As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017

Securities Act File No. 333-205755

Investment Company Act File No. 811-08743

 

 

 

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-2

 

 

Registration Statement

under

   the Securities Act of 1933  

   Pre-Effective Amendment No.  

   Post-Effective Amendment No. 1  

and/or

Registration Statement

under

   the Investment Company Act of 1940  

   Amendment No. 9  

 

 

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

1555 Peachtree Street, N.E.

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (404) 439-3217

John M. Zerr, Esq.

11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77046-1173

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Peter A. Davidson, Esquire

Invesco Advisers, Inc.

11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000

Houston, TX 77046-1173

 

E. Carolan Berkley, Esquire.

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

2005 Market Street, Suite 2600

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7018

 

 

Approximate date of proposed public offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box . . . . ☒

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

 

When declared effective pursuant to section 8(c).
Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b).
On June 27, 2017 pursuant to paragraph Rule 486(b) as permitted by no-action relief granted to Registrant on January 26, 2017.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement].
This form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is                     .

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Title of Securities

Being Registered

  Amount Being
Registered
 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share(1)

 

Aggregate

Offering Price(2)

  Amount of
Registration Fee(3)

Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value

  18,000,000   4.175   $75,150,000   $7,567.61

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee. Calculated on the basis of the average high and low prices of Registrant’s common shares, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on June 21, 2016, in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(3) Previously paid.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


BASE PROSPECTUS

Invesco Senior Income Trust

18,000,000 Common Shares

 

 

The Fund. Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company.

Investment Objective. The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund cannot assure investors that it will achieve its investment objective and you could lose some or all of your investment.

Investment Strategy. The Fund will invest primarily in a professionally managed portfolio of interests in floating or variable rate senior loans (“Senior Loans”) to corporations, partnerships and other entities (“Borrowers”) which operate in a variety of industries and geographical regions (including domestic and foreign entities). The Fund may invest in participations (“Participations”) in Senior Loans, may purchase assignments (“Assignments”) of portions of Senior Loans from third parties and may act as one of the group of lenders originating a Senior Loan (an “Original Lender”). In normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in Senior Loans (either as an Original Lender or as a purchaser of an Assignment or Participation) of domestic Borrowers or foreign Borrowers (so long as Senior Loans to foreign Borrowers are U.S. dollar denominated and payments of interest and repayments of principal pursuant to such Senior Loans are required to be made in U.S. dollars). The Fund is not subject to any restrictions with respect to the maturity of Senior Loans held in its portfolio. The Fund is not subject to any restrictions with respect to the maturity of Senior Loans held in its portfolio.

Offerings. The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to 18,000,000 common shares of beneficial interest, no par value (“Common Shares”), in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement carefully before you decide to invest in the Common Shares.

The Fund may offer Common Shares:

 

  (i) in at-the-market transactions through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Fund’s selling agent(s); in such transactions, Common Shares will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the NYSE, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund, which minimum price will not be less than the current net asset value per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of the commission to be paid;

 

  (ii) otherwise through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time;

 

  (iii) to or through underwriters or dealers; or

 

  (iv) directly to one or more purchasers.

The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Common Shares will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents, underwriters or dealers or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.”

Investing in Common Shares involves certain risks. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. The Fund may invest, subject to limitations under its investment strategy and policies, in securities of below investment grade quality


(commonly referred to as “junk bonds”), which are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. See “Risks” beginning on page 37 of this Prospectus. Certain of these risks are summarized in “Prospectus Summary—Special Risk Considerations” beginning on page 6 of this Prospectus. You should carefully consider these risks together with all of the other information contained in this Prospectus before making a decision to purchase Common Shares.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

June 27, 2017

 

ii


(continued from previous page)

The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans may include up to 5% of its total assets in senior debt obligations that are in the form of notes in addition to investments in loan agreements, Participations and Assignments. The Fund may invest in the Senior Loans of non-U.S. issuers, and may invest up to 5% of its total assets in Senior Loans or other assets which are denominated in non-U.S. dollars.

In normal market conditions, the Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in any combination of (1) warrants and equity securities, in each case the Fund must own or acquire a Senior Loan of the same issuer, (2) junior debt securities or securities with a lien on collateral lower than a senior claim on collateral, (3) high quality short-term debt securities, (4) credit-linked deposits and (5) Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“U.S. TIPS”) and other inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in structured notes with rates of return determined by reference to the total rate of return on one or more loans referenced in such notes, collateralized debt and loan obligations, credit-linked notes, credit default swaps and other types of structured investments.

The Adviser. Invesco Advisers, Inc. (“Invesco” or the “Adviser”) is the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976. Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund, pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund.

Financial Leverage . The Fund may utilize financial leverage to the maximum extent allowable under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally may not (1) borrow money greater than 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets or (2) issue preferred shares greater than 50% of the Fund’s total assets. In using a combination of borrowing money and issuing preferred shares, the maximum allowable leverage is somewhere between 33 1/3% and 50% (but in no event more than 50%) of the Fund’s total assets based on the relative amounts borrowed or preferred shares issued. Currently, the Fund employs financial leverage by borrowing funds through a credit facility and through the issuance of preferred securities that are senior to the Common Shares. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed Assets, which includes proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Fund’s investment adviser and holders of Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee. See “Use of Leverage.”

Common Shares . The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “VVR” and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE. The net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on June 23, 2017 was $4.85, and the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE on such date was $4.56, representing a discount to net asset value of 5.98%. See “Market and Net Asset Value Information.”

This Prospectus sets forth the information about the Fund that you should know before investing. You should keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund, including a Statement of Additional Information dated June 27, 2017, and the Fund’s Annual and Semiannual Reports, has been filed with the SEC. This information is available upon written or oral request without charge from our web site at www.invesco.com/us. You may also get a copy of any of these materials, request other information about the Fund and make other inquiries by calling (800) 959-4246. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information is incorporated herein by reference. A table of contents for the Statement of Additional Information is on page 68 of this Prospectus. The SEC maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, material incorporated by reference and other information about SEC registrants, including the Fund.

Common Shares are not deposits or obligations of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or depository institution. Common Shares are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

 

iii


Forward-Looking Statements

This Prospectus contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements describe the Fund’s plans, strategies, and goals and the Fund’s beliefs and assumptions concerning future economic and other conditions and the outlook for the Fund, based on currently available information. In this Prospectus, words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “objectives,” “goals,” “future,” “intends,” “seeks,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” and similar expressions are used in an effort to identify forward-looking statements, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. The Fund is not entitled to the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

iv


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Summary

  1

Summary of Fund Expenses

  17

Financial Highlights

  18

Senior Securities

  20

The Fund

  20

Use of Proceeds

  21

Market and Net Asset Value Information

  21

Investment Objective and Policies

  22

Use of Leverage

  30

Risks

  33

Management of the Fund

  42

Net Asset Value

  44

Distributions

  45

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

  46

Description of Capital Structure

  47

Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents

  50

Conversion to Open-End Fund

  52

Tax Matters

  52

Plan of Distribution

  54

Custodian, Administrator, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent

  57

Legal Counsel

  57

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  57

Additional Information

  57

Privacy Policy

  57

Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information

  59

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this Prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus. The Fund’s business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since that date.


PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This is only a summary of information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Fund’s common shares (the “Common Shares”). You should carefully read the more detailed information contained in this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplements, especially the information set forth under the headings “Investment Objective and Policies” and “Risks.” You may also wish to request a copy of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, dated June 27, 2017 (the “SAI”), which contains additional information about the Fund.

 

The Fund

Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company.

 

The Offering

The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to 18,000,000 Common Shares, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Fund will offer Common Shares at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”).

 

  The Fund may offer Common Shares:

 

  (i) in at-the-market transactions through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Fund’s selling agent(s); in such transactions, Common Shares will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the NYSE, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund, which minimum price will not be less than the current net asset value per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of the commission to be paid;

 

  (ii) otherwise through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time;

 

  (iii) to or through underwriters or dealers; or

 

  (iv) directly to one or more purchasers.

 

  The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Common Shares will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents, underwriters or dealers or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

Use Of Proceeds

Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three to six months after the completion of any such offering or the receipt of such proceeds. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Common Shares primarily for these purposes.

 

Investment Objective

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital. The investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund cannot assure investors that it will achieve its investment objective.

 

1


Investment Policies

The Fund will invest primarily in a professionally managed portfolio of interests in floating or variable rate senior loans (“Senior Loans”) to corporations, partnerships and other entities (“Borrowers”) which operate in a variety of industries and geographical regions (including domestic and foreign entities). Senior Loans generally are arranged through private negotiations between a Borrower and several financial institutions (“Lenders”) represented in each case by one or more such Lenders acting as agent (“Agent”) of the several Lenders. On behalf of the several Lenders, the Agent, which is frequently the commercial bank or other entity that originates the Senior Loan and the person that invites other parties to join the lending syndicate, will be primarily responsible for negotiating the loan agreements (“Loan Agreement”) that establish the relative terms, conditions and rights of the Borrower and the several Lenders. In larger transactions it is common to have several Agents; however, generally only one such Agent has primary responsibility for documentation and administration of the Senior Loan. Agents are typically paid a fee or fees by the Borrower for their services.

 

  The Fund may invest in participations (“Participations”) in Senior Loans, may purchase assignments (“Assignments”) of portions of Senior Loans from third parties and may act as one of the group of Lenders originating a Senior Loan (an “Original Lender”). In normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in Senior Loans (either as an Original Lender or as a purchaser of an Assignment or Participation) of domestic Borrowers or foreign Borrowers (so long as Senior Loans to foreign Borrowers are U.S. dollar denominated and payments of interest and repayments of principal pursuant to such Senior Loans are required to be made in U.S. dollars). The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans may also include up to 5% of its total assets in senior debt obligations that are in the form of notes in addition to investments in Loan Agreements, Participations and Assignments.

 

  The Fund may invest in the Senior Loans of non-U.S. issuers. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in Senior Loans or other assets which are denominated in non-U.S. dollars.

 

  The Fund is not subject to any restrictions with respect to the maturity of Senior Loans held in its portfolio. The Fund’s assets invested in Senior Loans generally consist of Senior Loans with stated maturities of between three and ten years, and with rates of interest which are redetermined either daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually; provided, however, that the Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in Senior Loans which permit the Borrower to select an interest rate redetermination period of up to one year. The actual remaining maturity of the Fund’s portfolio invested in Senior Loans may vary substantially from the average stated maturity of the Senior Loans held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

  In normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in any combination of (1) warrants and equity securities, in each case the Fund must own or acquire a Senior Loan of the same issuer, (2) junior debt securities or securities with a lien on collateral lower than a senior claim on collateral, (3) high quality short-term debt securities, (4) credit-linked deposits and (5) Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“U.S. TIPS”) and other inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities will not be treated as Senior Loans and thus assets invested in such securities will not count toward the 80% of the Fund’s total assets that normally will be invested in Senior Loans.

 

  The Fund also may invest up to 10% of its total assets in structured notes with rates of return determined by reference to the total rate of return on one or more loans referenced in such notes, collateralized debt and loan obligations, credit-linked notes, credit default swaps and other types of structured investments (referred to collectively as “structured products”). Structured products where the rate of return is determined by reference to a Senior Loan will be treated as senior loans for the purposes of complying with the Fund’s policy of normally investing at least 80% of its total assets in Senior Loans.

 

2


Leverage

The Fund may utilize financial leverage to the maximum extent allowable under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, a Trust generally may not (1) borrow money greater than 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets or (2) issue preferred shares greater than 50% of the Fund’s total assets. In using a combination of borrowing money and issuing preferred shares, the maximum allowable leverage is somewhere between 33 1/3% and 50% (but in no event more than 50%) of the Fund’s total assets based on the relative amounts borrowed or preferred shares issued. Currently, the Fund employs financial leverage by borrowing funds through a credit facility and through the issuance of preferred securities that are senior to the Common Shares. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s leverage strategy will be successful. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed Assets, which includes proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Fund’s investment adviser and holders of Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee.

 

  The Fund has entered into a $350 million credit agreement, effective as of December 10, 2015 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the “Credit Agreement”), with State Street Bank and Trust Company and the other lending institutions party thereto and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as agent. State Street Bank and Trust Company has the authority to lend a maximum of $229,166,670 to the Fund, and other lending institutions party thereto may lend up to $120,833,330 to the Fund. As of June 1, 2017, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $280 million representing approximately 20.58% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date. The Credit Agreement is secured by assets of the Fund.

 

  On October 26, 2012, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares (“VRTP”). VRTP Shares are a floating-rate form of preferred shares with a mandatory redemption date. The Fund is required to redeem all outstanding VRTP Shares on September 1, 2017, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or extended. VRTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On May 1, 2017, the Fund began a periodic optional redemption of VRTP Shares . As of June 1, 2017, the Fund had outstanding preferred shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of $75 million, which represented approximately 5.51% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date. The Fund’s total leverage as of June 1, 2017 represented approximately 26.09% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date. See “Use of Leverage.”

 

Management Of The Fund

Invesco Advisers, Inc. (“Invesco” or the “Adviser”) is the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976.

 

  Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly advisory fee based on the annual rate of 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets. “Managed Assets,” for purposes of the advisory fee, means the Fund’s net assets, plus assets attributable to outstanding preferred shares and the amount of any borrowings incurred for the purpose of leverage (whether or not such borrowed amounts are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of GAAP).

 

3


  Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund, pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund. These affiliated sub-advisers, each of which is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) are:

 

    Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (“Invesco Deutschland”)

 

    Invesco Asset Management Limited (“Invesco Asset Management”)

 

    Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (“Invesco Japan”)

 

    Invesco Hong Kong Limited (“Invesco Hong Kong”)

 

    Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (“Invesco Senior Secured”)

 

    Invesco Canada Ltd. (“Invesco Canada”);

 

    (each a “Sub-Adviser” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”).

 

  Invesco and each Sub-Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.

 

  The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, Invesco will pay each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any.

 

Distributions

The Fund intends to make regular monthly distributions of all or a portion of its net investment income to its common shareholders (the “Common Shareholders”). The Fund expects to pay its Common Shareholders annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income to meet the requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Various factors will affect the level of the Fund’s net investment company taxable income. The Fund may from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of income earned in a particular period. The undistributed income would be available to supplement future distributions. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of income actually earned by the Fund during that period. Undistributed income will add to the Fund’s net asset value and, correspondingly, distributions from undistributed income, if any, will reduce the Fund’s net asset value.

 

  In addition, the Fund intends to distribute, on an annual basis, all or substantially all of any net capital gains to its Common Shareholders. The Fund may also declare and pay capital gains distributions more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the Fund.

 

4


  If, for any calendar year, the total distributions made exceed the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profit, the excess will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to each Common Shareholder up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s basis in his or her Common Shares, and thereafter as gain from the sale of Common Shares. The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce the Common Shareholder’s adjusted basis in his or her Common Shares, thereby increasing his or her potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the subsequent sale of his or her Common Shares. To the extent the Fund’s distribution policy results in distributions in excess of its net investment income and net capital gain, such distributions will decrease its total assets and increase its expense ratio to a greater extent than would have been the case if distributions were limited to these amounts. Distributions in any year may or may not include a substantial return of capital component.

 

  The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution policy and the basis for establishing the rate of distributions at any time and may do so without prior notice to Common Shareholders.

 

  Shareholders will automatically have all dividends and distributions reinvested in Common Shares issued by the Fund or Common Shares of the Fund purchased in the open market in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan unless an election is made to receive cash. See “Distributions” and “Dividend reinvestment plan.”

 

Listing And Symbol

The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “VVR” and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE. The net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on June 23, 2017 was $4.85, and the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE on such date was $4.56, representing a discount to net asset value of 5.98%. See “Market and Net Asset Value Information.”

 

Special Risk Considerations

Investment in the Fund involves special risk considerations, which are summarized below. The Fund is designed as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. The Fund’s performance and the value of its investments will vary in response to changes in interest rates, inflation and other market factors. See “Risks” for a more complete discussion of the special risk considerations associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

  Senior Loan Risks . Senior Loans, like most other debt obligations, are subject to the risk of default. Default in the payment of interest or principal on a Senior Loan results in a reduction in income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the Senior Loan and a potential decrease in the Fund’s net asset value. The risk of default increases in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase in interest rates. An increased risk of default could result in a decline in the value of Senior Loans and in the Fund’s net asset value. Issuers of Senior Loans may have either issued debt securities that are rated lower than investment grade, i.e., rated lower than “Baa” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or “BBB” by Fitch Ratings, Ltd. (“Fitch”), or, if they had issued debt securities, such debt securities would likely be rated lower than investment grade. Debt securities rated lower than investment grade are frequently called “junk bonds,” and are generally considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuing company’s ability to meet principal and interest payments. Because the primary source of income for the Fund is the interest and principal payments on the Senior Loans in which it invests, any payment default by an issuer of a Senior Loan would have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to pay dividends on the Common Shares or the preferred shares, and could result in the redemption of some or all of the preferred shares.

 

5


  In the case of collateralized Senior Loans, there is no assurance that sale of the collateral would raise enough cash to satisfy the Borrower’s payment obligation or that the collateral can or will be liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation may not occur and the court may not give Lenders the full benefit of their senior positions. If the terms of a Senior Loan do not require the Borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the original collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the Borrower’s obligations under the Senior Loans. To the extent that a Senior Loan is collateralized by stock in the Borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of bankruptcy of the Borrower. Uncollateralized Senior Loans involve a greater risk of loss.

 

  Senior Loans in which the Fund invests may not have been rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any state securities commission and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. Although the Fund will generally have access to financial and other information made available to the Lenders in connection with Senior Loans, the amount of public information available with respect to Senior Loans will generally be less extensive than that available for rated, registered or exchange-listed securities. As a result, the performance of the Fund and its ability to meet its investment objective is more dependent on the analytical ability of the Adviser than would be the case for an investment company that invests primarily in rated, registered or exchange-listed securities.

 

  Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no active trading market exists for many Senior Loans. As a result, many Senior Loans are illiquid, meaning that the Fund may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. The market for illiquid securities is more volatile than the market for liquid securities. The risks of illiquidity are particularly important when the Fund’s operations require cash, and may in certain circumstances require that the Fund borrow to meet short-term cash requirements. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain Senior Loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. The substantial portion of the Fund’s assets invested in Senior Loans may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and at a fair price, and could result in capital losses to the Fund and holders of Shares. The market for Senior Loans could be disrupted in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase or decrease in interest rates. This could result in increased volatility in the market and in the Fund’s net asset value per Share. Illiquid securities are also difficult to value.

 

  If legislation or state or federal regulations impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans, the availability of Senior Loans for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such requirements or restrictions could reduce or eliminate sources of financing for certain Borrowers. This would increase the risk of default. If legislation or federal or state regulations require financial institutions to dispose of Senior Loans that are considered highly leveraged transactions or subject Senior Loans to increased regulatory scrutiny, financial institutions may determine to sell such Senior Loans. Such sales could result in prices that, in the opinion of the Adviser, do not represent fair value. If the Fund attempts to sell a Senior Loan at a time when a financial institution is engaging in such a sale, the price the Fund could get for the Senior Loan may be adversely affected.

 

  Selling Lenders and other persons positioned between the Fund and the Borrower will likely conduct their principal business activities in the banking, finance and financial services industries. The Fund may be more at risk to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting such industries. Persons engaged in such industries may be more susceptible to, among other things, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in the Federal Open Market Committee’s monetary policy, governmental regulations concerning such industries and concerning capital raising activities generally and fluctuations in the financial markets generally.

 

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  Should an Agent or Lender positioned between the Fund and a Borrower become insolvent or enter FDIC receivership or bankruptcy, where the Fund is an Original Lender or has purchased an Assignment, any interest of such person in the Senior Loan and in any loan payment held by such person for the benefit of the Fund should not be included in the person’s estate. If, however, these items are included in their estate, the Fund would incur costs and delays in realizing payment and could suffer a loss of principal or interest. See “Risks—Senior Loan Risks.”

 

  Participations Risk . The Fund may purchase Participations in Senior Loans. Under a Participation, the Fund generally will have rights that are more limited than the rights of Lenders or of persons who acquire a Senior Loan by Assignment. In a Participation, the Fund typically has a contractual relationship with the Lender selling the Participation but not with the Borrower. As a result, the Fund assumes the credit risk of the Lender selling the Participation in addition to the credit risk of the Borrower. In the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling the Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the Lender and may not have a senior claim to the Lender’s interest in the Senior Loan. Certain Participations in Senior Loans are illiquid, meaning the Fund may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. Illiquid securities are also difficult to value.

 

  Limited Secondary Market For Senior Loans . Although it is growing, the secondary market for Senior Loans is currently limited. Senior Loans, at present, generally are not readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. Interests in Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no active trading market may exist for many of the Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest. To the extent that a secondary market may exist for certain of the Senior Loans in which the Fund invests, such market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. Senior Loans are thus relatively illiquid, which illiquidity may impair the Fund’s ability to realize the full value of its assets in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of such assets. Liquidity relates to the ability of the Fund to sell an investment in a timely manner. The market for relatively illiquid securities tends to be more volatile than the market for more liquid securities. The Fund has no limitation on the amount of its assets which may be invested in securities which are not readily marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale. The substantial portion of the Fund’s assets invested in Senior Loan interests may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and at a fair price, and could result in capital losses to the Fund and its Common Shareholders. However, many of the Senior Loans in which the Fund expects to purchase interests are of a relatively large principal amount and are held by a relatively large number of owners which should, in the Adviser’s opinion, enhance the relative liquidity of such interests.

 

  Warrants, Equity Securities and Junior Debt Securities Risks . Warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities have a subordinate claim on a Borrower’s assets as compared with Senior Loans. As a result, the values of warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities generally are more dependent on the financial condition of the Borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates than are the values of many debt securities. The values of warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities may be more volatile than those of Senior Loans and thus may increase the volatility of the Fund’s net asset value.

 

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  Risks of Investment in Non-U.S. Issuers . The Fund may invest in Senior Loans and debt securities of Borrowers that are organized or located in countries other than the United States, provided that such Senior Loans and debt securities are denominated in U.S. dollars and provide for the payment of interest and repayment of principal in U.S. dollars. Investments in non-U.S. issuers involve special risks, including that non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less rigorous accounting and reporting requirements than U.S. issuers, less rigorous regulatory requirements, differing legal systems and laws relating to creditors’ rights, the potential inability to enforce legal judgments and foreclose on collateral, possible restrictions on expatriation and repatriation of capital and the potential for political, social and economic adversity.

 

  Market Risk . Market risk is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline. The net asset value of the Fund will change with changes in the value of its portfolio securities, and the value of the Fund’s investments can be expected to fluctuate over time. The financial markets in general are subject to volatility and may at times experience extreme volatility and uncertainty, which may affect all investment securities, including debt securities and derivative instruments. Volatility may be greater during periods of general economic uncertainty.

 

  Credit Risk . Credit risk refers to an issuer’s ability to make timely payments of interest and principal when due. Senior Loans, like other debt obligations, are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment. The ability of issuers of debt obligations to make timely payments of interest and principal may be adversely affected by general economic downturns Nonpayment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, and a potential decrease in the net asset value of the Fund. The Adviser continuously monitors the issuers of securities held in the Fund.

 

  The Fund will rely on the Adviser’s judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer. In its analysis, the Adviser may consider the credit ratings of NRSROs in evaluating securities, although the Adviser does not rely primarily on these ratings. Credit ratings of NRSROs evaluate only the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market risk. In addition, ratings are general and not absolute standards of quality, and the creditworthiness of an issuer may decline significantly before an NRSRO lowers the issuer’s rating. A rating downgrade does not require the Fund to dispose of a security.

 

  Medium-grade obligations (for example, bonds rated BBB by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”)) possess speculative characteristics so that changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the issuer to make principal and interest payments than in the case of higher-rated securities. Securities rated below investment grade are considered speculative by NRSROs with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to pay interest and principal.

 

  Securities that are in the lower-grade categories generally offer higher yields than are offered by higher-grade securities of similar maturities, but they also generally involve greater risks, such as greater credit risk, market risk, volatility and liquidity risk. In addition, the amount of available information about the financial condition of certain lower-grade issuers may be less extensive than other issuers, making the Fund more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than a fund investing only in higher-grade securities.

 

 

Secondary market prices of lower-grade securities generally are less sensitive than higher-grade securities to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to general adverse economic changes or specific developments with respect to the particular issuers. A significant increase in interest rates or a general economic downturn may significantly affect the ability of issuers of lower-grade securities to pay interest and to repay principal, or to obtain additional financing, any of which could severely disrupt the market for lower-grade securities and adversely affect the

 

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market value of such securities. Such events also could lead to a higher incidence of default by issuers of lower-grade securities. In addition, changes in credit risks, interest rates, the credit markets or periods of general economic uncertainty can be expected to result in increased volatility in the price of the lower-grade securities and the net asset value of the Fund. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on rational analysis, may affect the value, volatility and liquidity of lower-grade securities.

 

  In the event that an issuer of securities held by the Fund experiences difficulties in the timely payment of principal and interest and such issuer seeks to restructure the terms of its borrowings, the Fund may incur additional expenses and may determine to invest additional assets with respect to such issuer or the project or projects to which the Fund’s securities relate. Further, the Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of interest or the repayment of principal on its portfolio holdings and the Fund may be unable to obtain full recovery on such amounts.

 

  Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest and whether certain exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund, in the event it invests in or holds such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC.

 

  Interest Rate Risk . When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in Senior Loans may rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio invested in Senior Loans may decline. Interest rates are near historical lows and, as a result, it is likely that they will rise. Because floating or variable rates on Senior Loans only reset periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates may cause some fluctuations in the Fund’s net asset value. Similarly, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may cause a decline in the Fund’s net asset value. A material decline in the Fund’s net asset value may impair the Fund’s ability to maintain required levels of asset coverage. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because certain interest rates are near historically low levels, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates. Rising interest rates could have unpredictable effects on the markets and may expose markets in which the Fund invests to heightened volatility.

 

  Income Risk . The income you receive from the Fund is based primarily on prevailing interest rates, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If interest rates decrease, your income from the Fund may decrease as well. The Fund invests primarily in Senior Loans whose interest rates reset frequently. If market interest rates fall, these interest rates will be reset at lower levels, reducing the Fund’s income.

 

  Call Risk . If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of fixed-income securities with high interest rates will prepay or call their securities before their maturity dates. In this event, the proceeds from the called securities would likely be reinvested by the Fund in securities bearing the new, lower interest rates, resulting in a possible decline in the Fund’s income and distributions to shareholders.

 

 

Financial Leverage Risk. There can be no assurance that a financial leveraging strategy will be utilized by the Fund or that, if utilized, it will be successful during any period in which it is employed. Leverage creates risks for holders of Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of, and distributions on, the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in distribution rates on any preferred shares and costs of borrowings may affect the return to holders of Common Shares. To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of

 

9


 

leverage, the Fund’s distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the investments purchased with such proceeds is not sufficient to cover the cost of the financial leverage, the amount available for distribution to holders of Common Shares will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, the Fund may nevertheless maintain its leveraged position if such action is deemed to be appropriate based on market conditions. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because interest rates are near historically low levels. Interest payments on the Fund’s outstanding borrowings and dividends on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are based on variable rate formulas and as a result the Fund’s leverage costs will increase in a rising interest rate environment. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or borrowing program will be borne by holders of Common Shares and consequently, will result in a reduction of the net asset value of Common Shares.

 

  At times, the distribution rate on the Fund’s preferred shares may exceed the Fund’s return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding. Holders of preferred shares, voting as a class, shall be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time distributions on the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years’ distributions thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Fund’s Trustees until all distributions in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.

 

  The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed Assets, which includes proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Adviser and holders of Common Shares as providers of the credit facility or holders of preferred securities do not bear the investment advisory fee, rather, holders of Common Shares bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings. This means that holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee.

 

  Any lender in connection with a credit facility may impose specific restrictions as condition to borrowing. Similarly, to the extent the Fund issues preferred shares, the Fund currently intends to seek an AAA or equivalent credit rating from one or more rating agencies on any preferred shares it issues and the Fund may be subject to investment restrictions of the rating agency as a result. Such restrictions imposed by a rating agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Adviser or each Sub-Adviser in managing its respective portion of the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. See “Description of Capital Structure—Preferred Shares” and “Description of Capital Structure—Borrowings”

 

  Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments exposes the Fund to special risks.

 

 

Risks of Using Derivative Instruments . A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying instrument and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying instrument or instrument being hedged, risks of default by the other party to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which they relate, and risks that the derivatives may not be liquid. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and potentially greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a

 

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form of leverage. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet earmarking or segregation requirements, pursuant to applicable SEC rules and regulations, or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. The Fund could suffer losses related to its derivative positions as a result of unanticipated market movements, which losses may potentially be unlimited. Although the Adviser may seek to use derivatives to further the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund is not required to use derivatives and may choose not to do so and there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result. See “Risks—Risks of Using Derivative Instruments.”

 

  Liquidity Risk . Liquidity relates to the ability of a fund to sell a security in a timely manner at a price which reflects the value of that security. The market for Senior Loans is generally considered to be less liquid than the market for corporate debt obligations. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted securities, these securities may involve special registration requirements, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties.

 

  The effects of adverse publicity and investor perceptions may be more pronounced for securities for which no established retail market exists as compared with the effects on securities for which such a market does exist. An economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for such securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding securities or the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest. Further, the Fund may have more difficulty selling such securities in a timely manner and at their stated value than would be the case for securities for which an established retail market does exist.

 

  The markets for lower-grade securities may be less liquid than the markets for higher-grade securities. To the extent that there is no established retail market for some of the lower-grade securities in which the Fund may invest, trading in such securities may be relatively inactive. Prices of lower-grade securities may decline rapidly in the event a significant number of holders decide to sell. Changes in expectations regarding an individual issuer of lower-grade securities generally could reduce market liquidity for such securities and make their sale by the Fund at their current valuation more difficult.

 

  From time to time, the Fund’s investments may include securities as to which the Fund, by itself or together with other funds or accounts managed by the Adviser, holds a major portion or all of an issue of securities. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments and, in some cases, there may be contractual restrictions on resales, the Fund may find it more difficult to sell such securities at a time when the Adviser believes it is advisable to do so.

 

  Risks of Structured Products. The Fund may invest in structured products, CDOs, CBOs, CLOs, structured notes, credit-linked notes and other types of structured products. Holders of structured products bear risks of the underlying investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments to which it is entitled only from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold assets to the special purpose trust. While certain structured products enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in structured products generally pay their share of the structured product’s administrative and other expenses. When investing in structured products, it is impossible to predict whether the underlying index or prices of the underlying securities will rise or fall, but prices of the underlying indices and securities (and, therefore, the prices of structured products) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect particular issuers of securities and capital markets generally. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

 

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  CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are typically privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however an active dealer market may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO to be considered liquid in some circumstances. In addition to the general risks associated with fixed income securities discussed herein, CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the CDOs are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.

 

  Investments in structured notes involve risks including income risk, credit risk and market risk. Where the Fund’s investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the reference instrument or security may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero and any further changes in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile than the reference instrument or security underlying the note.

 

  Unrated Securities Risk . Many lower-grade securities are not listed for trading on any national securities exchange, and many issuers of lower-grade securities choose not to have a rating assigned to their obligations by any NRSRO. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio may consist of a higher portion of unlisted or unrated securities as compared with an investment company that invests solely in higher-grade, listed securities. Unrated securities are usually not as attractive to as many buyers as are rated securities, a factor which may make unrated securities less marketable. These factors may limit the ability of the Fund to sell such securities at their fair value. The Fund may be more reliant on the Adviser’s judgment and analysis in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer of unrated securities.

 

  Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk . The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements. In its purchase of repurchase agreements, the Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses, including possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights.

 

  The Fund’s use of reverse repurchase agreements involve many of the same risks involved in the Fund’s use of financial leverage, as the proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements generally will be invested in additional securities. There is a risk that the market value of the securities acquired in the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below the price of the securities that the Fund has sold but remains obligated to repurchase. In addition, there is a risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Fund may decline. If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement were to file for bankruptcy or experience insolvency, the Fund may be adversely affected. Also, in entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the underlying securities. In addition, due to the interest costs associated with reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund’s net asset value will decline, and, in some cases, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if the Fund had not used such instruments.

 

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  U.S. Government Securities Risk . U.S. Government securities historically have not involved the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S. Government debt securities are generally lower than the yields available from other securities. Like other debt securities, however, the values of U.S. Government securities change as interest rates fluctuate. On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to “AA+” from “AAA.” Any further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase the costs of all kinds of debt. These events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on securities issuers and the Fund. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on the Fund’s portfolio.

 

  Recent Market Developments Risk . Global and domestic financial markets have experienced periods of severe turmoil. The debt and equity capital markets in the United States have been negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to sub-prime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the resulting United States federal government actions led to worsening general economic conditions, which materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. Such market conditions may increase the volatility of the value of securities owned by the Fund, may make it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value its securities or to sell its securities on a timely basis and may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and increase the cost of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to the holders of Common Shares. These developments adversely affected the broader economy, and may continue to do so, which in turn may adversely affect issuers of securities owned by the Fund. Such developments could, in turn, reduce the value of securities owned by the Fund and adversely affect the net asset value of the Common Shares. Recently markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown could adversely impact the Fund’s portfolio.

 

  Eurozone Risk . The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns or rising government debt levels in several European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Continuing uncertainty as to the status of the Euro and the European Monetary Union (the “EMU”) has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Investing in Euro-denominated securities entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the disparate European economies. In addition, it is possible that the Euro could be abandoned in the future by countries that have adopted its use. The effects of the collapse of the Euro, or of the exit of one or more countries from the EMU, on the United States and global economy and securities markets could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s investments. If one or more EMU countries were to stop using the Euro as its primary currency, the Fund’s investments in such countries may be redenominated into a different or newly adopted currency. As a result, the value of those investments could decline significantly and unpredictably. In addition, securities or other investments that are redenominated may be subject to foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk to a greater extent than similar investments currently denominated in Euros. To the extent a currency used for redenomination purposes is not specified in respect of certain EMU-related investments, or should the Euro cease to be used entirely, the currency in which such investments are denominated may be unclear, making such investments particularly difficult to value or dispose of. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek judicial or other clarification of the denomination or value of such securities.

 

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  Legislation and Regulation Risk . The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law in July 2010, has resulted in a significant revision of the U.S. financial regulatory framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics. The regulation of various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect the Fund or its counterparties. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and any resulting regulation, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected by the new legislation and regulation in ways that are currently unknown and unforeseeable.

On December 11, 2015, the SEC published a proposed rule that, if adopted, would change the regulation of the use of derivative instruments and financial commitment transactions by registered investment companies. The SEC sought public comments on numerous aspects of the proposed rule, and as a result the nature of any final regulations is uncertain at this time. Such regulations could limit the implementation of the Fund’s use of derivatives and impose additional compliance costs on the Fund, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund. At any time after the date of this prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the Fund or entities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives. See “Risks—Legislation and Regulation Risk.”

 

  Portfolio Turnover Risk . The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year, as well as within a given year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the Fund. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to Common Shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. Additionally, in a declining market, portfolio turnover may create realized capital losses.

 

  When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions Risk . Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may expose the Fund to counterparty risk of default as well as the risk that securities may experience fluctuations in value prior to their actual delivery. The Fund generally will not accrue income with respect to a when-issued or delayed delivery security prior to its stated delivery date. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the price or yield available in the market when the delivery takes place may not be as favorable as that obtained in the transaction itself.

 

  Repurchase Agreement Risk . A repurchase agreement exposes the Fund to the risk that the party that sells the security may default on its obligation to repurchase it. The Fund may lose money because it cannot sell the security at the agreed-upon time and price or the security loses value before it can be sold. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses. In such an event, the Fund would subject to risks associated with possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights. In addition, the exercise of the Fund’s right to liquidate the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.

 

14


  Securities Lending Risk . Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may therefore lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding.

 

  Risk of Failure to Qualify as a RIC . To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources, meet certain asset diversification tests and distribute for each taxable year at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (generally, ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss). If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income for that year (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. See “Risks—Risk of Failure to Qualify as a RIC.”

 

  Potential Conflicts of Interest . The Adviser provides a wide array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their respective interests or those of their clients may compete or conflict with those of the Fund. For example, the Adviser may provide investment management services to other funds and accounts that follow investment objectives similar to that of the Fund. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Advisers Act, the Adviser may have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients, which include closed-end funds, open-end funds, other commingled funds and other accounts. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such situations and other potential conflicts of interests. See “Portfolio Managers – Potential Conflicts of Interest” in the SAI.

 

  Market Discount Risk . The Fund’s net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.

 

 

15


  Maintenance of Leverage Risk . Issuance of additional Common Shares will result in an increase in the assets of the Fund. To the extent that the Fund desires to maintain its level of leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, the Fund will be required to increase its borrowings or issue additional preferred shares. The Fund may incur costs in connection with issuing additional leverage, and there can be no assurance that the Fund can obtain additional leverage at favorable rates. An inability by the Fund to maintain its leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, or to do so at favorable rates, may negatively impact the Fund’s financial performance, including its ability to sustain current levels of distributions on Common Shares. There is no guarantee that the Fund will maintain leverage at the current rate, and the Board reserves the right to raise, decrease, or eliminate the Fund’s leverage exposure.

 

  Dilution Risk . The voting power of current Common Shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current net asset value per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering.

 

  Anti-takeover Provisions . The Fund’s Declaration of Trust and Bylaws include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board of Trustees. Such provisions could limit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. See “Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents.”

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

In The Fund’s Governing

Documents

   The Fund’s Certificate of Trust, as amended, the Fund’s Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) and the Fund’s Second Amended and Restated By-Laws (collectively, the “Governing Documents”) include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the Common Shares. See “Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents” and “Risks—Anti-Takeover Provisions.”

 

 

Administrator

The Fund has entered into a master administrative services agreement with the Adviser, pursuant to which the Adviser performs or arranges for the provision of accounting and other administrative services to the Fund that are not required to be performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement.

 

Custodian, Dividend

Disbursing Agent and

Transfer Agent

  

The custodian for the Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2801.

 

The transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Fund is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078.

 

16


SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES

The following table contains information about the costs and expenses that Common Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund as of February 28, 2017 (except as noted below). The purpose of the table and the example below is to help you understand the fees and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares, would bear directly or indirectly.

Common Shareholder Transaction Expenses

 

Sales load paid by you (as a percentage of offering price)

     —   (1)  

Offering expenses borne by Common Shareholders (as a percentage of offering price)

     —   (1)  

Dividend Reinvestment Plan fees (2)

     None  

 

     As a
Percentage
of Net
Assets
Attributable
to Common
Shares (3)
 

Annual Expenses

  

Management fees (4)

     1.20

Interest payments on borrowed funds (5)

     0.79

Total Other expenses (6)

     0.39

Administration Fee (7)

     0.28

Other Expenses

     0.11

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

     0.01
  

 

 

 

Total Annual Expenses

     2.39

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

     0.01

Total Annual Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

     2.38
  

 

 

 

 

(1)   If Common Shares to which this Prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth any applicable sales load and the estimated offering expenses borne by the Fund.
(2)   Common Shareholders will pay service fee of $2.50 and brokerage charges if they direct the Plan Agent to sell Common Shares held in a dividend reinvestment account. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
(3)   Based upon average net assets applicable to Common Shares during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017.
(4)   The Fund pays the Adviser an annual fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets. The fee shown above is based upon outstanding leverage of 24.70% of the Fund’s total assets. If leverage of more than 24.70% of the Fund’s total assets is used, the management fees shown would be higher.
(5)   Based upon the Fund’s outstanding borrowings and outstanding preferred shares as of February 28, 2017 of approximately $225,000,000 and $125,000,000, respectively, and the average daily weighted interest rate for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017 of 1.00% and dividends on preferred shares at an annual rate of 1.50%, respectively.
(6)   Total Other expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
(7)   Administration fee is 0.20% on average managed assets.
(8)   Invesco has contractually agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s management fee in an amount equal to the net management fee that Invesco earns on the Fund’s investments in certain affiliated funds, which will have the effect of reducing the Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses. Unless Invesco continues the fee waiver agreement, it will terminate on June 30, 2019. During its term, the fee waiver agreement cannot be terminated or amended to reduce the advisory fee waiver without approval of the Board of Trustees.

Example

As required by relevant Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, the following example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (1) “Total annual expenses” of 2.38% in one year, and 2.39% in subsequent years, of net assets attributable to Common Shares and (2) a 5% annual return*:

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

Total Expenses paid by Common Shareholders (1)

   $ 24      $ 74      $ 127      $ 273  

 

 

* The Example should not be considered a representation of future expenses or returns. Actual expenses may be higher or lower than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be higher or lower than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example . The example assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value.
(1)   The example above does not include sales loads or estimated offering costs. In connection with an offering of Common Shares, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth an Example including sales load and estimated offering costs.

 

17


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance. For the fiscal years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, February 28, 2015, February 28, 2014, February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012, the information in this table is derived from the Fund’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the period ended February 28, 2017, and are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Information prior to May 31, 2010 was audited by other independent registered public accountants.

The following schedule presents financial highlights for a common share of the Trust outstanding throughout the periods indicated.

 

    Year ended
February 28,
2017
    Year ended
February 29,
2016
    Year ended
February 28,
2015
    Year ended
February 28,
2014
    Year ended
February 28,
2013
    Year ended
February 29,
2012
    Seven
months
ended
February 28,
2011
    Year ended
July 31,
2010
    Year ended
July 31,
2009
    Year ended
July 31,
2008
    Year ended
July 31,
2007
 

Net asset value per common share, beginning of period

  $ 4.30     $ 5.05     $ 5.25     $ 5.17     $ 4.89     $ 5.03     $ 4.65     $ 3.98     $ 6.47     $ 8.06     $ 8.57  

Net investment income (a)

    0.29       0.31       0.32       0.31       0.34       0.31       0.17       0.29       0.41       0.80       0.93  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

    0.63       (0.74     (0.20     0.13       0.28       (0.14     0.39       0.72       (2.46     (1.57     (0.47

Distributions paid to preferred shareholders from net investment income

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       (0.01     (0.02     (0.01     (0.03     (0.05     (0.18     (0.20

Total from investment operations

    0.92       (0.43     0.12       0.44       0.61       0.15       0.55       0.98       (2.10     (0.95     0.26  

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.26     (0.32     (0.32     (0.36     (0.33     (0.29     (0.17     (0.29     (0.39     (0.64     (0.77

Return of capital

    (0.03 )     —       —       —       —       —       —       (0.02     —       —       —  

Total dividends and distributions paid to common shareholders

    (0.29     (0.32     (0.32     (0.36     (0.33     (0.29     (0.17     (0.31     (0.39     (0.64     (0.77

Net asset value per common share, end of period

  $ 4.93     $ 4.30     $ 5.05     $ 5.25     $ 5.17     $ 4.89     $ 5.03     $ 4.65     $ 3.98     $ 6.47     $ 8.06  

Market value per common share, end of period

  $ 4.72     $ 3.76     $ 4.68     $ 5.03     $ 5.57     $ 4.69     $ 5.01     $ 4.65     $ 3.59     $ 5.49     $ 7.98  

Total return at net asset value (b)

    22.59     (8.31 )%      2.90     8.69     12.93     3.48     12.14                                

Total return at market value (c)

    34.22     (13.48 )%      (0.46 )%      (3.34 )%      26.86     (0.35 )%      11.70     38.95     (26.06 )%      (24.32 )%      3.94

Net assets applicable to common shares, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 888,270     $ 773,748     $ 908,720     $ 945,510     $ 930,435     $ 879,696     $ 904,599     $ 836,919     $ 717,102     $ 1,165,175     $ 1,450,070  

Portfolio turnover rate (d)

    69     55     63     99     103     94     50     57     37     46     85

Ratios/supplemental data based on average net assets applicable to common shares:

                     

Ratio of expenses:

                     

With fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    2.37 % (e)       2.34 %       2.20     2.18     2.06     2.00 % (f)       2.14 % (f)(g)       2.28 % (f)(h)       3.69 % (f)       3.52 % (f)       4.30 % (f)  

With fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements excluding interest, facilities and maintenance fees

    1.58 % (e)       1.69 %       1.65     1.63     1.65     1.69 % (f)       1.72 % (f)(g)       1.89 % (f)(h)       2.96 % (f)       2.26 % (f)       2.35 % (f)  

Without fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    2.38 % (e)       2.34 %       2.20     2.18     2.06     —       —       —       —       —       —  

Ratio of net investment income before preferred share dividends

    6.15 % (e)       6.57 %       6.22     5.98     6.86     6.35     6.16 % (g)       6.38 % (h)       10.73     11.11     10.80

 

18


Preferred share dividends

    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       0.29     0.39     0.41 % (g)       0.61     1.37     2.44     2.34     1.94

Ratio of net investment income after preferred share dividends

    6.15     6.57     6.22     5.98     6.57     5.96     5.75 % (g)       5.77 % (h)       9.36     8.67     8.46     7.23

Senior securities:

                                                                                               

Total amount of preferred shares outstanding (000’s omitted)

  $ 125,000     $ 125,000     $ 125,000     $ 125,000     $ 125,000     $ 200,000     $ 200,000     $ 200,000     $ 350,000     $ 350,000     $ 700,000     $ 700,000  

Total borrowings (000’s omitted)

  $ 225,000     $ 225,000     $ 284,000     $ 277,000     $ 207,000     $ 156,000     $ 214,000     $ 230,000     $ 38,000     $ 551,000     $ 502,000     $ 557,000  

Asset coverage per $1,000 unit of senior indebtedness (i)

  $ 5,503     $ 4,994     $ 4,640     $ 4,865     $ 6,099     $ 7,921     $ 6,162     $ 5,509     $ 29,083     $ 3,750     $ 5,284     $ 5,028  

Asset coverage per preferred share (j)

  $ 810,616     $ 718,998     $ 826,976     $ 856,408     $ 844,348     $ 134,962     $ 138,075     $ 129,620     $ 76,225     $ 108,236     $ 76,803     $ 80,119  

Liquidating preference per preferred share

  $ 100,000     $ 100,000     $ 100,000     $ 100,000     $ 100,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000  

 

(a)   Calculated using average shares outstanding.
(b)   Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as such, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. Not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable.
(c)   Total return assumes an investment at the common share market price at the beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the period in accordance with the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan, and sale of all shares at the closing common share market price at the end of the period indicated. Not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable.
(d)   Calculation includes the proceeds from principal repayments and sales of variable rate senior loan interests and is not annualized for periods less than one year, if applicable.
(e)   Ratios are based on average daily net assets applicable to common shares (000’s omitted) of $847,644.
(f)   Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred shareholders.
(g)   Annualized.
(h)   Subsequent to issuance of its July 31, 2010 financial statements, the Trust identified an error solely related to the expense and net investment income ratios included within the financial highlights for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010. The financial highlights above reflect the revised ratios.
(i)   Calculated by subtracting the Trust’s total liabilities (not including preferred shares and borrowings) from the Trust’s total assets and dividing by the total number of senior indebtedness units, where one unit equals $1,000 of senior indebtedness.
(j)   Calculated by subtracting the Trust’s total liabilities (not including preferred shares) from the Trust’s total assets and dividing by the total number of preferred shares outstanding.

N/A = Not Applicable

 

19


SENIOR SECURITIES

The following table sets forth information about the Fund’s outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of the last ten fiscal years. This information for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, February 28, 2015, February 28, 2014, February 28, 2013, February 29, 2012, the seven month period ended February 28, 2011 and the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. Information prior to May 31, 2010 was audited by other independent registered public accountants.

 

Class and Fiscal Year

   Total Principal
Amount
Outstanding
     Asset
Coverage
Per
Preferred
Share/
$1,000 of
Borrowings
     Involuntary
Liquidating
Preference
Per Unit
     Average
Market
Value
Per
Unit
 

Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares

 

February 28, 2017

   $ 125,000,000      $ 810,616      $ 100,000        N/A  

February 29, 2016

   $ 125,000,000      $ 718,998      $ 100,000        N/A  

February 28, 2015

   $ 125,000,000      $ 826,976      $ 100,000        N/A  

February 28, 2014

   $ 125,000,000      $ 856,408      $ 100,000        N/A  

February 28, 2013

   $ 125,000,000      $ 844,348      $ 100,000        N/A  

Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares

           

February 29, 2012

   $ 200,000,000      $ 134,962      $ 25,000        N/A  

February 28, 2011

   $ 200,000,000      $ 138,075      $ 25,000        N/A  

July 31, 2010

   $ 200,000,000      $ 129,620      $ 25,000        N/A  

July 31, 2009

   $ 350,000,000      $ 76,225      $ 25,000        N/A  

July 31, 2008

   $ 350,000,000      $ 108,236      $ 25,000        N/A  

July 31, 2007

   $ 700,000,000      $ 76,803      $ 25,000        N/A  

Borrowings

           

February 28, 2017

   $ 225,000,000      $ 5,503        N/A        N/A  

February 29, 2016

   $ 225,000,000      $ 4,994        N/A        N/A  

February 28, 2015

   $ 284,000,000      $ 4,640        N/A        N/A  

February 28, 2014

   $ 277,000,000      $ 4,865        N/A        N/A  

February 28, 2013

   $ 207,000,000      $ 6,099        N/A        N/A  

February 29, 2012

   $ 156,000,000      $ 7,921        N/A        N/A  

February 28, 2011

   $ 214,000,000      $ 6,162        N/A        N/A  

July 31, 2010

   $ 230,000,000      $ 5,509        N/A        N/A  

July 31, 2009

   $ 38,000,000      $ 29,083        N/A        N/A  

July 31, 2008

   $ 551,000,000      $ 3,750        N/A        N/A  

July 31, 2007

   $ 502,000,000      $ 5,284        N/A        N/A  

THE FUND

Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and organized as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund was originally organized as a Massachusetts business trust on April 8, 1998. The Fund commenced operations on June 23, 1998. Effective as of August 27, 2012, the Fund completed a redomestication to a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund’s principal office is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309 and its phone number is (404) 439-3217.

 

20


USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of its common shares (the “Common Shares”) in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three to six months after the completion of such offering or the receipt of such proceeds. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Common Shares primarily for this purpose.

MARKET AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION

The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “VVR” and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE. The Fund’s Common Shares commenced trading on the NYSE in June 1998.

Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from net asset value. The Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to the Fund’s net asset value per share. Although the Common Shares have previously traded at a premium to net asset value, there can be no assurance that they will do so in the future. If the Common Shares trade at a premium to net asset value, there can be no assurance that this will continue after any offering nor that the Common Shares will not trade at a discount in the future. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. Costs incurred in connection with an offering of Common Shares will be borne entirely by the Fund, which may reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. See “Risks—Risks Associated with Offerings—Market Discount Risk.”

The following table sets forth, for each of the periods indicated, the high and low closing market prices for the Common Shares on the NYSE, the net asset value per Common Share and the premium or discount to net asset value per Common Share at which the Common Shares were trading. Net asset value is generally determined on each day that the NYSE is open for business. See “Net Asset Value” for information as to the determination of the Fund’s net asset value.

 

     NYSE Market
Price Per Share
     Net Asset Value per
Common
Share on Date of
Market Price High and
Low (1)
     Premium/
(Discount) on
Date of Market
Price High and
Low (2)
 

During Quarter Ended

   High      Low      High      Low      High     Low  

May 31, 2017

   $ 4.77      $ 4.61      $ 4.95      $ 4.88        (3.64 )%      (5.53 )% 

February 28, 2017

   $ 4.73      $ 4.71      $ 4.93      $ 4.81        (4.16 )%      (2.08 )% 

November 30, 2016

   $ 4.51      $ 4.49      $ 4.80      $ 4.73        (6.04 )%      (5.07 )% 

August 31, 2016

   $ 4.41      $ 4.07      $ 4.73      $ 4.57        (6.77 )%      (10.94 )% 

May 31, 2016

   $ 4.15      $ 3.75      $ 4.61      $ 4.31        (9.98 )%      (13.11 )% 

February 29, 2016

   $ 4.23      $ 3.65      $ 4.61      $ 4.26        (8.24 )%      (14.32 )% 

November 30, 2015

   $ 4.32      $ 4.08      $ 4.84      $ 4.66        (10.74 )%      (12.45 )% 

August 31, 2015

   $ 4.74      $ 4.23      $ 5.01      $ 4.83        (5.39 )%      (12.42 )% 

May 31, 2015

   $ 5.20      $ 4.62      $ 5.03      $ 5.05        3.38     (8.51 )% 

February 28, 2015

   $ 4.72      $ 4.44      $ 5.03      $ 4.97        (6.16 )%      (10.66 )% 

November 30, 2014

   $ 4.85      $ 4.26      $ 5.25      $ 5.07        (7.62 )%      (15.98 )% 

August 31, 2014

   $  5.01      $ 4.80      $ 5.27      $ 5.24        (4.93 )%      (8.40 )% 

May 31, 2014

   $ 5.08      $ 4.90      $ 5.26      $ 5.26        (3.42 )%      (6.84 )% 

 

(1)   Based on the Fund’s computations.
(2)   Calculated based on the information presented. Percentages are rounded.

The last reported sale price, net asset value per Common Share and percentage discount to net asset value per Common Share on June 23, 2017 was $4.56, $4.85 and 5.98%, respectively. The Fund cannot predict whether its Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium to or discount from net asset value, or the level of any premium or discount. As of June 23, 2017, 180,036,160 Common Shares of the Fund were outstanding.

 

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

Investment Objective

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective or be able to structure its investments as anticipated. The investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund cannot assure investors that it will achieve its investment objective.

Investment Policies

The Fund will invest primarily in a professionally managed portfolio of interests in floating or variable rate senior loans (“Senior Loans”) to corporations, partnerships and other entities (“Borrowers”) which operate in a variety of industries and geographical regions (including domestic and foreign entities). Although the Fund’s net asset value per common share will vary, the Fund’s policy of acquiring interests in floating or variable rate Senior Loans is expected to minimize fluctuations in the Fund’s net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. No assurance can be given that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

Senior Loans generally are arranged through private negotiations between a Borrower and several financial institutions (“Lenders”) represented in each case by one or more such Lenders acting as agent (“Agent”) of the several Lenders. On behalf of the several Lenders, the Agent, which is frequently the commercial bank or other entity that originates the Senior Loan and the person that invites other parties to join the lending syndicate, will be primarily responsible for negotiating the loan agreements (“Loan Agreement”) that establish the relative terms, conditions and rights of the Borrower and the several Lenders. In larger transactions it is common to have several Agents; however, generally only one such Agent has primary responsibility for documentation and administration of the Senior Loan. Agents are typically paid a fee or fees by the Borrower for their services.

The Fund may invest in participations (“Participations”) in Senior Loans, may purchase assignments (“Assignments”) of portions of Senior Loans from third parties and may act as one of the group of Lenders originating a Senior Loan (an “Original Lender”). In normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in Senior Loans (either as an Original Lender or as a purchaser of an Assignment or Participation) of domestic Borrowers or foreign Borrowers (so long as Senior Loans to foreign Borrowers are U.S. dollar denominated and payments of interest and repayments of principal pursuant to such Senior Loans are required to be made in U.S. dollars). The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans may also include up to 5% of its total assets in senior debt obligations that are in the form of notes in addition to investments in Loan Agreements, Participations and Assignments. The Fund is permitted to invest in senior notes provided that senior notes represent the only form of senior debt financing in the borrower’s capital structure or enjoy a pair passu position with other senior loans in the borrower’s capital structure with respect to collateral only and not with respect to the other covenants and terms. If the Fund’s policy of investing at least 80% of its total assets in Senior Loans changes, the Fund will provide Shareholders at least 60 days’ prior written notice before implementation of the change.

It is anticipated that the proceeds of the Senior Loans in which the Fund will acquire interests primarily will be used to finance leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, and, to a lesser extent, to finance internal growth and for other corporate purposes of Borrowers. Senior Loans have the most senior position in a Borrower’s capital structure, although some Senior Loans may hold an equal ranking with other senior securities of the Borrower. The capital structure of a Borrower may include Senior Loans, senior and junior subordinated debt (which may include “junk bonds”), preferred stock and common stock issued by the Borrower, typically in descending order of seniority with respect to claims on the Borrower’s assets. Senior Loans generally are secured by specific collateral, which may include guarantees. Such guaranteed Senior Loans may be guaranteed by, or fully secured by assets of, shareholders, owners or affiliated entities of the Borrower, even if the Senior Loans are not otherwise collateralized by assets of the Borrower. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in Senior Loans which are not secured by any collateral. Senior Loans that are not secured by specific collateral generally pose a greater risk of non-payment of interest or loss of principal than do collateralized Senior Loans.

As discussed below, the Fund may also acquire warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities issued by a Borrower or its affiliates as part of a package of investments in the Borrower or its affiliates. Warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities will not be treated as Senior Loans and thus assets invested in such securities will not count toward the 80% of the Fund’s total assets that normally will be invested in Senior Loans.

In order to borrow money pursuant to collateralized Senior Loans, a Borrower will frequently, for the term of the Senior Loan, pledge as collateral assets, including but not limited to trademarks, accounts receivable, inventory, buildings, real estate, franchises and common and preferred stock in its subsidiaries. In addition, in the case of some Senior Loans, there may be additional collateral pledged in the form of guarantees or other credit support by and/or securities of affiliates of the Borrowers. In certain instances, a collateralized Senior Loan may be secured only by stock in the Borrower or its subsidiaries. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets would satisfy fully a Borrower’s obligations under a Senior Loan.

 

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Loan Agreements may include various restrictive covenants designed to limit the activities of the Borrower in an effort to protect the right of the Lenders to receive timely payments of interest on and repayment of principal of the Senior Loans. Restrictive covenants may include mandatory prepayment provisions arising from excess cash flows and typically include restrictions on dividend payments, specific mandatory minimum financial ratios, limits on total debt and other financial tests. Breach of such covenants, if not waived by the Lenders, is generally an event of default under the applicable Loan Agreement and may give the Lenders the right to accelerate principal and interest payments. The Adviser will consider the terms of such restrictive covenants in deciding whether to invest in Senior Loans for the Fund’s portfolio. When the Fund holds a Participation in a Senior Loan, it may not have the right to vote to waive enforcement of any restrictive covenant breached by a Borrower. Lenders voting in connection with a potential waiver of a restrictive covenant may have interests different from those of the Fund, and such Lenders may not consider the interests of the Fund in connection with their votes.

Senior Loans in which the Fund invests generally pay interest at rates which are periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. These base lending rates generally are the Prime Rate, LIBOR, the CD rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. The Prime Rate quoted by a major U.S. bank is generally the interest rate at which such bank is willing to lend U.S. dollars to its most creditworthy borrowers, although it may not be the bank’s lowest available rate. LIBOR, as provided for in Loan Agreements, is generally an average of the interest rates quoted by several designated banks as the rates at which such banks would offer to pay interest to major financial institutional depositors in the London interbank market on U.S. dollar denominated deposits for a specified period of time. The CD rate, as provided for in Loan Agreements, is generally the average rate paid on large certificates of deposit traded in the secondary market.

The Fund may invest in the Senior Loans of non-U.S. issuers. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in senior loans or other assets which are denominated in non-U.S. dollars. Investment in the Senior Loans of non-U.S. issuers involves special risks, including that non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less rigorous accounting and reporting requirements than U.S. issuers, less rigorous regulatory requirements, differing legal systems and laws relating to creditors’ rights, the potential inability to enforce legal judgments and foreclose on collateral, possible restrictions on expatriation and repatriation of capital and the potential for political, social and economic adversity.

The Fund is not subject to any restrictions with respect to the maturity of Senior Loans held in its portfolio. The Fund’s assets invested in Senior Loans generally consist of Senior Loans with stated maturities of between three and ten years, and with rates of interest which are redetermined either daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually; provided , however , that the Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in Senior Loans which permit the Borrower to select an interest rate redetermination period of up to one year. Investment in Senior Loans with longer interest rate redetermination periods may increase fluctuations in the Fund’s net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. The Senior Loans in the Fund’s portfolio will at all times have a dollar-weighted average time until the next interest rate redetermination of 90 days or less. As a result, as short-term interest rates increase, interest payable to the Fund from its investments in Senior Loans should increase, and as short-term interest rates decrease, interest payable to the Fund from its investments in Senior Loans should decrease. The amount of time required to pass before the Fund will realize the effects of changing short-term market interest rates on its portfolio will vary with the dollar-weighted average time until the next interest rate redetermination on the Senior Loans in the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may utilize certain investment practices to, among other things, shorten the effective interest rate redetermination period of Senior Loans in its portfolio. In such event, the Fund will consider such shortened period to be the interest rate redetermination period of the Senior Loan; provided , however , that the Fund will not invest in Senior Loans which permit the Borrower to select an interest rate redetermination period in excess of one year. Because most Senior Loans in the Fund’s portfolio will be subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment and there may be significant economic incentives for a Borrower to prepay its loans, prepayments of Senior Loans in the Fund’s portfolio may occur. Accordingly, the actual remaining maturity of the Fund’s portfolio invested in Senior Loans may vary substantially from the average stated maturity of the Senior Loans held in the Fund’s portfolio.

When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. Although the Fund’s net asset value will vary, the Fund’s management expects the Fund’s policy of acquiring interests in floating or variable rate Senior Loans to minimize fluctuations in net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. Accordingly, the Fund’s management expects the value of the Fund’s portfolio to fluctuate less than a portfolio of fixed-rate, longer term obligations as a result of interest rate changes. However, changes in prevailing interest rates can be expected to cause some fluctuation in the Fund’s net asset value. In addition to changes in interest rates, changes in the credit quality of Borrowers will also affect the Fund’s net asset value. Further, a serious deterioration in the credit quality of a Borrower could cause a prolonged or permanent decrease in the Fund’s net asset value. Fluctuations in net asset value may be magnified as a result of the Fund’s use of leverage.

The Fund may purchase and retain in its portfolio Senior Loan interests in Borrowers which have filed for protection under the federal bankruptcy laws or have had an involuntary bankruptcy petition filed against them by their creditors. The values of such Senior Loan interests, if any, will reflect, among other things, of the likelihood that the Fund ultimately will receive full repayment of the principal amount of such Senior Loan interests, the likely duration, if any, of a lapse in the scheduled repayment of principal and prevailing interest rates. At times, in connection with the restructuring of a Senior Loan either outside of bankruptcy court or in the

 

23


context of bankruptcy court proceedings, the Fund may determine or be required to accept equity securities or junior debt securities in exchange for all or a portion of a Senior Loan interest. Depending upon, among other things, the Adviser’s evaluation of the potential value of such securities in relation to the price that could be obtained by the Fund at any given time upon sale thereof, the Fund may determine to hold such securities in its portfolio. Any equity securities and junior debt securities held by the Fund will not be treated as Senior Loans and thus will not count toward the 80% of the Fund’s total assets that normally will be invested in Senior Loans.

Because of the senior capital structure position of Senior Loans and the collateralized or guaranteed nature of most Senior Loans, the Fund and the Adviser believe that ratings of other securities issued by a Borrower do not necessarily reflect adequately the relative quality of a Borrower’s Senior Loans. Therefore, although the Adviser may consider such ratings in determining whether to invest in a particular Senior Loan, the Adviser is not required to consider such ratings and such ratings will not be the determinative factor in the Adviser’s analysis. The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in Senior Loans, the Borrowers with respect to which have outstanding debt securities which are rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or are unrated but determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality to such securities. Debt securities rated below investment grade or unrated but of comparable quality commonly are referred to as “junk bonds.” The Fund will invest only in those Senior Loans with respect to which the Borrower, in the opinion of the Adviser, demonstrates one or more of the following characteristics: sufficient cash flow to service debt; adequate liquidity; successful operating history; strong competitive position; experienced management; and, with respect to collateralized Senior Loans, collateral coverage that equals or exceeds the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Loan. In addition, the Adviser will consider, and may rely in part, on the analyses performed by the Agent and other Lenders, including such persons’ determinations with respect to collateral securing a Senior Loan.

The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in Participations. The selling Lenders and other persons interpositioned between such Lenders and the Fund with respect to such Participations will likely conduct their principal business activities in the banking, finance and financial services industries. Although, as discussed below, the Fund has taken measures which it believes reduce its exposure to any risks incident to such policy, the Fund may be more susceptible than an investment company without such a policy to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting such industries. Persons engaged in such industries may be more susceptible than are persons engaged in some other industry to, among other things, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in the Federal Open Market Committee’s monetary policy, governmental regulations concerning such industries and concerning capital raising activities generally and fluctuations in the financial markets generally.

Participations by the Fund in a Lender’s portion of a Senior Loan typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with such Lender, not with the Borrower. As a result, the Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by such Lender of such payments from the Borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the Loan Agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other Lenders through set-off against the Borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the Senior Loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the Borrower and the Lender selling the Participation. In the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such Lender. The Fund has taken the following measures in an effort to minimize such risks. The Fund will only acquire Participations if the Lender selling the Participation, and any other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the Lender, (i) at the time of investment has outstanding debt or deposit obligations rated investment grade (BBB or A-3 or higher by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or Baa or P-3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”)) or determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality and (ii) has entered into an agreement which provides for the holding of assets in safekeeping for, or the prompt disbursement of assets to, the Fund. Long-term debt rated BBB by S&P is regarded by S&P as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and debt rated Baa by Moody’s is regarded by Moody’s as a medium grade obligation, i.e., it is neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Commercial paper rated A-3 by S&P indicates that S&P believes such obligations exhibit adequate protection parameters but that 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, and issues of commercial paper rated P-3 by Moody’s are considered by Moody’s to have an acceptable ability for repayment of short-term debt obligations but the effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. The Fund ordinarily will purchase a Participation only if, at the time of such purchase, the Fund believes that the party from whom it is purchasing such Participation is retaining an interest in the underlying Senior Loan. In the event that the Fund does not so believe, it will only purchase such a Participation if, in addition to the requirements set forth above, the party from whom the Fund is purchasing such Participation (i) is a bank, a member of a national securities exchange or other entity designated in the 1940 Act, as qualified to serve as a custodian for a registered investment company and (ii) has been approved as a custodian by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (a “Designated Custodian”).

The Fund may also purchase Assignments from Lenders. The purchaser of an Assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the Loan Agreement of the assigning Lender and becomes a Lender under the Loan Agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning Lender. Assignments may, however, be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning Lender.

 

24


When the Fund is acting as an Original Lender, it may share in a fee paid to the Original Lenders. The Fund will never act as the Agent or principal negotiator or administrator of a Senior Loan. When the Fund is a Lender, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the Borrower, may enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the Loan Agreement and may have rights with respect to any funds acquired by other Lenders through set-off. Lenders also have full voting and consent rights under the applicable Loan Agreement. Action subject to Lender vote or consent generally requires the vote or consent of the holders of some specified percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Loan. Certain decisions, such as reducing the amount or increasing the time for payment of interest on or repayment of principal of a Senior Loan, or releasing collateral therefor, frequently require the unanimous vote or consent of all Lenders affected.

The Fund will purchase an Assignment or act as a Lender with respect to a syndicated Senior Loan only where the Agent with respect to such Senior Loan at the time of investment has outstanding debt or deposit obligations rated investment grade (BBB or A-3 or higher by S&P or Baa or P-3 or higher by Moody’s) or determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Further, the Fund will not purchase interests in Senior Loans unless such Agent, Lender or interpositioned person has entered into an agreement which provides for the holding of assets in safekeeping for, or the prompt disbursement of assets to, the Fund.

Loan Agreements typically provide for the termination of the Agent’s agency status in the event that it fails to act as required under the relevant Loan Agreement, becomes insolvent, enters Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) receivership or, if not FDIC insured, enters into bankruptcy. Should such an Agent, Lender or assignor with respect to an Assignment interpositioned between the Fund and the Borrower become insolvent or enter FDIC receivership or bankruptcy, any interest in the Senior Loan of such person and any loan payment held by such person for the benefit of the Fund should not be included in such person’s estate. If, however, any such amount were included in such person’s estate, the Fund would incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment or could suffer a loss of principal or interest. In such event, the Fund could experience a decrease in net asset value.

