of-Funds is a qualified
fund-of-funds, it will be able to elect to pass through to its shareholders any foreign income and other similar taxes paid by the Fund-of-Funds or paid by an underlying fund in which the Fund-of-Funds invests that itself elected to pass such taxes
through to shareholders, so that shareholders of the Fund-of-Funds will be eligible to claim a tax credit or deduction for such taxes, subject to applicable limitations. However, even if a Fund-of-Funds qualifies to make the election for any year,
it may determine not to do so. For further considerations pertaining to foreign taxes paid by a Fund, see
Foreign Taxes
above.
Finally, a Fund-of-Funds generally must look through
its 20 percent voting interest in a corporation, including an underlying fund, to the underlying assets thereof for purposes of the diversification test; special rules potentially provide limited relief from the application of this rule where the
Fund-of-Funds is a qualified fund-of-funds.
U.S.
Federal Income Tax Rates
The maximum stated U.S. federal
income tax rate applicable to individuals generally is 39.6% for ordinary income and 20% for net long-term capital gain (in each case, not including the 3.8% net investment income tax described below).
In general, “qualified dividend income”
is income attributable to dividends received by a Fund from certain domestic and foreign corporations, as long as certain holding period and other requirements are met by the Fund with respect to the dividend-paying corporation’s stock and by
the shareholders with respect to the Fund’s shares. If 95% or more of a Fund’s gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) constitutes qualified dividend income, all of its distributions (other
than Capital Gain Dividends) will be generally treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of individual shareholders, as long as they have owned their Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the
Fund’s ex-dividend date (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date) and meet certain other requirements specified in the Code. In general, if less than 95% of a
Fund’s gross income is attributable to qualified dividend income, then only the portion of the Fund’s distributions that is attributable to qualified dividend income and reported as such in a timely manner will be so treated in the hands
of individual shareholders who meet the aforementioned holding period requirements. Qualified dividend income is taxable to individual shareholders at tax rates applicable to long-term capital gain. The rules regarding the qualification of Fund
distributions as qualified dividend income are complex, including the holding period requirements. Individual Fund shareholders therefore are urged to consult their own tax advisors and financial planners. Fixed income funds typically do not
distribute significant amounts of qualified dividend income.
The maximum stated corporate U.S. federal income tax
rate applicable to ordinary income and net capital gain currently is 35%. Actual marginal tax rates may be higher for some shareholders, for example, through reductions in deductions. Naturally, the amount of tax payable by any taxpayer will be
affected by a combination of tax laws covering, for example, deductions, credits, deferrals, exemptions, sources of income and other matters. U.S. federal income tax rates are set to increase in future years under various “sunset”
provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws.
The Code generally imposes a 3.8% net investment
income tax on certain high-income individuals, trusts and estates. For individuals, the 3.8% tax applies to the lesser of (1) the amount (if any) by which the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts or (2)
the taxpayer’s “net investment income.” For this purpose, “net investment income” generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by a Fund of net investment income and capital gains (other than
exempt-interest dividends)as described above, and (ii) any net gain recognized on the sale, redemption, exchange or other taxable disposition of Fund shares. Certain details of the implementation of the tax remain subject to future guidance.
Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this additional tax on their investment in a Fund.
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Backup Withholding
Each Fund generally is required to withhold, and remit to the U.S.
Treasury, subject to certain exemptions, an amount equal to 28% of all distributions and redemption proceeds (including proceeds from exchanges and redemptions in-kind) paid or credited to a Fund shareholder if (1) the shareholder fails to furnish
the Fund with a correct “taxpayer identification number” (TIN) or has not certified to the Fund that withholding does not apply or (2) the IRS notifies the Fund that the shareholder’s TIN is incorrect or the shareholder is
otherwise subject to backup withholding. These backup withholding rules may also apply to distributions that are properly reported as exempt-interest dividends (defined above). This backup withholding is not an additional tax imposed on the
shareholder. The shareholder may apply amounts required to be withheld as a credit against his or her future U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid
TIN upon request, the shareholder can also be subject to IRS penalties.
Tax-Deferred Plans
The shares of a Fund may be available for a variety of tax-deferred
retirement and other tax-advantaged plans and accounts. Prospective investors should contact their tax advisors and financial planners regarding the tax consequences to them of holding Fund shares through such plans and/or accounts.
Corporate Shareholders
Subject to limitations and other rules, a corporate shareholder of
a Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction on Fund distributions attributable to dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations, which, if received directly by the corporate shareholder, would qualify for such a
deduction. For eligible corporate shareholders, the dividends-received deduction may be subject to certain reductions, and a distribution by a Fund attributable to dividends of a domestic corporation will be eligible for the deduction only if
certain holding period and other requirements are met. For information regarding eligibility for the dividends-received deduction of dividend income derived by an underlying fund in which a Fund-of-Funds invests, see
Special Tax Considerations Pertaining to Funds-of-Funds
above. These requirements are complex; therefore, corporate shareholders of the Funds are urged to consult their own tax advisors and
financial planners.
As discussed above, a
portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations that a Fund may own may not be deductible to the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on these obligations is not deductible, that portion will be
treated as a dividend. In such cases, if the issuer of the obligation is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by a Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the dividend portion of such interest.
Foreign Shareholders
For purposes of this discussion, “foreign shareholders”
generally include: (i) nonresident alien individuals, (ii) foreign trusts (
i.e.
, a trust other than a trust with respect to which a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over administration of
that trust and one or more U.S. persons have authority to control substantial decisions of that trust), (iii) foreign estates (
i.e.
, the income of which is not subject to U.S. tax regardless of source), and
(iv) foreign corporations.
Distributions by a
Fund made to foreign shareholders that are not “U.S. persons” within the meaning of the Code properly reported by a Fund as (1) Capital Gain Dividends, (2) short-term capital gain dividends, (3) interest-related dividends or (4)
exempt-interest dividends, each as defined above or below, generally are not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. In general, the Code defines (1) “short-term capital gain dividends” as distributions of net short-term
capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses and (2) “interest-related dividends” as distributions from U.S. source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an
individual foreign shareholder, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders. The exceptions to withholding for Capital Gain Dividends and short-term capital gain
dividends do not apply to (A) distributions to an individual foreign shareholder who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (B) distributions attributable to gain
that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the foreign shareholder of a trade or business within the United States under special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests as described below. The exception to
withholding for interest-related dividends does not apply to distributions to a foreign shareholder (A) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (B) to the extent that the dividend is
attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign shareholder is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (C) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (D)
to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign shareholder and the foreign shareholder is a controlled foreign corporation.
If a Fund invests in a RIC that
pays Capital Gain Dividends, short-term capital gain dividends, exempt-interest dividends, or interest-related dividends to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund
to foreign shareholders (provided, in the case of exempt-interest dividends, that the Fund and the underlying RIC meet the requirements discussed in
Special Tax Considerations Pertaining to
Funds-of-Funds
above).
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A Fund is permitted to report such part of its
dividends as interest-related and/or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund reports all or a portion of a
payment as a short-term capital gain or interest-related dividend. Foreign shareholders should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.
Distributions by a Fund to foreign shareholders
other than Capital Gain Dividends, short-term capital gain dividends, exempt-interest dividends, and interest-related dividends (e.g., dividends attributable to foreign-source dividend and interest income, or to short-term capital gains or U.S.
source interest income to which the exception from withholding description above does not apply) are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax withheld at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate).
In general, a foreign shareholder is not subject to
U.S. federal income tax and withholding on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the disposition of shares of a Fund unless: (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the foreign shareholder of a trade or
business within the United States, (ii) in the case of a foreign shareholder that is an individual, the shareholder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of disposition and certain other
conditions are met, or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests” (“USRPIs”) apply to the foreign shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund (as
described below).
Special rules apply if a Fund were
a qualified investment entity (“QIE”) because it is either a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition of USRPIs
described below.
Generally, a USRPHC
is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USRPIs, interests in real property located outside the United States and other trade or
business assets.
USRPIs are generally defined
as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or, very generally, an entity that has been a USRPHC in the last five years. A Fund that holds, directly or indirectly, significant interests in
real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), may be a USRPHC. Interests in: (i) domestically controlled QIEs, including REITs and RICs that are QIEs, (ii) not-greater-than 10% interests in publicly traded classes of stock in REITs, and (iii)
not-greater-than-5% interests in publicly traded classes of stock in RICs, generally are not USRPIs, but these exceptions do not apply for purposes of determining whether a Fund is a QIE.
If an interest in a Fund were a USRPI, the Fund
would be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, in which case such foreign shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. tax returns and pay any additional taxes due
in connection with the redemption.
Moreover,
if a Fund were a USRPHC or, very generally, had been one in the last five years, it would be required to withhold on amounts distributed to a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder to the extent such amounts would not be treated as a dividend, i.e.,
are in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated “earnings and profits” for the applicable tax year. Such withholding generally is not required if the Fund is a domestically controlled QIE.
If a Fund is a QIE, under a
special “look through” rule, any distributions by the Fund to a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) that are attributable directly or indirectly to
(i) distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier RIC or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands and (ii) gains realized on the disposition of USRPIs by the Fund will retain their character as gains realized from
USRPIs in the hands of the Fund’s foreign shareholders and will be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. income tax return and pay tax on the
distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a foreign shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the
extent of the foreign shareholder’s current and past ownership of a Fund.
Foreign shareholders of a Fund may also be subject
to “wash sale” rules to prevent the avoidance of the foregoing tax-filing and payment obligations discussed above through the sale and repurchase of Fund shares.
Foreign shareholders should consult their tax
advisors and, if holding shares through intermediaries, their intermediaries, concerning the application of these rules to their investment in a Fund.
Foreign shareholders with respect to whom income
from a Fund is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the foreign shareholder within the United States will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income derived from the Fund at the graduated rates applicable
to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, whether such income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of a Fund and, in the case of a foreign corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a foreign shareholder is
eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject
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to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also
attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, foreign shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may obtain different tax results than
those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax advisors.
In order to qualify for any
exemptions from withholding described above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from backup withholding, a foreign shareholder must comply with applicable certification requirements relating to
its foreign status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute form). Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors in this regard.
Special rules (including withholding and reporting
requirements) apply to foreign partnerships and those holding Fund shares through foreign partnerships. In addition, additional considerations may apply to foreign trusts and foreign estates. Investors holding Fund shares through foreign entities
should consult their tax advisors about their particular situation.
A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign
person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the U.S. federal income tax referred to above.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders
Each Fund serves to
“block” (that is, prevent the attribution to shareholders of) unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) from being realized by tax-exempt shareholders. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt
shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Section 514(b) of the Code.
It is possible that a tax-exempt shareholder will
also recognize UBTI if a Fund recognizes excess inclusion income (as described above) derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) or equity interests in taxable
mortgage pools (“TMPs”). Furthermore, any investment in residual interests of a collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") that has elected to be treated as a REMIC can create complex tax consequences, especially if the Fund has state or
local governments or other tax-exempt organizations as shareholders.
In addition, special tax consequences apply to
charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT, as
defined in Section 664 of the Code, that realizes UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in a
Fund to the extent that it recognizes excess inclusion income. Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or
instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a Fund and the Fund recognizes excess inclusion income, then the Fund will be subject to a tax on that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable
year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which the IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940
Act, each Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest
in the Fund. Each Fund has not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in a Fund.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations
Under U.S. Treasury Regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss
of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct holders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted
from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated
investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to
determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect to
Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
Shareholders that are U.S.
persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of a Fund could be required to report annually their “financial interest” in the Fund’s “foreign financial accounts,” if any, on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign
Bank and Financial Accounts (“FBAR”). Shareholders should consult a tax advisor, and persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary, regarding the applicability to them of this reporting
requirement.
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Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements
Sections 1471-1474 of the Code, and the U.S. Treasury Regulations
and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”), generally require a Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an
“IGA”) between the United States and a foreign government, as described more fully below. If a shareholder of a Fund fails to provide the requested information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Fund is generally
required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends it pays, and on or after January 1, 2019, 30% of certain Capital Gain Dividends and gross proceeds of the sale, redemption or exchange of Fund
shares it pays. If a payment by a Fund is subject to FATCA withholding, the Fund is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above (e.g.,
Capital Gain Dividends, exempt-interest dividends, short-term capital gain dividends and interest-related dividends).
Payments to a shareholder will generally not be
subject to FATCA withholding, provided the shareholder provides a Fund with such certifications, waivers or other documentation or information as the Fund requires, including, to the extent required, with regard to such shareholder’s direct
and indirect owners, to establish the shareholder’s FATCA status and otherwise to comply with these rules. In order to avoid withholding, a shareholder that is a “foreign financial institution” (“FFI”) must either (i)
become a “participating FFI” by entering into a valid U.S. tax compliance agreement with the IRS, (ii) qualify for an exception from the requirement to enter into such an agreement, for example by becoming a “deemed-compliant
FFI,” or (iii) be covered by an applicable IGA between the United States and a non-U.S. government to implement FATCA and improve international tax compliance. In any of these cases, the investing FFI generally will be required to provide its
Fund with appropriate identifiers, certifications or documentation concerning its status.
A Fund may disclose the information that it receives
from (or concerning) its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with applicable IGAs or other applicable law or regulation.
Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax
advisors regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the prospective investor’s own situation, including investments through an intermediary.
The Subsidiary
Each of Alternative Beta Fund, MM Alternative Strategies Fund and
Diversified Absolute Return Fund (for purposes of this section, the “Fund”) intends to invest a portion of its assets in one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (previously defined collectively as the “Subsidiary”),
which will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes. Foreign corporations, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless it is deemed to be engaged in a United States trade or business.
The Subsidiary intends to conduct its activities in a manner that is expected to meet the requirements of a safe harbor under Section 864(b)(2) of the Code under which the Subsidiary may engage in trading in stocks or securities or certain
commodities for its own account without being deemed to be engaged in a United States trade or business. However, if certain of the Subsidiary’s activities were deemed not to be of the type described in the safe harbor, the activities of the
Subsidiary might constitute a United States trade or business.
Even if the Subsidiary is not engaged in a United
States trade or business, it will potentially be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% on all or a portion of its United States source gross income that is not effectively connected with a United States trade or business.
The Subsidiary will be treated as
a CFC. The Fund will be treated as a “U.S. Shareholder” of the Subsidiary. As a result, the Fund will be required to include in its gross income all of the Subsidiary’s “subpart F income”. It is expected that all of the
Subsidiary’s income will be “subpart F income”. “Subpart F income” is generally treated as ordinary income. Under proposed regulations, the annual net income, if any, realized by the Subsidiary and treated as received
by the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute qualifying income for purposes of the Fund’s qualification as a RIC under the Code only to the extent such net income is currently and timely distributed to the Fund. If such
proposed regulations are finalized in their current form, the Fund generally expects that it will employ means of seeking to satisfy the qualifying income requirements applicable to a RIC, including causing the Subsidiary to make a distribution to
the Fund equal to the Subsidiary’s subpart F income in timely fashion by the end of the Subsidiary’s taxable year. The Subsidiary may be required to sell investments in order to make such cash payments to the Fund, including at a time
when it may be not advantageous to do so. Accordingly, any such cash payments may temporarily limit the Subsidiary’s or the Fund’s ability to pursue its respective investment strategy. If a net loss is realized by the Subsidiary, such
loss is not generally available to offset the income of the Fund and generally is not permitted to be carried forward to offset income of the Subsidiary in future years. The recognition by the Fund of the Subsidiary’s “subpart F
income” will increase the Fund’s tax basis in the Subsidiary. Distributions by the Subsidiary to the Fund will not be taxable to the extent of its previously undistributed “subpart F income”, and will reduce the Fund’s
tax basis in the subsidiary.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
206
|
In order to qualify for the special tax treatment
accorded to RICs under the Code, the Fund must satisfy a 90% gross income requirement and an asset diversification requirement. These requirements are not applicable to the Subsidiary. For purposes of the asset diversification requirement, the Fund
will limit its investment in the Subsidiary in the aggregate to 25% or less of the Fund's total assets as of the end of every quarter of its taxable year; the asset diversification requirement applies to the Fund's interest in the Subsidiary but not
to the Subsidiary's investments.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
207
|
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
OF SECURITIES
Management
Ownership
As of
April 30, 2017, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of each class of shares of each Fund, except as set forth in the table below:
Fund
|
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
Beneficially Owned
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
Class
R5
|
10.53%
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
Class
A
|
10.13%
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
Class
Z
|
54.59%
|
Principal
Shareholders and Control Persons
The tables below identify
the names, address and ownership percentage of each person who owns of record or is known by the Trust to own beneficially 5% or more of any class of a Fund’s outstanding shares (Principal Holders) or 25% or more of a Fund’s outstanding
shares (Control Persons). A shareholder who beneficially owns more than 25% of a Fund’s shares is presumed to “control” the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, and may have a significant impact on matters submitted to a
shareholder vote. A shareholder who beneficially owns more than 50% of a Fund’s outstanding shares may be able to approve proposals, or prevent approval of proposals, without regard to votes by other Fund shareholders. Additional information
about Control Persons, if any, is provided following the tables. The information provided for each Fund is as of a date no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing a post-effective amendment to the applicable Trust’s registration
statement with respect to such Fund.
The
information provided for each Fund is as of the date indicated in the table below, and certain share classes may have changed since such date as follows. Effective March 27, 2017, Class W shares were renamed and re-designated as Class T shares,
which have no relation to, or connection with, Class T shares existing on January 23, 2017 (now known as Class V shares). Also effective March 27, 2017, shares held by Class I shareholders were exchanged for Class Y shares of the same Fund in a
tax-free transaction with no impact on the fees and expenses paid by shareholders. Class I shares were only offered to other Columbia Funds, and are no longer offered for sale.
Funds with Fiscal Period Ending January 31:
Except as otherwise
indicated, the information below is as of April 30, 2017:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Diversified
Real Return Fund
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class A
|
11.84%
|
88.60%
(a)
|
Class
C
|
16.49%
|
Class
R4
|
100.00%
|
Class
R5
|
100.00%
|
Class
T
|
100.00%
|
Class
Y
|
100.00%
|
Class
Z
|
99.24%
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class A
|
66.59%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
7.16%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
83.51%
|
|
WELDON
L WEBER III
6226 GEORGIA DR
CORPUS CHRISTI TX 78414-3664
|
Class A
|
5.87%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
208
|
Funds with Fiscal Period Ending March 31:
Except as otherwise indicated, the information below is as of June
30, 2016:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
MM
Growth Strategies Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
100.00%
|
100.00%
|
Pacific/Asia
Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
51.03%
|
N/A
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class R4
|
70.79%
|
75.73%
(a)
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
11.82%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR SC529 PLAN
COLUMBIA AGGRESSIVE GROWTH
529 PORTFOLIO
14201N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254
|
Class Z
|
35.18%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
19.05%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
50.89%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
28.66%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT CUSTOMER
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class Z
|
48.97%
|
N/A
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
35.78%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
5.17%
|
N/A
|
|
NORTHERN
TRUST AS TRUSTEE
FBO GRAND TRUNK WESTERN RR CO
PO BOX 92956
CHICAGO IL 60675-2956
|
Class Z
|
8.71%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
21.99%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
8.67%
|
Class
R4
|
29.21%
|
|
STATE
STREET BK & TR IRA
JACK C MASSEY
4370 OLIVE BRANCH RD
GREENWOOD IN 46143-9667
|
Class C
|
5.20%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
209
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Select
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
22.87%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
7.85%
|
Class
W
|
99.98%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST CO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class R
|
22.28%
|
N/A
|
|
CAPINCO
C/O US BANK NA
PO BOX 1787
MILWAUKEE WI 53201-1787
|
Class Y
|
19.54%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUND DEPT
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class R5
|
12.32%
|
N/A
|
|
COLUMBIA
THERMOSTAT FUND
C/O PAULA RYAN
227 W MONROE ST STE 3000
CHICAGO IL 60606-5018
|
Class I
|
12.78%
|
N/A
|
|
DCGT
AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
|
Class R
|
12.41%
|
N/A
|
|
EDWARD
D JONES & CO
FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
12555 MANCHESTER RD
SAINT LOUIS MO 63131-3729
|
Class Z
|
8.66%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
100 MAGELLAN WAY (KW1C)
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R
|
5.86%
|
N/A
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
6.81%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
6.18%
|
|
GREAT-WEST
TRUST COMPANY LLC TTEE F
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CLIENTS 401K
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R
|
12.33%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
6.28%
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
17.05%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
42.12%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
21.77%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
6.28%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
210
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
KEYBANK
NA
FBO MEDCENTRAL PEN-COLUMBIA
SELECT
PO BOX 94871
CLEVELAND OH 44101-4871
|
Class Y
|
10.79%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT CUSTOMER
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class C
|
22.20%
|
27.59%
|
Class
Z
|
45.57%
|
|
MG
TRUST CO CUST
717 17TH ST STE 1300
DENVER CO 80202-3304
|
Class R
|
8.22%
|
N/A
|
|
MID
ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY
1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
|
Class R
|
10.00%
|
N/A
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
19.75%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
12.94%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
54.11%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
21.90%
|
Class
R4
|
43.99%
|
Class
R5
|
64.22%
|
Class
Y
|
25.12%
|
|
NATIONWIDE
TRUST COMPANY/FSB
C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING
PO BOX 182029
COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029
|
Class R5
|
10.23%
|
N/A
|
|
PARK
NATIONAL BANK
ATTN: TRUST (REINV EB)
50 N THIRD STREET
PO BOX 3500
NEWARK OH 43058-3500
|
Class Y
|
13.50%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
35.28%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
9.52%
|
|
RELIANCE
TRUST CO CUST
FBO MASSMUTUAL OMNIBUS PLL/SMF
PO BOX 48529
ATLANTA GA 30362-1529
|
Class R
|
19.46%
|
N/A
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class Y
|
5.03%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
5.93%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
5.94%
|
|
VANGUARD
FDUCIARY TRUST CO
PO BOX 2600
ATTN: OUTSIDE FUNDS
VALLEY FORGE PA 19482-2600
|
Class R4
|
11.86%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
12.56%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
211
|
Funds with Fiscal Period Ending April 30:
Except as otherwise indicated, the information below is as of July
31, 2016:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Bond
Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
17.86%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
23.21%
|
Class
C
|
20.90%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class A
|
7.66%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
22.78%
|
Class
R
|
78.78%
|
Class
R5
|
32.11%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUND DEPT
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class B
|
8.03%
|
N/A
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class I
|
100.00%
|
N/A
(a)
|
Class
R5
|
10.62%
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
27.81%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
9.95%
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class A
|
5.40%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT CUSTOMER
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
26.67%
|
76.15%
|
Class
B
|
29.61%
|
Class
C
|
18.58%
|
Class
V
|
20.51%
|
Class
Y
|
99.16%
|
Class
Z
|
84.31%
|
|
MID
ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY FBO
1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
|
Class R
|
21.09%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
5.43%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
19.25%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
5.17%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
11.33%
|
Class
R5
|
16.15%
|
|
TAYNIK
& CO
C/O INVESTORS BANK & TRUST CO
1200 CROWN COLONY DR CC10313
QUINCY MA 02169-0938
|
Class R4
|
65.12%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
37.65%
|
N/A
|
Corporate
Income Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
32.79%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
27.76%
|
Class
C
|
28.86%
|
Class
W
|
99.75%
|
|
BAND
& CO C/O US BANK NA
1555 N RIVERCENTER DR STE 302
MILWAUKEE WI 53212-3958
|
Class Z
|
23.98%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
212
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
CBNA
AS CUSTODIAN FBO
6 RHOADS DR STE 7
UTICA NY 13502-6317
|
Class R5
|
5.81%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUND DEPT
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
8.16%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
44.61%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
47.83%
(a)
|
|
EDWARD
D JONES & CO
FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
12555 MANCHESTER RD
SAINT LOUIS MO 63131-3729
|
Class A
|
6.10%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
7.81%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
28.51%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
7.00%
|
|
JPMCB
NA AS CUST FOR THE SC529 PLAN
COLUMBIA MODERATE GROWTH
529 PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PARKWAY
FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class Z
|
13.28%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
8.18%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
31.44%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
14.31%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
23.63%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA INCOME BUILDER FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
16.66%
|
N/A
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY AS TTEE FBO
REGION 10 457B PLAN
PO BOX 52129
PHOENIX AZ 85072-2129
|
Class Y
|
74.14%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT CUSTOMER
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
5.71%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
21.67%
|
Class
C
|
13.03%
|
Class
Z
|
41.34%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
213
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class C
|
9.69%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
7.41%
|
Class
R5
|
18.12%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class C
|
8.59%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
50.00%
|
Class
R5
|
25.85%
|
|
TAYNIK
& CO
C/O INVESTORS BANK & TRUST CO
1200 CROWN COLONY DR CC10313
QUINCY MA 02169-0938
|
Class R4
|
36.57%
|
N/A
|
|
U
S BANK FBO
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH SERP
1555 N RIVERCENTER DR STE 302
MILWAUKEE WI 53212-3958
|
Class Y
|
24.77%
|
N/A
|
Multi-Asset
Income Fund
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class C
|
7.74%
|
97.62%
(a)
|
Class
R4
|
100.00%
|
Class
R5
|
100.00%
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
38.43%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
14.79%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR COLUMBIA CAPITAL
ALLOCATION AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
11.20%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR COLUMBIA CAPITAL
ALLOCATION CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
6.58%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR COLUMBIA CAPITAL
ALLOCATION MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
27.39%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class A
|
19.14%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
54.71%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
5.34%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
58.59%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
23.89%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class A
|
10.71%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
16.30%
|
|
STATE
STREET BK & TR IRA
JEFFREY L KNIGHT
15 SYLVAN LN
WESTON MA 02493-1027
|
Class Z
|
78.70%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
214
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
U.S.
BANCORP INVESTMENTS INC.
60 LIVINGSTON AVE
SAINT PAUL MN 55107-2292
|
Class C
|
13.59%
|
N/A
|
Small
Cap Value Fund I
(b)
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
10.19%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
36.00%
|
Class
C
|
7.54%
|
|
CAPITAL
BANK & TRUST CO TRUSTEE FBO
C/O FASCORE LLC
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R
|
88.32%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
6.18%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
6.27%
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
PROFIT SHARING PLAN
100 MAGELLAN WAY (KW1C)
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R5
|
6.62%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA INCOME BUILDER FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
100.00%
|
N/A
|
|
LINCOLN
RETIREMENT SERVICES CO
FBO
PO BOX 7876
FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876
|
Class Y
|
12.29%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
7.27%
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
FBO CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class C
|
6.37%
|
N/A
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY CUST FBO
717 17TH ST STE 1300
DENVER CO 80202-3304
|
Class R
|
7.78%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF
ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION #97431
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 2
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
5.98%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
11.78%
|
Class
Z
|
42.04%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
14.11%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
8.20%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
8.12%
|
Class
C
|
14.12%
|
Class
R4
|
33.86%
|
Class
R5
|
36.71%
|
Class
Z
|
10.27%
|
Class
C
|
9.42%
|
Class
R4
|
63.32%
|
|
PIMS/PRUDENTIAL
RETIREMENT
AS NOMINEE FOR THE TTEE/CUST
P O BOX 1979
835 N RUSH ST
CHICAGO IL 60611-2030
|
Class Y
|
72.45%
|
N/A
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
7.14%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
215
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE TRUST COMPANY
ATTN HOUSE
PO BOX 17748
DENVER CO 80217-0748
|
Class R5
|
5.93%
|
N/A
|
|
TIAA-CREF
TRUST CO CUST/TTEE FBO
RETIREMENT PLANS FOR WHICH
TIAA ACTS AS RECORDKEEPER
ATTN TRUST OPERATIONS
211 N BROADWAY STE 1000
SAINT LOUIS MO 63102-2748
|
Class R5
|
40.29%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
13.72%
|
Class
Z
|
16.34%
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
5.26%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
14.94%
|
Class
C
|
10.79%
|
U.S.