The Fund may be required to pay and may receive various fees and commissions in connection with purchasing, selling and holding interests in Senior Loans. The fees normally paid by Borrowers may include three types: facility fees, commitment fees and prepayment penalties. Facility fees are paid to Lenders upon origination of a Senior Loan. Commitment fees are paid to Lenders on an ongoing basis based upon the undrawn portion committed by the Lenders of the underlying Senior Loan. Lenders may receive prepayment penalties when a Borrower prepays all or part of a Senior Loan. The Fund will receive these fees directly from the Borrower if the Fund is an Original Lender, or, in the case of commitment fees and prepayment penalties, if the Fund acquires an interest in a Senior Loan by way of Assignment. Whether or not the Fund receives a facility fee from the Lender in the case of an Assignment, or any fees in the case of a Participation, depends upon negotiations between the Fund and the Lender selling such interests. When the Fund is an assignee, it may be required to pay a fee, or forgo a portion of interest and any fees payable to it, to the Lender selling the Assignment. Occasionally, the assignor will pay a fee to the assignee based on the portion of the principal amount of the Senior Loan which is being assigned. A Lender selling a Participation to the Fund may deduct a portion of the interest and any fees payable to the Fund as an administrative fee prior to payment thereof to the Fund. The Fund may be required to pay over or pass along to a purchaser of an interest in a Senior Loan from the Fund a portion of any fees that the Fund would otherwise be entitled to.

Pursuant to the relevant Loan Agreement, a Borrower may be required in certain circumstances, and may have the option at any time, to prepay the principal amount of a Senior Loan, often without incurring a prepayment penalty. Because the interest rates on Senior Loans are periodically redetermined at relatively short intervals, the Fund and the Adviser believe that the prepayment of, and subsequent reinvestment by the Fund in, Senior Loans will not have a materially adverse impact on the yield on the Fund’s portfolio and may have a beneficial impact on income due to receipt of prepayment penalties, if any, and any facility fees earned in connection with reinvestment.

A Lender may have certain obligations pursuant to a Loan Agreement, which may include the obligation to make additional loans in certain circumstances. The Fund currently intends to reserve against such contingent obligations by segregating cash, liquid securities and/or liquid Senior Loans sufficient to cover such commitments. The Fund will not purchase interests in Senior Loans that would require the Fund to make any such additional loans if such additional loan commitments in the aggregate would exceed 20% of the Fund’s total assets or would cause the Fund to fail to meet the diversification requirements set forth under “—Fundamental Investment Restrictions” below.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in any combination of (1) warrants and equity securities, in each case the Fund must own or acquire a Senior Loan of the same issuer, (2)junior debt securities or securities with a lien on collateral lower than a senior claim on collateral, (3) high quality short-term debt securities, (4) credit-linked deposits and (5) Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“U.S. TIPS”) and other inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

25


High quality, short-term securities may include commercial paper rated at least in the top two rating categories of either S&P or Moody’s, or unrated commercial paper considered by the Adviser to be of similar quality, interests in short-term loans of Borrowers having short-term debt obligations rated or a short-term credit rating at least in such top two rating categories or having no such rating but determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. High quality, short-term securities may pay interest at rates which are periodically redetermined or may pay interest at fixed rates. If the Adviser determines that market conditions temporarily warrant a defensive investment policy, the Fund may invest, subject to its ability to liquidate its relatively illiquid portfolio of Senior Loans, up to 100% of its assets in cash and such high quality, short-term debt securities.

U.S. TIPS are fixed income securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the principal amounts of which are adjusted daily based upon changes in the rate of inflation (currently represented by the non-seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The Fund may purchase U.S. TIPS of other inflation-indexed bonds of any maturity. U.S. TIPS pay interest on a periodic basis, equal to a fixed interest rate applied to the inflation-indexed principal amount. The interest on these bonds is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the bond, this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed even during a period of deflation. However, because the principal amount of U.S. TIPS would be adjusted downward during a period of deflation, the Fund will be subject to deflation risk with respect to its investments in these securities. In addition, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. If the Fund purchases U.S. TIPS in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, the Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation. If inflation is lower than expected during the period the Fund holds a U.S. TIPS, the Fund may earn less on the security than on a conventional bond. The Fund may invest in inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities with other structures or characteristics as such securities become available in the market.

Credit-linked deposits are deposits by lenders, such as the Fund, to support the issuance of letters of credit to the Senior Loan borrower. The Fund receives from the bank issuing such letters of credit an agreed upon rate of return in exchange for its deposit. There are risks associated with credit-linked deposits, including the credit risk of the bank which maintains the deposit account as well as the credit risk of the borrower. The Fund bears the risk of possible loss of its principal investment, in addition to the periodic interest payments that are expected to be received for the duration of the Fund’s investment in the credit-linked deposit.

Although the Fund generally will acquire interests in warrants, equity and junior debt securities only when the Adviser believes that the relative value being given by the Fund in exchange for such interests is substantially outweighed by the potential value of such instruments, investment in warrants, equity and junior debt securities entail certain risks in addition to those associated with investments in Senior Loans. Warrants and equity securities have a subordinate claim on a Borrower’s assets as compared with debt securities, and junior debt securities have a subordinate claim on such assets as compared with Senior Loans. As such, the values of warrants and equity securities generally are more dependent on the financial condition of the Borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates than are the values of many debt securities. The values of warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities may be more volatile than those of Senior Loans.

The Fund also may invest up to 10% of its total assets in structured notes with rates of return determined by reference to the total rate of return on one or more loans referenced in such notes, collateralized debt and loan obligations, credit-linked notes, credit default swaps and other types of structured investments (referred to collectively as “structured products”). A structured note is a derivative security that has one or more special features, such as an interest rate based on a spread over an index or a benchmark interest rate or other reference indicator, that may or may not correlate to the total rate of return on one or more underlying investments (such as senior loan interests) referenced in such notes. A credit-linked note is a derivative instrument that is a synthetic obligation between two or more parties where the payment of principal and/or interest is based on the performance of some obligation (a reference obligation). Generally, investments in structured products are interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of underlying investment interests or securities. This generally involves the deposit or purchase of the underlying investments (such as senior loan interests) and the issuance of one or more classes of securities backed by or representing interests in, the underlying investments or referencing an indicator related to such underlying investments. The cash flow or rate of return on the underlying investments may be apportioned among the newly issued classes of securities to create different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, credit quality, payment priorities and interest rate provisions. The cash flow or rate of return on a structured product may be determined by applying a multiplier to the rate of total return on the underlying investments or referenced indicator. Application of a multiplier is comparable to the use of financial leverage, a speculative technique. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain or the risk of loss. As a result, a relatively small decline in the value of the underlying investments or referenced indicator could result in a relatively large loss in the value of the structured product. Holders of structured products bear risks of the underlying index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. Structured products where the rate of return is determined by reference to a Senior Loan will be treated as senior loans for the purposes of complying with the Fund’s policy of normally investing at least 80% of its total assets in senior loans.

 

26


Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) are types of asset-backed securities issued by special purpose vehicles created to reapportion the risk and return characteristics of a pool of assets. The underlying pool for a CLO, for example, may include domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. For CDOs, CBOs and CLOs, the cash flows are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The assets, typically Senior Loans, are used as collateral supporting the various debt tranches issued by the special purpose vehicle. The key feature of these structures is the prioritization of the cash flows from a pool of underlying securities among the several classes of securities issued by a structured product. CBOs are structured debt securities backed by a diversified pool of high yield, public or private fixed income securities. These may be fixed pools or may be “market value” (or managed) pools of collateral. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche typically has higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, the various tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to such securities as a class.

CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are typically privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however an active dealer market may exist for certain CDOs allowing a CDO to be considered liquid in some circumstances. In addition to the general risks associated with fixed income securities discussed herein, CDOs carry additional risks including, but are not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the CDOs are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.

The Fund may invest in credit default swaps (“CDS”) to enhance the yield on its portfolio or to increase income available for distributions or for other non-hedging purposes. A CDS is an agreement between two parties to exchange the credit risk of a particular issuer or reference entity. In a CDS transaction, a buyer pays periodic fees in return for a payment by the seller which is contingent upon an adverse credit event occurring in the underlying issuer or reference entity. The seller collects periodic fees from the buyer and profits if the credit of the underlying issuer or reference entity remains stable or improves while the swap is outstanding, but the seller in a CDS contract would be required to pay an agreed upon amount to the buyer in the event of an adverse credit event in the reference entity. A buyer of a CDS is said to buy protection whereas a seller of a CDS is said to sell protection. When the Fund buys a CDS, it is utilizing the swap for hedging purposes similar to other hedging strategies described herein. When the Fund sells a CDS, it is utilizing the swap to enhance the yield on its portfolio to increase income available for distribution or for other non-hedging purposes, and the Fund is subject to the 10% limitation described herein on structured products.

The Adviser employs a bottom-up, research-driven approach to identify securities that have attractive risk/reward characteristics for the sectors in which the Fund invests. The Adviser also integrates macroeconomic analysis and forecasting into its evaluation and ranking of various sectors and individual securities. Finally, the Fund employs leverage in an effort to enhance the Fund’s income and total return. Sell decisions are based on: (i) a deterioration or likely deterioration of an individual issuer’s capacity to meet its debt obligations on a timely basis; (ii) a deterioration or likely deterioration of the broader fundamentals of a particular industry or sector; and (iii) opportunities in the secondary or primary market to purchase a security with better relative value.

Other Investment Practices

In connection with the investment objective and policies described above, the Fund may engage in interest rate and other hedging transactions, lend portfolio holdings, purchase and sell interests in Senior Loans and other portfolio debt securities on a “when issued” or “delayed delivery” basis and enter into repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These investment practices involve certain special risk considerations. The Adviser may use some or all of the following investment practices when, in the opinion of the Adviser, their use is appropriate. Although the Adviser believes that these investment practices may further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that these investment practices will achieve this result.

Derivative Transactions. The Fund may use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based on the value of another underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying instrument and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying instrument, risks of default by the other party to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which they relate, and risks that the transactions may not be liquid. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage.

 

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Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet earmarking or segregation requirements, pursuant to applicable SEC rules and regulations, or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund’s investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use and their associated risks:

Swaps . A swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indexes, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Most swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund’s obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each counterparty. Swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. Therefore, swaps are subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Swaps could result in losses if interest rate or foreign currency exchange rates or credit quality changes are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Fund’s use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security and commonly referred to as “credit default swaps.” Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default by a third party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay upon default of the referenced debt obligation.

Structured Investments . The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured notes and other types of structured investments. A structured note is a derivative security for which the amount of principal repayment and/or interest payments is based on the movement of one or more “factors.” These factors include, but are not limited to, currency exchange rates, interest rates (such as the prime lending rate or LIBOR), referenced bonds and stock indices. Investments in structured notes involve risks including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. Changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations and changes in the reference factor may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero and any further changes in the reference factor may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Other types of structured investments include interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of underlying investment interests or securities. These investment entities may be structured as trusts or other types of pooled investment vehicles. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to counterparty risk. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts . In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date (“forward contracts”). A foreign currency forward contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. Hedging the Fund’s currency risks involves the risk of mismatching the Fund’s objectives under a forward or futures contract with the value of securities denominated in a particular currency. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. There is an additional risk to the effect that currency contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund’s securities are not denominated. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.

New financial products continue to be developed and the Fund may invest in any such products as may be developed to the extent consistent with its investment objective and the regulatory and federal tax requirements applicable to investment companies.

Lending of Portfolio Holdings . The Fund may seek to increase its income by lending financial instruments in its portfolio in accordance with present regulatory policies, including those of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the SEC. Such loans may be made, without limit, to brokers, dealers, banks or other recognized institutional borrowers of financial instruments and would be required to be secured continuously by collateral, including cash, cash equivalents or U.S. Treasury bills maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the financial instruments loaned. The Fund would have the right to

 

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call a loan and obtain the financial instruments loaned at any time on five days’ notice. For the duration of a loan, the Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of the interest paid by the issuer on the financial instruments loaned and also may receive compensation from the investment of the collateral.

The Fund would not have the right to vote any financial instruments having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but the Fund could call the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the financial instruments or in anticipation of the giving or withholding of their consent on a material matter affecting the financial instruments. As with other extensions of credit, risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral exist should the borrower of the financial instruments fail financially. However, the loans would be made only to firms deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and when, in the judgment of the Adviser, the consideration which can be earned currently from loans of this type justifies the attendant risk.

The creditworthiness of firms to which the Fund lends its portfolio holdings will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted and reviewed, on an ongoing basis, by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. No specific limitation exists as to the percentage of the Fund’s assets which the Fund may lend.

“When Issued” and “Delayed Delivery” Transactions . The Fund may also purchase and sell interests in Senior Loans and other portfolio securities on a “when issued” and “delayed delivery” basis. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such purchase transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuation; the value of the interests in Senior Loans and other portfolio debt securities at delivery may be more or less than their purchase price, and yields generally available on such interests or securities when delivery occurs may be higher or lower than yields on the interests or securities obtained pursuant to such transactions. Because the Fund relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may be, to consummate the transaction, failure by the other party to complete the transaction may result in the Fund missing the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. When the Fund is the buyer in such a transaction, however, it will segregate cash and/or liquid assets having an aggregate value equal to the amount of such purchase commitments until payment is made. The Fund will make commitments to purchase such interests or securities on such basis only with the intention of actually acquiring these interests or securities, but the Fund may sell such interests or securities prior to the settlement date if such sale is considered to be advisable. To the extent the Fund engages in “when issued” and “delayed delivery” transactions, it will do so for the purpose of acquiring interests or securities for the Fund’s portfolio consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage. No specific limitation exists as to the percentage of the Fund’s assets which may be used to acquire securities on a “when issued” or “delayed delivery” basis.

Repurchase Agreements . The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements (a purchase of, and a simultaneous commitment to resell, a financial instrument at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date) only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System and member firms of the NYSE. When participating in repurchase agreements, the Fund buys securities from a vendor, e.g., a bank or brokerage firm, with the agreement that the vendor will repurchase the securities at a higher price at a later date. Such transactions afford an opportunity for the Fund to earn a return on available cash at minimal market risk, although the Fund may be subject to various delays and risks of loss if the vendor is unable to meet its obligation to repurchase. Under the 1940 Act, repurchase agreements are deemed to be collateralized loans of money by the Fund to the seller. In evaluating whether to enter into a repurchase agreement, the Adviser will consider carefully the creditworthiness of the vendor. If the member bank or member firm that is the party to the repurchase agreement petitions for bankruptcy or otherwise becomes subject to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. The securities underlying a repurchase agreement will be marked to market every business day so that the value of the collateral is at least equal to the value of the loan, including the accrued interest thereon, and the Adviser will monitor the value of the collateral. No specific limitation exists as to the percentage of the Fund’s assets which may be used to participate in repurchase agreements.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements . The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to debt obligations which could otherwise be sold by the Fund. A reverse repurchase agreement is an instrument under which the Fund may sell an underlying debt instrument and simultaneously obtain the commitment of the purchaser (a commercial bank or a broker or dealer) to sell the security back to the Fund at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date. The Fund will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets at least equal to its obligations with respect to reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund receives payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or evidence of book entry transfer by its custodian. Regulations of the SEC require either that securities sold by the Fund under a reverse repurchase agreement be segregated pending repurchase or that the proceeds be segregated on the Fund’s books and records pending repurchase. Reverse repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities. An additional risk is that the market value of securities sold by the Fund under a reverse repurchase agreement could decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase them. Reverse repurchase agreements will be considered borrowings by the Fund and as such would be subject to the restrictions on borrowing as described herein and in “—Fundamental Investment Restrictions” below. The Fund will not hold more than 5% of the value of its total assets in reverse repurchase agreements.

 

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Portfolio Turnover

The Fund will buy and sell securities to seek to accomplish its investment objective. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. For the past two fiscal years, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was as follows.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Portfolio Turnover Rate  

February 28, 2017

     69

February 29, 2016

     55

Investment Restrictions

The Fund has adopted certain other investment limitations designed to limit investment risk. These limitations are fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares, as defined in the 1940 Act (and preferred shares , if any, voting together as a single class), which is defined by the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities. See “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI for a complete list of the fundamental investment policies of the Fund.

USE OF LEVERAGE

The Fund’s policy on financial leverage allows the Fund to use financial leverage in the form of borrowings and/or preferred shares to the maximum extent allowable under the 1940 Act. Currently, the Fund employs financial leverage by borrowing through a credit facility and through the issuance of preferred securities that are senior to the Common Shares. The Fund’s total leverage as of June 1, 2017 represented approximately 26.09% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date.

The Fund anticipates that the use of leverage will result in higher income to its common shareholders (the “Common Shareholders”) over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed Assets, which includes proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of interest between the Fund’s investment adviser and holders of Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee.

Borrowings

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to engage in borrowings unless, immediately after the borrowing, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 300% (i.e., the value of the Fund’s total assets less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by the borrowings (is at least 300% of such principal amount. In addition, other than with respect to privately arranged borrowings, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on the Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the value of the Fund’s total assets, less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by borrowings, is at least 300% of such principal amount after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution. If the Fund borrows, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to prepay all or a portion of the principal amount of any outstanding commercial paper, notes or other borrowings to the extent necessary to maintain the required asset coverage.

The terms of any such borrowings may require the Fund to pay a fee to maintain a line of credit, such as a commitment fee, or to maintain minimum average balances with a lender. Any such requirements would increase the cost of such borrowings over the stated interest rate. Such lenders would have the right to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such borrowings, which right will be senior to those of the Common Shareholders. Any such borrowings may contain provisions limiting certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to Common Shareholders in certain circumstances.

Certain types of borrowings, including borrowings under the Fund’s credit facility (as described below), subject the Fund to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. Certain borrowings issued by the Fund also may subject the Fund to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for such borrowings. Such guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede Invesco from managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

 

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The 1940 Act grants to the holders of senior securities representing indebtedness issued by the Fund, other than with respect to privately arranged borrowings, certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal. Failure to maintain certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act could result in an event of default and entitle the debt holders to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees.

Credit Facility . The Fund has entered into a $350 million credit agreement, effective as of December 10, 2015 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the “Credit Agreement”), with State Street Bank and Trust Company and the other lending institutions party thereto and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as agent. State Street Bank and Trust Company has the authority to lend a maximum of $229,166,670 to the Fund, and other lending institutions party thereto may lend up to $120,833,330 to the Fund. As of June 1, 2017, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $280 million representing approximately 20.58% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date. The Credit Agreement is secured by the assets of the Fund.

Prior to December 10, 2015, the Fund had entered into a $350 million amended and restated revolving credit and security agreement, effective as of August 27, 2012 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the “Former Credit Agreement”) with CHARTA, LLC, CAFCO, LLC, CRC Funding LLC and CIESCO, LLC (collectively, the “Conduit Lenders”), Citibank, N.A. (the “Secondary Lender”) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Direct Lender”) whereby the Conduit Lenders, Direct Lenders and the Secondary Lenders from time to time agreed to make advances to the Fund on the terms and subject to the conditions in the Former Credit Agreement.

Preferred Shares

The Fund may authorize and issue preferred shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Common Shareholders have no preemptive right to purchase any preferred shares that might be issued. Any such preferred share offering would be subject to the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not issue preferred shares if, immediately after issuance, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 200% (i.e., for every dollar of preferred shares outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least two dollars of assets).

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid distributions, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the preferred shareholders would not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.

The terms of the preferred shares, including their distribution rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, will be determined by the Board (subject to applicable law and the Fund’s Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes the preferred shares. The Fund may issue preferred shares that provide for the periodic redetermination of the distribution rate at relatively short intervals through an auction or remarketing procedure, although the terms of the preferred shares may also enable the Fund to lengthen such intervals. At times, the distribution rate on the Fund’s preferred shares may exceed the Fund’s return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding.

VRTP Shares . On October 26, 2012, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares (“VRTP”), each with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Proceeds from the issuance of VRTP Shares were used to redeem all of the Fund’s outstanding Auction Rate Preferred Shares (“ARPS”). VRTP Shares are a floating-rate form of preferred shares with a mandatory redemption date. The Fund is required to redeem all outstanding VRTP Shares on September 1, 2017, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or extended. VRTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On May 1, 2017, the Fund began a periodic optional redemption of VRTP Shares. As of June 1, 2017, the Fund had outstanding preferred shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of $75 million, which represented approximately 5.51% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date.

 

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Reverse Repurchase Agreements

Borrowings may be made by the Fund through reverse repurchase agreements under which the Fund sells portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks and broker-dealers and agrees to repurchase them at a particular date and price. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act. The Fund may utilize reverse repurchase agreements when it is anticipated that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the transaction.

Borrowings may be made by the Fund through dollar roll transactions. A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by the Fund of a mortgage-backed or other security concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase a similar security at a later date at an agreed-upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate and stated maturity as those sold, but pools of mortgages collateralizing those securities may have different prepayment histories than those sold. During the period between the sale and repurchase, the Fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Proceeds of the sale will be invested in additional instruments for the Fund, and the income from these investments will generate income for the Fund. If such income does not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what the performance would have been without the use of dollar rolls.

With respect to any reverse repurchase agreement, dollar roll or similar transaction, the Fund’s Managed Assets shall include any proceeds from the sale of an asset of the Fund to a counterparty in such a transaction, in addition to the value of the underlying asset as of the relevant measuring date.

With respect to leverage incurred through investments in reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and economically similar transactions, the Fund intends to earmark or segregate cash or liquid securities in accordance with applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC. As a result of such segregation, the Fund’s obligations under such transactions will not be considered senior securities representing indebtedness for purposes of the 1940 Act and the Fund’s use of leverage through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and economically similar transactions will not be limited by the 1940 Act. However, the Fund’s use of leverage through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and economically similar transactions will be included when calculating the Fund’s leverage and therefore will be limited by the Fund’s maximum overall leverage levels and may be further limited by the availability of cash or liquid securities to earmark or segregate in connection with such transactions.

Effects Of Leverage

Assuming (i) the use by the Fund of leverage representing approximately 26.09% of the Fund’s total assets (including the proceeds of such leverage), 20.58% of the Fund’s total assets being attributable to borrowings and 5.51% of the Fund’s total assets being attributable to preferred shares, and (ii) interest costs to the Fund at an average annual rate of 1.00% with respect to borrowings and dividends on preferred shares at an annual rate of 1.50%, then the incremental income generated by the Fund’s portfolio (net of estimated expenses related to the leverage) must exceed approximately 1.86% to cover such interest expense. Of course, these numbers are merely estimates used for illustration. The amount of leverage used by the Fund as well as actual interest expenses and dividend payments on such leverage may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above.

The following table is furnished pursuant to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on Common Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of income, net expenses and changes in the value of investments held in the Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of what the Fund’s investment portfolio returns will be. The table further reflects the issuance of leverage representing approximately 26.09% of the Fund’s total assets (including the proceeds of such leverage), and the Fund’s currently projected annual interest rate of 1.00% with respect to borrowings and projected annual dividends on preferred shares of 1.50%. The table does not reflect any offering costs of Common Shares or leverage.

 

Assumed portfolio total return (net of expenses)

     (10.00 )%      (5.00 )%      0.00     5.00     10.00

Common Share total return

     (12.38 )%      (6.28 )%      (0.17 )%      5.93     12.03

Common Share total return is composed of two elements—the Common Share dividends paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the Fund’s net investment income after paying the carrying cost of leverage) and realized and unrealized gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital loss than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the net investment income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by losses on the value of those investments. This table reflects the hypothetical performance of the Fund’s portfolio and not the performance of the Fund’s Common Shares, the value of which will be determined by market and other factors.

 

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RISKS

Risks Associated with an Investment in the Fund

Investment in the Fund involves special risk considerations, which are summarized below. The Fund is designed as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. The Fund’s performance and the value of its investments will vary in response to changes in interest rates, inflation and other market factors.

Senior Loan Risks . Senior Loans, like most other debt obligations, are subject to the risk of default. Default in the payment of interest or principal on a Senior Loan results in a reduction in income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the Senior Loan and a potential decrease in the Fund’s net asset value. The risk of default increases in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase in interest rates. An increased risk of default could result in a decline in the value of Senior Loans and in the Fund’s net asset value. Issuers of Senior Loans may have either issued debt securities that are rated lower than investment grade, i.e., rated lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or “BBB” by Fitch Ratings, Ltd. (“Fitch”), or, if they had issued debt securities, such debt securities would likely be rated lower than investment grade. Debt securities rated lower than investment grade are frequently called “junk bonds,” and are generally considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuing company’s ability to meet principal and interest payments. Because the primary source of income for the Fund is the interest and principal payments on the Senior Loans in which it invests, any payment default by an issuer of a Senior Loan would have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to pay dividends on the Common Shares or the preferred shares, and could result in the redemption of some or all of the preferred shares.

In the case of collateralized Senior Loans, there is no assurance that sale of the collateral would raise enough cash to satisfy the Borrower’s payment obligation or that the collateral can or will be liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation may not occur and the court may not give Lenders the full benefit of their senior positions. If the terms of a Senior Loan do not require the Borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the original collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the Borrower’s obligations under the Senior Loans. To the extent that a Senior Loan is collateralized by stock in the Borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of bankruptcy of the Borrower. Uncollateralized Senior Loans involve a greater risk of loss.

The Fund may acquire Senior Loans of Borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience, financial difficulty, including Senior Loans of Borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Borrowers may have outstanding debt obligations that are rated below investment grade. More recently, rating agencies have begun rating Senior Loans, and Senior Loans in the Fund’s portfolio may themselves be rated below investment grade. The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in Senior Loans of Borrowers that have outstanding debt obligations rated below investment grade or that are unrated but of comparable quality to such securities. Debt securities rated below investment grade are viewed by the rating agencies as speculative and are commonly known as “junk bonds.” Senior Loans may not be rated at the time that the Fund purchases them. If a Senior Loan is rated at the time of purchase, the Adviser may consider the rating when evaluating the Senior Loan but, in any event, does not view ratings as a determinative factor in investment decisions. As a result, the Fund is more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis abilities. Because of the protective terms of Senior Loans, the Adviser believes that the Fund is more likely to recover more of its investment in a defaulted Senior Loan than would be the case for most other types of defaulted debt securities. The values of Senior Loans of Borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection or that are experiencing payment difficulty could be affected by, among other things, the assessment of the likelihood that the Lenders ultimately will receive repayment of the principal amount of such Senior Loans, the likely duration, if any, of a lapse in the scheduled payment of interest and repayment of principal and prevailing interest rates.

In the event of the bankruptcy of a Borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a Senior Loan. To the extent that a Senior Loan is collateralized by stock in the Borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all or substantially all of its value in the event of bankruptcy of the Borrower. The Agent generally is responsible for determining that the Lenders have obtained a perfected security interest in the collateral securing the Senior Loan. In the event that the Fund does not believe that a perfected security interest has been obtained with respect to a collateralized Senior Loan, the Fund will only obtain an interest in such Senior Loan if the Agent is a Designated Custodian. Some Senior Loans in which the Fund may invest are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate such Senior Loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the Borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of Senior Loans, such as the Fund, including, under certain circumstances, invalidating such Senior Loans. Lenders commonly have certain obligations pursuant to the Loan Agreement, which may include the obligation to make additional loans or release collateral in certain circumstances.

On behalf of the several Lenders, the Agent generally will be required to administer and manage the Senior Loan and, with respect to collateralized Senior Loans, to service or monitor the collateral. In this connection, the valuation of assets pledged as collateral will reflect market value and the Agent may rely on independent appraisals as to the value of specific collateral. The Agent, however, may not obtain an independent appraisal as to the value of assets pledged as collateral in all cases. The Fund normally will rely primarily on the Agent (where the Fund is an Original Lender or owns an Assignment) or the selling Lender (where the Fund owns a Participation) to collect principal of and interest on a Senior Loan. Furthermore, the Fund usually will rely on the Agent (where the Fund

 

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is an Original Lender or owns an Assignment) or the selling Lender (where the Fund owns a Participation) to monitor compliance by the Borrower with the restrictive covenants in the Loan Agreement and notify the Fund of any adverse change in the Borrower’s financial condition or any declaration of insolvency. Collateralized Senior Loans will frequently be secured by all assets of the Borrower that qualify as collateral, which may include common stock of the Borrower or its subsidiaries. Additionally, the terms of the Loan Agreement may require the Borrower to pledge additional collateral to secure the Senior Loan, and enable the Agent, upon proper authorization of the Lenders, to take possession of and liquidate the collateral and to distribute the liquidation proceeds pro rata among the Lenders. If the terms of a Senior Loan do not require the Borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the original collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the Borrower’s obligations under the Senior Loan. Lenders that have sold Participation interests in such Senior Loan will distribute liquidation proceeds received by the Lenders pro rata among the holders of such Participations. The Adviser will also monitor these aspects of the Fund’s investments and, where the Fund is an Original Lender or owns an Assignment, will be directly involved with the Agent and the other Lenders regarding the exercise of credit remedies.

Senior Loans in which the Fund invests may not have been rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any state securities commission and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. Although the Fund will generally have access to financial and other information made available to the Lenders in connection with Senior Loans, the amount of public information available with respect to Senior Loans will generally be less extensive than that available for rated, registered or exchange-listed securities. As a result, the performance of the Fund and its ability to meet its investment objective is more dependent on the analytical ability of the Adviser than would be the case for an investment company that invests primarily in rated, registered or exchange-listed securities.

Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no active trading market exists for many Senior Loans. As a result, many Senior Loans are illiquid, meaning that the Fund may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. The market for illiquid securities is more volatile than the market for liquid securities. The risks of illiquidity are particularly important when the Fund’s operations require cash, and may in certain circumstances require that the Fund borrow to meet short-term cash requirements. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain Senior Loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. The substantial portion of the Fund’s assets invested in Senior Loans may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and at a fair price, and could result in capital losses to the Fund and holders of Shares. The market for Senior Loans could be disrupted in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase or decrease in interest rates. This could result in increased volatility in the market and in the Fund’s net asset value per Share. Illiquid securities are also difficult to value.

If legislation or state or federal regulations impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans, the availability of Senior Loans for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such requirements or restrictions could reduce or eliminate sources of financing for certain Borrowers. This would increase the risk of default. If legislation or federal or state regulations require financial institutions to dispose of Senior Loans that are considered highly leveraged transactions or subject Senior Loans to increased regulatory scrutiny, financial institutions may determine to sell such Senior Loans. Such sales could result in prices that, in the opinion of the Adviser, do not represent fair value. If the Fund attempts to sell a Senior Loan at a time when a financial institution is engaging in such a sale, the price the Fund could get for the Senior Loan may be adversely affected.

Selling Lenders and other persons positioned between the Fund and the Borrower will likely conduct their principal business activities in the banking, finance and financial services industries. The Fund may be more at risk to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting such industries. Persons engaged in such industries may be more susceptible to, among other things, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in the Federal Open Market Committee’s monetary policy, governmental regulations concerning such industries and concerning capital raising activities generally and fluctuations in the financial markets generally.

Should an Agent or Lender positioned between the Fund and a Borrower become insolvent or enter FDIC receivership or bankruptcy, where the Fund is an Original Lender or has purchased an Assignment, any interest of such person in the Senior Loan and in any loan payment held by such person for the benefit of the Fund should not be included in the person’s estate. If, however, these items are included in their estate, the Fund would incur costs and delays in realizing payment and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.

Participations Risk . The Fund may purchase Participations in Senior Loans. Under a Participation, the Fund generally will have rights that are more limited than the rights of Lenders or of persons who acquire a Senior Loan by Assignment. In a Participation, the Fund typically has a contractual relationship with the Lender selling the Participation but not with the Borrower. As a result, the Fund assumes the credit risk of the Lender selling the Participation in addition to the credit risk of the Borrower. In the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling the Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the Lender and may not have a senior claim to the Lender’s interest in the Senior Loan. Certain Participations in Senior Loans are illiquid, meaning the Fund may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. Illiquid securities are also difficult to value.

 

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Limited Secondary Market For Senior Loans . Although it is growing, the secondary market for Senior Loans is currently limited. Senior Loans, at present, generally are not readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. Interests in Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no active trading market may exist for many of the Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest. To the extent that a secondary market may exist for certain of the Senior Loans in which the Fund invests, such market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. Senior Loans are thus relatively illiquid, which illiquidity may impair the Fund’s ability to realize the full value of its assets in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of such assets. Liquidity relates to the ability of the Fund to sell an investment in a timely manner. The market for relatively illiquid securities tends to be more volatile than the market for more liquid securities. The Fund has no limitation on the amount of its assets which may be invested in securities which are not readily marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale. The substantial portion of the Fund’s assets invested in Senior Loan interests may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and at a fair price, and could result in capital losses to the Fund and its Common Shareholders. However, many of the Senior Loans in which the Fund expects to purchase interests are of a relatively large principal amount and are held by a relatively large number of owners which should, in the Adviser’s opinion, enhance the relative liquidity of such interests.

Warrants, Equity Securities and Junior Debt Securities Risks . Warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities have a subordinate claim on a Borrower’s assets as compared with Senior Loans. As a result, the values of warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities generally are more dependent on the financial condition of the Borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates than are the values of many debt securities. The values of warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities may be more volatile than those of Senior Loans and thus may increase the volatility of the Fund’s net asset value.

Risks of Investment in Non-U.S. Issuers . The Fund may invest in Senior Loans and debt securities of Borrowers that are organized or located in countries other than the United States, provided that such Senior Loans and debt securities are denominated in U.S. dollars and provide for the payment of interest and repayment of principal in U.S. dollars. Investments in non-U.S. issuers involve special risks, including that non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less rigorous accounting and reporting requirements than U.S. issuers, less rigorous regulatory requirements, differing legal systems and laws relating to creditors’ rights, the potential inability to enforce legal judgments and foreclose on collateral, possible restrictions on expatriation and repatriation of capital and the potential for political, social and economic adversity.

Market Risk . Market risk is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline. The net asset value of the Fund will change with changes in the value of its portfolio securities, and the value of the Fund’s investments can be expected to fluctuate over time. The financial markets in general are subject to volatility and may at times experience extreme volatility and uncertainty, which may affect all investment securities, including debt securities and derivative instruments. Volatility may be greater during periods of general economic uncertainty.

Credit Risk . Credit risk refers to an issuer’s ability to make timely payments of interest and principal when due. Senior Loans, like other debt obligations, are subject to the credit risk of nonpayment. The ability of issuers of debt obligations to make timely payments of interest and principal may be adversely affected by general economic downturns Nonpayment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund, and a potential decrease in the net asset value of the Fund. The Adviser continuously monitors the issuers of securities held in the Fund.

The Fund will rely on the Adviser’s judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer. In its analysis, the Adviser may consider the credit ratings of NRSROs in evaluating securities, although the Adviser does not rely primarily on these ratings. Credit ratings of NRSROs evaluate only the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market risk. In addition, ratings are general and not absolute standards of quality, and the creditworthiness of an issuer may decline significantly before an NRSRO lowers the issuer’s rating. A rating downgrade does not require the Fund to dispose of a security.

Medium-grade obligations (for example, bonds rated BBB by S&P) possess speculative characteristics so that changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the issuer to make principal and interest payments than in the case of higher-rated securities. Securities rated below investment grade are considered speculative by NRSROs with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to pay interest and principal.

Securities that are in the lower-grade categories generally offer higher yields than are offered by higher-grade securities of similar maturities, but they also generally involve greater risks, such as greater credit risk, market risk, volatility and liquidity risk. In addition, the amount of available information about the financial condition of certain lower-grade issuers may be less extensive than other issuers, making the Fund more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than a fund investing only in higher-grade securities.

 

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Secondary market prices of lower-grade securities generally are less sensitive than higher-grade securities to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to general adverse economic changes or specific developments with respect to the particular issuers. A significant increase in interest rates or a general economic downturn may significantly affect the ability of issuers of lower-grade securities to pay interest and to repay principal, or to obtain additional financing, any of which could severely disrupt the market for lower-grade securities and adversely affect the market value of such securities. Such events also could lead to a higher incidence of default by issuers of lower-grade securities. In addition, changes in credit risks, interest rates, the credit markets or periods of general economic uncertainty can be expected to result in increased volatility in the price of the lower-grade securities and the net asset value of the Fund. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on rational analysis, may affect the value, volatility and liquidity of lower-grade securities.

In the event that an issuer of securities held by the Fund experiences difficulties in the timely payment of principal and interest and such issuer seeks to restructure the terms of its borrowings, the Fund may incur additional expenses and may determine to invest additional assets with respect to such issuer or the project or projects to which the Fund’s securities relate. Further, the Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of interest or the repayment of principal on its portfolio holdings and the Fund may be unable to obtain full recovery on such amounts.

Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest and whether certain exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund, in the event it invests in or holds such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC.

Interest Rate Risk . When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in Senior Loans may rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio invested in Senior Loans may decline. Interest rates are near historical lows and, as a result, it is likely that they will rise. Because floating or variable rates on Senior Loans only reset periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates may cause some fluctuations in the Fund’s net asset value. Similarly, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may cause a decline in the Fund’s net asset value. A material decline in the Fund’s net asset value may impair the Fund’s ability to maintain required levels of asset coverage. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because certain interest rates are near historically low levels, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to risks associated with rising interest rates. Rising interest rates could have unpredictable effects on the markets and may expose markets in which the Fund invests to heightened volatility.

Income Risk . The income you receive from the Fund is based primarily on prevailing interest rates, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If interest rates decrease, your income from the Fund may decrease as well. The Fund invests primarily in Senior Loans whose interest rates reset frequently. If market interest rates fall, these interest rates will be reset at lower levels, reducing the Fund’s income.

Call Risk . If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of fixed-income securities with high interest rates will prepay or call their securities before their maturity dates. In this event, the proceeds from the called securities would likely be reinvested by the Fund in securities bearing the new, lower interest rates, resulting in a possible decline in the Fund’s income and distributions to shareholders.

Financial Leverage Risk. There can be no assurance that a financial leveraging strategy will be utilized by the Fund or that, if utilized, it will be successful during any period in which it is employed. Leverage creates risks for holders of Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of, and distributions on, the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in distribution rates on any preferred shares and costs of borrowings may affect the return to holders of Common Shares. To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Fund’s distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the investments purchased with such proceeds is not sufficient to cover the cost of the financial leverage, the amount available for distribution to holders of Common Shares will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, the Fund may nevertheless maintain its leveraged position if such action is deemed to be appropriate based on market conditions. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because interest rates are near historically low levels. Interest payments on the Fund’s outstanding borrowings and dividends on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are based on variable rate formulas and as a result the Fund’s leverage costs will increase in a rising interest rate environment. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or borrowing program will be borne by holders of Common Shares and consequently, will result in a reduction of the net asset value of Common Shares.

The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed Assets, which includes proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser will be higher (and the Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. This may create a conflict of

 

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interest between the Adviser and holders of Common Shares as providers of the credit facility or holders of preferred securities do not bear the investment advisory fee, rather, holders of Common Shares bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings. This means that holders of Common Shares effectively bear the entire investment advisory fee.

Any lender in connection with a credit facility may impose specific restrictions as condition to borrowing. Similarly, to the extent the Fund issues preferred shares, the Fund currently intends to seek an AAA or equivalent credit rating from one or more rating agencies on any preferred shares it issues and the Fund may be subject to investment restrictions of the rating agency as a result. Such restrictions imposed by a rating agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers in managing their respective portions of the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. See “Description of Capital Structure—Preferred Shares” and “Description of Capital Structure—Borrowings”

Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments exposes the Fund to special risks.

Risks of Using Derivative Instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying instrument and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying instrument or instrument being hedged, risks of default by the other party to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which they relate, and risks that the derivatives may not be liquid. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and potentially greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet earmarking or segregation requirements, pursuant to applicable SEC rules and regulations, or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. The Fund could suffer losses related to its derivative positions as a result of unanticipated market movements, which losses may potentially be unlimited. Although the Adviser may seek to use derivatives to further the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund is not required to use derivatives and may choose not to do so and there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Counterparty Risk . The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative transactions entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

Futures Risk . A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures can be highly volatile, using futures can lower total return, and the potential loss from futures can exceed the Fund’s initial investment in such contracts.

Swaps Risk . Swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. Therefore, swaps are subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Swaps could result in losses if interest rate or credit quality changes are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected.

Tax Risk . The use of derivatives may generate taxable income. In addition, the Fund’s use of derivatives may be limited by the requirements for taxation as a RIC or the Fund’s intention to pay dividends that are exempt from U.S. federal income taxes. The tax treatment of derivatives may be adversely affected by changes in legislation, regulations or other legal authority, subjecting the Fund’s shareholders to increased federal income tax liabilities.

Liquidity Risk. Liquidity relates to the ability of a fund to sell a security in a timely manner at a price which reflects the value of that security. The market for Senior Loans is generally considered to be less liquid than the market for corporate debt obligations. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted securities, these securities may involve special registration requirements, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties.

The effects of adverse publicity and investor perceptions may be more pronounced for securities for which no established retail market exists as compared with the effects on securities for which such a market does exist. An economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for such securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding securities or the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest. Further, the Fund may have more difficulty selling such securities in a timely manner and at their stated value than would be the case for securities for which an established retail market does exist.

 

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The markets for lower-grade securities may be less liquid than the markets for higher-grade securities. To the extent that there is no established retail market for some of the lower-grade securities in which the Fund may invest, trading in such securities may be relatively inactive. Prices of lower-grade securities may decline rapidly in the event a significant number of holders decide to sell. Changes in expectations regarding an individual issuer of lower-grade securities generally could reduce market liquidity for such securities and make their sale by the Fund at their current valuation more difficult.

From time to time, the Fund’s investments may include securities as to which the Fund, by itself or together with other funds or accounts managed by the Adviser, holds a major portion or all of an issue of securities. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments and, in some cases, there may be contractual restrictions on resales, the Fund may find it more difficult to sell such securities at a time when the Adviser believes it is advisable to do so.

Risks of Structured Products. The Fund may invest in structured products, CDOs, CBOs, CLOs, structured notes, credit-linked notes and other types of structured products. Holders of structured products bear risks of the underlying investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments to which it is entitled only from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold assets to the special purpose trust. While certain structured products enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in structured products generally pay their share of the structured product’s administrative and other expenses. When investing in structured products, it is impossible to predict whether the underlying index or prices of the underlying securities will rise or fall, but prices of the underlying indices and securities (and, therefore, the prices of structured products) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect particular issuers of securities and capital markets generally. Certain structured products may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are typically privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however an active dealer market may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO to be considered liquid in some circumstances. In addition to the general risks associated with fixed income securities discussed herein, CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the CDOs are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.

Investments in structured notes involve risks including income risk, credit risk and market risk. Where the Fund’s investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the reference instrument or security may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero and any further changes in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile than the reference instrument or security underlying the note.

Unrated Securities Risk. Many lower-grade securities are not listed for trading on any national securities exchange, and many issuers of lower-grade securities choose not to have a rating assigned to their obligations by any NRSRO. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio may consist of a higher portion of unlisted or unrated securities as compared with an investment company that invests solely in higher-grade, listed securities. Unrated securities are usually not as attractive to as many buyers as are rated securities, a factor which may make unrated securities less marketable. These factors may limit the ability of the Fund to sell such securities at their fair value. The Fund may be more reliant on the Adviser’s judgment and analysis in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer of unrated securities.

Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements. In its purchase of repurchase agreements, the Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses, including possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights.

 

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The Fund’s use of reverse repurchase agreements involve many of the same risks involved in the Fund’s use of financial leverage, as the proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements generally will be invested in additional securities. There is a risk that the market value of the securities acquired in the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below the price of the securities that the Fund has sold but remains obligated to repurchase. In addition, there is a risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Fund may decline. If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement were to file for bankruptcy or experience insolvency, the Fund may be adversely affected. Also, in entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the underlying securities. In addition, due to the interest costs associated with reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund’s net asset value will decline, and, in some cases, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if the Fund had not used such instruments.

U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities historically have not involved the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S. Government debt securities are generally lower than the yields available from other securities. Like other debt securities, however, the values of U.S. Government securities change as interest rates fluctuate. On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to “AA+” from “AAA.” Any further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase the costs of all kinds of debt. These events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on securities issuers and the Fund. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on the Fund’s portfolio.

Recent Market Developments Risk. Global and domestic financial markets have experienced periods of severe turmoil. The debt and equity capital markets in the United States have been negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to sub-prime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the resulting United States federal government actions led to worsening general economic conditions, which materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. Such market conditions may increase the volatility of the value of securities owned by the Fund, may make it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value its securities or to sell its securities on a timely basis and may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and increase the cost of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to the holders of Common Shares. These developments adversely affected the broader economy, and may continue to do so, which in turn may adversely affect issuers of securities owned by the Fund. Such developments could, in turn, reduce the value of securities owned by the Fund and adversely affect the net asset value of the Common Shares. Recently markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown could adversely impact the Fund’s portfolio.

Eurozone Risk. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns or rising government debt levels in several European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Continuing uncertainty as to the status of the Euro and the European Monetary Union (the “EMU”) has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Investing in Euro-denominated securities entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the disparate European economies. In addition, it is possible that the Euro could be abandoned in the future by countries that have adopted its use. The effects of the collapse of the Euro, or of the exit of one or more countries from the EMU, on the United States and global economy and securities markets could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s investments. If one or more EMU countries were to stop using the Euro as its primary currency, the Fund’s investments in such countries may be redenominated into a different or newly adopted currency. As a result, the value of those investments could decline significantly and unpredictably. In addition, securities or other investments that are redenominated may be subject to foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk to a greater extent than similar investments currently denominated in Euros. To the extent a currency used for redenomination purposes is not specified in respect of certain EMU-related investments, or should the Euro cease to be used entirely, the currency in which such investments are denominated may be unclear, making such investments particularly difficult to value or dispose of. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek judicial or other clarification of the denomination or value of such securities.

Legislation and Regulation Risk. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law in July 2010, has resulted in a significant revision of the U.S. financial regulatory framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including, among many others: a reorganization of federal financial regulators; the creation of a process designed to ensure financial system stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; the enactment of new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and regulation of managers of private funds; the regulation of rating agencies; and the enactment of new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans. The regulation of various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect the Fund or its counterparties. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and any resulting regulation, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected by the new legislation and regulation in ways that are currently unknown and unforeseeable.

 

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On December 11, 2015, the SEC published a proposed rule that, if adopted, would change the regulation of the use of derivative instruments and financial commitment transactions by registered investment companies. The SEC sought public comments on numerous aspects of the proposed rule, and as a result the nature of any final regulations is uncertain at this time. Such regulations could limit the implementation of the Fund’s use of derivatives and impose additional compliance costs on the Fund, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these regulations on the Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund’s portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.

According to various reports, certain financial institutions, commencing as early as 2005 and throughout the global financial crisis, routinely made artificially low submissions in the LIBOR rate setting process. A number of financial institutions have entered into settlements with their regulators and law enforcement agencies, and have been fined significant amounts, in connection with allegations of manipulation of LIBOR. Other proceedings and investigations by regulators and governmental authorities in various jurisdictions are ongoing. These developments may have adversely affected the interest rates on securities whose interest payments were determined by reference to LIBOR. Any future similar developments could, in turn, reduce the value of such securities owned by the Fund.

At any time after the date of this prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the Fund or entities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives.

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year, as well as within a given year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the Fund. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to Common Shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. Additionally, in a declining market, portfolio turnover may create realized capital losses.

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions Risk. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may expose the Fund to counterparty risk of default as well as the risk that securities may experience fluctuations in value prior to their actual delivery. The Fund generally will not accrue income with respect to a when-issued or delayed delivery security prior to its stated delivery date. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the price or yield available in the market when the delivery takes place may not be as favorable as that obtained in the transaction itself.

Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement exposes the Fund to the risk that the party that sells the security may default on its obligation to repurchase it. The Fund may lose money because it cannot sell the security at the agreed-upon time and price or the security loses value before it can be sold. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses. In such an event, the Fund would subject to risks associated with possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights. In addition, the exercise of the Fund’s right to liquidate the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may therefore lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding.

Risk of Failure to Qualify as a RIC. To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources, meet certain asset diversification tests and distribute for each taxable year at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (generally, ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss). If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income for that year (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary

 

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dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for any reason and becomes subject to corporate-level tax, the resulting corporate-level income taxes could substantially reduce the Fund’s net asset value, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of the Fund’s distributions.

Certain of the Fund’s investments will cause the Fund to take into account taxable income in a taxable year in excess of the cash generated on those investments during that year. In particular, the Fund expects to invest in loans and other debt obligations that will be treated as having “market discount” and/or “original issue discount” (“OID”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because the Fund may be allocated taxable income in respect of these investments before, or without receiving, cash representing such income, the Fund may have difficulty satisfying the annual distribution requirements applicable to RICs and avoiding Fund-level U.S. federal income and/or excise taxes. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to sell assets, including at potentially disadvantageous times or prices, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investments, to obtain the cash needed to make these income distributions. If the Fund liquidates assets to raise cash, the Fund may realize gain or loss on such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes gains from such liquidation transactions, the Fund and, ultimately, its Common Shareholders, may receive larger taxable distributions than it or they would in the absence of such transactions.

The Fund may invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for the Fund. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the Fund to the extent necessary in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income that it does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

Potential Conflicts of Interest. The Adviser provides a wide array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their respective interests or those of their clients may compete or conflict with those of the Fund. For example, the Adviser may provide investment management services to other funds and accounts that follow investment objectives similar to that of the Fund. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), the Adviser may have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients, which include closed-end funds, open-end funds, other commingled funds and other accounts. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such situations and other potential conflicts of interests. See “Conflicts of Interest.”

Anti-takeover Provisions. The Fund’s Declaration of Trust and Bylaws include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board of Trustees. Such provisions could limit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. See “Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents.”

Risks Associated with Offerings

Market Discount Risk . The Fund’s net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.

Maintenance of Leverage Risk . Issuance of additional Common Shares will result in an increase in the assets of the Fund. To the extent that the Fund desires to maintain its level of leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, the Fund will be required to increase its borrowings or issue additional preferred shares. The Fund may incur costs in connection with issuing additional leverage, and there can be no assurance that the Fund can obtain additional leverage at favorable rates. An inability by the Fund to maintain its leverage, as a percentage of the assets of the Fund, or to do so at favorable rates, may negatively impact the Fund’s financial performance, including its ability to sustain current levels of distributions on Common Shares. There is no guarantee that the Fund will maintain leverage at the current rate, and the Board reserves the right to raise, decrease, or eliminate the Fund’s leverage exposure

Dilution Risk . The voting power of current Common Shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds

 

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were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current net asset value per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See “Description of Capital Structure—Issuance of Additional Common Shares.”

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Board of Trustees

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Fund’s Board of Trustees.

Adviser

Invesco Advisers, Inc. (“Invesco” or the “Adviser”) is the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976.

Investment Advisory Agreement

The Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment of its assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly advisory fee based on the annual rate of 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets. “Managed Assets,” for purposes of the advisory fee, means the Fund’s net assets, plus assets attributable to outstanding preferred shares and the amount of any borrowings incurred for the purpose of leverage (whether or not such borrowed amounts are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for purposes of GAAP).

Such fee is payable for each calendar month as soon as practicable after the end of that month. The Adviser has contractually agreed, through at least June 30, 2019, to waive the advisory fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to 100% of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the affiliated money market funds on investments by the Fund of uninvested cash in such affiliated money market funds. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, the Adviser waived advisory fees of $51,410.

The Adviser furnishes offices, necessary facilities and equipment. The Fund pays all charges and expenses of its day-to-day operations, including service fees, distribution fees, custodian fees, legal and independent registered public accounting firm fees, the costs of reports and proxies to shareholders, compensation of trustees of the Fund (other than those who are affiliated persons of the Adviser or Invesco Distributors) and all other ordinary business expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement was available in the Fund’s Semiannual Report dated August 31, 2016.

Sub-Adviser

Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund, pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund. These affiliated sub-advisers, each of which is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act are:

Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (“Invesco Deutschland”)

Invesco Asset Management Limited (“Invesco Asset Management”)

Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (“Invesco Japan”)

Invesco Hong Kong Limited (“Invesco Hong Kong”)

Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (“Invesco Senior Secured”)

 

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Invesco Canada Ltd. (“Invesco Canada”);

(each a “Sub-Adviser” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”).

Invesco and each Sub-Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.

The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, Invesco will pay each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any.

Portfolio Management

Investment decisions for the Fund are made by the Fund’s investment management team. The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

    Scott Baskind , Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Trust since 2013 and has been associated with Invesco Senior Secured and/or its affiliates since 1999 .

 

    Thomas Ewald , Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Trust since 2010 and has been associated with Invesco Senior Secured and/or its affiliates since 2000 .

 

    Philip Yarrow, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Trust (or the predecessor Trust) since 2007 and has been associated with Invesco Senior Secured and/or its affiliates since 2010.

More information on the portfolio managers may be found at www.invesco.com/us. The web site is not part of the Prospectus.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ investments in the Fund, a description of the compensation structure and information regarding other accounts managed.

 

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Administrator

Invesco Advisers, Inc., the Fund’s investment adviser, also serves as the Fund’s Administrator. Pursuant to the administration agreement between the Fund and the Administrator (the “Administration Agreement”), the Administrator (i) arranges for the printing and dissemination of reports to shareholders; (ii) arranges for dissemination of the Fund’s proxy and any repurchase offer materials to shareholders, and oversees the tabulation of proxies by the Fund’s transfer agent; (iii) negotiates the terms and conditions under which custodian services are provided to the Fund and the fees to be paid by the Fund in connection therewith; (iv) negotiates the terms and conditions under which dividend disbursing services are provided to the Fund, and the fees to be paid by the Fund in connection therewith, and reviews the provision of such services to the Fund; (v) provides the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent and custodian with such information as is required for them to effect payment of dividends and distributions and to implement the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan; (vi) makes such reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees as the Trustees reasonably request; and (vii) provides shareholder services to holders or potential holders of the Fund’s securities.

For the services rendered to the Fund and related expenses borne by the Administrator, the Fund pays the Administrator a fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annualized rate of 0.20% of the Fund’s average daily managed assets.

NET ASSET VALUE

The net asset value per share of the Fund’s Common Shares is determined as of the close of business on each business day by calculating the total value of the Fund’s assets, deducting its total liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of Common Shares outstanding.

Securities, including restricted securities, are valued according to the following policy. A security listed or traded on an exchange (except convertible securities) is valued at its last sales price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded, or lacking any sales on a particular day, the security may be valued at the closing bid price on that day. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market (but not securities reported on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange) are valued based on the prices furnished by independent pricing services, in which case the securities may be considered fair valued, or by market makers. Each security reported on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange is valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”) as of the close of the customary trading session on the valuation date or absent a NOCP, at the closing bid price.

Futures contracts are valued at the final settlement price set by an exchange on which they are principally traded. Listed options are valued at the mean between the last bid and the ask prices from the exchange on which they are principally traded. Options not listed on an exchange are valued by an independent source at the mean between the last bid and ask prices. For purposes of determining net asset value per share, futures and option contracts generally are valued 15 minutes after the close of the customary trading session of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

Investments in open-end and closed-end registered investment companies that do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value per share. Investments in open-end and closed-end registered investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded.

Debt obligations (including convertible securities) and unlisted equities are fair valued using an evaluated quote provided by an independent pricing service. Evaluated quotes provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, developments related to specific securities, dividend rate (for unlisted equities), yield (for debt obligations), quality, type of issue, coupon rate (for debt obligations), maturity (for debt obligations), individual trading characteristics and other market data.

Swap agreements are fair valued using an evaluated quote provided by an independent pricing service. Evaluated quotes provided by the pricing service are valued based on a model which may include end of day net present values, spreads, ratings, industry, and company performance.

Foreign securities’ (including foreign exchange contracts) prices are converted into U.S. dollar amounts using the applicable exchange rates as of the close of the NYSE. If market quotations are available and reliable for foreign exchange-traded equity securities, the securities will be valued at the market quotations. Because trading hours for certain foreign securities end before the close of the NYSE, closing market quotations may become unreliable. If between the time trading ends on a particular security and the close of the customary trading session on the NYSE, events occur that the Adviser determines are significant and make the closing price unreliable, the Fund may fair value the security. If the event is likely to have affected the closing price of the security, the security will be valued at fair value in good faith using procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Adjustments to closing prices to reflect fair value may also be based on a screening process of an independent pricing service to indicate the degree of certainty, based on historical data, that the closing price in the principal market where a foreign security trades is not the current value as of the

 

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close of the NYSE. Foreign securities’ prices meeting the approved degree of certainty that the price is not reflective of current value will be priced at the indication of fair value from the independent pricing service. Multiple factors may be considered by the independent pricing service in determining adjustments to reflect fair value and may include information relating to sector indices, American Depositary Receipts and domestic and foreign index futures. Foreign securities may have additional risks including exchange rate changes, potential for sharply devalued currencies and high inflation, political and economic upheaval, the relative lack of issuer information, relatively low market liquidity and the potential lack of strict financial and accounting controls and standards.

Securities for which market prices are not provided by any of the above methods may be valued based upon quotes furnished by independent sources. The last bid price may be used to value equity securities. The mean between the last bid and ask prices is used to value debt obligations, including corporate loans.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or became unreliable are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Trust’s officers following procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Issuer specific events, market trends, bid/ask quotes of brokers and information providers and other market data may be reviewed in the course of making a good faith determination of a security’s fair value.

DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund intends to make regular monthly distributions of all or a portion of its net investment income to Common Shareholders. The Fund expects to pay its Common Shareholders annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income to meet the requirements for qualification as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The investment company income of the Fund will generally consist of all interest and other ordinary income accrued on portfolio investments, short-term capital gain (including short-term gains on options, futures and forward positions and gains on the sale of portfolio investments held for one year or less) in excess of long-term capital loss and income from certain hedging transactions, less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund will be accrued each day. Various factors will affect the level of the Fund’s net investment company taxable income.

The Fund may from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of income earned in a particular period. The undistributed income would be available to supplement future distributions. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of income actually earned by the Fund during that period. Undistributed income will add to the Fund’s net asset value and, correspondingly, distributions from undistributed income, if any, will reduce the Fund’s net asset value.

In addition, the Fund intends to distribute, on an annual basis, all or substantially all of any net capital gains (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) to its Common Shareholders. The Fund may also declare and pay capital gains distributions more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the Fund. To the extent that the Fund’s net investment income and net capital gain for any year exceed the total distributions paid during the year, the Fund will make a special distribution at or near year-end of such excess amount as may be required. Under the 1940 Act, for any distribution that includes amounts from sources other than net income, the Fund is required to provide Common Shareholders a written statement regarding the components of such distribution. Such a statement will be provided at the time of any distribution believed to include any such amounts.

If, for any calendar year, the total distributions made exceed the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profit, the excess will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to each Common Shareholder up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s basis in his or her Common Shares, and thereafter as gain from the sale of Common Shares. The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce the Common Shareholder’s adjusted basis in his or her Common Shares, thereby increasing his or her potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the subsequent sale of his or her Common Shares. To the extent the Fund’s distribution policy results in distributions in excess of its net investment income and net capital gain, such distributions will decrease its total assets and increase its expense ratio to a greater extent than would have been the case if distributions were limited to these amounts. Distributions in any year may or may not include a substantial return of capital component.

The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution policy and the basis for establishing the rate of distributions at any time and may do so without prior notice to Common Shareholders.

 

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DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Shareholders will automatically have all dividends and distributions reinvested in Common Shares issued by the Fund or Common Shares of the Fund purchased in the open market in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”) unless an election is made to receive cash. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Agent”) administers the Plan.

If you own Common Shares in your own name, your purchase will automatically enroll you in the Plan. If your Common Shares are held in “street name” – in the name of your brokerage firm, bank, or other financial institution – you must instruct that entity to participate on your behalf. If they are unable to participate on your behalf, you may request that they reregister your Common Shares in your own name so that you may enroll in the Plan.

If you haven’t participated in the Plan in the past or chose to opt out, you are still eligible to participate. Enroll by visiting invesco.com/us, by calling toll-free 800 341 2929 or by notifying us in writing at Invesco Closed-End Funds, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170. If you are writing to us, please include the Fund name and account number and ensure that all Common Shareholders listed on the account sign these written instructions. Your participation in the Plan will begin with the next distribution payable after the Agent receives your authorization, as long as they receive it before the “record date,” which is generally 10 business days before the distribution is paid. If your authorization arrives after such record date, your participation in the Plan will begin with the following distribution.

If you choose to participate in the Plan, your distributions will be promptly reinvested for you, automatically increasing your Common Shares. If the Common Shares are trading at a price that is equal to net asset value per share, you’ll pay that amount for your reinvested shares. However, if the Common Shares are trading above or below net asset value, the price is determined by one of two ways:

 

  1. Premium: If the Common Shares are trading at a premium – a market price that is higher than net asset value – you’ll pay either the net asset value or 95 percent of the market price, whichever is greater. When the Common Shares trade at a premium, you may pay less for your reinvested Common Shares than an investor purchasing Common Shares on the stock exchange. Keep in mind, a portion of your price reduction may be taxable because you are receiving Common Shares at less than market price.

 

  2. Discount: If the Common Shares trading at a discount – a market price that is lower than net asset value – you’ll pay the market price for your reinvested Common Shares.

There is no direct charge to you for reinvesting Distributions because the Plan’s fees are paid by the Fund. If the Common Shares are trading at or above net asset value, your new Common Shares are issued directly by the Fund and there are no brokerage charges or fees. However, if the Common Shares are trading at a discount, the Common Shares are purchased on the open market, and you will pay your portion of any per share fees. These per share fees are typically less than the standard brokerage charges for individual transactions because Common Shares are purchased for all participants in blocks, resulting in lower fees for each individual participant. Any service or per share fees are added to the purchase price. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Agent is required to pay.

The automatic reinvestment of distributions does not relieve you of any income tax that may be due on distributions. You will receive tax information annually to help you prepare your federal income tax return.

You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by calling (800) 341-2929, by visiting invesco.com/us or by writing to Invesco Closed-End Funds, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170. Simply indicate that you would like to withdraw from the Plan, and be sure to include your Fund name and account number. Also, ensure that all shareholders listed on the account sign these written instructions. If you withdraw, you have three options with regard to the shares held in the Plan:

 

  1. If you opt to continue to hold your non-certificated whole Common Shares, they will be held by the Agent electronically as Direct Registration Book-Shares and fractional Common Shares will be sold at the then-current market price. Proceeds will be sent via check to your address of record after deducting applicable fees, including per share fees such as any applicable brokerage commissions the Agent is required to pay.

 

  2. If you opt to sell your shares through the Agent, the Agent will sell all full and fractional Common Shares and send the proceeds via check to your address of record after deducting a $2.50 service fee and per share fees. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Agent is required to pay.

 

  3. You may sell your Common Shares through your financial adviser through the Direct Registration System (“DRS”). DRS is a service within the securities industry that allows Common Shares to be held in your name in electronic format. You retain full ownership of your Common Shares, without having to hold a share certificate. You should contact your financial adviser to learn more about any restrictions or fees that may apply.

 

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The Fund and the Agent may amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Participants will receive at least 30 days written notice before the effective date of any amendment. In the case of termination, participants will receive at least 30 days written notice before the record date for the payment of any such distributions by the Fund. In the case of amendment or termination necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules and policies of the SEC or any other regulatory authority, such written notice will not be required.

To obtain a complete copy of the current Plan, please call our Client Services department at (800) 341-2929 or visit invesco.com/us.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE

The Fund is a statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, dated as of April 2, 2012. The following is a brief description of the terms of the Common Shares, Borrowings and preferred shares which may be issued by the Fund. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund’s Governing Documents.

Common Shares

The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional common shares of beneficial interest, no par value. Each Common Share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund with each other Common Share in the Fund. Holders of Common Shares will be entitled to the payment of distributions when, as and if declared by the Board. The 1940 Act or the terms of any borrowings or preferred shares may limit the payment of distributions to the holders of Common Shares. Each whole Common Share shall be entitled to one vote as to matters on which it is entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC. Upon liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund and the liquidation preference with respect to any outstanding preferred shares, the Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among the holders of the Common Shares.

While there are any borrowings or preferred shares outstanding, the Fund may not be permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares, unless at the time of such declaration, (i) all accrued distributions on preferred shares or accrued interest on borrowings have been paid and (ii) the value of the Fund’s total assets (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution), less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by senior securities, is at least 300% of the aggregate amount of such securities representing indebtedness and at least 200% of the aggregate amount of securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (expected to equal the aggregate original purchase price of the outstanding preferred shares plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis). In addition to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund may be required to comply with other asset coverage requirements as a condition of the Fund obtaining a rating of the preferred shares from a rating agency. These requirements may include an asset coverage test more stringent than under the 1940 Act. This limitation on the Fund’s ability to make distributions on its Common Shares could in certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for taxation as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends, however, to the extent possible to purchase or redeem preferred shares or reduce borrowings from time to time to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements and may pay special distributions to the holders of the preferred shares in certain circumstances in connection with any such impairment of the Fund’s status as a RIC. Depending on the timing of any such redemption or repayment, the Fund may be required to pay a premium in addition to the liquidation preference of the preferred shares to the holders thereof.

The Common Shares have no preemptive rights.

The Fund will not issue certificates for the Common Shares.

Issuance of Additional Common Shares

Any additional offerings of Common Shares will require approval by the Board of Trustees.

Any additional offering of Common Shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price (less underwriting commissions and discounts) of common shares sold by a closed-end investment company must equal or exceed the net asset value of such company’s common shares (calculated within 48 hours of the pricing of such offering), unless such sale is made with the consent of a majority of its Common Shareholders. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then-current net asset value, subject to certain conditions. If such consent is obtained, the Fund may, contemporaneous with and in no event more than one year following the receipt of such consent, sell Common Shares at price below net asset value in accordance with any conditions adopted in connection with the giving of such consent. Additional information

 

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regarding any consent of Common Shareholders obtained by the Fund and the applicable conditions imposed on the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below net asset value will be disclosed in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such offering of Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Until such consent of Common Shareholders, if any, is obtained, the Fund may not sell Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Because the Fund’s advisory fee is based upon average Managed Assets, the Adviser’s interests in recommending the issuance and sale of Common Shares at a price below net asset value may conflict with the interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.

Repurchase of Common Shares

Because shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset values, the Board has determined that from time to time it may be in the interest of holders of Common Shares for the Fund to take corrective actions. The Board, in consultation with the Adviser, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for the Common Shares and will consider such factors as the market price of the Common Shares, the net asset value of the Common Shares, the liquidity of the assets of the Fund, effect on the Fund’s expenses, whether such transactions would impair the Fund’s status as a RIC or result in a failure to comply with applicable asset coverage requirements, general economic conditions and such other events or conditions which may have a material effect on the Fund’s ability to consummate such transactions. There are no assurances that the Board will, in fact, decide to undertake either of these actions or if undertaken, that such actions will result in the Fund’s Common Shares trading at a price which is equal to or approximates their net asset value. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such discount may not be in the interest of holders of Common Shares, the Board, in consultation with the Adviser, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount.

Preferred Shares

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with preference rights, including preferred shares, no par value, in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Board, by action of the Board without the approval of the holders of Common Shares.

Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred shares, have an “asset coverage” of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liability and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness of the Fund, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred shares. If the Fund seeks a rating of the preferred shares, asset coverage requirements, in addition to those set forth in the 1940 Act, may be imposed. The liquidation value of the preferred shares is expected to equal their aggregate original purchase price plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon (on a cumulative basis), whether or not earned or declared. The terms of the preferred shares, including their distribution rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, will be determined by the Board (subject to applicable law and the Fund’s Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes the preferred shares. The Fund may issue preferred shares that provide for the periodic redetermination of the distribution rate at relatively short intervals through an auction or remarketing procedure, although the terms of the preferred shares may also enable the Fund to lengthen such intervals. At times, the distribution rate on the Fund’s preferred shares may exceed the Fund’s return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding.

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid distributions, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the preferred shareholders would not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.

Holders of preferred shares, voting as a class, shall be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time distributions on the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years’ distributions thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Fund’s Trustees until all distributions in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.

In addition, if required by a rating agency rating the preferred shares or if the Board determines it to be in the best interests of the Common Shareholders, issuance of the preferred shares may result in more restrictive provisions than required by the 1940 Act being imposed. In this regard, holders of the preferred shares may be entitled to elect a majority of the Fund’s Board in other circumstances, for example, if one payment on the preferred shares is in arrears. The Fund intends that, as long as preferred shares are outstanding, the composition of its portfolio will reflect guidelines established by such rating agency. Although, as of the date hereof, no rating agency has established guidelines relating to the Fund’s preferred shares, based on previous guidelines established by Rating

 

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Agencies for the securities of other issuers, the Fund anticipates that the guidelines with respect to the preferred shares will establish a set of tests for portfolio composition and asset coverage that supplement (and in some cases are more restrictive than) the applicable requirements under the 1940 Act. Although, at this time, no assurance can be given as to the nature or extent of the guidelines which may be imposed in connection with obtaining a rating of the preferred shares, the Fund currently anticipates that such guidelines will include asset coverage requirements which are more restrictive than those under the 1940 Act, restrictions on certain portfolio investments and investment practices, requirements that the Fund maintain a portion of its assets in short-term, high-quality investments and certain mandatory redemption requirements relating to the preferred shares. No assurance can be given that the guidelines actually imposed with respect to the preferred shares by a rating agency will be more or less restrictive than anticipated.

VRTP Shares . On October 26, 2012, the Fund issued in the aggregate 1,250 Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares (“VRTP”), designated as 2015/11-VVR C-1, each with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, pursuant to an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Proceeds from the issuance of VRTP Shares were used to redeem all of the Fund’s outstanding Auction Rate Preferred Shares (“ARPS”). VRTP Shares are a floating-rate form of preferred shares with a mandatory redemption date. The Fund is required to redeem all outstanding VRTP Shares on September 1, 2017, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or extended. VRTP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption in certain circumstances. The redemption price per share is equal to the sum of the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On May 1, 2017, the Fund began a periodic optional redemption of VRTP Shares. As of June 1, 2017, the Fund had outstanding preferred shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of $75 million, which represented approximately 5.51% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date.

Dividends paid on the VRTP Shares (which are treated as interest expense for financial reporting purposes) are declared daily and paid monthly. The rate for dividends was equal to the sum of an applicable base rate, equal to the weighted average interest rate paid or payable as interest on commercial paper notes issued by CHARTA, LLC, plus a ratings spread of 1.20%-5.20%, which is based on the long term rating assigned to the VRTP Shares by Moody’s and Fitch.

The Fund is subject to certain restrictions relating to the VRTP Shares, such as maintaining certain asset coverage and leverage ratio requirements. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the Fund from declaring any distributions to Common Shareholders or purchasing Common Shares and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of VRTP Shares at liquidation preference.

Borrowings

The Fund may utilize leverage through borrowings, including through a credit facility, commercial paper program or other borrowing program. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to incur indebtedness, including through the issuance of debt securities, unless immediately thereafter the total asset value of the Fund’s portfolio is at least 300% of the liquidation value of the outstanding indebtedness (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution) is at least 300% of such liquidation value. If the Fund borrows money, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to retire outstanding debt, from time to time, to maintain coverage of any outstanding indebtedness of at least 300%.

The Fund may negotiate with commercial banks to arrange a borrowing facility pursuant to which the Fund may borrow an amount equal to approximately one-third of the Fund’s total assets (inclusive of the amount borrowed). Any such borrowings would constitute leverage. Such a borrowing facility is not expected to be convertible into any other securities of the Fund, outstanding amounts are expected to be prepayable by the Fund prior to final maturity without significant penalty and there are not expected to be any sinking fund or mandatory retirement provisions. Outstanding amounts would be payable at maturity or such earlier times as required by the agreement. The Fund may be required to prepay outstanding amounts under the borrowing facility or incur a penalty rate of interest upon the occurrence of certain events of default. The Fund would be expected to indemnify the lenders against liabilities they may incur in connection with the borrowing facility.

In addition, the Fund expects that a borrowing facility would contain covenants that, among other things, likely will limit the Fund’s ability to pay distributions in certain circumstances, incur additional debt, change its fundamental investment policies and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations, and may require asset coverage ratios in addition to those required by the 1940 Act. The Fund may be required to pledge its assets and to maintain a portion of its assets in cash or high-grade securities as a reserve against interest or principal payments and expenses. The Fund expects that any borrowing facility would have customary covenant, negative covenant and default provisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into an agreement for a borrowing facility on terms and conditions representative of the foregoing, or that additional material terms will not apply. In addition, if entered into, any such borrowing facility may in the future be replaced or refinanced by one or more borrowing facilities having substantially different terms or by the issuance of preferred shares or debt securities.

 

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Credit Facility . The Fund has entered into a $350 million credit agreement, effective as of December 10, 2015 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the “Credit Agreement”), with State Street Bank and Trust Company and the other lending institutions party thereto and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as agent. State Street Bank and Trust Company has the authority to lend a maximum of $229,166,670 to the Fund, and other lending institutions party thereto may lend up to $120,833,330 to the Fund. As of June 1, 2017, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $280 million representing approximately 20.58% of the Fund’s total assets as of such date. The Credit Agreement is secured by the assets of the Fund.

The Credit Agreement includes limits on the Fund’s ability to (i) incur liens or pledge portfolio securities, (ii) change its investment objective or fundamental investment restrictions without the approval of lenders, (iii) participate in any merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Fund’s assets without the consent of the lenders, (iv) make certain changes in its capital structure, (v) amend certain Fund documents in a manner which could materially adversely affect the rights, interests or obligations of any of the lenders, (vi) engage in any business other than as contemplated by the Fund’s prospectus, investment policies and investment restrictions, (vii) create, incur, assume or permit to exist certain debt except for certain specified types of debt and (viii) permit any of its affiliates under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) to cause or permit to occur an event that could result in the imposition of a lien under the Code or ERISA. In addition, the Credit Agreement does not permit the Fund’s asset coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreements) to fall below 300% at any time (the “Credit Agreement Asset Coverage Test”).

The Credit Agreement limits the Fund’s ability to pay dividends or make other distributions, including with respect to the preferred shares, or purchase or redeem shares, including preferred shares, unless the Fund complies with the Credit Agreement Asset Coverage Test. In addition, the Credit Agreement does not permit the Fund to declare dividends or other distributions with respect to the preferred shares or purchase or redeem preferred shares (i) at any time that an event of default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing or (ii) if, after giving effect to such declaration, the Fund would not meet the asset coverage ratios set forth in the Credit Agreement. The failure to maintain certain asset coverage requirements may also result in a default under the terms of any preferred shares or borrowing.

The Credit Agreement has specified events of default which permit the lenders to seek remedies against the assets of the Fund. These events of default are customary for the types of transaction reflected by the Credit Agreement and include: (i) cross-default and cross-acceleration events with respect to the Fund or the Adviser; (ii) a bankruptcy or insolvency event with respect to the Fund or the Adviser; (iii) specified judgments against the Fund or the Adviser; (iv) misrepresentations by the Fund or the Adviser to the lenders; (v) liens by certain governmental agencies against the Fund or the Adviser; (vi) failure for the lenders to have a first priority perfected security interest in the assets of the Fund; (vii) material modifications of certain specified transaction documents; (viii) a material reduction in the value of the Fund’s investments; (ix) change of control or change of management in the Adviser; and (x) failure to comply with terms of the Credit Agreement.

Prior to December 10, 2015, the Fund had entered into a $350 million amended and restated revolving credit and security agreement, effective as of August 27, 2012 (as from time to time amended, supplemented, waived or modified, the “Former Credit Agreement”) with CHARTA, LLC, CAFCO, LLC, CRC Funding LLC and CIESCO, LLC (collectively, the “Conduit Lenders”), Citibank, N.A. (the “Secondary Lender”) and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Direct Lender”) whereby the Conduit Lenders, Direct Lenders and the Secondary Lenders from time to time agreed to make advances to the Fund on the terms and subject to the conditions in the Former Credit Agreement.

Capitalization

The following table provides information about the outstanding securities of the Fund as of June 1, 2017:

 

Title of Class

   Amount Authorized      Amount Held by the
Fund or for its Account
     Amount Outstanding  

Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value

     Unlimited        —        180,036,160  

Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value

     Unlimited        —        750  

ANTI-TAKEOVER AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE FUND’S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS

The Fund presently has provisions in its Governing Documents which could have the effect of limiting, in each case, (i) the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund, (ii) the Fund’s freedom to engage in certain transactions or (iii) the ability of the Fund’s Board of Trustees or shareholders to amend the Governing Documents or effectuate changes in the Fund’s management. These provisions of the Governing Documents of the Fund may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions.

 

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The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, with the terms of one class expiring at each annual meeting of shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees. Any amendment to declassify the Board of Trustees requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, unless the transaction has been approved by at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required.

A Trustee may be removed from office, with or without cause, by written instrument signed by at least 75% of the number of Trustees prior to such removal.

In addition, the Declaration of Trust requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions, unless the transaction has been approved by at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case the affirmative vote of “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. Transactions subject to this voting requirement include:

 

    The dissolution of the Fund; provided that if the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Board approves the dissolution, no vote of shareholders shall be required to dissolve the Fund

 

    A merger or consolidation of the Fund with one or more other entities.

 

    The sale, conveyance and transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the another entity.

 

    The reclassification of the Fund from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company” (as defined in the 1940 Act).

 

    The following transactions with any person or group (a “Principal Shareholder”) that is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of five percent (5%) or more of the shares of the Fund. For purposes of these provisions, a Principal Shareholder shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any Shares which the Principal Shareholder owns directly, has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly by any “affiliate” or “associate” or any other person with which the Principal Shareholder has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of shares.

 

    The issuance of any securities to any Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to the Plan.

 

    The sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than two percent (2%) of the total assets of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period).

 

    The sale, lease, or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund, in exchange for securities of the Fund or any of its subsidiary of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than two percent (2%) of the total assets of the Fund or any of subsidiary of the Fund, aggregating for the purpose of such computation, all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period).

In addition, any additional matter for which the Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act does not expressly require a vote of shareholders, but with respect to which the Trustees determine the shareholders shall have power to vote, shall require the affirmative vote or consent of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, unless such matter has been previously approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case the affirmative vote of “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required.

The Board of Trustees has determined that provisions with respect to the Board of Trustees and the shareholder voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of shareholders generally. Reference should be made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions. See “Additional Information.”

 

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CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND

The Fund may be converted to an open-end management investment company if approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, unless the conversion has been approved by at least 66 2/3% of the Board of Trustees, in which case the affirmative vote of “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. If approved in the foregoing manner, conversion of the Fund could not occur until 90 days after the shareholders’ meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days’ prior notice to all shareholders. The composition of the Fund’s portfolio and/or its investment policies could prohibit the Fund from complying with regulations of the SEC applicable to open-end management investment companies unless significant changes in portfolio holdings and investment policies are made. Conversion of the Fund to an open-end management investment company also would require the redemption of any outstanding preferred shares and could require the repayment of borrowings, which would reduce the leveraged capital structure of the Fund with respect to the Common Shares. In the event of conversion, the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the NYSE or other national securities exchange or market system. The Board believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company. Common Shareholders of an open-end management investment company can require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. If converted to an open-end fund, the Fund expects to pay all redemption requests in cash, but intends to reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If the Fund were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at net asset value plus a sales load.

TAX MATTERS

The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Fund’s Common Shares. A more detailed discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its Common Shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your Common Shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal tax concerns affecting the Fund and its Common Shareholders (including Common Shareholders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law).

The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice and potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the specific U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

Taxation Of The Fund

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify annually as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements:

 

  (i) The Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from the following sources: (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies; and (b) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code). Generally, a qualified publicly traded partnership includes a partnership the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof) and that derives less than 90% of its gross income from the items described in (a) above.

 

  (ii) The Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, including receivables, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code).

 

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As long as the Fund qualifies as a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that the Fund distributes to its shareholders, provided that it distributes each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of (i) the Fund’s investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and other taxable income, other than any net capital gain (defined below), reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) the Fund’s net tax-exempt interest (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income each year. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.

The Fund will either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a corporate income tax on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund expects to report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, each of whom, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares by the amount of undistributed capital gain included in such shareholder’s gross income net of the tax deemed paid the shareholder under clause (ii).

The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s fiscal year). In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over- distribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid federal income tax. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% nondeductible excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s taxable income and capital gain will be distributed to entirely avoid the imposition of the excise tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gains or “qualified dividend income” into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not be “qualified” income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Common Shareholders. The Fund intends to structure and monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections and may be required to dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these provisions and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC (which may adversely affect the net after-tax return to the Fund).

If for any taxable year the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable to the Common Shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends, however, would be eligible (provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met) (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of U.S. Common Shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. Common Shareholders taxed as corporations. The Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions (which could be subject to interest charges) before requalifying for taxation as a RIC.

Taxation Of Common Shareholders

Distributions . Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its net capital gain, which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss, if any, that the Fund properly reports as capital gain dividends (“capital gain dividends”) are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Common Shares. All other dividends paid to you by the Fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current or accumulated earnings and profits (“ordinary income dividends”) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income. Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, ordinary income dividends (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as “qualified dividend income” eligible to be taxed at long-term capital gains rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and

 

53


certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or whose stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). There can be no assurance as to what portion, if any, of the Fund’s distributions will constitute qualified dividend income.

Any distributions you receive that are in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, and thereafter as capital gain from the sale of Common Shares. The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, thereby increasing your potential gain, or reducing your potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your Common Shares. In determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, the Fund’s earnings and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s Common Shares.

Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even if they are reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated as received by you at the time the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

The Fund will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount and tax status of any distributions paid to you by the Fund.

Sale of Common Shares . The sale or other disposition of Common Shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to you and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held such Common Shares for more than one year. Any loss upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain) by you with respect to such Common Shares. Any loss you recognize on a sale or other disposition of Common Shares will be disallowed if you acquire other Common Shares (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after your sale or exchange of the Common Shares. In such case, your tax basis in the Common Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Current U.S. federal income tax law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain is currently taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally is taxed at reduced maximum rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the certain of the Code and the Treasury regulations currently in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its Common Shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. A more detailed discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its Common Shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Common Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income or other taxes.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to 18,000,000 Common Shares, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Fund will offer Common Shares at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”).

The Fund may offer Common Shares:

 

  (i) in at-the-market transactions through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Fund’s selling agent(s);

 

  (ii) otherwise through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time;

 

  (iii) to or through underwriters or dealers; or

 

  (iv) directly to one or more purchasers.

 

54


The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Common Shares will state the terms of the offering, including:

 

    the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers;

 

    any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters’ compensation or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated;

 

    any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers or agents or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated;

 

    the public offering or purchase price of the offered Common Shares, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, and the net proceeds the Fund will receive from the sale; and

 

    any securities exchange on which the offered Common Shares may be listed.

The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.”

At-The-Market Transactions

The Fund may offer Common Shares in in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” as defined in Rule 415 under the 1933 Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, through one or more selling agents that the Fund may designate from time to time and/or through broker-dealers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Fund’s selling agent(s) in such transactions. Common Shares will only be sold on such days as shall be agreed to by the Fund and the selling agent(s) and will be sold at market prices, which shall be determined with reference to trades on the NYSE, subject to a minimum price to be established each day by the Fund. The minimum price on any day will not be less than the current net asset value per Common Share plus the per share amount of the commission to be paid. The Fund will suspend the sale of Common Shares if the per share price of the shares is less than the minimum price. Settlements of sales of Common Shares will occur on the third business day following the date on which any such sales are made.

The Fund will compensate the selling agent(s) with respect to sales of the Common Shares and the selling agent(s) may compensate broker-dealers participating in the offering in connection with the sale of Common Shares sold by that broker-dealer.

Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the selling agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.

By Agents

The Fund may offer Common Shares through agents that the Fund may designate. The Fund will name any agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any commissions payable by the Fund in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.

By Underwriters

The Fund may offer and sell Common Shares from time to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the Common Shares as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. If the Fund sells Common Shares to underwriters, the Fund will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and will name them in the Prospectus Supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from the Fund in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of Common Shares for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise stated in the Prospectus Supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the Common Shares unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the Common Shares, they will be required to purchase all of the offered Common Shares. The underwriters may sell the offered Common Shares to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

If a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, the Fund may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional Common Shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to cover any overallotments.

 

55


By Dealers

The Fund may offer and sell Common Shares from time to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered Common Shares to the public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the time of resale. The Fund will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in the Prospectus Supplement.

Direct Sales

The Fund may sell Common Shares directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the 1933 Act for any resales of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. The Fund may use electronic media, including the internet, to sell offered securities directly. The terms of such direct sale transactions will be subject to the discretion of the management of the Fund. In determining whether to sell Common Shares through a direct sale transaction, the Fund will consider relevant factors including, but not limited to, the attractiveness of obtaining additional funds through the sale of Common Shares, the purchase price to apply to any such sale of Common Shares and the investor seeking to purchase the Common Shares. The Fund will describe the terms of any of those sales in a Prospectus Supplement.

General Information

Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating in an offering of Common Shares may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commission received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the offered Common Shares for whom they act as agent, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the 1933 Act.

The Fund may offer to sell securities either at a fixed price or at prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

To facilitate an offering of Common Shares in an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Shares or any other security. Those transactions may include overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.

 

    An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the common stock for the underwriter’s own account.

 

    An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the Common Shares for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining the price of the Common Shares.

 

    Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the Common Shares by bidding for, and purchasing, the Common Shares or any other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short position created in connection with the offering.

 

    The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an offering when the Common Shares originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions or otherwise.

Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common Shares above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

Any underwriters to whom the offered Common Shares are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered Common Shares, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. There can be no assurance that there will be a liquid trading market for the offered Common Shares.

Under agreements entered into with the Fund, underwriters and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, or to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be required to make.

The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in financial or other business transactions with the Fund in the ordinary course of business.

Pursuant to a requirement of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer may not be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received by the Fund for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant to SEC Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

56


The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this Prospectus relates to the offering of the Common Shares not yet issued as of the date of this Prospectus.

Agents, underwriters or dealers through which the Fund may offer Common Shares may include affiliated persons of the Fund or the Adviser.

To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to time act as a broker or dealer and receive fees in connection with the execution of portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.

A Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of Common Shares for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations of Common Shares for internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, Common Shares may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell Common Shares to online brokerage account holders.

CUSTODIAN, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND TRANSFER AGENT

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company will serve as custodian for the Fund. The Custodian will hold cash, securities, and other assets of the Fund as required by the 1940 Act. Custody fees are payable monthly based on assets held in custody, investment purchases and sales activity and account maintenance fees, plus reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses. The principal business address of the Custodian is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2801.

Dividend Disbursing Agent and Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. will act as the Fund’s dividend paying agent, transfer agent and the registrar for the Fund’s Common Shares. Computershare is located at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Legal Counsel to the Fund is Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7018.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5800, Houston, Texas 77002, is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).

PRIVACY POLICY

You share personal and financial information with us that is necessary for your transactions and your account records. We take very seriously the obligation to keep that information confidential and private.

 

57


Invesco collects nonpublic personal information about you from account applications or other forms you complete and from your transactions with us or our affiliates. We do not disclose information about you or our former customers to service providers or other third parties except to the extent necessary to service your account and in other limited circumstances as permitted by law. For example, we use this information to facilitate the delivery of transaction confirmations, financial reports, prospectuses and tax forms.

Even within Invesco. only people involved in the servicing of your accounts and compliance monitoring have access to your information. To ensure the highest level of confidentiality and security, Invesco maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that meet or exceed federal standards. Special measures, such as data encryption and authentication, apply to your communications with us on our website. More detail is available to you at invesco.com/privacy.

 

58


TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The Fund

     S-3  

Investment Objective and Policies

     S-3  

Investment Restrictions

     S-4  

Trustees and Officers

     S-6  

Investment Advisory and Other Services

     S-25  

Other Service Providers

     S-27  

Portfolio Managers

     S-27  

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage Allocation

     S-30  

Tax Matters

     S-33  

Other Information

     S-38  

Financial Statements

     S-39  

Appendix A: Description of Securities Ratings

     A-1  

Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

     B-1  

 

59


Invesco Senior Income Trust

18,000,000 Common Shares

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

June 27, 2017

 


Invesco Senior Income Trust

 

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, and you could lose some or all of your investment.

This Statement of Additional Information relates to the offering, from time to time, of up to 18,000,000 common shares of beneficial interest, no par value (“Common Shares”) in one or more offerings. This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Fund, dated June 27, 2017 (the “Prospectus”), and any related supplement to the Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”). Investors should obtain and read the Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement prior to purchasing Common Shares. A copy of the Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement may be obtained without charge, by calling the Fund at (800) 345-7999.

The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The registration statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the SEC’s office or via its website (www.sec.gov) at no charge. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.

 

S-1


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

The Fund

     S-3  

Investment Objective and Policies

     S-3  

Investment Restrictions

     S-4  

Trustees and Officers

     S-6  

Investment Advisory and Other Services

     S-25  

Other Service Providers

     S-27  

Portfolio Managers

     S-27  

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage Allocation

     S-30  

Tax Matters

     S-33  

Other Information

     S-38  

Financial Statements

     S-39  

Appendix A: Description of Securities Ratings

     A-1  

Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

     B-1  

 

S-2


THE FUND

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company organized as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund was originally organized as a Massachusetts business trust on April 8, 1998. The Fund commenced operations on June 23, 1998. Effective as of August 27, 2012, the Fund completed a redomestication to a Delaware statutory trust. Effective June 1, 2010, the Fund’s name was changed from Van Kampen Senior Income Trust to Invesco Van Kampen Senior Income Trust. Effective December 3, 2012, the Fund’s name was changed from Invesco Van Kampen Senior Income Trust to Invesco Senior Income Trust. The Fund’s currently outstanding common shares of beneficial interest, no par value (the “Common Shares”) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “VVR” and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, subject to notice of issuance, will also be listed on the NYSE.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

Additional Investment Policies and Portfolio Contents

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund’s investment objective, policies and techniques that are described in the Prospectus. The Fund may make the following investments, among others, some of which are part of its principal investment strategies and some of which are not. The principal risks of the Fund’s principal investment strategies are discussed in the Prospectus.

Derivative Transactions and Related Risk Factors

The Fund may use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based on the value of another underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying instrument and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying instrument, risks of default by the other party to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which they relate, and risks that the transactions may not be liquid. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet earmarking or segregation requirements, pursuant to applicable SEC rules and regulations, or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund’s investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Use of Segregated and Other Accounts . The Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing certain derivative transactions, including the segregation of cash and/or liquid securities on the books of the Fund’s custodian, as mandated by SEC rules or SEC staff positions. Many derivative transactions, in addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash and/or liquid securities to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise “covered” as described above. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered (or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional consideration), or, subject to any regulatory restrictions, the Fund must segregate cash and/or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the current amount of the obligation. In the case of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to segregating cash and/or liquid securities sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Derivative transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund also may enter into offsetting transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated cash and/or liquid securities, equals its net outstanding obligation.

CFTC Regulation . Amended Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) Rule 4.5 permits investment advisers to registered investment companies to claim an exclusion from the definition of “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) with respect to a fund, provided certain requirements are met. In order to permit the Investment Adviser to claim this exclusion with respect to the Fund, the Fund will limit its transactions in futures, options on futures and swaps (excluding transactions entered into for “bona fide hedging purposes,” as defined under CFTC regulations) such that either: (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swaps do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) the aggregate net notional value of its futures, options on futures and swaps does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions. Accordingly, the Fund is not subject to regulation under the CEA or otherwise regulated by the CFTC. If the Adviser was unable to claim the exclusion with respect to the Fund, the Adviser would become subject to registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator, which would subject the Adviser and the Fund to additional registration and regulatory requirements and increased operating expenses.

 

S-3


Failure of Futures Commission Merchants and Clearing Organizations . The Fund may deposit funds required to open margin positions in cleared derivative instruments with a clearing broker registered under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act of 1936 (“CEA”) as a “futures commission merchant” (“FCM”). The CEA requires an FCM to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of U.S. domestic futures contracts and cleared swaps from the FCM’s proprietary assets. Similarly, the CEA requires each FCM to hold in a separate secure account all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of foreign futures contracts and segregate any such funds from the funds received with respect to domestic futures contracts. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account and may be freely accessed by the clearing broker, which may also invest any such funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulation. There is a risk that assets deposited by the Fund with any swaps or futures clearing broker as margin for futures contracts or cleared swaps may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing broker. In addition, the assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the clearing broker’s bankruptcy, as the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing broker’s combined domestic customer accounts.

Similarly, the CEA requires a clearing organization approved by the CFTC as a derivatives clearing organization to segregate all funds and other property received from a clearing member’s clients in connection with domestic futures, swaps and options contracts from any funds held at the clearing organization to support the clearing member’s proprietary trading. Nevertheless, with respect to futures and options contracts, a clearing organization may use assets of a non-defaulting customer 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. As a result, in the event of a default or the clearing broker’s other clients or the clearing broker’s failure to extend funds in connection with any such default, the Fund would not be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited by the clearing broker on its behalf with the clearing organization.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The following are fundamental investment restrictions of the Fund and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s voting securities present at a meeting at which more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities). Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a purchase and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action. With respect to the limitations on the issuance of senior securities and in the case of borrowings, the percentage limitations apply at the time of issuance and on an ongoing basis. In accordance with the foregoing, the Fund may not:

 

  1. Purchase any securities (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities) if as a result more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or if as a result the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any single issuer; provided that, with respect to 50% of the Fund’s assets, the Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in the securities of any one issuer. For purposes of this restriction, the term issuer includes both the Borrower under a loan agreement and the lender selling a participation to the Fund together with any other persons interpositioned between such lender and the Fund with respect to a participation.

 

  2. Purchase any security if, as a result of such purchase, 25% or more of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of Borrowers and other issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry (the electric, gas, water and telephone utility industries, commercial banks, thrift institutions and finance companies being treated as separate industries for purposes of this restriction); provided , that this limitation shall not apply with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

  3. Issue senior securities nor borrow money, except that the Fund may issue senior securities or borrow money to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the rules or regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

  4. Make loans of money or property to any person, except for obtaining interests in Senior Loans in accordance with its investment objective, through loans of portfolio securities or the acquisition of securities subject to repurchase agreements.

 

S-4


  5. Buy any security “on margin.” Neither the deposit of initial or variation margin in connection with hedging transactions nor short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of such transactions is considered the purchase of a security on margin.

 

  6. Sell any security “short,” write, purchase or sell puts, calls or combinations thereof, or purchase or sell financial futures or options, except to the extent that the hedging transactions in which the Fund may engage would be deemed to be any of the foregoing transactions.

 

  7. Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of or granting of interests in Senior Loans or other securities acquired by the Fund.

 

  8. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or participation in management, except to the extent that exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements would be deemed to constitute such control or participation.

 

  9. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

  10. Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or royalty contracts except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements. In addition, the Fund may purchase securities of issuers which deal in, represent interests in or are secured by interests in such leases, rights or contracts.

 

  11. Purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodities contracts except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements, except to the extent the interests in Senior Loans the Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in real estate, commodities or commodities contracts and except to the extent that hedging instruments the Fund may invest in are considered to be commodities or commodities contracts.

 

  12. Notwithstanding the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund, upon approval of the Board of Trustees, the Fund may invest all or part of its investable assets in a management investment company with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund.

For purposes of investment restriction numbers 1 and 2, the Fund will consider all relevant factors in determining whether to treat the lender selling a participation and any persons interpositioned between such lender and the Fund as an issuer, including: the terms of the loan agreement and other relevant agreements (including inter-creditor agreements and any agreements between such person and the Fund’s custodian); the credit quality of such lender or interpositioned person; general economic conditions applicable to such lender or interpositioned person; and other factors relating to the degree of credit risk, if any, of such lender or interpositioned person incurred by the Fund.

For purposes of investment restriction number 9, the 1940 Act generally limits a fund’s ability to invest in other investment companies as follows: the Fund and companies it controls cannot own more than 3% of an acquired fund’s voting stock in; the securities of an acquired fund cannot exceed more than 5% of the assets of the Fund and companies it controls; and the securities of acquired funds as a group cannot exceed more than 10% of the assets of the Fund and companies it controls. The Fund will rely on representations of Borrowers in loan agreements in determining whether such Borrowers are investment companies.

The Fund generally will not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose of realizing short-term profits, but it will adjust its portfolio as it deems advisable in view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions to accomplish the Fund’s investment objective. For example, the Fund may sell portfolio securities in anticipation of a movement in interest rates. Frequency of portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor if the Fund considers it advantageous to purchase or sell securities. The Fund anticipates that the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund will not be in excess of 100%. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses than a lower rate, which expenses must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders.

 

S-5


TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) and the Fund’s officers appointed by the Board. The tables below list the trustees and the executive officers of the Fund and their principal occupations, other directorships held by the trustees and their affiliations, if any, with the Adviser or its affiliates. The “Fund Complex” includes each of the investment companies advised by the Adviser as of May 31, 2017 Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Officers are annually elected by the Board. The principal business address of each Trustee and Officer is c/o Invesco Senior Loan Fund, 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309.

 

Name, Year of Birth

and Position(s) Held

with the Trust

   Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
    

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee

  

Other

Trusteeship(s)/

Directorship

Held by

Trustee/Director

During Past

5 Years

Interested Trustees:

           

Martin L. Flanagan 1

1960

Trustee

     2014     

Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Ltd. (ultimate parent of Invesco and a global investment management firm); Trustee, The Invesco Funds; Vice Chair, Investment Company Institute; and Member of Executive Board, SMU Cox School of Business

Formerly: Advisor to the Board, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (registered investment adviser); Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Holding Company (US), Inc. (formerly IVZ Inc.) (holding company), Invesco Group Services, Inc. (service provider) and Invesco North American Holdings, Inc. (holding company); Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Holding Company Limited (parent of Invesco and a global investment management firm); Director, Invesco Ltd.; Chairman, Investment Company Institute and President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc. (global investment management organization)

   144    None

Philip A. Taylor 2

1954

Trustee and Senior Vice President

     2014      Head of the Americas and Senior Managing Director, Invesco Ltd.; Director, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Aim Management Group, Inc.) (financial services holding company); Director and Chairman, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Aim Investment Services, Inc.) (registered transfer agent) Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Corporate Class Inc. (corporate mutual fund company) Director, Chairman and Chief    144    None

 

1   Mr. Flanagan is considered an interested person (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Trust because he is an officer of the Adviser to the Trust, and an officer and a director of Invesco Ltd., ultimate parent of the Adviser.
2   Mr. Taylor is considered an interested person (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Trust because he is an officer and a director of the Adviser.

 

S-6


Name, year of Birth

and Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 years

 

Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other

Trusteeship(s)/

Directorship

Held by

Trustee/Director

During Past

5 Years

   

Executive Officer, Invesco Canada Ltd. (formerly known as Invesco Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltèe) (registered investment adviser and registered transfer agent); Trustee and Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds; Director, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management).

 

Formerly: Co-Chairman, Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Van Kampen Exchange Corp; President and Principal Executive Officer, The Invesco Funds (other than AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust), Short-Term Investments Trust and Invesco Management Trust); Executive Vice President, The Invesco Funds (AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust), Short-Term Investments Trust and Invesco Management Trust only); Director and President, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. (registered investment adviser and registered transfer agent); Director and Chairman, IVZ Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as INVESCO Distributors, Inc.) (registered broker dealer); Director, President and Chairman, Invesco Inc. (holding company), Invesco Canada Holdings Inc. (holding company), Trimark Investments Ltd./Placements Trimark Ltèe and Invesco Financial Services Ltd/Services Financiers Invesco Ltèe; Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Canada Fund Inc. (corporate mutual fund company); Director and Chairman, Van Kampen Investor Services Inc.; Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, 1371 Preferred Inc. (holding company) and Van Kampen Investments Inc.; Director and President, AIM GP Canada Inc. (general partner for limited partnerships) and Van Kampen Advisors, Inc.; Director and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. (registered broker dealer); Director, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.) (registered broker dealer); Manager, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC; Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Advisers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc.; President, Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltèe; Director and President, AIM Trimark Corporate Class Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc.; Senior Managing Director,

   

 

S-7


Name, Year of Birth
and Position(s) Held
with the Trust

  Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
   

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
   

Other
Trusteeship(s)/
Directorship
Held by
Trustee/Director
During Past
5 Years

    Invesco Holding Company Limited; Director and Chairman, Fund Management Company (former registered broker dealer); President and Principal Executive Officer, The Invesco Funds (AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust), and Short-Term Investments Trust only); President, AIM Trimark Global Fund Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc.    

Independent Trustees

       

Bruce L. Crockett – 1944

Trustee and Chair

    2014    

Chairman, Crockett Technologies Associates (technology consulting company)

 

Formerly: Director, Captaris (unified messaging provider); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, COMSAT Corporation; Chairman, Board of Governors of INTELSAT (international communications company); ACE Limited (insurance company); Independent Directors Council and Investment Company Institute: Member of the Audit Committee, Investment Company Institute; Member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee, Independent Directors Council

    144     Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee, ALPS (Attorneys Liability Protection Society) (insurance company); Director and Member of the Audit Committee, Ferroglobe PLC (metallurgical company)

David C. Arch – 1945

Trustee

    1998     Chairman of Blistex Inc. (consumer health care products manufacturer); Member, World Presidents’ Organization     144     Board member of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

James T. Bunch – 1942

Trustee

    2014    

Managing Member, Grumman Hill Group LLC (family office/private equity investments)

 

Formerly: Chairman of the Board, Denver Film Society; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Evans Scholarship Foundation; Chairman, Board of Governors, Western Golf Association

    144     Trustee, Evans Scholarship Foundation

Jack M. Fields – 1952

Trustee

    2014    

Chief Executive Officer, Twenty First Century Group, Inc. (government affairs company); and Discovery Learning Alliance (non-profit)

 

Formerly: Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Dos Angeles Ranch L.P. (cattle, hunting, corporate entertainment); Director, Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff); Chief Executive Officer, Texana Timber LP (sustainable forestry company); Director of Cross Timbers Quail Research Ranch (non-profit); and member of the U.S. House of Representatives

    144     None

Cynthia Hostetler – 1962

Trustee

    2017    

Non-Executive Director and Trustee of a number of public and private business corporations

 

Formerly: Head of Investment Funds and Private Equity, Overseas Private Investment Corporation; President, First Manhattan Bancorporation, Inc.; Attorney, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

    144     Vulcan Materials Company (construction materials company); Trilinc Global Impact Fund; Aberdeen Investment Funds (4 portfolios); Artio Global Investment LLC (mutual fund complex); Edgen Group, Inc. (specialized energy and infrastructure products distributor)

 

S-8


Name, Year of Birth
and Position(s) Held
with the Trust

  Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other
Trusteeship(s)/
Directorship
Held by
Trustee/Director
During Past
5 Years

Eli Jones – 1961

Trustee

  2016  

Professor and Dean, Mays Business School - Texas A&M University

 

Formerly: Professor and Dean, Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas and E.J. Ourso College of Business, Louisiana State University; Director, Arvest Bank

  144   Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff) (human resources provider)

Prema Mathai-Davis – 1950

Trustee

  2014  

Retired.

 

Formerly: Chief Executive Officer, YWCA of the U.S.A.

  144   None

Teresa M. Ressel – 1962

Trustee

  2017  

Non-Executive Director and Trustee of a number of public and private business corporations

 

Formerly: Chief Financial Officer, Olayan America, The Olayan Group (international investor/commercial/industrial); Chief Executive Officer, UBS Securities LLC; Group Chief Operating Officer, Americas, UBS AG; Assistant Secretary for Management & Budget and CFO, US Department of the Treasury; Chief Compliance Officer, Kaiser Permanente; Program Manager, Hewlett-Packard; Nuclear Engineering, General Dynamics Corporation

  144   Atlantic Power Corporation (power generation company); ON Semiconductor Corp. (semiconductor supplier)

Larry Soll – 1942

Trustee

  2014  

Retired.

 

Formerly: Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Synergen Corp. (a biotechnology company)

  144   None

Ann Barnett Stern – 1957

Trustee

  2017  

President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston Endowment Inc. (private philanthropic institution)

 

Formerly: Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Texas Children’s Hospital; Attorney, Beck, Redden and Secrest, LLP; Business Law Instructor, University of St. Thomas; Attorney, Andrews & Kurth LLP

  144   Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

 

S-9


Name, year of Birth

and Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
   

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 years

  Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
   

Other

Trusteeship(s)/

Directorship

Held by

Trustee/Director

During Past

5 Years

Raymond Stickel, Jr. – 1944

Trustee

    2014    

Retired.

 

Formerly: Director, Mainstay VP Series Funds, Inc. (25 portfolios); Partner, Deloitte & Touche

    144     None

Robert C. Troccoli – 1949

Trustee

    2016    

Adjunct Professor, University of Denver – Daniels College of Business

 

Formerly: Senior Partner, KPMG LLP

    144     None

Christopher L. Wilson –

1957

Trustee

    2017    

Managing Partner, CT2, LLC (investing and consulting firm)

 

Formerly: President/Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation; President/Chief Executive Officer, CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc.; Principal & Director of Operations, Scudder Funds, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.; Assistant Vice President, Fidelity Investments

    144     TD Asset Management USA Inc. (mutual fund complex) (22 portfolios); ISO New England, Inc. (non-profit organization managing regional electricity market)

Officers

       

Sheri Morris – 1964

President, Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer

    2010    

President, Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); and Vice President, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust

 

Formerly: Vice President and Principal Financial Officer, The Invesco Funds; Vice President, Invesco Aim Advisers, Inc., Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc. and Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc.; Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds and Assistant Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc. and Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc.; and Treasurer, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust

    N/A     N/A

Russell C. Burk – 1958

Senior Vice President and Senior Officer

    2014     Senior Vice President and Senior Officer, The Invesco Funds     N/A     N/A

 

S-10


Name, year of Birth

and Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 years

  Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other

Trusteeship(s)/

Directorship

Held by

Trustee/Director

During Past

5 Years

John M. Zerr – 1962

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

  2010  

Director, Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.); Senior Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Senior Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.); Director, Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.) Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, The Invesco Funds; Managing Director, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC; Director, Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management); Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.) and Chief Legal Officer, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust; Manager and Secretary, Invesco Indexing LLC

 

Formerly: Director, Secretary, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Van Kampen Exchange Corp.; Director, Vice President and Secretary, IVZ Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as INVESCO Distributors, Inc.); Director and Vice President, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Van Kampen Advisors Inc.; Director, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Van Kampen Investor Services Inc.; Director, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.); Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Invesco AIM Advisers, Inc. and Van Kampen Investments Inc.; Director, Vice President and Secretary, Fund Management Company; Director, Senior Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel and Vice President, Invesco AIM Capital Management, Inc.; Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Liberty Ridge Capital, Inc. (an investment adviser); Vice President and Secretary, PBHG Funds (an investment company) and PBHG Insurance Series Fund (an investment company); Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Investment Partners (a broker-dealer); General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Fund Services (an administrator) and Old Mutual Shareholder Services (a shareholder servicing center); Executive Vice President,

  N/A   N/A

 

S-11


Name, year of Birth

and Position(s) Held

with the Trust

  Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 years

  Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  Other
Trusteeship(s)/
Directorship
Held by
Trustee/Director
During Past
5 Years
        General Counsel and
Secretary, Old Mutual
Capital, Inc. (an
investment adviser);
and Vice President
and Secretary, Old
Mutual Advisors
Funds (an investment
company)
       

Gregory G. McGreevey - 1962

Senior Vice President

  2012  

Senior Managing Director, Invesco Ltd.; Director, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Director, Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. and Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.; and Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds

 

Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds

  N/A   N/A

Kelli Gallegos – 1970

Vice President, Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer

  2008  

Vice President, Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Assistant Treasurer, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed

Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust

 

Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds

  N/A   N/A

Tracy Sullivan – 1962

Vice President, Chief Tax Officer and Assistant Treasurer

  2008  

Vice President, Chief Tax Officer and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Assistant Treasurer, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed

Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust

 

Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds

  N/A   N/A

Crissie M. Wisdom – 1969

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

  2013   Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser), Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.), Invesco Distributors, Inc., Invesco Investment Services, Inc., Invesco Management Group, Inc., The Invesco Funds, and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-   N/A   N/A

 

S-12


Name, year of Birth

and Position(s) Held

with the Trust

   Trustee
and/or
Officer
Since
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 years

   Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
   Other
Trusteeship(s)/
Directorship
Held by
Trustee/Director
During Past
5 Years
         

Traded Commodity
Fund; Anti-Money
Laundering
Compliance Officer
and Bank Secrecy Act
Officer, INVESCO
National Trust
Company and Invesco
Trust Company; and
Fraud Prevention
Manager and Controls
and Risk Analysis
Manager for Invesco
Investment Services,
Inc.

 

Formerly: Anti-Money
Laundering
Compliance Officer,
Van Kampen
Exchange Corp.

         

Robert R. Leveille – 1969

Chief Compliance Officer

   2016   

Chief Compliance Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (registered investment adviser); and Chief Compliance Officer, The Invesco Funds

 

Formerly: Chief Compliance Officer, Putnam Investments and the Putnam Funds

   N/A    N/A

 

S-13


Additional Information about the Trustees

Interested Persons

Martin L. Flanagan, Trustee

Martin L. Flanagan has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2007. Mr. Flanagan is president and chief executive officer of Invesco Ltd., a position he has held since August 2005. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Invesco Ltd.

Mr. Flanagan joined Invesco, Ltd. from Franklin Resources, Inc., where he was president and co-chief executive officer from January 2004 to July 2005. Previously he had been Franklin’s co-president from May 2003 to January 2004, chief operating officer and chief financial officer from November 1999 to May 2003, and senior vice president and chief financial officer from 1993 until November 1999.

Mr. Flanagan served as director, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Templeton, Galbraith & Hansberger, Ltd. before its acquisition by Franklin in 1992. Before joining Templeton in 1983, he worked with Arthur Andersen & Co.

Mr. Flanagan is a chartered financial analyst and a certified public accountant. He serves as vice chairman of the Investment Company Institute and a member of the executive board at the SMU Cox School of Business.

The Board believes that Mr. Flanagan’s long experience as an executive in the investment management area benefits the Fund.

Philip A. Taylor, Trustee

Philip A. Taylor has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2006. Mr. Taylor has headed Invesco’s North American retail business as Senior Managing Director of Invesco Ltd. since April 2006. He previously served as chief executive officer of Invesco Trimark Investments since January 2002.

Mr. Taylor joined Invesco in 1999 as senior vice president of operations and client services and later became executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Mr. Taylor was president of Canadian retail broker Investors Group Securities from 1994 to 1997 and managing partner of Meridian Securities, an execution and clearing broker, from 1989 to 1994. He held various management positions with Royal Trust, now part of Royal Bank of Canada, from 1982 to 1989. He began his career in consumer brand management in the U.S. and Canada with Richardson-Vicks, now part of Procter & Gamble.

The Board believes that Mr. Taylor’s long experience in the investment management business benefits the Fund.

Independent Trustees

Bruce L. Crockett, Trustee and Chair

Bruce L. Crockett has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1978, and has served as Independent Chair of the Board of Trustees and their predecessor funds since 2004.

Mr. Crockett has more than 30 years of experience in finance and general management in the banking, aerospace and telecommunications industries. From 1992 to 1996, he served as president, chief executive officer and a director of COMSAT Corporation, an international satellite and wireless telecommunications company.

Mr. Crockett has also served, since 1996, as chairman of Crockett Technologies Associates, a strategic consulting firm that provides services to the information technology and communications industries. Mr. Crockett also serves on the Board of ALPS (Attorneys Liability Protection Society) and Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (metallurgical company) and he is a life trustee of the University of Rochester Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Audit Committee of the Investment Company Institute and Ferroglobe PLC. He is also a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee of the Independent Directors Council.

 

S-14


The Board of Trustees elected Mr. Crockett to serve as its Independent Chair because of his extensive experience in managing public companies and familiarity with investment companies.

David C. Arch, Trustee

David C. Arch has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds and their predecessor funds since 2010. From 1984 to 2010, Mr. Arch served as Director or Trustee of investment companies in the Van Kampen Funds complex.

Mr. Arch is the Chairman of Blistex Inc., a consumer health care products manufacturer. Mr. Arch is a member of the Board of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, and a member of the World Presidents’ Organization.

The Board believes that Mr. Arch’s experience as the CEO of a public company and his experience with investment companies benefits the Fund.

James T. Bunch, Trustee

James T. Bunch has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2000.

From 1988 to 2010, Mr. Bunch was Founding Partner of Green Manning & Bunch, Ltd., an investment banking firm previously located in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Bunch began his professional career as a practicing attorney. He joined the prominent Denver-based law firm of Davis Graham & Stubbs in 1970 and later rose to the position of Chairman and Managing Partner of the firm.

At various other times during his career, Mr. Bunch has served as Chair of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) Business District Conduct Committee, and Chair of the Colorado Bar Association Ethics Committee.

In June 2010, Mr. Bunch became the Managing Member of Grumman Hill Group LLC, a family office private equity investment manager.

The Board believes that Mr. Bunch’s experience as an investment banker and investment management lawyer benefits the Fund.

Jack M. Fields, Trustee

Jack M. Fields has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1997.

Mr. Fields served as a member of Congress, representing the 8th Congressional District of Texas from 1980 to 1997. As a member of Congress, Mr. Fields served as Chairman of the House Telecommunications and Finance Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction and oversight of the Federal Communications Commission and the SEC. Mr. Fields co-sponsored the National Securities Markets Improvements Act of 1996, and played a leadership role in enactment of the Securities Litigation Reform Act.

 

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Mr. Fields currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Twenty-First Century Group, Inc. in Washington, D.C., a bipartisan Washington consulting firm specializing in Federal government affairs.

Mr. Fields also served as a Director of Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff), a premier professional employer organization with clients nationwide until 2015. In addition, Mr. Fields sits on the Board of Discovery Learning Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources to people in need around the world through the use of technology.

The Board believes that Mr. Fields’ experience in the House of Representatives, especially concerning regulation of the securities markets, benefits the Fund.

Cynthia Hostetler, Trustee

Cynthia Hostetler is currently a member of the board of directors/trustees of the Vulcan Materials Company, a public company engaged in the production and distribution of construction materials, Trilinc Global Impact Fund LLC, a publicly registered non-traded limited liability company that invests in a diversified portfolio of private debt instruments, and the Aberdeen Investment Funds, a mutual fund complex. Previously, Ms. Hostetler served as a member of the board of directors of Edgen Group Inc., a public company that provides products and services to energy and construction companies, from 2012 to 2013, prior to its sale to Sumitomo.

From 2001 to 2009 Ms. Hostetler served as Head of Investment Funds and Private Equity at Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”), a government agency that supports US investment in the emerging markets. Ms. Hostetler oversaw a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio in private equity funds. Prior to joining OPIC, Ms. Hostetler served as President and member of the board of directors of First Manhattan Bancorporation, a bank holding company, and its largest subsidiary, First Savings Bank, from 1991 to 2001.

The Board believes that Ms. Hostetler’s knowledge of financial services and investment management, her experience as a director of other companies, including a mutual fund complex, her legal background, and other professional experience gained through her prior employment benefit the Fund.

Dr. Eli Jones, Trustee

Dr. Eli Jones has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2016.

Dr. Jones is the dean of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University and holder of the Peggy Pitman Mays Eminent Scholar Chair in Business. Dr. Jones has served as a director of Insperity, Inc. since April 2004 and is chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Prior to his current position, from 2012-2015, Dr. Jones was the dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and holder of the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Arkansas, he was dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business and Ourso Distinguished Professor of Business at Louisiana State University from 2008 to 2012; professor of marketing and associate dean at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston from 2007 to 2008; an associate professor of marketing from 2002 to 2007; and an assistant professor from 1997 until 2002. He taught at Texas A&M University for several years before joining the faculty of the University of Houston. Dr. Jones served as the executive director of the Program for Excellence in Selling and the Sales Excellence Institute at the University of Houston from 1997 to 2007. Before becoming a professor, he worked in sales and sales management for three Fortune 100 companies: Quaker Oats, Nabisco, and Frito-Lay. Dr. Jones is a past director of Arvest Bank. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in journalism in 1982, his MBA in 1986 and his Ph.D. in 1997, all from Texas A&M University.

The Board believes that Dr. Jones’ experience in academia and his experience in marketing benefits the Fund.

Dr. Prema Mathai-Davis, Trustee

Dr. Prema Mathai-Davis has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1998.

Prior to her retirement in 2000, Dr. Mathai-Davis served as Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of the USA. Prior to joining the YWCA, Dr. Mathai-Davis served as the Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging. She was a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York, the largest regional transportation network in the U.S. Dr. Mathai-Davis also serves as a Trustee of the YWCA Retirement Fund, the first and oldest pension fund for women, and on the advisory board of the Johns Hopkins Bioethics Institute. Dr. Mathai-Davis was the president and chief executive officer of the Community Agency for Senior Citizens, a non-profit social service agency that she established in 1981. She also directed the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine-Hunter College Long-Term Care Gerontology Center, one of the first of its kind.

 

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The Board believes that Dr. Mathai-Davis’ extensive experience in running public and charitable institutions benefits the Fund.

Teresa M. Ressel, Trustee

Teresa M. Ressel has previously served across both the private sector and the U.S. government. Formerly, Ms. Ressel served from 2004 to 2012 in various capacities at UBS AG, including most recently as Chief Executive Officer of UBS Securities LLC, a broker-dealer division of UBS Investment Bank, and Group Chief Operating Officer of the Americas group at UBS AG. In these roles, Ms. Ressel managed a broad array of operational risk controls, supervisory control, regulatory, compliance, and logistics functions covering the United States and Canada, as well as banking activities covering the Americas.

Between 2001 and 2004, Ms. Ressel served at the U.S. Treasury first as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget and then as Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Ressel was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and handles a broad array of management duties including finance & accounting, operational risk, audit and performance measurement along with information technology and infrastructure security.

Ms. Ressel currently serves as a member of the board of directors and as a member of the audit committee of ON Semiconductor Corporation, a publicly traded technology company. Ms. Ressel currently chairs their Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. ON Semiconductor is a leading supplier of semiconductor-based solutions, many of which reduce global energy use. She has served on the ON Semiconductor board since 2012.

Ms. Ressel also currently serves as a member of the board of directors at Atlantic Power, a publicly traded company which owns and operates a diverse fleet of power generation across the United States and Canada. She serves on the audit committee and compensation committee and has been on the Atlantic Power board since 2014.

The Board believes that Ms. Ressel’s risk management and financial experience in both the private and public sectors benefits the Fund.

Dr. Larry Soll, Trustee

Dr. Larry Soll has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1997.

Formerly, Dr. Soll was Chairman of the Board (1987 to 1994), Chief Executive Officer (1982 to 1989; 1993 to 1994) and President (1982 to 1989) of Synergen Corp., a public company, and in such capacities supervised the activities of the Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Soll also has served as a director of three other public companies and as a treasurer of a non-profit corporation. Dr. Soll currently serves as a trustee and a member of the Audit Committee of each of the funds within the Invesco Funds.

The Board believes that Dr. Soll’s experience as a chairman of a public company and in academia benefits the Fund.

Ann Barnett Stern, Trustee

Ann Barnett Stern is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Houston Endowment Inc., a private philanthropic institution. She has served in this capacity since 2012. Formerly, Ms. Stern served in various capacities at Texas Children’s Hospital from 2003 to 2012, including General Counsel and Executive Vice President.

Ms. Stern is also currently a member of the Dallas Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, a role she has held since 2013.

The Board believes that Ms. Stern’s knowledge of financial services and investment management and her experience as a director, and other professional experience gained through her prior employment benefit the Fund.

Raymond Stickel, Jr., Trustee

Raymond Stickel, Jr. has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2005.

Mr. Stickel retired after a 35-year career with Deloitte & Touche . For the last five years of his career, he was the managing partner of the investment management practice for the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut region. In addition to his management role, he directed audit and tax services for several mutual fund clients.

 

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Mr. Stickel began his career with Touche Ross & Co. (the “Firm”) in Dayton, Ohio, became a partner in 1976 and managing partner of the office in 1985. He also started and developed an investment management practice in the Dayton office that grew to become a significant source of investment management talent for the Firm. In Ohio, he served as the audit partner on numerous mutual funds and on public and privately held companies in other industries. Mr. Stickel has also served on the Firm’s Accounting and Auditing Executive Committee.

The Board believes that Mr. Stickel’s experience as a partner in a large accounting firm working with investment managers and investment companies, and his status as an Audit Committee Financial Expert, benefits the Fund.

Robert C. Troccoli, Trustee

Robert C. Troccoli has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2016.

Mr. Troccoli retired in 2010 after a 39-year career with KPMG LLP. Since 2013 he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business.

Mr. Troccoli’s leadership roles during his career with KPMG included managing partner and partner in charge of the Denver office’s Financial Services Practice. He served regulated investment companies, investment advisors, private partnerships, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and financial services companies. Toward the end of his career, Mr. Troccoli was a founding member of KPMG’s Private Equity Group in New York City, where he served private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds. Mr. Troccoli also served mutual fund clients along with several large private equity firms as Global Lead Partner of KPMG’s Private Equity Group.

The Board believes that Mr. Troccoli’s experience as a partner in a large accounting firm and his knowledge of investment companies, investment advisors, and private equity firms benefits the Fund.

Christopher L. Wilson, Trustee

Christopher L. Wilson started a career in the investment management business in 1980. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Wilson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Funds, a mutual fund complex with over $350 billion in assets. Mr. Wilson is currently a Managing Partner of CT2, LLC, an early stage investing and consulting firm for start-up companies. He has served in this capacity since 2009.

From 2014 to 2016, Mr. Wilson served as a member of the Board of Directors of the mutual fund company managed by TDAM USA Inc., an affiliate of TD Bank, N.A.

Mr. Wilson also currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of ISO New England, Inc., the company that establishes the wholesale electricity market and manages the electrical power grid in New England. Mr. Wilson is currently the chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, which also oversees cybersecurity, and a member of the systems planning committee of ISO-NE, Inc. He previously served as chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and was a member of the Markets Committee. He has served on the ISO New England, Inc. board since 2011.

The Board believes that Mr. Wilson’s knowledge of financial services and investment management, his experience as a director and audit committee member of other companies, including a mutual fund company, and other professional experience gained through his prior employment benefit the Fund.

 

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Committee Structure

The Trustees have the authority to take all actions that they consider necessary or appropriate in connection with management of the Trust, including, among other things, approving the investment objectives, investment policies and fundamental investment restrictions for the Fund. The Trust has entered into agreements with various service providers, including the Fund’s investment adviser, administrator, transfer agent, distributor and custodians, to conduct the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The Trustees are responsible for selecting these service providers, approving the terms of their contracts with the Fund, and exercising general oversight of these arrangements on an ongoing basis.

Certain Trustees and officers of the Trust are affiliated with Invesco and Invesco Ltd., the parent corporation of Invesco. All of the Trust’s executive officers hold similar offices with some or all of the other Trusts.

Leadership Structure and the Board of Trustees . The Board is currently composed of fifteen Trustees, including thirteen Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (collectively, the Independent Trustees and each, an Independent Trustee). In addition to eight regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Board holds special meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may require action prior to the next regular meeting. As discussed below, the Board has established five standing committees – the Audit Committee, the Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee, the Investments Committee and the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee (the Committees), to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed an Independent Trustee to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman’s primary role is to preside at meetings of the Board and act as a liaison with the Adviser and other service providers, officers, including the Senior Officer of the Trust, attorneys, and other Trustees between meetings. The Chairman also participates in the preparation of the agenda for the meetings of the Board, is active with mutual fund industry organizations, and may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. Except for any duties specified pursuant to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-laws, the designation of Chairman does not impose on such Independent Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board generally.

The Board believes that its leadership structure, including having an Independent Trustee as Chairman, allows for effective communication between the Trustees and management, among the Trustees and among the Independent Trustees. The existing Board structure, including its Committee structure, provides the Independent Trustees with effective control over Board governance while also allowing them to receive and benefit from insight from the two interested Trustees who are active officers of the Fund’s investment adviser. The Board’s leadership structure promotes dialogue and debate, which the Board believes allows for the proper consideration of matters deemed important to the Fund and its shareholders and results in effective decision-making.

Risk Oversight. The Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year at its regular meetings and at regular meetings of its Committees. Invesco prepares regular reports that address certain investment, valuation and compliance matters, and the Board as a whole or the Committees also receive special written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues at the request of the Board, a Committee or the Senior Officer.

The Audit Committee is apprised by, and discusses with, management its policies on risk assessment and risk management. Such discussion includes a discussion of the guidelines governing the process by which risks are assessed and managed and an identification of each Fund’s major financial risk exposures. In addition, the Audit Committee meets regularly with representatives of Invesco Ltd.’s internal audit group to review reports on their examinations of functions and processes within Invesco that affect the Fund.

The Compliance Committee receives regular compliance reports prepared by Invesco’s compliance group and meets regularly with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to discuss compliance issues, including compliance risks. The Compliance Committee has recommended and the Board has adopted compliance policies and procedures for the Fund and for the Fund’s service providers. The compliance policies and procedures are designed to detect, prevent and correct violations of the federal securities laws.

The Governance Committee monitors the composition of the Board and each of its Committees and monitors the qualifications of the Trustees to ensure adherence to certain governance undertakings applicable to the Funds. In addition, the Governance Committee oversees an annual self-assessment of the Board and addresses governance risks, including insurance and fidelity bond matters, for the Trust.

 

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The Investments Committee and its sub-committees receive regular written reports describing and analyzing the investment performance of the Fund. In addition, Invesco’s Chief Investment Officers and the portfolio managers of the Fund meet regularly with the Investments Committee or its sub-committees to discuss portfolio performance, including investment risk, such as the impact on the Fund of investments in particular types of securities or instruments, such as derivatives. To the extent that the Fund changes a particular investment strategy that could have a material impact on the Fund’s risk profile, the Board generally is consulted in advance with respect to such change.

The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee monitors fair valuation of portfolio securities based on management reports that include explanations of the reasons for the fair valuation and the methodology used to arrive at the fair value. Such reports also include information concerning illiquid securities in Fund portfolios.

The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Arch, Bunch, Crockett, Stickel (Chair), Troccoli (Vice Chair), Mss. Hostetler and Ressel and Dr. Soll. The Audit Committee performs a number of functions with respect to the oversight of the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting, including: (i) assisting the Board with its oversight of the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accountants; (ii) appointing independent registered public accountants for the Fund; (iii) to the extent required, pre-approving certain audit and permissible non-audit services; (iv) overseeing the financial reporting process for the Fund; and (v) assisting the Board with its oversight of the integrity of the Fund’s financial statements and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, the Audit Committee held twelve meetings.

The members of the Compliance Committee are Messrs. Arch (Vice Chair), Bunch, Stickel, Troccoli and Wilson, Ms. Ressel and Dr. Soll (Chair). The Compliance Committee performs a number of functions with respect to compliance matters, including: (i) if requested by the Board, reviewing and making recommendations concerning the qualifications, performance and compensation of the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Officer; (ii) reviewing recommendations and reports made by the Chief Compliance Officer or Senior Officer of the Fund regarding compliance matters; (iii) overseeing compliance policies and procedures of the Fund and its service providers; and (iv) overseeing potential conflicts of interest that are reported to the Compliance Committee by Invesco, the Chief Compliance Officer, or the Senior Officer. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, the Compliance Committee held four meetings.

The members of the Governance Committee are Messrs. Crockett and Fields (Chair),Mss. Hostetler and Stern and Drs. Jones and Mathai-Davis (Vice Chair). The Governance Committee performs a number of functions with respect to governance, including: (i) nominating persons to serve as Independent Trustees and as members of each Committee, and nominating the Chair of the Board and the Chair and Vice-Chair of each Committee; (ii) reviewing and making recommendations to the full Board regarding the size and composition of the Board and the compensation payable to the Independent Trustees; and (iii) overseeing the annual self-evaluation of the performance of the Board and its Committees. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, the Governance Committee held six meetings.

The Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by a shareholder to serve as trustees, provided: (i) that such person is a shareholder of record at the time he or she submits such names and is entitled to vote at the meeting of shareholders at which trustees will be elected; and (ii) that the Governance Committee or the Board, as applicable, shall make the final determination of persons to be nominated. Notice procedures set forth in the Trust’s bylaws require that any shareholder of a Fund desiring to nominate a candidate for election at a shareholder meeting must provide certain information about itself and the candidate, and must submit to the Trust’s Secretary the nomination in writing not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day, nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from such anniversary date or if the Trust has not previously held an annual meeting, notice by the Shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Trust.

The members of the Investments Committee are Messrs. Arch (Vice Chair), Bunch (Chair), Crockett, Fields, Flanagan, Stickel, Taylor, Troccoli (Vice Chair) and Wilson, Mss. Hostetler, Ressel and Stern and Drs. Jones (Vice Chair), Mathai-Davis and Soll. The Investments Committee’s primary purposes are to assist the Board in its oversight of the investment management services provided by Invesco and the Sub-Advisers and to periodically review Fund performance information. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, the Investments Committee held six meetings.

The Investments Committee has established three Sub-Committees and delegated to the Sub-Committees responsibility for, among other matters: (i) reviewing the performance of the Invesco Funds that have been assigned to a particular Sub-Committee (for each Sub-Committee, the Designated Funds), unless the Investments Committee takes such action directly; and (ii) reviewing with the applicable portfolio managers from time to time the investment objective(s), policies, strategies, risks and limitations of the Designated Funds.

 

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The members of the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee are Messrs. Fields, and Wilson, Ms. Stern and Drs. Jones (Vice Chair) and Mathai-Davis (Chair). The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee performs a number of functions with respect to valuation, distribution and proxy voting, including: (i) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding the Fund’s valuation and liquidity methods and determinations, and annually approving and making recommendations to the full Board regarding pricing procedures and procedures for determining the liquidity of securities; (ii) reviewing Invesco’s annual report evaluating the pricing vendors, and approving and recommending that the full Board approve changes to pricing vendors and pricing methodologies; (iii) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding mutual fund distribution and marketing channels and expenditures; and (iv) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding proxy voting guidelines, policies and procedures. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee held six meetings.

Compensation

Each trustee who is not affiliated with Invesco is compensated for his or her services according to a fee schedule that recognizes the fact that such trustee also serves as a trustee of other Invesco Funds. Each such trustee receives a fee, allocated among the Invesco Funds for which he or she serves as a trustee, that consists of an annual retainer component and a meeting fee component. The Chair of the Board and Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain committees receive additional compensation for their services.

 

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Information regarding compensation paid or accrued for each trustee of the Trust who was not affiliated with Invesco during the year ended December 31, 2016, are as follows:

 

Name

   Aggregate
Compensation from the
Fund(1)(2)
     Total Compensation
from the Invesco Fund
Complex(3)
 

Independent Trustees

     

David C. Arch

   $ 2,063      $ 383,122  

James T. Bunch

     2,130        401,322  

Bruce L. Crockett

     3,669        690,922  

Jack M. Fields

     2,005        363,122  

Cynthia Hostetler (6)

     N/A        N/A  

Eli Jones (5)

     1,847        309,351  

Prema Mathai-Davis

     2,112        390,322  

Teresa M. Ressel (6)

     N/A        N/A  

Larry Soll

     2,117        396,322  

Ann Barnett Stern (6)

     N/A        N/A  

Raymond Stickel, Jr.

     2,269        426,022  

Robert C. Troccoli (5)

     1,883        317,851  

Christopher L. Wilson (6)

     N/A        N/A  

 

(1)   Amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate compensation from the Fund to each Trustee for the Fund’s fiscal year ended February 28, 2017. The total amount of compensation deferred by all trustees of the Trust during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, including earnings, was $ 2,702.
(2)   The Fund does not accrue or pay retirement or pension benefits to the Trustees. Pursuant to the retirement plan of certain funds in the Fund Complex, which was amended as of December 31, 2013 to convert to a defined contribution plan, estimated annual benefits upon retirement payable by such funds to Trustees is as follows: David C. Arch: $205,000; James T. Bunch: $205,000; Bruce L. Crockett: $205,000; Albert R. Dowden: $205,000; Jack M. Fields: $205,000; Prema Mathai-Davis: $205,000; Larry Soll: $226,885; and Raymond Stickel, Jr.: $205,000. These amounts represent the estimated annual benefits payable by the Invesco Funds upon the trustees’ retirement and assumes each trustee serves until his or her normal retirement date. These amounts are payable by other funds in the Fund Complex and not by the Funds. These amounts are not adjusted to reflect deemed investment earnings or losses.
(3)   All trustees currently serve as trustee of 31 registered investment companies advised by Invesco.
(4)   On December 31, 2016, Mr. Albert Dowden and Ms. Suzanne Woolsey retired. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017compensation from the Trust for both Mr. Dowden and Ms. Woolsey was $ 3,196.
(5)   Dr. Eli Jones and Mr. Robert C. Troccoli were appointed as trustees of the Trust effective January 29, 2016.
(6) Mss. Cynthia Hostetler, Teresa M. Ressel and Ann Barnett Stern and Mr. Christopher L. Wilson were elected as Trustees of the Trust by shareholders at a meeting held on March 9, 2017 and for closed-end Invesco Funds effective March 28, 2017.

 

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Trustee Beneficial Ownership of Securities

The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each trustee (i) in the Fund and (ii) on an aggregate basis, in all registered investment companies overseen by the trustee within the Invesco Funds complex, as of December 31, 2016, are as follows:

 

Name

   Fund    Aggregate dollar range
of equity securities in all
registered investment
companies overseen by
trustee in the Invesco
Fund Complex

Interested Trustees

     

Martin L. Flanagan

   None    Over $100,000

Philip A. Taylor

   None    $1-$10,000

Independent Trustees

     

David C. Arch

   $1-$10,000    Over $100,000

James T. Bunch

   None    Over $100,000

Bruce L. Crockett

   None    Over $100,000 (1)

Jack M. Fields

   None    Over $100,000 (1)

Cynthia Hostetler (3)

   N/A    N/A

Eli Jones (2)

   None    Over $100,000

Prema Mathai-Davis

   None    Over $100,000 (1)

Teresa M . Ressel (3)

   N/A    N/A

Larry Soll

   None    Over $100,000

Ann Barnett Stern (3)

   N/A    N/A

Raymond Stickel, Jr.

   None    Over $100,000

Robert C. Troccoli (2)

   None    Over $100,000

Christopher L. Wilson (3)

   N/A    Over $100,000

 

(1)   Includes total amount of compensation deferred by the trustee at his or her election pursuant to a deferred compensation plan. Such deferred compensation is placed in a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more of the Invesco Funds.
(2)   Dr. Eli Jones and Mr. Robert Troccoli were appointed as trustees of the Trust effective January 29, 2016.
(3)   The information in the table is provided as of December 31, 2016. Mss. Cynthia Hostetler, Teresa M. Ressel and Ann Barnett Stern and Mr. Christopher L. Wilson were elected as trustees of the Trust by shareholders at a meeting held on March 9, 2017.

Pre-Amendment Retirement Plan for Trustees

The Trustees have adopted a retirement plan for the Trustees who are not affiliated with the Adviser. The Trustees also have adopted a retirement policy that permits each non-Invesco-affiliated Trustee to serve until December 31 of the year in which the Trustee turns 75. A majority of the Trustees may extend from time to time the retirement date of a Trustee.