Treasury Index Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
19.53%
|
25.35%
|
Class
C
|
33.46%
|
Class
W
|
99.90%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUND DEPT
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
5.42%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
32.74%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
37.10%
(a)
|
|
COLUMBIA
THERMOSTAT FUND
C/O PAULA RYAN
227 W MONROE ST STE 3000
CHICAGO IL 60606-5018
|
Class I
|
35.44%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
100 MAGELLAN WAY
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class A
|
5.45%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
7.24%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
7.76%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
46.58%
|
Class
C
|
13.00%
|
|
GREAT-WEST
TRUST COMPANY LLC TTEE F
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CLIENTS 401K – FG
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R5
|
7.56%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA AS CUSTODIAN FOR THE SC529
PLAN COLUMBIA AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 529
PORTFOLIO
14201 DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class Z
|
50.62%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
12.35%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
6.45%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
21.35%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
216
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
17.54%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class A
|
5.70%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
5.68%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT CUSTOMER
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
24.45%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
28.11%
|
Class
R5
|
21.91%
|
Class
Z
|
17.73%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R5
|
23.92%
|
N/A
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class B
|
6.70%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
15.08%
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK & TRUST CUST
FBO CHERYL S COX 403B PLAN
647 WINDSOR CIR
CHULA VISTA CA 91910-6233
|
Class C
|
5.00%
|
N/A
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK & TRUST CUST
IRA R/O STEVEN G DETSCH
4115 THE HILL RD
BONITA CA 91902-2343
|
Class C
|
5.47%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
5.71%
|
N/A
|
Funds with Fiscal Period
Ending May 31:
Except as otherwise indicated, the information
below is as of August 31, 2016:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Adaptive
Risk Allocation Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
89.98%
|
91.68%
|
Class
C
|
78.00%
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
Class
Z
|
36.51%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
CUST A/C FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT
ATTENTION MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class R4
|
19.01%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
29.59%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class K
|
100.00%
|
N/A
(a)
|
Class
Y
|
100.00%
|
|
DONNA
C KNIGHT & JEFFREY L KNIGHT
TTEES DONNA C KNIGHT LIVING TRUST
U/A 07/24/1998
15 SYLVAN LN
WESTON MA 02493-1027
|
Class Z
|
5.03%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class Z
|
10.94%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
217
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class Z
|
6.56%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R
|
75.88%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
63.41%
|
Class
R5
|
20.82%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
16.58%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
26.96%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
HOUSE ACCT FIRM
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class R
|
11.11%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
12.27%
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class R
|
11.90%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
19.12%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class Z
|
13.94%
|
N/A
|
Alternative
Beta Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
96.39%
|
91.47%
|
Class
C
|
92.41%
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
Class
Z
|
92.59%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class R
|
100.00%
|
N/A
(a)
|
Class
R5
|
100.00%
|
Class
Y
|
100.00%
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
19.99%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
19.99%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
19.99%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
19.99%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
218
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
19.99%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
98.77%
|
N/A
|
|
STATE
STREET BK & TR IRA
JEFFREY L KNIGHT
15 SYLVAN LN
WESTON MA 02493-1027
|
Class Z
|
6.68%
|
N/A
|
Diversified
Absolute Return Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
12.83%
|
31.75%
|
Class
C
|
51.12%
|
Class
W
|
99.98%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class C
|
48.88%
|
66.32%
(a)
|
Class
R4
|
100.00%
|
Class
R5
|
100.00%
|
|
DONNA
C KNIGHT & JEFFREY L KNIGHT
TTEES DONNA C KNIGHT LIVING TRUST
U/A 07/24/1998
15 SYLVAN LN
WESTON MA 02493-1027
|
Class Z
|
98.69%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
8.52%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
5.96%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
30.95%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
12.25%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
25.45%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
15.13%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
42.75%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
40.20%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
219
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Dividend
Income Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
39.08%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
32.21%
|
Class
C
|
15.07%
|
Class
W
|
97.35%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
CUST A/C FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT
ATTENTION MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class R5
|
23.45%
|
N/A
|
Class
V
|
9.02%
|
Class
Y
|
6.02%
|
Class
Z
|
7.08%
|
|
COLUMBIA
THERMOSTAT FUND
C/O PAULA RYAN
227 W MONROE ST STE 3000
CHICAGO IL 60606-5018
|
Class I
|
32.41%
|
N/A
|
|
DCGT
AS TTEE AND /OR CUST
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
|
Class R
|
6.15%
|
N/A
|
|
EQUITABLE
LIFE FOR SA
ON BEHALF OF VARIOUS 401K
1290 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK NY 10104-0101
|
Class R
|
53.85%
|
N/A
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
23.76%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
9.51%
|
|
GREAT
WEST TRUST CO. AS TRUSTEE FBO
11500 OUTLOOK ST
OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1804
|
Class Y
|
7.39%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
26.30%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA INCOME BUILDER FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
41.29%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
6.86%
|
27.18%
|
Class
B
|
18.63%
|
Class
C
|
17.82%
|
Class
R
|
10.54%
|
Class
R4
|
9.67%
|
Class
V
|
17.50%
|
Class
Z
|
44.20%
|
|
MID
ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY FBO
1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
|
Class R
|
5.08%
|
N/A
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class B
|
5.37%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
9.35%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
14.27%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
5.32%
|
Class
C
|
8.89%
|
Class
R4
|
29.36%
|
Class
R5
|
19.43%
|
Class
Y
|
44.35%
|
Class
Z
|
15.39%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
220
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class C
|
6.62%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
24.86%
|
|
PIMS/PRUDENTIAL
RETIREMENT
AS NOMINEE FOR THE TTEE
379 CAMPUS DRIVE
SOMERSET NJ 08873-1161
|
Class R5
|
6.84%
|
N/A
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
HOUSE ACCT FIRM
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
9.75%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
5.34%
|
|
RELIANCE
TRUST CO CUST
PO BOX 48529
ATLANTA GA 30362-1529
|
Class R4
|
6.69%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
13.51%
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
6.80%
|
N/A
|
|
TIAA-CREF
TRUST CO CUST/TTEE FBO
RETIREMENT PLANS FOR WHICH
TIAA ACTS AS RECORDKEEPER
ATTN TRUST OPERATIONS
211 N BROADWAY STE 1000
SAINT LOUIS MO 63102-2748
|
Class Y
|
17.40%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
6.87%
|
N/A
|
HY
Municipal Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
39.17%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
20.34%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
CUST A/C FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT
ATTENTION MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
5.46%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
20.28%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
11.94%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
27.09%
|
Class
C
|
12.93%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
8.29%
|
49.53%
|
Class
B
|
62.58%
|
Class
C
|
9.90%
|
Class
Z
|
66.80%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class A
|
7.55%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
16.04%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
7.04%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
48.71%
|
Class
R5
|
25.18%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
48.50%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
32.80%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
221
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
HOUSE ACCT FIRM
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
17.91%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
21.25%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
6.99%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
6.87%
|
Funds with Fiscal Period
Ending July 31:
Except as otherwise indicated, the
information below is as of October 31, 2016:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
AMT-Free
OR Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
27.34%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
14.80%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUND DEPT
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
7.24%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
55.70%
|
Class
Z
|
14.15%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class B
|
94.60%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
EDWARD
D JONES & CO
FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
12555 MANCHESTER RD
SAINT LOUIS MO 63131-3729
|
Class A
|
29.34%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
5.25%
|
Class
C
|
10.33%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
8.81%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
33.57%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &
SMITH INC
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT S CUSTOM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class C
|
8.39%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
12.09%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
19.65%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
6.05%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
15.89%
|
Class
R5
|
8.59%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
81.15%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
35.09%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
222
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class A
|
8.72%
|
N/A
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
23.35%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
17.90%
|
Class
C
|
22.26%
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
|
ANDREW
NEUMANN
ADVANTAGE PLAN TRUST
C/O CHRISTOPHER M NEUMANN
101 RAMBLE WOOD DR
SKANEATELES NY 13152-2275
|
Class F
|
16.54%
|
N/A
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST CO FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class Y
|
5.09%
|
N/A
|
|
BRIDGET
NEUMANN
ADVANTAGE PLAN TRUST
C/0 CHRISTOPHER M NEUMANN
101 RAMBLE WOOD DR
SKANEATELES NY 13152-2275
|
Class F
|
16.54%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUND DEPT
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class K
|
89.14%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
82.86%
|
Class
Z
|
6.56%
|
|
CLAIRE
NEUMANN
ADVANTAGE PLAN TRUST
C/O ROBERT S NEUMANN
101 RAMBLE WOOD DR
SKANEATELES NY 13152-2275
|
Class F
|
16.42%
|
N/A
|
|
DCGT
AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
|
Class Y
|
28.08%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
401K PROFIT SHARING PLAN
100 MAGELLAN WAY (KW1C)
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R5
|
9.98%
|
N/A
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
6.25%
|
N/A
|
Class
K
|
7.48%
|
|
GREAT
WEST TRUST CO
TRST FBO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CLIENTS
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class Y
|
28.95%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
14.22%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
44.21%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
223
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
10.00%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
15.16%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
16.41%
|
N/A
|
|
LILY
ELIZABETH KRAMER
ADVANTAGE PLAN TRUST
C/O LEIGH A NEUMANN
5203 SILVER FOX DR
JAMESVILLE NY 13078-8742
|
Class F
|
16.45%
|
N/A
|
|
MATTHEW
PATRICK NEUMANN
ADVANTAGE PLAN TRUST
C/O CHRISTOPHER M NEUMANN
101 RAMBLE WOOD DR
SKANEATELES NY 13152-2275
|
Class F
|
16.42%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &
SMITH INC
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT S CUSTOM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class C
|
14.42%
|
N/A
|
Class
R
|
86.56%
|
Class
R4
|
12.20%
|
Class
V
|
24.54%
|
Class
Z
|
29.20%
|
|
MIRANDA
E KRAMER
ADVANTAGE PLAN TRUST
C/O LEIGH A NEUMANN
5203 SILVER FOX DR
JAMESVILLE NY 13078-8742
|
Class F
|
16.48%
|
N/A
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
5.67%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R4
|
61.90%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
5.00%
|
Class
Z
|
6.27%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
7.52%
|
N/A
|
|
PIMS/PRUDENTIAL
RETIREMENT
AS NOMINEE FOR THE TTEE/CUST
INTERFAITH MEDICAL CENTER 403(B)
1545 ATLANTIC AVE
BROOKLYN NY 11213-1122
|
Class Y
|
12.30%
|
N/A
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class R4
|
10.24%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
16.98%
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
7.33%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
224
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
8.12%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
16.33%
|
Class
C
|
25.47%
|
|
CATHAY
LIFE INSURANCE CO LTD
296 JEN-AI ROAD SEC. 4
TAIPEI, 106 TAIWAN R.O.C
|
Class Z
|
15.02%
|
N/A
|
|
EDWARD
D JONES & CO
FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
12555 MANCHESTER RD
SAINT LOUIS MO 63131-3729
|
Class A
|
10.59%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
10.95%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
5.14%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
19.48%
|
Class
C
|
9.14%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &
SMITH INC
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT S CUSTOM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class B
|
7.90%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
13.71%
|
Class
Z
|
48.68%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
6.68%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R4
|
18.18%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
27.19%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
80.05%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
31.38%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
HOUSE ACCT FIRM
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
6.26%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
40.12%
|
N/A
|
U.S.
Social Bond Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
63.85%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
58.26%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class R4
|
100.00%
|
78.96%
(a)
|
Class
R5
|
14.29%
|
Class
Z
|
91.49%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
18.01%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
85.54%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
HOUSE ACCT FIRM
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
5.13%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
225
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
UBS
WM USA
OMNI ACCOUNT M/F
ATTN: DEPARTMENT MANAGER
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class A
|
8.77%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
26.18%
|
Ultra
Short Term Bond Fund
|
JPMCB
NA AS CUSTO FOR THE SC529 PL
COLUMBIA AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 529 PORT
14201 DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Shares
|
8.03%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &
SMITH INC
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF IT S CUSTOM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Shares
|
91.89%
|
91.89%
|
Funds with Fiscal Period
Ending August 31:
Except as otherwise indicated, the
information below is as of November 30, 2016:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Balanced
Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
35.99%
|
28.47%
|
Class
B
|
34.86%
|
Class
C
|
39.00%
|
Class
Z
|
5.24%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class R5
|
8.52%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
5.14%
|
|
DCGT
AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
|
Class R
|
6.89%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
100 MAGELLAN WAY # KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R
|
8.40%
|
N/A
|
|
GREAT-WEST
TRUST COMPANY LLC TRUST/
RETIREMENT PLANS
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class Y
|
8.44%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class Z
|
6.57%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class B
|
8.10%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
8.13%
|
Class
R
|
47.26%
|
Class
Y
|
5.57%
|
Class
Z
|
20.51%
|
|
MID
ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY FBO
FRONTIER TRUCK WASH INC. 401(K) PRO
1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
|
Class R
|
9.72%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
23.91%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
7.77%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
10.49%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
226
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
14.07%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
30.40%
|
Class
R5
|
49.16%
|
Class
Y
|
12.75%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class C
|
6.63%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
48.41%
|
Class
R5
|
6.49%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
7.62%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
7.89%
|
|
RELIANCE
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 48529
ATLANTA GA 30362-1529
|
Class Y
|
10.75%
|
N/A
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class Y
|
12.31%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
8.23%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class Z
|
5.70%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO BANK FBO
1525 W W T HARRIS BLVD
CHARLOTTE NC 28262-8522
|
Class K
|
98.15%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
13.11%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
13.15%
|
Contrarian
Core Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
51.26%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
34.64%
|
Class
C
|
22.54%
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class R
|
5.85%
|
N/A
|
|
BENEFIT
TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE
PO BOX 12765
OVERLAND PARK KS 66282-2765
|
Class Y
|
8.40%
|
N/A
|
|
BROWN
BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO AS
CUSTODIAN FOR
140 BROADWAY
NEW YORK NY 10005-1108
|
Class Y
|
5.46%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class R5
|
13.52%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
12.81%
|
|
COLUMBIA
THERMOSTAT FUND
C/O PAULA RYAN
227 W MONROE ST STE 3000
CHICAGO IL 60606-5018
|
Class I
|
15.48%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
227
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
DCGT
AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
|
Class R
|
5.29%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
100 MAGELLAN WAY # KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R4
|
5.20%
|
N/A
|
|
ING
FUND OPERATIONS TTEE
FBO ING LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY CO
1 ORANGE WAY
WINDSOR CT 06095-4773
|
Class Y
|
5.21%
|
N/A
|
|
JOHN
HANCOCK TRUST COMPANY LLC
690 CANTON ST STE 100
WESTWOOD MA 02090-2324
|
Class K
|
97.51%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA AS CUSTO FOR THE SC529 PL
COLUMBIA AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 529 PORT
14201 DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class Z
|
5.29%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
14.70%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
36.05%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
5.83%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
21.45%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA VP-ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWAY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
5.30%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class Z
|
6.23%
|
N/A
|
|
MASSACHUSETTS
MUTUAL LIFE INS CO
1295 STATE ST MIP M200-INVST
SPRINGFIELD MA 01111-0001
|
Class R
|
6.73%
|
N/A
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY CUST FBO
717 17TH ST STE 1300
DENVER CO 80202-3304
|
Class R
|
5.05%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
5.40%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
13.98%
|
Class
R
|
27.45%
|
Class
V
|
28.95%
|
Class
Z
|
24.10%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
10.51%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
228
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
6.92%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
8.44%
|
Class
R4
|
48.64%
|
Class
R5
|
30.66%
|
Class
Y
|
62.71%
|
Class
Z
|
8.83%
|
|
NATIONWIDE
TRUST COMPANY/FSB
C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING
PO BOX 182029
COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029
|
Class R5
|
20.63%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class C
|
6.86%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
14.06%
|
Class
R5
|
7.74%
|
|
PIMS/PRUDENTIAL
RETIREMENT
AS NOMINEE FOR THE TTEE/CUST
NEXCOM 401(K) PLAN
3280 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD
VIRGINIA BCH VA 23452-5724
|
Class R4
|
6.39%
|
N/A
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
7.02%
|
N/A
|
|
SAMMONS
FINANCIAL NETWORK LLC
4546 CORPORATE DR STE 100
WEST DES MOINES IA 50266-5911
|
Class R
|
27.07%
|
N/A
|
|
STIFEL
NICOLAUS & CO INC
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
501 N BROADWAY
SAINT LOUIS MO 63102-2188
|
Class C
|
5.31%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
9.62%
|
N/A
|
Disciplined
Small Core Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
25.44%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
27.46%
|
Class
C
|
15.83%
|
Class
W
|
99.27%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class R4
|
15.83%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
75.61%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class Z
|
6.02%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
100 MAGELLAN WAY # KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R4
|
72.78%
|
N/A
|
|
GREENLEAF
TRUST FBO
211 S ROSE ST
KALAMAZOO MI 49007-4713
|
Class Y
|
80.51%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
21.66%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
229
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
21.69%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
12.76%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
43.36%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class B
|
23.86%
|
N/A
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY CUST FBO
717 17TH ST STE 1300
DENVER CO 80202-3304
|
Class R5
|
11.30%
|
N/A
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 52129
PHOENIX AZ 85072-2129
|
Class Z
|
10.60%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
17.01%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
10.13%
|
Class
C
|
14.63%
|
Class
V
|
28.04%
|
Class
Z
|
31.42%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
8.30%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
8.42%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
8.39%
|
Class
C
|
9.37%
|
Class
V
|
5.57%
|
Class
Y
|
15.82%
|
Class
Z
|
21.00%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
5.87%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
9.10%
|
Class
R5
|
10.03%
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class B
|
21.00%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
8.25%
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
17.96%
|
N/A
|
Emerging
Markets Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
34.86%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
37.29%
|
Class
C
|
23.72%
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
230
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class C
|
6.28%
|
N/A
|
Class
R
|
7.06%
|
Class
R4
|
66.16%
|
Class
R5
|
11.06%
|
Class
Y
|
16.66%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class K
|
42.90%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
5.73%
|
|
COMERICA
BANK FBO CALHOUN – ERISA
PO BOX 75000 MSC 3446
DETROIT MI 48275-0001
|
Class Z
|
6.34%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
100 MAGELLAN WAY # KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R4
|
6.11%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
20.70%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
45.05%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
16.05%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
13.67%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class C
|
9.14%
|
39.70%
|
Class
R
|
65.41%
|
Class
Z
|
82.17%
|
|
MID
ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY FBO
FRONTIER TRUCK WASH INC. 401(K) PRO
1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
|
Class R
|
6.68%
|
N/A
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
5.31%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class C
|
7.47%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
18.68%
|
Class
R5
|
74.43%
|
Class
Y
|
40.04%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class C
|
6.56%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
6.26%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
231
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
PIMS/PRUDENTIAL
RETIREMENT
AS NOMINEE FOR THE TTEE/CUST
THE ROCK SOLID 401(K) PLAN
9 WYNFIELD DR
LITITZ PA 17543-8001
|
Class Y
|
6.37%
|
N/A
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
5.79%
|
N/A
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class Y
|
15.58%
|
N/A
|
|
TAYNIK
& CO
C/O INVESTORS BANK & TRUST CO
1200 CROWN COLONY DR CC10313
QUINCY MA 02169-0938
|
Class R
|
5.26%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE TRUST COMPANY
PO BOX 17748
DENVER CO 80217-0748
|
Class R
|
5.74%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO BANK FBO
1525 W W T HARRIS BLVD
CHARLOTTE NC 28262-8522
|
Class Y
|
8.30%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class K
|
53.89%
|
N/A
|
Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
9.22%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
7.75%
|
Class
C
|
15.54%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
8.29%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
5.16%
|
Class
C
|
7.07%
|
Class
Z
|
6.93%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class W
|
100.00%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
100 MAGELLAN WAY # KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R
|
5.08%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
80.47%
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
62.07%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA INCOME BUILDER FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
37.93%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class C
|
8.62%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
232
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
6.61%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
31.23%
|
Class
C
|
13.30%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
5.51%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
7.87%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
15.63%
|
Class
R5
|
30.08%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
6.14%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
8.71%
|
Class
C
|
5.88%
|
Class
R4
|
5.64%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
7.61%
|
N/A
|
|
RELIANCE
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 48529
ATLANTA GA 30362-1529
|
Class R
|
86.54%
|
N/A
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class R4
|
10.02%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
68.10%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
9.06%
|
N/A
|
|
VOYA
INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY
TTEE DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
LLC DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
30 BRAINTREE HILL OFFICE PARK
BRAINTREE MA 02184-8747
|
Class Y
|
98.23%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
5.69%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
10.26%
|
Class
C
|
5.62%
|
Global
Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
40.01%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
35.94%
|
Class
C
|
24.66%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class R5
|
7.94%
|
N/A
|
|
CAPITAL
BANK & TRUST CO TTEE FBO
RETIREMENT EMPLOYEES
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R
|
10.74%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
233
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class K
|
63.81%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
23.32%
|
Class
Z
|
35.65%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class K
|
36.19%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
HARTFORD
LIFE INS. CO.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ATTN UIT OPERATIONS
PO BOX 2999
HARTFORD CT 06104-2999
|
Class R
|
11.46%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
99.99%
|
N/A
|
|
MASSACHUSETTS
MUTUAL LIFE INS CO
1295 STATE ST MIP M200-INVST
SPRINGFIELD MA 01111-0001
|
Class R
|
34.41%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class B
|
7.36%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
12.48%
|
Class
R4
|
9.43%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class Z
|
5.05%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R4
|
11.73%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
43.80%
|
Class
Z
|
16.19%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class C
|
8.54%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
75.85%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
14.03%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
5.52%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE TRUST COMPANY
PO BOX 17748
DENVER CO 80217-0748
|
Class R5
|
7.49%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
7.80%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
11.86%
|
Class
Z
|
5.77%
|
Global
Technology Growth Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
37.01%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
12.78%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
234
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class Y
|
99.57%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
5.13%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
11.82%
|
Class
C
|
6.47%
|
Class
R5
|
15.97%
|
|
EDWARD
D JONES & CO
FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
12555 MANCHESTER RD
SAINT LOUIS MO 63131-3729
|
Class B
|
6.83%
|
N/A
|
|
FIIOC
FBO
100 MAGELLAN WAY # KW1C
COVINGTON KY 41015-1987
|
Class R4
|
17.01%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
15.02%
|
|
GREAT-WEST
TRUST COMPANY LLC TRUST/
RETIREMENT PLANS
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R5
|
8.51%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
99.97%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class A
|
7.33%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
19.39%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
6.29%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
6.17%
|
Class
C
|
25.64%
|
Class
Z
|
40.37%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class B
|
11.24%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
12.30%
|
Class
Z
|
5.02%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
6.60%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
6.62%
|
Class
R4
|
5.79%
|
Class
R5
|
7.99%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
10.18%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
24.88%
|
Class
C
|
5.43%
|
Class
R4
|
61.33%
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class R4
|
8.21%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class B
|
17.44%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
6.60%
|
|
VOYA
INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY
TTEE DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
LLC DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
30 BRAINTREE HILL OFFICE PARK
BRAINTREE MA 02184-8747
|
Class R5
|
9.66%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
235
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
WELLS
FARGO BANK FBO
1525 W W T HARRIS BLVD
CHARLOTTE NC 28262-8522
|
Class R5
|
12.56%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
7.35%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
12.72%
|
Greater
China Fund
|
ADVISORS
CLEARING NETWORK, INC.
FBO RETIREMENT PLANS OMNIBUS
7 N FAIR OAKS AVE
PASADENA CA 91103-3608
|
Class R5
|
6.45%
|
N/A
|
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
5.86%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
5.01%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
8.93%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
8.76%
|
Class
C
|
5.53%
|
Class
R5
|
14.65%
|
Class
Z
|
6.32%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class I
|
100.00%
|
N/A
(a)
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
|
GREAT-WEST
TRUST COMPANY LLC TRUST/
RETIREMENT PLANS
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R5
|
9.73%
|
N/A
|
|
MARIL
& CO FBO JD
C/O M&I TRUST CO NA – ATTN:MF
11270 WEST PARK PLACE – STE 400
MILWAUKEE WI 53224-3638
|
Class Z
|
24.30%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
9.20%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
18.92%
|
Class
C
|
21.70%
|
Class
Z
|
28.61%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class A
|
6.70%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
14.19%
|
Class
Z
|
7.49%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
12.07%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
11.64%
|
Class
C
|
13.49%
|
Class
R5
|
31.58%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
6.60%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
7.57%
|
Class
C
|
7.33%
|
Class
R4
|
95.79%
|
Class
R5
|
13.93%
|
|
RELIANCE
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 48529
ATLANTA GA 30362-1529
|
Class R5
|
13.35%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
9.93%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
20.18%
|
Class
C
|
15.68%
|
Class
Z
|
5.56%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
236
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Mid
Cap Growth Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
20.36%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
23.50%
|
Class
C
|
10.89%
|
Class
W
|
98.54%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class R
|
9.19%
|
N/A
|
|
CAPITAL
BANK & TRUST CO TTEE FBO
RETIREMENT EMPLOYEES
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R
|
7.76%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
21.18%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class C
|
5.01%
|
N/A
|
Class
K
|
35.65%
|
Class
Z
|
9.16%
|
|
CHRISTOPHER
J. HUYCK, MD FBO
ARTHRITIS CARE PC 401(K) PROFIT
SHARING PLAN & TRUST
2414 15TH ST
TROY NY 12180-1701
|
Class K
|
6.46%
|
N/A
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class I
|
100.00%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
COUNSEL
TRUST DBA MATC FBO
EAGLE METALCRAFT INC 401K PSP
& TRUST
1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
|
Class K
|
18.29%
|
N/A
|
|
DCGT
AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
|
Class R
|
18.73%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
11.91%
|
|
GREAT-WEST
TRUST COMPANY LLC TRUST/
RETIREMENT PLANS
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R5
|
6.33%
|
N/A
|
|
KEITH
B ROSE FBO
ROSE LAW FIRM PLLC 401K PSP
& TRUST
501 NEW KARNER RD
ALBANY NY 12205-3874
|
Class K
|
11.91%
|
N/A
|
|
KENNETH
MECK TRUSTEE
PA ASSOC OF CONSERVATION 401 (K)
PROFIT SHARING PLAN & TRUST
25 NORTH FRONT STREET
HARRISBURG PA 17101-1627
|
Class K
|
16.31%
|
N/A
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY CUST FBO
717 17TH ST STE 1300
DENVER CO 80202-3304
|
Class K
|
10.57%
|
N/A
|
Class
R
|
8.04%
|
Class
Y
|
22.50%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class C
|
8.66%
|
N/A
|
Class
R
|
36.79%
|
Class
V
|
13.67%
|
Class
Z
|
21.06%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
237
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
7.75%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R5
|
64.51%
|
N/A
|
Class
V
|
6.88%
|
Class
Y
|
50.08%
|
Class
Z
|
13.48%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class C
|
8.34%
|
N/A
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
6.02%
|
N/A
|
|
TIAA-CREF
TRUST CO CUST/TTEE FBO
RETIREMENT PLANS FOR WHICH
TIAA ACTS AS RECORDKEEPER
ATTN TRUST OPERATIONS
211 N BROADWAY STE 1000
SAINT LOUIS MO 63102-2748
|
Class Y
|
15.49%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO BANK FBO
1525 W W T HARRIS BLVD
CHARLOTTE NC 28262-8522
|
Class R4
|
92.51%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
10.96%
|
N/A
|
MM
Alternative Strategies Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
100.00%
|
100.00%
|
MM
Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
100.00%
|
100.00%
|
MM
Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
98.40%
|
98.40%
|
Small
Cap Growth Fund I
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
10.21%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
22.00%
|
Class
C
|
6.96%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class R
|
10.36%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS
ATTN: MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class K
|
84.95%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
17.04%
|
|
HEI
HOSPITALITY LLC
FBO EXEC EXCESS OF HEI HOSPITALITY
ATTN ERNIE FREEDMAN
101 MERRITT 7 STE 1
NORWALK CT 06851-1060
|
Class R
|
11.32%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
7.46%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
238
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA CAPITAL ALLOCATION
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
29.51%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA GLOBAL STRATEGIC EQUITY
PORTFOLIO
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class I
|
63.03%
|
N/A
|
|
LINCOLN
RETIREMENT SERVICES COMPANY
FBO DEF COMP PLAN
PO BOX 7876
FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876
|
Class Y
|
19.30%
|
N/A
|
|
MAC
& CO
ATTN: MUTUAL FUND OPS
500 GRANT STREET
PITTSBURGH PA 15219-2502
|
Class R5
|
15.82%
|
N/A
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY CUST FBO
717 17TH ST STE 1300
DENVER CO 80202-3304
|
Class Y
|
11.27%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
13.91%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
14.21%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
6.27%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
5.52%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
6.48%
|
Class
R4
|
84.98%
|
Class
Y
|
41.57%
|
Class
Z
|
7.01%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
12.89%
|
N/A
|
|
RELIANCE
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 48529
ATLANTA GA 30362-1529
|
Class R
|
66.13%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
5.24%
|
N/A
|
|
VANGUARD
FDUCIARY TRUST CO
PO BOX 2600
ATTN: OUTSIDE FUNDS
VALLEY FORGE PA 19482-2600
|
Class Y
|
27.84%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
5.05%
|
|
WELLS
FARGO BANK FBO
1525 W W T HARRIS BLVD
CHARLOTTE NC 28262-8522
|
Class R5
|
79.79%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
19.68%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
13.82%
|
Class
K
|
11.86%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
239
|
Funds with Fiscal Period Ending October 31:
Except as otherwise indicated, the information below is as of
January 31, 2017:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
AMT-Free
CT Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
30.50%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
15.87%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO
CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
9.71%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
10.21%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class B
|
100.00%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
KELLY
F SHACKELFORD
PO BOX 672
NEW CANAAN CT 06840-0672
|
Class V
|
14.77%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class C
|
11.90%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
17.58%
|
79.27%
|
Class
C
|
12.85%
|
Class
V
|
17.15%
|
Class
Z
|
93.17%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
8.51%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
35.47%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
10.35%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
62.94%
|
|
RBC
CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
MUTUAL FUND OMNIBUS PROCESSING
OMNIBUS
ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPS MANAGER
510 MARQUETTE AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-1110
|
Class C
|
5.44%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
5.56%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
6.55%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
24.32%
|
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
59.40%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
40.46%
|
Class
C
|
31.40%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO
CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class R5
|
19.22%
|
N/A
|
Class
V
|
6.28%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
240
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class B
|
9.43%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
JOHN
J ALMEIDA TR
JOHN J ALMEIDA REVOCABLE TRUST
U/A DATED MAY 15 1997
27 TOPMAST CT
JAMESTOWN RI 02835-2227
|
Class V
|
7.47%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
10.24%
|
76.75%
|
Class
B
|
45.21%
|
Class
C
|
22.39%
|
Class
V
|
10.33%
|
Class
Z
|
88.56%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
8.95%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R5
|
32.64%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
94.58%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
15.80%
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
31.94%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
5.13%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
5.18%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
12.88%
|
AMT-Free
MA Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
40.83%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
30.30%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class B
|
99.82%
|
N/A
(a)
|
Class
R5
|
100.00%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
10.48%
|
77.55%
|
Class
C
|
13.50%
|
Class
V
|
45.12%
|
Class
Z
|
92.54%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
8.30%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
11.85%
|
Class
R4
|
83.73%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
15.76%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
241
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class A
|
19.50%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
13.48%
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class A
|
6.86%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
5.10%
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class C
|
14.19%
|
N/A
|
AMT-Free
NY Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
49.20%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
5.16%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO
CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
6.94%
|
N/A
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class B
|
41.71%
|
N/A
(a)
|
Class
R5
|
5.67%
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
7.20%
|
69.87%
|
Class
C
|
36.77%
|
Class
V
|
24.16%
|
Class
Z
|
81.65%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class A
|
5.04%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
16.07%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class A
|
5.32%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
83.13%
|
Class
R5
|
94.09%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
7.98%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
58.04%
|
Class
C
|
7.29%
|
Class
R4
|
16.06%
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
7.78%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
7.57%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
10.06%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
46.73%
(a)
|
CA
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
36.12%
|
26.60%
|
Class
C
|
18.66%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
242
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO
CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class A
|
5.50%
|
N/A
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class B
|
8.99%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class Z
|
10.47%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class A
|
10.69%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
23.25%
|
Class
C
|
35.48%
|
Class
Z
|
65.64%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class A
|
5.43%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
15.73%
|
Class
C
|
10.39%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R4
|
13.52%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class B
|
32.98%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
5.80%
|
Class
R4
|
84.66%
|
Class
R5
|
96.44%
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
7.27%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
15.83%
|
Class
C
|
11.27%
|
Class
Z
|
6.38%
|
NY
Tax-Exempt Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
37.88%
|
30.26%
|
Class
C
|
15.37%
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO
CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class R5
|
39.96%
|
N/A
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class B
|
7.12%
|
N/A
(a)
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class Z
|
15.70%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class B
|
85.74%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
23.28%
|
Class
Z
|
33.97%
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
243
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
11.86%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R4
|
51.16%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class A
|
6.98%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
9.85%
|
Class
R4
|
45.83%
|
Class
R5
|
14.14%
|
|
STRAFE
& CO
FBO
PO BOX 6924
NEWARK DE 19714-6924
|
Class Z
|
20.14%
|
N/A
|
|
TD
AMERITRADE INC FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CLIENTS
PO BOX 2226
OMAHA NE 68103-2226
|
Class R5
|
44.13%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
5.39%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
12.94%
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class A
|
6.05%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
13.00%
|
Class
Z
|
6.33%
|
Strategic
Income Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC
707 2ND AVE S
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405
|
Class A
|
66.14%
|
42.93%
|
Class
B
|
45.67%
|
Class
C
|
35.02%
|
Class
Z
|
10.37%
|
|
ASCENSUS
TRUST COMPANY FBO
PO BOX 10758
FARGO ND 58106-0758
|
Class R
|
6.49%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
13.24%
|
|
CAPITAL
BANK & TRUST COMPANY TTEE F
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R
|
10.42%
|
N/A
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO
CUSTOMERS
ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class K
|
88.08%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
52.67%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class K
|
11.92%
|
N/A
(a)
|
Class
W
|
100.00%
|
|
DCGT
AS TTEE AND/OR CUST
FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS
OMNIBUS
ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK
711 HIGH ST
DES MOINES IA 50392-0001
|
Class R
|
18.96%
|
N/A
|
Class
Y
|
13.79%
|
|
GREAT-WEST
TRUST COMPANY LLC TTEE F
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class Y
|
7.43%
|
N/A
|
|
LPL
FINANCIAL
9785 TOWNE CENTRE DR
SAN DIEGO CA 92121-1968
|
Class Z
|
10.56%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
244
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
MATRIX
TRUST COMPANY AS CUST FBO
401K PLAN
PO BOX 52129
PHOENIX AZ 85072-2129
|
Class Y
|
10.69%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER
& SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT
OF ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTENTION SERVICE TEAM
4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class B
|
21.23%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
11.61%
|
Class
R
|
32.37%
|
Class
Z
|
24.62%
|
|
MORGAN
STANLEY SMITH BARNEY
HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER
PLAZA 2, 3RD FLOOR
JERSEY CITY NJ 07311
|
Class C
|
10.80%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
13.92%
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R4
|
45.00%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
14.90%
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class R4
|
50.36%
|
N/A
|
Class
R5
|
14.46%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
6.10%
|
N/A
|
Class
Z
|
6.40%
|
|
STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST AS
TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN FBO
ADP ACCESS PRODUCT
1 LINCOLN ST
BOSTON MA 02111-2901
|
Class Y
|
8.05%
|
N/A
|
|
U
S BANK FBO
1555 N RIVERCENTER DR STE 302
MILWAUKEE WI 53212-3958
|
Class R5
|
7.47%
|
N/A
|
|
UBS
WM USA
SPEC CDY A/C EXCL BEN CUST
1000 HARBOR BLVD
WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761
|
Class C
|
5.07%
|
N/A
|
Class
R
|
5.28%
|
Class
Z
|
13.87%
|
|
WELLS
FARGO BANK FBO
1525 WEST WT HARRIS BLVD
CHARLOTTE NC 28288-1076
|
Class Y
|
30.36%
|
N/A
|
|
WELLS
FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC
SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
11.53%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
12.01%
|
Class
Z
|
9.61%
|
Funds with Fiscal Period
Ending December 31:
Except as otherwise indicated, the
information below is as of March 31, 2017:
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
Real
Estate Equity Fund
|
AMERICAN
ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVCS
PO BOX 9446
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55440-9446
|
Class A
|
70.00%
|
N/A
|
Class
B
|
62.97%
|
Class
C
|
26.55%
|
Class
T
|
83.78%
|
|
CAPITAL
BANK & TRUST COMPANY TTEE
8515 E ORCHARD RD # 2T2
GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002
|
Class R
|
30.06%
|
N/A
|
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
245
|
Fund
|
Shareholder
Name and Address
|
Share
Class
|
Percentage
of Class
|
Percentage
of Fund
(if greater than 25%)
|
|
CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC
CUST A/C FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT
ATTENTION MUTUAL FUNDS
101 MONTGOMERY ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151
|
Class C
|
9.13%
|
N/A
|
Class
K
|
62.12%
|
Class
Z
|
21.18%
|
|
COLUMBIA
MGMT INVESTMENT ADVSR LLC
ATTN KATRINA MACBAIN
50807 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CTR
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55474-0508
|
Class K
|
6.61%
|
25.14%
(a)
|
Class
T
|
16.22%
|
|
FIRST
CLEARING LLC
2801 MARKET ST
SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523
|
Class B
|
14.46%
|
N/A
|
Class
C
|
9.39%
|
Class
K
|
31.27%
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA ADAPTIVE RISK ALLOCATION
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class Y
|
90.00%
|
N/A
|
|
JPMCB
NA CUST FOR
COLUMBIA INCOME BUILDER FUND
14201 N DALLAS PKWY FL 13
DALLAS TX 75254-2916
|
Class Y
|
10.00%
|
N/A
|
|
MAC
& CO
ATTN: MUTUAL FUND OPS
500 GRANT STREET
PITTSBURGH PA 15219-2502
|
Class R5
|
63.82%
|
N/A
|
|
MERRILL
LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH
FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF
ITS CUSTOMERS
ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION
4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 2
JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484
|
Class C
|
7.42%
|
N/A
|
Class
R
|
37.70%
|
Class
Z
|
34.45%
|
|
MID
ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY FBO
1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228
|
Class R
|
5.72%
|
N/A
|
|
NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
FEBO CUSTOMERS
MUTUAL FUNDS
200 LIBERTY STREET 1WFC
NEW YORK NY 10281-1003
|
Class R4
|
60.91%
|
N/A
|
|
PERSHING
LLC
1 PERSHING PLZ
JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0002
|
Class B
|
5.79%
|
N/A
|
Class
R4
|
25.28%
|
|
RAYMOND
JAMES
FBO OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER
880 CARILLON PKWY
ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100
|
Class C
|
12.26%
|
N/A
|
|
SEI
PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY
1 FREEDOM VALLEY DR
OAKS PA 19456-9989
|
Class Z
|
6.41%
|
N/A
|
|
VOYA
INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY
TTE
30 BRAINTREE HILL OFFICE PARK
BRAINTREE MA 02184-8747
|
Class R5
|
34.30%
|
N/A
|
(a)
|
Combination of all share
classes of Columbia Management initial capital and/or affiliated funds-of-funds’ investments.
|
(b)
|
Information provided for Small
Cap Value Fund I is as of February 28, 2017.
|
American Enterprise Investment Services Inc., a
Minnesota corporation, is a subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Bank of America, N.A., a national banking
association organized under the laws of the United States, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, are subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
246
|
The Investment Manager, a Minnesota limited
liability company, is a subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Other Columbia Funds managed by the Investment Manager may hold more than 25% of a Fund.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
247
|
INFORMATION REGARDING PENDING AND
SETTLED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Ameriprise
Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions, and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection
with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Funds are not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or
regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds. Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly
(10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the SEC on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
There can be no assurance that these matters, or the
adverse publicity associated with them, will not result in increased Fund redemptions, reduced sale of Fund shares or other adverse consequences to the Funds. Further, although we believe proceedings are not likely to have a material adverse effect
on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds, these proceedings are subject to uncertainties and, as such, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may
result. An adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other relief that could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of
operations of Ameriprise Financial.