Annual retirement benefits are available from the Fund and/or the other Invesco Funds for which a Trustee serves (each, a Covered Fund), for each Trustee who is not an employee or officer of the Adviser, who either (a) became a Trustee prior to December 1, 2008, and who has at least five years of credited service as a Trustee (including service to a predecessor fund) of a Covered Fund, or (b) was a member of the Board of Trustees of a Van Kampen Fund immediately prior to June 1, 2010 (Former Van Kampen Trustee), and has at least one year of credited service as a Trustee of a Covered Fund after June 1, 2010.

For Trustees other than Former Van Kampen Trustees, effective January 1, 2006, for retirements after December 31, 2005, the retirement benefits will equal 75% of the Trustee’s annual retainer paid to or accrued by any Covered Fund with respect to such Trustee during the twelve-month period prior to retirement, including the amount of any retainer deferred under a separate deferred compensation agreement between the Covered Fund and the Trustee. The amount of the annual retirement benefit does not include additional compensation paid for Board meeting fees or compensation paid to the Chair of the Board and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain Board committees, whether such amounts are paid directly to the Trustee or deferred. The annual retirement benefit is

 

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payable in quarterly installments for a number of years equal to the lesser of (i) sixteen years or (ii) the number of such Trustee’s credited years of service. If a Trustee dies prior to receiving the full amount of retirement benefits, the remaining payments will be made to the deceased Trustee’s designated beneficiary for the same length of time that the Trustee would have received the payments based on his or her service or, if the Trustee has elected, in a discounted lump sum payment. A Trustee must have attained the age of 65 (60 in the event of disability) to receive any retirement benefit. A Trustee may make an irrevocable election to commence payment of retirement benefits upon retirement from the Board before age 72; in such a case, the annual retirement benefit is subject to a reduction for early payment.

If the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes at least 10 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the retirement benefit will equal 75% of the Former “Van Kampen Trustee’s annual retainer paid to or accrued by any Covered Fund with respect to such Trustee during the twelve-month period prior to retirement, including the amount of any retainer deferred under a separate deferred compensation agreement between the Covered Fund and such Trustee. The amount of the annual retirement benefit does not include additional compensation paid for Board meeting fees or compensation paid to the Chair of the Board and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain Board committees, whether such amounts are paid directly to the Trustee or deferred. The annual retirement benefit is payable in quarterly installments for 10 years beginning after the later of the Former Van Kampen Trustee’s termination of service or attainment of age 72 (or age 60 in the event of disability or immediately in the event of death). If a Former Van Kampen Trustee dies prior to receiving the full amount of retirement benefits, the remaining payments will be made to the deceased Trustee’s designated beneficiary or, if the Trustee has elected, in a discounted lump sum payment.

If the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes less than 10 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the retirement benefit will be payable at the applicable time described in the preceding paragraph, but will be paid in two components successively. For the period of time equal to the Former Van Kampen Trustee’s years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the first component of the annual retirement benefit will equal 75% of the compensation amount described in the preceding paragraph. Thereafter, for the period of time equal to the Former Van Kampen Trustee’s years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the second component of the annual retirement benefit will equal the excess of (x) 75% of the compensation amount described in the preceding paragraph, over (y) $68,041 plus an interest factor of 4% per year compounded annually measured from June 1, 2010 through the first day of each year for which payments under this second component are to be made. In no event, however, will the retirement benefits under the two components be made for a period of time greater than 10 years. For example, if the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes 7 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, he or she will receive 7 years of payments under the first component and thereafter 3 years of payments under the second component, and if the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes 4 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, he or she will receive 4 years of payments under the first component and thereafter 4 years of payments under the second component.

Amendment of Retirement Plan and Conversion to Defined Contribution Plan

The Trustees approved an amendment to the Retirement Plan to convert it to a defined contribution benefit plan for active Trustees (the Amended Plan). Under the Amended Plan, the benefit amount was amended for each active Trustee to the present value of the Trustee’s existing retirement plan benefit as of December 31, 2013 (the Existing Plan Benefit) plus the present value of retirement benefits expected to be earned under the Retirement Plan through the end of the calendar year in which the Trustee attained age 75 (the Expected Future Benefit and, together with the Existing Plan Benefit, the Accrued Benefit). On the conversion date, the Covered Funds established bookkeeping accounts of their pro rata share of the Accrued Benefit, which is deemed to be invested in one or more Invesco Funds selected by the participating Trustees. Each Trustee’s Accrued Benefit is not funded and, with respect to the payments of amounts held in the accounts, the participating Trustees have the status of unsecured creditors of the Covered Funds. Trustees will be paid the adjusted account balance under the Amended Plan in quarterly installments for the same period as described above.

Deferred Compensation Agreements

Three retired Trustees, as well as Messrs. Crockett, Fields and Drs. Mathai-Davis (for purposes of this paragraph only, the Deferring Trustees) have each executed a Deferred Compensation Agreement (collectively, the Compensation Agreements). Pursuant to the Compensation Agreements, the Deferring Trustees have the option to elect to defer receipt of up to 100% of their compensation payable by the Funds, and such amounts are placed into a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more Invesco Funds selected by the Deferring Trustees.

Distributions from these deferral accounts will be paid in cash, generally in equal quarterly installments over a period of up to ten (10) years (depending on the Compensation Agreement) beginning on the date selected under the Compensation Agreement. If a Deferring Trustee dies prior to the distribution of amounts in his or her deferral account, the balance of the deferral account will be distributed to his or her designated beneficiary. The Compensation Agreements are not funded and, with respect to the payments of amounts held in the deferral accounts, the Deferring Trustees have the status of unsecured creditors of the Fund and of each other Invesco Fund from which they are deferring compensation.”

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

Investment Adviser

Invesco serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser manages the investment operations of the Fund as well as other investment portfolios that encompass a broad range of investment objectives, and has agreed to perform or arrange for the performance of the Fund’s day-to-day management. The Adviser, as successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976. Invesco is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. Invesco Ltd. and its subsidiaries are an independent global investment management group. Certain of the directors and officers of Invesco are also executive officers of the Fund and their affiliations are shown in this Statement of Additional Information

As investment adviser, Invesco supervises all aspects of the Fund’s operations and provides investment advisory services to the Fund. Invesco obtains and evaluates economic, statistical and financial information to formulate and implement investment programs for the Fund. The Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) provides that, in fulfilling its responsibilities, Invesco may engage the services of other investment managers with respect to the Fund. The investment advisory services of Invesco are not exclusive and Invesco is free to render investment advisory services to others, including other investment companies.

Pursuant to an administrative services agreement with the Fund, the Adviser is also responsible for furnishing to the Fund the services of persons believed to be competent to perform supervisory and administrative services required by the Fund and that, in the judgment of the Trustees, are necessary to conduct the business of the Fund effectively, as well as the offices, equipment and other facilities necessary for their operations. Such functions include the maintenance of the Fund’s accounts and records, and the preparation of all requisite corporate documents such as tax returns and reports to the SEC and shareholders.

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will pay or cause to be paid all expenses of such Fund not assumed by Invesco, including, without limitation: brokerage commissions, taxes, legal, accounting, auditing, or governmental fees, the cost of preparing share certificates, custodian, transfer and shareholder service agent costs, expenses of issue, sale, redemption and repurchase of shares, expenses of registering and qualifying shares for sale, expenses relating to trustees and shareholder meetings, the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders, the fees and other expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations and the cost of printing copies of prospectuses and statements of additional information distributed to the Fund’s shareholders.

Invesco, at its own expense, furnishes to the Fund office space and facilities. Invesco furnishes to the Fund all personnel for managing the affairs of the Fund.

Advisory fees paid (before giving effect to any fee waiver) for the last three fiscal years of the Fund are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Advisory Fees Paid
(Before waiver)
 

February 28, 2017

   $ 10,179,973  

February 29, 2016

   $ 10,681,382  

February 28, 2015

   $ 11,366,521  

The Adviser has contractually agreed, through at least June 30, 2019, to waive advisory fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to 100% of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the affiliated money market funds on investments by the Fund of uninvested cash in such affiliated money market funds.

Advisor waived advisory fees for the last three fiscal year of the Fund are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Advisory Fees Waived  

February 28, 2017

   $ 51,410  

February 29, 2016

   $ 31,659  

February 28, 2015

   $ 11,404  

Investment Sub-Advisers

Invesco has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by Invesco from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund.

 

S-25


These affiliated sub-advisers, each of which is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act are:

Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH (Invesco Deutschland)

Invesco Asset Management Limited (Invesco Asset Management)

Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited (Invesco Japan)

Invesco Hong Kong Limited (Invesco Hong Kong)

Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (Invesco Senior Secured)

Invesco Canada Ltd. (Invesco Canada); (each a “Sub-Adviser” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”).

Invesco and each Sub-Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.

The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, Invesco (and not the Fund) pays each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreement exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that Invesco receives from the Fund pursuant to its advisory agreement with the Fund, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by Invesco, if any.

Invesco did not pay the Sub-Advisers any sub-advisory fees during the last three fiscal years of the Fund.

Securities Lending Arrangements

If the Fund engages in securities lending, Invesco will provide the Fund related investment advisory and administrative services. The Advisory Agreement describes the administrative services to be rendered by Invesco if the Fund engages in securities lending activities, as well as the compensation Invesco may receive for such administrative services. Services to be provided include: (a) overseeing participation in the securities lending program to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and investment guidelines; (b) assisting the securities lending agent or principal (the agent) in determining which specific securities are available for loan; (c) monitoring the agent to ensure that securities loans are effected in accordance with Invesco’s instructions and with procedures adopted by the Board; (d) preparing appropriate periodic reports for, and seeking appropriate approvals from, the Board with respect to securities lending activities; (e) responding to agent inquiries; and (f) performing such other duties as may be necessary.

Invesco’s compensation for advisory services rendered in connection with securities lending is included in the advisory fee schedule. As compensation for the related administrative services Invesco will provide, a lending Fund will pay Invesco a fee equal to 25% of the net monthly interest or fee income retained or paid to the Fund from such activities. Invesco currently waives such fee, and has agreed to seek Board approval prior to its receipt of all or a portion of such fee.

Service Agreements

Administrative Services Agreement . Invesco and the Fund have entered into a Master Administrative Services Agreement (Administrative Services Agreement) pursuant to which Invesco may perform or arrange for the provision of certain accounting and other administrative services to the Fund which are not required to be performed by Invesco under the Advisory Agreement. The Administrative Services Agreement provides that it will remain in effect and continue from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board, including the independent trustees, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Under the Administrative Services Agreement, Invesco is entitled to receive from the Fund reimbursement of its costs or such reasonable compensation as may be approved by the Board. Currently, Invesco is reimbursed for the services of the Fund’s principal financial officer and her staff and any expenses related to fund accounting services.

 

S-26


Administrative services fees paid for the last three fiscal years of the Fund are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Administrative Fees Paid  

February 28, 2017

   $ 2,395,288  

February 29, 2016

   $ 2,513,266  

February 28, 2015

   $ 2,674,475  

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078 is the transfer agent for the Fund.

The Transfer Agency and Service Agreement (the “TA Agreement”) between the Fund and Computershare provides that Computershare will perform certain services related to the servicing of shareholders of the Fund. Other such services may be delegated or subcontracted to third party intermediaries.

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Custodian”), 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, is custodian of all securities and cash of the Fund. The Bank of New York Mellon, 2 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, New York 11217-1431, also serves as sub-custodian to facilitate cash management.

The Custodian is authorized to establish separate accounts in foreign countries and to cause foreign securities owned by the Fund to be held outside the United States in branches of U.S. banks and, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, in certain foreign banks and securities depositories. Invesco is responsible for selecting eligible foreign securities depositories and for assessing the risks associated with investing in foreign countries, including the risk of using eligible foreign securities’ depositories in a country. The Custodian is responsible for monitoring eligible foreign securities depositories.

Under its contract with the Fund, the Custodian maintains the portfolio securities of the Fund, administers the purchases and sales of portfolio securities, collects interest and dividends and other distributions made on the securities held in the portfolio of the Fund and performs other ministerial duties. These services do not include any supervisory function over management or provide any protection against any possible depreciation of assets.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the financial statements of the Fund. The Audit Committee of the Fund’s Board has appointed, and the Board has ratified and approved, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5800, Houston, Texas 77002, as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the financial statements of the Fund. The Fund’s audited financial statements incorporated by reference in this SAI and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, have been incorporated by reference in this SAI in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Portfolio Manager Fund Holdings and Information on Other Managed Accounts

Invesco’s portfolio managers develop investment models which are used in connection with the management of certain Invesco funds as well as other mutual funds for which Invesco or an affiliate acts as sub-adviser, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals. The ‘Investments’ chart reflects the portfolio managers’ investments in the Fund. Accounts are grouped into three categories: (i) investments made directly in the Fund, (ii) investments made in an Invesco pooled investment vehicle with the same or similar objectives and strategies as the Fund, and (iii) any investments made in any Invesco fund or Invesco pooled investment vehicle. The ‘Assets Managed’ chart reflects information regarding accounts other than the Fund for which each portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities. Accounts are grouped into three categories: (i) other registered investment companies, (ii) other pooled investment vehicles and (iii) other accounts. To the extent that any of these accounts pay advisory fees that are based on account performance (performance-based fees), information on those accounts is specifically broken out. In addition, any assets denominated in foreign currencies have been converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates as of the applicable date.

 

S-27


Investments

The following information is as of February 28, 2017:

 

Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of
Investments in
the Fund(1)
   Dollar Range of
Investments in Invesco
pooled investment
vehicles(2)
   Dollar Range of all
Investments in the Fund
and Invesco pooled
investment vehicles(3)

Thomas Ewald

   None    N/A    Over $1,000,000

Scott Baskind

   None    N/A    Over $1,000,000

Philip Yarrow

   None    N/A    $500,001 - $1,000,000

 

(1) This column reflects investments in the Fund’s shares beneficially owned by a portfolio manager (as determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a) (2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Beneficial ownership includes ownership by a portfolio manager’s immediate family members sharing the same household.
(2) This column reflects portfolio managers’ investments made either directly or through a deferred compensation or a similar plan in Invesco pooled investment vehicles with the same or similar objectives and strategies as the Fund as of the most recent fiscal year end of the Fund.
(3) This column reflects the combined holdings from both the “Dollar Range of all Investments in Fund and Invesco pooled investment vehicles” and the “Dollar Range of Investments in the Fund” columns.

Assets Managed

The following information is as of February 28, 2017:

 

     Other Registered
Investment Companies
Managed
(assets in millions)
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles Managed
(assets in millions)
     Other Accounts Managed
(assets in millions)(4)
 

Portfolio Manager

   Number of
Accounts
     Assets      Number of
Accounts
     Assets      Number of
Accounts
     Assets  

Thomas Ewald

     3      $ 3,553.1        3      $ 8,997.5        None        None  

Scott Baskind

     4      $ 13,826.0        3      $ 8,997.5        41      $ 14,366.8  

Philip Yarrow

     4      $ 4,951.0        3      $ 8,997.5        None        None  

 

(4) These are accounts of individual investors for which Invesco provides investment advice. Invesco offers separately managed accounts that are managed according to the investment models developed by its portfolio managers and used in connection with the management of certain Invesco funds. These accounts may be invested in accordance with one or more of those investment models and investments held in those accounts are traded in accordance with the applicable models.

None of the foregoing accounts paid an advisory fee based on the performance of the account.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one Fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following potential conflicts:

 

    The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of the Fund and/or other account. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser seek to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the funds.

 

S-28


    If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one Fund or other account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Adviser, each Sub-Adviser and the funds have adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts.

 

    The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser determine which broker to use to execute each order for securities transactions for the funds, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, for certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which Invesco or an affiliate acts as sub-adviser, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for the Fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the Fund or other account(s) involved.

 

    Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where the Adviser or Sub-Adviser has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of one Fund or account but not all funds and accounts for which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.

The Adviser, each Sub-Adviser, and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

Description of Compensation Structure

The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser seek to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and an equity compensation opportunity. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed and may be modified each year as appropriate to reflect changes in the market, as well as to adjust the factors used to determine bonuses to promote competitive Fund performance. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser evaluate competitive market compensation by reviewing compensation survey results conducted by an independent third party of investment industry compensation. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following three elements:

Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary. In setting the base salary, the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser’s intention is to be competitive in light of the particular portfolio manager’s experience and responsibilities .

Annual Bonus. The portfolio managers are eligible, along with other employees of the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser, to participate in a discretionary year-end bonus pool. The Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd. reviews and approves the amount of the bonus pool available considering investment performance and financial results in its review. In addition, while having no direct impact on individual bonuses, assets under management are considered when determining the starting bonus funding levels. Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus which is based on quantitative (i.e. investment performance) and non-quantitative factors (which may include, but are not limited to, individual performance, risk management and teamwork).

Each portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment performance of the Fund/accounts managed by the portfolio manager as described in the table below.

 

Sub-Adviser

  

Performance time period(5)

Invesco(6)

Invesco Deutschland

Invesco Hong Kong(6)

Invesco Asset Management

   One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group.

Invesco- U.S. Real Estate Division(6),(7)

Invesco Senior Secured(6),(8)

   Not applicable

Invesco Canada(6)

   One-year performance against Fund peer group. Three- and Five-year performance against entire universe of Canadian funds.

Invesco Japan(9)

   One-, Three- and Five-year performance

 

(5) Rolling time periods based on calendar year-end.
(6) Portfolio Managers may be granted an annual deferral award that vests on a pro-rata basis over a four year period and final payments are based on the performance of eligible Funds selected by the portfolio manager at the time the award is granted.

 

S-29


(7) Portfolio Managers for Invesco Global Infrastructure Fund, Invesco Global Real Estate Fund, Invesco MLP Fund, Invesco Real Estate Fund, Invesco Global Real Estate Income Fund and Invesco V.I. Global Real Estate Fund base their bonus on new operating profits of the U.S. Real Estate Division of Invesco.
(8) Invesco Senior Secured’s bonus is based on annual measures of equity return and standard tests of collateralization performance.
(9) Portfolio Managers for Invesco Pacific Growth Fund’s compensation is based on the one-, three- and five-year performance against the appropriate Micropol benchmark.

High investment performance (against applicable peer group and/or benchmarks) would deliver compensation generally associated with top pay in the industry (determined by reference to the third-party provided compensation survey information) and poor investment performance (versus applicable peer group) would result in low bonus compared to the applicable peer group or no bonus at all. The Fund’s peer group is a group of funds identified by the Adviser as having investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. These decisions are reviewed and approved collectively by senior leadership which has responsibility for executing the compensation approach across the organization.

Deferred/Long-Term Compensation. Portfolio managers may be granted an annual deferral award that allows them to select receipt of shares of certain Invesco funds with a vesting period as well as common shares and/or restricted shares of Invesco Ltd. stock from pools determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd.’s Board of Directors. Awards of deferred / long-term compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.

Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION

Invesco has adopted compliance procedures that cover, among other items, brokerage allocation and other trading practices.

Brokerage Transactions

Placing trades generally involves acting on portfolio manager instructions to buy or sell a specified amount of portfolio securities, including selecting one or more third-party broker-dealers to execute the trades, and negotiating commissions and spreads. Various Invesco Ltd. subsidiaries have created a global equity trading desk. The global equity trading desk has assigned local traders in six primary trading centers to place equity securities trades in their regions. Invesco Advisers’ Americas desk, located in Atlanta, Houston and Toronto (the “Americas Desk”), generally places trades of equity securities trading in North America, Canada and Latin America; the Hong Kong desk of Invesco Hong Kong (the “Hong Kong Desk”) generally places trades of equity securities in the Asia-Pacific markets, except Japan; the Japan trading desk of Invesco Japan generally places trades of equity securities in the Japanese markets; the London trading desk of Invesco Global Investment Funds Limited (the “London Desk”) generally places trades of equity securities in European, Middle Eastern and African countries; the Australia desk, located in Sydney and Melbourne, for the execution of orders of equity securities trading in the Australian and New Zealand markets and the Taipei desk, located in Taipei, for the execution of orders of securities trading in the Chinese market. Invesco, Invesco Canada, Invesco Japan, Invesco Deutschland, Invesco Hong Kong and Invesco Asset Management use the global equity trading desk to place equity trades. Other Sub-Advisers may use the global equity trading desk in the future. The trading procedures for the global trading desks are similar in all material respects.

References in the language below to actions by Invesco or a Sub-Adviser (other than Invesco Canada or Invesco Japan) making determinations or taking actions related to equity trading include these entities’ delegation of these determinations/actions to the Americas Desk, the Hong Kong Desk, and the London Desk. Even when trading is delegated by Invesco or the Sub-Advisers to the various arms of the global equity trading desk, Invesco or a Sub-Adviser that delegates trading is responsible for oversight of this trading activity.

Invesco or a Sub-Adviser makes decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, selects broker-dealers (each, a “Broker”), effects the Fund’s investment portfolio transactions, allocates brokerage fees in such transactions and, where applicable, negotiates commissions and spreads on transactions. Invesco’s and the Sub-Adviser’s primary consideration in effecting a security transaction is to obtain best execution, which is defined as prompt and efficient execution of the transaction at the best obtainable price with payment of commissions, mark-ups or mark-downs which are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the Broker. While Invesco or the Sub-Advisers seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund may not pay the lowest commission or spread available. See “Broker Selection” below.

Some of the securities in which the Fund invests are traded in over-the-counter markets. Portfolio transactions in such markets may be effected on a principal basis at net prices without commissions, but which include compensation to the Broker in the form of a mark-up or mark-down, or on an agency basis, which involves the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions to the Broker, including electronic communication networks. Purchases of underwritten issues, which include initial public offerings and secondary offerings, include a commission or concession paid by the issuer (not the Fund) to the underwriter. Purchases of money market instruments may be made directly from issuers without the payment of commissions.

 

S-30


Historically, Invesco and the Sub-Advisers did not negotiate commission rates on stock markets outside the United States. In recent years many overseas stock markets have adopted a system of negotiated rates; however, a number of markets maintain an established schedule of minimum commission rates.

In some cases, Invesco may decide to place trades on a “blind principal bid” basis, which involves combining all trades for one or more portfolios into a single basket, and generating a description of the characteristics of the basket for provision to potential executing brokers. Based on the trade characteristics information provided by Invesco, these brokers submit bids for executing all of the required trades at the market close price for a specific commission. Invesco generally selects the broker with the lowest bid to execute these trades.

Commissions

Substantially all of the Fund’s trades are effected on a principal basis. Brokerage commissions during the Fund’s last three fiscal years are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Brokerage Commissions  

February 28, 2017

   $ 10,018  

February 29, 2016

     —    

February 28, 2015

     —    

The Fund does not and will not pay brokerage commissions to Brokers affiliated with the Fund, Invesco, the Sub-Advisers or any affiliates of such entities.

The Fund may purchase or sell a security from or to certain other Invesco funds or other accounts (and may invest in the Affiliated Money Market Funds) provided the Fund follows procedures adopted by the Boards of the various Invesco funds, including the Fund. These inter-fund transactions do not generate brokerage commissions but may result in custodial fees or taxes or other related expenses.

Broker Selection

Invesco’s or the Sub-Adviser’s primary consideration in selecting Brokers to execute portfolio transactions for an Invesco fund is to obtain best execution. In selecting a Broker to execute a portfolio transaction in equity securities for the Fund, Invesco or the Sub-Advisers consider the full range and quality of a Broker’s services, including the value of research and/or brokerage services provided, execution capability, commission rate, and willingness to commit capital, anonymity and responsiveness. Invesco’s and the Sub-Adviser’s primary consideration when selecting a Broker to execute a portfolio transaction in fixed income securities for the Fund is the Broker’s ability to deliver or sell the relevant fixed income securities; however, Invesco and the Sub-Advisers will also consider the various factors listed above. In each case, the determinative factor is not the lowest commission or spread available but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution for the Fund. Invesco and the Sub-Advisers will not select Brokers based upon their promotion or sale of shares of funds advised by Invesco and/or the Sub-Advisers.

In choosing Brokers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may select Brokers that provide brokerage and/or research services (“Soft Dollar Products”) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which Invesco and its affiliates have investment discretion. Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, provides that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers, under certain circumstances, lawfully may cause an account to pay a higher commission than the lowest available. Under Section 28(e)(1), Invesco or the Sub-Advisers must make a good faith determination that the commissions paid are “reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided . viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or [Invesco’s or the Sub-Advisers’] overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which [it] exercises investment discretion.” The services provided by the Broker also must lawfully and appropriately assist Invesco or the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its investment decision-making responsibilities. Accordingly, the Fund may pay a Broker commissions higher than those available from another Broker in recognition of the Broker’s provision of Soft Dollar Products to Invesco or the Sub-Advisers.

Invesco and the Sub-Advisers face a potential conflict of interest when they use client trades to obtain Soft Dollar Products. This conflict exists because Invesco and the Sub-Advisers are able to use the Soft Dollar Products to manage client accounts without paying cash for the Soft Dollar Products, which reduces Invesco’s or the Sub-Adviser’s expenses to the extent that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers would have purchased such products had they not been provided by Brokers. Section 28(e) permits Invesco or the Sub-Advisers to use Soft Dollar Products for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain Invesco-managed accounts (or accounts managed by the Sub-Advisers) may generate soft dollars used to purchase Soft Dollar Products that ultimately benefit other Invesco

 

S-31


Advisers, Inc.-managed accounts (or Sub-Adviser-managed accounts), effectively cross subsidizing the other Invesco-managed accounts (or the other Sub-Adviser-managed accounts) that benefit directly from the product. Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may not use all of the Soft Dollar Products provided by Brokers through which the Fund effects securities transactions in connection with managing the Fund whose trades generated the soft dollars used to purchase such products.

Invesco presently engages in the following instances of cross-subsidization:

Smaller funds that do not generate significant soft dollar commissions may be cross-subsidized by the larger equity Invesco funds in that the smaller equity funds receive the benefit of Soft Dollar Products for which they do not pay. Certain other accounts managed by Invesco or certain of its affiliates may benefit from Soft Dollar Products services for which they do not pay.

Invesco and the Sub-Advisers attempt to reduce or eliminate the potential conflicts of interest concerning the use of Soft Dollar Products by directing client trades for Soft Dollar Products only if Invesco or the Sub-Adviser concludes that the Broker supplying the product is capable of providing best execution.

Certain Soft Dollar Products may be available directly from a vendor on a hard dollar basis; other Soft Dollar Products are available only through Brokers in exchange for soft dollars. Invesco and the Sub-Adviser use soft dollars to purchase two types of Soft Dollar Products:

 

    proprietary research created by the Broker executing the trade, and

 

    other products created by third parties that are supplied to Invesco or the Sub-Adviser through the Broker executing the trade.

Proprietary research consists primarily of traditional research reports, recommendations and similar materials produced by the in-house research staffs of broker-dealer firms. This research includes evaluations and recommendations of specific companies or industry groups, as well as analyses of general economic and market conditions and trends, market data, contacts and other related information and assistance. Invesco periodically rates the quality of proprietary research produced by various Brokers. Based on the evaluation of the quality of information that Invesco receives from each Broker, Invesco develops an estimate of each Broker’s share of Invesco clients’ commission dollars and attempts to direct trades to these firms to meet these estimates.

Invesco and the Sub-Advisers also use soft dollars to acquire products from third parties that are supplied to Invesco or the Sub-Advisers through Brokers executing the trades or other Brokers who “step in” to a transaction and receive a portion of the brokerage commission for the trade. Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may from time to time instruct the executing Broker to allocate or “step out” a portion of a transaction to another Broker. The Broker to which Invesco or the Sub-Advisers have “stepped out” would then settle and complete the designated portion of the transaction, and the executing Broker would settle and complete the remaining portion of the transaction that has not been “stepped out.” Each Broker may receive a commission or brokerage fee with respect to that portion of the transaction that it settles and completes.

Soft Dollar Products received from Brokers supplement Invesco’s and or the Sub-Advisers’ own research (and the research of certain of its affiliates), and may include the following types of products and services:

 

    Database Services — comprehensive databases containing current and/or historical information on companies and industries and indices. Examples include historical securities prices, earnings estimates and financial data. These services may include software tools that allow the user to search the database or to prepare value-added analyses related to the investment process (such as forecasts and models used in the portfolio management process).

 

    Quotation/Trading/News Systems — products that provide real time market data information, such as pricing of individual securities and information on current trading, as well as a variety of news services.

 

    Economic Data/Forecasting Tools — various macro-economic forecasting tools, such as economic data or currency and political forecasts for various countries or regions.

 

    Quantitative/Technical Analysis — software tools that assist in quantitative and technical analysis of investment data.

 

    Fundamental/Industry Analysis — industry specific fundamental investment research.

 

    Other Specialized Tools — other specialized products, such as consulting analyses, access to industry experts, and distinct investment expertise such as forensic accounting or custom built investment-analysis software.

If Invesco or the Sub-Advisers determines that any service or product has a mixed use (i.e., it also serves functions that do not assist the investment decision-making or trading process), Invesco or the Sub-Advisers will allocate the costs of such service or product accordingly in its reasonable discretion. Invesco or the Sub-Advisers will allocate brokerage commissions to Brokers only for the portion of the service or product that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers determines assists it in the investment decision-making or trading process and will pay for the remaining value of the product or service in cash.

 

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Outside research assistance is useful to Invesco or the Sub-Advisers because the Brokers used by Invesco or the Sub-Advisers tend to provide more in-depth analysis of a broader universe of securities and other matters than Invesco’s or the Sub-Adviser’s staff follows. In addition, such services provide Invesco or the Sub-Advisers with a diverse perspective on financial markets. Some Brokers may indicate that the provision of research services is dependent upon the generation of certain specified levels of commissions and underwriting concessions by Invesco’s or the Sub-Adviser’s clients, including the Fund. However, the Fund is not under any obligation to deal with any Broker in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. In some cases, Soft Dollar Products are available only from the Broker providing them. In other cases, Soft Dollar Products may be obtainable from alternative sources in return for cash payments. Invesco and the Sub-Advisers believe that because Broker research supplements rather than replaces Invesco’s or the Sub-Adviser’s research, the receipt of such research tends to improve the quality of Invesco’s or the Sub-Adviser’s investment advice. The advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because Invesco or the Sub-Advisers receives such services. To the extent the Fund’s portfolio transactions are used to obtain Soft Dollar Products, the brokerage commissions obtained by the Fund might exceed those that might otherwise have been paid.

Invesco or the Sub-Advisers may determine target levels of brokerage business with various Brokers on behalf of its clients (including the Fund) over a certain time period. Invesco determines target levels based upon the following factors, among others: (1) the execution services provided by the Broker; and (2) the research services provided by the Broker. Portfolio transactions may be effected through Brokers that recommend the Fund to their clients, or that act as agent in the purchase of the Fund’s shares for their clients, provided that Invesco or the Sub-Advisers believes such Brokers provide best execution and such transactions are executed in compliance with Invesco’s policy against using directed brokerage to compensate Brokers for promoting or selling Invesco fund shares. Invesco and the Sub-Advisers will not enter into a binding commitment with Brokers to place trades with such Brokers involving brokerage commissions in precise amounts.

Directed Brokerage (Research Services)

The Fund did not pay any directed brokerage (research services) during its most recently completed fiscal year.

Regular Brokers

During its last fiscal year, the Fund did not acquire any securities of regular brokers or dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act.

Allocation of Portfolio Transactions

Invesco and the Sub-Advisers manage numerous Invesco funds and other accounts. Some of these accounts may have investment objectives similar to the Fund. Occasionally, identical securities will be appropriate for investment by one the Fund and by another fund or one or more other accounts. However, the position of each account in the same security and the length of time that each account may hold its investment in the same security may vary. Invesco and the Sub-Adviser will also determine the timing and amount of purchases for an account based on its cash position. If the purchase or sale of securities is consistent with the investment policies of the Fund(s) and one or more other accounts, and is considered at or about the same time, Invesco or the Sub-Adviser will allocate transactions in such securities among the Fund(s) and these accounts on a pro rata basis based on order size or in such other manner believed by Invesco to be fair and equitable. Invesco or the Sub-Adviser may combine transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to obtain the most favorable execution. Simultaneous transactions could, however, adversely affect the Fund’s ability to obtain or dispose of the full amount of a security which it seeks to purchase or sell.

TAX MATTERS

The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Fund’s Common Shares. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your Common Shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal concerns affecting the Fund and its Common Shareholders (including Common Shareholders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law). No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. This summary does not discuss any aspects of foreign, state or local tax. The discussions set forth herein and in the Prospectus do not constitute tax advice and potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the specific U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

 

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Taxation of the Fund

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code); and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships.” Generally, a qualified publicly traded partnership includes a partnership the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof) and that derives less than 90% of its gross income from the items described in (i)(a) above.

As long as the Fund qualifies as a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that the Fund distributes to its Common Shareholders, provided that it distributes each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of (i) the Fund’s investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and other taxable income, other than any net capital gain (defined below), reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) the Fund’s net tax-exempt interest (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income each year. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its Common Shareholders.

The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s taxable year). In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% nondeductible excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s taxable income and capital gain will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the excise tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

If for any taxable year the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain, which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to Common Shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable to the Common Shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends, however, would be eligible (i) to be treated as “qualified dividend income” in the case of Common Shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate Common Shareholders, subject, in each case, to certain holding period and other requirements. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would generally be required to distribute to its Common Shareholders its earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC years. In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund would be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to elect to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of ten years, in order to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent year.

The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Trust qualifies for taxation as a RIC.

 

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The Fund’s Investments

Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules) that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, including the dividends received deduction, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gains or “qualified dividend income” into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert ordinary loss or a deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not be “qualified” income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Common Shareholders. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections and may be required to dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these provisions and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC. Additionally, the Fund may be required to limit its activities in derivative instruments in order to enable it to maintain its RIC status.

The Fund may invest a portion of its net assets in below investment grade securities, commonly known as “junk” securities. Investments in these types of securities may present special tax issues for the Fund. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether modifications or exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. These and other issues could affect the Fund’s ability to distribute sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC or to avoid the imposition of U.S. federal income or excise tax.

Certain debt securities acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that were originally issued at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount is treated as interest income and is included in taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund in order to qualify as a RIC or avoid corporate level income or excise taxes) over the term of the security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. If the Fund purchases a debt security on a secondary market at a price lower than its adjusted issue price, the excess of the adjusted issue price over the purchase price is “market discount.” Unless the Fund makes an election to accrue market discount on a current basis, any gain realized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is generally treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on the debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. If the Fund ultimately collects less on the debt instrument than its purchase price plus the market discount previously included in income, the Fund may not be able to benefit from any offsetting loss deductions.

The Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by the Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Fund, requiring the Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to RICs under the Code.

Gain or loss on the sale of securities by the Fund will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the securities have been held by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short-term capital gain or loss.

Because the Fund may invest in foreign securities, its income from such securities may be subject to non-U.S. taxes. The Fund will not be eligible to elect to “pass through” to Common Shareholders of the Fund the ability to use the foreign tax deduction or foreign tax credit for foreign taxes paid by the Fund with respect to qualifying taxes.

Income from options on individual securities written by the Fund will not be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes until an option is exercised, lapses or is subject to a “closing transaction” (as defined by applicable regulations) pursuant to which the Fund’s obligations with respect to the option are otherwise terminated. If the option lapses without exercise, the premiums received by the Fund from the writing of such options will generally be characterized as short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the premiums received and the amount paid by the Fund to close out its position will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. If an option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of the security, and the character of any gain on such sale of the underlying security as short-term or long-term capital gain will depend on the holding period of the Fund in the underlying security. Because the Fund will not have control over the exercise of the options it writes, such exercises or other required sales of the underlying securities may cause the Fund to realize gains or losses at inopportune times.

 

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Options on indices of securities and sectors of securities that qualify as “section 1256 contracts” will generally be “marked-to-market” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Fund will generally recognize gain or loss on the last day of each taxable year equal to the difference between the value of the option on that date and the adjusted basis of the option. The adjusted basis of the option will consequently be increased by such gain or decreased by such loss. Any gain or loss with respect to options on indices and sectors that qualify as “section 1256 contracts” will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% of such gain or loss and long-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 60% of such gain or loss. Because the mark-to-market rules may cause the Fund to recognize gain in advance of the receipt of cash, the Fund may be required to dispose of investments in order to meet its distribution requirements. “Mark-to-market” losses may be suspended or otherwise limited if such losses are part of a straddle or similar transaction.

Taxation of Common Shareholders

The Fund will either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain. If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a corporate income tax on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund expects to report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its Common Shareholders, each of whom, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its Common Shares by the amount of undistributed capital gain included in such Common Shareholder’s gross income net of the tax deemed paid the shareholder under clause (ii).

Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its net capital gain, if any, that the Fund properly reports as capital gain dividends (“capital gain dividends”) are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Common Shares. All other dividends paid to you by the Fund (including dividends from net short-term capital gains) from its current or accumulated earnings and profits (“ordinary income dividends”) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income. Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, ordinary income dividends (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as “qualified dividend income” eligible to be taxed at long-term capital gains rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or whose stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). Capital gain dividends are not eligible for the dividends received deduction or for the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income. There can be no assurance as to what portion, if any, of the Fund’s distributions will constitute qualified dividend income.

Any distributions you receive that are in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, and thereafter as capital gain from the sale of Common Shares (assuming the Common Shares are held as a capital asset). The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, thereby increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your Common Shares. In determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, the Fund’s earnings and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s Common Shares.

Common Shareholders may be entitled to offset their capital gain dividends with capital losses. The Code contains a number of statutory provisions affecting when capital losses may be offset against capital gain, and limiting the use of losses from certain investments and activities. Accordingly, Common Shareholders that have capital losses are urged to consult their tax advisers.

Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even though they are reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as received by you at the time the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to common shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of the Fund’s taxable year may be “spilled back” and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, you will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.

The price of Common Shares purchased at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing Common Shares just prior to the record date of a distribution will receive a distribution which will be taxable to them even though it represents, economically, a return of invested capital.

 

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The Fund will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount and tax status of any distributions paid to you by the Fund.

The sale or other disposition of Common Shares will generally result in capital gain or loss to you and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held such Common Shares for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by you with respect to such Common Shares. Any loss you recognize on a sale or other disposition of Common Shares will be disallowed if you acquire other Common Shares (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after your sale or exchange of the Common Shares. In such case, your tax basis in the Common Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Current U.S. federal income tax law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain is currently taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income while long-term capital gain generally is taxed at reduced maximum rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.

Certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of the Fund’s shares.

A Common Shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation (a “foreign investor”) generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or possibly a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty) on ordinary income dividends (except as discussed below). In general, U.S. federal withholding tax and U.S. federal income tax will not apply to any gain or income realized by a foreign investor in respect of any distribution of net capital gain (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) or upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares of the Fund. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign investor is engaged in a trade or business in the United States or, in the case of an individual, is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a taxable year and certain other conditions are met.

Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the Fund’s Common Shares.

For taxable years of a RIC beginning before January 1, 2015 (and, if extended as has happened in the past, for taxable years covered by such extension), ordinary income dividends properly reported by a RIC are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the RIC’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, its U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the RIC is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of the RIC’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the RIC’s net short-term capital gain over its long-term capital loss for such taxable year). There can be no assurance as to whether this provision will be extended. In addition, even if this provision were extended, depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains, and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a foreign investor needs to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Foreign investors should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will qualify for favorable treatment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gains.

Legislation enacted in 2010 and existing guidance issued thereunder require withholding at a rate of 30% on dividends in respect of, and, after December 31, 2016, gross proceeds from the sale of, shares of the Fund held by or through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the Treasury to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to shares in, and accounts maintained by, the institution to the extent such shares or accounts are held by certain U.S. persons and by certain non-U.S. entities that are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments. Accordingly, the entity through which stock of the Fund is held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in respect of, and, after December 31, 2016, gross proceeds from the sale of, shares of the Fund held by an investor that is a non-financial foreign entity that does not qualify under certain exemptions will be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies that such entity does not have any “substantial United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which the Fund will in turn provide to the Secretary of the Treasury. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations or other guidance, may modify these requirements. The Fund will not pay any additional amounts to stockholders in respect of any amounts withheld. Foreign investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisers regarding the possible implications of these rules on their investment in the Fund’s shares.

 

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The Fund may be required to withhold (currently at a rate of 28%), for U.S. federal backup withholding tax purposes, a portion of the dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to certain non-exempt Common Shareholders who fail to provide the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, generally, their social security number) or to make required certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that you timely furnish the required information to the IRS.

Ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends, and gain from the sale or other disposition of Common Shares of the Fund also may be subject to state, local, and/or foreign taxes. Common Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions about U.S. federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

***

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of certain provisions of the Code and the Treasury Regulations presently in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. For complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury Regulations. The Code and the Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive with respect to Fund transactions. Prospective shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers for more detailed information concerning the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.

OTHER INFORMATION

Principal Shareholders

As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, to the knowledge of the Fund, no person beneficially owned more than 5% of the voting securities of any class of equity securities of the Fund, except as provided below

 

Title of Class    Name and Address of Beneficial Owner    Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
     Percent of Class  

Common Shares

  

First Trust Portfolios L.P. (1)

First Trust Advisors L.P.

The Charger Corporation

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

     12,599,317        7.00

Preferred Shares

  

CHARTA, LLC

750 Washington Boulevard

Stamford, CT 06901

Citibank, N.A.

Citicorp

Citigroup Inc.

399 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

     750        100

 

(1)   Based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 23, 2017.

Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Record

The Board of the Fund has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to Invesco. Invesco will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which have been reviewed and approved by the Board. Invesco’s proxy policies and procedures are attached hereto as Appendix B. The Proxy Voting Policy is subject to change over time and investors seeking the most current copy of the Proxy Voting Policy should go to our web site at www.invesco.com/us.

 

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Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval. The Board will be supplied with a summary quarterly report of the Fund’s proxy voting record. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies related to their portfolio securities during the twelve-months period ended June 30 is available without charge at our Web site, http://www.invesco.com/us. This information is also available at the SEC Web site, http://www.sec.gov.

Code of Ethics

Invesco, the Fund and the Sub-Advisers each have adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that applies to all Invesco fund trustees and officers, and employees of Invesco, the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates, and governs, among other things, the personal trading activities of all such persons. Unless specifically noted, each Sub-Adviser’s Code of Ethics does not materially differ from Invesco Code of Ethics discussed below. The Code of Ethics is intended to address conflicts of interest with the Fund that may arise from personal trading, including personal trading in most of the Invesco funds. Personal trading, including personal trading involving securities that may be purchased or held by an Invesco fund, is permitted under the Code of Ethics subject to certain restrictions; however, employees are required to pre-clear security transactions with the Compliance Officer or a designee and to report transactions on a regular basis.

These Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. Copies of the Codes of Ethics may alternatively be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. The Codes of Ethics are also available, free of charge, on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements of the Fund are incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report to shareholders of the Fund dated February 28, 2017. The Annual Report is included as part of the Fund’s filing on Form N-CSR as filed with the SEC on May 8, 2017. The Annual Report may be obtained by following the instructions on the cover of this SAI. The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s internet site (www.sec.gov). Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC’s e-mail address (publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-0102.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP informed the Trust that it has identified an issue related to its independence under Rule 2-01(c)(1)(ii)(A) of Regulation S-X (referred to as the Loan Rule). The Loan Rule prohibits accounting firms, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, from being deemed independent if they have certain financial relationships with their audit clients or certain affiliates of those clients. The Trust is required under various securities laws to have its financial statements audited by an independent accounting firm.

The Loan Rule specifically provides that an accounting firm would not be independent if it or certain affiliates and covered persons receives a loan from a lender that is a record or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of an audit client’s equity securities (referred to as a “more than ten percent owner”). For purposes of the Loan Rule, audit clients include the Funds as well as all registered investment companies advised by the Adviser and its affiliates, including other subsidiaries of the Adviser’s parent company, Invesco Ltd. (collectively, the Invesco Fund Complex). PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP informed the Trust it and certain affiliates and covered persons have relationships with lenders who hold, as record owner, more than ten percent of the shares of certain funds within the Invesco Fund Complex, which may implicate the Loan Rule.

On June 20, 2016, the SEC Staff issued a “no-action” letter to another mutual fund complex (see Fidelity Management & Research Company et al., No-Action Letter) related to the audit independence issue described above. In that letter, the SEC confirmed that it would not recommend enforcement action against a fund that relied on audit services performed by an audit firm that was not in compliance with the Loan Rule in certain specified circumstances. In connection with prior independence determinations, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP communicated, as contemplated by the no-action letter, that it believes that it remains objective and impartial and that a reasonable investor possessing all the facts would conclude that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is able to exhibit the requisite objectivity and impartiality to report on the Funds’ financial statements as the independent registered public accounting firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP also represented that it has complied with PCAOB Rule 3526(b)(1) and (2), which are conditions to the Funds relying on the no action letter, and affirmed that it is an independent accountant within the meaning of PCAOB Rule 3520. Therefore, the Adviser, the Funds and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP concluded that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP could continue as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. The Invesco Fund Complex relied upon the no-action letter in reaching this conclusion.

 

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If in the future the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is called into question under the Loan Rule by circumstances that are not addressed in the SEC’s no-action letter, the Funds will need to take other action in order for the Funds’ filings with the SEC containing financial statements to be deemed compliant with applicable securities laws. Such additional actions could result in additional costs, impair the ability of the Funds to issue new shares or have other material adverse effects on the Funds. In addition, the SEC has indicated that the no-action relief will expire 18 months from its issuance after which the Invesco Funds will no longer be able to rely on the letter unless its term is extended or made permanent by the SEC Staff.

 

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Appendix A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

The following is a description of the factors underlying the debt ratings of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch.

Moody’s Long-Term Debt Ratings

 

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.

Note: Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Moody’s Short-Term Prime Rating System

 

P-1: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

NP (Not Prime):

 

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Moody’s MIG/VMIG US Short-Term Ratings

Short-Term Obligation Ratings

While the global short-term ‘prime’ rating scale is applied to US municipal tax-exempt commercial paper, these programs are typically backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities and their short-term prime ratings usually map to the long-term rating of the enhancing bank or financial institution and not to the municipality’s rating. Other short-term municipal obligations, which generally have different funding sources for repayment, are rated using two additional short-term rating scales (i.e., the MIG and VMIG scales discussed below).

The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate US municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels—MIG 1 through MIG 3—while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.

 

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MIG 1: This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

MIG 2: This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

MIG 3: This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

 

SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

Demand Obligation Ratings

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of 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. VMIG ratings of demand obligations with unconditional liquidity support are mapped from the short-term debt rating (or counterparty assessment) of the support provider, or the underlying obligor in the absence of third party liquidity support, with VMIG 1 corresponding to P-1, VMIG 2 to P-2, VMIG 3 to P-3 and SG to not prime. For example, the VMIG rating for an industrial revenue bond with Company XYZ as the underlying obligor would normally have the same numerical modifier as Company XYZ’s prime rating. Transitions of VMIG ratings of demand obligations with conditional liquidity support, as show in the diagram below, differ from transitions on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

VMIG 1 : This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 2: This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 3 : This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

SG : This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

Standard & Poor’s Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings’ analysis of the following considerations:

 

    The likelihood of payment--the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on a financial obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

 

    The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise we impute; and

 

    The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

 

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AAA: An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

AA: An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

 

A: An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

 

BBB: An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC and C :

Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’ ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

 

BB: An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

B: An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

CCC: An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

CC: An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

C: 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.

 

D: 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 Global Ratings 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.

Plus (+) or minus (-):

The ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

NR: This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

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Standard & Poor’s Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings

 

A-1: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

A-2: 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-3: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

B: 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.

 

C: A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

D: A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in 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 Global Ratings 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.

Standard & Poor’s Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings Definitions

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

    Amortization schedule – the larger final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

    Source of payment – the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

SP-3: Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

Standard & Poor’s Dual Ratings

Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, ‘AAA/A-1+’ or ‘A-1+/A-1’). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, ‘SP-1+/A-1+’).

 

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Fitch Credit Rating Scales

Fitch Ratings’ credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The agency’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss. For information about the historical performance of ratings please refer to Fitch’s Ratings Transition and Default studies which detail the historical default rates and their meaning. The European Securities and Markets Authority also maintains a central repository of rating default rates.

Fitch Ratings’ credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. However, in terms of payment obligation on the rated liability, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay upon a commitment. Ratings nonetheless do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of index-linked bonds).

In the default components of ratings assigned to individual obligations or instruments, the agency typically rates to the likelihood of non-payment or default in accordance with the terms of that instrument’s documentation. In limited cases, Fitch Ratings may include additional considerations (i.e. rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligation’s documentation). In such cases, the agency will make clear the assumptions underlying the agency’s opinion in the accompanying rating commentary.

The primary credit rating scales may be used to provide a credit opinion of privately issued obligations or certain note issuance programs. The primary credit rating scales may also be used to provide a credit opinion of a more narrow scope, including interest strips and return of principal.

The terms “investment grade” and “speculative grade” have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’ (investment grade) and ‘BB’ to ‘D’ (speculative grade). The terms “investment grade” and “speculative grade” are market conventions, and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment purposes. “Investment grade” categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the “speculative” categories either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

A designation of Not Rated or NR is used to denote securities not rated by Fitch where Fitch has rated some, but not all, securities comprising an issuance capital structure.

Fitch Long-Term Rating Scales

Issuer Credit Rating Scales

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies, and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts, although the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default. For historical information on the default experience of Fitch-rated issuers, please consult the transition and default performance studies available from the Fitch Ratings website.

 

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Country Ceilings

Country Ceilings are expressed using the symbols of the long-term issuer primary credit rating scale and relate to sovereign jurisdictions also rated by Fitch Ratings on the Issuer Default Rating scale. They reflect the agency’s judgment regarding the risk of capital and exchange controls being imposed by the sovereign authorities that would prevent or materially impede the private sector’s ability to convert local currency into foreign currency and transfer to non-resident creditors — transfer and convertibility (TandC) risk. As such, they are not ratings, but expressions of a maximum limit for the foreign currency issuer ratings of most, but not all, issuers in a given country. Given the close correlation between sovereign credit and TandC risks, the Country Ceiling may exhibit a greater degree of volatility than would normally be expected when it lies above the sovereign foreign currency rating.

AAA: Highest credit quality.

‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very high credit quality.

‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High credit quality.

‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good credit quality.

‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative.

‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B: Highly speculative.

‘B’ ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial credit risk.

Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very high levels of credit risk.

Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include:

a. the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

b. the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; or

c. Fitch Ratings otherwise believes a condition of ‘RD’ or ‘D’ to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal announcement of a distressed debt exchange.

RD: Restricted default.

‘RD’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: a. the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; b. the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other

 

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material financial obligation; c. the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ord. execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

D: Default.

‘D’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

Imminent default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.

Notes

The modifiers + or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.

Fitch Short-Term Rating Scales

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

 

F1: Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

F2: Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

F3: Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

B: Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

C: High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

RD: Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

D: Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation

 

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APPENDIX B

 

PROXY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


 

 

Invesco’s Policy Statement on Global Corporate

Governance and Proxy Voting

The Adviser and each sub-adviser rely on this policy. In addition, Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Canada Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC have also adopted operating guidelines and procedures for proxy voting particular to each regional investment center. Such guidelines and procedures are attached hereto.


LOGO

 

   Invesco’s Policy Statement on Global Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting

 

I.

Guiding Principles and Philosophy

Public companies hold shareholder meetings, attended by the company’s executives, directors, and shareholders, during which important issues, such as appointments to the company’s board of directors, executive compensation, and auditors, are addressed and where applicable, voted on. Proxy voting gives shareholders the opportunity to vote on issues that impact the company’s operations and policies without being present at the meetings.

Invesco views proxy voting as an integral part of its investment management responsibilities and believes that the right to vote proxies should be managed with the same high standards of care and fiduciary duty to its clients as all other elements of the investment process. Invesco’s proxy voting philosophy, governance structure and process are designed to ensure that proxy voles are cast in accordance with clients’ best interests, which Invesco interprets to mean clients’ best economic interests, this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of Invesco’s regional investment centers.

Invesco investment teams vote proxies on behalf of Invesco-sponsored funds and non-fund advisory clients that have explicitly granted Invesco authority in writing to vote proxies on their behalf.

The proxy voting process at Invesco, which is driven by investment professionals, Focuses on maximizing long-term value for our clients, protecting clients’ rights and promoting governance structures and practices that reinforce the accountability of corporate management and boards of directors to shareholders. Invesco takes a nuanced approach to voting and, therefore, many matters to be voted upon are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Votes in favor of board or management proposals should not be interpreted as an indication of insufficient consideration by lnvesco fund managers. Such votes may reflect the outcome of past or ongoing engagement and active ownership by Invesco with representatives of the companies in which we invest.

 

II.

Applicability of this Policy

This Policy sets forth the framework of Invesco’s corporate governance approach, broad philosophy and guiding principles that inform the proxy voting practices of Invesco’s investment teams around the world. Given the different nature of these teams and their respective investment processes, as well as the significant differences in regulatory regimes and market practices across jurisdictions, not all aspects of this Policy may apply to all Invesco investment teams at all times. In the case of a conflict between this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of a regional investment center the latter will control.

 

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III.

Proxy Voting for Certain Fixed Income, Money Market Accounts and Index

For proxies held by certain client accounts managed in accordance with fixed income, money market and index strategies (including exchange traded funds), lnvesco will typically vote in line with the majority holder of the active-equity shares held by Invesco outside of those strategies (“Majority Voting”). In this manner Invesco seeks to leverage the active-equity expertise and comprehensive proxy voting reviews conducted by teams employing active-equity strategies, which typically incorporate analysis of proxy issues as a core component of the investment process. Portfolio managers for accounts employing Majority Voting still retain full discretion to override Majority Voting and to vote the shares as they determine to be in the best interest of those accounts, absent certain types of conflicts of interest, which are discussed elsewhere in this Policy.

 

IV.

Conflicts of Interest

There may be occasions where voting proxies may present a real or perceived conflict of interest between Invesco, as investment manager, and one or more of Invesco’s clients or vendors. Under Invesco’s Code of Conduct, Invesco entities and individuals are strictly prohibited from putting personal benefit, whether tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients. “Personal benefit” includes any intended benefit for Invesco, oneself or any other individual, company, group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for the relevant lnvesco client.

Firm-level Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest may exist if Invesco has a material business relationship with, or is actively soliciting business from, either the company soliciting a proxy or a third party that has a material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying for a particular outcome of a proxy vote (e.g., issuers that are distributors of Invesco’s products, or issuers that employ lnvesco to manage portions of their retirement plans or treasury accounts). Invesco’s proxy governance team maintains a list of all such issuers for which a conflict of interest exists.

If the proposal that gives rise to the potential conflict is specifically addressed by this Policy or the operating guidelines and procedures of the relevant regional investment center, Invesco generally will vote the proxy in accordance therewith. Otherwise, based on a majority vote of its members, the Global IPAC (as described below) will vote the proxy.

Because this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment center are pre-determined and crafted to be in the best economic interest of clients, applying them to vote client proxies should, in most instances, adequately resolve any potential conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard, persons from Invesco’s marketing, distribution and other customer-facing functions may not serve on the Global IPAC. For the avoidance of doubt, Invesco may not consider Invesco Ltd.’s pecuniary interest when voting proxies on behalf of clients.

 

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Personal Conflicts of Interest

A conflict also may exist where an Invesco employee has a known personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships.

All Invesco personnel with proxy voting responsibilities are required to report any known personal conflicts of interest regarding proxy issues with which they are involved. In such instances, the individual(s) with the conflict will be excluded from the decision-making process relating to such issues.

Other Conflicts of Interest

In order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Invesco will not vote proxies issued by, or related to matters involving, Invesco Ltd. that may be held in client accounts from time to time. 1 Shares of an Invesco-sponsored fund held by other lnvesco funds will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of external shareholders of the underlying fund.

 

V.

Use of Third-Party Proxy Advisory Services

Invesco may supplement its internal research with information from third-parties, such as proxy advisory firms. However, Invesco generally retains full and independent discretion with respect to proxy voting decisions.

As part of its fiduciary obligation to clients, Invesco performs extensive initial and ongoing due diligence on the proxy advisory firms it engages. This includes reviews of information regarding the capabilities of their research staffs and internal controls, policies and procedures, including those relating to possible conflicts of interest. In addition, lnvesco regularly monitors and communicates with these firms and monitors their compliance with Invesco’s performance and policy standards.

 

VI.

Global Proxy Voting Platform and Administration

Guided by its philosophy that investment teams should manage proxy voting, Invesco has created the Global lnvesco Proxy Advisory Committee (“Global IPAC”). The Global IPAC is a global investments-driven committee comprised of representatives from various investment management teams and Invesco’s Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment (“Head of Proxy Governance”). The Global IPAC provides a forum for investment teams to monitor, understand and discuss key proxy issues and voting trends within the lnvesco complex. Absent a conflict of interest, the Global IPAC representatives, in consultation with the respective investment team, are responsible for voting proxies for the securities the team manages (unless such responsibility is explicitly delegated to the portfolio managers of the securities in question) In addition to the Global IPAC, for some clients, third parties (e.g., U.S. mutual fund boards) provide oversight of the proxy process. The Global IPAC and Invesco’s

 

1   Generally speaking, Invesco does not invest for its clients in the shares of Invesco Ltd., however, limited exceptions apply in the case of funds or accounts designed to track an index that includes Invesco Ltd. as a component.

 

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proxy administration and governance team, compliance and legal teams regularly communicate and review this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment center to ensure that they remain consistent with clients’ best interests, regulatory requirements, governance trends and industry best practices.

Invesco maintains a proprietary global proxy administration platform, known as the “fund manager portal” and supported by the Head of Proxy Governance and a dedicated team of internal proxy specialists. The platform streamlines the proxy voting and ballot reconciliation processes, as well as related functions, such as share blocking and managing conflicts of interest issuers. Managing these processes internally, as opposed to relying on third parties, gives Invesco greater quality control, oversight and independence in the proxy administration process.

The platform also includes advanced global reporting and record-keeping capabilities regarding proxy matters that enable Invesco to satisfy client, regulatory and management requirements. Historical proxy voting information, including commentary by investment professionals regarding the votes they cast, where applicable, is stored to build institutional knowledge across the Invesco complex with respect to individual companies and proxy issues. Certain investment teams also use the platform to access third-party proxy research.

 

VII.

Non-Votes

In the great majority of instances, Invesco is able to vote proxies successfully. However, in certain circumstances Invesco may refrain from voting where the economic or other opportunity costs of voting exceeds any anticipated benefits of that proxy proposal. In addition, there may be instances in which Invesco is unable to vote all of its clients’ proxies despite using commercially reasonable efforts to do so. For example:

 

 

Invesco may not receive proxy materials from the relevant fund or client custodian with sufficient time and information to make an informed independent voting decision. In such cases, Invesco may choose not to vote, to abstain from voting, to vote in line with management or to vote in accordance with proxy advisor recommendations. These matters are left to the discretion of the fund manager.

 

 

If the security in question is on loan as part of a securities lending program, lnvesco may determine that the benefit to the client of voting a particular proxy is outweighed by the revenue that would be lost by terminating the loan and recalling the securities.

 

 

In some countries the exercise of voting rights imposes temporary transfer restrictions on the related securities (“share blocking”). Invesco generally refrains from voting proxies in share-blocking countries unless Invesco determines that the benefit to the client(s) of voting a specific proxy outweighs the client’s temporary inability to sell the security.

 

 

Some companies require a representative to attend meetings in person in order to vote a proxy. In such cases, Invesco may determine that the costs of sending a representative or signing a power-of-attorney outweigh the benefit of voting a particular proxy.

 

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VIII.

 Proxy Voting Guidelines

The following guidelines describe Invesco’s general positions on various common proxy voting issues. This list is not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. As noted above, Invesco’s proxy process is investor-driven, and each fund manager retains ultimate discretion to vote proxies in the manner they deem most appropriate, consistent with Invesco’s proxy voting principles and philosophy discussed in Sections I through IV. Individual proxy votes therefore will differ from these guidelines from time to time.

 

A.

Shareholder Access and Treatment of Shareholder Proposals

Invesco reviews on a case by case basis but generally votes in favor of proposals that would increase shareholders’ opportunities to express their views to boards of directors, proposals that would lower barriers to shareholder action, and proposals to promote the adoption of generally accepted best practices in corporate governance, provided that such proposals would not require a disproportionate amount of management attention or corporate resources or otherwise that may inappropriately disrupt the company’s business and main purpose. usually set out in their reporting disclosures and business model. Likewise, Invesco reviews on a case by case basis but generally votes for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if a company’s corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted (for example, where minority shareholders’ rights are not adequately protected).

 

B.

Environmental, Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues

Invesco believes that a company’s long-term response to environmental, social and corporate responsibility issues can significantly affect its long-term shareholder value. We recognize that to manage a corporation effectively, directors and management may consider not only the interests of shareholders, but also the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, creditors and the local community, among others. While Invesco generally affords management discretion with respect to the operation of a company’s business, Invesco will evaluate such proposals on a case by case basis and will vote proposals relating to these issues in a manner intended to maximize long-term shareholder value.

 

C. Capitalization Structure Issues

 

  i.

Stock Issuances

Invesco generally supports a board’s decisions about the need for additional capital stock to meet ongoing corporate needs, except where the request could adversely affect Invesco clients’ ownership stakes or voting rights. Some capitalization proposals, such as those to authorize common or preferred stock with special voting rights or to issue additional stock in connection with an acquisition, may require additional analysis. lnvesco generally opposes proposals to authorize classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend or other rights (“blank check” stock) when they appear to be intended as an anti-takeover mechanism; such issuances may be supported when used for general financing purposes.

 

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  ii.

Stock Splits

Invesco generally supports a board’s proposal to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in excessive dilution given the company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

  iii.

Share Repurchases

lnvesco generally supports a board’s proposal to institute open-market share repurchase plans only if all shareholders participate on an equal basis.

 

D. Corporate Governance Issues

i. Board of Directors

 

  1.

Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Subject to the other considerations described below, in an uncontested director election for a company without a controlling shareholder, lnvesco generally votes in favor of the director slate if it is comprised of at least a majority of independent directors and if the board’s key committees are fully independent, effective and balanced. Key committees include the audit, compensation/remuneration and governance/nominating committees. lnvesco’s standard of independence excludes directors who, in addition to the directorship, have any material business or family relationships with the companies they serve.

 

  2.

Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Invesco recognizes that short-term investment sentiments influence the corporate governance landscape and may influence companies in Invesco clients’ portfolios and more broadly across the market. Invesco recognizes that short-term investment sentiment may conflict with long-term value creation and as such looks at each proxy contest matter on a case by case basis, considering factors such as:

 

   

Long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry,

 

   

Management’s track record,

 

   

Background to the proxy contest,

 

   

Qualifications of director nominees (both slates),

 

   

Evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met, and

 

   

Stock ownership positions in the company.

 

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  3.

Director Accountability

Invesco generally withholds votes from directors who exhibit a lack of accountability to shareholders. Examples include, without limitation, poor attendance (less than 75%, absent extenuating circumstances) at meetings, failing to implement shareholder proposals that have received a majority of votes and/or by adopting or approving egregious corporate-governance or other policies. In cases of material financial restatements, accounting fraud, habitually late filings, adopting shareholder rights plan (“poison pills”) without shareholder approval, or other areas of poor performance, Invesco may withhold votes from some or all of a company’s directors. In situations where directors’ performance is a concern, Invesco may also support shareholder proposals to take corrective actions such as so-called “clawback” provisions.

 

  4.

Director Independence

lnvesco generally supports proposals to require a majority of directors to be independent unless particular circumstances make this not Feasible or in the best interests of shareholders, We generally vote for proposals that would require the board’s audit, compensation/remuneration, and/or governance/nominating committees to be composed exclusively of independent directors since this minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest.

 

  5.

Director Indemnification

Invesco recognizes that individuals may be reluctant to serve as corporate directors if they are personally liable for all related lawsuits and legal costs. As a result, reasonable limitations on directors’ liability can benefit a company and its shareholders by helping to attract and retain qualified directors while preserving recourse for shareholders in the event of misconduct by directors, Invesco, therefore, generally supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and provide indemnification and/or exculpation, provided that the arrangements are limited to the director acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and, in criminal matters, are limited to the director having reasonable grounds for believing the conduct was lawful.

 

  6.

Separate Chairperson and CEO

Invesco evaluates these proposals on a case by case basis, recognizing that good governance requires either an independent chair or a qualified, proactive, and lead independent director.

Voting decisions may take into account, among other factors, the presence or absence of:

 

   

a designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members, with an established term of office and clearly delineated powers and duties;

 

   

a majority of independent directors;

 

   

completely independent key committees;

 

   

committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors;

 

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CEO performance reviewed annually by a committee of independent directors; and

 

   

established governance guidelines.

 

  7.

Majority/Supermajority/Cumulative Voting for Directors

The right to elect directors is the single most important mechanism shareholders have to promote accountability. Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals to elect directors by a majority vote. Except in cases where required by law in the jurisdiction of incorporation or when a company has adopted formal governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard, Invesco generally votes against actions that would impose any supermajority voting requirement. and generally supports actions to dismantle existing supermajority requirements.

The practice of cumulative voting can enable minority shareholders to have representation on a company’s board. Invesco generally opposes such proposals as unnecessary where the company has adopted a majority voting standard. However, Invesco generally supports proposals to institute the practice of cumulative voting at companies whose overall corporate-governance standards indicate a particular need to protect the interests of minority shareholders.

 

  8.

Staggered Boards/Annual Election of Directors

Invesco generally supports proposals to elect each director annually rather than electing directors to staggered multi-year terms because annual elections increase a board’s level of accountability to its shareholders.

 

  9.

Board Size

lnvesco believes that the number of directors is an important factor to consider when evaluating the board’s ability to maximize long-term shareholder value. Invesco approaches proxies relating to board size on a case by case basis but generally will defer to the board with respect to determining the optimal number of board members, provided that the proposed board size is sufficiently large to represent shareholder interests and sufficiently limited to remain effective.

 

  10.

Term Limits for Directors

lnvesco believes it is important for a board of directors to examine its membership regularly with a view to ensuring that the company continues to benefit from a diversity of director viewpoints and experience. We generally believe that an individual board’s nominating committee is best positioned to determine whether director term limits would be an appropriate measure to help achieve these goals and, if so, the nature of such limits.

 

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ii. Audit Committees and Auditors

 

  1.

Qualifications of Audit Committee and Auditors

Invesco believes a company’s Audit Committee has a high degree of responsibility to shareholders in matters of financial disclosure, integrity of the financial statements and effectiveness of a company’s internal controls. Independence. experience and financial expertise are critical elements of a well-functioning Audit Committee. When electing directors who are members of a company’s Audit Committee, or when ratifying a company’s auditors, Invesco considers the past performance of the Audit Committee and holds its members accountable for the quality of the company’s financial statements and reports.

 

  2.

Auditor Indemnifications

A company’s independent auditors play a critical role in ensuring and attesting to the integrity of the company’s financial statements. It is therefore essential that they perform their work in accordance with the highest standards. Invesco generally opposes proposals that would limit the liability of or indemnify auditors because doing so could serve to undermine this obligation.

 

  3.

Adequate Disclosure of Auditor Fees

Understanding the fees earned by the auditors is important for assessing auditor independence. Invesco’s support for the re-appointment of the auditors will take into consideration the availability of adequate disclosure concerning the amount and nature of audit versus non-audit fees. Invesco generally will support proposals that call for this disclosure if it is not already being made.

 

E.

Remuneration and Incentives

Invesco believes properly constructed compensation plans that include equity ownership are effective in creating incentives that induce management and employees of portfolio companies to create greater shareholder wealth. Invesco generally supports equity compensation plans that promote the proper alignment of incentives with shareholders’ long-term interests! and generally votes against plans that are overly dilutive to existing shareholders, plans that contain objectionable structural features. and plans that appear likely to reduce the value of the client’s investment.

i. Independent Compensation/Remuneration Committee

Invesco believes that an independent, experienced and well-informed compensation/remuneration committee is critical to ensuring that a company’s remuneration practices align with shareholders’ interests and, therefore, generally supports proposals calling for a compensation/remuneration committee to be comprised solely of independent directors.

 

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ii. Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation

Invesco believes that an independent compensation/remuneration committee of the board, with input from management, is generally best positioned to determine the appropriate components and levels of executive compensation, as well as the appropriate frequency of related shareholder advisory votes. This is particularly the case where shareholders have the ability to express their views on remuneration matters through annual votes for or against the election of the individual directors who comprise the compensation/remuneration committee. Invesco, therefore, generally will support management’s recommendations with regard to the components and levels of executive compensation and the frequency of shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation. However, Invesco will vote against such recommendations where Invesco determines that a company’s executive remuneration policies are not properly aligned with shareholder interests or may create inappropriate incentives for management.

iii. Equity Based Compensation Plans

Invesco generally votes against plans that contain structural features that would impair the alignment of incentives between shareholders and management. Such features include, without limitation, the ability to reprice or reload options without shareholder approval, the ability to issue options below the stock’s current market price, or the ability to replenish shares automatically without shareholder approval.

iv. Severance Arrangements

lnvesco considers proposed severance arrangements (sometimes known as “golden parachute” arrangements) on a case-by-case basis due to the wide variety among their terms. Invesco acknowledges that in some cases such arrangements, if reasonable, may be in shareholders’ best interests as a method of attracting and retaining high quality executive talent. lnvesco generally votes in favor of proposals requiring advisory shareholder ratification of senior executives’ severance agreements while generally opposing proposals that require such agreements to be ratified by shareholders in advance of their adoption.

 

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v. “ Claw Back” Provisions

lnvesco generally supports so called “claw back” policies intended to recoup remuneration paid to senior executives based upon materially inaccurate financial reporting (as evidenced by later restatements) or fraudulent accounting or business practices.

vi. Employee Stock Purchase Plans

Invesco generally supports employee stock purchase plans that are reasonably designed to provide proper incentives to a broad base of employees, provided that the price at which employees may acquire stock represents a reasonable discount from the market price.

 

F.

Anti-Takeover Defenses; Reincorporation

Measures designed to protect a company from unsolicited bids can adversely affect shareholder value and voting rights, and they have the potential to create conflicts of interests among directors, management and shareholders. Such measures include adopting or renewing shareholder rights plans (“poison pills”), requiring supermajority voting on certain corporate actions, classifying the election of directors instead of electing each director to an annual term, or creating separate classes of common or preferred stock with special voting rights. In determining whether to support a proposal to add, eliminate or restrict anti-takeover measures, Invesco will examine the particular elements of the proposal to assess the degree to which it would adversely affect shareholder rights of adopted. Invesco generally supports shareholder proposals directing companies to subject their anti-takeover provisions to a shareholder vote. Invesco generally opposes payments by companies to minority shareholders intended to dissuade such shareholders from pursuing a takeover or other changes (sometimes known as “greenmail”) because these payments result in preferential treatment of some shareholders over others.

Reincorporation involves re-establishing the company in a different legal jurisdiction. Invesco generally will vote for proposals to reincorporate a company provided that the board and management have demonstrated sound financial or business reasons for the move. Invesco generally will oppose proposals to reincorporate if they are solely part of an anti-takeover defense or intended to limit directors’ liability.

 

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Proxy Guidelines

for

Invesco Advisers, Inc.


LOGO

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

Applicable to    All Advisory Clients, including the Invesco Funds
Risk Addressed by the Guidelines    Breach of fiduciary duty to client under Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by placing Invesco’s interests ahead of client’s best interests in voting proxies
Relevant Law and Other Sources    U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended

Last

     Reviewed     Revised

    by Compliance for Accuracy

   April 19, 2016
Guideline Owner    U.S. Compliance and Legal
Policy Approver    Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Funds Board
Approved/Adopted Date    May 3-4, 2016

The following guidelines apply to all institutional and retail funds and accounts that have explicitly authorized Invesco Advisers, Inc. (“Invesco”) to vote proxies associated with securities held on their behalf (collectively, “Clients”).

A. INTRODUCTION

 

 

Invesco Ltd. (“IVZ”), the ultimate parent company of Invesco, has adopted a global policy statement on corporate governance and proxy voting (the “Invesco Global Proxy Policy”). The policy describes IVZ’s views on governance matters and the proxy administration and governance approach. Invesco votes proxies by using the framework and procedures set forth in the Invesco Global Proxy Policy, while maintaining the Invesco-specific guidelines described below.

B. PROXY VOTING OVERSIGHT: THE MUTUAL FUNDS’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

 

In addition to the Global Invesco Proxy Advisory Committee, the Invesco mutual funds’ board of trustees provides oversight of the proxy process through quarterly reporting and an annual in-person presentation by Invesco’s Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment.


C. USE OF THIRD PARTY PROXY ADVISORY SERVICES

 

 

Invesco has direct access to third-party proxy advisory analyses and recommendations (currently provided by Glass Lewis (“GL”) and Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”)), among other research tools, and uses the information gleaned from those sources to make independent voting decisions.

Invesco’s proxy administration team performs extensive initial and ongoing due diligence on the proxy advisory firms that it engages. When deemed appropriate, representatives from the proxy advisory firms are asked to deliver updates directly to the mutual funds’ board of trustees. Invesco conducts semi-annual, in-person policy roundtables with key heads of research from ISS and GL to ensure transparency, dialogue and engagement with the firms. These meetings provide Invesco with an opportunity to assess the firms’ capabilities, conflicts of interest and service levels, as well as provide investment professionals with direct insight into the advisory firms’ stances on key governance and proxy topics and their policy framework/methodologies. Invesco’s proxy administration team also reviews the annual SSAE 16 reports for, and the periodic proxy guideline updates published by, each proxy advisory firm to ensure that their guidelines remain consistent with Invesco’s policies and procedures. Furthermore, each proxy advisory firm completes an annual due diligence questionnaire submitted by Invesco, and Invesco conducts on-site due diligence at each firm, in part to discuss their responses to the questionnaire.

If Invesco becomes aware of any material inaccuracies in the information provided by ISS or GL, Invesco’s proxy administration team will investigate the matter to determine the cause, evaluate the adequacy of the proxy advisory firm’s control structure and assess the efficacy of the measures instituted to prevent further errors.

ISS and GL provide updates to previously issued proxy reports when necessary to incorporate newly available information or to correct factual errors. ISS also has a Feedback Review Board, which provides a mechanism for stakeholders to communicate with ISS about issues related to proxy voting and policy formulation, research, and the accuracy of data contained in ISS reports.

D. PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

 

The following guidelines describe Invesco’s general positions on various common proxy issues. The guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. Invesco’s proxy process is investor-driven, and each portfolio manager retains ultimate discretion to vote proxies in the manner that he or she deems to be the most appropriate, consistent with the proxy voting principles and philosophy discussed in the Invesco Global Proxy Policy. Individual proxy votes therefore will differ from these guidelines from time to time.

 

  I.

Corporate Governance

Management teams of companies are accountable to the boards of directors and directors of publicly held companies are accountable to shareholders. Invesco endeavors to vote the proxies of companies in a manner that will reinforce the notion of a board’s accountability. Consequently, Invesco generally votes against any actions that would impair the rights of shareholders or would reduce shareholders’ influence over the board.

 

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The following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco applies this principle of accountability.

Elections of directors

In uncontested director elections for companies that do not have a controlling shareholder, Invesco generally votes in favor of slates if they are comprised of at least a majority of independent directors and if the boards’ key committees are fully independent. Key committees include the audit, compensation and governance or nominating Committees. Invesco’s standard of independence excludes directors who, in addition to the directorship, have any material business or family relationships with the companies they serve. Contested director elections are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Director performance

Invesco generally withholds votes from directors who exhibit a lack of accountability to shareholders, either through their Level of attendance at meetings or by adopting or approving egregious corporate-governance or other policies. In cases of material financial restatements, accounting fraud, habitually late filings, adopting shareholder rights plan (“poison pills”) without shareholder approval, or other areas of poor performance, Invesco may withhold votes from some or all of a company’s directors. In situations where directors’ performance is a concern, Invesco may also support shareholder proposals to take corrective actions, such as so-called “clawback” provisions.

Auditors and Audit Committee members

Invesco believes a company’s audit committee has a high degree of responsibility to shareholders in matters of financial disclosure, integrity of the financial statements and effectiveness of a company’s internal controls. Independence, experience and financial expertise are critical elements of a well-functioning audit committee. When electing directors who are members of a company’s audit committee, or when ratifying a company’s auditors, Invesco considers the past performance of the committee and holds its members accountable for the quality of the company’s financial statements and reports.

Majority standard in director elections

The right to elect directors is the single most important mechanism shareholders have to promote accountability. Invesco supports the nascent effort to reform the U.S. convention of electing directors, and generally votes in favor of proposals to elect directors by a majority vote.

Staggered Boards/Annual Election of Directors

Invesco generally supports proposals to elect each director annually rather than electing directors to staggered multi-year terms because annual elections increase a board’s level of accountability to its shareholders.

Supermajority voting requirements

Unless required by law in the state of incorporation, Invesco generally votes against actions that would impose any supermajority voting requirement, and generally supports actions to dismantle existing supermajority requirements.

Responsiveness of Directors

Invesco generally withholds votes for directors who do not adequately respond to shareholder proposals that were approved by a majority of votes cast the prior year.

 

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Cumulative voting

The practice of cumulative voting can enable minority shareholders to have representation on a company’s board, Invesco generally supports proposals to institute the practice of cumulative voting at companies whose overall corporate-governance standards indicate a particular need to protect the interests of minority shareholders.

Proxy access

Invesco generally supports shareholders’ nominations of directors in the proxy statement and ballot because it increases the accountability of the board to shareholders. Invesco will generally consider the proposed minimum period of ownership (e.g., three years), minimum ownership percentage (e.g., three percent), limitations on a proponent’s ability to aggregate holdings with other shareholders and the maximum percentage of directors who can be nominated when determining how to vote on proxy access proposals.

Shareholder access

On business matters with potential financial consequences, Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals that would increase shareholders’ opportunities to express their views to boards of directors, proposals that would lower barriers to shareholder action and proposals to promote the adoption of generally accepted best practices in corporate governance. Furthermore, Invesco generally votes for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if a company’s corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted.

Exclusive Forum

Invesco generally supports proposals that would designate a specific jurisdiction in company bylaws as the exclusive venue for certain types of shareholder lawsuits in order to reduce costs arising out of multijurisdidional litigation.

 

  II. Compensation and Incentives

Invesco believes properly constructed compensation plans that include equity ownership are effective in creating incentives that induce management and employees of companies to create greater shareholder wealth. Invesco generally supports equity compensation plans that promote the proper alignment of incentives with shareholders’ long-term interests, and generally votes against plans that are overly dilutive to existing shareholders, plans that contain objectionable structural features, and plans that appear likely to reduce the value of the Client’s investment.

Following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco evaluates incentive plans.

Executive compensation

Invesco evaluates executive compensation plans within the context of the company’s performance under the executives’ tenure. Invesco believes independent compensation committees are best positioned to craft executive-compensation plans that are suitable for their company-specific circumstances. Invesco views the election of independent compensation committee members as the appropriate mechanism for shareholders to express their approval or disapproval of a company’s compensation practices. Therefore, Invesco generally does not support shareholder proposals to limit or eliminate certain forms of executive compensation. In the interest of reinforcing the notion of a compensation committee’s accountability to shareholders, Invesco generally supports proposals requesting that companies subject each year’s compensation record to an advisory shareholder vote, or so-called “say on pay” proposals.

 

4


Equity-based compensation plans

Invesco generally votes against plans that contain structural features that would impair the alignment of incentives between shareholders and management. Such features include the ability to reprice or reload options without shareholder approval, the ability to issue options below the stock’s current market price, or the ability automatically to replenish shares without shareholder approval.

Employee stock-purchase plans

Invesco generally supports employee stock-purchase plans that are reasonably designed to provide proper incentives to a broad base of employees, provided that the price at which employees may acquire stock is at most a 15 percent discount from the market price.

Severance agreements

Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals requiring advisory shareholder ratification of executives’ severance agreements. However, Invesco generally opposes proposals requiring such agreements to be ratified by shareholders in advance of their adoption. Given the vast differences that may occur in these agreements, some severance agreements are evaluated on an individual basis.

 

III. Capitalization

Examples of management proposals related to a company’s capital structure include authorizing or issuing additional equity capital, repurchasing outstanding stock, or enacting a stock split or reverse stock split. On requests for additional capital stock, Invesco analyzes the company’s stated reasons for the request. Except where the request could adversely affect the Client’s ownership stake or voting rights, Invesco generally supports a board’s decisions on its needs for additional capital stock. Some capitalization proposals require a case-by-case analysis. Examples of such proposals include authorizing common or preferred stock with special voting rights, or issuing additional stock in connection with an acquisition.

 

IV. Mergers, Acquisitions and Other Corporate Actions

Issuers occasionally require shareholder approval to engage in certain corporate actions such as mergers, acquisitions, name changes, dissolutions, reorganizations, divestitures and reincorporations and the votes for these types of corporate actions are generally determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

V. Anti-Takeover Measures

Practices designed to protect a company from unsolicited bids can adversely affect shareholder value and voting rights, and they potentially create conflicts of interests among directors, management and shareholders. Except under special issuer-specific circumstances, Invesco generally votes to reduce or eliminate such measures. These measures include adopting or renewing “poison pills”, requiring supermajority voting on certain corporate actions, classifying the election of directors instead of electing each director to an annual term, or creating separate classes of common or preferred stock with special voting rights. Invesco generally votes against management proposals to impose these types of measures, and generally votes for shareholder proposals designed to reduce such measures. Invesco generally supports shareholder proposals directing companies to subject their anti-takeover provisions to a shareholder vote.

 

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VI. Environmental, Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues

Invesco believes that a company’s response to environmental, social and corporate responsibility issues and the risks attendant to them can have a significant effect on its long-term shareholder value. Invesco recognizes that to manage a corporation effectively, directors and management must consider not only the interest of shareholders, but also the interests of employees, customers, suppliers and creditors, among others. While Invesco generally affords management discretion with respect to the operation of a company’s business, Invesco will evaluate such proposals on a case-by-case basis and will vote proposals relating to these issues in a manner intended to maximize long-term shareholder value.

 

VII. Routine Business Matters

Routine business matters rarely have the potential to have a material effect on the economic prospects of Clients’ holdings, so Invesco generally supports a board’s discretion on these items. However, Invesco generally votes against proposals where there is insufficient information to make a decision about the nature of the proposal. Similarly, Invesco generally votes against proposals to conduct other unidentified business at shareholder meetings.

 

D. EXCEPTIONS

 

 

Client Maintains Right to Vote Proxies

In the case of institutional or sub-advised Clients, Invesco will vote the proxies in accordance with these guidelines and the Invesco Global Proxy Policy, unless the Client retains in writing the right to vote or the named fiduciary of a Client (e.g., the plan sponsor of an ERISA Client) retains in writing the right to direct the plan trustee or a third party to vote proxies.

Voting for Certain Investment Strategies

For cash sweep investment vehicles selected by a Client but for which Invesco has proxy voting authority over the account and where no other Client holds the same securities, Invesco will vote proxies based on ISS recommendations.

Funds of Funds

Some Invesco Funds offering diversified asset allocation within one investment vehicle own shares in other Invesco Funds. A potential conflict of interest could arise if an underlying Invesco Fund has a shareholder meeting with any proxy issues to be voted on, because Invesco’s asset-allocation funds or target-maturity funds may be large shareholders of the underlying fund. In order to avoid any potential for a conflict, the asset-allocation funds and target maturity funds vote their shares in the same proportion as the votes of the external shareholders of the underlying fund.

 

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F. POLICIES AND VOTE DISCLOSURE

 

 

A copy of these guidelines, the Invesco Global Proxy Policy and the voting record of each Invesco Retail Fund are available on Invesco’s web site, www.invesco.com . In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, all Invesco Funds file a record of all proxy-voting activity for the prior 12 months ending June 30th. That filing is made on or before August 31st of each year. In the case of institutional and sub-advised Clients, Clients may contact their client service representative to request information about how Invesco voted proxies on their behalf. Absent specific contractual guidelines, such requests may be made on a semi-annual basis.

 

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Proxy Guidelines

for

Invesco Asset Management Limited (UK)


LOGO   

Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

LOGO


Contents

 

Page

   

03

    

Introduction

03

    

What is the UK Stewardship Code?

03

    

Our compliance with the Stewardship Code

04

    

Introduction to the principles of the Stewardship Code

05

    

Principle 1:

Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities

06

    

Principle 2:

Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed

07

    

Principle 3:

Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies

08

    

Principle 4:

Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value

09

    

Principle 5:

Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate

09

    

Principle 6:

Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity

11

    

Principle 7:

Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities

11

    

Further information/useful links

11

    

Key contact details for matters concerning stewardship


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Introduction

This paper describes Invesco Perpetual’s (IP) approach to stewardship and in particular how our policy and procedures meet the requirements of the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) UK Stewardship Code (the Code). Its purpose is to increase understanding of the philosophy, beliefs and practices that drive IP’s behaviours as a significant institutional investor in markets around the world.

IP has supported the development of good governance in the UK and beyond for many years. We are signatories and supporters of the FRC’s Stewardship Code. The Code sets out a number of areas of good practice to which the FRC believes institutional investors should aspire. It also describes steps asset owners can take to protect and enhance the value that accrues to the ultimate beneficiary.

This document is designed to describe how IP approaches our stewardship responsibilities and how this is consistent with and complies with the Code. It also provides useful links to relevant documents, codes and regulation for those who would like to look further at the broader context of our policy and the Code, as well as our commitment to other initiatives in this area, such as the UN supported Principles for Responsible Investment, of which Invesco is a signatory.

Key contact details are available at the end of this document should you have any questions on any aspect of our stewardship activities.

What is the UK Stewardship Code?

The UK Stewardship Code is a set of principles and guidance for institutional investors which represents current best practice on how they should perform their stewardship duties. The purpose of the Code is to improve the quality of engagement between institutional investors and companies to help improve long-term returns to shareholders and the efficient exercise of governance responsibilities. The Code was published by the FRC in July 2010, was updated in September 2012, and will continue to be overseen by the FRC. Commitment to the Code is on a “comply or explain” basis.

Our compliance with the Stewardship Code

The Code sets out seven principles, which support good practice on engagement with UK investee companies and to which the FRC believes institutional investors should aspire.

IP takes its responsibilities for investing its clients’ money very seriously. As a core part of the investment process, IP’s fund managers will endeavour to establish a dialogue with company management to promote company decision making that is in the best interests of shareholders, and is in accordance with good Corporate Governance principles.

Being a major shareholder in a company is more than simply expecting to benefit from its future earnings streams. In IP’s view, it is about helping to provide the capital a company needs to grow, about being actively involved in its strategy, when necessary, and helping to ensure that shareholder interests are always at the forefront of management’s thoughts.

IP primarily defines stewardship as representing the best interests of clients in its fiduciary role as a discretionary asset manager (not asset owner) and as an institutional shareholder, i.e. an organization which pools large sums of money and invests those sums in securities, real property and other investment assets. This is considered more appropriate than undertaking the direct management of investee companies, which we believe should always remain the responsibility of the directors and executives of those companies.

IP may at times seek to influence strategies of investee companies, where appropriate, on behalf of its clients, but IP will never seek to be involved in the day to day running of any investee companies. IP considers that shareholder activism is fundamental to good Corporate Governance. Although this does not entail intervening in daily management decisions, it does involve supporting general standards for corporate activity and, where necessary, taking the initiative to ensure those standards are met, with a view to protecting and enhancing value for investors in our portfolios.

Engagement will also be proportionate and will reflect the size of holdings, length of holding period and liquidity of the underlying company shares. This is because in most of IP’s investment jurisdictions, the only effective remedy of last resort available to shareholders, other than trying to sell or liquidating their funds’ share ownership, is the removal of directors. Given that the majority of its investments are part of a very active asset management culture, engagement with those companies in which it chooses to invest its clients’ money is very important. Encouraging high standards of corporate governance within those companies that it invests is key to achieving successful outcomes for its clients.

IP sets out below how it complies with each principle of the FRC’s Stewardship code, or details why we have chosen to take a different approach, where relevant.


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Scope

The scope of this policy covers all portfolios that are managed by the IP investment teams located in Henley on Thames, United Kingdom and specifically excludes portfolios that are managed by other investment teams within the wider Invesco group that have their own voting, corporate governance and stewardship policies, all falling under the broader global policy. As an example, within IP’s ICVC range the following funds are excluded: Invesco US Enhanced Index, IP Balanced Risk 6, 8 and 10 funds, IP European ex UK Enhanced Index, IP Global Balanced Index, IP Global ex-UK Core Equity Index, IP Global ex-UK Enhanced Index, IP Hong Kong  & China, IP Japanese Smaller Companies, IP UK Enhanced Index.

Introduction to the principles of the Stewardship Code

There are 7 principles under the Stewardship Code. Each principle is accompanied by guidance to help investors focus on how to meet it.

The principles are as follows:

 

-         Principle 1:

   Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities.

-         Principle 2:

   Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed.

-         Principle 3:

   Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies.

-         Principle 4:

   Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value.

-         Principle 5:

   Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate.

-         Principle 6:

   Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity.

-         Principle 7:

   Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities.
 


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Principle 1

Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities.

Guidance

Stewardship activities include monitoring and engaging with companies on matters such as strategy, performance, risk, capital structure and corporate governance, including culture and remuneration.

Engagement is purposeful dialogue with companies on those matters as well as on issues that are the immediate subject of votes at general meetings.

The policy should disclose how the institutional investor applies stewardship with the aim of enhancing and protecting the value for the ultimate beneficiary or client.

The statement should reflect the institutional investor’s activities within the investment chain, as well as the responsibilities that arise from those activities. In particular, the stewardship responsibilities of those whose primary activities are related to asset ownership may be different from those whose primary activities are related to asset management or other investment-related services.

Where activities are outsourced, the statement should explain how this is compatible with the proper exercise of the institutional investor’s stewardship responsibilities and what steps the investor has taken to ensure that they are carried out in a manner consistent with the approach to stewardship set out in the statement.

The disclosure should describe arrangements for integrating stewardship within the wider investment process.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

IP complies with Principle 1 by publishing Invesco’s Global Policy Statement on Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting and this document around the specific application to Invesco on its website.

In this document we explain our philosophy on stewardship (including how we monitor and engage with companies), our proxy voting policy and how we deal with conflicts of interest. These documents are reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

Our intention is to report all of our investment teams’ proxy voting records through an easily accessible portal on our internet page. This will allow our clients to see votes that have been cast by our investment professionals on each of our UCITS funds managed by IAML, by company that we are shareholders of, and by resolution, and to easily search for the records that they are interested in. This is planned to be in place by the end of 2016. This data will be updated on an annual basis.

Dialogue with companies

IP will endeavour, where practicable and in accordance with its investment approach, to enter into a dialogue with companies’ management based on the mutual understanding of objectives. This dialogue is likely to include regular meetings with company representatives to explore any concerns about corporate governance where these may impact on the best interests of clients. In discussion with company boards and senior non-Executive Directors, IP will endeavour to cover any matters of particular relevance to investee company shareholder value.

Those people on the inside of a company, most obviously its executives, know their businesses much more intimately. Therefore, it is usually appropriate to leave strategic matters in their hands. However, if that strategy is not working, or alternatives need exploring, IP will seek to influence the direction of that company where practicable. In IP’s view, this is part of its responsibility to clients.

Ultimately the business’ performance will have an impact on the returns generated by IP’s portfolios, whether it is in terms of share price performance or dividends, and IP wants to seek to ensure that the capital invested on behalf of its clients is being used as effectively as possible. In the majority of cases IP is broadly in agreement with the direction of a company that it has invested in, as its initial decision to invest will have taken these factors into account. But these issues demand regular review, which can only be achieved through corporate engagement.

The building of this relationship facilitates frank and open discussion, and on-going interaction is an integral part of the fund manager’s role. The fact that IP has been a major shareholder in a number of companies for a long time, in particular within its domestic UK portfolios, reflects both the fact that IP’s original investments were based on a joint understanding of where the businesses were going and the ability of the companies’ management to execute that plan. It adds depth to the sophistication of our understanding of the firm, its clients and markets. Inevitably there are times when IP’s views diverge from those of the companies’ executives but, where possible, we attempt to work with companies towards a practical solution. However, IP believes that its status as part-owner of companies means that it has both the right and the responsibility to make its views known. The option of selling out of those businesses is always open, but normally IP prefers to push for change, (i.e. we believe that we are more influential as an owner of equity) even if this can be a slow process.


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Specifically when considering resolutions put to shareholders, IP will pay attention to the companies’ compliance with the relevant local requirements. In addition, when analysing companies’ prospects for future profitability and hence returns to shareholders, IP will take many variables into account, including but not limited to, the following:

 

  - Nomination and audit committees

 

  - Remuneration committee and directors’ remuneration

 

  - Board balance and structure

 

  - Financial reporting principles

 

  - Internal control system and annual review of its effectiveness

 

  - Dividend and Capital Management policies

 

  - Socially Responsible Investing policies

Non-routine resolutions and other topics

These will be considered on a case-by-case basis and where proposals are put to a vote will require proper explanation and justification by (in most instances) the Board. Examples of such proposals would be all political donations and any proposal made by a shareholder or body of shareholders (typically a pressure group).

Other considerations that IP might apply to non-routine proposals will include:

 

  - The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issue could affect its reputation and/or sales, or leave it vulnerable to boycott or selective purchasing

 

  - Peer group response to the issue in question

 

  - Whether implementation would achieve the objectives sought in the proposal

 

  - Whether the matter is best left to the Board’s discretion

Principle 2

Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed.

Guidance

An institutional investor’s duty is to act in the interests of its clients and/or beneficiaries.

Conflicts of interest will inevitably arise from time to time, which may include when voting on matters affecting a parent company or client.

Institutional investors should put in place, maintain and publicly disclose a policy for identifying and managing conflicts of interest with the aim of taking all reasonable steps to put the interests of their client or beneficiary first. The policy should also address how matters are handled when the interests of clients or beneficiaries diverge from each other.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

Invesco Perpetual maintains policies and procedures that deal with conflicts of interest in all of its business dealings. In particular in relation to conflicts of interest that exist in its stewardship and proxy voting activities, these policies can be found in the Global Policy Statement on Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting found on our website.

An extract from this policy is included below.

There may be occasions where voting proxies may present a real or perceived conflict of interest between Invesco, as investment manager, and one or more of Invesco’s clients or vendors. Under Invesco’s Code of Conduct, Invesco entities and individuals are strictly prohibited from putting personal benefit, whether tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients. “Personal benefit” includes any intended benefit for Invesco, oneself or any other individual, company, group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for the relevant Invesco client.

Firm-level Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest may exist if Invesco has a material business relationship with, or is actively soliciting business from, either the company soliciting a proxy vote or a third party that has a material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying for a particular outcome of a proxy vote (e.g., issuers that are distributors of Invesco’s products, or issuers that employ Invesco to manage portions of their retirement plans or treasury accounts). Invesco’s proxy administration team maintains a list of all such issuers for which a conflict of interest actually exists.

If the proposal that gives rise to the potential conflict is specifically addressed by this Policy or the operating guidelines and procedures of the relevant regional investment centre, Invesco generally will vote the proxy in accordance therewith. Otherwise, based on a majority vote of its members, the Global IPAC (as described below) will vote the proxy.

Because this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment centre are pre-determined and crafted to be in the best economic interest of clients, applying them to vote client proxies should, in most instances, adequately resolve any potential conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard, persons from Invesco’s marketing, distribution and other customer-facing functions may not serve on the Global IPAC. For the avoidance of doubt, Invesco may not consider Invesco Ltd.’s pecuniary interest when voting proxies on behalf of clients.

Personal Conflicts of Interest

A conflict also may exist where an Invesco employee has a known personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.

All Invesco personnel with proxy voting responsibilities are required to report any known personal conflicts of interest regarding proxy issues with which they are involved. In such instances, the individual(s) with the conflict will be excluded from the decision-making process relating to such issues.

Other Conflicts of Interest

In order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Invesco will not vote proxies issued by, or related to matters involving, Invesco Ltd. that may be held in client accounts from time to time. Shares of an Invesco-sponsored fund held by other Invesco funds will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of external shareholders of the underlying fund.


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Principle 3

Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies.

Guidance

Effective monitoring is an essential component of stewardship. It should take place regularly and be checked periodically for effectiveness.

When monitoring companies, institutional investors should seek to:

 

  - Keep abreast of the company’s performance;

 

  - Keep abreast of developments, both internal and external to the company, that drive the company’s value and risks;

 

  - Satisfy themselves that the company’s leadership is effective;

 

  - Satisfy themselves that the company’s board and committees adhere to the spirit of the UK Corporate Governance Code, including through meetings with the chairman and other board members;

 

  - Consider the quality of the company’s reporting; and

 

  - Attend the General Meetings of companies in which they have a major holding, where appropriate and practicable

Institutional investors should consider carefully explanations given for departure from the UK Corporate Governance Code and make reasoned judgements in each case. They should give a timely explanation to the company, in writing where appropriate, and be prepared to enter a dialogue if they do not accept the company’s position.

Institutional investors should endeavour to identify at an early stage issues that may result in a significant loss in investment value. If they have concerns, they should seek to ensure that the appropriate members of the investee company’s board or management are made aware.

Institutional investors may or may not wish to be made insiders. An institutional investor who may be willing to become an insider should indicate in its stewardship statement the willingness to do so, and the mechanism by which this could be done.

Institutional investors will expect investee companies and their advisers to ensure that information that could affect their ability to deal in the shares of the company concerned is not conveyed to them without their prior agreement.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

Through IP’s active investment process, fund managers endeavour to establish on a proportionate basis, on-going dialogue with company management and this is likely to include regular meetings.

In discussions with company boards and senior non-Executive Directors, IP will explore any concerns about corporate governance where these may impact on the best interests of clients, together with any other matters of particular value to shareholders.

Meeting company boards of investee companies is a core part of IP’s investment process and IP is committed to keeping records of all key engagement activities.

However, meeting company management is not the only method of corporate engagement.

 

  - Our investment teams regularly review company filings and publicly available information to gain a fuller understanding of the relevant company.

 

  - We also attend public meetings that companies call in order to hear from company boards and to discuss topics with other company shareholders on an informal basis.

 

  - Our investment teams also utilise research provided by market participants on the companies that we invest in. This allows us to understand what other participants in the capital markets think about those companies, and helps us develop a more rounded view.

This approach, and these methods of gaining information allows us to review the performance of our investee companies on a regular basis, and ask questions and raise concerns promptly.

Invesco Perpetual’s approach to the receipt of “inside information”

As part of the engagement process, IP fund managers may choose to be made insiders (i.e. to be made privy to material, non-public information) to protect and/or enhance investor value.

IP does not preclude fund managers from knowingly receiving inside information, being taken ‘over the wall’ or receiving market soundings.

For our investment process, we believe that it is important that our individual fund managers establish and maintain these relationships rather than have them intermediated by an independent panel or forum. IP further understands and accepts that through these relationships with corporate issuers and brokers, fund managers may at times directly receive inside information both advertently or inadvertently, or receive market soundings. The fund managers individually have a key fiduciary responsibility in assessing information received and managing it effectively. In accepting that fund managers may be exposed to receiving inside information and/or market soundings, it is therefore important that policies, procedures and controls are in place to ensure that when such information is received, it is managed effectively to prevent any behaviours or actions that could be considered in contradiction to laws and regulations in relation to Market Abuse.

In any scenario where inside information is received, the information needs to be controlled in a way that prevents its unnecessary dissemination and any related trading until that information becomes public and is effectively ‘cleansed’.


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Anyone in receipt of inside information should only disclose to colleagues where necessary or required through the normal course of business and on a ‘need to know’ basis. Preventing wider dissemination of inside information reduces the risk of unlawful disclosure or others acting upon that information.

As soon as an individual has received inside information and been made an insider, Compliance will be notified together with the names of those known to also be in receipt of the information. Compliance will update the Invesco ‘insider list’ and ensure trading systems are updated to prevent any further trading until the information becomes public. In making the decision that information provided should be deemed ‘inside information’ and notified to Compliance, the individual will need to assess and confirm which issuers and companies are affected. Inside information provided specifically for one company could also be relevant for other linked companies, suppliers, subsidiaries, partners etc. An assessment should also be made of what securities/issues are affected by the insider information.

Individuals in receipt of inside information who subsequently use their judgement and determine that the information should be disseminated to other individuals on a ‘need to know’ basis, must also notify Compliance of each additional individual notified of the inside information to add their name to the record of recipients.

When a security is added to the restricted list, trading restrictions will be updated within the order management system (OMS) and will consider regional variations in regulatory requirements. In most cases all open orders in a security added to the insider list, will subsequently be cancelled until the information is cleansed and made public. However, open orders in European securities that have already been placed in the market (in full or in part), cannot be amended after receiving inside information, until the point that inside information is made public. Such orders will continue in accordance with the parameters and instructions given when passing the order for execution.

Invesco operates group wide restrictions whenever a single person is in receipt of inside information. It is therefore equally important that whenever inside information is made public and cleansed, Compliance are notified promptly to remove the security from the insider list and related trading restrictions.

Principle 4

Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value.

Guidance

Institutional investors should set out the circumstances in which they will actively intervene and regularly assess the outcomes of doing so. Intervention should be considered regardless of whether an active or passive investment policy is followed. In addition, being underweight is not, of itself, a reason for not intervening. Instances when institutional investors may want to intervene include, but are not limited to, when they have concerns about the company’s strategy, performance, governance, remuneration or approach to risks, including those that may arise from social and environmental matters.

Initial discussions should take place on a confidential basis. However, if companies do not respond constructively when institutional investors intervene, then institutional investors should consider whether to escalate their action, for example, by:

 

  - Holding additional meetings with management specifically to discuss concerns;

 

  - Expressing concerns through the company’s advisers;

 

  - Meeting with the chairman or other board members;

 

  - Intervening jointly with other institutions on particular issues;

 

  - Making a public statement in advance of General Meetings;

 

  - Submitting resolutions and speaking at General Meetings; and

 

  - Requisitioning a General Meeting, in some cases proposing to change board membership

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

IP’s fund managers manage corporate governance matters independently with the companies that they engage with. We believe that it is a key part of the investment process to protect and add value on behalf of investors.

Initially any issues/concerns would be raised by its fund managers through IP’s process of on-going dialogue and company meetings. We may then take a number of actions to escalate our concerns along the lines of a broad escalation hierarchy, via a number of different approaches including (but not limited too) as follows:

 

  - Meeting with non-executive members of company boards to discuss our concerns

 

  - Attendance and active participation at company annual general meetings (AGMs)

 

  - Writing of letters to company boards expressing our concerns and requiring action to be taken

 

  - Votes against management through the use of proxy voting on company resolutions

On occasions where a fund manager believes an issue is significant enough to be escalated, we will ensure the relevant internal resources are made available to support the fund manager in securing the most appropriate outcome for IP’s clients.

Examples of issues that would prompt us to escalate our concerns may include:

 

  - Poor examples of corporate governance practice within companies – for example where management structures are created that increase conflicts of interest, or leave management control in the hands of dominant shareholders.

 

  - Concerns over remuneration policies at companies where those policies do not align with the ongoing positive growth of the company. This may include us exercising our proxy votes against the reappointment of chairs of the remuneration committees in order to express our concerns.


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  - Where the strategic direction of companies that we invest in changes significantly, and does not match with the original investment rationale that attracted us to the company in the first place, and where we believe that the new strategy will no longer return the best value to shareholders, and ultimately to our clients.

 

  - Where Board structure or individual composition at an investee companies does not meet our standards in terms of the qualifications and expertise required.

We believe that our approach to escalation is consistent with the intent of the Code. However, because we approach each engagement individually we do not see this as a mechanistic process, and therefore our approach will vary based on the individual situations. Through regular and frank meetings with management, we try as much as possible to raise queries and issues before they become areas of concern that require more direct intervention – such as votes against management or divestment of positions.

Due to the nature of our engagement activities we are unlikely to make public statements or propose shareholder resolutions.

Our preference is to engage privately as we believe it better serves the long-term interests of our clients to establish relationships, and a reputation with companies that enhances rather than hinders dialogue.

Principle 5

Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate

Guidance

At times collaboration with other investors may be the most effective manner in which to engage.

Collective engagement may be most appropriate at times of significant corporate or wider economic stress, or when the risks posed threaten to destroy significant value.

Institutional investors should disclose their policy on collective engagement, which should indicate their readiness to work with other investors through formal and informal groups when this is necessary to achieve their objectives and ensure companies are aware of concerns. The disclosure should also indicate the kinds of circumstances in which the institutional investor would consider participating in collective engagement.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

IP is supportive of collective engagement in cases where objectives between parties are mutually agreeable and there are no conflicts of interest.

In taking collaborative action we are cognisant of legal and regulatory requirements, including on market abuse, insider dealing and concert party regulations.

The Investment Association (IA), the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), the Investor Forum, the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) and the UN backed Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) coordinate and support collective shareholder meetings which can be very effective as they are carried out in a neutral environment. Where we have an interest, we are regular participants in such meetings.

IP are also members of the Investor Forum UK, an organisation set up to create an effective model for collective engagement with UK companies.

All of our engagement activities are undertaken in the best interests of our clients.

Principle 6

Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity

Guidance

Institutional investors should seek to on vote all shares held. They should not automatically support the board.

If they have been unable to reach a satisfactory outcome through active dialogue then they should register an abstention or vote against the resolution. In both instances, it is good practice to inform the company in advance of their intention and the reasons why.

Institutional investors should disclose publicly voting records.

Institutional investors should disclose the use made, if any, of proxy voting or other voting advisory services. They should describe the scope of such services, identify the providers and disclose the extent to which they follow, rely upon or use recommendations made by such services.

Institutional investors should disclose their approach to stock lending and recalling lent stock.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

Invesco views proxy voting as an integral part of its investment management responsibilities and believes that the right to vote proxies should be managed with the same high standards of care and fiduciary duty to its clients as all other elements of the investment process. Invesco’s proxy voting philosophy, governance structure and process are designed to ensure that proxy votes are cast in accordance with clients’ best interests, which Invesco interprets to mean clients’ best economic interests.

Invesco investment teams vote proxies on behalf of Invesco-sponsored funds and non-fund advisory clients that have explicitly granted Invesco authority in writing to vote proxies on their behalf.

The proxy voting process at Invesco, which is driven by investment professionals, focuses on maximizing long-term value for our clients, protecting clients’ rights and promoting governance structures and practices that reinforce the accountability of corporate management and boards of directors to shareholders. Invesco takes a nuanced approach to voting and, therefore, many matters to be voted upon are reviewed on a case by case basis.


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Stewardship Policy

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In terms of reporting our proxy voting records publicly, we already publish our UK Equity team proxy vote records on our website on an annual basis. Our intention is to report all of our investment teams’ proxy voting records through an easily accessible portal on our internet page. This will allow our clients to see votes that have been cast by our investment professionals on each of our UCITS funds managed by IAML, by company that we are shareholders of, and by resolution, and to easily search for the records that they are interested in. This is planned to be in place by the end of 2016. This data will be updated on an annual basis.

Global Proxy Voting Platform and Administration

Guided by its philosophy that investment teams should manage proxy voting, Invesco has created the Global Invesco Proxy Advisory Committee (“Global IPAC”). The Global IPAC is a global investments-driven committee which compromises representatives from various investment management teams and Invesco’s Head of Global Governance, Policy and Responsible Investment (“Head of Global Governance”). The Global IPAC provides a forum for investment teams to monitor, understand and discuss key proxy issues and voting trends within the Invesco complex. In the absence of a conflict of interest, the Global IPAC representatives, in consultation with the respective investment team, are responsible for voting proxies for the securities the team manages. In addition to the Global IPAC, for some clients, third parties (e.g., U.S. mutual fund boards) provide oversight of the proxy process.

The Global IPAC and Invesco’s proxy administration and governance team, compliance and legal teams regularly communicate and review this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment centre to ensure that they remain consistent with clients’ best interests, regulatory requirements, governance trends and industry best practices.

Invesco maintains a proprietary global proxy administration platform, supported by the Head of Global Governance and a dedicated team of internal proxy specialists. The platform streamlines the proxy voting and ballot reconciliation processes, as well as related functions, such as share blocking and managing conflicts of interest issuers. Managing these processes internally, as opposed to relying on third parties, gives Invesco greater quality control, oversight and independence in the proxy administration process.

The platform also includes advanced global reporting and record-keeping capabilities regarding proxy matters that enable Invesco to satisfy client, regulatory and management requirements. Historical proxy voting information, including commentary by investment professionals regarding the votes they cast, where applicable, is stored to build institutional knowledge across the Invesco complex with respect to individual companies and proxy issues. Certain investment teams also use the platform to access third-party proxy research.

Non-Votes

In the vast majority of instances, Invesco is able to vote proxies successfully. However, in certain circumstances Invesco may refrain from voting where the economic or other opportunity costs of voting exceeds any anticipated benefits of that proxy proposal. In addition, there may be instances in which Invesco is unable to vote all of its clients’ proxies despite using commercially reasonable efforts to do so. For example:

 

  - Invesco may not receive proxy materials from the relevant fund or client custodian with sufficient time and information to make an informed independent voting decision. In such cases, Invesco may choose not to vote, to abstain from voting or to vote in accordance with proxy advisor recommendations

 

  - If the security in question is on loan as part of a securities lending program, Invesco may determine that the benefit to the client of voting a particular proxy is outweighed by the revenue that would be lost by terminating the loan and recalling the securities

 

  - In some countries the exercise of voting rights imposes temporary transfer restrictions on the related securities (“share blocking”). Invesco generally refrains from voting proxies in share-blocking countries unless Invesco determines that the benefit to the clients of voting a specific proxy outweighs the clients’ temporary inability to sell the security

 

  - Some companies require a representative to attend meetings in person in order to vote a proxy. In such cases, Invesco may determine that the costs of sending a representative or signing a power-of-attorney outweigh the benefit of voting a particular proxy

IP uses Institutional Shareholder Services to process its voting decisions and the Association of British Insurers IVIS service for research for UK securities.

Approach to Stock Lending

IP does not enter into stock lending arrangements which might impact the voting process. We do not believe that our clients’ best interests are served by lending stocks out to third parties that may not have the same reasons for investing in those companies that we do. We do not believe giving up our voting ability by lending out stock is compatible with our beliefs in terms of corporate engagement.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   11

 

Principle 7

Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities

Guidance

Institutional investors should maintain a clear record of their stewardship activities.

Asset managers should regularly account to their clients or beneficiaries as to how they have discharged their responsibilities. Such reports will be likely to comprise qualitative as well as quantitative information. The particular information reported and the format used, should be a matter for agreement between agents and their principals.

Asset owners should report at least annually to those to whom they are accountable on their stewardship policy and its execution.

Transparency is an important feature of effective stewardship. Institutional investors should not, however, be expected to make disclosures that might be counterproductive. Confidentiality in specific situations may well be crucial to achieving a positive outcome.

Asset managers that sign up to this Code should obtain an independent opinion on their engagement and voting processes having regard to an international standard or a UK framework such as AAF 01/062. The existence of such assurance reporting should be publicly disclosed. If requested, clients should be provided access to such assurance reports.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

In terms of reporting our proxy voting records publicly, we already publish our UK Equity team proxy vote records on our website on an annual basis. Our intention is to report all of our investment teams’ proxy voting records through an easily accessible portal on our internet page. This will allow our clients to see votes that have been cast by our investment professionals on each of our UCITS funds managed by IAML, by company that we are shareholders of, and by resolution, and to easily search for the records that they are interested in. This is planned to be in place by the end of 2016. This data will be updated on an annual basis.

The processes relating to our corporate governance activities are subject to audit by our internal audit function. This function is independent from the front office, and the rest of the business, and provides an independent assessment of business practises directly to Board level.

We believe that this level of scrutiny and oversight provides our clients with the assurance that our policies and practises meet and exceed current industry standards.

We will continually assess this approach.

Further information/useful links (also available via our website):

https://www.invesco.com/corporate/about-us/ proxy-voting

Key contact details for matters concerning stewardship:

Bonnie Saynay

Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment

Tel: +1 (713) 214-4774

Email: Bonnie.Saynay@invesco.com

Stuart Howard

Head of Investment Management Operations

Tel: +44 1491 417175

Email: Stuart_Howard@invescoperpetual.co.uk

Dan Baker

Operations Manager

Tel: +44 1491 416514

Email: Dan_Baker@invescoperpetual.co.uk

Charles Henderson

UK Equities Business Manager

Tel: +44 1491 417672

Email: Charles_Henderson@invescoperpetual.co.uk

Telephone calls may be recorded.


   12

 

Important information

Where Invesco Perpetual has expressed views and opinions, these may change. Invesco Perpetual is a business name of Invesco Asset Management Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Invesco Asset Management Limited

Registered in England 949417

Registered office Perpetual Park, Perpetual Park Drive, Henley-on-Thames,

Oxfordshire, RG9 1HH, UK.

61186/PDF/231116


 

 

Proxy Guidelines

for

Invesco Canada, Ltd.


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INVESCO CANADA

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to describe Invesco Canada Ltd.’s (“Invesco Canada”) general guidelines for voting proxies received from companies held in the accounts (“Accounts”) for which it acts as investment fund manager and/or adviser including:

 

   

Investment fund manager, including investment funds offered in Canada (the “Canadian Funds”),

 

   

Adviser, including separately managed portfolios (“SMPs”),

 

   

Sub-adviser, including investment funds registered under and governed by the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “US Funds”).

The Accounts referred to above, exclude Accounts that are sub-advised (“Sub-Advised Accounts”) by affiliated or third party advisers (“Sub-Advisers”). Proxies for Sub-Advised Accounts will be voted in accordance with the Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policy (which may contain different voting recommendations), provided the policy as a whole is designed with the intention of voting securities in the best interest of the Account; unless the sub-advisory agreement provides otherwise.

Voting rights will not be exercised in accordance with this policy or the Sub-Adviser’s proxy policy if the investment management agreement between the client and Invesco Canada governing the SMP provides otherwise.

Compliance will review the proxy voting policies and procedures of any new sub-advisors as part of its due diligence.

Introduction

lnvesco Canada has a fiduciary obligation to act in the best long-term economic interest of the Accounts when voting proxies of portfolio companies.

The default is to vote with the recommendation of the company’s management.

As a general rule, portfolio managers shall vote against any actions that would:

 

   

Reduce the rights or options of shareholders,

 

   

Reduce shareholder influence over the board of directors and management,

 

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Reduce the alignment of interests between company management and the shareholders; or

 

   

Reduce the value of shareholders investments.

Since Invesco Canada’s portfolio managers follow an investment discipline that includes investing in companies that are believed to have strong management teams, the portfolio managers will generally support the management of companies in which they invest, and will accord proper weight to the recommendations of company management. Therefore, in most circumstances, votes will be cast in accordance with the recommendations of company management.

While Invesco Canada’s proxy voting guidelines are stated below, the portfolio managers will take into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances (including country specific considerations), and retain the right to vote proxies as deemed appropriate.

These guidelines may be amended from time to time.

Voting rights may not be exercised in situations where:

 

   

The securities have been sold subsequent to record date;

 

   

Administrative issues prevent voting, or;

 

   

Invesco Canada is sub-advising for an unaffiliated third-party and either: (a) the sub-advisory agreement with the unaffiliated third-party does not permit Invesco Canada to vote the securities; or (b) the securities to be voted have been lent out by the unaffiliated third-party.

Conflicts of Interest

When voting proxies, Invesco Canada’s portfolio managers assess whether there are material conflicts of interest between lnvesco Canada’s interests and those of the Account. A potential conflict of interest situation may include where Invesco Canada or an affiliate manages assets for, provides other financial services to, or otherwise has a material business relationship with, a company whose management is soliciting proxies, and failure to vote in favour of management of the company may harm Invesco Canada’s relationship with the company. In all situations, the portfolio managers will not take Invesco Canada’s relationship with the company into account, and will vote the proxies in the best interest of the Account. To the extent that a portfolio manager has any personal conflict of interest with respect to a company or an issue presented, that portfolio manager should abstain from voting on that company or issue. Portfolio managers are required to report in writing to the relevant Investment Head or ClO any such conflicts of interest and/or attempts by outside parties to improperly influence the voting process. If the portfolio manager in question is the ClO, such conflicts of interest

 

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and/or attempts by outside parties to improperly influence the voting process shall be presented in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer. The Global Investments Director (or designate) will report any conflicts of interest to the Independent Review Committee on an annual basis.

 

I. BOARDS OF DIRECTORS

 

We believe that a board that has at least a majority of independent directors is integral to good corporate governance. Unless there are restrictions specific to a company’s home jurisdiction, key board committees, including audit and compensation committees, should be completely independent.

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Votes in an uncontested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors that may include:

 

   

Long-term financial company performance relative to a market index,

 

   

Composition of the board and key board committees,

 

   

Nominee’s attendance at board meetings,

 

   

Nominee’s time commitments as a result of serving on other company boards,

 

   

Nominee’s stock ownership position in the company,

 

   

Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO, and

 

   

Whether a retired CEO sits on the board.

Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors that may include:

 

   

Long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry,

 

   

Management’s track record,

 

   

Background to the proxy contest,

 

   

Qualifications of director nominees (both slates),

 

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Evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can he met, and

 

   

Stock ownership positions in the company.

Majority Threshold Voting for Director Elections

We will generally vote for proposals that require directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast unless the relevant portfolio manager believes that the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard.

Separating Chairman and CEO

Shareholder proposals to separate the chairman and CEO positions should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

While we generally support these proposals, some companies have governance structures in place that can satisfactorily counterbalance a combined position. Voting decisions will take into account factors such as:

 

   

Designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members with clearly delineated duties;

 

   

Majority of independent directors;

 

   

All-independent key committees;

 

   

Committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors;

 

   

CEO performance is reviewed annually by a committee of independent directors; and

 

   

Established governance guidelines.

Majority of Independent Directors

While we generally support proposals asking that a majority of directors be independent, each proposal should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We generally vote for proposals that the board’s audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.

Stock Ownership Requirements

 

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We believe that individual directors should be appropriately compensated and motivated to act in the best interests of shareholders. Share ownership by directors better aligns their interests with those of other shareholders. Therefore, we believe that meaningful share ownership by directors is in the best interest of the company.

We generally vote for proposals that require a certain percentage of a director’s compensation to be in the form of common stock.

Size of Boards of Directors

We believe that the number of directors is important to ensuring the board’s effectiveness in maximizing long-term shareholder value. The board must be large enough to allow it to adequately discharge its responsibilities, without being so large that it becomes cumbersome.

While we will prefer a board of no fewer than 5 and no more than 16 members, each situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the specific company circumstances.

Classified or Staggered Boards

In a classified or staggered board, directors are typically elected in two or more “classes”, serving terms greater than one year.

We prefer the annual election of all directors and will generally not support proposals that provide for staggered terms for board members. We recognize that there may be jurisdictions where staggered terms for board members is common practice and, in such situations, we will review the proposals on a case-by-case basis.

Director Indemnification and Liability Protection

We recognize that many individuals may be reluctant to serve as corporate directors if they are personally liable for all lawsuits and legal costs. As a result, limitations on directors’ liability can benefit the corporation and its shareholders by helping to attract and retain qualified directors while providing recourse to shareholders on areas of misconduct by directors.

We generally vote for proposals that limit directors’ liability and provide indemnification as long as the arrangements are limited to the director acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and, in criminal matters, are limited to the director having reasonable grounds for believing the conduct was lawful.

 

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II. AUDITORS

 

A strong audit process is a requirement for good corporate governance. A significant aspect of the audit process is a strong relationship with a knowledgeable and independent set of auditors.

Ratification of Auditors

We believe a company should limit its relationship with its auditors to the audit engagement, and certain closely related activities that do not, in the aggregate, raise an appearance of impaired independence.

We generally vote for the reappointment of the company’s auditors unless:

 

   

It is not clear that the auditors will be able to fulfill their function;

 

   

There is reason to believe the auditors have rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position; or

 

   

The auditors have a significant professional or personal relationship with the issuer that compromises their independence.

Disclosure of Audit vs. Non-Audit Fees

Understanding the fees earned by the auditors is important for assessing auditor independence. Our support for the re-appointment of the auditors will take into consideration whether the management information circular contains adequate disclosure about the amount and nature of audit vs. non-audit fees.

There may be certain jurisdictions that do not currently require disclosure of audit vs. non-audit fees. In these circumstances, we will generally support proposals that call for this disclosure.

 

III. COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

 

Appropriately designed equity-based compensation plans, approved by shareholders, can be an effective way to align the interests of long-term shareholders and the interests of management, employees and directors. Plans should not substantially dilute shareholders’ ownership interests in the company, provide participants with excessive awards or have objectionable structural features. We will consider each compensation plan in its entirety (including all incentives, awards and other compensation) to determine if the plan provides the right incentives to managers, employees and directors and is reasonable on the whole.

While we generally encourage companies to provide more transparent disclosure related to their compensation programs, the following are specific guidelines dealing with some

 

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of the more common features of these programs (features not specifically itemized below will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the general principles described above):

Cash Compensation and Severance Packages

We will generally support the board’s discretion to determine and grant appropriate cash compensation and severance packages.

Executive Compensation (“say on pay”)

Proposals requesting that companies subject each year’s compensation record to a non binding advisory shareholder vote, or so-called “say on pay” proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Equity Based Plans – Dilution

Equity compensation plans can increase the number of shares of a company and therefore dilute the value of existing shares. While such plans can be an effective compensation tool in moderation, they can be a concern to shareholders and their cost needs to be closely watched. We assess proposed equity compensation plans on a case-by-case basis.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

We will generally vote for the use of employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value. It is recognized that country specific circumstances may exist (e.g. tax issues) that require proposals to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Loans to Employees

We will vote against the corporation making loans to employees to allow employees to pay for stock or stock options. It is recognized that country specific circumstances may exist that require proposals to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Stock Option Plans – Board Discretion

We will vote against stock option plans that give the board broad discretion in setting the terms and conditions of the programs. Such programs should be submitted with detail and be reasonable in the circumstances regarding their cost, scope, frequency and schedule for exercising the options.

 

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Stock Option Plans – Inappropriate Features

We will generally vote against plans that have any of the following structural features:

 

   

ability to re-price “underwater” options without shareholder approval,

 

   

ability to issue options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price,

 

   

ability to issue “reload” options, or

 

   

automatic share replenishment (“evergreen”) features.

Stock Option Plans – Director Eligibility

While we prefer stock ownership by directors, we will support stock option plans for directors as long as the terms and conditions of director options are clearly defined

Stock Option Plans – Repricing

We will vote for proposals to re-price options if there is a value-for-value (rather than a share-for-share) exchange.

Stock Option Plans – Vesting

We will vote against stock option plans that are 100% vested when granted.

Stock Option Plans – Authorized Allocations

We will generally vote against stock option plans that authorize allocation of 25% or more of the available options to any one individual.

Stock Option Plans – Change in Control Provisions

We will vote against stock option plans with change in control provisions that allow option holders to receive more for their options than shareholders would receive for their shares.

 

IV. CORPORATE MATTERS

 

We will review proposals relating to changes to capital structure and restructuring on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the impact of the changes on corporate governance and shareholder rights, anticipated financial and operating benefits, portfolio manager views, level of dilution, and a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

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Common Stock Authorization

We will review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a case-by-case basis.

Dual Class Share Structures

Dual class share structures involve a second class of common stock with either superior or inferior voting rights to those of another class of stock.

We will generally vote against proposals to create or extend dual class share structures where classes have different voting rights.

Stock Splits

We will vote for proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in excessive dilution given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

Reverse Stock Splits

We will vote for proposals to implement a reverse stock split.

Share Repurchase Programs

We will vote against proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans if all shareholders do not participate on an equal basis.

Reincorporation

Reincorporation involves re-establishing the company in a different legal jurisdiction.

We will generally vote for proposals to reincorporate the company provided that the board and management have demonstrated sound financial or business reasons for the move. Proposals to reincorporate will generally not be supported if solely as part of an anti-takeover defense or as a way to limit directors’ liability.

Mergers & Acquisitions

We will vote for merger & acquisition proposals that the relevant portfolio managers believe, based on their review of the materials:

 

   

will result in financial and operating benefits,

 

   

have a fair offer price,

 

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have favourable prospects for the combined companies, and

 

   

will not have a negative impact on corporate governance or shareholder rights.

 

V. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 

We recognize that to effectively manage a corporation, directors and management must consider not only the interests of shareholders, but the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, and creditors, among others.

We believe that companies and their boards must give careful consideration to social responsibility issues in order to enhance long-term shareholder value.

We support efforts by companies to develop policies and practices that consider social responsibility issues related to their businesses.

 

VI. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Shareholder proposals can be extremely complex, and the impact on the interests of all stakeholders can rarely be anticipated with a high degree of confidence. As a result, shareholder proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration of factors such as:

 

   

the proposal’s impact on the company’s short-term and long-term share value,

 

   

its effect on the company’s reputation,

 

   

the economic effect of the proposal,

 

   

industry and regional norms in which the company operates,

 

   

the company’s overall corporate governance provisions, and

 

   

the reasonableness of the request.

We will generally support shareholder proposals that require additional disclosure regarding corporate responsibility issues where the relevant portfolio manager believes:

 

   

the company has failed to adequately address these issues with shareholders,

 

   

there is information to suggest that a company follows procedures that are not in compliance with applicable regulations, or

 

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the company fails to provide a level of disclosure that is comparable to industry peers or generally accepted standards.

We will generally not support shareholder proposals that place arbitrary or artificial constraints on the board, management or the company.

Ordinary Business Practices

We will generally support the board’s discretion regarding shareholder proposals that involve ordinary business practices.

Protection of Shareholder Rights

We will generally vote for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if the company’s corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted.

Barriers to Shareholder Action

We will generally vote for proposals to lower barriers to shareholder action.

Shareholder Rights Plans

We will generally vote for proposals to subject shareholder rights plans to a shareholder vote.

 

VII. OTHER

 

We will vote against or abstain on proposals that may authorize the company to conduct any other business that is not described in the proxy statement or where the proxy materials lack sufficient information upon which to base an informed decision.

Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses

Decisions to provide reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest are made on a case-by-case basis.

 

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Proxy Guidelines

for

Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited


Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited

Outlines of Proxy Voting Guidelines

March 31, 2016

 

1. Purpose and Policy of Proxy Voting

We vote proxies for the purpose of seeking to maximize the long-term interests of our clients (investors) and beneficiaries, with an awareness of the importance of corporate governance, based on fiduciary duties to our clients (investors) and beneficiaries. We do not vote proxies for the interests of ourselves and any third party other than clients (investors) and beneficiaries. The interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries mean growth in corporate value or economic interests of shareholders or protection against their impairment. Proxy voting is an integral part of our stewardship activities and we make voting decisions from the perspective of contributing to enhanced corporate value and sustainable growth.

 

2. Proxy Voting System

In order to vote proxies adequately we have established the Corporate Governance Committee, which provides guidelines and criteria for proxy voting decisions, and supervises the decision making process concerning our independent proxy voting. While we may seek advice from an external expert based on our guidelines, our investment professionals make voting decisions in principle, based on our proxy voting guidelines, taking into account whether or not they contribute to greater shareholder value of the company in question.

 

3. Summary of Criteria for Proxy Voting Decisions

Key areas of criteria for proxy voting decisions are as follows:

 

   

Profit distribution and Dividends

 

   

We make decisions, taking into account the company’s financial conditions, management performance and shareholder returns, etc.

 

   

Upon taking into account of balance sheet status, including capital adequacy level, and business strategies, etc., if the total payout ratio including dividends and share buybacks is significantly low, we consider voting against proposals on profit distribution.


   

Election of Directors

 

   

We make decisions, taking into account independence and competence of director nominees and the company’s management performance, etc.

 

   

We vote against the election of an outside director who is deemed to have a conflict of interest in the company.

 

   

We generally vote against the election of a top executive, unless there are at least two outside directors.

 

   

We consider voting against the election of a top executive, if business strategies that enable corporate value enhancement and sustainable growth are not demonstrated and constructive dialogues are not engaged in terms of capital efficiency including ROE.

 

   

Election of Statutory Auditors

 

   

We make decisions, taking into account independence and competence of statutory auditor nominees, etc.

 

   

In terms of independence, we generally vote against the election of statutory auditors, unless figures that can provide the basis for making judgment on existence of an interest in the company are disclosed.

 

   

Executive Compensation and Bonuses

 

   

In terms of executive compensation, it is desirable that measures to secure transparency are taken, a formula that can justify the calculation of compensation is disclosed and performance-based compensation structure is put in place.

 

   

We consider to vote against proposals seeking approval for compensation, in the cases where there exists a problematic compensation system or the total amount of compensation is not disclosed.

 

   

We consider voting against the election of a top executive, if there is no proposal seeking approval for compensation and there exists an inappropriate compensation system.

 

   

We vote for proposals that require disclosure of compensation of individual directors.

 

   

We generally vote against bonuses for outside directors and outside statutory auditors. We also generally vote against proposals to grant stock options to outside directors and outside auditors and any third parties other than employees.


   

Cross-shareholdings

 

   

If the company holds shares for relationship purpose, the company is required to explain about medium- to long-term business and financial strategies including capital cost allocation and to disclose criteria for proxy voting decisions and voting results, etc. If reasonable views are not indicated and constructive dialogues are not engaged, we consider to vote against the election of a top executive.

 

   

Capital Policy

 

   

We make decisions on an increase in authorized shares, taking into account the impact on shareholder value and shareholder rights, rationale of the proposal and the impact on share listing and corporate sustainability.

 

   

Takeover Defense

 

   

We generally vote against establishment, amendment and update of takeover defense measures that are judged to decrease shareholder value or hinder shareholder rights. We generally vote against the election of a top executive, if there exist takeover defense measures that are not part of proposals at the shareholders meeting but are judged to decrease shareholder value or hinder shareholder rights.

 

   

ESG

 

   

We support the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and acknowledge the importance of companies’ ESG issues among investment decision making process. Thus, we consider to vote against the election of a top executive and responsible directors, if any event occurs that is likely to significantly impair corporate value.

 

   

Conflict of Interest

 

   

We abstain from voting proxies of companies that pose conflicts of interest.

 

   

Shareholder Proposals

 

   

We make decisions on shareholder proposals along with company proposals in accordance with the guidelines in principle, taking into account the impact on shareholder value, etc.

 

   

As there exist several areas relating to criteria for voting decisions other than the above, we also make decisions from the perspective of whether or not they contribute to enhanced shareholder returns and corporate value.


 

 

Proxy Guidelines

for

Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH


April 2013

INVESCO CONTINENTAL EUROPE

VOTING RIGHTS POLICY

INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT SA (& BRANCHES IN AMSTERDAM, BRUSSELS, MADRID, MILAN, STOCKHOLM)

INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT ÖSTERREICH GMBH

Approach

This document sets out the high level Proxy Voting Policy of the companies outlined above and referred to as Invesco Continental Europe (“Invesco CE”). The principles within this policy are followed by these companies or to any of its delegates as applicable.

Invesco CE is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all its clients. As such Invesco CE has put in place procedures to ensure that voting rights attached to securities within a UCITS or portfolio for which it is the Management Company are exercised where appropriate and in the best interests of the individual UCITS/ portfolio itself. Where Invesco CE delegates the activity of Investment Management it will ensure that the delegate has in place policies and procedures consistent with the principles of this policy.

Voting Opportunities

Voting opportunities which exist in relation to securities within each individual UCITS/ portfolio are monitored on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that advantage can be taken of any opportunity that arises to benefit the individual UCITS/ portfolio.

When is has been identified that a voting opportunity exists, an investment decisions is taken whether or not the opportunity to vote should be exercised and, if relevant, the voting decision to be taken. Considerations which are taken into account include:

 

   

The cost of participating in the vote relative to the potential benefit to the UCITS/portfolio.

 

   

The impact of participation in a vote on the liquidity of the securities creating the voting opportunity due to the fact that some jurisdictions will require that the securities are not sold for a period if they are the subject of a vote.

 

   

Other factors as deemed appropriate by the Investment Manager in relation to the investment objectives and policy of the individual UCITS/ portfolio.

It may be the case that an investment decision is taken not to participate in a vote. Such decisions can be equally appropriate due to the considerations applied by the investment team to determine the relative benefit to the individual UCITS/ portfolio, based on criteria such as fund size, investment objective, policy and investment strategy applicable.


Conflicts of Interest:

Invesco CE has a Conflicts of Interest Policy which outlines the principles for avoiding, and where not possible, managing conflicts of interest. At no time will Invesco CE use shareholding powers in respect of individual UCITS/portfolio to advance its own commercial interests, to pursue a social or political cause that is unrelated to a UCITS’/portfolio’s economic interests, or to favour another UCITS/ portfolio or client or other relationship to the detriment of others. This policy is available, free of cost, from any of the Invesco CE companies.

Information on Voting Activity:

Further information on votes which were available to individual UCITS and actions taken are available to unitholders free of charge and by request to the UCITS Management Company.


PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 25. Financial Statements And Exhibits

 

(1) Financial Statements

Incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration Statement, as described in the Statement of Additional Information, are the Registrant’s audited financial statements, notes to such financial statements and the report of independent registered public accounting firm thereon, by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report for the period ended February 28, 2017, as contained in the Registrant’s Form N-CSR filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on May 8, 2017.