NO PERSON
HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS OR IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, WHICH THE PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THE
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR PRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE TRUST(S). THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE TRUST(S) IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH AN OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
248
|
APPENDIX A — DESCRIPTION OF
RATINGS
The ratings of S&P,
Moody’s and Fitch represent their opinions as to quality. These ratings are not absolute standards of quality and are not recommendations to purchase, sell or hold a security. Issuers and issues are subject to risks that are not evaluated by
the rating agencies. When a security is not rated by one of these agencies, it is designated as Not Rated. Securities designated as Not Rated do not necessarily indicate low credit quality, and for such securities the Investment Manager evaluates
the credit quality.
S&P’s Debt Ratings
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating
assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from
the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more
susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits
adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’,
‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely
have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less
vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
An
obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic
conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently
vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the
obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently
highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly
vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.
An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or
in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five
business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and
where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
‘NR’ indicates that no rating has been
requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations
considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days – including commercial paper.
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is
rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the
obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
A-1
|
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is
somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
satisfactory.
A short-term obligation rated
‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is
regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate
capacity to meet its financial commitments.
A
short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in
default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within
any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action
and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings
SP-1
Strong capacity to pay
principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2
Satisfactory
capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3
Speculative
capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moody’s Long-Term Debt Ratings
Global Long-Term Rating Scale
Aaa
– Obligations rated Aaa
are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa
–
Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A
–
Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa
–
Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba
–
Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B
–
Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa
–
Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca
–
Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C
–
Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Global Short-Term Rating Scale
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 (P-1) have a
superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2
(P-2) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3
(P-3) have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime
(NP) do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
US Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation
Ratings
While the global short-term ‘prime’
rating scale is applied to U.S. municipal tax-exempt commercial paper, these programs are typically backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities and their short-term prime ratings usually map to the long-term rating of the enhancing
bank or financial institution and not to the municipality’s rating. Other short-term municipal obligations, which generally have different funding sources for repayment, are rated using two additional short-term rating scales (
i.e.
, the MIG and VMIG scales discussed below).
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The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used
to rate US municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at
the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels — MIG 1 through MIG 3 — while speculative grade short-term
obligations are designated SG.
The MIG 1
designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
The MIG 2 designation denotes strong credit quality.
Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
The MIG 3 designation denotes acceptable credit
quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
The SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit
quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations
(VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element
represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment
Grade (VMIG) scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale, as shown in the diagram below, differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating
drops below investment grade.
The VMIG 1
designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon
demand.
The VMIG 2 designation denotes strong
credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
The VMIG 3 designation denotes acceptable credit
quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
The SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit
quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase
price upon demand.
Fitch’s Ratings
Corporate Finance Obligations – Long-Term Rating
Scales
AAA:
Highest credit
quality.
‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by
foreseeable events.
AA:
Very high credit quality.
‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable
to foreseeable events.
A:
High credit quality.
‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to
adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB:
Good credit
quality.
‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this
capacity.
BB:
Speculative.
‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial
alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
B:
Highly
speculative.
‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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CCC:
Substantial
credit risk.
‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.
CC:
Very high levels
of credit risk.
‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.
C:
Exceptionally
high levels of credit risk.
‘C’ indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned
‘RD’ or ‘D’ ratings, but are instead rated in the ‘B’ to ‘C’ rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that
have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers or Obligations
in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance
F1:
Highest short-term credit quality.
Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit
feature.
F2:
Good short-term credit quality.
Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3:
Fair short-term
credit quality.
The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B:
Speculative
short-term credit quality.
Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C:
High short-term
default risk.
Default is a real possibility.
RD:
Restricted
default.
Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
D:
Default.
Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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APPENDIX B — PROXY VOTING
GUIDELINES
Effective December 1, 2016
Set forth on the following pages are guidelines
adopted and used by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the Adviser, We, Us or Our) in voting proxies (the Guidelines). The Guidelines are organized by issue and present certain factors that may be considered in making proxy voting
determinations. The Adviser may, in exercising its fiduciary discretion, determine to vote any proxy in a manner contrary to these Guidelines.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia
Threadneedle) is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle Group of Companies.
Directors, Boards, Committees
Elect Directors
In a routine election of directors, the Adviser generally will vote
FOR the slate nominated by the nominating committee of independent directors, who are in the best position to know what qualifications are needed for each director to contribute to an effective board. The Adviser generally will WITHHOLD support from
a nominee who fails to meet one or more of the following criteria:
■
|
Independence
— A nominee who is deemed an affiliate of the company by virtue of a material business, familial or other relationship with the company but is otherwise not an employee, and who sits on a key
committee (audit, compensation, nominating or governance).
|
■
|
Attendance
— A nominee who failed to attend at least 75% of the board’s meetings.
|
■
|
Over Boarding
— A nominee who serves on more than five total public company boards or an employee director nominee who serves on more than two total public company boards.
|
■
|
Committee Membership
— A nominee who has been assigned to a key committee if that nominee is not independent of management, or if the nominee does not meet the specific independence and experience requirements for
such committees.
|
■
|
Audit Committee
Chair
— A nominee who serves as audit committee chair where the committee failed to put forth shareholder proposals for ratification of auditors.
|
■
|
Board Independence
— A nominee of a company whose board as proposed to be constituted would have more than one-third of its members from management.
|
■
|
Interlocking
Directorship
— A nominee who is an executive officer of another company on whose board one of the company’s executive officers sits.
|
■
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Poor
Governance
— A nominee involved with, among other things, options backdating, financial restatements or material weakness in controls, approving egregious compensation, or who has
consistently disregarded the interests of shareholders.
|
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on any
director nominee who meets the aforementioned criteria but whose candidacy has otherwise been identified by the third party research provider as needing further consideration for any reason not identified above.
In the case of contested elections, the Adviser will
vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into consideration the above criteria and other factors such as the background of the proxy contest, the performance of the company, current board and management, and qualifications of nominees on both
slates.
Shareholder Nominations for
Director
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for
shareholder-nominated candidates for director, taking into account various factors including, but not limited to: company performance, the circumstances compelling the nomination by the shareholder, composition of the incumbent board, and the
criteria listed above used to evaluate nominees.
Shareholder Nominations for Director — Special
Criteria
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with
recommendations made by the third party research provider, which are typically based on the view that board nominating committees are responsible for establishing and implementing policies regarding the composition of the board and are therefore in
the best position to make determinations with respect to special nominating criteria.
Director Independence and Committees
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals that require all
members of a board’s key committees (audit, compensation, nominating or governance) be independent from management.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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Independent Board Chair/Lead Director
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals supporting an
independent board chair or lead director and FOR the separation of the board chair and CEO roles, as independent board leaders foster the effectiveness of the independent directors and ensure appropriate oversight of management.
Removal of Directors
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals that amend governing
documents to grant or restore shareholder ability to remove directors with cause, and AGAINST proposals that provide directors may be removed only by supermajority vote. The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals calling for removal
of specific directors.
Board Vacancies
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider in the case of vacancies filled by continuing directors, taking into account factors including whether the proposal is in connection with a proxy contest or takeover situation.
Cumulative Voting
In the absence of proxy access rights or majority voting, the
Adviser generally will vote FOR the restoration or provision for cumulative voting and AGAINST its elimination.
Majority Voting
The Adviser generally will vote FOR amendments to governing
documents that provide that nominees standing for election to the board must receive a majority of votes cast in order to be elected to the board.
Number of Directors
The Adviser generally will vote FOR amendments to governing
documents that provide directors the authority to adjust the size of the board to adapt to needs that may arise.
Term Limits
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking to
establish a limit on director terms or mandatory retirement.
General Corporate Governance
Right to Call a Special Meeting
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR adoption, considering factors such as proposed ownership threshold, company size, and shareholder ownership, but will not support proposals allowing for investors with
less than 10% ownership to call a special meeting.
Eliminate or Restrict Right to Call Special
Meeting
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals to
eliminate the right of shareholders to call special meetings.
Lead Independent Director Right to Call Special
Meeting
The Adviser generally will vote FOR governance
document amendments or other proposals which give the lead independent director the authority to call special meetings of the independent directors at any time.
Adjourn Meeting
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on adjournment
proposals and generally in the same direction as the primary proposal (
i.e.
, if supporting the primary proposal, favor adjournment; if not supporting the primary proposal, oppose adjournment).
Other Business
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking to give
management the authority to conduct or vote on other business at shareholder meetings on the grounds that shareholders not present at the meeting would be unfairly excluded from such deliberations.
Eliminate or Restrict Action by Written Consent
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate the
right of shareholders to act by written consent since it may be appropriate to take such action in some instances.
Vote Unmarked Proxies
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals prohibiting voting of
unmarked proxies in favor of management.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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Proxy Contest Advance Notice
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals to amend
governing documents that require advance notice for shareholder proposals or director nominees beyond notice that allows for sufficient time for company response, SEC review, and analysis by other shareholders.
Minimum Stock Ownership
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals
regarding minimum stock ownership levels.
Director and Officer Indemnification
The Adviser generally will vote FOR the provision of a maximum
dollar amount that can be obtained through the course of legal action from a director or officer who acts in good faith and does not benefit from a transaction.
Confidential Voting
The Adviser generally will vote FOR actions that ensure all
proxies, ballots, and voting tabulations which identify shareholders be kept confidential, except where disclosure is mandated by law. The Adviser supports the proposal to minimize pressure on shareholders, particularly employee shareholders.
Miscellaneous Governing Document Amendments
The Adviser generally will vote FOR bylaw or charter changes that
are of a housekeeping nature (
e.g.
, updates or corrections).
Change Company Name
The Adviser generally will vote FOR routine business matters such
as changing the company’s name.
Approve
Minutes
The Adviser generally will vote FOR routine
procedural matters such as approving the minutes of a prior meeting.
Change Date/Time/Location of Annual Meeting
The Adviser will vote in accordance with the recommendation of the
third-party research provider on proposals to change the date, time or location of the company’s annual meeting of shareholders.
Approve Annual, Financial and Statutory Reports
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to approve the annual
reports and accounts, financial and statutory reports, provided companies required to comply with U.S. securities laws have included the certifications required by the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
Compensation
Approve or Amend Omnibus Equity Compensation
Plan
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with
recommendations made by the third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR adoption or amendments to omnibus (general) equity compensation plans for employees or non-employee directors if they are reasonable and consistent with
industry and country standards, and AGAINST compensation plans that substantially dilute ownership interest in a company, provide participants with excessive awards, or have objectionable structural features.
Approve or Amend Stock Option Plan
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider, which are typically based on factors including cost, size, and pattern of grants in comparison to peer groups, history of repricing, and grants to senior executives and non-employee directors.
Approve or Amend Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider, which are typically based on factors including the plan’s cost to shareholders, whether those costs are in line with the company’s peer’s plans, and whether the plan requires shareholder
approval within five years.
Approve or Amend
Performance-Based 162(m) Compensation Plan
The Adviser
generally will vote in accordance with recommendations made by the third party research provider, which are typically based on factors that consider the goal of the plan and in particular the linkage between potential payments to senior executives
and the attainment of preset performance-based metrics.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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Approve or Amend Restricted Stock Plan
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider, which considers such factors as the balance of all equity grants and awards, the term and other restrictions in place for restricted stock.
Stock Option Repricing or Exchanges
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider on matters relating to the repricing of stock options, which are typically based on factors such as whether the amending terms lead to a reduction in shareholder rights, allow the plan to be amended without
shareholder approval, or change the terms to the detriment of employee incentives such as excluding a certain class or group of employees. The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to put stock option repricings to a shareholder vote.
Performance-Based Stock Options
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding proposals
urging that stock options be performance-based rather than tied to the vagaries of the stock market.
Ban Future Stock Option Grants
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking to ban or
eliminate stock options in equity compensation plans as such an action would preclude the company from offering a balanced compensation program.
Require Stock Retention Period
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requiring senior
executives to hold stock obtained by way of a stock option plan for a minimum of three years.
Require Approval of Extraordinary Benefits
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals specifying that
companies disclose any extraordinary benefits paid or payable to current or retired senior executives and generally will vote AGAINST proposals requiring shareholder approval of any such extraordinary benefits.
Pay for Performance
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding proposals
seeking to align executive compensation with shareholders’ interests.
Say on Pay
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider, taking into consideration the company’s pay for performance results, compensation design and structure, and certain elements of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis disclosure.
Executive Severance Agreements
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider on these proposals regarding approval of specific executive severance arrangements in the event of change in control of a company or due to other circumstances.
Approve or Amend Deferred Compensation Plans for
Directors
The Adviser generally will vote FOR approval or
amendments to deferred compensation plans for non-employee directors, so that they may defer compensation earned until retirement.
Set Director Compensation
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals that seek to
limit director compensation or mandate that compensation be paid solely in shares of stock.
Director Retirement Plans
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST the adoption or amendment
of director retirement plans on the basis that directors should be appropriately compensated while serving and should not view service on a board as a long-term continuing relationship with a company.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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B-4
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Business Entity and Capitalization
Common or Preferred Stock — Increase in
Authorized Shares or Classes
The Adviser will vote on a
CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding proposals to increase authorized shares of common stock or to add a class of common stock, taking into consideration the company’s capital goals that may include stock splits, stock dividends, or financing for
acquisitions or general operations. With respect to proposals seeking to increase authorized shares of preferred stock, to add a class of preferred stock, to authorize the directors to set the terms of the preferred stock or to amend the number of
votes per share of preferred stock, the Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on the grounds that such actions may be connected to a shareholder rights’ plan that the Adviser also will consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Common or Preferred Stock – Decrease in
Authorized Shares or Classes
The Adviser generally will vote
FOR proposals seeking to decrease authorized shares of common or preferred stock or the elimination of a class of common or preferred stock.
Common Stock — Change in Par Value
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to change the par
value of the common stock, provided that the changes do not cause a diminution in shareholder rights.
Authorize Share Repurchase Program
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to institute or renew
open market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.
Stock Splits
The Adviser generally will vote FOR stock split proposals on the
grounds that they intended to encourage stock ownership of a company.
Private Placements, Conversion of Securities, Issuance
of Warrants or Convertible Debentures
The Adviser generally
will vote FOR the issuance of shares for private placements, the conversion of securities from one class to another, and the issuance of warrants or convertible debentures on the grounds that such issuances may be necessary and beneficial for the
financial health of the company and may be a low cost source of equity capital. The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST any such issuance or related action if the proposal would in any way result in new equity holders having superior voting rights,
would result in warrants or debentures, when exercised, holding in excess of 20 percent of the currently outstanding voting rights, or if the proposal would in any way diminish the rights of existing shareholders.
Issuance of Equity or Equity-Linked Securities without
Subscription Rights (Preemptive Rights)
The Adviser generally
will vote FOR proposals that seek shareholder approval of the issuance of equity, convertible bonds or other equity-linked debt instruments, or to issue shares to satisfy the exercise of such securities that are free of subscription (preemptive)
rights on the grounds that companies must retain the ability to issue such securities for purposes of raising capital. The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST any proposal where dilution exceeds 20 percent of the company’s outstanding
capital.
Recapitalization
The Adviser generally will vote FOR recapitalization plans that
combine two or more classes of stock into one class, or that authorize the company to issue new common or preferred stock for such plans. The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST recapitalization plans that would result in the diminution of rights
for existing shareholders.
Merger
Agreement
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on
proposals seeking approval of a merger or merger agreement and all proposals related to such primary proposals, taking into consideration the particular facts and circumstances of the proposed merger and its potential benefits to existing
shareholders.
Going Private
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals that
allow listed companies to de-list and terminate registration of their common stock, taking into consideration the cash-out value to shareholders, and weighing the value in continuing as a publicly traded entity.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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Reincorporation
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on reincorporation
proposals, taking into consideration whether financial benefits (
e.g.
, reduced fees or taxes) likely to accrue to the company as a result of a reincorporation or other change of domicile outweigh any
accompanying material diminution of shareholder rights. The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST the proposal unless the long-term business reasons for doing so are valid. The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to consider reincorporating in
the United States if a company left the country for the purpose of avoiding taxes.
Bundled Proposals
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider on “bundled” or otherwise conditioned proposals, which are determined depending on the overall economic effects to shareholders.
Defense Mechanisms
Shareholder Rights’ Plan (Poison Pill)
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis regarding management
proposals seeking ratification of a shareholder rights’ plan, including a net operating loss (NOL) shareholder rights’ plan, or stockholder proposals seeking modification or elimination of any existing shareholder rights’
plan.
Supermajority Voting
The Adviser generally will vote FOR the elimination or material
diminution of provisions in company governing documents that require the affirmative vote of a supermajority of shareholders for approval of certain actions, and generally will vote AGAINST the adoption of any supermajority voting clause.
Control Share Acquisition Provisions
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to opt out of control
share acquisition statutes and generally will vote AGAINST proposals seeking approval of control share acquisition provisions in company governing documents on the grounds that such provisions may harm long-term share value by effectively
entrenching management. The ability to buy shares should not be constrained by requirements to secure approval of the purchase from other shareholders.
Anti-Greenmail
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to adopt
anti-greenmail governing document amendments or to otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.
Classification of Board of Directors
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals to declassify a board
and AGAINST proposals to classify a board, absent special circumstances that would indicate that shareholder interests are better served by voting to the contrary.
Auditors
Ratify or Appoint Auditors
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR ratification or appointment except in situations where there are questions about the relative qualification of the auditors, conflicts of interest, auditor involvement
in significant financial restatements, option backdating, material weaknesses in controls, or situations where independence has been compromised.
Prohibit or Limit Auditor’s Non-Audit
Services
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with
recommendations made by the third party research provider, which typically recommends votes AGAINST these proposals since it may be necessary or appropriate for auditors to provide a service related to the business of a company and that service will
not compromise the auditors’ independence. In addition, Sarbanes-Oxley legislation spells out the types of services that need pre-approval or would compromise independence.
Indemnification of External Auditor
The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify
external auditors on the grounds that indemnification agreements may limit pursuit of legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.
Indemnification of Internal Auditor
The Adviser generally will vote FOR the indemnification of internal
auditors, unless the costs associated with the approval are not disclosed.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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Environmental and Social
Disclose Environmental or Social Agenda
Proposals that seek disclosure, often in the form of a report, on
items such as military contracts or sales, environmental or conservation initiatives, business relationships with foreign countries, or animal welfare or other environmental and social issues, will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal
the Adviser believes the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Adviser generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Socially Responsible Investing
Proposals that seek to have a company take a position on social or
environmental issues will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal the Adviser believes the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Adviser
generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Prohibit or
Disclose Contributions and Lobbying Expenses
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with
recommendations made by the third party research provider, which typically considers the proposal in the context of the company’s current disclosures, Federal and state laws, and whether the proposal is in shareholders’ best
interests.
Disclose Prior Government
Service
Proposals seeking a company to furnish a list of
high-ranking employees who served in any governmental capacity over the last five years will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal the Adviser believes the matter may bear on the long-term value creation or sustainability of the
company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Adviser generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Change in Operations or Products Manufactured or
Sold
Proposals seeking to change the way a company operates
(e.g., protect human rights, sexual orientation, stop selling tobacco products, move manufacturing operations to another country, etc.) will be reviewed and, if after considering the proposal the Adviser believes the matter may bear on the long-term
value creation or sustainability of the company, a vote FOR or AGAINST may be cast, otherwise the Adviser generally will ABSTAIN from voting.
Sustainability Reporting
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider, which takes into account the risk to the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company from its practices and/or regulation, the extent of any sustainability concerns or controversies, the
industry in which the company operates, and the current level of disclosure by the company and its peers.
Climate Change Strategic Risk Assessment and
Reporting
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with
recommendations made by the third party research provider, which takes into account the risk to the long-term value creation or sustainability of the company by assessing the company’s consideration of strategic and operational risks stemming
from climate change and/or regulatory responses, and the current level of disclosure by the company and its peers.
Foreign Issues – Directors, Boards and Committees
Approve Discharge of Management (Supervisory)
Board
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with
recommendations made by the third party research provider, which typically recommends votes FOR approval of the board, based on factors including whether there is an unresolved investigation or whether the board has participated in wrongdoing. This
is a standard request in Germany and discharge is generally granted unless a shareholder states a specific reason for withholding discharge and intends to take legal action.
Announce Vacancies on Management (Supervisory)
Board
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals
requesting shareholder approval to announce vacancies on the board, as is required under Dutch law.
Approve Director Fees
The Adviser generally will vote in accordance with recommendations
made by the third party research provider on proposals seeking approval of director fees.
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Foreign Issues — General Corporate Governance
Digitalization of Certificates
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals seeking shareholder
approval to amend a company’s articles of incorporation to eliminate references to share certificates and beneficial owners, and to make other related changes to bring the articles in line with recent regulatory changes for Japanese
companies.
Authorize Filing of Required
Documents and Other Formalities
The Adviser generally will
vote FOR proposals requesting shareholders authorize the holder of a copy of the minutes of the general assembly to accomplish any formalities required by law, as is required in France.
Propose Publications Media
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholders approve the designation of a newspaper as the medium to publish the company’s meeting notice, as is common in Chile and other countries.
Clarify Articles of Association or Incorporation
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals seeking shareholder
approval of routine housekeeping of the company’s articles, including clarifying items and deleting obsolete items.
Update Articles of Association or Incorporation with
Proxy Results
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals
requesting shareholders approve changes to the company’s articles of association or incorporation to reflect the results of a proxy vote by shareholders, which is a routine proposal in certain country’s proxies.
Conform Articles of Association or Incorporation to
Law or Stock Exchange
The Adviser generally will vote FOR
proposals requesting shareholder approval to amend the articles of association or incorporation to conform to new requirements in local or national law or rules established by a stock exchange on which its stock is listed.
Authorize Board to Ratify and Execute Approved
Resolutions
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals
requesting shareholder approval to authorize the board to ratify and execute any resolutions approved at the meeting.
Prepare and Approve List of Shareholders
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholder approval for the preparation and approval of the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, which is a routine formality in European countries.
Authorize Company to Engage in Transactions with
Related Parties
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals
requesting shareholder approval for the company, its subsidiaries, and target associated companies to enter into certain transactions with persons who are considered “interested parties” as defined in Chapter 9A of the Listing Manual of
the Stock Exchange of Singapore (SES), as the SES related-party transaction rules are fairly comprehensive and provide shareholders with substantial protection against insider trading abuses.
Amend Articles to Lower Quorum Requirement for Special
Business
The Adviser generally will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE
basis on proposals seeking to amend the articles to lower the quorum requirement to one-third for special business resolutions at a shareholder meeting, which is common when certain material transactions such as mergers or acquisitions are to be
considered by shareholders.
Change Date/Location
of Annual Meeting
The Adviser will vote in accordance with
the recommendation of the third-party research provider on proposals to change the date, time or location of the company’s annual meeting of shareholders.
Elect Chairman of the Meeting
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholder approval to elect the chairman of the meeting, which is a routine meeting formality in certain European countries.
Authorize New Product Lines
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholder approval to amend the company’s articles to allow the company to expand into new lines of business.
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Approve Financial Statements, Directors’ Reports
and Auditors’ Reports
The Adviser generally will vote
FOR proposals that request shareholder approval of the financial statements, directors’ reports, and auditors’ reports.
Foreign Issues — Compensation
Approve Retirement Bonuses for Directors/Statutory
Auditors
The Adviser generally will ABSTAIN from voting on
proposals requesting shareholder approval for the payment of retirement bonuses to retiring directors and/or statutory auditors, which is a standard request in Japan, because information to justify the proposal is typically insufficient.
Approve Payment to Deceased Director’s/Statutory
Auditor’s Family
The Adviser generally will ABSTAIN
from voting on proposals requesting shareholder approval for the payment of a retirement bonus to the family of a deceased director or statutory auditor, which is a standard request in Japan, because information to justify the proposal is typically
insufficient.
Foreign Issues — Business Entity,
Capitalization
Set or Approve the Dividend
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholders approve the dividend rate set by management.
Approve Allocation of Income and Dividends
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholders approve a board’s allocation of income for the current fiscal year, as well as the dividend rate.
Approve Scrip (Stock) Dividend Alternative
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholders authorize dividend payments in the form of either cash or shares at the discretion of each shareholder, provided the options are financially equal. The Adviser generally will vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option
unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.
Authorize Issuance of Equity or Equity-Linked
Securities
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals
requesting shareholder approval to permit the board to authorize the company to issue convertible bonds or other equity-linked debt instruments or to issue shares to satisfy the exercise of such securities.
Authorize Issuance of Bonds
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholder approval granting the authority to the board to issue bonds or subordinated bonds.
Authorize Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issue
or Increase in Par Value
The Adviser generally will vote FOR
proposals requesting shareholder approval to increase authorized stock by capitalizing various reserves or retained earnings, which allows shareholders to receive either new shares or a boost in the par value of their shares at no cost.
Increase Issued Capital for Rights Issue
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholder approval to increase issued capital in order to offer a rights issue to current registered shareholders, which provides shareholders the option of purchasing additional shares of the company’s stock, often at a discount to market
value, and the company will use the proceeds from the issue to provide additional financing.
Board Authority to Repurchase Shares
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting that a
board be given the authority to repurchase shares of the company on the open market, with such authority continuing until the next annual meeting.
Authorize Reissuance of Repurchased Shares
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholder approval to reissue shares of the company’s stock that had been repurchased by the company at an earlier date.
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Approve Payment of Corporate Income Tax
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals seeking approval for
the use by a company of its reserves in order to pay corporate taxes, which is common practice in Europe.
Cancel Pre-Approved Capital Issuance Authority
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholders cancel a previously approved authority to issue capital, which may be necessary in Denmark as companies there do not have authorized but unissued capital that they may issue as needed like their counterparts in other countries.
Allotment of Unissued Shares
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting that
shareholders give the board the authority to allot or issue unissued shares.
Authority to Allot Shares for Cash
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting that
shareholders give the board the ability to allot a set number of authorized but unissued shares for the purpose of employee share schemes and to allot equity securities for cash to persons other than existing shareholders up to a limited aggregate
nominal amount (a percentage of the issued share capital of the company).
Foreign Issues – Defense Mechanisms
Authorize Board to Use All Outstanding Capital
The Adviser will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals
requesting shareholders authorize the board, for one year, to use all outstanding capital authorizations in the event that a hostile public tender or exchange offer is made for the company, which is a common anti-takeover measure in France similar
to the way U.S. companies use preferred stock.
Foreign
Issues — Auditors
Approve Special
Auditors’ Report
The Adviser generally will vote FOR
proposals that present shareholders of French companies, as required by French law, with a special auditor’s report that confirms the presence or absence of any outstanding related party transactions. At a minimum, such transactions (with
directors or similar parties) must be previously authorized by the board. This part of the French commercial code provides shareholders with a mechanism to ensure an annual review of any outstanding related party transactions.
Appoint Statutory Auditor
The Adviser generally will vote FOR proposals requesting
shareholder approval to appoint the internal statutory auditor, designated as independent internal auditor as required by the revised Japanese Commercial Code.
Foreign Issues — Environmental and Social
Authorize Company to Make EU Political Organization
Donations
The Adviser generally will ABSTAIN from voting on
proposals that seek authorization for the company to make EU political organization donations and to incur EU political expenditures.
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APPENDIX C — DESCRIPTION OF STATE
RISK FACTORS
The state tax-exempt and
state municipal bond Funds invest primarily in municipal securities issued by a single state and political sub-divisions of that state. Each state tax-exempt and state municipal bond Fund will be particularly affected by political and economic
conditions and developments in the state in which it invests. This exposure to factors affecting the state’s tax-exempt investments will be significantly greater than that of more geographically diversified funds, and may result in greater
losses and volatility. Because of the relatively small number of issuers of tax-exempt securities in a given state, the Fund may invest a higher percentage of assets in a single issuer and, therefore, be more exposed to the risk of loss than a fund
that invests more broadly. At times, the Fund and other accounts managed by the Investment Manager may own all or most of the debt of a particular issuer. This concentration of ownership may make it more difficult to sell, or to determine the fair
value of, these investments. In addition, a Fund may focus on a segment of the tax-exempt debt market, such as revenue bonds for health care facilities, housing or airports. These investments may cause the value of a Fund’s shares to change
more than the values of shares of funds that invest more diversely. The yields on the securities in which the Funds invest generally are dependent on a variety of factors, including among others, the financial condition of the issuer or other
obligor, the revenue source from which the debt service is payable, general economic and monetary conditions, conditions in the relevant market, the size of a particular issue, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. In addition
to such factors, geographically concentrated securities will be particularly sensitive to local conditions, including political and economic changes, adverse conditions to an industry significant to the area, and other further developments within a
particular locality. Because many tax-exempt bonds may be revenue or general obligations of local governments or authorities, ratings on tax-exempt bonds may be different from the ratings given to the general obligation bonds of a particular
state.