 

(2) Exhibits

 

(a)    (i)    Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated May 15, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Registrant’s report on Form N-SAR-A/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2012 )
   (ii)    Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated December 3, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
   (iii)    Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated August 29, 2014 ( incorporated by reference to Registrant’s report on Form N-SAR-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2014 )
   (iv)    Form of Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated June 13, 2017 ( filed herewith )
(b)    (i)    Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant, effective as of August 29, 2014 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(a) to Registrant’s report on Form N-SAR-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2014 )
   (ii)    Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant, adopted effective June 13, 2017 ( filed herewith )
   (ii)    (1)    Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, dated October 26, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(ii)(1) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (2)    Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 3, 2012, to the Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares Agreement ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(ii)(2) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (3)    Amendment No. 2, dated as of August 29, 2013, to the Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares Agreement ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(ii)(3) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (4)    Amendment No. 3, dated as of August 27, 2014, to the Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares ( filed herewith )
      (5)    Amendment No. 4, dated as of March 29, 2017, to the Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares ( filed herewith )
(c)    Not applicable
(d)    Not applicable
(e)    Dividend Reinvestment Plan of Registrant ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
(f)    Not applicable


(g)    (i)    (1)    Master Investment Advisory Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2012, between the Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. ( incorporated by reference to Registrant’s report on Form N-SAR-A/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2012 )
      (2)    Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 3, 2012, to the Master Investment Advisory Agreement ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit 77Q1(a) to Registrant’s report on Form N-SAR-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2013 )
   (ii)    (1)    Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract, dated August 27, 2012, between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and each of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd. ( incorporated by reference to Registrant’s report on Form N-SAR-A/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2012 )
      (2)    Amendment No. 1 to Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract, dated December 3, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(ii)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016 )
      (3)    Termination Agreement, dated January 16, 2015, between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco Australia Limited ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(ii)(3) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016 )
(h)    Form of Underwriting Agreement/Sales Agreement ( to be filed by post-effective amendment )
(i)    (i)    Form of AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/Trustees, as approved by the Board of Directors/Trustees on December 31, 2010 ( incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds) registration statement filed on September 23, 2011
   (ii)    Form of Invesco Funds Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement as approved by the Board of Directors/Trustees on December 31, 2010 ( incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds) registration statement filed on September 23, 2011
   (iii)    Form of Amendment to Form of Invesco Funds Trustee Deferred Compensation Agreement ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(iii) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016 )
(j)    Amended and Restated Master Custodian Contract, dated June 1, 2010, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (j) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
(k)    (i)    Form of Memorandum of Agreement (Advisory Fee Waivers), effective July 1, 2017, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. ( filed herewith )
   (ii)    (1)    Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, between Registrant and Computershare EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. and EquiServe, Inc. ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(1) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (2)    Amendment No.1 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 20, 2009 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(2) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)


      (3)    Letter Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated June 1, 2010 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(3) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (4)    Amendment No. 2 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 23, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(4) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (5)    Notice of Assignment of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 24, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(5) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (6)    Amendment No. 3 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated December 3, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(ii)(6) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (7)    Transfer Agency and Service Agreement , dated October 1, 2016, between Registrant and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Inc. ( filed herewith )
      (8)    Amendment No. 1 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated November 21, 2016 ( filed herewith )
   (iii)    (1)    Master Administrative Services Agreement, dated June 1, 2010, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iii)(1) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (2)    Amendment No. 1 to Master Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 1, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iii)(2) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (3)    Amendment No. 2 to Master Administrative Services Agreement, dated August 17, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iii)(3) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
      (4)    Amendment No. 3 to Master Administrative Services Agreement, dated December 3, 2012 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(iii)(4) to Registrant’s report on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2015)
   (iv)    (1)    Credit Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2015, between registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(v)(l) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016 )
      (2)    Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated December 8, 2016 ( filed herewith )
(l)    (i) Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2016 )
   (ii) Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP ( filed herewith )
(m)    Not applicable
(n)    (i)       Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ( filed herewith )
(o)    Not applicable
(p)    Not applicable
(q)    Not applicable
(r)    (i)       Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2017, relating to Invesco Advisers, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries ( filed herewith )
   (ii)       Invesco UK Code of Ethics, dated 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management Limited ( filed herewith )

 

3


   (iii)       Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2016, relating to Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited ( filed herewith )
   (iv)       Invesco Hong Kong Limited Code of Ethics dated January 1, 2017, relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited ( filed herewith )
   (v)       Invesco Canada Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2016 ( filed herewith )
   (vi)       Invesco EMEA-EX UK Employees Code of Ethics dated October 1, 2016, related to Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH ( filed herewith )
   (vii)       Invesco Senior Secured Management Code of Ethics Policy, revised June 1, 2016 and Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2017 ( filed herewith )
(s)    (i)    Powers of Attorney for Arch, Bunch, Crockett, Fields, Flanagan, Jones, Mathai-Davis, Soll, Stickel, Taylor and Troccoli, dated May 4, 2016 ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit (s) to Pre Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2016 )
   (ii)    Powers of Attorney for Hostetler, Ressel, Stern and Wilson dated March 28, 2017 ( filed herewith )
(z)       Form of Prospectus Supplement ( incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s report on Form N-2/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016 )

Item 26. Marketing Arrangements

Reference is made to Exhibit (h) to this Registration Statement to be filed by further amendment.

Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:

 

NYSE Listing Fees

   $  50,000  

SEC Registration Fees

   $ 10,207  

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees

   $ 1,500  

Legal Fees

   $ 29,300  

FINRA Fees

   $ 12,000  

Miscellaneous

   $ 3,500  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 106.507  

Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant

None

Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities

 

Title of Class    Number of Record Shareholders as
of June 1, 2017
 

Common Shares

     318  

Preferred Shares

     750  


Item 30. Indemnification

Indemnification provisions for officers, trustees and employees of the Registrant are set forth in Article VIII of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated May 15, 2012, and Article VIII of its Amended and Restated Bylaws, and are hereby incorporated by reference. See Item 25(2)(a) and 25(2)(b) above. Under the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust:

“A Trustee or officer of the Trust, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any person for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust or any Trustee or officer of the Trust; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee or officer against any liability to the Trust or to Shareholders to which the Trustee 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 with the Trust.”

“Every Covered Person shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Act, the Bylaws and other applicable law.”

“In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder of the Trust and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the Trust’s assets, to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law. The Trust, on its own behalf, shall upon request by the Shareholder, assume the defense of any such claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust.”

The Registrant and other investment companies and their respective officers and trustees are insured under a joint Mutual Fund Directors and Officers Liability Policy, issued by ICI Mutual Insurance Company and certain other domestic insurers, with limits up to $80,000,000 (plus an additional $20,000,000 limit that applies to independent directors/trustees only).

Section 16 of the Master Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. (Invesco) provides that:

“In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser or any of its officers, directors or employees, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Trust or to the Funds or to any shareholder of the Trust for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security.”

Section 10 of the Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract (the Sub-Advisory Contract) between Invesco, on behalf of Registrant, and each of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Canada Ltd. (each a Sub-Adviser, collectively the Sub-Advisers) provides that:

“No Sub-Adviser shall be liable for any costs or liabilities arising from any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which this Contract relates except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of such Sub-Adviser in the performance by such Sub-Adviser of its duties or from reckless disregard by such Sub-Adviser of its obligations and duties under this Contract. Any person, even though also an officer, partner, employee, or agent of a Sub-Adviser, who may be or become a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, shall be deemed, when rendering services to the Trust or acting with respect to any business of the Trust, to be rendering such service to or acting solely for the the Trust and not as an officer, partner, employee, or agent or one under the control or direction of such Sub-Adviser even though paid by it.”

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

The only employment of a substantial nature of Invesco Adviser’s directors and officers is with the Advisers and its affiliated companies. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of each of the officers and directors of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and Invesco Canada Ltd. (each a Sub-Adviser, collectively the Sub-Advisers) reference is made to Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, by each Sub-Adviser herein incorporated by reference. Reference is also made to the caption “Fund Management – The Advisers” in the Prospectuses which comprises Part A of this Registration Statement, and to the caption “Investment Advisory and Other Services” of the Statement of Additional Information which comprises Part B of this Registration Statement.

Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records

Invesco Advisers, Inc., 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, maintains physical possession of each such account, book or other document of the Registrant at the Registrant’s principal executive offices, 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309, except for those maintained at its Houston offices, 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77046-1173, or at its Louisville, Kentucky offices, 400 West Market Street, Suite 3300, Louisville, KY 40202, or at the offices of Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc., 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, and except for those relating to certain transactions in portfolio securities that are maintained by the Registrant’s Custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110 and the Registrant’s Transfer Agent and Dividend Paying Agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA, 02021.

Records may also be maintained at the offices of:

Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH

An der Welle 5

1st Floor

Frankfurt, Germany 60322

Invesco Asset Management Ltd.

Perpetual Park

Perpetual Park Drive

Henley-on-Thames

Oxfordshire RG91HH

United Kingdom

Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 14F

6-10-1 Roppongi

Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6114

Invesco Hong Kong Limited

41/F Citibank Tower

3 Garden Road, Central

Hong Kong

Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.

1166 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

Invesco Canada Ltd.

5140 Yonge Street

Suite 800

Toronto, Ontario

Canada M2N 6X7

Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC

3500 Lacey Road

Suite 700

Downers Grove, IL 60515


Item 33. Management Services

Not applicable.

Item 34. Undertakings

 

1. Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of Common Shares until the prospectus is amended, if subsequent to the effective date of this registration statement, its net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value, as of the effective date of the registration statement or its net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus.

 

2. Not applicable.

 

3. Not applicable.

 

4. The securities being registered will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, the Registrant undertakes:

 

  (a) to file post-effective amendments to this registration statement, during any period in which offers or sales are being made in accordance with no-action relief granted to the Registrant on January 26, 2017.

 

  (1) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

  (2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and

 

  (3) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

  (b) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

 

  (c) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

  (d) that, for the purpose of determining liability under the 1933 Act to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

  (e) that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the 1933 Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities: The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

 

  (1) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act;

 

  (2) the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the 1933 Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

  (3) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.


5. Registrant undertakes that:

 

  (a) for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 497(h) under the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

 

  (b) for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

6. Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund, certifies that it meets all the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 486(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized in the City of Atlanta, and the State of Georgia, on the 26th day of June 2017.

 

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

 

By:  

/s/ Sheri Morris

 

Sheri Morris,

President

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed on June 26, 2017 by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

 

SIGNATURES

  

TITLE

 

DATE

 

/s/ Sheri Morris

   President & Treasurer  
(Sheri Morris)    (Principal Executive Officer)   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ David C. Arch*

    
(David C. Arch)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ James T. Bunch*

    
(James T. Bunch)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Bruce L. Crockett*

    
(Bruce L. Crockett)    Chair & Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Jack M. Fields*

    
(Jack M. Fields)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Martin L. Flanagan*

    
(Martin L. Flanagan)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Cynthia Hostetler**

    
(Cynthia Hostetler)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Eli Jones*

    
(Eli Jones)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Prema Mathai-Davis*

    
(Prema Mathai-Davis)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Teresa M. Ressel**

    
(Teresa M. Ressel)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Larry Soll*

    
(Larry Soll)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Ann Barnett Stern**

    
(Ann Barnett Stern)    Trustee   June 26, 2017


 

/s/ Raymond Stickel, Jr.*

    
(Raymond Stickel, Jr.)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Philip A. Taylor*

    
(Philip A. Taylor)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Robert C. Troccoli*

    
(Robert C. Troccoli)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Christopher L. Wilson**

    
(Christopher L. Wilson)    Trustee   June 26, 2017

 

/s/ Kelli Gallegos)

  

 

Vice President &
Assistant Treasurer

 
(Kelli Gallegos)    (Principal Financial Officer)   June 26, 2017

 

  By  

/s/ Sheri Morris

    Sheri Morris
    Attorney-in-Fact

 

* Sheri Morris, pursuant to powers of attorney dated May 4, 2016, filed in Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on June 24, 2016.
** Sheri Morris, pursuant to powers of attorney dated March 28, 2017, filed herewith.


EXHIBITS TO FORM N-2

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

 

Exhibit
Number

   
(a)(iv)   Form of Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant, dated June 13, 2017
(b)(ii)   Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant, adopted effective June 13, 2017
(b)(iii)(4)   Amendment No. 3, dated as of August 27, 2014, to the Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares
(b)(iii)(5)   Amendment No. 4, dated as of March 29, 2017, to the Statement of Preferences of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares
(k)(i)   Form of Memorandum of Agreement (Advisory Fee Waivers), effective July 1, 2017, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc.
(k)(ii)(7)   Transfer Agency and Service Agreement , dated October 1, 2016, between Registrant and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Inc.
(k)(ii)(8)   Amendment No. 1 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated November 21, 2016
(k)(iv)(2)   Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated December 8, 2016
(l)(ii)   Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
(n)(i)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(r)(i)   Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2017, relating to Invesco Advisers, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries
(r)(ii)   Invesco UK Code of Ethics, dated 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management Limited
(r)(iii)   Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2016, relating to Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited
(r)(iv)   Invesco Hong Kong Limited Code of Ethics dated January 1, 2017, relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited
(r)(v)   Invesco Canada Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2016
(r)(vi)   Invesco EMEA-EX UK Employees Code of Ethics dated October 1, 2016, related to Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH
(r)(vii)   Invesco Senior Secured Management Code of Ethics Policy, revised June 1, 2016 and Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2017
(s)(ii)   Powers of Attorney for Hostetler, Ressel, Stern and Wilson dated March 28, 2017

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST of Invesco Senior Income Trust is made the 13 th day of June, 2017 by the parties signatory hereto, as Trustees;

WHEREAS the Trust was formed on April 2, 2012 by its sole Trustee by the filing of a Certificate of Trust with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to a Declaration of Trust, dated as of March 27, 2012, as amended and restated on May 15, 2012 (the “Original Declaration”);

WHEREAS, the initial sole Trustee has appointed the Trustees and resigned and the initial Shareholder has elected the Trustees;

WHEREAS the Trust has been formed to carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company as defined in the 1940 Act;

WHEREAS the Trustees have agreed to manage all property coming into their hands as trustees of a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as amended from time to time, and the provisions hereinafter set forth; and

WHEREAS the Board of Trustees desires to amend and restate the Original Declaration in the manner hereinafter set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees hereby declare that:

(i) the Original Declaration is amended and restated in its entirety in the manner hereinafter set forth;

(ii) all cash, securities and other assets that the Trust may from time to time acquire in any manner shall be managed and disposed of upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and

(iii) this Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Bylaws shall be binding in accordance with their terms on every Trustee, by virtue of having become a Trustee of the Trust, and on every Shareholder, by virtue of having become a Shareholder of the Trust, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Bylaws.

ARTICLE I

NAME, DEFINITIONS, PURPOSE AND CERTIFICATE OF TRUST

Section 1.1 Name . The name of the statutory trust is Invesco Senior Income Trust, and the Trustees may transact the Trust’s affairs in that name or any other name as the Board of Trustees may from time to time designate. The Trustees may, without Shareholder approval, change the name of the Trust. Any name change of the Trust shall become effective upon the filing of a certificate of amendment under the Delaware Act reflecting such change. Any such action shall have the status of an amendment to this Agreement. In the event of any name change, the Trustees shall cause notice to be given to the affected Shareholders within a

 

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reasonable time after the implementation of such change, which notice will be deemed given if the changed name is reflected in any shareholder report. The Trust shall constitute a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the Delaware Act.

Section 1.2 Definitions . Whenever used herein, unless otherwise required by the context or specifically provided in the Governing Instrument:

 

  (a) “Affiliated Person,” “Commission,” “Company,” “Interested Person,” “Person,” and “Principal Underwriter” shall have the meanings given them in the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted or interpretive releases of the Commission thereunder;

 

  (b) “Agreement” means this Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as it may be amended, restated or supplemented, including without limitation, supplements relating to Preferred Shares, if any, from time to time;

 

  (c) “Board of Trustees” or “Board” shall mean the governing body of the Trust, that is comprised of the number of Trustees of the Trust fixed from time to time pursuant to Article III hereof, having the powers and duties set forth herein;

 

  (d) “Bylaws” means the Bylaws of the Trust as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time by the Trustees;

 

  (e) “Certificate of Trust” shall mean the certificate of trust of the Trust filed on April 2, 2012 with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as required under the Delaware Act, as such certificate may be amended or restated from time to time;

 

  (f) “class” or “class of Shares” refers to the division of Shares into two or more classes as provided in Section 2.1;

 

  (g) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated thereunder;

 

  (h) “Covered Person” means a person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, or is or was serving at the request of the Trustees as a director, trustee, partner, officer, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise;

 

  (i) “Delaware Act” refers to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. § 3801 et seq., as such Act may be amended from time to time;

 

  (j) “Governing Instrument” means collectively, this Agreement, the Bylaws, and any instrument or resolution establishing Preferred Shares, and all written committee and sub-committee charters adopted by the Trustees, and any amendments or modifications thereto;

 

  (k) “Majority Shareholder Vote” means the vote of “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust with each class of Shares voting together as a single class, except to the extent the 1940 Act or the Governing Instrument requires the separate vote of one or more classes of Shares, in which case the applicable proportion of such classes of Shares voting as a separate class, as the case may be, will be required;

 

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  (l) “Majority Trustee Vote” means the vote of a majority of the Trustees then in office;

 

  (m) “1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules promulgated thereunder;

 

  (n) “1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time, and the rules promulgated thereunder;

 

  (o) “Record Owner” means, as of any particular time, a record owner of Shares of the Trust shown on the books of the Trust or the Trust’s transfer agent as then issued and outstanding at such time;

 

  (p) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement of the Trust relating to Shares filed with the Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and all amendments to such registration statement, as in effect from time to time and shall include any prospectus or statement of additional information forming a part thereof. The “effective date” of a Registration Statement shall be the date on which such Registration Statement (and any amendments thereto) is declared effective by the Commission, or becomes effective pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act;

 

  (q) “series” or “series of Shares” refers to the designation of Shares into one or more series as provided in Section 2.1;

 

  (r) “Shareholder” means, as of any particular time, an owner of Shares, whether beneficially or of record, of the Trust;

 

  (s) “Shares” means the transferable units of beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided from time to time and includes fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares. All references to Shares shall be deemed to be Shares of any or all series or classes as the context may require;

 

  (t) “Trust” means Invesco Senior Income Trust, the Delaware statutory trust formed under the Original Declaration, as amended and restated by this Agreement, and by filing of the Certificate of Trust with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and governed by this Agreement, as such instruments may be further amended, restated or supplemented from time to time;

 

  (u) “Trust Property” means any and all property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the account of the Trust, or by the Trustees on behalf of the Trust; and

 

  (v) “Trustees” means the natural persons who have signed this Agreement as trustees, and all other natural persons who may from time to time be duly appointed as Trustee in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4, or elected as Trustee by the Shareholders, in each case so long as they shall continue to serve as trustees of the Trust in accordance with the terms hereof and reference herein to a Trustee or to the Trustees shall refer to such natural persons in their capacity as Trustees hereunder.

 

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In this Agreement or in any amended, restated or supplemented Agreement, references to this Agreement, and all expressions like “herein,” “hereof,” and “hereunder,” shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement as amended, restated or supplemented. All expressions like “his,” “he,” and “him,” shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter, as well as masculine, genders.

Section 1.3 Purpose . The purpose of the Trust is to conduct, operate and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act investing primarily in securities and other financial instruments or property, and to carry on such other business as the Trustees may from time to time determine pursuant to their authority under this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

Section 2.1 Shares of Beneficial Interest .

 

  (a) The Trustees may, without Shareholder approval, authorize the creation and issuance of one or more classes of Shares (which classes may be designated as one or more series), with Shares of each such class or series having such par value (or no par value) and such preferences, voting powers, terms of redemption, if any, and special or relative rights or privileges (including conversion rights, if any) as the Trustees may determine. Subject to applicable law, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval, authorize the Trust to issue subscription or other rights representing interests in Shares to existing Shareholders or other persons subject to such terms and conditions as the Trustees may determine. The number of Shares of each class or series authorized shall be unlimited, and, unless otherwise provided in the Governing Instrument, the Shares so authorized may be represented in part by fractional Shares. The Trustees may without Shareholder approval from time to time divide or combine the Shares of any class or series into a greater or lesser number without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest in the class or series. All Shares issued hereunder, including without limitation, Shares issued in connection with a dividend or other distribution in Shares or a split or reverse split of shares, when issued on the terms determined by the Trustees, shall be fully paid and nonassessable.

 

  (b)

The Shares shall initially be designated as one class, a class of an unlimited number of common Shares, no par value (the “Common Shares”), having the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions described below. The Trustees, without shareholder approval, may also, from time to time, issue a class of an unlimited number of preferred Shares (the “Preferred Shares”), having such par value (or no par value), powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as shall be set forth in a written instrument or resolution or resolutions adopted by the Trustees. Following the issuance of Preferred Shares, when no Preferred Shares or series of Preferred Shares remain outstanding, the Trustees may adopt a resolution eliminating such Preferred Shares or Preferred Shares of the applicable series, subject to the right of the Trustees to issue Preferred Shares or Preferred Shares of a series pursuant to a future resolution or resolutions. To the extent that the Trustees authorize and issue Preferred Shares, they are hereby authorized and empowered to amend, restate or supplement this Agreement as they deem necessary or appropriate, including to comply with the requirements of the 1940

 

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  Act or requirements imposed by the rating agencies or other Persons, all without the approval of Shareholders.

 

  (c) Shareholders shall have no power to vote on any matter except matters on which a vote of Shareholders is required by the 1940 Act or the Governing Instrument.

 

  (d) Subject to any Board resolution establishing and designating a class of Shares, Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other right to subscribe for new or additional authorized, but unissued Shares or other securities issued by the Trust.

 

  (e) Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Shares, if any, dividends or other distributions, when, as and if declared by the Board, shall be shared equally by the holders of Common Shares on a share for share basis. Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Shares, if any, in the event of the dissolution of the Trust, the holders of the Common Shares shall be entitled to receive pro rata the net distributable assets of the Trust.

 

  (f) Any Trustee, officer or other agent of the Trust, and any organization in which any such Person has an economic or other interest, may acquire, own, hold and dispose of Shares in the Trust, whether such Shares are authorized but unissued, or already outstanding, to the same extent as if such Person were not a Trustee, officer or other agent of the Trust; and the Trust may issue and sell and may purchase such Shares from any such Person or any such organization, subject to the limitations, restrictions or other provisions applicable to the sale or purchase of such shares herein, the 1940 Act and other applicable law.

Section 2.2 Other Securities . The Trustees may, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Governing Instrument, authorize the creation and issuance of such other securities of the Trust as they determine to be necessary, desirable or appropriate, having such terms, rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions as the Trustees see fit, including debt securities or other securities senior to any Shares or other securities of the Trust. The Trustees are hereby authorized and empowered to amend, restate or supplement this Agreement as they deem necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation and issuance of any such securities without approval of Shareholders. The Trustees are also authorized to take such actions and retain such Persons as they see fit to offer and sell such securities.

Section 2.3 Personal Liability of Shareholders . No Shareholder of the Trust shall be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to, the Trust. Neither the Trust nor the Trustees, nor any officer, employee, or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind personally any Shareholder or to call upon any Shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than (i) such as the Shareholder may at any time personally agree to pay by way of subscription for any Shares or otherwise, or (ii) any indemnification payment owed to the Trust by the Shareholder pursuant to Section 8.5. The Shareholders shall be entitled, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the same limitation of personal liability as is extended under the Delaware General Corporation Law to stockholders of private corporations for profit.

Section 2.4 Derivative Actions . In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Act, a Shareholder or Shareholders may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the following conditions are met:

 

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(a) The Shareholder or Shareholders must make a pre-suit demand upon the Board of Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Board of Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed. For purposes of this Section 2.4, a demand on the Board of Trustees shall be deemed not likely to succeed and therefore excused if a majority of the Board of Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, is composed of Trustees who are not “independent trustees” (as such term is defined in the Delaware Act);

(b) Unless a demand is not required under Section 2.4(a), Shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action under the Delaware Act who hold at least a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Trust shall join in the demand for the Board of Trustees to commence such action; and

(c) Unless a demand is not required under Section 2.4(a), the Board of Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such Shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Board of Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisors in considering the merits of the demand and may require an undertaking by the Shareholders making such demand to reimburse the Trust for the fees and expense of any such counsel or other advisors and other out of pocket expenses of the Trust, in the event that the Board of Trustees determines not to bring such action. The Trust is hereby permitted to redeem or repurchase Shares of any Shareholder liable to the Trust under this Section 2.4(c) at a value determined by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the 1940 Act and other applicable law, and to set off against and retain any distributions otherwise payable to any Shareholder liable to the Trust under this Section 2.4(c), in payment of amounts due hereunder.

For purposes of this Section 2.4, the Board of Trustees may designate a committee of one Trustee to consider a Shareholder demand if necessary to create a committee with a majority of Trustees who are “independent trustees” (as such term in defined in the Delaware Act).

Section 2.5 Assent to Agreement . Every Shareholder, by virtue of having purchased a Share, shall be bound by the terms of the Governing Instrument. The death, incapacity, dissolution, termination, or bankruptcy of a Shareholder during the continuance of the Trust shall not operate to terminate the Trust nor entitle the representative of any deceased Shareholder to an accounting or to take any action in court or elsewhere against the Trust or the Trustees, but only to rights of said deceased, incapacitated, dissolved, terminated or bankrupt Shareholder under the Governing Instrument. Ownership of Shares shall not entitle the Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of the Trust Property or right to call for a partition or division of the same or for an accounting, nor shall the ownership of Shares constitute the Shareholders as partners. Ownership of Shares shall not make the Shareholders third party beneficiaries of any contract entered into by the Trust.

Section 2.6 Disclosure of Holding . The Shareholders or holders of other securities of the Trust shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with respect to direct or indirect ownership of Shares or other securities of the Trust as the Trustees deem to be (i) in the best interests of the Trust or (ii) necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code, the 1940 Act or other applicable laws or regulations, or to comply with the requirements of any other taxing or regulatory authority or stock exchange on which the Shares are listed for trading.

 

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ARTICLE III

THE TRUSTEES

Section 3.1 Management of the Trust .

 

  (a) The Trustees shall have exclusive and absolute control over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the Trust Property and business in their own right, but with such powers of delegation as may be permitted by this Agreement.

 

  (b) The Trustees shall have power to conduct the business of the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of its branches and maintain offices both within and without the State of Delaware, in any and all states of the United States of America, in the District of Columbia, in any and all commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies, or possessions of the United States of America, and in any and all foreign jurisdictions and to do all such other things and execute all such instruments as they deem necessary, proper or desirable in order to promote the interests of the Trust although such things are not herein specifically mentioned. Any determination as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Agreement, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.

 

  (c) The enumeration of any specific power in this Agreement shall not be construed as limiting the aforesaid power. The powers of the Trustees may be exercised without order of or resort to any court or other authority.

Section 3.2 Number of Trustees . The Board shall consist of such number of Trustees as shall be fixed from time to time by a majority of the Trustees; provided, however, that the number of Trustees shall in no event be less than two (2) nor more than fifteen (15); and provided further that the number of Trustees shall be increased automatically to such number as is required to effectuate Section 3.4(b). The natural persons who have executed this Agreement shall be the Trustees as of the date hereof.

Section 3.3 Classes of Trustees; Terms of Office of Trustees .

 

  (a) The Board of Trustees shall be divided into three classes. The number of Trustees in each class, and the individual Trustees assigned to each class, shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Trustees.

 

  (b) The terms of office for each class of Trustees shall be determined as follows:

 

  (1) The term of office of the first class shall expire on the date of the first annual meeting of Shareholders, or special meeting in lieu thereof at which Trustees are elected, following the date hereof;

 

  (2) The term of office of the second class shall expire on the date of the second annual meeting of Shareholders or special meeting in lieu thereof at which Trustees are elected, following the date hereof;

 

  (3) The term of office of the third class shall expire on the date of the third annual meeting of Shareholders or special meeting in lieu thereof at which Trustees are elected, following the date hereof; and

 

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  (4) Upon expiration of the term of office of each class as set forth above, the number of Trustees in such class, as determined by the Board of Trustees, shall be elected to succeed the Trustees whose terms of office expire for a term expiring on the date of the third annual meeting of Shareholders, or special meeting in lieu thereof at which Trustees are elected, following such expiration. The term of any Trustee standing for re-election who fails to receive sufficient votes to be elected to office due to a lack of quorum or a failure of such Trustee or any successor Trustee to such Trustee to receive the required Shareholder vote set forth in Section 3.4 shall continue for successive one year terms until such Trustee is duly elected, at which time such Trustee shall serve the remainder of the term of office for the class to which such Trustee was elected, or until a successor Trustee to such Trustee is duly elected and shall have qualified.

 

  (c) Each Trustee elected shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been elected at a meeting of Shareholders called for the purpose of electing Trustees and shall have qualified, except that:

 

  (1) Any Trustee may resign as trustee or may retire by written instrument signed by such Trustee and delivered to the other Trustees, which shall take effect upon such delivery or upon such later date as is specified therein;

 

  (2) Any Trustee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by written instrument signed by at least 75% of the number of Trustees prior to such removal, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective;

 

  (3) Any Trustee who has died, become physically or mentally incapacitated by reason of disease or otherwise, or is otherwise unable to serve, may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees, specifying the date of his retirement; and

 

  (4) A Trustee shall be retired in accordance with the terms of any retirement policy adopted by the Trustees and in effect from time to time.

Section 3.4 Election, Vacancies and Appointment of Trustees .

 

  (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.4(b), Trustees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Trust present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at an annual meeting of Shareholders (or special meeting in lieu thereof at which Trustees are elected) at which a quorum is present.

 

  (b) At any time that Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding:

 

  (1) Two (2) Trustees shall at all times have been elected by the holders of Preferred Shares, voting as a separate class, or in the event of a vacancy of a Trustee so elected, appointed by the Board for such purpose in accordance with the terms of the Governing Instrument; and

 

  (2)

The two Trustees to be elected solely by the holders of Preferred Shares shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at an annual meeting of Shareholders (or special meeting in lieu thereof at which

 

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  Trustees are elected) at which a quorum is present, voting as a separate class, and, subject to Section 3.4(b)(3) below, the remaining Trustees shall be elected by the Common Shares and Preferred Shares voting together as provided in Section 3.4(a) above.

 

  (3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Preferred Shareholders voting as a separate class shall elect at least a majority of the Trustees, and the number of Trustees shall be fixed automatically to such increased number that is the smallest number that, when added to the two Trustees elected exclusively by the holders of Preferred Shares, would constitute a majority of the Board of Trustees as so increased, during any period that holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees of the Trust pursuant to the designations and powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Preferred Shares as set forth by the Trustees in accordance with this Agreement (a “Voting Period”). Upon termination of a Voting Period, the voting rights described in this subparagraph 3.4(b)(3) shall cease and the terms of the additional Trustees elected pursuant to this Section 3.4(b)(3) shall immediately terminate; subject always, however, to the revesting of such voting rights upon the further occurrence of any of the events described in this subparagraph 3.4(b)(3).

 

  (c) In case of the declination to serve, death, resignation, retirement or removal of a Trustee, or a Trustee is otherwise unable to serve, or an increase in the size of the Board, a vacancy shall occur. Whenever a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled, the other Trustees shall have all the powers hereunder and the determination of the other Trustees of such vacancy shall be conclusive. In the case of any vacancy, the remaining Trustees may fill such vacancy by appointing such other person as they in their discretion shall see fit, or may leave such vacancy unfilled or may reduce the size of the Board to not less than two (2) Trustees. A Trustee appointed to fill any such vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term commensurate with the class to which the person is appointed. Such appointment shall be evidenced by a written instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees in office or by resolution of the Board of Trustees, duly adopted, which shall be recorded in the minutes of a meeting of the Trustees, whereupon the appointment shall take effect.

 

  (d) An appointment of a Trustee may be made by the Trustees then in office in anticipation of a vacancy to occur by reason of retirement, resignation, or removal of a Trustee, or an increase in the size of the Board effective at a later date, provided that said appointment shall become effective only at the time or after the expected vacancy occurs.

Section 3.5 Temporary Absence of Trustee . Any Trustee may, by power of attorney, delegate his power for a period not exceeding six months at any one time to any other Trustee or Trustees, provided that in no case shall fewer than two Trustees personally exercise the other powers hereunder except as herein otherwise expressly provided.

Section 3.6 Effect of Death, Resignation, etc. of a Trustee . The declination to serve, death, resignation, retirement, removal, incapacity, or inability of the Trustees, or any one of them, shall not operate to terminate the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Whenever there shall be fewer than the designated number of Trustees, until additional Trustees are elected or appointed as provided herein to bring the total number of Trustees equal to the designated number, the Trustees in office, regardless of their

 

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number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this Agreement.

Section 3.7 Ownership of Assets of the Trust . The assets of the Trust shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or hereafter held in any capacity other than as Trustee hereunder by the Trustees or any successor Trustees. Legal title in all of the assets of the Trust and the right to conduct any business shall at all times be considered to be held by or in the name of the Trust, except that the Trustees may cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by the Trustees or in the name of any other Person as nominee on behalf of the Trust. The right, title and interest of the Trustees in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in each Person who may hereafter become a Trustee. Upon the resignation, retirement, removal, declination to serve, incapacity, or death of a Trustee, he or she shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the Trust Property, and the right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered. No creditor of any Trustee shall have any right to obtain possession, or otherwise exercise legal or equitable remedies with respect to, any Trust Property with respect to any claim against, or obligation of, such Trustee in its individual capacity and not related to the Trust. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a severable ownership in any individual asset of the Trust, or any right of partition or possession thereof, but each Shareholder shall have, except as otherwise provided for herein, a proportionate undivided beneficial interest in the Trust. The Shares shall be personal property giving only the rights specifically set forth in this Agreement or the Delaware Act.

Section 3.8 Legal Standard . The Trustees shall be subject to the same fiduciary duties to which the directors of a Delaware corporation would be subject if the Trust were a Delaware corporation, the Shareholders were shareholders of such Delaware corporation and the Trustees were directors of such Delaware corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all actions and omissions of the Trustees shall be evaluated under the doctrine commonly referred to as the “business judgment rule,” as defined and developed under Delaware law, to the same extent that the same actions or omissions of directors of a Delaware corporation in a substantially similar circumstance would be evaluated under such doctrine. Except to the extent required by applicable law or expressly stated herein, (a) no Trustee or Trust officer shall have any fiduciary duty or other legal duty or obligation to the Trust, the Shareholders or any other Person, and (b) the Trust shall have no fiduciary duty or other legal duty or obligation to the Shareholders or any other Person except the Trustees. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or required by federal law including the 1940 Act, the Trustees shall act in their sole discretion and may take any action or exercise any power without any vote or consent of the Shareholders.

Section 3.9 Other Business Interests . The Trustees shall devote to the affairs of the Trust such time as may be necessary for the proper performance of their duties hereunder, but neither the Trustees nor the officers, directors, shareholders, partners or employees of the Trustees, if any, shall be expected to devote their full time to the performance of such duties. The Trustees, or any Affiliated Person, shareholder, officer, director, partner or employee thereof, or any Person owning a legal or beneficial interest therein, may engage in, or possess an interest in, any business or venture other than the Trust, of any nature and description, independently or with or for the account of others. None of the Trust or any Shareholder shall have the right to participate or share in such other business or venture or any profit or compensation derived therefrom.

 

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ARTICLE IV

POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES

Section 4.1 Powers . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the business of the Trust shall be managed by the Trustees, and the Trustees shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out that responsibility including the power to engage in securities transactions of all kinds on behalf of the Trust. The Trustees in all instances shall act as principals, and are and shall be free from the control of the Shareholders. The Trustees shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts and to make and execute any and all contracts and instruments that they may consider necessary or appropriate in connection with the management of the Trust.

Without limiting the foregoing and subject to any applicable limitation in the Governing Instrument or applicable law, the Trustees shall have power and authority:

 

  (a) To invest and reinvest cash and other property, and to hold cash or other property uninvested, without in any event being bound or limited by any present or future law or custom in regard to investments by Trustees, and to sell, exchange, lend, pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, write options on, distribute and otherwise deal with and lease any or all of the assets of the Trust;

 

  (b) To operate as, and to carry on the business of, an investment company, and to exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to the conduct of such operations;

 

  (c) To borrow money and in this connection issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness; to secure borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the Trust Property; to endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance of an obligation or engagement of any other Person and to lend Trust Property;

 

  (d) To provide for the distribution of Shares either through a principal underwriter in the manner hereafter provided for or by the Trust itself, or both, or otherwise pursuant to an underwriting agreement of any kind;

 

  (e) To adopt Bylaws not inconsistent with this Agreement providing for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend and repeal them all without a vote of the Shareholders; such Bylaws shall be deemed incorporated and included in the Governing Instrument;

 

  (f) To elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they consider appropriate;

 

  (g) To employ one or more banks, trust companies or companies that are members of a national securities exchange or such other domestic or foreign entities as custodians of any assets of the Trust subject to any conditions set forth in the Governing Instrument;

 

  (h) To retain one or more transfer agents and shareholder servicing agents;

 

  (i) To set record dates in the manner provided herein or in the Bylaws;

 

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  (j) To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officers of the Trust and to any investment adviser, manager, administrator, custodian, underwriter or other agent or independent contractor;

 

  (k) To sell or exchange any or all of the assets of the Trust;

 

  (l) To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with respect to stock or other securities or property; and to execute and deliver proxies and powers of attorney to such person or persons as the Trustees shall deem proper, granting to such person or persons such power and discretion with relation to securities or property as the Trustee shall deem proper;

 

  (m) To exercise powers and rights of subscription or otherwise that in any manner arise out of ownership of securities;

 

  (n) To hold any security or property in a form not indicating any trust, whether in bearer, book entry, unregistered or other negotiable form; or either in the name of the Trust or a custodian or a nominee or nominees, subject in either case to proper safeguards according to the usual practice of Delaware statutory trusts or investment companies;

 

  (o) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization, consolidation or merger of any corporation or concern, with respect to any security which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase, or sale of property by such corporation or concern, and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any security held in the Trust;

 

  (p) To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or against the Trust or any matter in controversy including, but not limited to, claims for taxes;

 

  (q) To declare and pay dividends and make distributions of income and of capital gains and capital to Shareholders in the manner hereinafter provided;

 

  (r) To repurchase Shares from time to time as permitted by applicable law, upon such terms and conditions as the Trustees shall establish;

 

  (s) To establish one or more committees or sub-committees, to delegate any of the powers of the Trustees to said committees or sub-committees and to adopt a written charter for one or more of such committees or sub-committees governing its membership, duties and operations and any other characteristics as the Trustees may deem proper, each of which committees and sub-committees may consist of less than the whole number of Trustees then in office, and may be empowered to act for and bind the Trustees and the Trust as if the acts of such committee or sub-committee were the acts of all the Trustees then in office;

 

  (t) To interpret the investment policies, practices or limitations of the Trust;

 

  (u) To establish a registered office and have a registered agent in the State of Delaware;

 

  (v) To enter into joint ventures, general or limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and any other combinations and associations;

 

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  (w) Subject to the 1940 Act, to engage in any other lawful act or activity in which a statutory trust organized under the Delaware Act may engage; and

 

  (x) In general, to carry on any other business in connection with or incidental to any of the foregoing powers, to do everything necessary, suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any purpose or the attainment of any object or the furtherance of any power hereinbefore set forth, either alone or in association with others, and to do every other act or thing incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of or connected with the aforesaid business or purposes, objects or powers.

The foregoing clauses of Section 4.1 shall be construed both as objects and powers, and the foregoing enumeration of specific powers shall not be held to limit or restrict in any manner the general powers of the Trustees.

Any action by one or more of the Trustees in their capacity as such hereunder shall be deemed an action on behalf of the Trust, and not an action in an individual capacity. The Trustees shall not be limited to investing in obligations maturing before the possible termination of the Trust.

No one dealing with the Trustees shall be under any obligation to make any inquiry concerning the authority of the Trustees, or to see to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trustees or upon their order.

Section 4.2 Issuance and Repurchase of Shares . The Trustees shall have the power to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, and otherwise deal in Shares and, subject to the provisions set forth in Articles II and VII hereof, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or property of the Trust.

Section 4.3 Action by the Trustees . Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Board of Trustees or any committee or sub-committee thereof shall act by majority vote of those present at a meeting duly called as set forth in the Bylaws at which a quorum required by the Bylaws is present. Any action that may be taken by the Board of Trustees or any committee or sub-committee thereof by majority vote at a meeting duly called and at which a quorum required by the Bylaws is present, may also be taken by written consent of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Trustees or members of the committee or sub-committee, as the case may be, without a meeting, provided that the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee or sub-committee. Written consents or waivers of the Trustees may be executed in one or more counterparts. Any written consent or waiver may be provided and delivered to the Trust by any means by which notice may be given to a Trustee. Subject to the requirements of the Governing Instrument and the 1940 Act, the Trustees by Majority Trustee Vote may delegate to any Trustee or Trustees or committee or sub-committee of Trustees, officer or officers of the Trust or any agent of the Trust authority to approve particular matters or take particular actions on behalf of the Trust; provided that if an action of the Trustees requires a vote greater than a Majority Trustee Vote, such greater vote shall be required to delegate such action to any Trustee or Trustees or committee or sub-committee of Trustees.

Section 4.4 Principal Transactions . Subject to Article IX, the Trustees may, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities from or sell any securities to, or lend any assets of the Trust to, any Trustee or officer of the Trust or any firm of which any such Trustee or officer is a member acting as principal, or have any such dealings with any investment adviser, underwriter, or transfer agent for the Trust or with any Affiliated Person of such Person; and the Trust may employ any such Person, or firm or Company in which such Person is an Affiliated Person, as

 

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broker, legal counsel, registrar, investment adviser, underwriter, administrator, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, custodian, or in any capacity upon customary terms, subject in all cases to applicable laws, rules, and regulations and orders of regulatory authorities.

Section 4.5 Payment of Expenses by the Trust . The Trustees are authorized to pay or cause to be paid out of the principal or income of the Trust, or partly out of the principal and partly out of income, all expenses, fees, charges, taxes and liabilities incurred or arising in connection with the Trust, or in connection with the management thereof, including, but not limited to, the Trustees’ compensation and such expenses and charges for the services of the Trust’s officers, employees, investment adviser and manager, administrator, principal underwriter, auditors, counsel, custodian, transfer agent, shareholder servicing agent, and such other agents or independent contractors and such other expenses and charges as the Trustees may deem necessary or proper to incur.

Section 4.6 Trustee Compensation . The Trustees as such shall be entitled to reasonable compensation from the Trust. They may fix the amount of their compensation. Nothing herein shall in any way prevent the employment of any Trustee for advisory, management, administrative, legal, accounting, investment banking, underwriting, brokerage, or investment dealer or other services and the payment for the same by the Trust.

Section 4.7 Independent Trustee . A Trustee who is an “independent trustee,” as that term is defined in the Delaware Act, shall be deemed to be independent and disinterested for all purposes when making any determinations or taking any action as a Trustee.

Section 4.8 Determinations by Trustees . The Trustees may make any determinations they deem necessary with respect to the provisions of this Agreement, including the following matters: the amount of the assets, obligations, liabilities and expenses of the Trust or any class; the amount of the net income of the Trust or any class from dividends, capital gains, interest or other sources for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends or distributions; which items are to be treated as income and which as capital or principal; the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges were created shall have been paid or discharged); the market value, or any other price to be applied in determining the market value, or the fair value, of any security or other asset owned or held by the Trust or any class; the number of Shares of the Trust or any class issued or issuable; and the net asset value per Share.

ARTICLE V

INVESTMENT ADVISER, PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER AND

TRANSFER AGENT

Section 5.1 Investment Adviser .

 

  (a) The Trustees may in their discretion, from time to time, enter into an investment advisory or management contract or contracts with respect to the Trust whereby the other party or parties to such contract or contracts shall undertake to furnish the Trustees with such management, investment advisory, statistical and research facilities and services and such other facilities and services, if any, and all upon such terms and conditions, as the Trustees may in their discretion determine.

 

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  (b) The Trustees may authorize the investment adviser to employ, from time to time, one or more sub-advisers to perform such of the acts and services of the investment adviser, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon among the Trustees, the investment adviser and sub-adviser. Any references in this Agreement to the investment adviser shall be deemed to include such sub-advisers, unless the context otherwise requires.

Section 5.2 Other Service Contracts . The Trustees may authorize the engagement of a principal underwriter, transfer agent, administrator, custodian, and any other service providers they deem to be in the best interest of the Trust.

Section 5.3 Parties to Contract . Any contract of the character described in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 may be entered into with any corporation, firm, partnership, trust, association or other legal entity, although one or more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be an officer, director, trustee, shareholder, member, employee or agent or hold any other similar office with respect to such other party to the contract.

Section 5.4 Miscellaneous .

 

  (a) The fact that (i) any of the Shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust is a shareholder, director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, manager, adviser, principal underwriter or distributor or agent of or for any company or of or for any parent or affiliate of any company, with which an advisory or administration contract, or principal underwriter’s or distributor’s contract, or transfer, shareholder servicing, custodian or other agency contract may have been or may hereafter be made, or that any such company, or any parent or affiliate thereof, is a Shareholder or has an interest in the Trust, or that (ii) any company with which an advisory or administration contract or principal underwriter’s or distributor’s contract, or transfer, shareholder servicing, custodian, or other agency contract may have been or may hereafter be made also has an advisory or administration contract, or principal underwriter’s or distributor’s contract, or transfer, shareholder servicing, custodian or other agency contract with one or more other companies, or has other business or interests shall not affect the validity of any such contract or disqualify any Shareholder, Trustee or officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing the same or create any liability or accountability to the Trust or its Shareholders.

 

  (b) The authority of the Trustees hereunder to authorize the Trust to enter into contracts or other agreements or arrangements shall include the authority of the Trustees to modify, amend, waive any provision of, supplement, assign all or a portion of, novate, or terminate such contracts, agreements or arrangements. The enumeration of any specific contracts in this Article V shall in no way be deemed to limit the power and authority of the Trustees as otherwise set forth in this Agreement to authorize the Trust to employ, contract with or make payments to such Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable for the transaction of the business of the Trust.

ARTICLE VI

SHAREHOLDERS’ VOTING POWERS AND MEETING

Section 6.1 Voting Powers .

 

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  (a) The Shareholders shall have power to vote only to:

 

  (1) Elect Trustees, provided that a meeting of Shareholders has been called for that purpose;

 

  (2) Approve transactions described in Section 6.2 and Article IX of this Agreement;

 

  (3) Approve any amendment to Section 3.3 to declassify the Board, to this Article VI or Article IX or, to the extent required by Section 6.2, to Section 8.4; and

 

  (4) Approve such additional matters as may be required by the 1940 Act, the Governing Instrument or any stock exchange on which the Shares are listed for trading, or as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, shall determine.

 

  (b) Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or permitted by law, or by the Governing Instrument that may be taken by Shareholders.

 

  (c) Each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote, and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote.

 

  (d) Except as otherwise provided in the Governing Instrument, on any matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, all Shares shall be voted together as a single class, except when required by applicable law, Section 3.4(b) or when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects the interests of one or more (but not all) classes or affects one or more classes differently, then the Shareholders of each such affected class shall be entitled to vote separately thereon.

 

  (e) Shareholders shall not be entitled to cumulative voting in the election of Trustees or on any other matter.

 

  (f) Except as otherwise provided in the Governing Instrument, an affirmative Majority Shareholder Vote shall be required to approve any matter requiring a vote of the Shareholders.

 

  (g) Only Record Owners shall have the power to cast a vote at a meeting of Shareholders subject to the voting provisions set forth in the Governing Instrument. Beneficial owners of Shares who are not Record Owners shall not be entitled to cast a vote at a meeting of Shareholders but shall be entitled to provide voting instructions to corresponding Record Owners, subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and stock exchanges on which the Shares are listed for trading.

Section 6.2 Additional Voting Powers and Voting Requirements for Certain Actions .

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Shareholders shall have power to vote to approve any amendment to Section 8.4 of this Agreement approved by the Board of Trustees that would have the effect of reducing the indemnification provided thereby to Shareholders or former Shareholders, and

 

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  any such action shall require the affirmative vote or consent of Shareholders owning at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding Shares.

 

  (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any amendment to Section 3.3 to declassify the Board or to this Article VI or Article IX of this Agreement shall require the affirmative vote or consent of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote or consent of Shareholders owning at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding Shares, unless such amendment has been previously approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds (66 2/3%) of the Board of Trustees, in which case an affirmative Majority Shareholder Vote shall be required.

 

  (c) The voting requirements set forth in this Section 6.2 shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any vote or consent of the Shareholders otherwise required by applicable law (including, without limitation, any separate vote by class that may be required by the 1940 Act) or by the Governing Instrument.

 

  (d) Any additional matter not expressly requiring a vote of Shareholders on which the Trustees determine the Shareholders shall have power to vote shall require the affirmative vote or consent of Shareholders owning at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding Shares, unless such matter has been previously approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the Board of Trustees, in which case an affirmative Majority Shareholder Vote shall be required.

ARTICLE VII

DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPURCHASES

Section 7.1 Distributions . The Trustees may from time to time declare and pay dividends and make other distributions with respect to any Shares or class thereof, which may be from surplus, income, capital gains or capital or distributions in kind of the assets of the Trust. Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Shares, if any, the amount of such dividends or distributions and the payment of them and whether they are in cash or any other Trust Property shall be wholly in the discretion of the Trustees, although the Trustees pursuant to Section 4.1(j) may delegate the authority to set record, declaration, payment and ex-dividend dates, determine the amount of dividends and distributions and pay such dividends and distributions. Dividends and other distributions may be paid pursuant to a standing resolution adopted once or more often as the Trustees determine. The Trustees shall have the power and authority to amend, correct or change the amount of any declared dividend or distribution from time to time until such dividend or distribution has been paid to Shareholders. All dividends and other distributions on Shares or a class thereof shall be distributed pro rata to the Record Owners of such class, as the case may be, in proportion to the number of Shares or Shares of such class they held on the record date established for such payment. The Trustees may adopt and offer to Shareholders such dividend reinvestment plans, cash distribution payment plans, or similar plans as the Trustees deem appropriate.

Section 7.2 Repurchase of Shares With Shareholder Consent .

(a) Subject to the Governing Instrument, the Trust may repurchase Shares on the open market or such Shares as are tendered by any Record Owner for repurchase pursuant to a repurchase offer or tender offer, if any, made by the Trust periodically or from time to time, upon the presentation by the Record Owner of a proper instrument of transfer together with a request directed to the Trust, its transfer agent or other duly authorized agent, that the Trust repurchase such Shares, or in accordance with such other procedures for repurchase as

 

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the Board of Trustees may from time to time authorize; and the Trust will pay therefor a price that meets the requirements of Section 23 of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, and that is in accordance with the terms of such repurchase offer, tender offer, the Governing Instrument and other applicable law.

(b) The repurchase price may in any case or cases be paid wholly or partly in kind if the Board of Trustees determines that such payment is advisable in the interest of the Trust. Subject to the foregoing, the fair value, selection and quantity of securities or other property of the Trust so paid or delivered as all or part of the repurchase price shall be determined by or under authority of the Board of Trustees. Subject to applicable law, the Trust shall not be liable for any delay of any corporation or other Person in transferring securities or other property selected for delivery as all or part of any payment in kind.

Section 7.3 Repurchase of Shares Without Shareholder Consent . Subject to the Governing Instrument, the Trust shall have the right at its option and at any time (and without Shareholder approval), subject to the 1940 Act and other applicable law, to repurchase Shares of any Shareholder at a price that meets the requirements of Section 23 of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, and that is in accordance with the terms of the Governing Instrument and other applicable law: (a) if at such time, such Shareholder owns Shares having an aggregate net asset value of less than an amount determined from time to time by the Trustees; or (b) to the extent that such Shareholder owns Shares in an amount less than, equal to or in excess of a percentage or certain number of the Shares determined from time to time by the Trustees.

Section 7.4 Transfer of Shares . Shares shall be transferable in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws.

Section 7.5 Redemptions . Unless otherwise provided in the rights of any series of Preferred Shares, the Shares of the Trust are not redeemable at the option of the holders thereof.

ARTICLE VIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability . A Trustee or officer of the Trust, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any person for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust or any Trustee or officer of the Trust; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee or officer against any liability to the Trust or to Shareholders to which the Trustee or officer 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 with the Trust.

Section 8.2 Indemnification of Covered Persons . Every Covered Person shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Act, the Bylaws and other applicable law.

Section 8.3 Insurance . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Board of Trustees shall have the authority to purchase with Trust Property insurance for liability and for all expenses reasonably incurred or paid or expected to be paid by a Covered Person in connection with any proceeding in which such Covered Person becomes involved by virtue of such Covered Person’s actions, or omissions to act, in its capacity or former capacity with the

 

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Trust, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Covered Person against such liability.

Section 8.4 Indemnification of Shareholders . In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder of the Trust and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the Trust’s assets, to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable law. The Trust, on its own behalf, shall upon request by the Shareholder, assume the defense of any such claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust.

Section 8.5 Indemnification of the Trust . Except to the extent expressly set forth in the Governing Instrument, each Shareholder will be liable to the Trust for, and indemnify and hold harmless the Trust (and any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof) from and against, all costs, expenses, penalties, fines or other amounts, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ and other professional fees, whether third party or internal, arising from any action against the Trust brought, initiated or joined by such Shareholder in which such Shareholder is not the prevailing party, and shall pay such amounts on demand, together with interest on such amounts, which interest will accrue at the lesser of the Trust’s highest marginal borrowing rate, per annum compounded, and the maximum amount permitted by law, from the date such costs or the like are incurred until the receipt of payment. The Trust is hereby permitted to redeem or repurchase Shares of any Shareholder liable to the Trust under this Section 8.5 at a value determined by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the 1940 Act and other applicable law, and to set off against and retain any distributions otherwise payable to any Shareholder liable to the Trust under this Section 8.5, in payment of amounts due hereunder.

ARTICLE IX

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

Section 9.1 Vote Required . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary and subject to the exceptions provided in this Article IX, each of the transactions described in this Article IX shall require the approval of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the outstanding Shares unless such transaction has been previously approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the Board of Trustees, in which case an affirmative Majority Shareholder Vote shall be required. Such affirmative vote shall be in addition to the vote or consent of Shareholders otherwise required by law or by the terms of any class of Preferred Shares, whether now or hereafter authorized, or any agreement between the Trust and any national securities exchange.

Section 9.2 Dissolution of the Trust or Termination of a Class .

 

  (a) The Trust shall have perpetual existence, except that the Trust shall be dissolved upon approval by vote of the Board followed by a vote of Shareholders as set forth in Section 9.1; provided that if the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Board approves the dissolution, no vote of Shareholders shall be required to dissolve the Trust.

 

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  (b) Upon dissolution of the Trust, the Trust shall carry on no business except for the purpose of winding up its affairs, and all powers of the Trustees under this Agreement shall continue until such affairs have been wound up. Without limiting the foregoing, the Trustees shall (in accordance with Section 3808 of the Delaware Act) have the power to:

 

  (1) Fulfill or discharge the contracts of the Trust;

 

  (2) Collect its assets;

 

  (3) Sell, convey, assign, exchange, merge where the Trust is not the survivor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining Trust Property to one or more Persons at public or private sale for consideration which may consist in whole or in part in cash, securities or other property of any kind;

 

  (4) Pay or make reasonable provision (including through the use of a liquidating trust) to pay all claims and obligations of the Trust, including all contingent, conditional or unmatured claims and obligations known to the Trust, and all claims and obligations which are known to the Trust, but for which the identity of the claimant is unknown, and claims and obligations that have not been made known to the Trust or that have not arisen but that, based on the facts known to the Trust, are likely to arise or to become known to the Trust within 10 years after the date of dissolution; and

 

  (5) Do all other acts appropriate to liquidate its business.

 

  (c) If there are sufficient assets held with respect to the Trust, such claims and obligations shall be paid in full and any such provisions for payment shall be made in full. If there are insufficient assets held with respect to the Trust, such claims and obligations shall be paid or provided for according to their priority and, among claims and obligations of equal priority, ratably to the extent of assets available therefor. Any remaining assets (including, without limitation, cash, securities or any combination thereof) held with respect to the Trust shall be distributed to the Record Owners of the Trust ratably according to the number of Shares of the Trust held of record by the several Record Owners on the date for such dissolution distribution, subject to any then existing preferential rights of Shares.

 

  (d) On dissolution of the Trust, following completion of winding up of its business, any one (1) Trustee shall execute, and cause to be filed, a certificate of cancellation, with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the provisions of Section 3810 of the Delaware Act, whereupon the Trust shall terminate and the Trustees and the Trust shall be discharged from all further liabilities and duties hereunder with respect thereto. The Trustees shall not be personally liable to the claimants of the dissolved Trust by reason of the Trustees’ actions in winding up the Trust’s affairs if the Trustees complied with Section 3808(e) of the Delaware Act.

 

  (e) Each class hereafter created shall have perpetual existence unless terminated upon:

 

  (1) The vote of the Board of Trustees; or

 

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  (2) The occurrence of a termination event pursuant to any Board resolution establishing and designating such class.

Section 9.3 Merger or Consolidation; Conversion; Reorganization .

 

  (a) Merger or Consolidation.

 

  (1) Pursuant to an agreement of merger or consolidation, the Board of Trustees may cause the Trust or any of its subsidiaries to merge or consolidate with or into one or more statutory trusts or “other business entities” (as defined in Section 3801 of the Delaware Act) formed or organized or existing under the laws of the State of Delaware or any other state of the United States or any foreign country or other foreign jurisdiction. Any such merger or consolidation shall require approval by vote of the Board of Trustees followed by approval of the Shareholders as set forth in Section 9.1.

 

  (2) By reference to Section 3815(f) of the Delaware Act, any agreement of merger or consolidation approved in accordance with this Section 9.3(a) may, without a separate Shareholder vote, unless required by the 1940 Act or the requirements of any stock exchange on which Shares are listed for trading, effect any amendment to the Governing Instrument or effect the adoption of a new governing instrument if the Trust is the surviving or resulting statutory trust in the merger or consolidation, which amendment or new governing instrument shall be effective at the effective time or date of the merger or consolidation.

 

  (3) If the Trust is to be the surviving or resulting statutory trust, any one (1) Trustee shall execute, and cause to be filed, a certificate of merger or consolidation in accordance with Section 3815 of the Delaware Act.

 

  (b) Conversion.

 

  (1) The Board of Trustees may cause:

(A) The Trust to convert to an “other business entity” (as defined in Section 3801 of the Delaware Act) formed or organized under the laws of the State of Delaware as permitted pursuant to Section 3821 of the Delaware Act;

(B) The Shares of the Trust to be converted into beneficial interests in another statutory trust; or

(C) The Shares to be exchanged under or pursuant to any state or federal statute to the extent permitted by law.

 

  (2) Any such statutory conversion, Share conversion or Share exchange shall require approval by vote of the Board of Trustees followed by the approval of the Shareholders of the Trust as set forth in Section 9.1.

 

  (c) Reorganization.

 

  (1)

The Board of Trustees may cause the Trust to sell, convey and transfer all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust (“sale of Trust assets”) to

 

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  another trust, statutory trust, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other association organized under the laws of any state, or to one or more separate series thereof, in exchange for cash, shares or other securities, with such sale, conveyance and transfer either (a) being made subject to, or with the assumption by the transferee of, the liabilities associated with the Trust, or (b) not being made subject to, or not with the assumption of, such liabilities.

 

  (2) Any such sale, conveyance and transfer shall require approval by vote of the Board of Trustees followed by the approval of the Shareholders of the Trust as set forth in Section 9.1.

 

  (3) Following such sale of Trust assets, the Board of Trustees shall distribute such cash, shares or other securities ratably among the Record Owners of the Trust (giving due effect to the differences among the various classes).

 

  (4) If all of the assets of the Trust have been so sold, conveyed and transferred, the Trust shall be dissolved.

Section 9.4 Reclassification of the Trust . The Board of Trustees may cause the Trust to be converted from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company” (as those terms are defined, respectively, in Sections 5(a)(2) and 5(a)(1) of the 1940 Act). Such reclassification of the Trust shall require approval by vote of the Board of Trustees followed by the approval of Shareholders as set forth in Section 9.1.

Section 9.5 Principal Shareholder Transactions .

 

  (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and subject to the exceptions provided in Section 9.5(c), the types of transactions described in sub-paragraphs (1) through (3) below shall require approval by vote of the Board of Trustees and the Shareholders of the Trust as set forth in Section 9.1 when a Principal Shareholder (as defined in Section 9.5(b)) is a party to the transaction.

 

  (1) The issuance of any securities of the Trust or any of its subsidiaries to any Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to any dividend reinvestment plan).

 

  (2) The sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Trust or any of its subsidiaries to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than two percent (2%) of the total assets of the Trust or any of its subsidiaries, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period).

 

  (3) The sale, lease, or exchange to the Trust or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of the Trust or any of its subsidiaries, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than two percent (2%) of the total assets of the Trust or any of its subsidiaries, aggregating for the purpose of such computation, all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period).

 

  (b)

For purposes of this Section 9.5, the term “Principal Shareholder” shall mean any Person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5 under the Securities

 

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  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)), that is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of five percent (5%) or more of the Shares of the Trust and shall include any affiliate or associate, as such terms are defined in clause (2) below, of a Principal Shareholder, but shall not include the investment adviser of the Trust or any affiliated person of the investment adviser of the Trust. For the purposes of this Section 9.5, in addition to the Shares that a Principal Shareholder beneficially owns directly, a Principal Shareholder shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any Shares (1) which the Principal Shareholder has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or upon exercise of conversion rights or warrants, or otherwise or (2) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly (including Shares deemed owned through application of clause (1) above), by any other Person or group with which the Principal Shareholder or its “affiliate” or “associate,” as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2, or any successor rule, under the 1934 Act, has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of Shares, or which is its “affiliate” or “associate” as so defined. For purposes of this Section 9.5, calculation of the total Shares of the Trust shall not include Shares deemed owned through application of clause (1) above.

 

  (c) The provisions of this Section 9.5 shall not be applicable to any such transaction between the Trust and any entity of which a majority of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of a stock normally entitled to vote in elections of directors is owned of record and beneficially by the Trust and its subsidiaries.

 

  (d) The Board of Trustees shall have the power and duty to determine for the purposes of this Section 9.5, on the basis of information known to the Trust, whether:

 

  (1) A Person or group beneficially owns five percent (5%) or more of the Shares;

 

  (2) A corporation, person or entity is an “affiliate” or “associate” (as defined above) of another; and

 

  (3) The assets being sold, leased or exchanged by or to the Trust have an aggregate fair market value of less than 2% of the total assets of the Trust (as defined above).

Any such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes of this Section 9.5 in the absence of manifest error.

Section 9.6 Absence of Appraisal or Dissenters Rights . No Shareholder shall be entitled, as a matter of right, to an appraisal by the Delaware Court of Chancery or otherwise of the fair value of the Shareholder’s Shares or to any other relief as a dissenting Shareholder in respect of any proposal or action involving the Trust or any class of Shares or otherwise.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 10.1 Trust Not a Partnership; Taxation .

 

  (a)

It is hereby expressly declared that a trust and not a partnership is created hereby. All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or the Trustees in their capacity as such shall look only to the

 

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  assets of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Shareholders, the Trustees, nor the Trust’s officers nor any of the agents of the Trustees whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.

 

  (b) It is intended that the Trust be classified for income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation, and the Trustees shall do all things that they, in their sole discretion, determine are necessary to achieve that objective, including (if they so determine), electing such classification on Internal Revenue Form 8832. The Trustees, in their sole discretion and without the vote or consent of the Shareholders, may amend this Agreement to ensure that this objective is achieved.

Section 10.2 Trustee’s Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond or Surety . The exercise by the Trustees of their powers and discretion hereunder in good faith shall be binding upon everyone interested. Subject to the provisions of Article VIII and to this Section 10.2, the Trustees shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Agreement, and subject to the provisions of Article VIII and this Section 10.2, shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to follow such advice. The Trustees shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is obtained.

Section 10.3 Filing of Copies, References, Headings . The original or a copy of this Agreement or any amendment hereto or any supplemental agreement shall be kept at the office of the Trust. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only and in case of any conflict, the text of this Agreement, rather than the headings, shall control. This Agreement and any document, consent or instrument referenced in or contemplated by this Agreement or the Bylaws may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, (i) any document, consent, instrument or notice referenced in or contemplated by this Agreement or the Bylaws that is to be executed by one or more Trustees may be executed by means of original, facsimile or electronic signature and (ii) any document, consent, instrument or notice referenced in or contemplated by this Agreement or the Bylaws that is to be delivered by one or more Trustees may be delivered by facsimile or electronic means (including e-mail), unless, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), otherwise determined by the Trustees. The terms “include,” “includes” and “including” and any comparable terms shall be deemed to mean “including, without limitation.” Any reference to any statute, law, code, rule or regulation shall be deemed to refer to such statute, law, code, rule or regulation as amended or restated from time to time and any successor thereto.

Section 10.4 Governing Law .

 

  (a) The Trust and the Governing Instrument (including this Agreement) and the rights, obligations and remedies of the Trustees and Shareholders hereunder, are to be governed by and construed and administered according to the Delaware Act, including the provision that gives maximum freedom to contract, the other laws of the State of Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following provisions shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees, the Shareholders or the Governing Instrument:

 

  (1) The provisions of Sections 3533, 3540, 3561 and 3583(a) of Title 12 of the Delaware Code; or

 

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  (2) Any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Act) pertaining to trusts which relate to or regulate:

(A) The filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges;

(B) Affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust;

(C) The necessity for obtaining court or other governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property;

(D) Fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust;

(E) The allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal;

(F) Restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets; or

(G) The establishment of fiduciary or other standards or responsibilities or limitations on the indemnification, acts or powers of trustees or other Persons, which are inconsistent with the limitations of liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustees or officers of the Trust set forth or referenced in the Governing Instrument.

 

  (b) The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a “statutory trust,” and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a trust under Delaware law. The Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the powers or privileges afforded to trusts or actions that may be engaged in by trusts under the Delaware Act, and the absence of a specific reference herein to any such power, privilege or action shall not imply that the Trust may not exercise such power or privilege or take such actions; provided, however, that the exercise of any such power, privilege or action shall not otherwise violate applicable law.

Section 10.5 Amendments . Except as specifically provided in Article VI hereof or otherwise expressly limited by the Governing Instrument, the Trustees may, without any Shareholder vote, amend this Agreement by making an amendment to this Agreement, an agreement supplemental hereto, or an amended and restated trust instrument. Any such amendment to any Article of this Agreement except to Section 3.2 to change the minimum or maximum number of Trustees, to Section 3.3 to declassify the Board, to Article VI or Article IX, to the extent required by Section 6.2, to Section 8.4, or to this Section 10.5, having been approved by a Majority Trustee Vote, shall become effective, unless otherwise provided by such Trustees (notwithstanding that the section being amended may require a higher Trustee vote), upon being executed by a duly authorized officer of the Trust. Any amendment to Section 3.2 to change the minimum or maximum number of Trustees or to this Section 10.5, having been approved by the affirmative vote of 75% of the Board of Trustees shall become effective upon being executed by a duly authorized officer of the Trust. For the avoidance of doubt, any determination of the number of Trustees within the minimum and maximum range may be determined by a majority of the Trustees and the provisions of Section 3.4(b) to increase the

 

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size of the Board are not subject to a Majority Trustee Vote. Any amendment to Section 3.3 to declassify the Board or to Article VI or Article IX, or, to the extent required by Section 6.2, Section 8.4, having been approved by the requisite vote of the Board of Trustees followed by the requisite vote of the Shareholders as provided in Section 9.1, shall become effective upon being executed by a duly authorized officer of the Trust. A certification signed by a duly authorized officer of the Trust setting forth an amendment to this Agreement and reciting that it was duly adopted by the Shareholders or by the Trustees as aforesaid, or a copy of this Agreement, as amended, executed by a majority of the Trustees, or a duly authorized officer of the Trust, shall be conclusive evidence of such amendment when lodged among the records of the Trust.

Section 10.6 Provisions in Conflict with Law . The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with applicable law, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this Agreement; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Agreement or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provisions in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

Section 10.7 Record Owners’ Right to Shareholder List and Other Records . Except as may be required by Regulation 14A promulgated under the 1934 Act, no Shareholder shall have the right to obtain from the Trust a list of the Trust’s Shareholders. Except as required by the 1940 Act or as expressly provided in the Governing Instrument, Shareholders shall have no right to inspect the records, documents, accounts and books of the Trust. Any request to inspect the records of the Trust shall be submitted by the Shareholder to the Trust in writing. Upon receipt of any such request, the Trustees shall determine whether delivery of records pertaining to such request is required by the 1940 Act or is otherwise necessary or appropriate, as determined by the Trustees in their sole discretion, and whether such request complies with the requirements of the 1940 Act and, if so, establish procedures for such inspection. To preserve the integrity of the records, the Trust may provide certified copies of Trust records rather than originals. The Trust shall not be required to create records or obtain records from third parties to satisfy a Shareholder request. The Trust may require a requesting Shareholder to pay in advance or otherwise indemnify the Trust for the costs and expenses of such Shareholder’s inspection of records. The rights provided for in this Section 10.7 shall not extend to any Person who is a Shareholder but not also a Record Owner.

Section 10.8 Reports . The Trustees shall cause to be prepared at least annually and more frequently to the extent and in the form required by law, regulation or any stock exchange on which Shares are listed a report of operations containing a balance sheet and statement of income and undistributed income of the Trust prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and an opinion of an independent public accountant on such financial statements. Copies of such reports shall be mailed to all Shareholders within the time required by the 1940 Act, and in any event within a reasonable period preceding the meeting of Shareholders. The Trustees shall, in addition, furnish to the Shareholders at least semi-annually to the extent required by law, interim reports containing an unaudited balance sheet of the Trust as of the end of such period and an unaudited statement of income and surplus for the period from the beginning of the current fiscal year to the end of such period .