Certain events may adversely affect
investments within a particular sector in a state. Examples include litigation, legislation or court decisions, concerns about pending or contemplated litigation, legislation or court decisions, or lower demand for the services or products provided
by a sector. Investing mostly in state-specific, tax-exempt investments makes the Funds more vulnerable to the relevant state’s economy and to factors affecting tax-exempt issuers in the state than would be true for more geographically
diversified funds. These risks include, among others:
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the inability or
perceived inability of a government authority to collect sufficient tax or other revenues to meet its payment obligations;
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natural disasters
and ecological or environmental concerns;
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the introduction
of constitutional or statutory limits on a tax-exempt issuer’s ability to raise revenues or increase taxes;
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the inability of
an issuer to pay interest on or to repay principal or securities in which the funds invest during recessionary periods; and
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economic
or demographic factors that may cause a decrease in tax or other revenues for a government authority or for private operators of publicly financed facilities.
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State Specific Information
The following discussion regarding certain economic,
financial and legal matters pertaining to the states, U.S. territories and possessions referenced below, and their political subdivisions is drawn from the documents indicated below and does not purport to be a complete description or a complete
listing of all relevant factors. More information about state specific risks may be available from other official state resources. The information has not been updated nor will it be updated during the year. The Funds have not independently verified
any of the information contained in such documents and are not expressing any opinion regarding the completeness or materiality of such information. The information is subject to change at any time. Any such change may adversely affect the financial
condition of the applicable state, U.S. territory or possession.
Estimates and projections, if any, contained in the
following summaries should not be construed as statements of fact; such estimates and projections are based on assumptions that may be affected by numerous factors and there can be no assurance that such estimates and projections will be realized or
achieved. Discussions regarding the financial condition of a particular state or U.S. territory or possession may not be relevant to Municipal Obligations issued by political subdivisions of that state or U.S. territory or possession. Moreover, the
general economic conditions discussed may or may not affect issuers of the obligations of these states, U.S. territories or possessions.
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California
Unless otherwise noted, the following information has
been obtained from the Official Statement, dated April 19, 2016, for the following bonds: $1,467,705,000 State of California Various Purpose General Obligation Bonds; $236,795,000 Federally Taxable Various Purpose General Obligation Bonds;
$232,450,000 Tax-Exempt Various Purpose General Obligation Bonds; and $998,460,000 Tax-Exempt Various Purpose General Obligation Refunding Bonds (collectively, the California 2016 Bonds).
Current Economic Condition.
The State of California (California) has the largest
economy among the 50 states and one of the largest in the world and has major components in high technology, trade, entertainment, government, manufacturing, tourism, construction and services. The makeup of California’s economy generally
mirrors that of the national economy. The California economy continues to benefit from broad-based growth.
California is by far the most populous state in the
nation, nearly 50% larger than the second-ranked state according to the 2010 U.S. Census. The estimate of California’s population as of July 2015 was 39.1 million residents, which is 12% of the total United States population.
California’s personal income growth continued to outpace that of the nation during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015-16. During that period, California’s total personal income increased by 6.5% over the same period last year,
compared to a 4.6% increase nationally.
Employment opportunities in California continued to
improve during the first several months of the 2015-16 fiscal year. Seasonally adjusted job growth averaged about 8,900 jobs per month, although the pace of growth slowed somewhat relative to the gains observed during the 2014-15 fiscal year.
California’s jobless rate continued to fall during the first half of fiscal year 2015-16. By December, it had receded to 5.8% from 6.3% in June 2015.
California’s total personal income increased
by 5.5% during the year, compared to the 4.6% increase posted for the U.S. as a whole. As personal income grew, consumer spending also increased, as demonstrated by the 9.9% increase in automobile registrations (an increase from the 6.6%
year-over-year increase observed in the 2013-14 fiscal year). During the 2014-15 fiscal year, a total of 1.9 million new vehicle registrations were recorded.
California’s real GDP increased by 2.8 percent
in 2014, and totaled $2.3 trillion at current prices, keeping California as the eighth largest economy in the world. California has added jobs at a faster rate than the nation since 2012. Most individual sectors of the state economy have experienced
solid growth, with the exception of the agricultural sector, which had modest growth. Agricultural production totaled $54 billion out of $2.3 trillion in 2014 California GDP. At 2.3 percent of the total economy, declines in the agricultural sector
due to drought are expected to be offset by growth in other sectors.
State Budget.
California’s 2015-16 Budget Act was enacted on
June 24, 2015. The Budget Act appropriated $167.6 billion: $115.4 billion from the General Fund, $45.7 billion from special funds, and $6.5 billion from bond funds. The General Fund’s budgeted expenditures increased $896 million (0.8%) over
the previous year’s General Fund budget. The General Fund’s revenues were projected to be $115.4 billion, after a projected $1.9 billion transfer to the Budget Stabilization Account (Rainy Day Fund). General Fund revenue comes
predominantly from taxes, with personal income taxes expected to provide 66.5% of total revenue. California’s major taxes (personal income, sales and use, and corporation taxes) are projected to supply approximately 96.9% of the General
Fund’s resources in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
The spending plan for the 2015-16 fiscal year
implemented the first year of Proposition 2, approved by voters in November 2014, which uses spikes in capital gains to save money for the next recession and to pay down the State’s debts and unfunded liabilities. Despite the projected $1.9
billion transfer to the Budget Stabilization Account and $1.9 billion allocated for debt reduction, including special fund loan repayments and a partial settle-up of Proposition 98 underfunding, the budget projected a surplus in the General Fund for
the fourth consecutive year. The 2015-16 fiscal year is projected to end with $4.6 billion in total reserves, $3.5 billion in the Budget Stabilization Account and $1.1 billion reserved for economic uncertainties.
The 2015-16 spending plan included the adoption of
the California Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a personal income tax credit that is intended to reduce poverty among California’s poorest working families by increasing their after-tax income. For tax year 2015, the first year that the
California EITC will be available, an estimated two million individuals will qualify (approximately 825,000 tax returns) with an average credit amount of $460 per return, reducing revenues available to the General Fund by an estimated $380 million
in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Despite the recent
significant budgetary improvements, there remain a number of budget risks that threaten the financial condition of California’s General Fund, including the threat of recession and the significant unfunded liabilities of the two main retirement
systems managed by state entities, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the
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California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS). In
recent years, California has committed to significant increases in annual payments to these systems to reduce the unfunded liabilities. California also has a significant unfunded liability with respect to other post-employment benefits.
There can be no assurances that California will not
face fiscal stress and cash pressures again, or that other changes in the state or national economies will not materially adversely affect the financial condition of the state.
Real Estate and Housing.
California’s real estate market showed signs
of continued strength during the fiscal year. As of June 2015, prices for existing single-family homes were 7.0% higher and sales were up 11% compared to the prior year. Homebuilding continued in California at an accelerated rate, with permits
issued during the 2014-15 fiscal year increasing by approximately 10% to nearly 94,000 units. Nonresidential construction increased by 4.1%, with the value of nonresidential permits increasing to $23.5 billion.
Long-Term Debt.
As of January 1, 2016, California had approximately
$86.0 billion of outstanding general obligation bonds and lease revenue bonds payable principally from the state’s General Fund or from lease payments paid from the operating budget of the respective lessees, which operating budgets are
primarily, but not exclusively, derived from the General Fund. As of January 1, 2016, there were approximately $29.3 billion of authorized and unissued long-term voter-approved general obligation bonds which, when issued, will be payable principally
from the General Fund and approximately $3.6 billion of authorized and unissued lease-revenue bonds.
Certain state agencies and authorities issue revenue
obligations for which the General Fund has no liability. These revenue obligations are either payable from state revenue-producing enterprises and projects, and not payable from the General Fund, or are conduit obligations payable only from revenues
paid by local governments or private users of facilities financed by the revenue obligations. California has always paid when due the principal of and interest on its general obligation bonds, general obligation commercial paper notes, lease-revenue
obligations and short-term obligations, including revenue anticipation notes and revenue anticipation warrants.
Bond Ratings.
Three major credit rating agencies, Moody’s
Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), assigned ratings to the California 2016 Bonds, as follows: Moody’s assigned a
rating of “Aa3,” S&P assigned a rating of “AA-,” and Fitch assigned a rating of “A+.” It is not possible to determine whether, or the extent to which, Moody’s, S&P, or Fitch will change its
respective rating in the future. In addition, ratings assigned to individual Municipal Obligations vary.
Connecticut
The following information has been obtained from the
Annual Information Statement of the State of Connecticut, dated February 24, 2016, as supplemented on October 19, 2016.
Current Economic Condition.
The State of Connecticut (“Connecticut”)
is a highly developed and urbanized state. It is situated directly between the financial centers of Boston and New York.
Connecticut’s economic performance is measured
by personal income, which has been among the highest in the nation on a per capital basis, and gross state product (the market value of all final goods and services produced by labor and property located within Connecticut). Connecticut’s
nonagricultural employment reached a high in March 2008 with 1,699,000 persons employed, but began declining with the onset of the recession, falling to 1,607,000 jobs in 2010, and has since risen to 1,665,700.
After enjoying an extraordinary boom during the late
1990s, Connecticut, as well as the rest of the Northeast and the country, experienced an economic slowdown during the recession of the early 2000s. The state’s unemployment rate climbed to 9.1% in 2010, compared to the New England average of
8.3% and the national average of 9.6% for the same period. During the subsequent weak recovery, Connecticut’s average unemployment rate fell to 6.6% for 2014, and for the first ten months of 2016 has averaged 5.7%, compared to the New England
average of 4.9% and the national average of 5.3% for the same period.
State Budget.
Connecticut finances most of its operations through
its General Fund. Certain state functions, such as Connecticut’s transportation budget, are financed through other state funds. General Fund revenues are derived primarily from the collection of state taxes, including the personal income tax,
the sales and use tax and the corporation business tax. Connecticut expected to derive approximately 86.6 percent and 87.0 percent of its General Fund revenues from taxes during fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2017, respectively. Connecticut
expends money on a variety of programs and services. Significant elements of state expenditures include human services; education, libraries and museums; non-functional (debt service and miscellaneous expenditures including fringe benefits); health
and hospitals; corrections; general government and judicial.
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On May 29, 2014, the General Assembly passed
legislation necessary to implement certain budget and policy changes reflected in the budget for fiscal year 2015. Based upon the consensus revenue estimate issued on April 30, 2014, revenues are anticipated to be $17,458.1 million, expenditures are
anticipated to be $17,457.7 million, and the revised budget is estimated to result in a General Fund surplus of $0.4 million for fiscal year 2015. The revised fiscal year 2015 budget includes policy changes that are projected to result in
approximately $55.2 million in additional revenue above the consensus revenue forecast.
State Debt.
Pursuant to various public and special acts
Connecticut has authorized a variety of types of debt. These types fall generally into the following categories: direct general obligation debt, which is payable from Connecticut’s General Fund; special tax obligation debt, which is payable
from specified taxes and other funds that are maintained outside Connecticut’s General Fund; and special obligation and revenue debt, which is payable from specified revenues or other funds that are maintained outside Connecticut’s
General Fund. In addition, Connecticut has a number of programs under which the state provides annual appropriation support for, or is contingently liable on, the debt of certain state quasi-public agencies and political subdivisions.
Statutory Debt Limit.
Section 3-21 of the General Statutes provides that no bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness for borrowed money payable from General Fund tax receipts of Connecticut may be authorized by the General Assembly or
issued unless they do not cause the aggregate amount of (1) the total amount of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness payable from General Fund tax receipts authorized by the General Assembly but which have not been issued and (2) the
total amount of such indebtedness that has been issued and remains outstanding, to exceed 1.6 times the total estimated General Fund tax receipts of Connecticut for the fiscal year in which any such authorization will become effective or in which
such indebtedness is issued, as estimated for such fiscal year by the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of finance, revenue and bonding. In computing the aggregate amount of indebtedness at any time, however, a
significant number of exclusions apply.
Transportation Fund and Debt.
In 1984, Connecticut adopted legislation establishing a transportation infrastructure program and authorizing special tax obligation (“STO”) bonds to finance the program. The transportation infrastructure
program is a continuous program for planning, construction and improvement of Connecticut highways and bridges, projects on the interstate highway system, alternate highway projects in the interstate highway substitution program, waterway
facilities, mass transportation and transit facilities, the highway safety program, maintenance garages and administrative facilities of the Department of Transportation, payment of Connecticut’s share of the costs of the local bridge program,
and payment of state contributions to the local bridge revolving fund. The transportation infrastructure program is administered by the Department of Transportation.
The cost of the transportation infrastructure
program for state fiscal years 1985-2020, which will be met from federal, state and local funds, is estimated at $37.5 billion. Connecticut’s share of such cost, estimated at $18.5 billion, is to be funded from transportation- related taxes,
fees and revenues deposited in the Special Transportation Fund and from the proceeds of STO bonds.
Certain Pension and Retirement Systems.
State Employees’ Retirement Fund
. Connecticut maintains a State Employees’ Retirement Fund with approximately 50,556 active members, 1,453 inactive (vested) members and 46,313 retired members and beneficiaries as of June 30, 2015. Payments into
the fund are made from employee contributions, General and Special Transportation Fund appropriations and grant reimbursements from Federal and other funds.
As of June 30, 2014, the market value of the
fund’s investment assets was estimated to be $10,472.6 million. The November 2014 actuarial valuation determined that employer contributions of $1,514.5 million and $1,569.1 million would be required for fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2017,
respectively. As of October 19, 2016, the adopted budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 contained appropriations expected to be sufficient, together with anticipated grant reimbursement from Federal and other funds, to fully fund the employer
contribution requirement.
Teachers’
Retirement Fund.
The Teachers’ Retirement Fund, administered by the Teachers’ Retirement Board, provides benefits for any teacher, principal, supervisor, superintendent or other eligible employee in the
public school systems of Connecticut, with certain exceptions. While establishing salary schedules for teachers, municipalities do not provide contributions to the maintenance of the fund. As of June 30, 2015, there were 106,717 active and former
employees with accrued and accruing benefits, 33,745 retired members and beneficiaries, and 296 members on disability allowance. Contributions to the fund are made by employees and by General Fund appropriations from Connecticut.
As of June 30, 2014, the market value of the
fund’s investment assets was $16,220.9 million. The October 2014 actuarial valuation determined that employer contributions of $975.6 million and $1,012.2 million would be required for fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2017. As of October 19,
2016, the adopted budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 contained appropriations expected to be sufficient to fully fund the employer contribution requirement.
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Bond Ratings.
Three major credit rating agencies, Moody’s
Investors Service (“Moody’s”), S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), assign ratings to the Connecticut’s long-term general obligation bonds. As of October 2016,
Connecticut’s general obligation bonds were rated Aa3 by Moody’s, AA- by S&P and AA- by Fitch. It is not possible to determine whether, or the extent to which, Moody’s, S&P or Fitch will change such ratings in the future.
Ratings assigned to individual Municipal Obligations vary.
Massachusetts
The following information has been obtained from The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Information Statement, dated November 1, 2016.
Current Economic Condition and Government
Structure.
The ability of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (“Massachusetts”) to meet its obligations is affected by future social, environmental, and economic conditions, among other things, as well as by the legislative policies and the financial condition of Massachusetts. Many
of these conditions are not within the Commonwealth’s control.
Massachusetts has established a number of
independent authorities and agencies, the budgets of which are not included in the Commonwealth’s annual budget. In fiscal 2015, Massachusetts had significant operational or financial relationships, or both, with 40 of these authorities. The
Commonwealth’s contractual agreements with these authorities constitute general obligations of Massachusetts for which its full faith and credit are pledged. Massachusetts also guarantees certain outstanding bonds of two authorities, the
Massachusetts State College Building Authority and the University of Massachusetts Building Authority. The ratings of these independent authorities are based on the guarantee of Massachusetts and generally can be expected to move in tandem with
ratings on the Massachusetts general obligation debt.
In addition, a portion of Massachusetts’s
receipts from the sales tax (other than the tax on meals) is dedicated through non-budgeted special revenue funds to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The amount dedicated
to the MSBA is the amount raised by a 1% sales tax (not including meals). The amount dedicated to the MBTA is a comparable amount, subject to an inflation-adjusted floor, plus $160 million annually. Effective for fiscal 2015, the $160 million
adjustment was integrated into the inflation-adjusted floor, which was reset at $970.6 million. Legislation approved by the Governor on October 31, 2014 increased the amount statutorily required to be credited to the MBTA by $160 million starting in
fiscal 2015. The $160 million increase in the dedicated sales tax revenue amount and the amount included in the inflation-adjusted floor were intended to replace the $160 million annual state appropriation the MBTA received from fiscal 2010 through
fiscal 2014. In fiscal year 2016, total dedicated sales tax revenue that was directed to the MBTA was approximately $986 million. Massachusetts also has a net liability of $6.128 billion for debt and grant obligations for the School Building
Assistance Program that finances construction of schools for Massachusetts’s cities and towns.
Population and Employment.
Massachusetts has a population of about 6.7 million
as of July 1, 2014. Since reaching 6.8 percent in January 2014, the Massachusetts unemployment rate gradually declined to 3.3 percent in September 2016, 1.5 percent below the national rate of 4.8 percent and the lowest level in over a decade.
Commonwealth Budget.
The budgeted operating funds of Massachusetts ended
fiscal year 2016 with a deficit of revenues and other sources over expenditures and other uses of $88.7 million and aggregate ending fund balances in the budgeted operating funds of Massachusetts of approximately $1.48 billion. The budgeted
operating funds of Massachusetts are projected to end fiscal 2017 with a deficiency of revenues and other sources over expenditures and other uses of $228.1 million and aggregate ending fund balances in the budgeted operating funds of Massachusetts
of approximately $1.25 billion.
Chapter 62 F
of the General Laws establishes a state tax revenue growth limit for each fiscal year equal to the average positive rate of growth in total wages and salaries in Massachusetts, as reported by the federal government, during the three calendar years
immediately preceding the end of such fiscal year. The growth limit is used to calculate “allowable state tax revenue” for each fiscal year. Chapter 62F also requires that allowable state tax revenues be reduced by the aggregate amount
received by local governmental units from any newly authorized or increased local option taxes or excises. Any excess in state tax revenue collections for a given fiscal year over the prescribed limit, as determined by the State Auditor, is to be
applied as a credit against the then-current personal income tax liability of all taxpayers in Massachusetts in proportion to the personal income tax liability of all taxpayers in Massachusetts for the immediately preceding tax year.
Since December 1989, state finance law has included
a limit on the amount of outstanding “direct” bonds of Massachusetts. For the fiscal 2016 capital budget, the Governor maintained the administrative bond cap at $2.125 billion. The bond cap for fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2021 is
projected to be $2.19 billion.
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Massachusetts is also responsible for the payment of
pension benefits for Commonwealth employees and for teachers of the cities, towns and regional school districts throughout Massachusetts. Massachusetts employees’ and teachers’ retirement systems are partially funded by employee
contributions of regular compensation. In August 2016, Massachusetts issued a valuation, as of January 1, 2016, of its total pension obligation. The unfunded actuarial accrued liability was calculated to be approximately $37.866 billion.
Local Considerations.
Massachusetts makes substantial payments to its
cities, towns and regional school districts (local aid) to mitigate the impact of local property tax limits on local programs and services. Local aid payments to cities, towns and regional school districts take the form of both direct and indirect
assistance. Direct local aid consists of general revenue sharing funds and specific program funds sent directly to local governments and regional school districts. Massachusetts’ budget for fiscal 2017 provides $5.986 billion of state-funded
local aid to municipalities.
Transportation.
The Central Artery/Ted Williams Tunnel Project was
substantially completed in January 2006 at a cost of nearly $15 billion. In 2007, the Transportation Finance Commission, established by state legislation in 2004, anticipated a funding gap of between $15 billion and $19 billion over the next 20
years, related to maintaining Massachusetts’s transportation system for that time period.
On June 30, 2009, Massachusetts and the Turnpike
Authority entered into a contract for financial assistance which provides for the payment by Massachusetts to Mass DOT, as successor to the Authority, of $100 million per fiscal year, commencing July 1, 2009 until June 30, 2039. Payments under both
contracts constitute a general obligation pledge of Massachusetts for which its full faith and credit are pledged.
Water Initiatives.
The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (the
“Trust”) manages Massachusetts’ revolving fund program under the federal Clean Water Act and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Under state law, loans made by the Trust are required to provide for subsidies or other financial
assistance to reduce the debt service expense on the loans. As of November 1, 2016, most new loans made by the Trust bore interest at 2%. To provide for a portion of the subsidy on most of its loans, the Trust received contract assistance payments
from Massachusetts. Under the Trust’s enabling act, the aggregate annual contract assistance payment for the Trust’s programs may not exceed $138 million. As of September 30, 2016 the Trust had approximately $2.8 billion of bonds
outstanding.
Approximately 7.00% of the
Trust’s aggregate debt service was covered by Massachusetts contract assistance as of November 1, 2016. Prior to August, 2014, the Trust was known as the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust.
Infrastructure Development.
Under the infrastructure investment incentive
program, known as “I-Cubed,” up to $600 million of public infrastructure improvements to support significant new private developments may be financed by bonds issued by the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) that
are secured by and payable from a general obligation pledge of contract assistance from Massachusetts. After each phase of the private development is completed and occupied, the municipality is required to reimburse Massachusetts for any portion of
the debt service cost on the bonds that is not covered by new state tax revenues generated from the related private development.
The obligation of the municipality ends when
Massachusetts has collected revenues sufficient to pay principal and interest payments to date, or in some cases to the next redemption date, plus all remaining principal payments due. As of September 30, 2016, total “I-Cubed” program
bonds were outstanding in the amount of approximately $101.9 million.
Legislation approved by the Governor on August 8,
2008 included an authorization to finance up to $43 million of the costs of a parkway at the former South Weymouth naval air base. The bonds to finance the parkway are secured by and payable from a general obligation pledge of contract assistance
from Massachusetts. Approximately $25.8 million of such bonds were outstanding as of September 30, 2016.
Social Innovation.
Legislation approved in 2012 established a Social
Innovation Financing Trust Fund for the purpose of funding “pay for success” contracts to improve outcomes and lower costs for contracted government services. The first such contract was entered into in January, 2014, to help young men
leaving the juvenile justice system or on probation avoid reoffending. The contract obligates Massachusetts to make up to $28 million in success payments, in the aggregate, through fiscal year 2020.
Bond Ratings.
Three major credit rating agencies, Moody’s
Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), assign ratings to Massachusetts long-term general obligation bonds.
Massachusetts’s general obligation bonds have been assigned long-term ratings of “Aa1” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., “AA+” by Standard &
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Poor’s Ratings Services and “AA+”
by Fitch. It is not possible to determine whether, or the extent to which, Moody’s, S&P or Fitch will change such ratings in the future. Ratings assigned to individual Municipal Obligations vary.
New York
The following information has been obtained from the
Annual Information Statement of the State of New York, dated June 29, 2016, as supplemented on August 29, 2016.
Current Economic Condition.
The State of New York (“New York”) has a
diverse economy, with a comparatively large share of the nation’s financial services, information, education, and health services economic activity. New York’s Division of the Budget outlook for private sector job growth for 2016 is 106
percent, following strong growth of 2.2 percent for 2015. Most recent economic data indicate that the pace of New York employment growth remains healthy, and New York’s Division of the Budget forecasts personal income growth to be at 4.0
percent for 2015 and 4.5 percent for 2016. However, New York is subject to many of the same downside risks that apply to the national economy, including slowing global growth and the European sovereign debt crisis.
As the nation’s financial capital, both the
volume of financial market activity and the volatility in credit and equity markets pose a particularly large degree of uncertainty for New York.
During fiscal year 2016, tax receipts were $3.6
billion higher than the prior year’s results, due to growth in extension payments attributable to fiscal year 2014. After controlling for the impact of tax law changes, base tax revenue increased 5.4 percent in FY 2016 and is projected to
increase by 2.7 percent in FY 2017 and 5.3 percent in FY 2018.
However, weak and unsettled economic conditions
around the world, together with a push for broader regulation of the financial environment, have the potential to negatively affect the profitability of New York’s financial services industry, which is a major source of New York tax revenue.
In particular, market volatility and increased regulation may result in lower bonuses on Wall Street in the future, which in turn may reduce a major segment of income subject to taxation and depress the level of economic activity generated by the
spending of those earnings. Similarly, both financial sector income and taxable capital gains realization may be negatively affected if equity markets fail to grow as anticipated.
Population and Employment.
New York is the fourth most populous state in the
United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, New York’s 2010 population was 19.4 million, an increase from 19 million in 2000.
As of March 2016, New York’s Division of the
Budget anticipated a state unemployment rate of 5.0 percent for 2016, compared with a national unemployment rate of 4.8 percent. Total state nonagricultural employment grew by 1.9 percent in 2015 and was projected to grow by 1.8 percent in 2016.
Private sector employment grew by 2.2 percent in 2015 and was projected to grow by 1.6 percent in 2016. Total employment growth for both 2015 and 2016 are expected to be 1.9 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.
State Budget.
New York’s budget process is governed by the
New York constitution, with additional details and actions prescribed by New York law and practices established over time. The New York General Fund receives the majority of New York taxes and all income not earmarked for a particular program or
activity. New York law requires the Governor to submit, and the Legislature to enact, a General Fund budget that is balanced on a cash basis of accounting.
New York receives revenues from taxes, fees, charges
for state-provided services, Federal grants, and other miscellaneous sources. General Fund receipts, including transfers from other funds, are estimated to total $66.3 billion in fiscal year 2015, or $608 million lower than estimated in the
Executive Budget Financial Plan. While modest economic growth is projected for fiscal year 2016, total tax receipts are estimated to increase by 3.3 percent for fiscal year 2017.
New York expends money on a variety of programs and
services. Major categories of operating disbursements include healthcare and Medicaid, higher education (including subsidization of the State University of New York and City University of New York systems), criminal justice and public safety, school
aid, transportation, and mental hygiene programs. General Fund disbursements are expected to total $69.1 billion in fiscal year 2017, an increase of $2.7 billion or 4.1 percent over the prior year and an increase of $29 million from the enacted
budget financial plan. The Division of the Budget estimates that spending in State Operating Funds will grow at 2.0 percent from fiscal year 2016 to fiscal year 2017, consistent with the 2 percent spending benchmark adopted in fiscal year
2012.
New York is also responsible for the
payment of pension benefits for public employees. As a result of investment gains that positively affected the assets held by New York’s retirement systems, employer contribution rates decreased for fiscal years 2015 and 2016.
New York ended fiscal year 2016 with receipts
exceeding disbursements by about $1 billion. The General Fund closing balance was $240 million higher than estimated in the Executive Budget Financial Plan.
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Implementation of New York’s current financial
plan is dependent on the state’s ability to market its bonds successfully. New York finances much of its capital spending from the General Fund, which it reimburses with proceeds from the sale of general obligation or other state-supported
bonds. New York’s inability to sell bonds at the levels or on the timetable expected may adversely affect the state’s overall cash position and capital funding plan. The success of projected public sales will be dependent on prevailing
market conditions.
Local Considerations.
New York’s fiscal demands may be affected by
the fiscal condition of New York City, which relies in part on state aid to balance its budget and meet its cash requirements. In addition, certain localities other than New York City have experienced financial problems and have requested and
received additional state assistance during the last several state fiscal years. While a relatively infrequent practice, deficit financing by local governments has become more common in recent years.
Local assistance spending includes payments to local
governments, school districts, health care providers, and other local entities, as well as financial assistance to, or on behalf of, individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations. Expenditures in the form of aid to local governments for their
general purposes (and to school districts and municipalities for specific purposes such as education and social services) are made from New York’s General Fund. These payments are limited under the New York constitution to appropriations in
force. Local assistance spending in State Operating Funds is estimated at $64.9 billion in fiscal year 2017, approximately two-thirds of total State Operating Funds spending.
Debt Service.
New York pays debt service on all outstanding
state-supported bonds. These include general obligation bonds, for which New York is constitutionally obligated to pay debt service, as well as bonds issued by New York public authorities. Public authorities refer to certain of New York’s
public benefit corporations—such as the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York State Thruway Authority—which are not subject to the constitutional restrictions on the incurrence of debt that apply to New York itself and
may issue bonds and notes within the amounts and restrictions set forth in legislative authorization. New York’s access to the public credit markets through bond issuances constituting state-supported or state-related debt issuances by certain
of its authorities could be impaired and the market price of its outstanding debt may be materially and adversely affected if its public authorities were to default on their respective state-supported or state-related debt issuances.
Total debt service is projected to be $6.134 billion
for fiscal year 2016, of which $413 million is expected to be paid from the General Fund for general obligations and service contract bonds, and $1.72 billion of which is expected to service other state supported bonds.
The Debt Reform Act of 2000 restricts the issuance
of state-supported debt to capital purposes only and limits such debt to a maximum term of 30 years. Under the Debt Reform Act, new state-supported debt issued since April 1, 2000 is limited to 4 percent of state personal income, while new debt
service costs are limited to 5 percent of all Funds receipts.
Bond Ratings.
As of November 2016, New York’s general
obligation bonds were rated “Aa1” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), “AA+” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), and “AA+” by Fitch Ratings
(“Fitch”). It is not possible to determine whether, or the extent to which, Moody’s, S&P or Fitch will change such ratings in the future. Ratings assigned to individual Municipal Obligations may vary.
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APPENDIX D — SERIES OF CFST, CFST
I AND CFST II
Below are the series of
CFST, CFST I and CFST II. In prospectuses dated prior to June 25, 2014, series of CFST and CFST I are referred to as “Legacy Columbia Funds” and series of CFST II are referred to as “Legacy RiverSource Funds”.
Columbia Funds Series Trust
Columbia AMT-Free California Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free Georgia Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free Maryland Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free North Carolina Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free South Carolina Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free Virginia Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Aggressive Portfolio
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio
Columbia Convertible Securities Fund
Columbia Global
Strategic Equity Fund
Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund III
Columbia Large Cap Index Fund
Columbia Mid Cap Index Fund
Columbia Mid Cap Value Fund
Columbia Overseas Value Fund
Columbia
Select Global Growth Fund
Columbia Select International Equity Fund
Columbia Select Large Cap Equity Fund
Columbia Short Term Bond Fund
Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund
Columbia Small Cap Index Fund
Columbia Small Cap
Value Fund II
Columbia Funds Series Trust
I
CMG Ultra Short Term Bond Fund
Columbia Adaptive Risk
Allocation Fund
Columbia Alternative Beta Fund
Columbia AMT-Free Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free
New York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia AMT-Free Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia Balanced Fund
Columbia Bond Fund
Columbia California Tax-Exempt Fund
Columbia Contrarian Core Fund
Columbia Corporate Income
Fund
Columbia Disciplined Small Core Fund
Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
Columbia Dividend Income Fund
Columbia Emerging Markets Fund
Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity
Fund
Columbia Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund
Columbia Global Technology Growth Fund
Columbia Greater China
Fund
Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund
Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund
Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund
Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund
Columbia Pacific/Asia Fund
Columbia Real Estate Equity
Fund
Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund
Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I
Columbia Small Cap Value Fund I
Columbia Strategic Income Fund
Columbia Tax-Exempt Fund
Columbia Total Return Bond Fund
Columbia U.S. Social Bond
Fund
Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund
Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
Multi-Manager Growth Strategies Fund
Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund
Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Strategies Fund
Columbia Funds Series Trust II
Columbia Absolute Return Currency and Income Fund
Columbia Asia
Pacific ex-Japan Fund
Columbia Capital Allocation Aggressive Portfolio
Columbia Capital Allocation Conservative Portfolio
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Portfolio
Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund
Columbia Disciplined Core
Fund
Columbia Disciplined Growth Fund
Columbia Disciplined Value Fund
Columbia Diversified Equity Income Fund
Columbia Dividend Opportunity Fund
Columbia Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Columbia European Equity Fund
Columbia
Flexible Capital Income Fund
Columbia Floating Rate Fund
Columbia Global Bond Fund
Columbia Global Equity Value Fund
Columbia Global Infrastructure Fund
Columbia Global Opportunities Fund
Columbia Government Money Market
Fund
Columbia High Yield Bond Fund
Columbia Income Builder Fund
Columbia Income Opportunities Fund
Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund
Columbia Minnesota Tax-Exempt Fund
Columbia Mortgage Opportunities Fund
Columbia Select Global Equity Fund
Columbia Select Large-Cap Value Fund
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Columbia Select Smaller-Cap Value Fund
Columbia Seligman
Communications and Information Fund
Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund
Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund
Columbia Small/Mid Cap Value Fund
Columbia Strategic Municipal
Income Fund
Columbia U.S. Government Mortgage Fund
Multi-Manager Value Strategies Fund
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APPENDIX S — MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
The
Fund’s prospectus contains information relative to choosing a share class. The information in this Appendix S should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the prospectus. With regard to any sales charge waivers and discounts
described in this Appendix S and the prospectus, it is your obligation to advise your financial intermediary or (in the case of Direct-at-Fund Accounts, as defined in the prospectus) the Transfer Agent that you qualify for any waiver or reduced
sales charge and be prepared to provide proof thereof.
Class Y — Historical Changes to Share Class
Eligibility
Current Class Y eligibility is disclosed in the
Fund’s prospectus, as supplemented (as the case may be). The following is certain historical information with respect to Class Y shares:
Prior to November 8, 2012, Class Y shares were
offered only to certain former shareholders of series of the former Columbia Funds Institutional Trust (together, Former CFIT Shareholders). Former CFIT Shareholders who opened and funded a Class Y account with a Fund as of the close of business on
November 7, 2012 may continue to make additional purchases of Class Y shares even if they do not satisfy the current eligibility requirements but may not establish new Class Y shares accounts and will not be eligible to exchange Class Y shares of a
Fund into Class Y shares of other Funds. Former CFIT Shareholders may exchange Class Y shares of a Fund for Class Z shares of the same Fund or Class Z shares of another Fund, subject to applicable minimum investments.
Certain Historical Changes to Share Class Names
Effective October 25, 2012, Class R4 shares were renamed Class K
shares. Effective October 31, 2012, Class R3 shares were renamed Class R4 shares. Prior to September 3, 2010, any Class R shares of a series of CFST II were known as Class R2 shares. Class T shares existing on January 23, 2017 were renamed as Class
V shares on January 24, 2017. Effective March 27, 2017, Class W shares were renamed as Class T shares.
Sales Charge Waivers
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers
The following information is in addition to the description in the
Fund’s prospectus of front-end sales charge waivers applicable to Class A, Class E and Class V shares. The following categories of investors may buy Class A, Class E and Class V shares at net asset value, without payment of any front-end sales
charge that would otherwise apply:
■
|
Current or retired
fund Board members, officers or employees of the funds or Columbia Management or its affiliates
(a)
;
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■
|
Current or retired
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial Services) financial advisors and employees of such financial advisors
(a)
;
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■
|
Registered
representatives and other employees of affiliated or unaffiliated financial intermediaries (and their immediate family members and related trusts or other entities owned by the foregoing) having a selling agreement with the Distributor
(a)
;
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■
|
Registered
broker-dealer firms that have entered into a dealer agreement with the Distributor may buy Class A shares without paying a front-end sales charge for their investment account only;
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■
|
Portfolio managers
employed by subadvisers of the funds
(a)
;
|
■
|
Partners and
employees of outside legal counsel to the funds or to the funds’ directors or trustees who regularly provide advice and services to the funds, or to their directors or trustees;
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■
|
Direct rollovers (
i.e.
, rollovers of fund shares and not reinvestments of redemption proceeds) from qualified employee benefit plans, provided that the rollover involves a transfer to Class A shares in the same fund;
|
■
|
Employees of Bank
of America, its affiliates and subsidiaries;
|
■
|
Employees or
partners of Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC (or their successors);
|
■
|
For Class V shares
only: Shareholders who (i) bought Galaxy fund Retail A shares at net asset value and received Class V shares (formerly known as Class T shares, as stated above, which have no relation to, or connection with, Class T shares in effect on March 10,
2017) in exchange for those shares during the Galaxy/Liberty fund reorganization; and (ii) continue to maintain the account in which the Retail A shares were originally bought; and Boston 1784 fund shareholders on the date that those funds were
reorganized into Galaxy funds;
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■
|
Separate
accounts established and maintained by an insurance company which are exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(11);
|
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■
|
At a fund’s
discretion, front-end sales charges may be waived for shares issued in plans of reorganization, such as mergers, asset acquisitions and exchange offers, to which the fund is a party;
|
■
|
Purchases by
registered representatives and employees (and their immediate family members and related trusts or other entities owned by the foregoing (referred to as “Related Persons”)) of Ameriprise Financial Services and its affiliates; provided
that with respect to employees (and their Related Persons) of an affiliate of Ameriprise Financial, such persons must make purchases through an account held at Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates.
|
The following categories of investors may buy Class
A shares of any eligible series of CFST II at net asset value, without payment of any front-end sales charge that would otherwise apply:
■
|
Participants of
“eligible employee benefit plans” including 403(b) plans for which Ameriprise Financial Services serves as broker-dealer, and the school district or group received a written proposal from Ameriprise Financial Services between November 1,
2007 and December 31, 2008 (each a Qualifying 403(b) Plan). In order for participants in one of these 403(b) plans to receive this waiver, at least one participant account of the 403(b) plan must have been funded at Ameriprise Financial Services
prior to December 31, 2009. This waiver may be discontinued for any Qualifying 403(b) Plan, in the sole discretion of the Distributor.
|
Purchases of Class A, Class E and Class V shares may
be made at net asset value if they are made as follows:
■
|
Through or under a
wrap fee product or other investment product sponsored by a financial intermediary that charges an account management fee or other managed agency/asset allocation accounts or programs involving fee-based compensation arrangements that have or that
clear trades through a financial intermediary that has a selling agreement with the Distributor;
|
■
|
Through state
sponsored college savings plans established under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code;
|
■
|
Through banks,
trust companies and thrift institutions, acting as fiduciaries; or
|
■
|
Through
“employee benefit plans” created under Section 401(a), 401(k), 457 and 403(b), and qualified deferred compensation plans, that have a plan level or omnibus account maintained with the fund or the Transfer Agent and transacts directly
with the fund or the Transfer Agent through a third party administrator or third party recordkeeper.
|
(a)
|
Including their spouses or
domestic partners, children or step-children, parents, step-parents or legal guardians, and their spouse’s or domestic partner’s parents, step-parents, or legal guardians.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers (Class A,
Class C, Class E and Class V Shares)
For purposes of
calculating a CDSC, the start of the holding period is generally the first day of the month in which your purchase was made.
Shareholders won’t pay a
CDSC on redemption of Class A, Class C
,
Class E
and Class V shares:
■
|
In the event of
the shareholder’s death;
|
■
|
For which no sales
commission or transaction fee was paid to an authorized financial intermediary at the time of purchase;
|
■
|
Purchased through
reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions;
|
■
|
In an account that
has been closed because it falls below the minimum account balance;
|
■
|
That result from
required minimum distributions taken from retirement accounts upon the shareholder’s attainment of age 70½;
|
■
|
That result from
returns of excess contributions made to retirement plans or individual retirement accounts, so long as the financial intermediary returns the applicable portion of any commission paid by the Distributor;
|
■
|
Of Class A shares
of a fund initially purchased by an employee benefit plan;
|
■
|
Other than Class A
shares of a fund initially purchased by an employee benefit plan that are not connected with a plan level termination;
|
■
|
In connection with
the fund’s Small Account Policy (as described in the prospectus); and
|
■
|
At a fund’s
discretion, issued in connection with plans of reorganization, including but not limited to mergers, asset acquisitions and exchange offers, to which the fund is a party.
|
Restrictions may apply to certain accounts and
certain transactions. The Distributor may, in its sole discretion, authorize the waiver of the CDSC for additional classes of investors. The Fund may change or cancel these terms at any time. Any change or cancellation applies only to future
purchases.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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Class Z Shares Additional Eligible Investors
In addition to the
categories of Class Z investors described in the Fund’s prospectus (other than for the Multi-Manager Strategies Funds), the minimum initial investments in Class Z shares for the following categories of eligible investors is $2,000 ($1,000 for
IRAs, as applicable):
■
|
Any client of Bank
of America or one of its subsidiaries buying shares through an asset management company, trust, fiduciary, retirement plan administration or similar arrangement with Bank of America or the subsidiary.
|
■
|
Any employee (or
family member of an employee) of Bank of America or one of its subsidiaries.
|
■
|
Any investor
buying shares through a Columbia Management state tuition plan organized under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.
|
■
|
Any trustee or
director (or family member of a trustee or director) of a fund distributed by the Distributor.
|
As described in the prospectuses, any shareholder
(as well as any family member of a shareholder or person listed on an account registration for any account of the shareholder) of another fund distributed by the Distributor who holds Class Z shares is eligible to purchase Class Z shares subject to
a minimum initial investment of $2,000. If the account in which the shareholder holds Class Z shares is not eligible to purchase additional Class Z shares, the shareholder may purchase Class Z shares in an account maintained directly with the
Transfer Agent, subject to the $2,000 minimum for such direct account.
Class B Shares — Conversion to Class A
Shares
Class B shares purchased in a series of CFST, CFST I
or CFST II (other than Class B shares purchased in a former Seligman Fund on or prior to June 12, 2009) automatically convert to Class A shares after you’ve owned the shares for eight years, except for Class B shares of Columbia Short Term
Municipal Bond Fund, which do not convert to Class A shares. Class B shares originally purchased in a former Seligman Fund on or prior to June 12, 2009 will convert to Class A shares in the month prior to the ninth year of ownership. The conversion
feature allows you to benefit from the lower operating costs of Class A shares, which can help increase your total returns from an investment in the fund.
The following rules apply to the conversion of Class
B shares to Class A shares:
■
|
Class B shares are
converted on or about the 15th day of the month that they become eligible for conversion. For purposes of determining the month when your Class B shares are eligible for conversion, the start of the holding period is the first day of the month in
which your purchase was made.
|
■
|
Any shares you
received from reinvested distributions on these shares generally will convert to Class A shares at the same time.
|
■
|
You’ll
receive the same dollar value of Class A shares as the Class B shares that were converted. Class B shares that you received from an exchange of Class B shares of another fund will convert based on the day you bought the original shares.
|
■
|
No sales charge or
other charges apply, and conversions are free from U.S. federal income tax.
|
Class F Shares — Conversion to Class E
Shares*
The following rules apply to the conversion of Class
F shares to Class E shares:
■
|
Class F shares are
converted on or about the 15th day of the month that they become eligible for conversion. For purposes of determining the month when your Class F shares are eligible for conversion, the start of the holding period is the first day of the month in
which your purchase was made.
|
■
|
Any shares you
received from reinvested distributions on these shares generally will convert to Class E shares at the same time.
|
■
|
You’ll
receive the same dollar value of Class E shares as the Class F shares that were converted. Class F shares that you received from an exchange of Class F shares of another Fund will convert based on the day you bought the original shares.
|
■
|
No sales charge or
other charges apply, and conversions are free from U.S. federal income tax.
|
*
|
The Funds no longer accept
investments from new or existing investors in Class E or Class F shares, except by existing Class E and/ or Class F shareholders who opened and funded their account prior to September 22, 2006 that may continue to invest in Class E and/or Class F
shares. See the prospectus offering Class E and Class F shares of Large Cap Growth Fund for details.
|
Shares of Multi-Manager Strategies Funds
The Multi-Manager Strategies Funds
offer Class A shares and Class Z shares that are available only through certain wrap fee programs sponsored and/or managed by Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates. The minimum initial investment for Class A shares and Class Z shares of the
Multi-Manager Strategies Funds
is $100, and each share class has no minimum additional investment. Shares of the Multi-Manager Strategies Funds
are not subject to any
front-end sales charge or CDSC. See the Fund’s prospectus for additional information.
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of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
|
S-3
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Fund Reorganizations
Class A shares may be issued without any initial sales charge in
connection with the acquisition of cash and securities owned by other investment companies. Any CDSC will be waived in connection with the redemption of shares of the fund if the fund is combined with another fund or in connection with a similar
reorganization transaction.
Rejection of
Purchases
Each fund and the distributor of the funds reserve
the right to reject any offer to purchase shares, in their sole discretion.
Restrictions and Changes in Terms and Conditions
Restrictions may apply to certain accounts and
certain transactions. The Funds and/or the Distributor may change or cancel these terms and conditions at any time. Unless you provide your financial intermediary with information in writing about all of the factors that may count toward available
reductions or waivers of an applicable sales charge, there can be no assurance that you will receive all of the reductions and waivers for which you may be eligible. To the extent your Fund account is held directly with the Fund, you should provide
this information to the Fund when placing your purchase or redemption order. Please see the Fund’s prospectus for more information about sales charge reductions and waivers.
Statement
of Additional Information – June 1, 2017
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S-4
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PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
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(a)(1)
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Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated August 10, 2005, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (a)(1)), filed on September 16, 2005.
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(a)(2)
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Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, effective September 19, 2005, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (a)(2)), filed on September 16, 2005.
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(b)
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Amended and Restated
By-laws
of the Registrant, effective October 20, 2015, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 248 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (b)), filed on December 22, 2015.
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(c)
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Not Applicable.
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(d)(1)
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Amended and Restated Management Agreement, as of April 25, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust and the Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 257 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(1)), filed on April 27,
2016.
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(d)(1)(i)
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Schedule A and Schedule B, as of May 1, 2017, to the Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust and the Registrant, as of April 25, 2016, are
incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(1)(i)), filed
on April 26, 2017.
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(d)(2)
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Amended and Restated Management Agreement, as of October 25, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust and the Registrant, effective June 16, 2015, is incorporated
by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to Registration Statement
No. 033-14954
of Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit
(d)(2)), filed on October 31, 2016.
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(d)(2)(i)
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Schedule A and Schedule B, as of October 25, 2016, to the Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust and the Registrant, as of October 25, 2016, are
incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to Registration Statement
No. 033-14954
of Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(2)(i)), filed on October 31, 2016.
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(d)(3)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and AQR Capital Management, LLC dated March 7, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(3)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(3)(i)
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Addendum dated March 7, 2012 to the Subadvisory Agreement dated March 7, 2012 between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and AQR Capital Management, LLC on behalf of Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund, is
incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(3)(1)), filed
on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(3)(ii)
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Amendment No. 1, dated August 18, 2016 to the Subadvisory Agreement dated March 7, 2012 between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and AQR Capital Management, LLC on behalf of Multi-Manager Directional
Alternative Strategies Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(3)(ii)), filed on September 30, 2016.
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(d)(4)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC dated March 7, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to
Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(4)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(4)(i)
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Amendment No. 1, dated June 10, 2015, to the Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC dated March 7, 2012, is incorporated by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 231 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(6)(i)), filed on June 29,
2015.
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(d)(5)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and EAM Investors, LLC dated March 7, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration Statement
No. 99356 of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(5)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(6)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and PGIM Inc., the asset management arm of Prudential Financial, dated March 9, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 259 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(6)), filed on May 16, 2016.
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(d)(7)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and TCW Investment Management Company LLC dated February 6, 2013, last amended January 25, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 293 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(7)), filed on March 29, 2017.
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(d)(7)(i)
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Addendum Authorization to Enter Into
Over-The-Counter
And/Or Exchange Traded Derivatives between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and
TCW Investment Management Company LLC dated March 7, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(7)(1)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(8)
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Subadvisory Agreement among Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited dated March 5, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to Registration
Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(8)(i)
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Amendment No. 1, dated December 19, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 236 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)(i)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(8)(ii)
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Amendment No. 2, dated March 4, 2015, to the Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 236 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)(ii)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(8)(iii)
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Amendment No. 3, dated June 10, 2015, to the Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 236 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)(iii)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(8)(iv)
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Addendum, dated December 19, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited,
pertaining
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to CDARF1 Offshore Fund Ltd., a subsidiary of Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)(iv)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(8)(v)
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Addendum, dated December 19, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited, pertaining to CDARF2 Offshore Fund Ltd., a
subsidiary of Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)(v)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(8)(vi)
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Addendum, dated December 19, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited, pertaining to CDARF3 Offshore Fund Ltd., a
subsidiary of Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)(vi)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(8)(vii)
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Addendum, dated December 19, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited, pertaining to CAAF Offshore Fund Ltd., a
subsidiary of Columbia Alternative Beta Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)(vii)), filed on August 26, 2015.
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(d)(9)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Water Island Capital, LLC dated March 7, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(9)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(10)
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Delegation Agreement dated March 7, 2012 between Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. LLC, and Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to
Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(10)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(11)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC dated June 11, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 205 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(11)), filed on August 28, 2014.
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(d)(12)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P. dated December 4, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration
Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(12)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(d)(12)(i)
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Amendment No. 1, dated March 9, 2016, to the Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P., dated December 4, 2013, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 256 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(14)(i)), filed on April 11,
2016.
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(d)(13)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and BMO Asset Management Corp., dated October 20, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(16)), filed on October 26, 2015.
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(d)(13)(i)
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Amendment No. 1, as of May 1, 2017, to the Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and BMO Asset Management Corp., dated October 20, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(13)(i)), filed on April 26,
2017.
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(d)(14)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Boston Partners Global Investors Inc., on behalf of
Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund dated August 18, 2016, is
incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(15)), filed on
September 30, 2016.
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(d)(15)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Analytic Investors, LLC, on behalf of Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund dated October 3, 2016, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(16)), filed on October 3,
2016.
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(d)(16)
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Subadvisory Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc., on behalf of Multi-Manager Growth Strategies Fund effective February 7, 2017, is
incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(16)), filed on
February 7, 2017.
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(d)(17)
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Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CAAF Offshore Fund, Ltd., a subsidiary of Columbia Alternative Beta Fund, effective October 1, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 239 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(18)), filed on September 28, 2015.
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(d)(18)
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Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CDARF1 Offshore Fund, Ltd., a subsidiary of Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, effective October 1, 2015, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(19)), filed on September 28,
2015.
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(d)(19)
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Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CDARF2 Offshore Fund, Ltd., a subsidiary of Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, effective October 1, 2015, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(20)), filed on September 28,
2015.
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(d)(20)
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Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CDARF3 Offshore Fund, Ltd., a subsidiary of Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, effective October 1, 2015, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(21)), filed on September 28,
2015.
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(d)(21)
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Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and ASGM Offshore Fund, Ltd., a subsidiary of Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund, effective January 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 248 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(22)), filed on December 22,
2015.
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(d)(22)
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Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and ASMF Offshore Fund, Ltd., a subsidiary of Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund, effective January 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 248 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (d)(23)), filed on December 22,
2015.
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(e)(1)
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Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement by and between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., dated March 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 256 to
Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (e)(1)), filed on April 11, 2016.
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(e)(1)(i)
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Restated Schedule I, dated August 17, 2016 and Schedule II, to Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement by and between the Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors,
Inc.,
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dated March 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (e)(1)(i)), filed on September 30, 2016.
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(e)(2)
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Form of Mutual Fund Sales Agreement is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 293 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (e)(2)), filed on March 29, 2017.
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(f)
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Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (f)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(g)(1)
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Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement between certain Funds and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 to Registration
Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (g)(2)), filed on April 29, 2011.
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(g)(2)
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Addendum to Master Global Custody Agreement (related to Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund, Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Strategies Fund, Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund and Multi-Manager Growth Strategies
Fund), dated March 9, 2012, Addendum to Master Global Custody Agreement (related to Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund), dated June 11, 2012, and Addendum to Master Global Custody Agreement (related to Columbia Diversified Real Return
Fund), dated February 25, 2014, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 196 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (g)(2)), filed on May 30, 2014.
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(g)(3)
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Addendum to Master Global Custody Agreement (related to Columbia Alternative Beta Fund and Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund), dated January 15, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 221 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (g)(3)), filed on February 27, 2015.
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(g)(4)
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Addendum to Master Global Custody Agreement (related to Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund and Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund), dated March 18, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 223 to
Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (g)(4)), filed on March 24, 2015.
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(g)(5)
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Side letter (related to the China Connect Service on behalf of Columbia Emerging Markets Fund, Columbia Greater China Fund and Columbia Pacific/Asia Fund), dated December 19, 2014, to the Second Amended and Restated Master
Global Custody Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 221 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the
Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (g)(4)), filed on February 27, 2015.
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(g)(6)
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Addendum to Master Global Custody Agreement (related to Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund), is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (g)(6)), filed on September 30, 2016.
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(g)(7)
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Addendum, effective April 4, 2016, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011, is filed herewith as Exhibit (g)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 297 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A.
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(h)(1)
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Amended and Restated Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement by and between the Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., dated March 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(1)), filed on April 26,
2017.
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(h)(1)(i)
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Schedule A and Schedule B, effective January 1, 2017, to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent Agreement by and between the Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., dated
March 1, 2016, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(1)(i)), filed on February 7, 2017.
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(h)(2)
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Form of Indemnification Agreement is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(6)), filed on March 24, 2006.
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(h)(3)
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Amended and Restated Plan Administration Services Agreement, dated as of September 7, 2010, amended and restated November 1, 2012, by and among the Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust and Columbia Management Investment
Services Corp, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 165 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit
(h)(13)), filed on November 7, 2012.
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(h)(3)(i)
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Exhibit A, Exhibit B and Exhibit C, effective May 1, 2016, to the Amended and Restated Plan Administration Services Agreement among Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., the Registrant and Columbia Funds Series Trust,
dated as of September 7, 2010, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 257 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(3)(i)), filed on April 27, 2016.
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(h)(4)
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Amended and Restated Fee Waiver and Expense Cap Agreement, effective July 1, 2016, by and among Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., Columbia Management Investment
Services Corp., the Registrant and Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 264 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(4)), filed on June 29, 2016.
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(h)(4)(i)
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Restated Schedule A, effective May 1, 2017, to the Amended and Restated Fee Waiver and Expense Cap Agreement, effective July 1, 2016, by and among Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Management
Investment Distributors, Inc., Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., the Registrant and Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(4)(i)), filed on April 26, 2017.
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(h)(5)
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Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated October 9, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the
Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(8)), filed on May 30, 2013.
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(h)(6)
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Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated December 20, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registration Statement
No. 333-146374
of
Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(9)), filed on April 29, 2011.
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(h)(7)
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Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated December 17, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Registration Statement
No. 333-208706
of Columbia Funds Series Trust on Form
N-14
(Exhibit (4)), filed on December 22, 2015.
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(h)(8)
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Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as of December 9, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 225 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the
Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(14)), filed on April 16, 2015.
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(h)(8)(i)
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Restated Credit Agreement, as of December 8, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 256 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (h)(9)(i)), filed on April 11, 2016.
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(h)(8)(ii)
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Restated Credit Agreement, as of December 6, 2016, is filed herewith as Exhibit (h)(8)(ii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the
Registrant on Form
N-1A.
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(h)(8)(iii)
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Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated April 25, 2017, is filed herewith as Exhibit (h)(8)(iii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of
the Registrant on Form
N-1A.
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(i)(1)
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Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (i)), filed on September 16, 2005.
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(i)(2)
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Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (i)(2)), filed on January 16, 2008.
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|
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(i)(3)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (i)(3)), filed on November 25, 2008.
|
|
|
(i)(4)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (i)(4)), filed on November 20, 2009.
|
|
|
(i)(5)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (i)(5)), filed on March 14, 2012.
|
|
|
(i)(6)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP, with respect to Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 153 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (I)(6)), filed on June 15, 2012.
|
|
|
(i)(7)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP, with respect to Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (i)(7)), filed on March 10, 2014.
|
|
|
(i)(8)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP, with respect to Columbia Alternative Beta Fund and Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to Registration
Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (j)(8)), filed on January 27, 2015.
|
|
|
(i)(9)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP, with respect to Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund and Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 223 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (i)(9)), filed on March 24, 2015.
|
|
|
(i)(10)
|
|
Opinion of Counsel of Ropes & Gray LLP, with respect to Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (i)(10)), filed on September 30, 2016.
|
|
|
(j)(1)
|
|
Consent of Morningstar, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (11)(b)), filed on August 30, 1996.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(2)
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is filed herewith as Exhibit (j)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A.
|
|
|
|
|
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(k)
|
|
Omitted Financial Statements: Not Applicable.
|
|
|
(l)
|
|
Initial Capital Agreement: Not Applicable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(1)
|
|
Amended and Restated Distribution Plan, as of January 25, 2017, is filed herewith as Exhibit (m)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of
the Registrant on Form
N-1A.
|
|
|
(m)(2)
|
|
Amended and Restated Shareholder Servicing Plan, as of January 25, 2017, for certain Fund share classes of the Registrant, is filed herewith as Exhibit (m)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(3)
|
|
Amended and Restated Shareholder Services Plan for Registrants Class V (formerly known as Class T) shares is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (m)(3)), filed on November 24, 2010.
|
|
|
(m)(4)
|
|
Restated Schedule I, effective October 1, 2014, to Shareholder Servicing Plan Implementation Agreement for Registrants Class V (formerly known as Class T) shares between the Registrant and Columbia Management
Investment Distributors, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (m)(5)), filed on September 26, 2014.
|
|
|
(m)(5)
|
|
Shareholder Servicing Plan Implementation Agreement for certain Fund share classes of the Registrant between the Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust, Columbia Funds Series Trust II and Columbia Management Investment
Distributors, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (m)(4)), filed on November 24, 2010.
|
|
|
(m)(6)
|
|
Restated Schedule I, effective August 17, 2016, to Shareholder Servicing Plan Implementation Agreement is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 282 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (m)(6)), filed on November 23, 2016.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(n)
|
|
Rule 18f 3 Multi-Class Plan, amended and restated as of January 25, 2017, is filed herewith as Exhibit (n) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(o)
|
|
Reserved.
|
|
|
(p)(1)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Columbia Atlantic Board Funds, effective February 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 256 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of
the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(1)), filed on April 11, 2016.
|
|
|
(p)(2)
|
|
Ameriprise Global Asset Management Personal Trading Account Dealing and Code of Ethics Policy, effective December 15, 2016 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(2)), filed on February 7, 2017.
|
|
|
(p)(3)
|
|
Code of Ethics of AQR Capital Management, LLC (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund and Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund ), effective February 2016, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(3)), filed on September 30,
2016.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(4)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund), dated May 20, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295
to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(4)), filed on April 26,
2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(5)
|
|
Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Conduct of EAM Investors, LLC (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund), effective July 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(5)), filed on April 26, 2017.
|
|
|
(p)(6)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Prudential Financial (for PGIM, Inc., a subadviser of Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Strategies Fund), dated January 9, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to
Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(6)), filed on April 26, 2017.
|
|
|
(p)(7)
|
|
Code of Ethics of TCW Investment Management Company LLC (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund and Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Strategies Fund), dated March 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(7)), filed on April 26,
2017.
|
|
|
(p)(8)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Water Island Capital, LLC (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund), dated April 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(8)), filed on April 26, 2017.
|
|
|
(p)(9)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC. (provides advisory services as delegated by Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC, a subadviser of Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund), dated
July 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(9)), filed on April 26, 2017.
|
|
|
(p)(10)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund), dated July 19, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration
Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(10)), filed on April 26, 2017.
|
|
|
(p)(11)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P. (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Growth Strategies Fund and Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Strategies Fund), effective January 14, 2000, as amended August 11, 2016, is
incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(11)), filed on
April 26, 2017.
|
|
|
(p)(12)
|
|
Code of Ethics of BMO Asset Management Corp. (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund), dated December 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(12)), filed on April 26, 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(13)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Boston Partners (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund), effective March 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(14)), filed on September 30, 2016.
|
|
|
(p)(14)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Wells Capital Management, Inc. (for Analytic Investors, LLC, a subadviser of Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund), effective September 30, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 278 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(15)), filed on October 5,
2016.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(15)
|
|
Code of Ethics of Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc., (a subadviser of Multi-Manager Growth Strategies Fund), effective December 30, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 288 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (p)(15)), filed on February 7, 2017.
|
|
|
(q)(1)
|
|
Trustees Power of Attorney, dated January 26, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 251 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (q)(1)), filed on February 12, 2016.
|
|
|
(q)(2)
|
|
Power of Attorney for Christopher O. Petersen, dated February 16, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 221 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of
the Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (q)(7)), filed on February 27, 2015.
|
|
|
(q)(3)
|
|
Power of Attorney for Michael G. Clarke, dated May 23, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the
Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (q)(3)), filed on May 27, 2016.
|
|
|
(q)(4)
|
|
Power of Attorney for Amy K. Johnson, dated May 11, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the
Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (q)(4)), filed on May 27, 2016.
|
|
|
(q)(5)
|
|
Power of Attorney for Anthony P. Haugen, dated May 11, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the
Registrant on Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (q)(5)), filed on May 27, 2016.
|
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the investment manager or Columbia Management), as sponsor of the Columbia funds, may make initial capital
investments in Columbia funds (seed accounts). Columbia Management also serves as investment manager of certain Columbia
funds-of-funds
that invest primarily in shares
of affiliated funds (the underlying funds). Columbia Management does not make initial capital investments or invest in underlying funds for the purpose of exercising control. However, since these ownership interests may be significant, in excess of
25%, such that Columbia Management may be deemed to control certain Columbia funds, procedures have been put in place to assure that public shareholders determine the outcome of all actions taken at shareholder meetings. Specifically, Columbia
Management (which votes proxies for the seed accounts) and the Boards of Trustees of the affiliated
funds-of-funds
(which votes proxies for the affiliated
funds-of-funds)
vote on each proposal in the same proportion as the vote of the direct public shareholders vote; provided, however, that if there are no direct public
shareholders of an underlying fund or if direct public shareholders represent only a minority interest in an underlying fund, the Fund may cast votes in accordance with instructions from the independent members of the Board.
Item 30. Indemnification
Article Five of the Bylaws
of Registrant provides that Registrant shall indemnify each of its trustees and officers (including persons who serve at Registrants request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which Registrant has any interest as a
shareholder, creditor or otherwise) who are not employees or officers of any investment adviser to Registrant or any affiliated person thereof and its chief compliance officer, regardless of whether such person is an employee or officer of any
investment adviser to Registrant or any affiliated person thereof, and may indemnify each of its trustees and officers (including persons who serve at Registrants request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which
Registrant has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) (i.e., those who are employees or officers of any investment adviser to Registrant or any affiliated person thereof) (Covered Persons) under specified circumstances, all as more
fully set forth in the Registrants Bylaws, which have been filed as an exhibit to this registration statement.
Section 17(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) provides that no instrument pursuant to which
Registrant is organized or administered shall contain any provision which protects or purports to protect any trustee or officer of Registrant against any liability to Registrant or its shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. In accordance with Section 17(h) of the 1940 Act, no Covered Person is indemnified under the Bylaws against
any liability to Registrant or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the Covered Persons office.
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. agrees to indemnify the Registrant, its officers and trustees
against claims, demands, liabilities and expenses under specified circumstances, all as more fully set forth in the Registrants Distribution Agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. The Registrant may be
party to other contracts that include indemnification provisions for the benefit of the Registrants trustees and officers.
The trustees and
officers of the Registrant and the personnel of the Registrants investment adviser and principal underwriter are insured under an errors and omissions liability insurance policy. Registrants investment adviser, Columbia Management
Investment Advisers, LLC, maintains investment advisory professional liability insurance to insure it, for the benefit of Registrant and its
non-interested
trustees, against loss arising out of any effort,
omission, or breach of any duty owed to Registrant or any series of Registrant by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC.
Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Registrants organizational instruments or otherwise,
the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and, therefore, is unenforceable.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser
To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the Investment Manager), the
Registrants investment adviser, or the subadviser to a series of the Registrant, except as set forth below, are or have been, at any time during the Registrants past two fiscal years, engaged in any other business, profession, vocation
or employment of a substantial nature.
|
(a)
|
The Investment Manager, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. performs investment advisory services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of the Investment
Manager and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolios and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of the Investment Manager and
the directors and principal executive officers of the Investment Manager is also included in the Form ADV filed by the Investment Manager (formerly, RiverSource Investments, LLC) with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-25943),
which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition to their position with the Investment Manager, certain directors and officers of the Investment Manager also hold various positions with,
and engage in business for, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. or its other subsidiaries.
|
|
(b)
|
Analytic Investors, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Analytic Investors, LLC and certain of its officers is set forth in the
Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Analytic Investors, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Analytic Investors, LLC and the directors and
principal executive officers of Analytic Investors, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Analytic Investors, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-7082),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(c)
|
AQR Capital Management, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients.