Section 10.9 Use of the Name Invesco . The Board of Trustees expressly agrees and acknowledges that the name “Invesco” is the sole property of Invesco Ltd. (“Invesco”). Invesco has granted to the Trust a non-exclusive license to use such name as part of the name of the Trust now and in the future. The Board of Trustees further expressly agrees and

 

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acknowledges that the non-exclusive license granted herein may be terminated by Invesco if the Trust ceases to use Invesco or one of its Affiliated Persons as investment adviser or to use other Affiliated Persons or successors of Invesco for such purposes. In such event, the non-exclusive license may be revoked by Invesco and the Trust shall cease using the name “Invesco“ or any name misleadingly implying a continuing relationship between the Trust and Invesco or any of its Affiliated Persons, as part of its name unless otherwise consented to by Invesco or any successor to its interests in such name.

The Board of Trustees further understands and agrees that so long as Invesco and/or any future advisory Affiliated Person of Invesco shall continue to serve as the Trust’s investment adviser, other registered open- or closed-end investment companies (“funds”) and other types of investment vehicles as may be sponsored or advised by Invesco or its Affiliated Persons shall have the right permanently to adopt and to use the name “Invesco” in their names and in the names of any series or class of shares of such funds.

Section 10.10 Jurisdiction and Waiver of Jury Trial . In accordance with Section 3804(e) of the Delaware Act, any suit, action or proceeding brought by or in the right of any Shareholder or any person claiming any interest in any Shares seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the Trust, any class or any Shares, including any claim of any nature against the Trust, any Class, the Trustees or officers of the Trust, shall be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware to the extent there is subject matter jurisdiction in such court for the claims asserted or, if not, then in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, and all Shareholders and other such Persons hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of such courts (and the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection they may make now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum and further, IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN THE SUPERIOR COURT IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, ALL SHAREHOLDERS AND ALL OTHER SUCH PERSONS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. All Shareholders and other such Persons agree that service of summons, complaint or other process in connection with any proceedings may be made by registered or certified mail or by overnight courier addressed to such Person at the address shown on the books and records of the Trust for such Person or at the address of the Person shown on the books and records of the Trust with respect to the Shares that such Person claims an interest in. Service of process in any such suit, action or proceeding against the Trust or any Trustee or officer of the Trust may be made at the address of the Trust’s registered agent in the State of Delaware. Any service so made shall be effective as if personally made in the State of Delaware.

 

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This agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being all of the Trustees of the Trust, have executed this instrument this 13 th day of June, 2017.

 

By:

 

     

David C. Arch

Trustee

     By:  

     

Teresa M. Ressel

Trustee

By:  

     

James T. Bunch

Trustee

     By:  

     

Larry Soll

Trustee

By:  

     

Bruce L. Crockett

Trustee

     By:  

     

Margaret Ann Barnett Stern

Trustee

By:  

     

Jack M. Fields

Trustee

     By:  

     

Raymond Stickel, Jr.

Trustee

By:  

     

Martin L. Flanagan

Trustee

     By:  

     

Philip A. Taylor

Trustee

By:  

     

Cynthia L. Hostetler

Trustee

     By:  

     

Robert C. Troccoli

Trustee

By:  

     

Eli Jones

Trustee

     By:  

     

Christopher L. Wilson

Trustee

By:  

     

Prema Mathai-Davis

Trustee

      

 

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SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

A Delaware Statutory Trust

Adopted effective June 13, 2017

Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein

shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Trust’s

Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Agreement”).

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1. Registered Office . The registered office of Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Trust”) shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Trust.

Section 2. Other Offices . The Trust may also have offices at such other places (including a principal office) both within and without the State of Delaware as the Trustees may from time to time determine or the business of the Trust may require.

ARTICLE II

TRUSTEES

Section 1. Meetings of the Trustees . The Trustees of the Trust may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware. Subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, (i) any meeting, regular or special, of the Board of Trustees (or any committee or sub-committee thereof) may be held by conference telephone or similar communications equipment, by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time, and participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting and (ii) at all meetings of the Trustees, every Trustee shall be entitled to vote by proxy, provided that such proxy shall, before or after such meeting, be delivered to the Secretary or other person responsible for recording the proceedings of such meeting. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, a Trustee may provide any proxy through written, electronic, telephonic, computerized, facsimile, telecommunications, telex or by any other form of communication.

Section 2. Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held each year, at such time and place as the Board of Trustees may determine.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings . Notice of the time, date, and place of all meetings of the Board of Trustees and any committee or sub-committee thereof shall be given to each Trustee, committee member or sub-committee member, as applicable, (i) by telephone, telex, telegram, facsimile, electronic-mail, or other electronic mechanism to his or her home or business at least twenty-four hours in advance of the meeting; (ii) in person at another meeting of the Board of Trustees or such committee or sub-committee, as applicable; or (iii) by written notice mailed or sent via overnight courier to his or her home or business address at least seventy-two hours in advance of the meeting. Notice need not be given to any Trustee, committee member or sub-committee member who attends a meeting of the Board of Trustees or any committee or sub-committee thereof without objecting to the lack of notice or who signs a waiver of notice either before or after such meeting.


Section 4. Quorum . At all meetings of the Board of Trustees and any committee or sub-committee thereof, one-third of the Trustees then in office or one-third of the committee members or sub-committee members (but in no event fewer than two Trustees), as applicable, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of a majority of the Trustees, committee members or sub-committee members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Trustees or such committee or sub-committee, as applicable, except for any higher voting requirement as may be specifically provided by applicable law or by the Governing Instrument. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Trustees or any committee or sub-committee thereof, the Trustees, committee members or sub-committee members, as applicable, present thereat may adjourn such meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 5. Designation, Powers, and Names of Committees; Sub-Committees; Committee Charters .

(a) The Board of Trustees shall have at a minimum the following five committees: (1) an Audit Committee; (2) a Governance Committee; (3) an Investments Committee; (4) a Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee; and (5) a Compliance Committee. Each such Committee shall have a written Charter governing its membership, duties and operations, and the Board shall designate the powers of each such Committee in its Charter. The Board of Trustees may terminate any such Committee by an amendment to these Bylaws. The Board of Trustees may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, establish one or more sub-committees of each such Committee, and the membership, duties and operations of each such sub-committee shall be set forth in the written Charter of the applicable Committee.

(b) The Board of Trustees may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more additional committees, including ad hoc committees to address specified issues, each of which may, if deemed advisable by the Board of Trustees, have a written Charter. Each such additional committee shall consist of two or more of the Trustees of the Trust. The Board may designate one or more Trustees as alternate members of any such additional committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of such committee. Each such additional committee, to the extent provided in the resolution and/or in such committee’s Charter, if applicable, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees in the management of the business and affairs of the Trust; provided, however, that in the absence or disqualification of any member of such committee or committees, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Trustees to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Such additional committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees and/or as set forth in the written Charter of such committee or committees, if applicable.

Section 6. Chair; Vice Chair . The Board of Trustees shall have a Chair, who shall be a Trustee who is not an Interested Person. The Chair shall be elected by a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons. The Board of Trustees may also have a Vice Chair, who shall be a Trustee. The Vice Chair shall be elected by a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees, if the Chair is present, and shall approve the agendas of all meetings of the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees. The Chair shall have such other powers and duties as

 

2


shall be determined by the Board of Trustees, and shall undertake such other assignments as may be requested by the Board of Trustees. If the Chair shall not be present, the Vice Chair, if any, shall preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees, if the Vice Chair is present. The Vice Chair shall have such other powers and duties as shall be determined by the Chair or the Board of Trustees, and shall undertake such other assignments as may be requested by the Chair or the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS

Section 1. Executive Officers . The executive officers shall include a Principal Executive Officer, a President, one or more Vice Presidents, which may include one or more Executive Vice Presidents and/or Senior Vice Presidents (the number thereof to be determined by the Board of Trustees), a Principal Financial Officer, a Chief Legal Officer, a Chief Compliance Officer, a Senior Officer, a Treasurer, a Secretary and an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer. The Board of Trustees may also in its discretion appoint Assistant Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, and other officers, agents and employees, who shall have such authority and perform such duties as the Board may determine. The Board of Trustees may fill any vacancy that may occur in any office. Any two offices, except for those of President and Vice President, may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument on behalf of the Trust in more than one capacity, if such instrument is required by law or by these Bylaws to be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.

Section 2. Term of Office . Unless otherwise specifically determined by the Board of Trustees, the officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees. If the Board of Trustees in its judgment finds that the best interests of the Trust will be served, the Board of Trustees may remove any officer of the Trust at any time with or without cause. The Trustees may delegate this power to the President (without supervision by the Trustees) with respect to any other officer, except the Senior Officer. Such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer may resign from office at any time by delivering a written resignation to the Trustees or the President. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery.

Section 3. Principal Executive Officer . The Principal Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Trust and shall generally manage the business and affairs of the Trust. The Principal Executive Officer shall be responsible for making the certifications required of the Trust’s principal executive officer by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).

Section 4. President; Vice Presidents . The President and one or more Vice Presidents, which may include one or more Executive Vice Presidents and/or Senior Vice Presidents, shall have and exercise such powers and duties of the Principal Executive Officer in the absence or inability to act of the Principal Executive Officer, as may be assigned to them, respectively, by the Board of Trustees or, to the extent not so assigned, by the Principal Executive Officer. In the absence or inability to act of the Principal Executive Officer, the powers and duties of the Principal Executive Officer not otherwise assigned by the Board of Trustees or the Principal Executive Officer shall devolve first upon the President, then upon the Executive Vice Presidents, then upon the Senior Vice Presidents, and finally upon the Vice Presidents, all in the order of their election. If both the Chair and the Vice Chair are absent, or if

 

3


the Chair is absent and there is no Vice Chair, the President shall, if present, preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees.

Section 5. Principal Financial Officer . The Principal Financial Officer, who shall also have a title of at least Vice President, shall be the chief financial officer of the Trust and shall generally manage the financial affairs of the Trust. The Principal Financial Officer shall be responsible for making the certifications required of the Trust’s principal financial officer by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Section 6. Chief Legal Officer . The Chief Legal Officer, who shall also have a title of at least Senior Vice President, shall generally manage the legal affairs of the Trust. The Chief Legal Officer shall be responsible for receiving up-the-ladder reports within the Trust of any evidence of material violations of securities laws or breaches of fiduciary duty or similar violations by the Trust, as required by Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Section 7. Chief Compliance Officer . The Chief Compliance Officer, who shall also have a title of at least Senior Vice President, shall be responsible for administering the Trust’s policies and procedures adopted pursuant to Rule 38a-1(a)(1) under the 1940 Act.

Section 8. Senior Officer . The Senior Officer, who shall also have a title of at least Senior Vice President, shall be employed by or on behalf of the Trust and shall have such powers and duties as are set forth in such Senior Officer’s Executive Employment Agreement.

Section 9. Treasurer . The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of the funds and securities of the Trust and shall deposit the same in the name of the Trust in such bank or banks or other depositories, subject to withdrawal in such manner as these Bylaws or the Board of Trustees may determine. The Treasurer shall, if required by the Board of Trustees, give such bond for the faithful discharge of duties in such form as the Board of Trustees may require.

Section 10. Secretary . The Secretary shall (a) have custody of the seal of the Trust, if any; (b) if requested, attend meetings of the Shareholders, the Board of Trustees, and any committees or sub-committees of Trustees; (c) keep or cause to be kept the minutes of all meetings of Shareholders, the Board of Trustees and any committees or sub-committees thereof, and (d) issue all notices of the Trust. The Secretary shall have charge of the Shareholder records and such other books and papers as the Board may direct, and shall perform such other duties as may be incidental to the office or which are assigned by the Board of Trustees.

Section 11. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer . The Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer shall have such powers and duties as are set forth in the Anti-Money Laundering Program adopted by the Trust pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and the rules promulgated thereunder, as such Program may be amended from time to time.

Section 12. Assistant Officers . Assistant officers, which may include one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers, shall perform such functions and have such responsibilities as the Board of Trustees may assign to them or, to the extent not so assigned, by the President, Vice President(s), Secretary or Treasurer, as applicable.

 

4


Section 13. Surety Bond . The Trustees may require any officer or agent of the Trust to execute a bond (including, without limitation, any bond required by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission) to the Trust in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Trustees may determine, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties to the Trust, including responsibility for negligence and for the accounting of any of the Trust’s property, funds, or securities that may come into his or her hands.

Section 14. Authorized Signatories . Unless a specific officer is otherwise designated in these Bylaws or in a resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees, the proper officers of the Trust for executing agreements, documents and instruments other than Internal Revenue Service forms shall be the Principal Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Principal Financial Officer, the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Compliance Officer, the Senior Officer, the Treasurer, the Secretary, the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, any Assistant Vice President, any Assistant Treasurer or any Assistant Secretary. Unless a specific officer is otherwise designated in these Bylaws or in a resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees, the proper officers of the Trust for executing any and all Internal Revenue Service forms shall be the Principal Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Principal Financial Officer, the Treasurer, the Secretary, any Assistant Treasurer or any Assistant Secretary.

ARTICLE IV

MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Section 1. Purpose . All meetings of the Shareholders for the election of Trustees shall be held at such time and place as may be fixed from time to time by the Trustees, or at such other place either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated from time to time by the Trustees and stated in the notice indicating that a meeting has been called for such purpose. Meetings of Shareholders may be held for any purpose determined by the Trustees and may be held at such time and place, within or without the State of Delaware as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof. At all meetings of the Shareholders, every Record Owner entitled to vote on a matter to be voted on by such Shares shall be entitled to vote on such matter at such meeting either in person or by written proxy signed by the Record Owner or by his duly authorized attorney in fact. A Record Owner may duly authorize such attorney in fact through written, electronic, telephonic, computerized, facsimile, telecommunication, telex or oral communication or by any other form of communication.

Section 2. Election of Trustees . All meetings of Shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Trustees and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which the Shareholders shall elect the number of Trustees as provided in the Agreement and as the notice for such meeting shall state are to be elected, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 1 of this Article IV.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings . Written notice of any meeting stating the place, date, and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten days before the date of the meeting, to each Shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting in accordance with Article V hereof. No notice of any meeting need be given to any Shareholder who attends such meeting in person or to any Shareholder who waives notice of such meeting (which waiver shall be filed with the records of such meeting), whether before or after the time of the meeting. In the absence of fraud, any irregularities in the notice of any

 

5


meeting or the nonreceipt of any such notice by any of the Shareholders shall not invalidate any action otherwise properly taken at any such meeting.

Section 4. Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Shareholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by applicable law or by the Agreement, may be called by the Chair or by a majority of the Trustees. For the avoidance of doubt, Shareholders shall have no power to call special meetings of Shareholders.

Section 5. Conduct of Meeting . Business transacted at any meeting of Shareholders shall be limited to (a) the purpose stated in the notice, (b) such other matters as are permitted to be presented at the meeting in accordance with Section 1 of Article V, and (c) the adjournment of such meeting in accordance with Section 14 of this Article IV.

Section 6. Quorum . A majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote at a Shareholders’ meeting, which are present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at the Shareholders’ meeting, except when a larger quorum is required by applicable law or the requirements of any securities exchange on which Shares are listed for trading, in which case such quorum shall comply with such requirements. Quorum shall be determined with respect to the meeting as a whole regardless of whether particular matters have achieved the requisite vote for approval, but the presence of a quorum shall not prevent any adjournment at the meeting pursuant to Section 14 of this Article IV.

Section 7. Organization of Meetings .

(a) The meetings of the Shareholders shall be presided over by the Chair, or if the Chair shall not be present, by the Vice Chair, if any, or if the Vice Chair shall not be present or if there is no Vice Chair, by the President, or if the President shall not be present, by a Vice President, or if no Vice President is present, by a chair appointed for such purpose by the Board of Trustees or, if not so appointed, by a chair appointed for such purpose by the officers and Trustees present at the meeting. The Secretary of the Trust, if present, shall act as secretary of such meetings, or if the Secretary is not present, an Assistant Secretary of the Trust shall so act, and if no Assistant Secretary is present, then a person designated by the Secretary of the Trust shall so act, and if the Secretary has not designated a person, then the meeting shall elect a secretary for the meeting.

(b) The Board of Trustees of the Trust shall be entitled to make such rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings of Shareholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board of Trustees, if any, the chair of the meeting shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chair, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing: an agenda or order of business for the meeting; rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; limitations on participation in such meeting to shareholders of record of the Trust and their duly authorized and constituted proxies, and such other persons as the chair shall permit; restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; and regulation of the opening and closing of the polls for balloting on matters which are to be voted on by ballot. Unless and to the extent otherwise determined by the Board of Trustees or the chair of the meeting, meetings of Shareholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

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Section 8. Voting Standard . When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the Shares as set forth in the Agreement shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless a different vote is required by the express provision of applicable law, the Governing Instrument or applicable contract, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Where a separate vote by classes is required, the preceding sentence shall apply to such separate votes by classes.

Section 9. Voting Procedure . Each Record Owner as of the record date established pursuant to Section 13 of this Article IV shall be entitled to one vote for each whole Share and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional Share owned of record on the record date by such Record Owner.

Section 10. Action Without Meeting . Unless otherwise provided in the Agreement or applicable law, any action required to be taken at any meeting of the Shareholders, or any action which may be taken at any meeting of the Shareholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding Shares of the Trust (or a class of Shares in the case of a class vote) having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all Shares of the Trust (or such class) entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the taking of any such action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those Shareholders of the Trust (or such class, as applicable) who have not consented in writing.

Section 11. Broker Non-Votes . At any meeting of Shareholders, the Trust will consider broker non-votes, if any, as “entitled to vote, ” and therefore present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting and the percentage of outstanding Shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 12. Abstentions . At any meeting of Shareholders, the Trust will consider abstentions, if any, as “entitled to vote,” and therefore present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting and the percentage of outstanding Shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

Section 13. Record Date for Shareholder Meetings and Consents . In order that the Trustees may determine the Record Owners entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Trustees may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Trustees, and which record date shall not be more than ninety nor less than ten days before the original date upon which the meeting of Shareholders is scheduled. A determination of Record Owners entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Shareholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting so long as notice of the adjournment and the new record and meeting dates are given to the Shareholders.

Section 14. Adjournments .

(a) Prior to the date upon which any meeting of Shareholders is to be held, the Board of Trustees may postpone such meeting one or more times for any reason by giving notice to each Shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting so postponed of the place, date and hour at which such meeting will be held. Such notice shall be given not fewer than two (2) days

 

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before the date of such meeting and otherwise in accordance with Article V. A meeting of the Shareholders convened on the date for which it was called may be adjourned from time to time without further notice to the Shareholders to a date not more than 120 days after the original meeting date. A meeting of the Shareholders may not be adjourned for more than 120 days after the original meeting date for such meeting without giving the Shareholders notice of the adjournment and the new meeting date. Except as otherwise set forth in Article IV, Section 6 hereof, the vote of the holders of one-third of the Shares cast, or the chair of the meeting in his or her discretion, shall have the power to adjourn a meeting of the Shareholders with regard to a particular proposal scheduled to be voted on at such meeting or to adjourn such meeting entirely.

(b) In voting for adjournment, the persons named as proxies may vote their proxies (including those marked “withhold,” “against” or “abstain”) in favor of one or more adjournments of the meeting, or the chair of the meeting may call an adjournment, provided such Persons determine that such adjournment is reasonable and in the best interests of Shareholders and the Trust, based on a consideration of such factors as they may deem relevant.

Section 15. Voting – Proxies . At all meetings of the Shareholders, every Shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat shall be entitled to vote either in person or by proxy, which term shall include proxies provided by such Shareholder, or his duly authorized attorney, through written, electronic, telephonic, computerized, facsimile, telecommunications, telex or oral communication or by any other form of communication, each pursuant to such voting procedures and through such systems as are authorized by the Board of Trustees or any officer of the Trust. Proxies may be solicited in the name of one or more Trustees or one or more officers of the Trust.

Unless the proxy provides otherwise, it shall not be valid for more than eleven (11) months before the date of the meeting. All proxies shall be delivered to the secretary or other person responsible for recording the proceedings before being voted. A valid proxy which does not state that it is irrevocable shall continue in full force and effect unless (i) revoked by the person executing it before the vote pursuant to that proxy is taken (a) by a writing delivered to the Trust stating that the proxy is revoked, (b) by a subsequent proxy executed by such person, (c) attendance at the meeting and voting in person by the person executing that proxy, or (d) revocation by such person using any electronic, telephonic, computerized or other alternative means authorized by the Trustees for authorizing the proxy to act; or (ii) written notice of the death or incapacity of the maker of that proxy is received by the Trust before the vote pursuant to that proxy is counted. Unless revoked, any proxy given in connection with a postponed or adjourned meeting for which a new record date is fixed shall continue to be valid so long as the Shareholder giving such proxy is a Shareholder of record on such new such record date.

A proxy with respect to Shares held in the name of two or more persons shall be valid if executed by one of them unless at or prior to exercise of such proxy the Trust receives a specific written notice to the contrary from any one of them in which case such proxy shall not be valid and no vote shall be received in respect of such Shares unless all persons holding such Shares shall agree on their manner of voting. Unless otherwise specifically limited by their terms, proxies shall entitle the Shareholder to vote at any adjournment of a Shareholders’ meeting.

 

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Section 16. Concerning Validity of Proxies, Ballots, Etc . At every meeting of the Shareholders, all proxies shall be received and taken in charge of and all ballots shall be received and canvassed by the secretary of the meeting, who shall decide all questions touching the qualification of voters, the validity of proxies, and the acceptance or rejection of votes, unless inspectors of election shall have been appointed as provided below in this section, in which event such inspectors of election shall decide all such questions.

A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Record Owner shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. Subject to the provisions of the Delaware Act, the Agreement, or these By-laws, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware relating to proxies, and judicial interpretations thereunder, shall govern all matters concerning the giving, voting or validity of proxies, as if the Trust were a Delaware corporation and the Shareholders were stockholders of a Delaware corporation.

At any election of Trustees, the Board of Trustees prior thereto may, or, if they have not so acted, the chairman of the meeting may, appoint one or more inspectors of election who shall first subscribe an oath or affirmation to execute faithfully the duties of inspector at such election with strict impartiality and according to the best of their ability, and shall after the election make a certificate of the result of the vote taken. No candidate for the office of Trustee shall be appointed as an inspector.

The chairman of the meeting may cause a vote by ballot to be taken upon any election or matter.

ARTICLE V

NOTICES

Section 1. Advance Notice of Shareholder Nominees for Trustee and Other Shareholder Proposals .

(a) The matters to be considered and brought before any annual or special meeting of Shareholders of the Trust shall be limited to only such matters, including the nomination and election of Trustees, as shall be brought properly before such meeting in compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section.

(b) For any matter to be properly brought before any annual meeting of Shareholders, the matter must be:

(1) Specified in the notice of annual meeting given by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees;

(2) Otherwise brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees; or

(3) Brought before the annual meeting in the manner specified in this Section by a Record Owner at the time of the giving of notice provided for in this Section, on the record date for such meeting and at the time of the meeting, or a Shareholder (a “Nominee Holder”) that holds voting securities entitled to vote at meetings of Shareholders through a nominee or “street name” holder of record and can demonstrate to the Trust such indirect ownership and such Nominee Holder’s

 

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entitlement to vote such securities, and is a Nominee Holder at the time of the giving of notice provided for in this Section, on the record date for such meeting and at the time of the meeting.

(c) In addition to any other requirements under applicable law and the Governing Instrument of the Trust, persons nominated by Shareholders for election as Trustees of the Trust and any other proposals by Shareholders shall be properly brought before the meeting only if notice of any such matter to be presented by a Shareholder at such meeting of Shareholders (the “Shareholder Notice”) shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Trust at the principal executive office of the Trust not less than ninety (90) nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year. A person may be nominated by a Shareholder for election as a Trustee of the Trust only by a holder of a class of Shares entitled to vote on the election of such nominee.

(d) If and only if the annual meeting is not scheduled to be held within a period that commences thirty (30) days before such anniversary date and ends thirty (30) days after such anniversary date (an annual meeting date outside such period being referred to herein as an “Other Annual Meeting Date”), such Shareholder Notice shall be given in the manner provided herein by the later of the close of business on (i) the date ninety (90) days prior to such Other Annual Meeting Date or (ii) the tenth (10th) day following the date such Other Annual Meeting Date is first publicly announced or disclosed; provided, however, that if the Other Annual Meeting Date was disclosed in the proxy statement for the prior year’s annual meeting, than the dates for receipt of the Shareholder Notice shall be calculated in accordance with Section 1(c) of this Article V based on such Other Annual Meeting Date and disclosed in the proxy statement for the prior year’s annual meeting.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, in the event that the number of Trustees to be elected to the Board of Trustees of the Trust is increased and either all of the nominees for Trustee or the size of the increased Board of Trustees are not publicly announced or disclosed by the Trust at least seventy (70) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a Shareholder Notice shall also be considered timely hereunder, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Trust at the principal executive office of the Trust not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the first date all of such nominees or the size of the increased Board of Trustees shall have been publicly announced or disclosed.

(f) Any Shareholder desiring to nominate any person or persons (as the case may be) for election as a Trustee or Trustees of the Trust shall deliver, as part of such Shareholder Notice:

(1) A statement in writing with respect to the person or persons to be nominated (a “Proposed Nominee”) setting forth:

(A) The name, age, business address, residence address and principal occupation or employment of the Proposed Nominee;

(B) The number and class of all Shares of the Trust owned of record and beneficially by each such Proposed Nominee and the date(s) of acquisition of such Shares, together with records evidencing such holdings;

 

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(C) The name of each nominee holder of Shares owned beneficially but not of record by such Proposed Nominee, the number and class of such Shares held by each such nominee holder and the date(s) of acquisition of such Shares, together with records evidencing such holdings;

(D) The number and class of all Shares (i) which the Proposed Nominee has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or upon exercise of conversion rights or warrants, or otherwise or (ii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly (including Shares deemed owned through application of clause (i) above), by any other Person or group with which the Proposed Nominee or its “affiliate” or “associate,” as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2, or any successor rule, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of Shares, or which is its “affiliate” or “associate” as so defined;

(E) The information regarding each such Proposed Nominee required by paragraph (b) of Item 22 of Rule 14a-101 under the Exchange Act, adopted by the Commission (or the corresponding provisions of any regulation or rule subsequently adopted by the Commission applicable to the Trust);

(F) Whether such Shareholder believes any Proposed Nominee will be an “interested person” of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act), and, if not an “interested person”, information regarding each Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient for the Trust to make such determination; and

(G) A description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether written or oral (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options or similar rights and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the Shareholder Notice by, or on behalf of, such Proposed Nominee (i) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of such Proposed Nominee; or (ii) related to such nomination;

(H) Each such Proposed Nominee’s signed consent to serve as a Trustee of the Trust if elected; and

(I) Each Proposed Nominee’s written representation that he or she is not ineligible under Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act and is not covered by, or subject to a proceeding regarding Section 9(b) of the 1940 Act and an agreement to complete and execute the Trust’s form of trustee questionnaire.

(2) Such other information as is required by Section 1(h) of this Article V.

(g) Any Shareholder who gives a Shareholder Notice of any matter proposed to be brought before the meeting shall deliver, as part of such Shareholder Notice:

(1) The text of the proposal to be presented;

(2) A brief written statement of the reasons why such Shareholder favors the proposal; and

 

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(3) Any material interest of such Shareholder in the matter proposed (other than as a Shareholder).

(h) Any Shareholder who gives a Shareholder Notice of any matter proposed to be brought before the meeting or to elect Proposed Nominees shall deliver, as part of such Shareholder Notice:

(1) In the case of a Nominee Holder, evidence establishing such Nominee Holder’s indirect ownership of, and entitlement to vote, securities at the meeting of Shareholders;

(2) A representation whether the Shareholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of a group which intends to solicit proxies from Shareholders in support of such proposal or nomination;

(3) Any other information relating to such Shareholder and such beneficial owner that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies by such Person with respect to the proposed business to be brought by such Person before the annual meeting pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, whether or not such Person intends to deliver a proxy statement or solicit proxies; and

(4) A statement in writing with respect to the Shareholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is being made setting forth:

(A) The name and address of such Shareholder, as they appear on the Trust’s books, and of such beneficial owner;

(B) The number and class of Shares which are owned beneficially and of record by such Shareholder and such beneficial owner, and the date(s) of acquisition of such shares, together with records evidencing such holdings;

(C) The name of each nominee holder of Shares owned beneficially but not of record by such Shareholder and beneficial owner, and the number and class of such Shares held by each such nominee holder, and the date(s) of acquisition of such shares, together with records evidencing such holdings;

(D) The number and class of all Shares (i) which the Shareholder has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or upon exercise of conversion rights or warrants, or otherwise or (ii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly (including Shares deemed owned through application of clause (i) above), by any other Person or group with which the nominating Shareholder or its “affiliate” or “associate,” as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2, or any successor rule, under the Exchange Act, has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of Shares, or which is its “affiliate” or “associate” as so defined; and

(E) A description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether written or oral (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options or similar rights and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered

 

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into as of the date of the Shareholder Notice by, or on behalf of, such Shareholder or such beneficial owners (i) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of such Shareholder or such beneficial owner; or (ii) related to such proposal.

(i) A Shareholder providing notice of any nomination or other business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting of Shareholders shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in the notice of the annual meeting delivered pursuant to Section 3 of Article IV shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining the Record Owners entitled to receive notice of the annual meeting of Shareholders and such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than five (5) business days before the record date for determining the Shareholders entitled to receive notice of the annual meeting of Record Owners.

(j) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article, unless otherwise required by law, if the Shareholder (or a qualified representative of the Shareholder) does not appear at the annual meeting or special meeting of Shareholders of the Trust to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Trust. For purposes of this Article, to be considered a qualified representative of the Shareholder, a Person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such Shareholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such Shareholder delivered by such Shareholder to act for such Shareholder as proxy at the meeting of Shareholders and such Person must deliver a copy of such writing to the acting secretary at the meeting of Shareholders.

(k) As used herein, shares “beneficially owned” shall mean all Shares which such person is deemed to beneficially own pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act.

(l) Only such matters shall be conducted at a special meeting of Shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Trust’s notice of meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Trustees may be made at a special meeting of Shareholders at which Trustees are to be elected:

(1) Pursuant to the Trust’s notice of meeting;

(2) By or at the direction of the Board of Trustees; or

(3) Provided that the Board of Trustees has determined that Trustees shall be elected at such special meeting, by:

(A) Any Shareholder of the Trust who is a Record Owner at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section, at the record date for such meeting and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section; or

 

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(B) A Nominee Holder that holds voting securities entitled to vote at meetings of Shareholders through a nominee or “street name” holder of record and can demonstrate to the Trust such indirect ownership and such Nominee Holder’s entitlement to vote such securities, and is a Nominee Holder at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section, at the record date for such meeting and at the time of the special meeting, and who is entitled to vote at the meeting and has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section.

(m) In the event the Trust calls a special meeting of Shareholders for the purpose of electing one or more Trustees to the Board of Trustees, any Record Owner or Nominee Holder, meeting the requirements of Section 1(l)(3) of this Article V, may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Trust’s notice of meeting, if the appropriate Shareholder Notice shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Trust at the principal executive office of the Trust not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Trustees to be elected at such meeting is publicly announced or disclosed.

(n) For purposes of this Section, a matter shall be deemed to have been “publicly announced or disclosed” if such matter is disclosed in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Trust with the Commission.

(o) In no event shall the adjournment of an annual or special meeting, or any announcement thereof, commence a new period for the giving of notice as provided in this Section.

(p) This Section shall not apply to Shareholder proposals made pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

(q) The chair of any meeting of Shareholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall have the power and duty to determine whether notice of nominees and other matters proposed to be brought before a meeting has been duly given in the manner provided in this Section and, if not so given, shall direct and declare at the meeting that such nominees and other matters are out of order and/or shall not be considered.

Section 2. Methods of Giving Notice . Whenever, under the provisions of applicable law or of the Governing Instrument, notice is required to be given to any Trustee or Shareholder, it shall not, unless otherwise provided herein, be construed to mean personal notice, but such notice may be given orally in person, or by telephone (promptly confirmed in writing) or in writing, by mail addressed to such Trustee at his or her last given address or to such Shareholder at his address as it appears on the records of the Trust, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Notice to Trustees or members of a committee or sub-committee may also be given by telex, telegram, facsimile, electronic-mail or via overnight courier. If sent by telex or facsimile, notice to a Trustee or member of a committee or sub-committee shall be deemed to be given upon transmittal; if sent by telegram, notice to a Trustee or member of a committee or sub-committee shall be deemed to be given when the telegram, so addressed, is delivered to the telegraph company; if sent by electronic-mail, notice to a Trustee or member of a committee or sub-committee shall be deemed to be given and shall be

 

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presumed valid when the Trust’s electronic-mail server reflects the electronic-mail message as having been sent; and if sent via overnight courier, notice to a Trustee or member of a committee or sub-committee shall be deemed to be given when delivered against a receipt therefor.

Section 3. Written Waiver . Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of applicable law, or of the Governing Instrument, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.

ARTICLE VI

UNCERTIFICATED SHARES AND SHARE OWNERSHIP

Section 1. Uncertificated Shares . Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the rules of any exchange on which the Trust is listed or the Governing Instrument, the Trust shall not issue share certificates and no Shareholder shall have the right to demand or require that a certificate be issued to him, her or it.

Section 2. Transfer of Shares . Shares shall be transferable on the records of the Trust only by the Record Owner thereof or by its agent thereto duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the transfer agent of the Trust of a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with such evidence of the genuineness of each such execution and authorization and of other matters (including compliance with any securities laws and contractual restrictions) as may reasonably be required. Upon such delivery the transfer shall be recorded on the applicable register of the Trust. Until such record is made, the Record Owner shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereof and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of the proposed transfer.

Section 3. Record Owner Book . The Trust shall keep or cause to be kept a Shareholder book, which may be maintained by means of computer systems, containing the names, alphabetically arranged, of all persons who are Record Owners of the Trust, showing their places of residence, the number and class of any Shares held by them, respectively, and the dates when they became the record owners thereof.

Section 4. Registered Shareholders . The ownership of Shares shall be recorded on the books of the Trust or a transfer or similar agent for the Trust, which books shall contain the names and addresses of the Shareholders and the Shares held by each Shareholder. The record books of the Trust as kept by the Trust or any transfer or similar agent, as the case may be, shall be conclusive as to the identity of the Shareholders and as to the number of Shares of the Trust held from time to time by each Shareholder. The Trust shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of Shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim of interest in such Share or Shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice hereof. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment of any distribution or to have notice given to such Shareholder of any meeting or other action in respect of the Trust until such Shareholder has given its address and such other information as shall be required to such officer or agent of the Trust as shall keep the record books of the Trust for entry thereof.

 

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Section 5. Record Date for Receiving Dividends and Other Actions . In order that the Trustees may determine the Record Owners entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution of allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of Shares or for the purpose of any other lawful action (other than the record date for meetings of shareholders as set forth in Section 13 of Article IV), the Board of Trustees may fix a record date, which record date (i) shall be set forth in the resolution or resolutions authorizing the payment of such dividend or other lawful action and (ii) shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Seal . The Trust is not required to have any seal, and the adoption or use of a seal shall be purely ornamental and be of no legal effect. The seal, if any, of the Trust may be affixed to any instrument, and the seal and its attestation may be lithographed, engraved or otherwise printed on any document with the same force and effect as if it had been imprinted and affixed manually in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if done by a Delaware business corporation. The presence or absences of a seal shall have no effect on the validity, enforceability or binding nature of any document or instrument that is otherwise duly authorized, executed and delivered.

Section 2. Severability . The provisions of these Bylaws are severable. If any provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision only in such jurisdiction and shall not affect any other provision of these Bylaws.

Section 3. Headings . Headings are placed in these Bylaws for convenience of reference only and in case of any conflict, the text of these Bylaws rather than the headings shall control.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Indemnification .

(a) To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Trust shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved as a witness in, any proceeding (other than a proceeding by or in the right of the Trust) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Covered Person, against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such proceeding.

(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Trust shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved as a witness in, any proceeding by or in the right of the Trust to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Covered Person, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with the investigation, defense or settlement of such proceeding.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, no Covered Person shall be indemnified for any expenses, judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement, or other liability or loss arising by reason of disabling conduct or for any proceedings by such Covered Person against the Trust. The termination of any proceeding by conviction, or a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of an order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that the person engaged in disabling conduct.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee (1) was authorized by a majority of the Trustees or (2) was instituted by the indemnitee to enforce his or her rights to indemnification hereunder in a case in which the indemnitee is found to be entitled to such indemnification. The rights to indemnification set forth in these Bylaws shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Trustee or officer of the Trust and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives. No amendment or restatement of these Bylaws or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate any of the benefits provided to any person who at any time is or was a trustee or officer of the Trust or otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder in respect of any act or omission that occurred prior to such amendment, restatement or repeal.

Section 2. Advance Payment of Indemnification Expenses . To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Trust shall advance to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved as a witness in, any proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Trustee or officer of the Trust the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense of such proceeding in advance of its final disposition. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Trust may advance to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Covered Person (other than a Trustee or officer of the Trust) the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense of such proceeding in advance of its final disposition. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, the Trust shall not advance expenses to any Covered Person (including a Trustee or officer of the Trust) unless:

(a) the Trust has received an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that the amount of all expenses so advanced will be paid over by such person to the Trust unless it is ultimately determined that such person is entitled to indemnification for such expenses; and

(b) (i) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking; (ii) the Trust shall be insured against losses by reason of any lawful advance payments; or (iii) either (1) the Trustees, by the vote of a majority of a quorum of qualifying Trustees (as defined in Section 6 below), or (2) independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

Section 3. Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification . Any indemnification required or permitted under this Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Trust only as authorized in the specific case upon a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the Covered Person is entitled to indemnification because (i) he or she is not liable by reason of disabling conduct, or (ii) in cases where there is no liability, he or she

 

17


has not engaged in disabling conduct. Such determination shall be made by (i) the vote of a majority of a quorum of qualifying Trustees; or (ii) if there are no such Trustees, or if such Trustees so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2 of this Article VIII, if a determination that a Covered Person engaged in disabling conduct is made in accordance with this Section 3, no further advances of expenses shall be made, and all prior advances, and insurance premiums paid for by the Trust, if applicable, must be repaid.

Section 4. Contract Rights . With respect to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved as a witness in, any proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Covered Person, the rights to indemnification conferred in Section 1 of this Article VIII, and with respect to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved as a witness in, any proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Trustee or officer of the Trust, the advancement of expenses conferred in Section 2 of this Article VIII shall be contract rights. Any amendment, repeal, or modification of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with, this Article VIII (or any provision hereof) shall not adversely affect any right to indemnification or advancement of expenses granted to any such person pursuant hereto with respect to any act or omission of such person occurring prior to the time of such amendment, repeal, modification, or adoption (regardless of whether the proceeding relating to such acts or omissions is commenced before or after the time of such amendment, repeal, modification, or adoption). Any amendment or modification of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with, this Article VIII (or any provision hereof), that has the effect of positively affecting any right to indemnification or advancement of expenses granted to any such person pursuant hereto, shall not apply retroactively to any person who was not serving as a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust at the time of such amendment, modification or adoption.

Section 5. Claims .

(a) If (X) a claim under Section 1 of this Article VIII with respect to any right to indemnification is not paid in full by the Trust within sixty days after a written demand has been received by the Trust or (Y) a claim under Section 2 of this Article VIII with respect to any right to the advancement of expenses is not paid in full by the Trust within thirty days after a written demand has been received by the Trust, then the Covered Person seeking to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses, as the case may be, may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Trust to recover the unpaid amount of the claim.

(b) If successful in whole or in part in any suit brought pursuant to Section 5(a) of this Article VIII, or in a suit brought by the Trust to recover an advancement of expenses (whether pursuant to the terms of an undertaking or otherwise), the Covered Person seeking to enforce a right to indemnification or an advancement of expenses hereunder or the Covered Person from whom the Trust sought to recover an advancement of expenses, as the case may be, shall be entitled to be paid by the Trust the reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of prosecuting or defending such suit.

Section 6. Definitions . For purposes of this Article VIII: (a) references to “Trust” include any domestic or foreign predecessor entity of this Trust in a merger, consolidation, or other transaction in which the predecessor’s existence ceased upon consummation of the transaction; (b) the term “disabling conduct” means willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or the reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the Covered Person’s office with the Trust; (c) the term “expenses” includes, without limitations, attorneys’

 

18


fees; (d) the term “proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative; and (e) the term “qualifying Trustee” means any Trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and is not a party to the proceeding.

ARTICLE IX

EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS, VOTING OF SECURITIES

Section 1. Checks, Notes, Drafts, Etc . So long as the Trust shall employ a custodian to keep custody of the cash and securities of the Trust, all checks and drafts for the payment of money by the Trust may be signed in the name of the Trust by the custodian. Except as otherwise authorized by the Board of Trustees, all requisitions or orders for the assignment of securities standing in the name of the custodian or its nominee, or for the execution of powers to transfer the same, shall be signed in the name of the Trust by the Principal Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President and by the Principal Financial Officer or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer. Promissory notes, checks or drafts payable to the Trust may be endorsed only to the order of the custodian or its nominee and only by the Principal Executive Officer, the President, a Vice President, the Principal Financial Officer or the Treasurer or by such other person or persons as shall be authorized by the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. Voting of Securities . Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Trustees, the Principal Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President shall have full power and authority on behalf of the Trust to attend and to act and to vote, or in the name of the Trust to execute proxies to vote, at any meeting of shareholders of any company in which the Trust may hold stock. At any such meeting such officer shall possess and may exercise (in person or by proxy) any and all rights, powers and privileges incident to the ownership of such stock. The Board of Trustees may by resolution from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments by Trustees . These Bylaws may be altered or repealed by the Trustees, without the vote or approval of the Shareholders.

 

19

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

AMENDMENT NO. 3

TO

THE STATEMENT OF PREFERENCES

OF

VARIABLE RATE TERM PREFERRED SHARES (“VRTP SHARES”)

DATED OCTOBER 26, 2012

(THE “STATEMENT”)

WHEREAS , pursuant to authority expressly vested in the Board of Trustees of Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Fund”) by Section 1.1 of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund, the Board of Trustees of the Fund may transact the Fund’s affairs;

WHEREAS , the Board of Trustees has determined that it is in the best interest of the Fund to extend the Term Redemption Date of the VRTP Shares to September 1, 2017, and has approved such change; and

WHEREAS , this change in the Term Redemption Date has been consented to in writing by the sole shareholder of the Fund’s Outstanding VRTP Shares.

NOW THEREFORE , the undersigned officer of the Fund hereby certifies as follows:

1. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has adopted resolutions to extend the Term Redemption Date to September 1, 2017.

2. The definition of “Term Redemption Date” in the Statement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Term Redemption Date ” means September 1, 2017 or such later date to which the Term Redemption Date may be extended in accordance with Section 10(b)(i)(A) of this Statement of Preferences.

3. Any capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such capitalized terms in the Statement.

4. Except as amended hereby, the Statement remains in full force and effect.

5. An original copy of this amendment shall be lodged with the records of the Fund and filed in such places as the Board of Trustees deems appropriate.

[ Signature Page Follows ]


Dated this 27 th day of August 2014.

 

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST
By:  

/s/ John M. Zerr

  Name:  John M. Zerr
  Title:    Senior Vice President

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

AMENDMENT NO. 4

TO

THE STATEMENT OF PREFERENCES

OF

VARIABLE RATE TERM PREFERRED SHARES (“VRTP SHARES”)

DATED OCTOBER 26, 2012, AS AMENDED

(THE “STATEMENT”)

WHEREAS , pursuant to authority expressly vested in the Board of Trustees of Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Fund”) by Section 1.1 of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Fund, as amended, the Board of Trustees of the Fund may transact the Fund’s affairs;

WHEREAS , the Board of Trustees has determined that it is in the best interest of the Fund to amend the Statement as set forth below (the “Amendment”), and has approved such changes;

WHEREAS , the Amendment has been consented to in writing by the sole shareholder of the Fund’s Outstanding VRTP Shares; and

WHEREAS , Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Fitch Ratings (each a “Rating Agency”) have each provided to the Fund written confirmation that the Amendment will not adversely affect the rating assigned to the VRTP Shares by each Rating Agency.

NOW THEREFORE , the undersigned officer of the Fund hereby certifies as follows:

1. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has adopted resolutions to amend the Statement and to redeem the Fund’s Outstanding VRTP Shares as set forth below.

2. The definitions of “ Conditional Acceptance ” and “ Liquidity Requirement ” in the Statement are each deleted in their entirety.

3. The definition of “ Liquidity Account Initial Date ” in the Statement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following definition:

Liquidity Account Initial Date ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10(a)(iv) of this Statement of Preferences.

4. The following definitions are added to the Statement:

Failed Optional Redemption ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10(a)(iv)(B) of this Statement of Preferences.

Liquidity Account Amount ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10(b)(ii)(A) of this Statement of Preferences.

Periodic Optional Redemption Schedule ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10(a)(iv) of this Statement of Preferences.

Periodic Optional Redemption Shares ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10(a)(iv) of this Statement of Preferences.


5. The following is added as Section 10(a)(iv) to the Statement:

“(iv)(A) Periodic Optional Redemption . Beginning on May 1, 2017, the Trust shall redeem, pursuant to Section 10(a) of this Statement of Preferences, Outstanding VRTP Shares (collectively, the “ Periodic Optional Redemption Shares ”) according to the following schedule (the “ Periodic Optional Redemption Schedule ”):

 

Redemption Date

   Amount of Aggregate Liquidation
Preference of VRTP Shares to be
Redeemed Pursuant to Section 10(a)
 

May 1, 2017

   $ 25,000,000.00  

June 1, 2017

   $ 25,000,000.00  

July 3, 2017

   $ 25,000,000.00  

August 1, 2017

   $ 25,000,000.00  

(B) In the event that any redemption of Periodic Optional Redemption Shares as provided in the Periodic Optional Redemption Schedule does not occur on the applicable scheduled Redemption Date reflected in the table above (a “ Failed Optional Redemption ”), the Trust shall, within five (5) Business Days following the applicable Redemption Date with respect to such shares (the “ Liquidity Account Initial Date ” applicable to such Periodic Optional Redemption Shares), cause the Custodian to establish a Liquidity Account, as set forth in Section 10(b)(ii) of this Statement of Preferences, in an amount equal to the Liquidity Account Amount.

(C) Nothing in this Section 10(a)(iv) shall limit the Trust’s ability to redeem any Outstanding VRTP Shares pursuant to Section 10(a)(i) of this Statement of Preferences. Any Outstanding VRTP Shares that are not redeemed according to the Periodic Optional Redemption Schedule, or otherwise redeemed pursuant to Section 10(a)(i) of this Statement of Preferences, shall be redeemed on the Term Redemption Date pursuant to Section 10(b)(i)(A) of this Statement of Preferences.”

6. Section 10(b)(i)(A) of the Statement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

(i)(A) Term Redemption . The Trust shall redeem, out of funds legally available therefor under Applicable Law, all Outstanding VRTP Shares of a Series on the Term Redemption Date for such Series at the Redemption Price.”

7. Section 10(b)(i)(C) of the Statement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(C) Other Mandatory Redemption Events . The Trust shall redeem, out of funds legally available therefor under Applicable Law, at the Redemption Price, all of the VRTP Shares, if any of the following events occur: (i) any Increased Rate Event has occurred and is continuing for 180 days; (ii) the Trust is not in compliance with Section 1(c), Section 5(a), Section 5(b), Section 6(c), Section 6(d), Section 6(e), Section 6(f), Section 8(a), Section 8(b), Section 8(c)(ii), Section 10(b)(ii)(A), Section 10(k) or Section 13(i) and such non-compliance has continued for 30 days; (iii) the Trust is not in compliance with Section 13(k)(i), Section 13(k)(iii), Section 13(k)(v), Section 13(k)(viii), Section


13(k)(ix), Section 13(k)(x), Section 13(k)(xi), Section 13(k)(xii) or Section 13(k)(xiii) of this Statement of Preferences and such non-compliance has continued for 30 days after the earlier of the Trust having actual knowledge of such non-compliance or the Trust having received written notice of the occurrence of such non-compliance from a Holder; (iv) any Bankruptcy Event shall occur; or (v) the Investment Adviser shall cease to be a wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. or the investment advisory agreement between the Trust and the Investment Adviser shall have terminated, unless a replacement investment advisory agreement substantially similar in all material respects to the investment advisory agreement in effect on the Closing Date has been entered into with the Investment Adviser. If a redemption pursuant to this Section 10(b)(i)(C) is to occur, the Trust shall cause a Notice of Redemption to be sent to Holders in accordance with Section 10(c) of this Statement of Preferences and cause to be deposited Deposit Securities or other sufficient funds, out of funds legally available therefor under Applicable Law, in trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent in accordance with the terms of this Statement of Preferences. The Trust shall effect such redemption on the date fixed by the Trust therefor, which date shall not be earlier than 10 Business Days nor later than 60 days after the date the redemption event occurred, except that if the Trust does not have funds legally available under Applicable Law for the redemption of all of the required number of VRTP Shares which are subject to redemption or the Trust otherwise is unable as a result of Applicable Law to effect such redemption on or prior to 60 days after the date the redemption event occurred, the Trust shall redeem those VRTP Shares which it was unable to redeem on the earliest practicable date on which it is able to effect such redemption. If fewer than all of the Outstanding VRTP Shares of a Series are to be redeemed pursuant to Section 10(b)(i)(C) of this Statement of Preferences, the number of VRTP Shares of such Series to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata from the Holders of VRTP Shares of such Series in proportion to the number of VRTP Shares of such Series held by such Holders or by lot or other fair method as determined by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities Depository, if applicable. If fewer than all of the Outstanding VRTP Shares of a Series are to be redeemed pursuant to Section 10(b)(i)(C) of this Statement of Preferences, and if more than one Series of VRTP Shares is outstanding, then the number of VRTP Shares of each Series to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata from the Holders of VRTP Shares of each Series in proportion to the number of VRTP Shares in each Series or by lot or other fair method as determined by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities Depository, if applicable.”

8. Section 10(b)(ii)(A) of the Statement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(ii)(A) On or prior to the Liquidity Account Initial Date applicable to Periodic Optional Redemption Shares that are subject to a Failed Optional Redemption, the Trust shall cause the Custodian to segregate, by means of appropriate identification on its books and records or otherwise in accordance with the Custodian’s normal procedures, from the other assets of the Trust (a “ Liquidity Account ”), Liquidity Account Investments with a Market Value equal to at least 110% of the Liquidity Account Amount with respect to such Periodic Optional Redemption Shares. The “ Liquidity Account Amount ” for any Periodic Optional Redemption Shares subject to this Section 10(b)(ii)(A) shall be equal to the product of (x) the Term Redemption Price to be paid on the Term Redemption Date for such shares, based on the number of such


Periodic Optional Redemption Shares then Outstanding, assuming for this purpose that the Applicable Rate for such Periodic Optional Redemption Shares in effect at the Liquidity Account Initial Date for such shares will be the Applicable Rate as in effect at such Liquidity Account Initial Date until the Term Redemption Date, and (y) two (2); provided that in no event shall the aggregate Liquidity Account Amount exceed $125,000,000.00 at any time. If, on any date after the Liquidity Account Initial Date, the aggregate Market Value of the Liquidity Account Investments included in the Liquidity Account for any Periodic Optional Redemption Shares subject to this section 10(b)(ii)(A), as of the close of business on any Business Day, is less than 110% of the Liquidity Account Amount with respect to such shares, then the Trust shall cause the Custodian and the Investment Adviser to segregate additional or substitute assets of the Trust as Liquidity Account Investments, so that the aggregate Market Value of the Liquidity Account Investments included in the Liquidity Account for such Periodic Optional Redemption Shares is equal to at least 110% of the Liquidity Account Amount with respect to such shares not later than the close of business on the next succeeding Business Day. Upon the deposit by the Trust with the Redemption and Paying Agent of Deposit Securities having a Market Value sufficient to effect the redemption of Periodic Optional Redemption Shares subject to a Failed Optional Redemption, the requirement of the Trust to maintain a Liquidity Account for such Periodic Optional Redemption Shares as contemplated by Section 10(a)(iv) of this Statement of Preferences and this Section 10(b)(ii) shall lapse and be of no further force and effect. With respect to assets of the Trust segregated as Liquidity Account Investments, the Investment Adviser, on behalf of the Trust, shall be entitled to instruct the Custodian on any date to release any Liquidity Account Investments from such segregation and to substitute therefor other Liquidity Account Investments (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Liquidity Account Investments constituting Deposit Securities), so long as the assets of the Trust segregated as Liquidity Account Investments with respect to Periodic Optional Redemption Shares subject to this Section 10(b)(ii)(A) at the close of business on such date have a Market Value equal to at least 110% of the Liquidity Account Amount with respect to such shares. The Trust shall cause the Custodian not to permit any lien, security interest or encumbrance to be created or permitted to exist on or in respect of any Liquidity Account Investments included in the Liquidity Account for any Periodic Optional Redemption Shares subject to this Section 10(b)(ii)(A), other than liens, security interests or encumbrances arising by operation of law and any lien of the Custodian with respect to the payment of its fees or repayment for its advances. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied herein to the contrary, the assets of the Liquidity Account shall continue to be assets of the Trust subject to the interests of all creditors and shareholders of the Trust.”

9. Section 10(b)(ii)(B) of the Statement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(B) The Deposit Securities included in the Liquidity Account for any Periodic Optional Redemption Shares subject to Section 10(b)(ii)(A) of this Statement may be liquidated by the Trust, in its discretion, and the proceeds applied towards payment of the Term Redemption Amount for such shares. Upon the deposit by the Trust on the Term Redemption Date with the Redemption and Paying Agent of Deposit Securities constituting cash and of the cash proceeds from the liquidation of other Deposit Securities having an initial combined Market Value sufficient to effect the redemption of the VRTP Shares of a Series on the Term Redemption Date for such Series, the


requirement of the Trust to maintain a Liquidity Account for such Series as contemplated by this Section 10(b)(ii) shall lapse and be of no further force and effect.”

10. Sections 10(b)(ii)(C) and 10(b)(ii)(D) of the Statement are each deleted in their entirety.

11. Any capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such capitalized terms in the Statement.

12. Except as hereby amended the Statement remains in full force and effect.

13. An original copy of this Amendment shall be lodged with the records of the Fund and filed in such places as the Board of Trustees deems appropriate.

[Signature Page Follows.]


Dated this 29 th day of March, 2017.

 

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST
By:  

/s/ John M. Zerr

  Name: John M. Zerr
  Title:   Senior Vice President

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

(Advisory Fee Waivers)

This Memorandum of Agreement is entered into as of the effective date on the attached Exhibit A and B (each an “Exhibit” or, collectively the “Exhibits”), between AIM Counselor Series Trust (Invesco Counselor Series Trust), AIM Equity Funds (Invesco Equity Funds), AIM Funds Group (Invesco Funds Group), AIM Growth Series (Invesco Growth Series), AIM International Mutual Funds (Invesco International Mutual Funds), AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds), AIM Investment Securities Funds (Invesco Investment Securities Funds), AIM Sector Funds (Invesco Sector Funds), AIM Tax-Exempt Funds (Invesco Tax-Exempt Funds), AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust), AIM Variable Insurance Funds (Invesco Variable Insurance Funds), Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II, Invesco Bond Fund, Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust, Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund, Invesco Exchange Fund, Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund, Invesco High Income Trust II, Invesco Management Trust, Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust, Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust, Invesco Municipal Trust, Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust, Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust, Invesco Securities Trust, Invesco Senior Income Trust, Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals, Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals and Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust (each a “Trust” or, collectively, the “Trusts”), on behalf of the funds listed on the Exhibits to this Memorandum of Agreement (the “Funds”), and Invesco Advisers, Inc. (“Invesco”). Invesco shall and hereby agrees to waive fees of the Funds, on behalf of their respective classes as applicable, severally and not jointly, as indicated in the Exhibits.

For and in consideration of the mutual terms and agreements set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Invesco agrees that until at least the expiration date set forth on Exhibit A (the “Expiration Date”) and with respect to those Funds listed on the Exhibit, Invesco will waive its advisory fees at the rate set forth on the Exhibit.

For and in consideration of the mutual terms and agreements set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Trusts and Invesco agree as follows:

 

  1. Invesco agrees that until the expiration date, if any, of the commitment set forth on the attached Exhibit B occurs, as such Exhibit B is amended from time to time, Invesco will waive advisory fees payable by an Investing Fund (defined below) in an amount equal to 100% of the net advisory fee Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash (defined below) from the Affiliated Money Market Fund (defined below) in which the Investing Fund invests (the “Waiver”).

 

  i. Invesco’s Fund Accounting Group will calculate, and apply, the Waiver monthly, based upon the average investment of Uninvested Cash made by the Investing Fund during the previous month in an Affiliated Money Market Fund.

 

  ii. The Waiver will not apply to those Investing Funds that do not charge an advisory fee, either due to the terms of their advisory agreement, or as a result of contractual or voluntary fee waivers.

 

  iii. The Waiver will not apply to cash collateral for securities lending.

For purposes of the paragraph above, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

  (a) “Affiliated Money Market Fund” - any existing or future Trust that holds itself out as a money market fund and complies with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

 

  (b) “Investing Fund” – any Fund investing Cash Balances and/or Cash Collateral in an Affiliated Money Market Fund; and

 

  (c) “Uninvested Cash” - cash available and uninvested by a Trust that may result from a variety of sources, including dividends or interest received on portfolio securities, unsettled securities transactions, strategic reserves, matured investments, proceeds from liquidation of investment securities, dividend payments, or new investor capital.


  2. Neither a Trust nor Invesco may remove or amend the Waiver to a Trust’s detriment prior to the Expiration Date without requesting and receiving the approval of the Board of Trustee of the applicable Fund’s Trust to remove or amend such Waiver. Invesco will not have any right to reimbursement of any amount so waived.

Subject to the foregoing paragraphs, Invesco agrees to review the then-current waivers for each class of the Funds listed on the Exhibits on a date prior to the Expiration Date to determine whether such waivers should be amended, continued or terminated. The waivers will expire upon the Expiration Date unless Invesco has agreed to continue them. The Exhibits will be amended to reflect any such agreement.

It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trusts hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trusts personally, but shall only bind the assets and property of the Funds, as provided in each Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust. The execution and delivery of this Memorandum of Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees of each Trust, and this Memorandum of Agreement has been executed and delivered by an authorized officer of each Trust acting as such; neither such authorization by such Trustees nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of the Funds, as provided in each Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Trusts, on behalf of itself and its Funds listed in Exhibit A and B to this Memorandum of Agreement, and Invesco have entered into this Memorandum of Agreement as of the Effective Date on the attached Exhibits.

 

AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST (INVESCO COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST)

AIM EQUITY FUNDS (INVESCO EQUITY FUNDS)

AIM FUNDS GROUP (INVESCO FUNDS GROUP)

AIM GROWTH SERIES (INVESCO GROWTH SERIES)

AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS (INVESCO INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS)

AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS (INVESCO INVESTMENT FUNDS)

AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS (INVESCO INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS)

AIM SECTOR FUNDS (INVESCO SECTOR FUNDS)

AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS (INVESCO TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS)

AIM TREASURER’S SERIES TRUST (INVESCO TREASURER’S SERIES TRUST)

AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS (INVESCO VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS)

INVESCO ADVANTAGE MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST II

INVESCO BOND FUND

INVESCO CALIFORNIA VALUE MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST

INVESCO DYNAMIC CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND

INVESCO EXCHANGE FUND

INVESCO HIGH INCOME 2023 TARGET TERM FUND

INVESCO HIGH INCOME TRUST II

INVESCO MANAGEMENT TRUST

INVESCO MUNICIPAL INCOME OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

INVESCO MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITY TRUST

INVESCO MUNICIPAL TRUST

INVESCO PENNSYLVANIA VALUE MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST

INVESCO QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST

INVESCO SECURITIES TRUST

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

INVESCO TRUST FOR INVESTMENT GRADE MUNICIPALS

INVESCO TRUST FOR INVESTMENT GRADE NEW YORK MUNICIPALS

INVESCO VALUE MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST

 

 

on behalf of the Funds listed in the Exhibit

to this Memorandum of Agreement

  By:   

 

  
  Title:    Senior Vice President   
  INVESCO ADVISERS, INC.   
  By:   

 

  
  Title:    Senior Vice President   


Exhibit A to Advisory Fee MOA

 

AIM Counselor

Series Trust

(Invesco Counselor

Series Trust)

  

Waiver Description

   Effective Date    Expiration
Date

Invesco Strategic Real Return Fund

  

Invesco will waive advisory fees in an amount equal to the advisory fees earned on underlying affiliated investments

   4/30/2014    06/30/2019

AIM Investment

Funds (Invesco

Investment Funds

  

Waiver Description

   Effective Date    Expiration
Date

Invesco Balanced-Risk Commodity Strategy Fund

  

Invesco will waive advisory fees in an amount equal to the advisory fees earned on underlying affiliated investments

   02/24/15    06/30/2019

Invesco Global Targeted Returns Fund

  

Invesco will waive advisory fees in an amount equal to the advisory fees earned on underlying affiliated investments

   12/17/2013    06/30/2019

AIM Treasurer’s

Series Trust

(Invesco Treasurer’s

Series Trust)

  

Waiver Description

   Effective Date    Expiration
Date

Premier Portfolio

  

Invesco will waive advisory fees in the amount of 0.07% of the Fund’s average daily net assets

   2/1/2011    12/31/2017

Premier U.S. Government Money Portfolio

  

Invesco will waive advisory fees in the amount of 0.07% of the Fund’s average daily net assets

   2/1/2011    12/31/2017

Premier Tax-Exempt Portfolio

  

Invesco will waive advisory fees in the amount of 0.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets

   06/01/2016    12/31/2017


EXHIBIT “B”

AIM COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST (INVESCO COUNSELOR SERIES TRUST)

 

PORTFOLIO

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco American Franchise Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco California Tax-Free Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Core Plus Bond Fund

   June 2, 2009    June 30, 2019

Invesco Equally-Weighted S&P 500 Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Equity and Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Floating Rate Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Real Estate Income Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Growth and Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Low Volatility Equity Yield Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco S&P 500 Index Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Short Duration High Yield Municipal Fund

   September 30, 2015    June 30, 2019

Invesco Small Cap Discovery Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Strategic Real Return Fund

   April 30, 2014    June 30, 2019
AIM EQUITY FUNDS (INVESCO EQUITY FUNDS)

PORTFOLIO

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Charter Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Diversified Dividend Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Summit Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019
AIM FUNDS GROUP (INVESCO FUNDS GROUP)

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco European Small Company Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Core Equity Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco International Small Company Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Small Cap Equity Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019
AIM GROWTH SERIES (INVESCO GROWTH SERIES)

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Alternative Strategies Fund

   October 14, 2014    June 30, 2019

Invesco Convertible Securities Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Low Volatility Equity Yield Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Mid Cap Core Equity Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Multi-Asset Inflation Fund

   October 14, 2014    June 30, 2019

Invesco Quality Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Small Cap Growth Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019
AIM INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS (INVESCO INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS)

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Asia Pacific Growth Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco European Growth Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Growth Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Opportunities Fund

   August 3, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Responsibility Equity Fund

   June 30, 2016    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Small & Mid Cap Growth Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco International Companies Fund

   December 21, 2015    June 30, 2019

Invesco International Core Equity Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco International Growth Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Select Opportunities Fund

   August 3, 2012    June 30, 2019


AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS (INVESCO INVESTMENT FUNDS)

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco All Cap Market Neutral Fund

   December 17, 2013    June 30, 2019

Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Fund 1

   May 29, 2009    June 30, 2019

Invesco Balanced-Risk Commodity Strategy Fund 2

   November 29, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Developing Markets Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Emerging Markets Equity Fund

   May 11, 2011    June 30, 2019

Invesco Emerging Markets Flexible Bond Fund 3

   June 14, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Endeavor Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Health Care Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Infrastructure Fund

   May 2, 2014    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Market Neutral Fund

   December 17, 2013    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Targeted Returns Fund 5

   December 17, 2013    June 30, 2019

Invesco Greater China Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Long/Short Equity Fund

   December 17, 2013    June 30, 2019

Invesco Low Volatility Emerging Markets Fund

   December 17, 2013    June 30, 2019

Invesco Macro Allocation Strategy Fund 4

   September 25, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Macro International Equity Fund

   December 17, 2013    June 30, 2019

Invesco Macro Long/Short Fund

   December 17, 2013    June 30, 2019

Invesco MLP Fund

   August 29, 2014    June 30, 2019

Invesco Multi-Asset Income Fund 6

   December 13, 2011    June 30, 2019

Invesco Pacific Growth Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Select Companies Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco World Bond Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019
AIM INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS (INVESCO INVESTMENT SECURITIES FUNDS)

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Corporate Bond Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Global Real Estate Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Government Money Market Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco High Yield Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Real Estate Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Short Duration Inflation Protected Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Short Term Bond Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco U.S. Government Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

 

1  

Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Cayman Commodity Fund I, Ltd. invests.

2 Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco Balanced-Risk Commodity Strategy Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Cayman Commodity Fund III, Ltd. invests.
3 Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco Emerging Markets Flexible Bond Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Emerging Markets Flexible Bond Cayman, Ltd. invests.
4 Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco Macro Allocation Strategy Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Cayman Commodity Fund V, Ltd. invests.
5 Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco Global Targeted Returns Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Cayman Commodity Fund VII, Ltd. invests.
6 Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco Multi-Asset Income Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Multi-Asset Income Cayman, Ltd. invests.


AIM SECTOR FUNDS (INVESCO SECTOR FUNDS)

 

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco American Value Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Comstock Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Energy Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Dividend Income Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Gold & Precious Metals Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Mid Cap Growth Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Small Cap Value Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Technology Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Technology Sector Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Value Opportunities Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

AIM TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS (INVESCO TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS)

 

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco High Yield Municipal Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Intermediate Term Municipal Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Municipal Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco New York Tax Free Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco Tax-Exempt Cash Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco Limited Term Municipal Income Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS (INVESCO VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS)

 

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco V.I. American Franchise Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. American Value Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Balanced-Risk Allocation Fund 7

   December 22, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Comstock Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Core Equity Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Core Plus Bond Fund

   April 30, 2015    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Diversified Dividend Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Equally-Weighted S&P 500 Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Equity and Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Global Core Equity Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Global Health Care Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Global Real Estate Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Government Money Market Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Government Securities Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Growth and Income Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. High Yield Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. International Growth Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Managed Volatility Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Mid Cap Core Equity Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Mid Cap Growth Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. S&P 500 Index Fund

   February 12, 2010    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Small Cap Equity Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Technology Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

Invesco V.I. Value Opportunities Fund

   July 1, 2007    June 30, 2019

 

7  

Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco V.I. Balanced-Risk Allocation Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Cayman Commodity Fund IV, Ltd. invests.


INVESCO EXCHANGE FUND

 

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Exchange Fund

   September 30, 2015    June 30, 2019

INVESCO SECURITIES TRUST

 

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Balanced-Risk Aggressive Allocation Fund 8

   January 16, 2013    June 30, 2019

INVESCO MANAGEMENT TRUST

 

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Conservative Income Fund

   July 1, 2014    June 30, 2019

CLOSED-END FUNDS

 

FUND

   EFFECTIVE DATE    COMMITTED UNTIL

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Bond Fund

   August 26, 2015    June 30, 2019

Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund

   November 28, 20016    June 30, 2019

Invesco High Income Trust II

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust

   August 26, 2015    June 30, 2019

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Municipal Trust

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust

   August 26, 2015    June 30, 2019

Invesco Senior Income Trust

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals

   May 15, 2012    June 30, 2019

Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust

   June 1, 2010    June 30, 2019

 

8  

Advisory fees to be waived by Invesco for Invesco Balanced-Risk Aggressive Allocation Fund also include advisory fees that Invesco receives on the Uninvested Cash from the Affiliated Money Market Fund in which Invesco Cayman Commodity Fund VI, Ltd. invests.