Information regarding the business of AQR Capital Management, LLC and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by AQR Capital Management, LLC
and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the
|
|
business of AQR Capital Management, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of AQR Capital Management, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by AQR Capital Management, LLC
with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-55543),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(d)
|
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. and certain of
its officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business
of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-61786),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(e)
|
BMO Asset Management Corp. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of BMO Asset Management Corp. and certain of its officers is set forth
in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by BMO Asset Management Corp. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of BMO Asset Management Corp. and the
directors and principal executive officers of BMO Asset Management Corp. is also included in the Form ADV filed by BMO Asset Management Corp. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-35533),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(f)
|
Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC and certain of its officers is
set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Conestoga Capital
Advisors, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-60133),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(g)
|
Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher &
Co., LLC and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC and is incorporated herein by
reference. Information about the business of Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by
Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-62895),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(h)
|
EAM Investors, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of EAM Investors, LLC and certain of its officers is set forth in the
Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by EAM Investors, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of EAM Investors, LLC and the directors and principal
executive officers of EAM Investors, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by EAM Investors, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-70305),
which is
incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(i)
|
Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P. and certain of its officers
is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Loomis, Sayles
and Company, L.P. and the directors and principal executive officers of Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-170),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(j)
|
Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Los Angeles Capital Management and
Equity Research, Inc. and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. and is
incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. is also
included in the Form ADV filed by Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-60934),
which is incorporated herein
by reference.
|
|
(k)
|
PGIM, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of PGIM, Inc. and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and
Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by PGIM, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of PGIM, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of PGIM, Inc.
is also included in the Form ADV filed by PGIM, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-22808),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(l)
|
TCW Investment Management Company LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of TCW Investment Management Company LLC and certain of its
officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by TCW Investment Management Company LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of
TCW Investment Management Company LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of TCW Investment Management Company LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by TCW Investment Management Company LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-29075),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
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(m)
|
Threadneedle International Limited performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Threadneedle International Limited and certain of its
officers is set forth in the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Threadneedle International Limited and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of
Threadneedle International Limited and the directors and principal executive officers of Threadneedle International Limited is also included in the Form ADV filed by Threadneedle International Limited with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-63196),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
(n)
|
Water Island Capital, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Water Island Capital, LLC and certain of its officers is set forth in
the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrants portfolio(s) subadvised by Water Island Capital, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Water Island Capital, LLC and the
directors and principal executive officers of Water Island Capital, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Water Island Capital, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File
No. 801-57341),
which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
Item 32. Principal
Underwriter
|
(a)
|
Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies, including the Registrant:
|
Columbia Acorn Trust; Columbia Funds Series Trust; Columbia Funds Series Trust I; Columbia Funds Series Trust II; Columbia Funds Variable
Series Trust II; Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust.
|
(b)
|
As to each director, principal officer or partner of Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal Business Address*
|
|
Position and Offices with Principal Underwriter
|
|
Positions and Offices with Registrant
|
William F. Truscott
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Board Member, Senior Vice President
|
Joseph Kringdon
|
|
President and Head of Intermediary Distribution
|
|
None
|
Jeffrey F. Peters
|
|
Managing Director and Head of Global Institutional Distribution
|
|
None
|
Jeffrey J. Scherman
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
None
|
Michael E. DeFao
|
|
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary
|
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
|
Stephen O. Buff
|
|
Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
None
|
James Bumpus
|
|
Vice President National Sales Manager
|
|
None
|
Joe Feloney
|
|
Vice President National Sales Manager U.S. Trust/Private Wealth Management
|
|
None
|
Thomas A. Jones
|
|
Vice President and Head of Strategic Relations
|
|
None
|
Gary Rawdon
|
|
Vice President Sales Governance and Administration
|
|
None
|
Leslie A. Walstrom
|
|
Vice President and U.S. Head of Marketing
|
|
None
|
Thomas R. Moore
|
|
Secretary
|
|
None
|
Paul B. Goucher
|
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary
|
Tara W. Tilbury
|
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
|
|
Assistant Secretary
|
Nancy W. LeDonne
|
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
|
|
None
|
Ryan C. Larrenaga
|
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
|
|
Vice President and Secretary
|
Joseph L. DAlessandro
|
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
|
|
Assistant Secretary
|
Christopher O. Petersen
|
|
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
|
|
President and Principal Executive Officer
|
Shweta J. Jhanji
|
|
Treasurer
|
|
None
|
Michael Tempesta
|
|
Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Identity Theft Prevention Officer
|
|
None
|
Kevin Wasp
|
|
Ombudsman
|
|
None
|
Kristin Weisser
|
|
Conflicts Officer
|
|
None
|
*
|
The principal business address of Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110.
|
Item 33.
|
Location of Accounts and Records
|
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other
documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder include:
|
|
Registrant, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;
|
|
|
Registrants investment adviser and administrator, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Analytic Investors, LLC, 555 West Fifth Street, 50th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, AQR Capital Management, LLC, Two Greenwich Plaza, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc., 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, BMO Asset Management, Corp., 115 South LaSalle Street, 11
th
Floor, Chicago, IL, 60603;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC, 550 East Swedesford Road, Suite 120, Wayne, PA 19087;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., 565 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2101, New York, NY 10017;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, EAM Investors, LLC, 2533 South Coast Highway 101, Suite 240,
Cardiff-by-the-Sea,
CA 92007;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Loomis, Sayles and Company, L.P., One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc., 1150 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90025;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, PGIM, Inc./Prudential Financial, Inc., 655 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, TCW Investment Management Company LLC, 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90017;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Threadneedle International Limited, Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6AG, United Kingdom;
|
|
|
Registrants subadviser, Water Island Capital, LLC, 41 Madison Avenue, 42nd floor, New York, NY 10010;
|
|
|
Registrants provider of advisory service as delegated by DGHM, Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC, 1100 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 305, Naples, FL 34102;
|
|
|
Registrants former subadviser, Eaton Vance Management, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110;
|
|
|
Registrants former subadviser, Federated Investment Management Company, Federated Investors Tower, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779;
|
|
|
Registrants former subadviser, Nordea Investment Management North America, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022;
|
|
|
Registrants former subadviser, RS Investment Management Co. LLC, 388 Market Street, Suite 1700, San Francisco, CA 94111;
|
|
|
Registrants former subadviser, Wasatch Advisors Inc, 505 Wakara Way, 3
rd
Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84108;
|
|
|
Registrants principal underwriter, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110;
|
|
|
Registrants transfer agent, Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110;
|
|
|
Registrants custodian, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza 19
th
Floor, New York, NY 10005; and
|
|
|
Registrants former custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.
|
In addition, Iron Mountain Records Management is an
off-site
storage facility housing historical records that are no
longer required to be maintained
on-site.
Records stored at this facility include various trading and accounting records, as well as other miscellaneous records. The address for Iron Mountain Records
Management is 920 & 950 Apollo Road, Eagan, MN 55121.
Item 34. Management Services
Not Applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST I, certifies
that it meets all the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to its Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, and The State of Minnesota on the 30th day of May, 2017.
|
|
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST I
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Christopher O. Petersen
|
|
|
Christopher O. Petersen
|
|
|
President
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 30th day of May, 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Capacity
|
|
Signature
|
|
Capacity
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Christopher O. Petersen
|
|
President
|
|
/s/ Charles R. Nelson*
|
|
Trustee
|
Christopher O. Petersen
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
Charles R. Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael G. Clarke*
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
/s/ John J. Neuhauser*
|
|
Trustee
|
Michael G. Clarke
|
|
(Principal Financial Officer)
Chief Accounting
Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
John J. Neuhauser
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Douglas A. Hacker*
|
|
Chair of the Board
|
|
/s/ Patrick J. Simpson*
|
|
Trustee
|
Douglas A. Hacker
|
|
|
|
Patrick J. Simpson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Janet L. Carrig*
|
|
Trustee
|
|
/s/ William F. Truscott*
|
|
Trustee
|
Janet L. Carrig
|
|
|
|
William F. Truscott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Nancy T. Lukitsh*
|
|
Trustee
|
|
/s/
Anne-Lee
Verville*
|
|
Trustee
|
Nancy T. Lukitsh
|
|
|
|
Anne-Lee
Verville
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ David M. Moffett*
|
|
Trustee
|
|
|
|
|
David M. Moffett
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Joseph DAlessandro
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Joseph DAlessandro**
|
|
|
|
|
Attorney-in-fact
|
**
|
Executed by Joseph DAlessandro on behalf of Michael G. Clarke pursuant to a Power of Attorney, dated May 23, 2016 and incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to Registration
Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form N-1A
(Exhibit (q)(3)), filed with the Commission on May 27, 2016, and on behalf of each of the Trustees
pursuant to a Trustees Power of Attorney, dated January 26, 2016, and incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 251 to Registration Statement
No. 2-99356
of the Registrant on
Form
N-1A
(Exhibit (q)(1)), filed with the Commission on February 12, 2016.
|
Exhibit Index
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(7)
|
|
Addendum, effective April 4, 2016, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011
|
|
|
(h)(8)(ii)
|
|
Restated Credit Agreement, as of December 6, 2016
|
|
|
(h)(8)(iii)
|
|
Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated April 25, 2017
|
|
|
(j)(2)
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
|
|
|
(m)(1)
|
|
Amended and Restated Distribution Plan, as of January 25, 2017
|
|
|
(m)(2)
|
|
Amended and Restated Shareholder Servicing Plan, as of January 25, 2017
|
|
|
(n)
|
|
Rule 18f 3 Multi-Class Plan, amended and restated as of January 25, 2017
|
|
|
|
Securities Class Action Services Addendum US
Non-ERISA
2014
|
|
|
SECURITIES CLASS ACTION AND GROUP LITIGATION SERVICES ADDENDUM
THIS ADDENDUM, effective on April 1, 2016, supplements the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement dated March 7, 2011(as
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the
Custody Agreement
) between JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (
J.P. Morgan
) and each of the funds listed on Schedule A thereto,
severally and not jointly (each such fund hereinafter, a separate and distinct
Customer
). All references to a particular Customer should be deemed also to be a reference to any entity of which the Customer is a series.
RECITALS
A.
|
The Customer has requested J.P. Morgan, and J.P. Morgan has agreed, to provide certain services with respect to Securities class actions (Class Actions) and/or group Securities litigations (i.e.,
developing cases that may be brought to the court representing a specific group of investors where the respective investors are required to be listed as part of the cases via opting in prior to such cases being settled, referred to as Group
Litigations herein) described in Schedule 1 to this Addendum in connection with (i) the services provided pursuant to the section titled Class Action Litigation in the Custody Agreement for Securities held from time to
time in Customers Accounts, and (ii) certain securities transactions while such securities were held at other custodians or in a name that was not under the control of J.P. Morgan during the relevant class period, excluding the Accounts
set forth in Schedule 3 to this Addendum, if any (collectively, Serviced Accounts and individually, Serviced Account); and
|
B.
|
The parties wish to supplement the Custody Agreement to add and/or describe, as applicable, such services that J.P. Morgan will provide to the Customer in accordance with the Custody Agreement.
|
AGREEMENT
|
(a)
|
J.P. Morgan will provide the services (the Services) described in Section 1(b) and/or Section 1(c) (as applicable) of this Addendum with respect to notifications of Class Actions and/or Group
Litigations that J.P. Morgan may receive from time to time with regard to the Serviced Accounts.
|
|
(b)
|
J.P. Morgan will provide the following Services with respect to Class Actions (the Class Action Services) for markets listed in Schedule 1 (Part A) to this Addendum: [Check if
applicable
X
]
|
|
(i)
|
preparing and submitting claims and supporting documentation on the Serviced Accounts behalf in respect of Class Action notifications relating to the Securities held in the Serviced Accounts during the
relevant class period;
|
|
(ii)
|
responding to inquiries from claims administrators arising from the Serviced Accounts participation in Class Actions and making changes to the filings of claim forms as needed to address such inquiries; where
additional information is required to make such changes, J.P. Morgan will contact the Customer as soon as reasonably practicable;
|
|
(iii)
|
communicating with claims administrators from time to time, in J.P. Morgans discretion, with regard to the status of the Serviced Accounts claims; and
|
|
(iv)
|
crediting the Serviced Accounts upon receipt of claim proceeds from the claims administrator as soon as reasonably practicable.
|
|
(c)
|
If elected by the Customer, J.P. Morgan will provide the following Services with respect to Group Litigations (the Group Litigation Services) for markets listed in Schedule 1 (Part B) to this Addendum:
[Check if applicable ]
|
|
(i)
|
upon receipt of notification by J.P. Morgan regarding Group Litigations affecting owners of the Securities, notifying the Customer if J.P. Morgan, using reasonable care and diligence in the circumstances, identifies
that the Customer was a shareholder and held the relevant Securities in custody with J.P. Morgan at the relevant time (such Services described in this clause (i), Group Litigation Monitoring Services); and
|
|
(ii)
|
upon receipt of the Instructions from the Customer to opt in regarding each Group Litigation notification referenced in Section 1(c)(i) above:
|
|
1.
|
preparing and submitting claims and supporting documentation on the Serviced Accounts behalf in respect of Group Litigation notifications relating to the Securities held in the Serviced Accounts during the
relevant period;
|
|
2.
|
responding to inquiries from administrators arising from the Serviced Accounts participation in Group Litigations and making changes to the filings of claim forms as needed to address such inquiries; where
additional information is required to make such changes, J.P. Morgan will contact the Customer as soon as reasonably practicable;
|
|
3.
|
communicating with administrators from time to time, in J.P. Morgans discretion, with regard to the status of the Serviced Accounts claims; and
|
|
4.
|
crediting the Serviced Accounts upon receipt of claim proceeds from the administrator as soon as reasonably practicable.
|
|
(d)
|
Schedule 1 to this Addendum lists those Class Actions markets, types of and limitations, if any, under which J.P. Morgan provides the Services. J.P. Morgan may from time to time, in J.P. Morgans discretion,
modify such Schedule upon written notice to Customer, which shall include electronic notification to Customer by posting such notice on J.P. Morgans website or other online reporting tool.
|
|
(e)
|
Except as otherwise expressly agreed by the parties in writing, the Services shall only be provided in respect of notifications of Class Actions listed on Schedule 1 to this Addendum that arise prior to the
termination of this Addendum.
|
|
(f)
|
When J.P. Morgan completes and files claim forms or other documentation on the Serviced Accounts behalf,
J.P. Morgan shall be acting solely in an administrative capacity as the Customers agent and shall not be a fiduciary to the Serviced Accounts with respect to the performance of the Services, even though it may act separately as a fiduciary.
J.P. Morgan is not making any
|
|
representation or warranty as to the advisability of the Serviced Accounts participating in the Class Action or the Group Litigation (as applicable); J.P. Morgan is not expressing any view
in relation to the Class Action or the Group Litigation (as applicable); and J.P. Morgan is not making any representation or warranty as to the likely outcome of any Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable), participation in which
is wholly at the Customers request and the Serviced Accounts risk. The Customer acknowledges and agrees that any reports or notifications in connection with the Group Litigation Monitoring Services (if applicable) are provided to the
Customer to enable it to determine whether to participate in the relevant Group Litigation and are not intended to be used for investment purposes (including any decisions to sell, purchase or otherwise trade any Securities).
|
|
(g)
|
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, as an accommodation to the Customer, J.P. Morgan has agreed to file claims, or cause its third party vendors to file claims, in respect of the Serviced Accounts Securities
transactions while such Securities were held at other custodians or in a name that was not under the control of J.P. Morgan during the relevant class period unless J.P. Morgan, in its sole discretion, decides that it can no longer support such
filings and upon written notice to the Customer. The Customer shall provide all necessary information relating to such transactions directly to the designated vendor of J.P. Morgan (or to J.P. Morgan if so notified by J.P. Morgan). The Customer
represents that such information provided to such vendor (or J.P. Morgan if applicable) is true, correct and complete to the best of Customers knowledge and agrees, to indemnify and hold the Bank Indemnitees harmless from any and all
Liabilities that may result from such transactions subject to any and all limitations set forth in the Custody Agreement.
|
|
(h)
|
J.P. Morgan and its Subcustodians shall not be obliged to file a claim or take any action in any Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable) where J.P. Morgan or its Subcustodians reasonably determine such
Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable) proceeding does not conform with the standards or market practices prevailing in the relevant market. J.P. Morgan will inform the Customer in writing each time a Class Action proceeding does
not conform to market practice in the relevant market where such a situation arises within a reasonable time prior to the filing deadline to allow Customer to file a claim or take action, should it determine to do so.
|
|
(i)
|
Neither J.P. Morgan nor its Subcustodians shall be obliged to file a claim or take any action in any Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable) where such Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable)
would require J.P. Morgan or a Subcustodian to file a claim in its own name due to applicable law, regulation or market practice in the relevant market. J.P. Morgan will promptly inform the Customer in writing each time such a situation arises.
|
2.
|
Filing of Claims; Standing Instructions.
|
|
(a)
|
When J.P. Morgan has received in accordance with market practice a Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable) notification, J.P. Morgan shall, as contemplated by the Custody Agreement, research records of the
Serviced Accounts to identify the Serviced Accounts interest, if any, with respect to any such Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable) notification and shall notify the Customer of the same by (1) posting such notice on J.P.
Morgans website or other online reporting tool, or (2) providing a data file every month that will include the CUSIP file for the relevant Class Actions deadlines to the Customer (a Customer Notification).
|
|
(b)
|
With respect to each Class Action, the Customer shall instruct J.P. Morgan no later than two (2) business days prior to the stated
opt-out
date referred to in the
relevant Customer Notification whether the Customer disagrees with any of the information provided by J.P. Morgan under Section 2(a) or if the Customer does not wish J.P. Morgan to proceed with filing a claim on the Service Accounts behalf, as
applicable in such market. To the extent applicable, with respect to each Group Litigation, the Customer shall instruct J.P. Morgan no later than two (2) business days prior to the stated
opt-in
date
referred to in the relevant notification whether the Customer disagrees with any of the information provided by J.P. Morgan under Section 2(a) and whether the Customer wishes J.P. Morgan to proceed with filing a claim on the Service Accounts
behalf, as applicable in such market.
|
|
(c)
|
Unless J.P. Morgan has received Instructions not to file a claim in connection with a Class Action on the Serviced Accounts behalf at least two (2) business days prior to the stated
opt-out
date referred to in the relevant Customer Notification, J.P. Morgan shall, to the extent applicable in such market, be under standing instructions to complete and file the required claim forms for the
particular Class Action with the claims administrator. To the extent applicable, solely in the event that J.P. Morgan has received Instructions to participate in a Group Litigation on the Serviced Accounts behalf at least two
(2) business days prior to the stated
opt-in
date referred to in the relevant notification, J.P. Morgan shall, to the extent applicable in such market, be under standing instructions to complete and file
the required claim forms for the particular Group Litigation with the administrator and pay all applicable fees and expenses in connection therewith from the Serviced Accounts.
|
|
(d)
|
J.P. Morgan shall present with the claim any supporting information that J.P. Morgan has in its possession and that is required as part of the filing as set out in the Class Action or Group Litigation (as
applicable) notification. J.P. Morgan shall be authorized to disclose such information regarding the Serviced Accounts as J.P. Morgan reasonably believes is required to complete and file claims on the Serviced Accounts behalf.
|
3.
|
Responsibilities of the Customer.
|
|
(a)
|
The Customer agrees to provide J.P. Morgan with such information and documentation as J.P. Morgan may reasonably require in connection with the Services.
|
|
(b)
|
The Customer acknowledges that in relation to any Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable) it is important that only one claim is filed on the Serviced Accounts behalf in respect of a custodial
holding or Securities transaction. If, in the same Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable), multiple claims are submitted on the Serviced Accounts behalf for the same custodial holding, then all such claims might be rejected by
the administrator. Therefore, where a claim is to be submitted by J.P. Morgan as set out in a Customer Notification, as provided by this authorization, no other party should submit a claim on the Serviced Accounts behalf for the same custodial
holding or Securities transaction in the same Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable). J.P. Morgan shall have no duty to check whether any other claims have been filed by any third party on the Serviced Accounts behalf in the
same Class Action or Group Litigation (as applicable). Subject to Section 4 of this Addendum, J.P. Morgan will have no responsibility in the event that a claim is rejected on the basis that a duplicate claim has been filed by the Customer
or another party.
|
|
(c)
|
Should the Customer engage a third party to make a claim on the Serviced Accounts behalf in respect of a custodial holding or Securities transaction, (1) with respect to a Class Action, the Customer
shall be responsible for instructing J.P. Morgan not to file a claim on the Serviced Accounts behalf at least two (2) business days prior to the stated
opt-out
date referred to in the relevant
Customer Notification and (2) with respect to a Group Litigation (if applicable), to the extent the Customer has already instructed J.P. Morgan to file a claim on the Serviced Accounts behalf, the Customer shall instruct J.P. Morgan to
cease filing the claim at least two (2) business days prior to the stated
opt-in
date referred to in the relevant notification.
|
In the event that J.P. Morgan is notified by the administrator that
such administrator has rejected a claim, J.P. Morgan will use reasonable efforts to notify the Customer via J.P. Morgans website or other online reporting tool as soon as reasonably practicable.
The Customer agrees to pay to J.P. Morgan for the Services such fees and
expenses as set out in Schedule 2 to this Addendum or as the Customer and J.P. Morgan may mutually agree in writing from time to time.
6.
|
Limitation of Liability.
|
In addition to the Serviced Accounts, Columbia Management
Investment Advisers, LLC (the Adviser) may serve as investment adviser for other funds and accounts for which J.P. Morgan provides Class Action Services similar to those described herein (together with the Serviced Accounts, the
Adviser Accounts). Adviser Account(s) may incur losses arising out of the services provided hereunder. If losses are incurred from the services set forth in Section 1(b)(i)-(iii) of this Addendum, or such Addendum as is applicable for
the relevant Adviser Account(s), (whether for breach of contract, tort, or otherwise, but excluding losses caused by fraud, gross negligence, bad faith or wilful misconduct on the part of J.P. Morgan) (collectively, the Adviser Account
Losses), the Customer agrees that J.P. Morgans annual aggregate liability with respect to the Adviser Account Losses that may be incurred during any calendar year shall not exceed USD 1,000,000 and that this shall be the Customers
and the Serviced Accounts exclusive remedy (the Class Action Services Liability Limitation). Any amounts payable by J.P. Morgan pursuant to this Section 6 will be allocated among the relevant Adviser Accounts on a basis
deemed fair and equitable by the Adviser pursuant to policies and procedures established by the Adviser. Under no circumstances will J.P. Morgan be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages (including, without limitation,
lost profits except for lost profits that directly result from direct damages)) of any form incurred by any person or entity, whether or not foreseeable and regardless of the type of action in which such a claim may be brought. No action, regardless
of form, pertaining to the Adviser Account Losses may be brought more than six years after the cause of action has accrued. For the avoidance of doubt, if a loss is incurred by the Customer from a service not explicitly included in Section
1(b)(i)-(iii) of this Addendum, this Class Action Services Liability Limitation does not apply.
|
(a)
|
Unless otherwise provided herein, all terms and conditions of the Custody Agreement are expressly incorporated herein by reference and except as modified hereby, the Custody Agreement is confirmed in all respects.
Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Custody Agreement.
|
|
(b)
|
This Addendum may be terminated by either party upon sixty (60) days written notice to the other party. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Custody Agreement is terminated, then this
Addendum shall automatically terminate on the date such Custody Agreement terminates.
|
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK
INTENTIONALLY.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Addendum with effect from the date first above-written.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EACH REGISTRANT LISTED ON SCHEDULE A TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED UNDER ITS NAME ON SCHEDULE A THERETO, SEVERALLY AND NOT JOINTLY
|
|
|
|
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Amy K. Johnson
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Anna Maria Calla Minniti
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Amy K. Johnson
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Anna Maria Calla Minniti
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
Date:
|
|
May 26, 2016
|
|
|
|
Date:
|
|
August 8, 2016
|
SCHEDULE 1
Scope of Services
[REDACTED DATA]
SCHEDULE 2
Fees
Part A. Class Action Services
[REDACTED DATA]
SCHEDULE 3
Part A
List of Accounts to be Excluded From
Class Action Services:
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ACCOUNT NAME
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ACCOUNT NUMBER
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
TERMINATION, REPLACEMENT AND
RESTATEMENT AGREEMENT RELATING TO
$1,000,000,000 CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of
December 6, 2016
CITIBANK, N.A., and
HSBC BANK USA, N.A.,
each as a Syndication Agent,
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Documentation Agent,
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, and
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC., and
HSBC BANK USA, N.A.,
as
Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners
TERMINATION, REPLACEMENT AND RESTATEMENT AGREEMENT
(this
TRR Agreement
)
dated as of December 6, 2016, among (i) the trusts listed on
Schedule I
(the
Registrants
), each of which is executing this TRR Agreement on behalf of its respective underlying series set forth beneath such
Registrants name on
Schedule I
(each such series, individually, a
Borrower
and, collectively, the
Borrowers
), (ii) the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties to
this TRR Agreement (the
Lenders
), and (iii) JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder (in such capacity, the
Administrative Agent
);
WHEREAS,
certain of the Borrowers, certain of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are parties to that certain Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement dated as of December 9, 2014 (as it has been terminated, replaced and restated, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified heretofore, the
Original Credit Agreement
);
WHEREAS,
capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Original
Credit Agreement.
WHEREAS,
the Original Credit Agreement is to be terminated as provided herein; and
WHEREAS,
the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are willing, subject to the terms and conditions of this TRR Agreement, to replace
the Original Credit Agreement with a new credit agreement as provided herein;
NOW, THEREFORE,
in consideration of the mutual
agreements contained in this TRR Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1.
Termination, Replacement and Restatement
. Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 3 hereof:
(a) The Original Credit Agreement, including all schedules and exhibits thereto, is hereby terminated, subject to applicable provisions set
forth therein as to the survival of certain rights and obligations, and simultaneously replaced by a new credit agreement (the
New Credit Agreement
) identical in form and substance to the Original Credit Agreement except as
expressly set forth below.
(b) The heading of the New Credit Agreement shall read as follows:
CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of December 6, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time, this
Agreement
) among (i) the trusts listed on
Schedule I
(the
Registrants
), each of which is executing this Agreement on behalf of its respective underlying series set forth beneath such
Registrants name on
Schedule I
(each such series, individually, a
Borrower
or
Fund
and, collectively, the
Borrowers
or
Funds
), (ii) the several banks and
other financial institutions from time to time parties to this Agreement (the
Lenders
), (iii) each of Citibank, N.A. and [HSBC Bank USA, N.A.,] as a Syndication Agent (collectively, the
Syndication Agents
) and
(iv) JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder (in such capacity, the
Administrative Agent
);
2
(c)
Section 1.1
of the New Credit Agreement is hereby amended so that the following
definition reads in its entirety as stated below:
Termination Date
: December 5, 2017, or such
earlier date on which the Commitments shall terminate as provided herein.
(d)
Section 1.1
of the New Credit Agreement is
hereby further amended by inserting the following definitions in their appropriate alphabetical order:
Bail-In
Action
means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.
Bail-In
Legislation
means, with respect to any EEA Member Country
implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU
Bail-In
Legislation Schedule.
EEA Financial Institution
means (a) any institution established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause
(a) of this definition, or (c) any institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
EEA Member Country
means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein,
and Norway.
EEA Resolution Authority
means any public administrative authority or any Person
entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
EU
Bail-In
Legislation Schedule
means the EU
Bail-In
Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.
Write-Down and Conversion Powers
means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and
conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the
Bail-In
Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU
Bail-In
Legislation Schedule.
3
(e)
Section 2
of the New Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding at the end thereof
the following new
Section
2.18
:
2.18
German Bank Separation Act
. If any Lender shall
have determined in good faith (which determination shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto) that, due to the implementation of the German Act on the Ring-fencing of Risks and for the Recovery and Resolution Planning for
Credit Institutions and Financial Groups (Gesetz zur Abschirmung von Risiken und zur Planung der Sanierung und Abwicklung von Kreditinstituten und Finanzgruppen) of 7 August 2013 (commonly referred to as the German Bank Separation Act
(Trennbankengesetz) (the
GBSA
), whether before or after the date hereof, or any corresponding European legislation (such as the proposed regulation on structural measures improving the resilience of European Union credit
institutions) that may amend or replace the GBSA in the future or any regulation thereunder, or due to the promulgation of, or any change in the interpretation by, any court, tribunal or regulatory authority with competent jurisdiction of the GBSA
or any corresponding future European legislation or any regulation thereunder, the arrangements contemplated by this Agreement or the Loans have, or will, become illegal, prohibited or otherwise unlawful (regardless of whether such illegality,
prohibition or unlawfulness could be prevented by transferring such arrangements or Loans to an affiliate or other third party), then, and in any such event, such Lender may give written notice to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent of such
determination, whereupon (i) all of the obligations of such Lender shall become due and payable, and each Borrower shall repay the outstanding principal of such obligations together with accrued interest thereon promptly (and in no event no
later than the 5th Business Day immediately after the date of such notice) and such repayment shall not be subject to the terms and conditions of
Section 2.9(a
) or
Section
9.7
hereof and (ii) the Commitment
of such Lender shall terminate on the date of such written notice.
(f)
Section 3
of the New Credit Agreement is hereby amended
by adding at the end thereof the following new
Section
3.22
:
3.22
EEA Financial
Institutions
. No Fund or Borrower is an EEA Financial Institution.
(g)
Section 9
of the New Credit Agreement is hereby
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
Section
9.19
:
SECTION 9.19.
Acknowledgement and Consent to
Bail-In
of EEA Financial Institutions
. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such
parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and
acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA
Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and
4
(b) the effects of any
Bail-In
Action
on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such
liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership
in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to
any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or
(iii) the variation of the terms of such
liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.
(h)
Schedule
I
of the New Credit Agreement shall be in the form of
Schedule I
to this TRR Agreement.
(i)
Schedule Ia
of the New
Credit Agreement shall be in the form of
Schedule Ia
to this TRR Agreement.
(j)
Schedule II
of the New Credit Agreement
shall be in the form of
Schedule II
to this TRR Agreement.
(k) As used in any Schedule or Exhibit to the Credit Agreement the term
Credit Agreement shall mean the Agreement (as defined above).
SECTION 2.
Representations and Warranties
.
To induce the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to enter into this TRR Agreement and to make the Loans, each Registrant on behalf of itself and each Borrower on whose behalf it acts hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and
each Lender that (it being agreed that each such Registrant represents and warrants only to matters with respect to itself and each of its Borrowers, and each Borrower represents and warrants only to matters with respect to itself):
(a) This TRR Agreement and the New Credit Agreement (and the execution, delivery and performance thereof) have been duly authorized and, in
the case of this TRR Agreement, executed and delivered by it and constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).
(b) The representations and warranties set forth in
Section
3
of the New Credit Agreement are true and correct in
all material respects on the date hereof (and such representations therein applicable to or referencing the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to apply and refer to this TRR Agreement).
(c) Before and after giving effect to this TRR Agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
5
SECTION 3.
Conditions to Effectiveness
. This TRR Agreement and the New Credit Agreement,
including the agreement of each Lender to make Loans thereunder, shall become effective as of the date hereof (the
Effective Date
) upon the occurrence of the following conditions precedent (which shall be deemed to satisfy
Section
4.1
of the New Credit Agreement):
(a) The Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of this
TRR Agreement which, when taken together, bear the signatures of all the parties named on the signature pages hereto.
(b) The
Administrative Agent shall have received, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, a favorable written opinion of counsel for the Borrowers referring to this TRR Agreement and the New Credit Agreement, (i) dated the date hereof, (ii) addressed
to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (iii) covering such other matters relating to this TRR Agreement and the transactions hereunder and under the New Credit Agreement as the Administrative Agent or its counsel shall reasonably
request, and the Borrowers hereby instruct their counsel to deliver such opinion.
(c) All legal matters incident to this TRR Agreement,
the New Credit Agreement and the borrowings and extensions of credit thereunder shall be satisfactory to the Lenders and to Pryor Cashman LLP, counsel for the Administrative Agent.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received on the date hereof:
(i) a certificate of the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of each Registrant dated the date
hereof and certifying that attached thereto are true and correct copies of the following: (A) resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Trustees or Directors, as the case may be, of such Registrant on behalf of each series thereof that is a Borrower
(or itself if it is a Borrower), authorizing this TRR Agreement and the execution, delivery and performance of this TRR Agreement and the borrowings under the New Credit Agreement, and certifying that such resolutions have not been modified,
rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect; (B) such Registrants declaration of trust or articles of incorporation, as the case may be, and all amendments thereto; (C) such Registrants bylaws and all amendments thereto; (D)
such Registrants Investment Management Agreement and all amendments thereto; (E) such Registrants Custodian Agreement(s) and all amendments thereto; (F) designation of the location where the most recent Prospectus is publicly available
for each Fund, or a copy of such prospectus; and (G) designation of the location where the most recent Statement of Additional Information is publicly available for each Fund, or a copy of such Statement of Additional Information. To the extent that
any of the documents referred to in clauses (B), (C), (D) and (E) above (i) has been previously delivered to the Administrative Agent in connection with the Original Credit Agreement or a subsequent amendment to the Original Credit Agreement
and (ii) has not been amended since the date of such delivery and continues to be in full force and effect, the Registrants may deliver to the Administrative Agent an officers certificate to such effect in lieu of such document (such
certificate shall state when such document was previously delivered);
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(ii) a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Registrant
dated the date hereof and certifying as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer executing this TRR Agreement, the New Credit Agreement or any other document delivered in connection herewith on behalf of such Registrant;
(iii) a certificate of another officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the officer executing the certificates
pursuant to (ii) above; and
(iv) such other documents as the Lenders or counsel for the Administrative Agent may
reasonably request.
(e) To the extent requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as
applicable, shall have received, for each Borrower, a Form FR
U-1
executed by the applicable Registrant on behalf of such Borrower, together with a current list of assets of such Borrower (including all
margin stock (as defined in Regulation U) of such Borrower) in conformity with the requirements of Form FR
U-1.
(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the date hereof, including, to the
extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all
out-of-pocket
expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrowers or Registrants hereunder.
SECTION 4.
Applicable Law
. THIS TRR AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
SECTION 5.
Original Credit Agreement
. Until the occurrence of
the earlier to occur of the Effective Date as provided in
Section
3
hereof and the Termination Date (as defined in the Original Credit Agreement), the Original Credit Agreement shall continue in full force and effect in
accordance with the provisions thereof and the rights and obligations of the parties thereto shall not be affected hereby, and all fees and interest accruing under the Original Credit Agreement shall continue to accrue at the rates provided for
therein.
SECTION 6.
Counterparts
. This TRR Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (including by facsimile or other
electronic transmission), each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute but one contract.
SECTION 7.
Expenses
. Each of the Borrowers agrees, severally and neither jointly nor jointly and severally, to reimburse the
Administrative Agent for its Pro Rata Allocation (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) of the Administrative Agents
out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with
this TRR Agreement, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent as provided for in the Fee Letter dated as of November 15, 2016 among the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers.
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SECTION 8.
Acknowledgement of New Borrowers
. By virtue of the amendment to
Schedule
I
to the New Credit Agreement effected by this TRR Agreement, the following
sub-fund,
series or portfolio of the Registrant set forth beside its name below is being added to the New Credit Agreement as an
additional Borrower (each a
New Borrower
):
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New Borrower
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Registrant
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Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Directional Alternatives Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Conservative Growth Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Growth Fund
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Moderate Growth Fund
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Columbia Funds Series Trust I
Columbia
Funds Variable Insurance Trust
Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust
Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust
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Columbia Core Bond ETF
Columbia Intermediate
Municipal Bond ETF
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Columbia ETF Trust
Columbia ETF
Trust
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Each New Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lender that as of the
date hereof and after giving effect to this TRR Agreement: (i) the representations and warranties set forth in
Section
3
of the New Credit Agreement are true and correct with respect to such New Borrower, except to the
extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date; (ii) such New Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all the terms and provisions (or, in the case of such terms and provisions that are already
qualified by materiality, in all respects) set forth in the New Credit Agreement on its part to be observed or performed as of the date hereof and after giving effect to this TRR Agreement; and (iii) no Default or Event of Default with respect
to such New Borrower, nor any event which with the giving of notice or the expiration of any applicable grace period or both would constitute such a Default or Event of Default with respect to such New Borrower has occurred and is continuing. Each
New Borrower agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the New Credit Agreement in all respects as a Borrower thereunder and hereby assumes all of the obligations of a Borrower thereunder.
By its execution of this TRR Agreement, the Agent and each Lender does hereby acknowledge the addition of each New Borrower as a Borrower
under the New Credit Agreement.
SECTION 9.
Effect on the Documents; Loan Document
. Except as expressly waived or amended hereby,
the New Credit Agreement and all Loan Documents, and all other documents, agreements, instruments or writings entered into in connection therewith, shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified, confirmed and acknowledged by each
Registrant, on behalf of itself and on behalf of each Borrower a series thereof, or on behalf of itself if it is a Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge and agree that this TRR Agreement is a Loan Document as such
term is defined in the New Credit Agreement.
[Signature pages to follow.]
8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF
, the parties hereto have caused this TRR Agreement to be duly executed
and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first written above.
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JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Administrative Agent and as a Lender
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By:
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/s/ Kenise Henry Larmond
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Name:
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Kenise Henry Larmond
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Title:
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Vice President
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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Each of the Registrants listed on
Schedule I
, on behalf of itself and each of its underlying series set forth beneath its name on
Schedule I
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By:
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/s/ Michael G. Clarke
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Name:
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Michael G. Clarke
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Title*:
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Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
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* (The above-signed officer holds this office with each of the
Registrants)
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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CITIBANK, N.A.
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By:
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/s/ Maureen Maroney
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Name:
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Maureen Maroney
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Title:
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Vice President
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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HSBC BANK USA, N.A.
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By:
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/s/ Courtney A. Write
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Name:
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Courtney A. Write
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Title:
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Vice President
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
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By:
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/s/ Michelle S. Dagenhart
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Name:
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Michelle S. Dagenhart
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Title:
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Director
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
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By:
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/s/ Mona Tauss
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Name:
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Mona Tauss
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Title:
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Vice President
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
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By:
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/s/ Kenneth P. Sneider, Jr.
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Name:
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Kenneth P. Sneider, Jr.
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Title:
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Managing Director
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
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By:
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/s/ Matthew C. White
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Name:
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Matthew C. White
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Title:
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Vice President
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COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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BNP PARIBAS
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By:
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/s/ Phil Truesdale
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Name:
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Phil Truesdale
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Title:
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Managing Director
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By:
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/s/ Nair P. Raghu
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Name:
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Nair P. Raghu
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Title:
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Vice President
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I-2
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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CREDIT SUISSE AG, NY BRANCH
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By:
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/s/ Doreen Bar
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Name:
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Doreen Bar
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Title:
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Authorize Signatory
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By:
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/s/ William ODaly
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Name:
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William ODaly
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Title:
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Authorize Signatory
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I-3
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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DEUTSCHE BANK AG NY BRANCH
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By:
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/s/ Virginia Consenza
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Name:
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Virginia Consenza
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Title:
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Vice President
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By:
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/s/ Ming K. Chu
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Name:
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Ming K. Chu
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Title:
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Director
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I-4
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A.
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By:
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/s/ Michael King
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Name:
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Michael King
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Title:
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Authorized Signatory
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I-5
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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UBS AG, STAMFORD BRANCH
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By:
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/s/ Hussein Daly
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Name:
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Hussein Daly
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Title:
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Associate Director
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By:
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/s/ Kenneth Chin
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Name:
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Kenneth Chin
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Title:
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Director
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I-6
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2016 TRR AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
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GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA
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By:
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/s/ Ryan Durkin
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Name:
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Ryan Durkin
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Title:
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Authorized Signatory
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I-7
SCHEDULE I
REGISTRANTS & BORROWERS*
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Columbia Funds Series Trust II
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Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager
Value Fund
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Columbia Absolute Return Currency and Income Fund
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Columbia Asia Pacific
ex-Japan
Fund
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Columbia Capital Allocation Aggressive Portfolio
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Columbia Capital Allocation Conservative Portfolio
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Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Portfolio
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Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund
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Columbia Disciplined Core Fund (f/k/a Columbia Large Core Quantitative Fund)
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Columbia Disciplined Growth Fund (f/k/a Columbia Large Growth Quantitative Fund)
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Columbia Disciplined Value Fund (f/k/a Columbia Large Value Quantitative Fund)
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Columbia Diversified Equity Income Fund
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Columbia Dividend Opportunity Fund
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Columbia Emerging Markets Bond Fund
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Columbia European Equity Fund
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Columbia Flexible Capital Income Fund
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Columbia Floating Rate Fund
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Columbia Global Bond Fund
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Columbia Global Equity Value Fund
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Columbia Global Infrastructure Fund
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Columbia Global Opportunities Fund
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Columbia Government Money Market Fund (f/k/a Columbia Money Market Fund)
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Columbia High Yield Bond Fund
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Columbia Income Builder Fund
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Columbia Income Opportunities Fund
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Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund
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Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund
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Columbia Minnesota
Tax-Exempt
Fund
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Columbia Mortgage Opportunities Fund
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Columbia Select Global Equity Fund
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Columbia Select
Large-Cap
Value Fund
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Columbia Select
Smaller-Cap
Value Fund
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Columbia Seligman Communications and Information Fund
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Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund
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Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund
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Columbia Small/Mid Cap Value Fund
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Columbia Strategic Municipal Income Fund (f/k/a Columbia
AMT-Free
Tax-Exempt
Bond Fund)
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Columbia U.S. Government Mortgage Fund
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*
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Registrants, including Registrants that are also Borrowers, are designated in bold type face; each Borrower that is a series is listed below the name of the Registrant that acts on such Borrowers behalf.
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I-8
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Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II
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Columbia Variable Portfolio Balanced Fund
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Columbia Variable Portfolio Commodity Strategy Fund
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Columbia Variable Portfolio Core Equity Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Disciplined Core Fund (f/k/a Columbia Variable Portfolio
Large Core Quantitative Fund)
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Emerging Markets Bond Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Emerging Markets Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Global Bond Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Government Money Market Fund (f/k/a Columbia Variable Portfolio
Cash Management Fund)
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio High Yield Bond Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Income Opportunities Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Intermediate Bond Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Large Cap Index Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Limited Duration Credit Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Mid Cap Value Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Select International Equity Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Select
Large-Cap
Value
Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Select
Smaller-Cap
Value Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Seligman Global Technology Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Equities Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Government Mortgage Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Aggressive Portfolio
|
Variable Portfolio American Century Diversified Bond Fund
|
Variable Portfolio BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund
|
Variable Portfolio CenterSquare Real Estate Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio Morgan
Stanley Global Real Estate Fund)
|
Variable Portfolio Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Conservative Portfolio
|
Variable Portfolio DFA International Value Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund
|
Variable Portfolio J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Loomis Sayles Growth Fund
|
Variable Portfolio MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Sit Dividend Growth Fund)
|
Variable Portfolio MFS Value Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Moderate Portfolio
|
Variable Portfolio Moderately Aggressive Portfolio
|
Variable Portfolio Moderately Conservative
Portfolio
|
I-9
|
Variable Portfolio Morgan Stanley Advantage Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio Holland
Large Cap Growth Fund)
|
Variable Portfolio T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio NFJ
Dividend Value Fund)
|
Variable Portfolio Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Oppenheimer International Growth Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Invesco International Growth Fund)
|
Variable Portfolio Partners Small Cap Growth Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Partners Small Cap Value Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Pyramis
®
International Equity Fund
|
Variable Portfolio TCW Core Plus Bond Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Victory Sycamore Established Value Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Victory Established Value Fund)
|
Variable Portfolio Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund
|
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
California Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Georgia Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Maryland Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
North Carolina Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
South Carolina Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Virginia Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Aggressive Portfolio
|
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio
|
Columbia Convertible Securities Fund
|
Columbia Global Strategic Equity Fund
|
Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund
|
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund III
|
Columbia Large Cap Index Fund
|
Columbia Mid Cap Index Fund
|
Columbia Mid Cap Value Fund
|
Columbia Overseas Value Fund
|
Columbia Select Global Growth Fund
|
Columbia Select International Equity Fund
|
Columbia Select Large Cap Equity Fund
|
Columbia Short Term Bond Fund
|
Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund
|
Columbia Small Cap Index Fund
|
Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II
|
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust I
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager
Alternatives Fund (f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategy Fund)
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager
Directional Alternatives Fund
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager
Growth Fund
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager
Small Cap Equity Fund
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager
Total Return Bond Fund (f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Core Plus Bond Fund)
|
I-10
|
CMG Ultra Short Term Bond Fund
|
Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund
|
Columbia Alternative Beta Fund (f/k/a Columbia Adaptive Alternatives Fund)
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
New York Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
Columbia Balanced Fund
|
Columbia Bond Fund
|
Columbia California
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Columbia Contrarian Core Fund
|
Columbia Corporate Income Fund
|
Columbia Disciplined Small Core Fund (f/k/a Columbia Small Cap Core Fund)
|
Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
|
Columbia Dividend Income Fund
|
Columbia Emerging Markets Fund
|
Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
Columbia Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
Columbia Global Technology Growth Fund
|
Columbia Greater China Fund
|
Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund
|
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund
|
Columbia New York
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Columbia Pacific/Asia Fund
|
Columbia Real Estate Equity Fund
|
Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I
|
Columbia Small Cap Value Fund I
|
Columbia Strategic Income Fund
|
Columbia
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Columbia Total Return Bond Fund (f/k/a/ Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund)
|
Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund
|
Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund
|
|
Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Asset Allocation Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Contrarian Core Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Diversified Absolute Return Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Long Government/Credit Bond Fund (f/k/a Columbia Variable
Portfolio Core Bond Fund)
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Conservative Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Conservative Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Select Large Cap Growth
Fund
|
I-11
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Small Cap Value Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Small Company Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Strategic Income Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Conservative Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Growth Fund
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Moderate Growth Fund
|
Variable Portfolio AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Lazard International Equity Advantage Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Pyrford International Equity Fund)
|
Variable Portfolio Multi-Manager Diversified Income Fund
|
Variable Portfolio Multi-Manager Interest Rate Adaptive Fund
|
|
Columbia ETF Trust
|
Columbia Core Bond ETF
|
Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF
|
I-12
SCHEDULE Ia
DESIGNATED BORROWERS,
DESIGNATED PERCENTAGES
AND PRO RATA ALLOCATIONS
[REDACTED DATA]
I-13
SCHEDULE II
COMMITMENTS
[REDACTED
DATA]
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT
2017
AMENDMENT
(this
Amendment
) dated as of April 25, 2017, among (i) the trusts listed on
Schedule I
(the
Registrants
), each of which is executing this Amendment on behalf of its respective
underlying series set forth beneath such Registrants name on
Schedule I
(each such series, individually, a
Borrower
and, collectively, the
Borrowers
), (ii) the several banks and other financial
institutions from time to time parties to this Amendment (the
Lenders
), and (iii) JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder (in such capacity, the
Administrative Agent
);
WHEREAS,
certain of the Borrowers, certain of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent
are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 9, 2014 (as it has been terminated, replaced and restated, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified heretofore, and as amended by this Amendment, the
Credit Agreement
);
WHEREAS,
capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
WHEREAS,
the parties wish to admit additional Registrants and Borrowers
as parties to the Credit Agreement and to make such other changes to the Credit Agreement as provided herein;
NOW, THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the mutual agreements contained in this Amendment and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1.
Amendment. Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 3 hereof:
(a)
Section 1.1
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended so that the following definition reads in its entirety as stated below:
Columbia Management
: Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company,
or Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as applicable.
(b)
Schedule I
of the Credit
Agreement shall be in the form of
Schedule I
to this Amendment.
(c)
Schedule Ia
of the Credit Agreement shall be in the
form of
Schedule Ia
to this Amendment.
(d)
Schedule III
of the Credit Agreement shall be in the form of
Schedule III
to this Amendment.
(e)
Schedule IV
of the Credit Agreement shall be in the form of
Schedule IV
to this Amendment.
(f)
Schedule V
of the Credit Agreement shall be in the form of
Schedule V
to this Amendment.
SECTION 2.
Representations and Warranties
. To induce the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders to enter into this Amendment and to make the Loans, each Registrant on behalf of itself and each Borrower on whose behalf it acts hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lender that (it being agreed that each such
Registrant represents and warrants only to matters with respect to itself and each of its Borrowers, and each Borrower represents and warrants only to matters with respect to itself):
(a) This Amendment and the Credit Agreement (and the execution, delivery and performance thereof) have been duly authorized and, in the case
of this Amendment, executed and delivered by it and constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization
moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).
(b) The representations and warranties set forth in
Section
3
of the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all
material respects on the date hereof (and such representations therein applicable to or referencing the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to apply and refer to this Amendment).
(c) Before and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 3.
Conditions to Effectiveness
. This Amendment shall become effective as of the date hereof (the
Effective
Date
) upon the occurrence of the following conditions precedent:
(a) The Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts
of this Amendment which, when taken together, bear the signatures of all the parties named on the signature pages hereto.
(b) The
Administrative Agent shall have received, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, a favorable written opinion of counsel for the Borrowers referring to this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, (i) dated the date hereof, (ii) addressed to the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (iii) covering such other matters relating to this Amendment and the transactions hereunder and under the Credit Agreement as the Administrative Agent or its counsel shall reasonably request, and the
Borrowers hereby instruct their counsel to deliver such opinion.
(c) All legal matters incident to this Amendment, the Credit Agreement
and the borrowings and extensions of credit thereunder shall be satisfactory to the Lenders and to Pryor Cashman LLP, counsel for the Administrative Agent.
2
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received on the date hereof:
(i) a certificate of the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of each New Registrant (as defined
below) dated the date hereof and certifying that attached thereto are true and correct copies of the following: (A) resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Trustees or Directors, as the case may be, of such New Registrant on behalf of each
series thereof that is a Borrower (or itself if it is a Borrower), authorizing this Amendment and the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and certifying that such resolutions have not
been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect; (B) such New Registrants declaration of trust or articles of incorporation, as the case may be, and all amendments thereto; (C) such New Registrants bylaws
and all amendments thereto; (D) such New Registrants Investment Management Agreement and all amendments thereto; (E) such New Registrants Custodian Agreement(s) and all amendments thereto; (F) designation of the location
where the most recent Prospectus is publicly available for each New Borrower (as defined below), or a copy of such prospectus; and (G) designation of the location where the most recent Statement of Additional Information is publicly available
for each New Borrower, or a copy of such Statement of Additional Information;
(ii) a certificate of the Secretary or
Assistant Secretary of each Registrant dated the date hereof and certifying as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer executing this Amendment, the Credit Agreement or any other document delivered in connection herewith on behalf
of such Registrant;
(iii) a certificate of another officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the officer
executing the certificates pursuant to (ii) above; and
(iv) such other documents as the Lenders or counsel for the
Administrative Agent may reasonably request.
(e) To the extent requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Administrative
Agent or such Lender, as applicable, shall have received, for each New Borrower, a Form FR
U-1
executed by the applicable Registrant on behalf of such New Borrower, together with a current list of assets of
such New Borrower (including all margin stock (as defined in Regulation U) of such Borrower) in conformity with the requirements of Form FR
U-1.
(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the date hereof, including, to the
extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all
out-of-pocket
expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrowers or Registrants hereunder.
SECTION 4.
Applicable Law
. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
3
SECTION 5.
Credit Agreement
. Until the occurrence of the earlier to occur of the Effective
Date as provided in Section 3 hereof and the Termination Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the Credit Agreement shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the provisions thereof and the rights and obligations of the
parties thereto shall not be affected hereby, and all fees and interest accruing under the Credit Agreement shall continue to accrue at the rates provided for therein.
SECTION 6.
Counterparts
. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic
transmission), each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute but one contract.
SECTION
7.
Expenses
. Each of the New Borrowers agrees, severally and neither jointly nor jointly and severally, to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its pro rata portion (calculated based on assets) of the Administrative Agents
out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with this Amendment.
SECTION 8.
Acknowledgement of New Borrowers
. By virtue of the amendment to
Schedule I
to the Credit Agreement effected by this
Amendment, the following
sub-fund,
series or portfolio of the Registrant set forth beside its name below (each such Registrant, a
New Registrant
) is being added to the Credit Agreement as an
additional Borrower (each such
sub-fund,
series or portfolio, a
New Borrower
):
|
|
|
New Borrower
|
|
Registrant
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn Fund
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Columbia Acorn International
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Columbia Acorn USA
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Columbia Acorn International Select
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Columbia Acorn Select
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Columbia Thermostat Fund
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Columbia Acorn European Fund
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
Wanger USA
|
|
Wanger Advisors Trust
|
Wanger International
|
|
Wanger Advisors Trust
|
Wanger Select
|
|
Wanger Advisors Trust
|
Each New Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lender that as of the
date hereof and after giving effect to this Amendment: (i) the representations and warranties set forth in
Section
3
of the Credit Agreement are true and correct with respect to such New Borrower, except to the extent
such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date; (ii) such New Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all the terms and provisions (or, in the case of such terms and provisions that are already qualified
by materiality, in all respects) set forth in the Credit Agreement on its part to be observed or performed as of the date hereof and after giving effect to this Amendment; and (iii) no Default or Event of Default with respect to such New
Borrower, nor any event which with the giving of notice or the expiration of any applicable grace period or both would constitute such a
4
Default or Event of Default with respect to such New Borrower has occurred and is continuing. Each New Borrower agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement in all
respects as a Borrower thereunder and hereby assumes all of the obligations of a Borrower thereunder.
By its execution of this Amendment,
the Agent and each Lender does hereby acknowledge the addition of each New Borrower as a Borrower under the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 9.
Effect on the Documents; Loan Document
. Except as expressly waived or amended hereby, the Credit Agreement and all Loan Documents, and all other documents, agreements, instruments or writings entered into in connection therewith, shall remain
in full force and effect and are hereby ratified, confirmed and acknowledged by each Registrant, on behalf of itself and on behalf of each Borrower a series thereof, or on behalf of itself if it is a Borrower. The execution, delivery and
effectiveness of this Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of any Lender or the Agent under any of the Loan Documents, nor, except as expressly provided herein, constitute a
waiver or amendment of any provision of any of the Loan Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge and agree that this Amendment is a Loan Document as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
[Signature pages to follow.]
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF
, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and
delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first written above.
|
|
|
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Administrative Agent and as a Lender
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Kenise Henry Larmond
|
Name:
|
|
Kenise Henry Larmond
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
Each of the Registrants who are not New Borrowers listed on
Schedule I
, on behalf of itself and each of its underlying series set forth beneath its name on
Schedule I
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Michael G. Clarke
|
Name:
|
|
Michael G. Clarke
|
Title*:
|
|
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
|
|
* (The above-signed officer holds this office with each of the Registrants
who are not New Borrowers)
|
|
Each of the Registrants who are New Borrowers listed on
Schedule I
, on behalf of itself and each of its underlying series set forth beneath its name on
Schedule I
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ John Kunka
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
John Kunka
|
|
|
Title*:
|
|
Treasury, Columbia Acorn and Wanger Advisor Trust
|
|
* (The above-signed officer holds this office with each of the Registrants
who are New Borrowers)
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
CITIBANK, N.A.
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Robert Chesley
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Robert Chesley
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President and Managing Director
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
HSBC BANK USA, N.A.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Courtney A. Write
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Courtney A. Write
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Michelle S. Dagenhart
|
Name:
|
|
Michelle S. Dagenhart
|
Title:
|
|
Director
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Mona Tauss
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Mona Tauss
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Kenneth P. Sneider, Jr.
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Kenneth P. Sneider, Jr.
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Managing Director
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Matthew C. White
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Matthew C. White
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
BNP PARIBAS
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Marguerite L. Lebon
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Marguerite L. Lebon
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Phil Truesdale
|
Name:
|
|
Phil Truesdale
|
Title:
|
|
Managing Director
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
CREDIT SUISSE AG, NY BRANCH
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Doreen Bar
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Doreen Bar
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Authorize Signatory
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ William ODaly
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
William ODaly
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Authorize Signatory
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NY BRANCH
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Virginia Consenza
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Virginia Consenza
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Ming K. Chu
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Ming K. Chu
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Director
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A.
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Harry Comninellis
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Comninellis
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Authorized Signatory
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
UBS AG, STAMFORD BRANCH
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Denise Bushee
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Denise Bushee
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Associate Director
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Darlene Arias
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Darlene Arias
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Director
|
COLUMBIA FUNDS
2017 AMENDMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
|
|
|
|
|
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Ushma Dedhiya
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Ushma Dedhiya
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Authorized Signatory
|
SCHEDULE I
REGISTRANTS & BORROWERS*
|
|
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust II
|
|
|
Multi-Manager Value Strategies Fund (f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Value Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Absolute Return Currency and Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Asia Pacific
ex-Japan
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Capital Allocation Aggressive Portfolio
|
|
|
Columbia Capital Allocation Conservative Portfolio
|
|
|
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Portfolio
|
|
|
Columbia Commodity Strategy Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Disciplined Core Fund (f/k/a Columbia Large Core Quantitative Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Disciplined Growth Fund (f/k/a Columbia Large Growth Quantitative Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Disciplined Value Fund (f/k/a Columbia Large Value Quantitative Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Diversified Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Emerging Markets Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia European Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Flexible Capital Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Floating Rate Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Equity Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Infrastructure Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Government Money Market Fund (f/k/a Columbia Money Market Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia High Yield Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Income Builder Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Income Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Inflation Protected Securities Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Minnesota
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Mortgage Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Select Global Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Select
Large-Cap
Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Select
Smaller-Cap
Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Seligman Communications and Information Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Small/Mid Cap Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Strategic Municipal Income Fund (f/k/a Columbia
AMT-Free
Tax-Exempt
Bond Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia U.S. Government Mortgage Fund
|
*
|
Registrants, including Registrants that are also Borrowers, are designated in bold type face; each Borrower that is a series is listed below the name of the Registrant that acts on such Borrowers behalf.
|
I-1
|
|
|
Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Balanced Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Commodity Strategy Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Core Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Disciplined Core Fund (f/k/a Columbia Variable Portfolio
Large Core Quantitative Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Emerging Markets Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Emerging Markets Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Global Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Government Money Market Fund (f/k/a Columbia Variable Portfolio
Cash Management Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio High Yield Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Income Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Intermediate Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Large Cap Index Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Limited Duration Credit Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Mid Cap Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Select International Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Select
Large-Cap
Value
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Select
Smaller-Cap
Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Seligman Global Technology Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Equities Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Government Mortgage Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Aggressive Portfolio
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio American Century Diversified Bond Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio BlackRock Global Inflation-Protected Securities Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio CenterSquare Real Estate Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio Morgan
Stanley Global Real Estate Fund)
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Conservative Portfolio
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio DFA International Value Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Loomis Sayles Growth Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Sit Dividend Growth Fund)
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio MFS Value Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Moderate Portfolio
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Moderately Aggressive Portfolio
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Moderately Conservative
Portfolio
|
I-2
|
|
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Morgan Stanley Advantage Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio Holland
Large Cap Growth Fund)
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio NFJ
Dividend Value Fund)
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Nuveen Winslow Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Oppenheimer International Growth Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Invesco International Growth Fund)
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Partners Small Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Partners Small Cap Value Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Pyramis
®
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio TCW Core Plus Bond Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Victory Sycamore Established Value Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Victory Established Value Fund)
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund
|
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
California Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Georgia Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Maryland Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
North Carolina Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
South Carolina Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Virginia Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Aggressive Portfolio
|
|
|
Columbia Capital Allocation Moderate Conservative Portfolio
|
|
|
Columbia Convertible Securities Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Strategic Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund III
|
|
|
Columbia Large Cap Index Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Mid Cap Index Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Mid Cap Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Overseas Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Select Global Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Select International Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Select Large Cap Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Short Term Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Short Term Municipal Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Small Cap Index Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Small Cap Value Fund II
|
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust I
|
|
|
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund (f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Alternatives Fund)
|
|
|
Multi-Manager Directional Alternative Strategies Fund
(f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Directional Alternatives Fund)
|
|
|
Multi-Manager Growth Strategies Fund
(f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Growth Fund)
|
I-3
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Strategies Fund (f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Fund)
|
|
|
Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Strategies Fund (f/k/a
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Fund)
|
|
|
CMG Ultra Short Term Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Alternative Beta Fund (f/k/a Columbia Adaptive Alternatives Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
New York Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Balanced Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia California
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Contrarian Core Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Corporate Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Disciplined Small Core Fund (f/k/a Columbia Small Cap Core Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Dividend Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Emerging Markets Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Global Technology Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Greater China Fund
|
|
|
Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia New York
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Pacific/Asia Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Real Estate Equity Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I
|
|
|
Columbia Small Cap Value Fund I
|
|
|
Columbia Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Total Return Bond Fund (f/k/a/ Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund
|
|
Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Asset Allocation Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Contrarian Core Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Diversified Absolute Return
Fund
|
I-4
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Long Government/Credit Bond Fund (f/k/a Columbia Variable
Portfolio Core Bond Fund)
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Conservative Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Conservative Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Managed Volatility Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Small Cap Value Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Small Company Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio Strategic Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Conservative Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Variable Portfolio U.S. Flexible Moderate Growth Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Lazard International Equity Advantage Fund (f/k/a Variable Portfolio
Pyrford International Equity Fund)
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Multi-Manager Diversified Income Fund
|
|
|
Variable Portfolio Multi-Manager Interest Rate Adaptive Fund
|
|
Columbia ETF Trust
|
|
|
Columbia Core Bond ETF
|
|
|
Columbia Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF
|
|
Columbia Acorn Trust
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn International
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn USA
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn International Select
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn Select
|
|
|
Columbia Thermostat Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn European Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund
|
|
Wanger Advisors Trust
|
|
|
Wanger USA
|
|
|
Wanger International
|
|
|
Wanger Select
|
I-5
SCHEDULE Ia
DESIGNATED BORROWERS,
DESIGNATED PERCENTAGES
AND PRO RATA ALLOCATIONS
[REDACTED DATA]
Ia-1
SCHEDULE III
LIST OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated as of October 25, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Columbia Funds Series
Trust I and Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust on behalf of their underlying series listed in Schedule A thereto
Amended and Restated
Management Agreement dated as of April 25, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Columbia Funds Series Trust I and Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust on behalf of their underlying series listed in Schedule A
thereto
Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated as of April 25, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Columbia
Funds Series Trust II, Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, and Columbia Funds Series Trust on behalf of their underlying series listed in Schedule A thereto
Investment Management Services Agreement dated as of May 20, 2011, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Columbia ETF Trust on behalf
of its underlying series listed in Schedule A thereto
Investment Advisory Agreement between Columbia Acorn Trust and Columbia Wanger Asset
Management, LLC, dated May 27, 2010, Schedules I and II last amended June 8, 2011
Investment Advisory Agreement between Wanger Advisors Trust
and Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC, dated May 27, 2010
III-1
SCHEDULE IV
LIST OF CUSTODY AGREEMENTS
Second
Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the Columbia Funds.
Custody
Agreement among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust dated December 15, 2010, effective July 22, 2011, with Addendums dated July 14, 2011.
IV-1
SCHEDULE V
LIST OF PRIME BROKER AGREEMENTS
[REDACTED DATA]
V-1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form
N-1A
of our report dated
March 24, 2017, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appear in the January 31, 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders of Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund (one of the funds constituting Columbia Funds Series
Trust I), which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings Financial Highlights, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and
Organization and Management of Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries in such Registration Statement.
|
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
|
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
May 25, 2017
|
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN
This Distribution Plan (the Plan) relating to the shares (collectively, the Shares) of the legal entities listed on
Exhibits I through IV hereto (each a Trust and collectively, the Trusts), on behalf of each series thereof listed on the applicable exhibit (each a Fund), has been adopted by the trustees of the applicable Trust
(the Trustees) in conformity with Rule
12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). The terms and conditions of this Plan shall apply with respect to each Trust on
behalf of each Fund that is a series thereof.
Section
1
. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund that is a series
thereof, will pay to Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (CMID), or to such other person as may from time to time be engaged and appointed to act as the distributor of its Shares (each such person, including CMID, a
Distributor), a fee (the Distribution Fee) at an aggregate annual rate not to exceed the percentage of the Funds average daily net assets attributable to such Shares set forth for such Fund on the applicable exhibit, as
compensation for services rendered in connection with the sale of such Shares by the Distributor and related expenses incurred by the Distributor. Subject to such limit and subject to the provisions of Section 6 hereof, the Distribution Fee
shall be as approved from time to time by (a) the Trustees and (b) the Disinterested Trustees (as defined below). The Distribution Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Trustees shall determine.
Each distribution agreement shall provide that the Distributor that is a party to such agreement will receive its Allocable Portion of the fee
specified in such agreement. Unless and until a person other than CMID shall serve as a distributor of the Shares of any Trust, CMIDs Allocable Portion of the total Distribution Fee payable in respect of such Shares shall be 100%,
and thereafter each Distributors Allocable Portion of the total Distribution Fee payable in respect of Shares of any Fund shall be the portion of the Distribution Fee attributable to (i) outstanding Shares of the Fund sold by the
Distributor (Commission Shares), plus (ii) Shares of the Fund issued in connection with the exchange of Commission Shares of another Fund and/or Shares of the Fund issued in reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions in
respect of Commission Shares of another Fund, plus (iii) Shares of the Fund issued in reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions in respect of Commission Shares of the Fund; provided that the mechanics of attributing the portion of
the Distribution Fee for a Fund to particular Shares for purposes of calculating a Distributors Allocable Portion shall be as agreed by the Trust and the Distributor in light of systems capabilities for tracking the aging, exchange and
reinvestment experience of Shares sold by the Distributor.
A Distributor will be deemed to have fully earned its Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fee payable in respect of Shares of a Trust upon the sale of the Commission Shares of the Trust taken into account in determining such Distributors Allocable Portion of such Distribution Fee.
The Distribution Fee shall be payable to the relevant Distributor or, with respect to such portion of the Distribution Fee as the Distributor
may from time to time instruct, to the person or persons to whom such Distributor may from time to time instruct the Trust to make payments.
- 1 -
Section
2
. Payments made to a Distributor pursuant to Section
1 may be used by the Distributor for any purpose, including (but not limited to) to compensate or reimburse the Distributor and any banks, broker/dealers or other financial institutions that have entered agreements with the Distributor in
conformity with Section 8 (Selling Agents) for distribution or sales support services rendered, and related expenses incurred, for or on behalf of a Fund. The Distributor may pay all or any portion of the Distribution Fee to any
Selling Agents (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) as commissions, asset-based sales charges or other compensation with respect to the sale of the Shares, and may retain all or any portion of the Distribution Fee as
compensation for the Distributors services as agent for the distribution of Shares. All payments under this Distribution Plan are intended to qualify as asset-based sales charges as defined in Rule 2830 of the NASD Manual of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (or any successor provision) as in effect from time to time. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no Fund or class of Shares shall make any payments under the Plan that exceed the
maximum amounts payable under applicable rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
Joint distribution or sales support
financing with respect to a Fund (which financing may also involve other investment portfolios or companies that are affiliated persons of the Fund, or affiliated persons of the Distributor) shall be permitted in accordance with applicable
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as in effect from time to time.
For each Fund Share class, the shareholders of
which have approved (or may be deemed to have approved because the plan was adopted before any public offering of such Funds Shares or the sale of such Shares to persons that are not affiliated persons of the Fund or affiliated persons of such
persons) a distribution or servicing plan under Rule
12b-1
under the 1940 Act providing for payments in excess of the annual rate at which Distribution Fees are paid hereunder, to the extent any payments made
by such Fund pursuant to a Shareholder Servicing Plan and/or Servicing Agreement are deemed to be payments for activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares, such payments shall be deemed to have been approved pursuant to this Plan.
Section
3
. Any officer designated by a Trust is authorized to execute and deliver, in the name of and on behalf
of the Trust, a written agreement with a Distributor in such a form as may be approved by the Trustees from time to time. Such agreement shall authorize the Distributor to enter into written agreements with Selling Agents, based on such form(s) of
sales support agreements as may be approved by the Trustees from time to time and on such additional forms of agreement as the Distributor deems appropriate, provided that the Distributor determines that the Trusts responsibility or liability
to any person under, or on account of any acts or statements of any such Selling Agent under, any such sales support agreement does not exceed its responsibility or liability under the form(s) approved by the Trustees, and provided further that the
Distributor determines that the overall terms of any such sales support agreement are not materially less advantageous to the Trust than the overall terms of the form(s) approved by the Trustees.
Section
4
. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant to this
Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
- 2 -
Section
5
. This Plan shall continue in effect with respect to any class
of Shares of a Fund for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by votes of a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Disinterested Trustees (as defined below), cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
Section
6
. This Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the amount to be spent with respect to any class of Shares of a Fund for distribution hereunder without approval by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding Shares of such class, and all material amendments of this Plan shall be
approved in the manner provided for continuation of this Plan in Section 5.
Section
7
. This Plan is
terminable at any time with respect to any class of Shares of any Fund by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of such class.
Section
8
. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any
agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
A. That such agreement may be terminated with respect to any class of Shares
of a Fund at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of such class, on not more than 60 days written notice to any other party to the
agreement; and
B. That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Section
9
. The Trust will preserve copies of this Plan, and any agreement or written report regarding this Plan
presented to the Trustees, for a period of not less than six years.
Section
10.
As used in this Plan,
(a) the term Disinterested Trustees shall mean those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and
(b) the terms assignment and interested person shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the term majority of the outstanding Shares of a class
of Shares shall mean the lesser of the 67% or the 50% voting requirements specified in clauses (A) and (B), respectively, of the third sentence of Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, all subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Section
11
. A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of each Trust
is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Plan is adopted by the Trustees as Trustees of each Trust, and not individually, and the obligations of any Trust hereunder are not binding upon any of the Trustees,
shareholders, officers, representatives or agents of the Trust personally, but bind only the assets of the Trust, and all persons dealing with the Trust, a Fund or a class of Shares thereof must look solely to the property belonging to the Trust,
such Fund or such class of Shares, respectively, for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust, such Fund or such class of Shares.
- 3 -
|
|
|
Approved:
|
|
May 11, 2005
|
|
|
Revised:
|
|
March 27, 2006 (to reflect fund reorganizations and distributor name change)
|
|
|
October 11, 2006 (to reflect fund reorganizations)
|
|
|
December 12, 2007 (to reflect newly formed funds)
|
|
|
October 28, 2008 (to reflect newly formed funds and other changes)
|
|
|
April 20, 2010 (to reflect change of Distributor)
|
|
|
September 7, 2010 (to reflect new share classes)
|
|
|
March 14, 2012 (to reflect fund reorganizations, fund name changes and share class name changes, to add new funds and to establish standard distribution fee arrangements to be applicable to new funds except as the
Trustees may otherwise determine)
|
|
|
March 10, 2014 (to reflect newly formed fund and fund name changes)
|
|
|
May 1, 2016 (to reflect fund name changes)
|
|
|
August 17, 2016 (to add the newly formed
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Directional Alternatives Fund)
|
|
|
January 25, 2017 (to reflect the addition of new Class T shares)
|
- 4 -
EXHIBIT I
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
Series
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust I
|
|
All series other than those noted on Exhibits II, IV and V
|
Fees are payable as follows with respect to the Funds listed above.
|
A.
|
PLANS APPLYING TO CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
|
Except as indicated below, each Fund having Class A, B or C
shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of its Class B and C shares.
COLUMBIA INTERMEDIATE
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND shall pay an annual distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of its Class B and C shares.
|
B.
|
PLANS APPLYING TO CLASS T AND W SHARES
|
Each Fund having Class T or W shares shall pay a distribution fee
at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such shares,
provided
that the Funds combined distribution fee and servicing fee shall not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such shares.
|
C.
|
PLANS APPLYING TO OTHER CLASSES OF SHARES
|
CLASS R SHARES. Class R shares shall pay a distribution fee at
the annual rate of 0.50% of the average daily net assets of its Class R shares.
EXHIBIT II
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
Series
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust I
|
|
Columbia Corporate Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund
|
|
|
Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Dividend Income Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
|
Columbia Small Cap Core Fund
|
Fees are payable as follows with respect to the Funds listed above.
|
A.
|
PLANS APPLYING TO CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
|
Each Fund having Class A, B or C shares (other
than Columbia Income Fund and Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund) shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.10% of the average daily net assets of its Class A shares and 0.75% of the average daily net assets of its Class B and C
shares.
Columbia Income Fund Class B and C shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net
assets of its Class B and C shares.
Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund Class B and C shares shall pay a distribution fee at the
annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of its Class B and C shares.
|
B.
|
PLANS APPLYING TO CLASS T AND W* SHARES
|
Each Fund having Class T or W shares shall pay a
distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such shares,
provided
that the Funds combined distribution fee and servicing fee shall not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such shares.
*
|
Class W Shares are
re-designated
as Class T Shares effective on or about March 27, 2017.
|
|
C.
|
PLANS APPLYING TO OTHER CLASSES OF SHARES
|
COLUMBIA LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
CLASS E SHARES. Class E shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.10% of the average daily net assets of its
Class E shares.
CLASS F SHARES. Class F shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of
the average daily net assets of its Class F shares.
COLUMBIA DIVIDEND INCOME FUND
COLUMBIA INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND
COLUMBIA LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
CLASS R SHARES. Class R shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of the average daily net assets of its
Class R shares.
EXHIBIT III
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
Series
|
Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust
|
|
All series
|
Fees are payable as follows with respect to the Funds listed above.
Each Fund having Class 2 shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of its Class 2 shares.
Each Fund having Class 3 shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.125% of the average daily net assets of its Class 3 shares,
provided
that the Funds combined distribution fee and servicing fee shall not exceed 0.125% of the average daily net assets of its Class 3 shares.
EXHIBIT IV
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
Series
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust I
|
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
Columbia Balanced Fund
Columbia Contrarian Core Fund
Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity Fund
Columbia Global
Technology Growth Fund1
Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund
Columbia
Real Estate Equity Fund
Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I
|
Fees are payable as follows with respect to the Funds listed above.
Class A:
For all Funds except Columbia Global
Dividend Opportunity Fund: 0.10% distribution fee
Class A:
For Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity Fund: 0.00% distribution fee
Class B:
0.75% distribution fee
Class C:
0.75% distribution fee
Class R:
0.50% distribution fee
Class W* and T:
Each Fund having Class T or W
shares shall pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such shares,
provided
that the Funds combined distribution fee and servicing fee shall not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets
of such shares.
*
|
Class W Shares are
re-designated
as Class T Shares effective on or about March 27, 2017.
|
EXHIBIT V
|
|
|
Trust
|
|
Series
|
Columbia Funds Series Trust I
|
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Alternatives Fund
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Directional Alternatives Fund
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Growth Fund
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Fund
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Fund
|
Fees are payable as follows with respect to the Funds listed above.
Class A:
Each Fund having Class A shares shall
pay a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of its Class A shares,
provided
that the Funds combined distribution fee and servicing fee shall not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of
its Class A shares.
AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN
This Shareholder Servicing Plan (the Plan) relating to the shares (collectively, the Shares) of Columbia Funds Series
Trust I (the Trust), on behalf of each series thereof listed on Exhibit I hereto (each a Fund), has been adopted by the trustees of the Trust (the Trustees). The terms and conditions of this Plan shall apply with
respect to the Trust on behalf of each Fund.
Section
1
. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, will pay to the
Distributor (as defined below) and such persons as may from time to time be engaged and appointed by the Trust or the Distributor to act as a shareholder servicing agent with respect to its Shares, a fee (the Service Fee) as compensation
for the provision of personal services provided to investors in the Shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, at an aggregate annual rate not to exceed the percentage of the Funds average daily net assets attributable to such
Shares set forth for such Fund on Exhibit II hereto. Subject to such limit and subject to the provisions of Section 6 hereof, the Service Fee shall be as approved from time to time by (a) the Trustees and (b) the Disinterested
Trustees (as defined below). The Service Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Trustees shall determine. All payments under this Service Plan are intended to qualify as service fees as defined in
Rule 2830 of the NASD Manual of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Section
2
. The
Service Fee may be used by the Distributor, or any other recipient, for any purpose, including but not limited to (i) payment of expenses (including overhead expenses) of the Distributor or such other recipient for providing personal services
to investors in the Fund and/or in connection with the maintenance of shareholder accounts, or (ii) payments made (or directed to be made) by the Distributor to any securities dealer or other organization (including, but not limited to, any
affiliate of the Distributor) with which the Distributor has entered into a written agreement for this purpose, for providing personal services to investors in the Fund and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Service Fee may be in excess
of the cost incurred by the Distributor or any other recipient in connection with the provision of personal services to investors in the Shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
Section
3
. Any officer designated by the Trust is authorized to execute and deliver, in the name of and on behalf of
the Trust, a written agreement with the Distributor and one or more shareholder servicing agents in such a form as may be approved by the Trustees from time to time and on such additional forms of agreement as such officer deems appropriate,
provided that the officer determines that the Trusts responsibility or liability to any person under, or on account of any acts or statements of any such shareholder servicing agent under, any such shareholder servicing agreement does not
exceed its responsibility or liability under the form(s) approved by the Trustees, and provided further that such officer determines that the overall terms of any such shareholder servicing agreement are not materially less advantageous to the Trust
than the overall terms of the form(s) approved by the Trustees. In addition, the Trust may, pursuant to an agreement with the Distributor, authorize the Distributor to enter into agreements on behalf of the Trust with one or more shareholder
servicing agents in such a form as may be approved by the Trustees from time to time and on such additional forms of agreement as the Distributor deems appropriate, provided that the Distributor determines that the Trusts
responsibility or liability to any person under, or on account of any acts or statements of any such shareholder servicing agent under, any such shareholder servicing agreement does not exceed
its responsibility or liability under the form(s) approved by the Trustees, and provided further that the Distributor determines that the overall terms of any such shareholder servicing agreement are not materially less advantageous to the Trust
than the overall terms of the form(s) approved by the Trustees.
Section
4
. Any person authorized to direct the
disposition of monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the
purposes for which such expenditures were made.
Section
5
. This Plan shall continue in effect with respect to
any class of Shares of a Fund for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by votes of the majority (or whatever other percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b)
of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act), or the rules and regulations thereunder) of the Trustees and a majority of the Disinterested Trustees (as defined below), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on this Plan.
Section
6
. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of expenses
permitted to be sent with respect to any class of Shares of a Fund pursuant to Section 1 hereof without approval by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding Shares of such class, and all material amendments of this Plan shall be
approved in the manner provided for continuation of this Plan in Section 5.
Section
7
. This Plan is
terminable at any time with respect to any class of Shares by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of such class.
Section
8
. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any
agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
A. That such agreement may be terminated with respect to any class of Shares
of a Fund at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Fund, on not more than 60 days written notice to any other party to the
agreement; and
B. That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Section
9
. The Trust will preserve copies of this Plan, any agreements, and any written reports regarding this Plan
presented to the Trustees for a period of not less than six years.
Section
10.
As used in this Plan,
(a) the term Disinterested Trustees shall mean those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and
(b) the terms
assignment and interested person shall have the respective meanings specified in the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the term majority of the
outstanding Shares of the Fund shall mean the lesser of the 67% or the 50% voting requirements specified in clauses (A) and (B), respectively, of the third sentence of Section 2(a)(42) of the Act, all subject to such exemptions as may be
granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (c) the term Distributor shall mean Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. or such other person(s) as may from time to time be appointed to serve as a principal
underwriter of a Fund pursuant to Section 15(b) of the 1940 Act.
Section
11
. A copy of the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust of the Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Plan is adopted by the Trustees as Trustees of the Trust, and not individually, and the obligations of the Trust hereunder are not binding
upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, officers, representatives or agents of the Trust personally, but bind only the assets of the Trust, and all persons dealing with the Trust or a Fund or a class of Shares thereof must look solely to the
property belonging to the Trust, such Fund or such class of Shares, respectively, for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust, such Fund or such class of Shares.
|
|
|
Approved as of:
|
|
September 7, 2010
|
|
|
Revised:
|
|
March 14, 2012 (to reflect fund reorganizations, fund name changes and share class name changes and to add new funds)
|
|
|
March 10, 2014 (to reflect name change and add new fund)
|
|
|
December 19, 2014 (to add new funds)
|
|
|
March 4, 2015 (to add new funds)
|
|
|
June 6, 2015 (to add a new fund)
|
|
|
May 1, 2016 (to reflect name changes)
|
|
|
August 17, 2016 (to reflect fund liquidation, fund name change and to add a new fund)
|
|
|
January 25, 2017 (to reflect the addition of new Class T shares)
|
EXHIBIT I
|
FUNDS
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Alternatives Fund
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Directional Alternatives Fund
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Growth Fund
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Fund
|
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Total Return Bond Fund
|
Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Fund
|
Columbia Alternative Beta Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
New York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund
|
CMG Ultra Short Term Bond Fund
|
Columbia Balanced Fund
|
Columbia Bond Fund
|
Columbia California
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Columbia Contrarian Core Fund
|
Columbia Corporate Income Fund
|
Columbia Disciplined Small Core Fund
|
Columbia Diversified Absolute Return Fund
|
Columbia Diversified Real Return Fund
|
Columbia Dividend Income Fund
|
Columbia Emerging Markets Fund
|
Columbia Global Dividend Opportunity Fund
|
Columbia Global Energy and Natural Resources Fund
|
Columbia Global Technology Growth Fund
|
Columbia Greater China Fund
|
Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund
|
Columbia Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Mid Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Multi-Asset Income Fund
|
Columbia New York
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Columbia Pacific/Asia Fund
|
Columbia Real Estate Equity Fund
|
Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund
|
Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I
|
Columbia Small Cap Value Fund I
|
Columbia Strategic Income Fund
|
Columbia
Tax-Exempt
Fund
|
Columbia Total Return Bond Fund
|
Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund
|
Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund
|
Columbia Value and Restructuring Fund
|
EXHIBIT II
COMPENSATION
Classes A, B, C, E and F Shares of a
Columbia Fund except as otherwise specifically identified below:
The Service Fee shall be, with respect to each applicable Fund, an annual rate not
to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such Share classes, other than Shares with respect to which the Fund is paying a shareholder servicing fee directly to a third party. The Service Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly in
arrears.
Classes A, B and C of Columbia
Tax-Exempt
Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund and Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund:
The Service Fee shall be, with
respect to each applicable Fund, an annual rate not to exceed 0.20% of the average daily net assets of such Share classes, other than Shares with respect to which the Fund is paying a shareholder servicing fee directly to a third party. The Service
Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears.
Classes A and B of Columbia California
Tax-Exempt
Fund
and Columbia New York Tax-Exempt Fund:
The Service Fee shall be an annual rate not to exceed 0.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to
Shares issued prior to December 1, 1994, and an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Shares issued thereafter, other than Shares with respect to which the Fund is paying a shareholder servicing fee
directly to a third party. The Service Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears.
Classes A and B of Columbia Strategic Income Fund:
The Service Fee shall be an annual rate not to exceed 0.15% of the average daily net assets attributable to Shares issued prior to January 1,
1993, and an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Shares issued thereafter, other than Shares with respect to which the Fund is paying a shareholder servicing fee directly to a third party. The Service Fee
shall be accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears.
Class A of
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Alternatives Fund,
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Directional
Alternatives Fund,
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Growth Fund,
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Small Cap Equity Fund and
Active Portfolios
®
Multi-Manager Total Return
Bond Fund:
The Service Fee shall be an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares,
provided
, that the Funds combined Service Fee and distribution fee shall not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares of such Fund.
Classes T and W* Shares of a Columbia Fund:
The Service
Fee shall be an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to such shares,
provided
, that the Funds combined Service Fee and distribution fee shall not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets
attributable to such shares.
*
|
Class W Shares are
re-designated
as Class T Shares effective on or about March 27, 2017.
|
AMENDED AND RESTATED
RULE
18f-3
MULTI-CLASS PLAN
COLUMBIA FUNDS SERIES TRUST I
Pursuant to
Rule 18f-3
under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), this Rule
18f-3
Multi-Class Plan (Plan) sets forth the methods for allocating fees and expenses among the classes of
shares (Shares) in the investment portfolios (the Funds) of Columbia Funds Series Trust I (the Trust). Among other things, this Plan identifies expenses that may be allocated to a particular class of Shares to the
extent that they are actually incurred in a different amount by the class or relate to a different kind or degree of services provided to the class. In addition, this Plan sets forth the maximum initial sales charges (or loads),
contingent deferred sales charges, maximum distribution fees, maximum shareholder servicing fees, maximum shareholder administration fees, conversion features,
exchange privileges, other shareholder policies and services and transfer agency
fees, if any, applicable or allocated to each class of Shares of the Trust.
The Trust is an
open-end
series investment company registered under the 1940 Act, the Shares of which are registered on Form
N-1A
under the Securities Act of 1933. The Trust offers
multiple classes of Shares in its Funds pursuant to the provisions of Rule
18f-3
and this Plan. Each Fund is authorized to issue shares of such classes described below as Columbia Management Investment
Distributors, Inc. may from time to time determine.
II.
|
Allocation of Expenses.
|
1. Except as otherwise set forth herein or as may from time to
time be specifically approved by the board of trustees of the Trust (the Trustees), all expenses of each Fund shall be allocated proportionately among the classes of such Fund pro rata based on the relative net assets of each class. Pursuant to Rule
18f-3,
the Trust shall allocate to each class of Shares in a Fund any fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with the distribution and/or the provision of shareholder services to holders of such
class of Shares under any distribution plan, shareholder servicing plan and/or plan administration agreement (a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan).
2. In addition, pursuant to Rule
18f-3,
the Trust may allocate to a particular class of Shares the
following fees and expenses, if any, but only to the extent they relate to (as defined below) the particular class of Shares:
|
(i)
|
transfer agency fees and expenses identified by the Trusts transfer agent or officers as being fees and expenses that relate to such class of Shares (see paragraph 7 below);
|
|
(ii)
|
printing and postage expenses of preparing and distributing materials such as shareholder reports, prospectuses, reports and proxies to current shareholders of such class of Shares or to regulatory agencies that relate
to such class of Shares;
|
|
(iii)
|
blue sky registration or qualification fees that relate to such class of Shares;
|
|
(iv)
|
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees that relate to such class of Shares;
|
1
|
(v)
|
expenses of administrative personnel and services (including, but not limited to, those of a portfolio accountant, custodian or dividend paying agent charged with calculating net asset values and determining or paying
distributions) as required to support the shareholders of such class of Shares;
|
|
(vi)
|
litigation or other legal expenses that relate to such class of Shares;
|
|
(vii)
|
fees of the Trustees of the Trust incurred as a result of issues that relate to such class of Shares;
|
|
(viii)
|
independent accountants fees that relate to such class of Shares; and
|
|
(ix)
|
any other fees and expenses that relate to such class of Shares.
|
Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Trust may not allocate advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of a Funds assets to a particular class, except that the Trust may cause a class to pay a different advisory fee to the extent that
any difference in amount paid is the result of the application of the same performance fee provisions, if any, in the advisory contract of the Fund to the different investment performance of each class.
3. For all purposes under this Plan, fees and expenses that relate to a class of Shares are those fees and expenses that are
actually incurred in a different amount by the class or that relate to a different kind or degree of services provided to the class. The officers of the Trust shall have the authority to determine, to the extent permitted by applicable law or
regulation and/or U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission guidance, whether any or all of the fees and expenses described in paragraph 2 above should be allocated to a particular class of Shares. The Treasurer, any Deputy or Assistant Treasurer, or
another appropriate officer of the Trust shall periodically or as frequently as requested by the independent Trustees report to the Board of Trustees regarding any such allocations.
4. For all purposes under this Plan, Daily Dividend Fund means any Fund that has a policy of declaring distributions of net
investment income daily, including any money market fund that determines net asset value using the amortized cost method permitted by Rule
2a-7
under the 1940 Act.
5. Income and any expenses of Daily Dividend Funds that are not allocated to a particular class of any such Fund pursuant to this Plan shall
be allocated to each class of the Fund on the basis of the net assets of that class in relation to the net assets of the Fund, excluding the value of subscriptions receivable (the Settled Shares Method).
Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of Daily Dividend Funds that are not allocated to a particular class of any such Fund
pursuant to this Plan shall be allocated to each class of the Fund on the basis of the net assets of that class in relation to the net assets of the Fund (the Relative Net Assets Method).
6. Income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and any expenses of Funds that are not Daily Dividend Funds that are not
allocated to a particular class of any such Fund pursuant to this Plan shall be allocated to each class of the Fund on the Relative Net Assets Method.
7. Transfer agency costs vary among classes, and are calculated separately for each of (a) Class I and Y Shares,
(b) Class K and R5 Shares, and (c) all other classes of Shares. Shares of each Class pay an annual fee set forth in the transfer agency agreement in effect from time to time and an
2
allocable share of reimbursable
out-of-pocket
expenses, with the allocation among the classes based on the number
of open accounts. Shares of each Class (other than Class I and Y shares) pay
sub-transfer
agency fees as set forth in the transfer agency agreement in effect from time to time.
8. In certain cases, a Fund service provider may waive or reimburse all or a portion of the expenses of a specific class of Shares of the
Fund. The applicable service provider shall report to the Board of Trustees regarding any such waivers or reimbursements, including why they are consistent with the fair and equitable treatment of shareholders of all classes.
The following summarizes the maximum initial sales charges,
contingent deferred sales charges, maximum distribution fees, maximum shareholder servicing fees, maximum plan administration and/or shareholder administration fees, if any, conversion features,
exchange privileges and other shareholder
service fees, if any, applicable or allocated to each class of Shares of the Trust. Additional details regarding such fees and services are set forth in the relevant Funds (or Funds) current prospectus(es) and statement of additional
information.
|
A.
|
Maximum Initial Sales Charge:
|
|
(i)
|
Equity Funds (including certain asset allocation and balanced Funds, as set forth in a Funds then-current prospectus(es)) (other than Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund): maximum of 5.75%.
|
|
(ii)
|
Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund: no initial sales load.
|
|
(iii)
|
Fixed income Funds (other than fixed income Funds listed below): maximum of 4.75%.
|
|
(iv)
|
Columbia
AMT-Free
Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
New York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
Oregon
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia California
Tax-Exempt
Fund, Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund, Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund, Columbia New York
Tax-Exempt
Fund,
Columbia
Tax-Exempt
Fund and Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund: maximum of 3.00%.
|
|
B.
|
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
:
|
|
(i)
|
1.00% for equity and fixed income Funds (other than fixed income Funds listed below).
|
|
(ii)
|
0.75% for Columbia
AMT-Free
Connecticut Intermediate Muni Bond Fund,
Columbia
AMT-Free
Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
Massachusetts Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
New
York Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia
AMT-Free
Oregon Intermediate Muni Bond Fund, Columbia California
Tax-Exempt
|
3
|
Fund, Columbia High Yield Municipal Fund, Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund, Columbia New York
Tax-Exempt
Fund and Columbia
Tax-Exempt
Fund and for Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund. (For Class A shares of all Funds except Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund purchased prior to February 19, 2015, and for Columbia U.S. Social Bond
Fund purchased prior to August 8, 2016, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%.)
|
|
(iii)
|
0.00% for Columbia U.S. Treasury Index Fund.
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class A Shares of each Fund may pay a distribution fee of up to 0.10% and/or a service fee of up to
0.25%, as set forth in the applicable Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan; provided, however, that certain Funds pay a distribution and/or servicing fee of up to 0.25%.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class A Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class A Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class A Shares of other Funds or funds in the same fund family (Affiliated Funds), subject to
exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class A Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
:
|
|
(a)
|
For all Funds other than those listed below: 5.00%
|
|
(b)
|
Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund and the intermediate municipal bond Funds: maximum of 3.00%.
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Class B Shares may pay distribution and service fees pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan as described in the prospectuses for such Shares of
such Fund as from time to time in effect. Such distribution and service fees may be in amounts up to, but may not exceed, respectively, 0.75% and 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to such class.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class B Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features
and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the then-current
|
4
|
prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class B Shares of a Fund convert into Class A Shares as described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class B
Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class B Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class B Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: 1.00%
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class C Shares of each Fund may pay distribution fees of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of
such Shares and shareholder servicing fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such Shares.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class C Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class C Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class C Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the
Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class C Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Maximum Initial Sales Charge
: 4.50%
|
|
B.
|
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: 1.00%
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Class E Shares may pay distribution and service fee pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan as described in the prospectuses as from time to
time in effect. Such distribution and service fees may be in amounts up to, but may not exceed, respectively, 0.10% and 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to such class.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class E Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features
as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees
|
5
|
of the Trust and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class E Shares may not be exchanged for Shares of any other Fund. Class E Shares of a Fund may
not be exchanged for shares of an Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class E Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: 5.00% until on or about April 3, 2017 (the Implementation Date); 0% on and after the Implementation Date.
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Class F Shares may pay distribution and service fee pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan as described in the prospectuses as from time to
time in effect. Such distribution and service fees may be in amounts up to, but may not exceed, respectively, 0.75% and 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to such class.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class F Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the then-current
prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class F Shares may not be exchanged for Shares of any other Fund. Class F Shares of a Fund convert into Class E Shares as described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
Class F Shares of a Fund may not be exchanged for shares of an Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class F Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: None
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class I Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features
and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the then-current
|
6
|
prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class I Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class I Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current
prospectuses of the Fund and Affiliated Fund. Effective May 27, 2017, Class I Shares are exchanged for Class Y Shares in a tax free transaction.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class I Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: None
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class K Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class K Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class K Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the
Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class K Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
F.
|
Plan Administration Services Fee
: Class K Shares pay an annual plan administration services fee for the provision of various administrative, recordkeeping, communication and educational services. The fee for
Class K Shares is equal on an annual basis to 0.25% of average daily net assets attributable to such Shares.
|
*
|
Class K shares were known as Class R4 shares prior to October 25, 2012
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution Fees
: Pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class R Shares of each Fund may pay distribution fees of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of such Shares.
|
7
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class R Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class R Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class R Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the
Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class R Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: None
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class R4 Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class R4 Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class R4 Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of
the Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class R4 Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: None
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class R5 Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class R5 Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class R5 Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of
the Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class R Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
8
|
A.
|
Maximum Initial Sales Charge Per Transaction
: 2.50%
|
|
B.
|
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class T Shares may pay distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of such Shares.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class T Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class T Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Maximum Initial Sales Load
:
|
|
(a)
|
For equity Funds: 5.75%
|
|
(b)
|
For fixed-income Funds: 4.75%
|
|
B.
|
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: 1.00%
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class V Shares of each Fund may pay servicing fees of up to 0.50% for equity Funds and 0.40% for fixed
income Funds of the average daily net assets of such Shares.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class V Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class V Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class V Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the
Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class V Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
*
|
Prior to February 24, 2017, Class V Shares were designated Class T Shares.
|
9
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Maximum Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: Pursuant to a Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class W Shares may pay distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of such Shares.
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class W Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class W Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class W Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the
Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class W Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
*
|
Class W Shares are
re-designated
as Class T Shares effective on or about March 27, 2017.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
|
C.
|
Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: None
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class Y Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class Y Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class Y Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the
Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class Y Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
|
A.
|
Initial Sales Charge
: None
|
|
B.
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
: None
|
10
|
C.
|
Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees
: None
|
|
D.
|
Conversion Features/Exchange Privileges
: Class Z Shares of a Fund shall have such conversion features and exchange privileges, if any, as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
and described in the then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund. Class Z Shares of a Fund may generally be exchanged for Class Z Shares of Affiliated Funds, subject to exceptions described in the then-current prospectuses of the
Fund and Affiliated Fund.
|
|
E.
|
Other Shareholder Services
: Class Z Shares of a Fund shall have such arrangements for shareholder services as are determined by or ratified by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and described in the
then-current prospectus for such Shares of such Fund.
|
The Board of Trustees of the Trust shall review this Plan, including the
application of the Relative Net Assets Method and the Settled Shares Method to the Funds, as frequently as it deems necessary. Prior to any material amendment(s) to this Plan, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees
who are not interested persons of the Trust, shall find that the Plan, as proposed to be amended (including any proposed amendments to the method of allocating class and/or Fund expenses), is in the best interests of each class of Shares of the Fund
individually and the Fund as a whole. In considering whether to approve any proposed amendment(s) to the Plan, the Board of Trustees of the Trust shall request and evaluate such information as they consider reasonably necessary to evaluate the
proposed amendment(s) to the Plan.
|
|
|
Amended and Restated:
|
|
As of September 7, 2010
|
Amended to update Funds and Share Classes:
|
|
June 30, 2011
|
Amended to add Class R shares to Columbia Bond Fund
|
|
November 2011
|
Amended to authorize each Fund to issue shares of such classes as Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. may from time to time determine
|
|
March 14, 2012
|
Amended to reflect addition of share class and changes to share class features
|
|
November 1, 2012
|
Amended to reflect TA fee changes
|
|
November 1, 2014
|
|
|
Amended to reflect 1st breakpoint (3.00%) load change for Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund and the intermediate municipal bond Funds
|
|
February 19, 2015
|
Amended to reflect CDSC change for Class A for Columbia U.S. Social Bond Fund
|
|
August 8, 2016
|
Section II amended to reflect changes to transfer agency fees
|
|
January 1, 2017
|
Amended to reflect the
re-designation
of Class T and W Shares, the designation of new Class T Shares and other share class changes
|
|
January 25, 2017
|
11