LOGO

 

Transfer Agency and Service Agreement

Between

Each of the Invesco Closed-End Investment Companies

Listed on Schedule A Attached Hereto

and

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

and

Computershare Inc.

05.11.16


THIS TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT , effective as of October 1, 2016 (“ Effective Date ”), is by and between each of the Invesco closed-end investment companies listed on Schedule A attached hereto, as may be amended from time to time (“ Schedule A ”) (each such investment company, a “ Fund ”), and Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Computershare ”), and its fully owned subsidiary Computershare Trust Company, N.A., a federally chartered trust company (“ Trust Company ”, and together with Computershare, “ Agent ”), each having a principal office and place of business at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.

WHEREAS , Fund desires to appoint Trust Company as its sole transfer agent and registrar for the Shares, and administrator of any dividend reinvestment plan or direct stock purchase plan for Fund, and Computershare as processor of all payments received or made by Fund under this Agreement, as of the commencement date indicated for such Fund in Schedule A (“Commencement Date”);

WHEREAS, Trust Company and Computershare will each separately provide specified services covered by this Agreement and, in addition, Trust Company may arrange for Computershare to act on behalf of Trust Company in providing certain of its services covered by this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Trust Company and Computershare desire to accept such respective appointments and perform the services related to such appointments;

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS .

1.1 “ Account ” means the account of each Shareholder which reflects any full or fractional Shares held by such Shareholder, outstanding funds, or reportable tax information.

1.2 “ Agreement ” means this agreement and any and all exhibits or schedules attached hereto and any and all amendments or modifications which may from time to time be executed.

1.3 “ Confidential Information ” means any and all technical or business information relating to a party, including, without limitation, financial, marketing and product development information, Shareholder Data (including any non-public information of such Shareholder), Proprietary Information, and the terms and conditions (but not the existence) of this Agreement, that is disclosed or otherwise becomes known to the other party or its affiliates, agents or representatives before or during the term of this Agreement. Confidential Information constitutes trade secrets and is of great value to the owner (or its affiliates). Confidential Information shall not include any information that is: (a) already known to the other party or its affiliates at the time of the disclosure; (b) publicly known at the time of the disclosure or becomes publicly known through no wrongful act or failure of the other party; (c) subsequently disclosed to the other party or its affiliates on a non-confidential basis by a third party not having a confidential relationship with the owner and which rightfully acquired such information; or (d) independently developed by one party without access to the Confidential Information of the other.

1.4 “ DSPP ” means direct stock purchase plan.

1.5 Plans means any dividend reinvestment plan, DSPP, or other investment programs administered by Trust Company for Fund relating to the Shares, whether as of the Effective Date or at any time during the term of this Agreement.

1.6 “ Services ” means all services performed or made available by Agent pursuant to this Agreement.

1.7 “ Share ” means, with respect to each Fund, shares of each class indicated for such Fund in Exhibit A, authorized by Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, and other classes of Fund’s shares to be designated by Fund in writing and which Agent agrees to service under this Agreement.

 

1


1.8 “ Shareholder ” means a holder of record of Shares.

1.9 “ Shareholder Data ” means all information maintained on the records database of Agent concerning Shareholders.

2. APPOINTMENT OF AGENT .

2.1 Appointments . Fund appoints Trust Company to act as sole transfer agent and registrar for all Shares and as administrator of Plans in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof and appoints Computershare as the service provider to Trust Company and as processor of all payments received or made by or on behalf of Fund under this Agreement, all as of the Commencement Date, and Trust Company and Computershare accept the respective appointments.

2.2 Documents . In connection with the appointments herein, Fund has provided or will provide the following appointment and corporate authority documents to Agent:

 

  (a) Board resolution appointing Trust Company as the transfer agent;

 

  (b) If applicable, specimens of all forms of outstanding Share certificates, in forms approved by the Board of Directors of Fund, with a certificate of the Secretary of Fund as to such approval;

 

  (c) Board resolution and/or certificate of incumbency designating officers or other designated persons of Fund authorized to sign written instructions and requests and, if applicable, Share certificates, in connection with this Agreement (each an “ Authorized Person ”);

 

  (d) An opinion of counsel for Fund addressed to both Trust Company and Computershare stating that:

 

  (i) Fund is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization;

 

  (ii) All Shares issued and outstanding on the date hereof were issued as part of an offering that was registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“ 1933 Act ”) and any other applicable federal or state statute or that was exempt from such registration;

 

  (iii) All Shares issued and outstanding on the date hereof are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; and

 

  (iv) The use of facsimile signatures by Agent in connection with the countersigning and registering of Share certificates has been duly authorized by Fund and is valid and effective.

 

  (e) A certificate of Fund as to the Shares authorized, issued and outstanding, as well as a description of all reserves of unissued Shares relating to the exercise of options;

 

  (f) A completed Internal Revenue Service Form 2678; and

 

  (g) A completed Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable.

In addition, upon any future original issuance of Shares for which Agent will act as transfer agent hereunder, Fund shall deliver an opinion of counsel for Fund addressed to both Trust Company and Computershare stating that such Shares (i) have been issued as part of an offering that was registered under the 1933 Act and any other applicable federal or state statute, or that was exempt from such registration, and (ii) are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

2.3 Records . Agent may adopt as part of its records all Shareholder lists, Share ledgers, records, books, and documents which have been employed by Fund or any of its agents and which are certified to be true, authentic and complete. Agent shall keep records relating to the Services, in the form and manner it deems advisable, but in any event consistent with the reasonable standards of the transfer agency industry. Agent agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by it relating to the Services are the property of Fund and will be preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with the requirements of law and Agent’s records management policy, and will be surrendered promptly to Fund in accordance with its request subject to applicable law and Agent’s records management policy.

2.4 Shares . Fund shall, if applicable, inform Agent as soon as possible in advance as to: (a) the existence or termination of any restrictions on the transfer of Shares, the application to or removal from any Share of any legend restricting the transfer of such Shares (which may be subject, in the case of removal of any such legend, to delivery of such legal opinion in form and substance acceptable to Agent), or the substitution for such Share

 

2


of a Share without such legend; (b) any authorized but unissued Shares reserved for specific purposes; (c) any outstanding Shares which are exchangeable for Shares and the basis for exchange; (d) reserved Shares subject to option and the details of such reservation; (e) any Share split or Share dividend; (f) any other relevant event or special instructions which may affect the Shares; and (g) any bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding regarding a Fund affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights.

2.5 Share Certificates . If applicable, Fund shall provide Agent with (i) documentation required to print on demand Share certificates, or (ii) an appropriate supply of Share certificates which contain a signature panel for use by an authorized signor of Agent and state that such certificates are only valid after being countersigned and registered, whichever is applicable.

2.6 Fund Responsibility . Fund shall perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, documents, instruments and assurances as Agent may reasonably require in order to carry out or perform its obligations under this Agreement.

2.7 Scope of Agency .

 

  (a) Agent shall act solely as agent for Fund under this Agreement and owes no duties hereunder to any other person. Agent undertakes to perform the duties and only the duties that are specifically set forth in this Agreement, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against Agent.

 

  (b) Agent may rely upon, and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith reliance upon, (i) any communication from Fund, any predecessor transfer agent or co-transfer agent or any registrar (other than Agent), predecessor registrar or co-registrar; (ii) any instruction, notice, request, direction, consent, report, certificate, opinion or other instrument, paper, document or electronic transmission believed in good faith by Agent to be genuine and to have been signed or given by the proper party or parties; (iii) any guaranty of signature by an “eligible guarantor institution” that is a member or participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or other comparable “signature guarantee program” or insurance program in addition to, or in substitution for, the foregoing; or (iv) any instructions received through Direct Registration System/Profile. In addition, Agent is authorized to refuse to make any transfer that it determines in good faith not to be in good order.

 

  (c) From time to time, Fund may provide Agent with instructions concerning the Services. Further, Agent may apply to any Authorized Person for instruction, and may consult with legal counsel for Agent or Fund with respect to any matter arising in connection with the Services. Agent and its agents and subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by Fund under Section 9.2 of this Agreement for any action taken or omitted by Agent in good faith reliance upon any Fund instructions or upon the advice or opinion of such counsel. Fund shall promptly provide Agent with an updated board resolution and/or certificate of incumbency regarding any change of authority for any Authorized Person. Agent shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any Authorized Person, until receipt of written notice thereof from Fund.

 

  (d) Compliance with Laws . Agent is obligated and agrees to comply with all applicable U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations, codes, orders and government rules in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.

2.8 Additional Funds. To the extent that a Fund is added to Schedule A after the Effective Date, such Fund is a Fund for all purposes of this Agreement and is bound by all terms and conditions and provisions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the representations and warranties of Funds set forth herein.

2.9 Amendment to Schedule A . The parties agree to amend Exhibit A to reflect the most updated information regarding Funds and Shares relevant to this Agreement. The parties agree that notwithstanding Section 15.4 of this Agreement, Schedule A may be amended without an executed written amendment if an Authorized Person delivers by email to Agent’s Relationship Manager a copy of an amended and restated Schedule A , dated as of the date such amended and restated Schedule A is intended to be effective, and a member of Agent’s Relationship Management team acknowledges in a responding email that the amended and restated Schedule A has been received. To the extent Schedule A is amended to add a Fund, Fund must provide Agent with the

 

3


documents listed in Section 2.2 of this Agreement in relation to such Fund on a timeline mutually agreed by the parties.

2.10 Rule 38a-1 Compliance Program .  Agent will maintain written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Federal Securities Laws, as that term is defined in Rule 38a-1, adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“ Rule 38a-1 ”) with respect to the Services. On a quarterly basis, Agent will provide to Fund a certification in connection with Rule 38a-1. Upon Fund’s request, Agent will provide Fund with a summary of its policies and procedures in connection with Fund’s compliance with Rule 38a-1 and will provide such explanations of its policies and procedures as Fund may reasonably request. To the extent Agent makes any material changes to its written policies and procedures in order to address changing regulatory and industry developments that would impact Fund’s compliance with Rule 38a-1, Agent will notify Fund of any such changes in a timely manner.

2.11 Anti-Money Laundering; Office of Foreign Asset Control . Agent will comply with any laws or regulations relating to anti-money laundering applicable to Agent with respect to Fund’s Shareholders, including compliance with Office of Foreign Asset Control laws or regulations, currency transaction reporting laws and regulations and suspicious activity reporting and recordkeeping requirements, by adopting appropriate compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.

3. STANDARD SERVICES .

3.1 Share Services . Agent shall perform the Services set forth in the Fee and Service Schedule (“ Fee and Service Schedule ”) attached hereto and incorporated herein. Further, Agent shall issue and record Shares as authorized, hold Shares in the appropriate Account, and effect transfers of Shares upon receipt of appropriate documentation.

3.2 Replacement Shares . Agent shall issue replacement Shares for those certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon receipt by Agent of an open penalty surety bond satisfactory to it and holding it and Fund harmless, absent notice to Agent that such certificates have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser. Agent may, at its option, issue replacement Shares for mutilated certificates upon presentation thereof without such indemnity. Agent may, at its sole option, accept indemnification from Fund to issue replacement Shares for those certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed in lieu of an open penalty bond. Agent shall charge Shareholders an administrative fee for replacement of lost certificates, which shall be charged only once in instances where a single surety bond obtained covers multiple certificates. Agent may receive compensation, including in the form of surety premiums, for administrative services provided in connection with surety programs offered to Shareholders.

3.3 Internet Services . Agent shall make available to Fund and Shareholders, through its web sites, including but not limited to www.computershare.com (collectively, “ Web Site ”), online access to certain Account and Shareholder information and certain transaction capabilities (“ Internet Services ”), subject to Agent’s security procedures and the terms and conditions set forth herein and on the Web Site. Agent provides Internet Services “as is,” on an “as available” basis, and hereby specifically disclaims any and all representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding such Internet Services, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and implied warranties arising from course of dealing or course of performance.

3.4 Proprietary Information . Fund agrees that the databases, programs, screen and report formats, interactive design techniques, Internet Services, software (including methods or concepts used therein, source code, object code, or related technical information) and documentation manuals furnished to Fund by Agent as part of the Services are under the control and ownership of Agent or a third party (including its affiliates) and constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, “ Proprietary Information ”). Shareholder Data is not Proprietary Information. Fund agrees that Proprietary Information is of substantial value to Agent or other third party and will treat all Proprietary Information as confidential in accordance with Section 11 of this Agreement. Fund shall take reasonable efforts to advise its relevant employees and agents of its obligations pursuant to this Section 3.4.

 

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3.5 Third Party Content . Agent may provide real-time or delayed quotations and other market information and messages (“ Market Data ”), which Market Data is provided to Agent by certain third parties who may assert a proprietary interest in Market Data disseminated by them but do not guarantee the timeliness, sequence, accuracy or completeness thereof. Fund agrees and acknowledges that Agent shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage arising from or occasioned by any inaccuracy, error, delay in, omission of, or interruption in any Market Data or the transmission thereof.

3.6 Lost Shareholders . Agent shall conduct such database searches to locate lost Shareholders as are required by Rule 17Ad-17 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“ 1934 Act ”), without charge to the Shareholder. If a new address is so obtained in a database search for a lost Shareholder, Agent shall conduct a verification mailing and update its records for such Shareholder accordingly.

4. PLAN SERVICES .

4.1 Trust Company shall perform all services under the Plans, as the administrator of such Plans, with the exception of payment processing for which Computershare has been appointed as agent by Fund, and certain other services that Trust Company may subcontract to Computershare as permitted by applicable law ( e.g. , ministerial services).

4.2 Agent shall act as agent for Shareholders pursuant to the Plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Plans.

5. COMPUTERSHARE DIVIDEND DISBURSING AND PAYMENT SERVICES .

5.1 Declaration of Dividends . Upon receipt of written notice from an Authorized Person declaring the payment of a dividend, Computershare shall disburse such dividend payments to Shareholders provided that Fund furnishes Computershare with sufficient funds one day in advance of the applicable payable date. The payment of such funds to Computershare for the purpose of being available for the payment of dividends from time to time is not intended by Fund to confer any rights in such funds on Shareholders whether in trust, contract, or otherwise.

5.2 Stop Payments . Fund hereby authorizes Computershare to stop payment of checks issued in payment of sales proceeds and of dividends, if applicable, but not presented for payment, when the payees thereof allege either that they have not received the checks or that such checks have been mislaid, lost, stolen, destroyed or, through no fault of theirs, are otherwise beyond their control and cannot be produced by them for presentation and collection, and Computershare shall issue and deliver duplicate checks in replacement thereof, and Fund shall indemnify Agent against any loss or damage resulting from reissuance of the checks.

5.3 Tax Withholding . Fund hereby authorizes Computershare to deduct from all payments of sales proceeds and of dividends declared by Fund and disbursed by Computershare to Shareholders, if applicable, the tax required to be withheld pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445, 1471 through 1474, and 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or by any federal or state statutes subsequently enacted, and to make the necessary returns and payment of such tax to the relevant taxing authority. Fund will provide withholding and reporting instructions to Computershare from time to time as relevant, and upon request of Computershare.

5.4 Plan Payments . If applicable, Fund hereby authorizes Computershare to receive all payments made to Fund ( i.e. , optional cash purchases) or Agent under the Plans and make all payments required to be made under such Plans, including all payments required to be made to Fund. For optional cash purchases, in the event funds are unavailable for any reason (including, without limitation, due to a rejection or reversal of the payment), Computershare shall sell the Shares purchased and any gain thereon shall accrue to Computershare.

5.5 Bank Accounts . All funds received by Computershare under this Agreement that are to be distributed or applied by Computershare in the performance of Services (the “ Monies ”) shall be held by Computershare as agent for Fund and deposited in one or more bank accounts to be maintained by Computershare in its name as agent for Fund. Until paid pursuant to this Agreement, Computershare may hold or invest the Monies through such accounts in: (a) obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States of America; (b) commercial paper

 

5


obligations rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“ S&P ”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), respectively; (c) AAA rated constant NAV money market funds that comply with Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940; or (d) demand deposit accounts, short term certificates of deposit, bank repurchase agreements or bankers’ acceptances, of commercial banks with Tier 1 capital exceeding $1 billion or with an average rating above investment grade by S&P (LT Local Issuer Credit Rating), Moody’s (Long Term Rating) and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (LT Issuer Default Rating) (each as reported by Bloomberg Finance L.P.). Computershare shall have no responsibility or liability for any diminution of the Monies that may result from any deposit or investment made by Computershare in accordance with this paragraph, including any losses resulting from a default by any bank, financial institution or other third party. Computershare may from time to time receive interest, dividends or other earnings in connection with such deposits or investments. Computershare shall not be obligated to pay such interest, dividends or earnings to Fund, any Shareholder or any other party.

6. ADDITIONAL SERVICES . To the extent that Fund elects to engage any entity other than Agent (“ Vendor ”) to provide any additional services ( e.g. , plans, restricted stock, corporate actions, etc.), Fund shall give Agent or its affiliates an opportunity to bid on such services upon the same terms and conditions as Vendor.

7. FEES AND EXPENSES .

7.1 Fee and Service Schedules . Fund agrees to pay Agent the fees and expenses for Services performed pursuant to this Agreement as set forth in the Fee and Service Schedule. At least sixty (60) days before the expiration of the Initial Term (as defined below) or a Renewal Term (as defined below), whichever is applicable, the parties to this Agreement will agree upon a new fee schedule for the upcoming Renewal Term. If no new fee schedule is agreed upon, the fees will increase as set forth in the Term Section of the Fee and Service Schedule.

7.2 Out-of-Balance Conditions . If any out-of-balance condition caused by Fund or any of its prior agents arises during any term of this Agreement, Fund will, promptly upon Agent’s request, provide Agent with funds or Shares sufficient to resolve the out-of-balance condition.

7.3 Invoices . Fund agrees to pay all fees and expenses within 30 days of the date of the respective billing notice, except for any fees or expenses that are subject to good faith dispute. In the event of such dispute, Fund must promptly notify Agent of such dispute and may only withhold that portion of the fee or expense subject to such dispute. Fund shall settle such disputed amounts within five (5) business days of the date on which the parties agree on the amount to be paid by payment of the agreed amount. If no agreement is reached, then such disputed amounts shall be settled as may be required by law or legal process.

7.4 Late Payments .

 

  (a) If any undisputed amount in an invoice of Agent is not paid within 30 days after the date of such invoice, Agent may charge Fund interest thereon (from the due date to the date of payment) at a monthly rate equal to one and a half percent (1.5%). Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, such interest rate shall be no greater than permitted under applicable law.

 

  (b) The failure by Fund to (i) pay the undisputed portion of an invoice within 90 days after the date of such invoice or (ii) timely pay the undisputed portions of two consecutive invoices shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement by Fund. Notwithstanding terms to the contrary in Section 12.2 below, Agent may terminate this Agreement for such material breach immediately and shall not be obligated to provide Fund with 30 days to cure such breach.

7.5 Transaction Taxes . Fund is responsible for all taxes, levies, duties, and assessments levied on Services purchased under this Agreement (collectively, “ Transaction Taxes ”). Computershare is responsible for collecting and remitting Transaction Taxes in all jurisdictions in which Computershare is registered to collect such Transaction Taxes. Computershare shall invoice Fund for such Transaction Taxes that Computershare is obligated to collect upon the furnishing of Services. Fund shall pay such Transaction Taxes according to the terms in Section 7.3. Computershare shall timely remit to the appropriate governmental authorities all such Transaction Taxes that Computershare collects from Fund. To the extent that Fund provides Computershare with valid exemption certificates, direct pay permits, or other documentation that exempts Computershare from

 

6


collecting Transaction Taxes from Fund, invoices issued for Services provided after Computershare’s receipt of such certificates, permits, or other documentation will not reflect exempted Transaction Taxes. Computershare is solely responsible for the payment of all personal property taxes, franchise taxes, corporate excise or privilege taxes, property or license taxes, taxes relating to Computershare’s personnel, and taxes based on Computershare’s net income or gross revenues relating to Services.

8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .

8.1 Agent . Agent represents and warrants to Fund that:

 

  (a) Governance . Trust Company is a federally chartered trust company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the United States and Computershare is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and each has full power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement; and

 

  (b) Compliance with Laws . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Agent has been duly authorized by all necessary action, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Agent enforceable against Agent in accordance with its terms, will not require the consent of any third party that has not been given, and will not violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any material term, condition or provision of (i) any existing law, ordinance, or governmental rule or regulation to which Agent is subject, (ii) any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any court, arbitrator or governmental or regulatory official, body or authority applicable to Agent, (iii) Agent’s incorporation documents or by-laws, or (iv) any material agreement to which Agent is a party.

8.2 Fund . Each Fund represents and warrants to Agent that:

 

  (a) Governance . It is a statutory corporation or trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under its state of incorporation, and it has full power, authority and legal right to enter into and perform this Agreement;

 

  (b) Compliance with Laws . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Fund has been duly authorized by all necessary action, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Fund enforceable against Fund in accordance with its terms, will not require the consent of any third party that has not been given, and will not violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any material term, condition or provision of (i) any existing law, ordinance, or governmental rule or regulation to which Fund is subject, (ii) any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any court, arbitrator or governmental or regulatory official, body or authority applicable to Fund, (iii) Fund’s charter documents or by-laws, (iv) any material agreement to which Fund is a party, or (v) any applicable stock exchange rules;

 

  (c) Securities Laws . Registration statements under the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act have been filed and are currently effective, or will be effective prior to the sale of any Shares, and will remain so effective, and all appropriate state securities law filings have been made with respect to all Shares being offered for sale except for any Shares which are offered in a transaction or series of transactions which are exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and state securities laws; Fund will immediately notify Agent of any information to the contrary;

 

  (d) Shares . The Shares issued and outstanding on the date hereof have been duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and are non-assessable; and any Shares to be issued hereafter, when issued, shall have been duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid and will be non-assessable; and

 

  (e) Facsimile Signatures . The use of facsimile signatures by Agent in connection with the countersigning and registering of Share certificates has been duly authorized by Fund and is valid and effective.

9. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY .

9.1 Agent Indemnity and Liability . Agent shall indemnify and hold Company harmless from and against, and Company shall not be responsible for, any and all losses, claims, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and expenses, payments, expenses and liability (collectively, “Losses” ) to the extent determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a result of Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct; provided that any such liability of Agent will be limited in the aggregate to the ongoing account management fees paid hereunder by Company to Agent during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event for which recovery from Agent is being sought.

 

7


9.2 Company Indemnity . Fund shall indemnify and hold Agent harmless from and against, and Agent shall not be responsible for, any and all Losses arising out of or attributable to Agent’s duties under this Agreement or this appointment, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any Loss or enforcing this Agreement, except for any liability of Agent as set forth in Section 9.1 above.

10. DAMAGES . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither party shall be liable to the other for any incidental, indirect, special or consequential damages of any nature whatsoever, including, but not limited to, loss of anticipated profits, occasioned by a breach of any provision of this Agreement even if apprised of the possibility of such damages.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY .

11.1 Use and Disclosure . All Confidential Information of a party will be held in confidence by the other party with at least the same degree of care as such party protects its own confidential or proprietary information of like kind and import, but not less than a reasonable degree of care. Neither party will disclose in any manner Confidential Information of the other party in any form to any person or entity without the other party’s prior consent. However, each party may disclose relevant aspects of the other party’s Confidential Information to its officers, affiliates, agents, subcontractors and employees to the extent reasonably necessary to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement and such disclosure is not prohibited by applicable law. Without limiting the foregoing, each party will implement physical and other security measures and controls designed to protect (a) the security and confidentiality of Confidential Information; (b) against any threats or hazards to the security and integrity of Confidential Information; and (c) against any unauthorized access to or use of Confidential Information. To the extent that a party delegates any duties and responsibilities under this Agreement to an agent or other subcontractor, the party ensures that such agent and subcontractor are contractually bound to confidentiality terms consistent with the terms of this Section 11.

11.2 Required or Permitted Disclosure . In the event that any requests or demands are made for the disclosure of Confidential Information, other than requests to Agent for Shareholder records pursuant to subpoenas from state or federal government authorities ( e.g. , probate, divorce and criminal actions), the party receiving such request will promptly notify the other party to secure instructions from an authorized officer of such party as to such request and to enable the other party the opportunity to obtain a protective order or other confidential treatment, unless such notification is otherwise prohibited by law or court order. Each party expressly reserves the right, however, to disclose Confidential Information to any person whenever it is advised by counsel that it may be held liable for the failure to disclose such Confidential Information or if required by law or court order.

11.3 Unauthorized Disclosure . As may be required by law and without limiting any party’s rights in respect of a breach of this Section 11, each party will promptly:

 

  (a) notify the other party in writing of any unauthorized possession, use or disclosure of the other party’s Confidential Information by any person or entity that may become known to such party;

 

  (b) furnish to the other party full details of the unauthorized possession, use or disclosure; and

 

  (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent a recurrence of any such unauthorized possession, use or disclosure of Confidential Information.

11.4 Costs . Each party will bear the costs it incurs as a result of compliance with this Section 11.

12. TERM AND TERMINATION .

12.1 Term . The initial term of this Agreement shall be five (5) years from the Effective Date (“ Initial Term ”) unless terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12. This Agreement will renew automatically from year to year (each a “ Renewal Term ”), unless a terminating party gives written notice to the other party not less than sixty (60) days before the expiration of the Initial Term or Renewal Term, whichever is in effect.

12.2 Termination for Cause . This Agreement may be terminated at any time by any party (i) upon a material breach of a representation, covenant or term of this Agreement by any other party which is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice thereof from the terminating party or (ii) if any proceeding in

 

8


bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership or insolvency is commenced by or against any other party, such other party shall become insolvent or shall cease paying its obligations as they become due or such other party shall make any assignment for the benefit of its creditors.

12.3 Fees and Expenses . Upon termination (including liquidation) or expiration of this Agreement for any reason, including any termination of this Agreement with respect to any Fund, Fund shall pay to Agent on or before the effective date of such termination or expiration (a) all fees and expenses due and payable to Agent up to and including the date of such termination or expiration, and (b) in connection with the movement of records, materials, and services to Fund or the successor agent, (i) all reasonable expenses and (ii) a conversion fee in an amount equal to 10% of the aggregate fees (not including expenses) incurred by Fund during the immediately preceding twelve (12) month period, for the standard conversion services listed on the attached Schedule B to this Agreement; provided, however, the fee under this Section 12.3(b)(ii) shall in no event be less than $5,000.00. In the event any of the extended conversion services listed on Schedule B are requested by Fund, the fee for each extended conversion service will be $2,500.00.

12.4 Early Termination . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if this Agreement is terminated prior to the expiration of the then-current term (a) by Fund for any reason other than (i) pursuant to Section 12.2 above, or (ii) Fund’s acquisition or merger or (b) by Agent pursuant to Section 12.2 above, then, in addition to the payments required in Section 12.3 above, Fund shall pay to Agent all fees accelerated through the end of, and including all months that would have remained in, the then-current term at the time of termination, up to a maximum of six (6) months fees. Such fees will be calculated using the rates, volumes, and Services in effect as of the termination date. If Fund does not provide notice of early termination within the time period referenced in Section 12.1 above, Agent shall make a good faith effort, but cannot guarantee, to convert Fund’s records on the date requested by Fund.

13. ASSIGNMENT . Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by

Fund or Agent without the written consent of the other, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that Agent may, without further consent of Fund, assign any of its rights and obligations hereunder to any affiliated transfer agent registered under Rule 17Ac2-1 promulgated under the 1934 Act.

14. SUBCONTRACTORS AND UNAFFILIATED THIRD PARTIES .

14.1 Subcontractors . Agent may, without further consent of Fund, subcontract with (a) any affiliates, or (b) unaffiliated subcontractors for such services as may be required from time to time ( e.g. , lost shareholder searches, escheatment, telephone and mailing services); provided, however, that Agent shall be as fully responsible to Fund for the acts and omissions of any subcontractor as it is for its own acts and omissions under this Agreement. Agent agrees that, upon Company’s request, it will identify to Company the name of such subcontractor and the nature of its duties; provided, however, that Agent’s response shall be limited to those unaffiliated entities that Agent considers critical to its business and that have access to Shareholder Data.

14.2 Unaffiliated Third Parties . Nothing herein shall impose any duty upon Agent in connection with or make Agent liable for the actions or omissions to act of unaffiliated third parties (other than subcontractors referenced in Section 14.1 of this Agreement) such as, by way of example and not limitation, airborne services, delivery services, the U.S. mails, and telecommunication companies, provided, if Agent selected such company, Agent exercised due care in selecting the same.

15. MISCELLANEOUS .

15.1 Notices . Any notice or communication by Agent or Fund to the other pursuant to this Agreement is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or sent by overnight delivery service or first class mail, postage prepaid, to the other’s address:

 

        If to Fund:     

Invesco Closed End Funds

11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 2500

Houston, Texas 77046

Attn: William Galvin

  

 

9


        If to Agent:     

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

250 Royall Street

Canton, MA 02021

Attn: General Counsel

  

15.2 No Expenditure of Funds . No provision of this Agreement shall require Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of its rights if it shall believe in good faith that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnification against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

15.3 Successors . All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of Fund or Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.

15.4 Amendments . This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written amendment executed by the parties hereto and, to the extent required, authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors of Fund.

15.5 Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.

15.6 Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. The parties irrevocably (a) submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court sitting in New York City or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, (b) waive, to the fullest extent they may effectively do so, any defense based on inconvenient forum, improper venue or lack of jurisdiction to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding, and (c) waive all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Agent shall not be required hereunder to comply with the laws or regulations of any country other than the United States of America or any political subdivision thereof. Agent may consult with foreign counsel, at Fund’s expense, to resolve any foreign law issues that may arise as a result of Fund or any other party being subject to the laws or regulations of any foreign jurisdiction.

15.7 Force Majeure . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Agent shall not be liable for any delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its reasonable control including, without limitation, acts of God, terrorist acts, shortage of supply, breakdowns or malfunctions, interruptions or malfunction of computer facilities, or loss of data due to power failures or mechanical difficulties with information storage or retrieval systems, labor difficulties, war, or civil unrest.

15.8 Third Party Beneficiaries . The provisions of this Agreement are intended to benefit only Agent, Fund and their respective permitted successors and assigns. No rights shall be granted to any other person by virtue of this Agreement, and there are no third party beneficiaries hereof.

15.9 Survival . All provisions regarding indemnification, warranty, liability and limits thereon, compensation and expenses and confidentiality and protection of proprietary rights and trade secrets shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

15.10 Priorities . In the event of any conflict, discrepancy, or ambiguity between the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and any schedules or attachments hereto, the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall take precedence.

15.11 Merger of Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether oral or written.

 

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15.12 No Strict Construction . The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event any ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by all parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

15.13 Descriptive Headings . Descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.

15.14 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. A signature to this Agreement executed and/or transmitted electronically shall have the same authority, effect, and enforceability as an original signature.

[The remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

11


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed by one of its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the Effective Date.

 

Computershare Inc. and

Computershare Trust Company, N. A.

On Behalf of Both Entities:

    On behalf of each of the Invesco closed-end investment companies listed on Schedule A hereto

By:

Name:

Title:

 

/s/ Dennis V. Moccia

Dennis V. Moccia

Manager, Contract Administration

   

By:

Name:

Title:

 

/s/ John M. Zerr

John M. Zerr

Senior Vice President

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT]

05.11.16


Schedule A

Funds and Classes

 

FUND

  

CLASSES

  

COMMENCEMENT
DATE

  

DIVIDEND
FREQUENCY

Invesco Insured Municipal Income Trust

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Bond Fund

   Common       Monthly

Invesco CA Value Muni Inc Trust

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Trust for Inv Grade Muni

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Adv Muni Inc Trust II

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Municipal Trust

   Common       Monthly

Invesco High Inc Trust II

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Muni Opportunity Trust

   Common       Monthly

Invesco PA Value Muni Inc Trust

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Dynamic Credit Oppt. Fund

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Trust Inv Grade NY Muni

   Common       Monthly

Invesco Senior Income Trust

   Common       Monthly

 

1


Schedule B

Standard and Extended Conversion Services – Per Fund

 

Termination Phase

  

Standard Services. $5,000.00 Minimum Fee Per Termination

  

Extended Services. $2,500.00 for each of the individual
Services listed below.

Test of Conversion Services   

•    Not applicable

  

•    Test full audit extracts files (which are either transmitted to the agent or copied on to a protected CD); test Full Registered List, all classes Opened and/or Closed (includes all Shareholder details. Control totals & codes sent w/extracts)

 

•    Test separate exchange lists for each class

 

•    Test certificate stop list

 

•    Test certificate legend list

 

•    Test RPO Accounts

 

•    Test full transactions lists

 

•    Test ACH debit list including Shares and reinvestment code

 

•    Test ACH credit list and secondary address list

 

Final Conversion Services   

•    Full audit extracts

 

•    Full registered list opened and closed

 

•    Certificate stop list

 

•    Certificate legend list

 

•    RPO Accounts

 

•    End of year tax report*

 

•    Parallel processing for up to 4 days

 

•    Communications with new agent as applicable

 

•    1099D detailed report*

 

•    1042S detailed report*

 

•    90 day check file*

 

  

•    Separate exchange lists for each class

 

•    Full transactions list

 

•    ACH Debit including Shares and reinvestment code*

 

•    ACH Credit list and secondary address list*

 

•    Parallel processing for more than 4 days (each additional day is considered one extended service)

Post Conversion Services   

•    Certification letter

 

•    Due Diligence statement

 

•    3 months post conversion

 

•    Check extract files

 

•    Check reports

 

•    Check reports and extracts to CDs

 

•    Communications with new agent as applicable

  

•    Not applicable

 

* Not applicable to terminations for non-dividend payers.

 

2

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT

This Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) dated November 21, 2016, and hereby amends that certain Transfer Agency and Service Agreement by and among each Invesco Closed End Fund, severally and not jointly set forth in Appendix A thereto (collectively, the “Company”), and Computershare Inc., and its fully owned subsidiary Computershare Trust Company, N.A., (collectively, the “Transfer Agent” or individually, “Computershare” and the “Trust Company”, respectively) dated October 1, 2016 (the “Agreement”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement to add Invesco Total Property Market Income Fund and Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund as parties to the Agreement;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and in compliance with the Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. The Agreement is hereby amended to include the revised Appendix A attached hereto. All other terms and conditions of the Agreement will remain the same.

“APPENDIX A

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II    

Invesco Bond Fund

Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund

Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund

Invesco High Income Trust II

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust

Invesco Municipal Trust

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Senior Income Trust

Invesco Total Property Market Income Fund

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals

Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust”

.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Amendment to be executed by one of its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first written above.

 

Computershare Inc. and

Computershare Trust Company, N. A.

 

    

Invesco Closed End Funds

 

On Behalf of Both Entities:      On behalf of each entity listed in Appendix A, severally and not jointly

By:      /s/ Dennis V. Moccia                                             

    

By:      /s/ John M. Zerr                                             

Name: Dennis V. Moccia

    

Name: John M. Zerr

Title:   Manager, Contract Adminstration

    

Title:   Senior Vice President

 

2

AMENDMENT AGREEMENT NO. 1

This AMENDMENT AGREEMENT NO. 1 (this “Amendment”) is made as of December 8, 2016, by and among INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST , a Delaware statutory trust and a closed-end management investment company (the “Borrower”), the lending institutions listed on the signature pages hereof and referred to as “Banks” in the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) and STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY , as agent for itself and the Banks (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

WHEREAS , the Borrower, the Banks and the Agent are parties to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2015 (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”); and

WHEREAS , the parties hereto wish to amend the Credit Agreement as more fully set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of these premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

§1. Definitions . Capitalized terms which are used herein without definition and which are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the same meanings herein as in the Credit Agreement.

§2. Amendment to Section  1.01 of the Credit Agreement . Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a) by deleting the definitions of “Defaulting Bank” and “Termination Date” in their entirety and restating each such definition as follows:

“Defaulting Bank” means, subject to Section 2.15(b), any Bank that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Bank notifies the Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Bank’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Agent or any other Bank any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower and the Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Bank’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Bank’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder ( provided that such Bank shall cease to be a Defaulting Bank pursuant to this clause (c)  upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Bank shall not be a Defaulting Bank solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in that Bank or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Bank with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Bank (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Bank. Any


determination by the Agent that a Bank is a Defaulting Bank under anyone or more of clauses (a)  through (d) above, and of the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Bank shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Bank (subject to Section  2.15(b) ) as of the date established therefor by the Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Agent to the Borrower and each other Bank promptly following such determination.

“Termination Date” means December 7, 2017, or such earlier date on which the Commitments terminate or are terminated pursuant to the terms hereof, provided that the Termination Date (and some or all of the Banks’ Commitments to make Loans to the Borrower hereunder) may be extended in accordance with Section 2.09.

(b) by inserting the following definitions in the 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 credit institution or investment firm 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 financial 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. Amendment to Article IV of the Credit Agreement . Article IV of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately after the end of Section 4.21 the following new section:

SECTION 4.22 EEA Financial Institution . Neither the Borrower nor its Investment Manager is an EEA Financial Institution.

§4. Amendment to Article IX of the Credit Agreement . Article IX of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately after the text of Section 9.12 the following new Section 9.13:


SECTION 9.13. 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 Bank that is an EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, 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 Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

(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 undertaking, 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.

§5. Amendment to Schedule 1 to the Credit Agreement . Schedule 1 to the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting address of State Street Bank and Trust Company contained therein and substituting in place thereof the following:

Domestic Lending Office:

Mutual Fund Lending Department

Credit Services Division

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Channel Center Building

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

Attn: Robyn A. Shepard, Assistant Vice President -CSU Manager

Tel: (617) 662-8575

Fax: (617) 988-6677

Email: rashepard@statestreet.com

LIBOR Lending Office:

Mutual Fund Lending Department

Credit Services Division

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Channel Center Building

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

Attn: Robyn A. Shepard, Assistant Vice President -CSU Manager

Tel: (617) 662-8575

Fax: (617) 988-6677

Email: rashepard@statestreet.com

For non-funding or payment notices:


Mutual Fund Lending Department

Credit Services Division

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Channel Center Building

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

Attn: Janet B. Nolin, Vice President

Tel: (617)662-8629

Fax: (617)662-8665

Email: JBNolin@statestreet.com

Email for electronic notices: ais-loanops-csu@statestreet.com.

§6. Representations and Warranties . The Borrower hereby represents and warrants as follows:

(a) Representations and Warranties in Credit Agreement . The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in the Credit Agreement were true and correct as of the date made and are also true on and as of the date hereof and with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date (or, if any such representation or warranty is expressly stated to have been made as of a specific date, as of such specific date).

(b) No Default . No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

(c) Authority, Etc . The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and the Borrower’s performance of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement as amended hereby (as so amended, the “Amended Agreement”) (i) are within the Borrower’s statutory trust powers, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Borrower, (iii) do not require the Borrower to obtain any Governmental Authorization, Private Authorization or make any Governmental Filing (other than any Governmental Authorization, Private Authorization or Governmental Filing that has already been obtained or made, as applicable), (iv) do not contravene the terms of the Charter Documents; (v) do not conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (1) any provision of any security issued by the Borrower or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which the Borrower is a party 01’ by which it or any of its property is bound (other than pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents) or (2) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Authority or any arbitral award to which the Borrower or its property is subject, unless such conflict, breach or contravention could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (v) violate any Law except where such violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or (vi) result in any Adverse Claim upon any asset of the Borrower other than Liens permitted under Section 5.08(a) of the Agreement.

(d) Enforceability of Obligations . This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower. Each of this Amendment and the Amended Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of the Borrower, in each case enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).

§7. Effectiveness . This Amendment shall become effective on the date that each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied (the “Effective Date”):

(a) receipt by the Agent of this Amendment, duly executed and delivered by the Borrower, the Agent and each Bank;

(b) receipt by the Agent of a manually signed certificate from the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and dated as of the date hereof as to the incumbency of, and bearing manual specimen signatures of, the Authorized Signatories who are authorized to


execute and take actions under this Amendment, the Agreement and the other Loan Documents for and on behalf of the Borrower (or a certification that no changes have been made to the certification regarding incumbency made in the Assistant Secretary’s Certificate dated as of the Effective Date and delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(f) of the Credit Agreement (the “Closing Date Certificate”), and certifying and attaching copies of (i) Charter Documents, with all amendments thereto (or a certification that no changes have been made to the Charter Documents delivered to the Agent pursuant to the Closing Date Certificate, (ii) the resolutions of the Borrower’s Board of Trustees authorizing the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) the investment advisory agreement between the Borrower and the Investment Manager as then in effect (or a certification that no changes have been made to the investment advisory agreement delivered to the Agent pursuant to the Closing Date Certificate), (iv) the Custody Agreement then in effect (or a certification that no changes have been made to the Custody Agreement delivered to the Agent pursuant to the Closing Date Certificate) and (v)  the Prospectus of the Borrower then in effect (or a certification that no changes have been made to the Prospectus dated June 26, 2007 and delivered to the Agent pursuant to the Closing Date Certificate);

(c) receipt by the Agent of a legal existence and good standing certificate for the Borrower from the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, dated as of a recent date;

(d) receipt by the Agent of a certificate of trust of the Borrower, with all amendments, certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

(e) receipt by the Agent of the legal opinion of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, counsel for the Borrower, covering such matters relating to the transactions contemplated hereby as the Agent and the Banks may reasonably request; and

(f) receipt by the Agent of a fee letter dated as of the date hereof between the Borrower and the Agent (the “Fee Letter”) and payment by the Borrower to the Agent, in cash, (i) for the pro rata accounts of the Banks, of a non-refundable upfront fee equal to twenty (20) basis points on the Aggregate Commitment Amount and (ii) such other fees as are contemplated by such Fee Letter.

§8. Ratification of the Borrower . The Borrower ratifies and confirms in all respects all of its obligations to the Agent and the Banks under the Amended Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Credit Agreement and this Amendment shall be read and construed as a single agreement. All references in the Credit Agreement or any related agreement or instrument to the Credit Agreement shall hereafter refer to the Amended Agreement.

§9. Miscellaneous . This Amendment shall be a Loan Document for all purposes under the Credit Agreement. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Credit Agreement and all other agreements and instruments executed and delivered in connection with the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment is limited specifically to the matters set forth herein and does not constitute directly or by implication an amendment or waiver of any other provision of the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Except as expressly set forth in this Amendment, nothing contained herein shall constitute a waiver of, impair or otherwise affect any Obligations, any other obligation of the Borrower or any rights of the Agents and the Banks consequent thereon. This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. In proving this Amendment it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

[Signature page follows.]


IN WlTNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST FUND
By:  

/s/ Sheri L. Morris

Name:   Sheri L. Morris
Title:   President
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, as a Bank and as the Agent
By:  

/s/ Janet B. Nolin

Title:   Vice President


THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Bank
By :  

/s/ Eli Mou

Title :   Eli Mou
  Managing Director & Execution Head


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Bank
By :  

/s/ illegible

Title :   Senior Vice President


THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Bank
By :  

/s/ Annie Dorval

Title :   Authorized Signatory

CONSENT OF COUNSEL

INVESCO SENIOR INCOME TRUST

We hereby consent to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Counsel” in the Prospectus for Invesco Senior Income Trust (the “Fund”) included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (No. 333-205755), and Amendment No. 9 to the Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (No. 811-08743), on Form N-2 of the Fund, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2015.

 

/s/ Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

June 26, 2017

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-2 of Invesco Senior Income Trust of our report dated April 28, 2017, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appears in Invesco Senior Income Trust’s Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended February 28, 2017. We also consent to the references to us under the headings “Financial Statements”, “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”, “Other Service Providers”, “Financial Highlights” and “Senior Securities” in such Registration Statement.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, TX

June 26, 2017

Invesco Advisers, Inc.

CODE OF ETHICS

January 1, 2017

 

Code of Ethics    1   


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section

  

Item

   Page  
I.    Introduction      3  
II.    Statement of Fiduciary Principles      3  
III.    Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations; Reporting of Violations      4  
IV.    Limits on Personal Investing      4  
   A. Personal Investing      4  
          1        Pre-clearance of Personal Securities Transactions      4  
        2        Blackout Period      5  
               •      De Minimis Exemptions      6  
        3        Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits      7  
        4        Initial Public Offerings      7  
        5        Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel      7  
        6        Restricted List Securities      8  
        7        Other Criteria Considered in Pre-clearance      8  
        8        Covered Account Requirements      8  
        9        Private Securities Transactions      8  
        10        Limited Investment Opportunity      9  
        11        Excessive Short-Term Trading in Funds      9  
   B. Invesco Ltd. Securities      9  
   C. Limitations on Other Personal Activities      10  
        1        Outside Business Activities      10  
        2        Gifts and Entertainment      10  
               •      Gifts      10  
               •      Entertainment      10  
        3        U.S. Department of Labor Reporting      11  
   D. Parallel Investing Permitted      11  
V.    Reporting Requirements      11  
               a.      Initial Holdings Reports      11  
           b.      Quarterly Transaction Reports      12  
           c.      Annual Holdings Reports      13  
           d.      Gifts and Entertainment Reporting      13  
           e.      Certification of Compliance      13  
VI.    Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues      13  
VII.    Administration of the Code of Ethics      14  
VIII.    Sanctions      14  
IX.    Exceptions to the Code      14  
X.    Definitions      14  
XI.    Invesco Ltd. Policies and Procedures      17  
XII.    Code of Ethics Contacts      17  

 

Code of Ethics    2   


Invesco Advisers, Inc.

CODE OF ETHICS

(Originally adopted February 29, 2008; Amended effective January 1, 2017)

I. Introduction

Invesco Advisers, Inc. has a fiduciary relationship with respect to each portfolio under management. The interests of Clients and of the shareholders of investment company Clients take precedence over the personal interests of Covered Persons (defined below). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are defined at the end of this document.

This Code of Ethics (“the Code”) applies to Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Advisers, Inc’s. affiliated Broker-dealers (Invesco Distributors, Inc. and Invesco Capital Markets, Inc.), all Invesco Affiliated Mutual Funds, and all of their Covered Persons. Covered Persons include:

 

    any director, officer, full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties: makes, participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making investment recommendations, or obtains information concerning investment recommendations, with respect to such purchase or sale of Covered Securities; or has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations, or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.;

 

    all Employees of Invesco Ltd. located in the United States who are not covered by the Code of Ethics of a registered investment advisory affiliate of Invesco Ltd.; and

 

    any other persons falling within the definitions of Access Person or Advisory Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) or Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) and such other persons that may be deemed to be Covered Persons by Compliance.

Invesco Funds have created a separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual Funds. Independent Trustees are not Covered Persons under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics. Trustees who are not Independent Trustees and are not Employees of Invesco are also not Covered Persons under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, but must report his or her securities holdings, transactions, and accounts as required in the separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual funds.

II. Statement of Fiduciary Principles

The following fiduciary principles govern Covered Persons:

 

    the interests of Clients and shareholders of investment company Clients must be placed first at all times and Covered Persons must not take inappropriate advantage of his or her positions; and

 

Code of Ethics    3   


    all personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code and in a manner to avoid any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility; and

 

    this Code is our effort to address conflicts of interest that may arise in the ordinary course of our business and does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest. This Code does not necessarily shield Covered Persons from liability for personal trading or other conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to Clients and shareholders of investment company Clients.

III. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations; Reporting of Violations

All Covered Persons are required to comply with applicable state and federal securities laws, rules and regulations and this Code. Covered Persons shall promptly report any violations of laws or regulations or any provision of this Code of which they become aware to Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. Additional methods of reporting potential violations or compliance issues are described in Section VI. of this Code under “Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues.”

IV. Limits on Personal Investing

A. Personal Investing

1. Pre-clearance of Personal Security Transactions . All Covered Persons must pre-clear with Compliance, using the automated review system, all personal security transactions involving Covered Securities in which they have a Beneficial Interest unless otherwise indicated below. A Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household (i.e., a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction prior to closing of the market immediately following the approval, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval. Good-until-cancelled orders (GTCs) are not allowed.

Additionally, all Covered Persons must pre-clear personal securities transactions involving Covered Securities over which they have discretion. For example, if a Covered Person is directing the transactions for a friend or family member (regardless of whether they share the same household) all transactions in Covered Securities must be pre-cleared.

Covered Securities include, but are not limited to, all investments that can be traded by an Invesco Advisers, Inc. entity for its Clients, including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, municipal bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end mutual funds, and any of their derivatives such as options and futures. All Invesco Affiliated Mutual Funds (including both open-end and closed-end funds) and Invesco PowerShares ETFs are considered Covered Securities.

All transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities must be pre-cleared. Please refer to section IV.B for additional guidelines on Invesco Ltd. securities. Any transaction in a previous employer’s company stock that is

 

Code of Ethics    4   


obtained through an employee benefit plan or company stock fund held in an external retirement plan requires pre-clearance.

The Following Pre-clearance Exemptions Apply :

Invesco Affiliated Open–End Mutual Funds : All Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds must be held with an Approved Broker, at the Affiliated Mutual Funds’ transfer agent, in the CollegeBound 529 Savings Plan, or in the Invesco 401(k). Pre-clearance is not required for transactions in Affiliated Funds as long as the shares are held in compliance with this requirement.

CollegeBound 529 Savings Plan : All transactions in the CollegeBound 529 Savings Plan are exempt from pre-clearance.

Exchange Traded Products : Employees are exempt from pre-clearing broad-based Exchange Traded Products such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) and Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs) as described on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List , and any derivatives of these securities such as options. All Invesco PowerShares ETFs and ETFs not listed on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List must be pre-cleared .

Currencies, commodities : Employees are exempt from pre-clearing transactions in currencies and commodities.

Options, futures and all other derivatives based on an index of securities, currencies, and commodities : Employees are exempt from pre-clearing transactions in derivatives of an index of securities, currencies and commodities.

All Covered Securities are still subject to requirements and limits on personal investing as described in Section IV. and V. of the Code, irrespective of whether pre-clearance is required.

Exempted Securities:

Covered Securities do not include shares of money market funds, U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit or shares of open-end mutual funds not advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. Unit investment trusts, including those advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc., are not Covered Securities. However, this definition shall not apply to any series of the PowerShares QQQ Trust or the BLDRS Index Fund Trust. (Please refer to the “Definitions” section of this Code for more information on the term, Covered Security.)

If you are unclear about whether a proposed transaction involves a Covered Security, contact Compliance via email at codeofethicsnorthamerica@invesco.com or by phone at 1-877-331-CODE [1-877-331-2633] prior to executing the transaction.

Compliance will consider the following factors, among others, in determining whether or not pre-clearance approval will be provided. Please note that you must obtain pre-clearance even if you believe your transactions request satisfies the criteria below. The automated review system will review personal trade requests from Covered Persons based on the following considerations:

2. Blackout Period . Invesco Advisers, Inc. does not permit Covered Persons to trade in a Covered Security if there is conflicting activity in an Invesco Client account.

 

Code of Ethics    5   


    Non-Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within two trading days after a Client trades in that security.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

 

    Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within three trading days before or after a Client trades in that security.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

For practical purposes, an Employee without knowledge of investment activity of a Client account would not know of such activity in advance of a Client trade. Therefore, for those Employees, trading with pre-clearance approval granted prior to a Client transaction will not be considered a violation of this Code of Ethics. Compliance will review personal securities transactions to identify potential conflicts in which there is an appearance that such an Employee could have traded while he or she was aware of upcoming Client transactions. If a potential conflict exists, this would be considered a violation of the blackout period required by this Code of Ethics.

De Minimis Exemptions . Compliance will apply the following de minimis exemptions in granting pre-clearance when a Client has recently traded or is trading in a security involved in a Covered Person’s proposed personal securities transaction:

 

    Equity de minimis exemptions .

 

    If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30-day period provided the issuer of such security is included in the Russell 1000 Index or any of the main indices globally included on the De Minimis Indices List which can be accessed on the Invesco intranet using the following link:

http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-NA/Training/Documents/De%20Minimis%20Indices%20List.pdf

 

    If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30 day period provided that there is no conflicting Client activity in that security during the blackout period or on the trading desk that exceeds 500 shares per trading day.

 

    Fixed income de minimis exemption . If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular fixed income security he or she

 

Code of Ethics    6   


 

may execute up to $100,000 of par value of such security in a rolling 30-day period.

The automated review system will confirm that there is no activity currently on the trading desk on the security involved in the proposed personal securities transaction and will verify that there have been no Client transactions for the requested security within the last two trading days for all Covered Persons except Investment Personnel for whom the blackout period is the last three trading days. For Investments, Portfolio Administration and IT personnel, Compliance will also check the trading activity of affiliates with respect to which such personnel have potential access to transactional information to verify that there have been no Client transactions in the requested security during the blackout period. Compliance will notify the Covered Person of the approval or denial of the proposed personal securities transaction. Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction prior to closing of the market immediately following the approval, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval.

Any failure to pre-clear transactions is a violation of the Code and will be subject to the following potential sanctions:

 

    A Letter of Education will be provided to any Covered Person whose failure to pre-clear is considered immaterial or inadvertent.

 

    Deliberate failures to pre-clear transactions, as well as repeat and/or material violations, may result in in-person training, probation, withdrawal of personal trading privileges or employment termination, depending on the nature and severity of the violations.

3. Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits . Covered Persons are prohibited from engaging in the purchase and sale, or short sale and cover of the same Covered Security within 60 days at a profit. If a Covered Person trades a Covered Security within the 60 day time frame, any profit from the trade will be disgorged to a charity of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s choice and a letter of education may be issued to the Covered Person. Transactions in currencies, commodities and derivatives (such as options and futures) based on an index of securities, currencies, and commodities are exempt from the 60 day holding period. This exemption does not apply to derivatives of individual securities. Disgorgement amounts must represent the full amount of the profits received and are not adjusted to account for taxes or related fees.

4. Initial Public Offerings . Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or indirectly acquiring Beneficial Interest of any security in an equity Initial Public Offering. Exceptions will only be granted in unusual circumstances and must be recommended by Compliance and approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel (or designee) and the Chief Investment Officer (or designee) of the Covered Person’s business unit.

5. Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel . Investment Personnel are prohibited from effecting short sales of Covered Securities in his or her personal accounts if a Client of Invesco Advisers, Inc. for whose account they have investment management responsibility has a long position in those Covered Securities.

 

Code of Ethics    7   


6. Prohibition on Investment Clubs . Participation in a club with the purpose of pooling money and investing based on group investment decisions is prohibited.

7. Restricted List Securities. Employees requesting pre-clearance to buy or sell a security on the Restricted List may be restricted from executing the trade because of potential conflicts of interest.

8. Other Criteria Considered in Pre-clearance. In spite of adhering to the requirements specified throughout this section, Compliance, in keeping with the general principles and objectives of the Code, may refuse to grant pre-clearance of a Personal Securities Transaction in its sole discretion without being required to specify any reason for the refusal.

9. Covered Account Requirements.

a. US Approved Brokers:

The following link, posted on the Invesco intranet site, includes a list of US Approved Brokers. These brokers provide electronic transaction and statement feeds to Invesco Advisers, Inc.:

http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-NA/Training/Documents/Approved%20Discount%20Broker%20List.pdf

b. US Brokerage Account may only be held with::

 

    US Approved Brokers;

 

    Full service broker-dealers, that are not a US Approved Broker, with which a Covered Person has engaged an investment advisor; or in limited circumstances,

 

    Qualified retirement plans (such as external 401(k)s, 403(b)s, etc.) or other similar accounts that Covered Persons are not legally able to transfer.

Note: Accounts in which all trading is completed online and without a financial advisor, called a discount brokerage account, must be held with an Approved Broker.

Covered Persons located outside of the US are not subject to US Approved Broker requirements.

c. US Open –End Affiliated Mutual Funds may only be held through:

 

    US Approved Brokers;

 

    The Invesco CollegeBound 529 Plan; or

 

    Invesco’s transfer agency, Invesco Investment Services, Inc.

d. Discretionary Managed Accounts. In order to establish a discretionary managed account, a Covered Person must grant the manager complete investment discretion over a

 

Code of Ethics    8   


Covered Person’s account. Pre-clearance is not required for trades in this account; however, a Covered Person may not participate, directly or indirectly, in individual investment decisions or be aware of such decisions before transactions are executed. This restriction does not preclude a Covered Person from establishing investment guidelines for the manager, such as indicating industries in which a Covered Person desires to invest, the types of securities a Covered Person wants to purchase or a Covered Persons overall investment objectives. However, those guidelines may not be changed so frequently as to give the appearance that a Covered Person is actually directing account investments. Covered Persons must receive approval from Compliance to establish and maintain such an account and must provide written evidence that complete investment discretion over the account has been turned over to a professional money manager or other third party. Covered Persons are not required to pre-clear or list transactions for such managed accounts in the automated review system; however, Covered Persons with these types of accounts must provide an annual certification that they do not exercise direct or indirect control over the managed accounts.

10. Private Securities Transactions . Covered Persons may not engage in a Private Securities Transaction without first (a) giving Compliance a detailed written notification describing the transaction and indicating whether or not they will receive compensation and (b) obtaining prior written permission from Compliance. Investment Personnel who have been approved to acquire securities of an issuer in a Private Securities Transaction must disclose that investment to Compliance and the Chief Investment Officer of the Investment Personnel’s business unit when they are involved in a Client’s subsequent consideration of an investment in the same issuer. The business unit’s decision to purchase such securities on behalf of Client account must be independently reviewed by Investment Personnel with no personal interest in that issuer.

11. Limited Investment Opportunity (e.g. private placements, hedge funds, etc.) . Covered Persons may not engage in a limited investment opportunity without first (a) giving Compliance a detailed written notification describing the transaction and (b) obtaining prior written permission from Compliance. Limited investment opportunities offered directly from Invesco to employees are not subject to pre-clearance requirements, including but not limited to, the Invesco Real Estate ESCs and WLR funds. All Limited investment opportunities are subject to the reporting requirements outlined in section V below.

12. Excessive Short Term Trading in Funds . Employees are prohibited from excessive short term trading of any mutual fund advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. and are subject to various limitations outlined in the respective prospectus and other fund disclosure documents.

B.   Invesco Ltd. Securities

1. No Employee may effect short sales of Invesco Ltd. securities.

2. No Employee may engage in transactions in publicly traded options, such as puts, calls and other derivative securities relating to the Invesco Ltd’s securities, on an exchange or any other organized market.

 

Code of Ethics    9   


3. For all Covered Persons, transactions, including transfers by gift, in Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to pre-clearance regardless of the size of the transaction, and are subject to “black-out” periods established by Invesco Ltd. and holding periods prescribed under the terms of the agreement or program under which the securities were received.

4. Holdings of Invesco Ltd. securities in Covered Persons’ accounts are subject to the reporting requirements specified in Section IV.A.8 of this Code.

C. Limitations on Other Personal Activities

1. Outside Business Activities . Employees may not engage in any outside business activity, regardless of whether or not he or she receives compensation, without prior approval from Compliance. Absent prior written approval of Compliance, Employees may not serve as directors, officers, or employees of unaffiliated public or private companies, whether for profit or non-profit. If the outside business activity is approved, the Employee must recuse himself or herself from making Client investment decisions concerning the particular company or issuer as appropriate, provided that this recusal requirement shall not apply with respect to certain Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Employees, who may serve on corporate boards as a result of, or in connection with, Client investments made in those companies. Employees must always comply with all applicable Invesco Ltd. policies and procedures, including those prohibiting the use of material non-public information in Client or employee personal securities transactions.

2. Gift and Entertainment . The Invesco Ltd. Gifts and Entertainment Policy includes specific conditions under which Employees may accept or give Gifts or Entertainment. Where there are conflicts between a minimal standard established by a policy of Invesco Ltd. and the standards established by a policy of Invesco Advisers, Inc., including this Code, the latter shall control.

To avoid the appearance of any potential conflict of interest, under no circumstances may an Employee:

 

    Give or accept Gifts or Entertainment that may be considered excessive either in dollar value or frequency;

 

    Give or accept cash or any possible cash equivalent from a broker or vendor;

 

    Reimburse Business Partners for the cost of tickets that would be considered excessive or for travel related expenses without approval of Compliance; or

 

    Provide or receive any Gift or Entertainment that is conditioned upon Invesco Advisers, Inc., its parents or affiliates doing business with the other entity or person involved.

 

    Gifts . Employees are prohibited from accepting or giving the following: a Gift valued in excess of annual FINRA limits; or Gifts from one person or firm valued in excess of annual FINRA limits in the aggregate during a calendar year period.

 

    Entertainment . Examples of Entertainment that may be considered excessive in value include Super Bowls, the Masters, Wimbledon, Kentucky Derby, hunting trips, ski trips, etc. An occasional sporting event, golf outing or concert when accompanied by the Business Partner may not be excessive.

 

Code of Ethics    10   


Employees who are unsure if an event would be permissible should contact compliance prior to attending to confirm if the event would be considered excessive.

3. U.S. Department of Labor Reporting: Under current U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Regulations, Invesco Advisers, Inc. is required to disclose to the DOL certain specified financial dealings with a union or officer, agent, shop steward, employee, or other representative of a union (collectively referred to as “union officials”). Under the Regulations, practically any gift or entertainment furnished by Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Employees to a union or union official is considered a payment reportable to the DOL.

Although the Regulations provide for a de minimis exemption from the reporting requirements for payments made to a union or union official that do not exceed $250 a year, that threshold applies to all of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Employees in the aggregate with respect to each union or union official. Therefore, it is Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s policy to require that ALL Gifts or Entertainment furnished by an Employee, regardless of whether the gift is given to a union or union official, be reported to Invesco Advisers, Inc. using the Invesco Advisers, Inc., Finance Department’s expense tracking application, Oracle E-Business Suite or any other application deployed for that purpose which has the capability to capture all the required details of the payment. In addition to reporting the Gift or Entertainment in the expense tracking system, Covered Persons must also follow department guidelines for reporting requirements in other systems. Each item reported must include the name of the recipient, union affiliation, address, amount of payment, date of payment, purpose and circumstance of payment, including the terms of any oral agreement or understanding pursuant to which the payment was made.

Invesco Advisers, Inc. is obligated to report on an annual basis all payments, subject to the de minimis exemption, to the DOL on Form LM-10 Employer Report.

Covered Persons should contact Compliance if clarification is required regarding reporting requirements for payments to a union or union official. A failure to report a payment required to be disclosed will be considered a material violation of this Code. The DOL also requires all unions and union officials to report payments they receive from entities such as Invesco Advisers, Inc. and their Employees.

D.   Parallel Investing Permitted

Subject to the provisions of this Code, Employees may invest in or own the same securities as those acquired or sold by Invesco Advisers, Inc. for its Clients.

V. Reporting Requirements

a. Initial Holdings Reports . Within 10 calendar days of becoming a Covered Person, each Covered Person must complete an Initial Holdings Report by inputting into the automated pre-clearance system, Star Compliance, the following information (the information must be current within 45 days of the date the person becomes a Covered Person):

 

   

A list of all security holdings, including the security name, the number of shares (for equities) and the principal amount (for debt securities) in which the Covered Person has direct or indirect Beneficial Interest. A Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family

 

Code of Ethics    11   


sharing the same household (i.e., a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements;

 

    The security identifier for each Covered Security (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the Covered Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

b. Quarterly Transaction Reports . All Covered Persons must report, no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the following information for all transactions during the quarter in a Covered Security in which a Covered Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest:

 

    The date of all transactions in that quarter, the security name, the number of shares (for equity securities); or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and the principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security;

 

    The nature of the transaction (buy, sell, etc.);

 

    The security identifier (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was executed;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank executing the transaction; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

All Covered Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report regardless of whether they executed transactions during the quarter or not. If a Covered Person did not execute transactions subject to reporting requirements during a quarter, the report must include a representation to that effect. Covered Persons need not include transactions made through an limited investment opportunity, Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan or similar plans and transactions in Covered Securities held in the Invesco 401(k) or accounts held directly with Invesco in the Quarterly Transaction Report.

Additionally, Covered Persons must report information on any new brokerage account established by the Covered Person during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person (including Covered Securities held in a 401(k) or other retirement vehicle, including plans sponsored by Invesco Advisers, Inc. or its affiliates). The report shall include:

 

    The date the account was established;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

 

Code of Ethics    12   


Compliance may identify transactions by Covered Persons that technically comply with the Code for review based on any pattern of activity that has an appearance of a conflict of interest.

c. Annual Holdings Reports . All Covered Persons must report annually the following information, which must be current within 45 days of the date the report is submitted to Compliance:

 

    A list of all security holdings, including the security name, the number of shares (for equities) or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security in which the Covered Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest;

 

    The security identifier for each Covered Security (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which the security is held; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

d. Gifts and Entertainment Reporting.

 

    Reporting of Gifts and Entertainment given to an Invesco Employee by a Client or Business Partner. All Gifts and Entertainment received by an Employee must be reported through the automated pre-clearance system within thirty (30) calendar days after the receipt of the Gift or the attendance of the Entertainment event. The requirement to report Entertainment includes dinners or any other event with a business partner of Invesco Advisers, Inc. in attendance.

 

    Reporting of Gifts and Entertainment given by an Invesco Employee to a Client or Business Partner. All Gifts and Entertainment given by an Employee must be reported through the reporting requirements of the Employee’s business unit. All Employee’s should contact his or her manager or Compliance if they are not sure how to report gifts they intend to give or have given to a Client or Business Partner.

e. Certification of Compliance. All Covered Persons must certify annually in writing that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code. In addition, all Covered Persons must certify in writing annually that they have complied with the requirements of the Code and that they have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the Code. If material changes are made to the Code during the year, these changes will also be reviewed and approved by Invesco Advisers, Inc. and the relevant funds’ boards. All Covered Persons must certify in writing within 30 days of the effective date of the amended code that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code.

VI. Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues

Invesco Advisers, Inc. has created several channels for Employees to raise compliance issues and concerns on a confidential basis. An Employee should first discuss a compliance issue with his or her

 

Code of Ethics    13   


supervisor, department head or with Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer. Human Resources matters should be directed to the Human Resources Department, an additional anonymous vehicle for reporting such concerns.

In the event that an Employee does not feel comfortable discussing compliance issues through normal channels, the Employee may anonymously report suspected violations of law or Invesco policy, including this Code, by calling the toll-free Invesco Whistleblower Hotline at 1-855-234-9780. This hotline is available to employees of multiple operating units of Invesco Ltd. Employees may also report his or her concerns by visiting the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline website at: www.invesco.ethicspoint.com . To ensure your confidentiality, the phone line and website are provided by an independent company and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All submissions to the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline will be reviewed and handled in a prompt, fair and discreet manner. Employees are encouraged to report these questionable practices so that Invesco has an opportunity to address and resolve these issues before they become more significant regulatory or legal issues.

VII. Administration of the Code of Ethics

Invesco Advisers, Inc. has used reasonable diligence to institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent violations of this Code.

No less frequently than annually, Invesco Advisers, Inc. will furnish to the Affiliated Mutual Funds’ Boards of Trustees a written report that:

 

    describes significant issues arising under the Code since the last report to the funds’ board, including information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to material violations; and

 

    certifies that Invesco Advisers, Inc. has adopted procedures reasonably designed to prevent Covered Persons from violating the Code.

VIII. Sanctions

Compliance will issue a letter of education to the Covered Persons involved in violations of the Code that are determined to be inadvertent or immaterial.

Invesco Advisers, Inc. may impose additional sanctions in the event of repeated violations or violations that are determined to be material or not inadvertent, including disgorgement of profits (or the differential between the purchase or sale price of the personal security transaction and the subsequent purchase or sale price by a relevant Client during the enumerated period), a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment.

IX. Exceptions to the Code

Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Chief Compliance Officer (or designee) may grant an exception to any provision in this Code.

X. Definitions

 

    “Affiliated Mutual Funds” generally includes all open-end or closed-end mutual funds advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

 

Code of Ethics    14   


    “Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan” means a program in which regular purchases or sales are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including dividend reinvestment plans.

 

    “Beneficial Interest” has the same meaning as the ownership interest of a “beneficial owner” pursuant to Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the ’34 Act”). To have a Beneficial Interest, Covered Persons must have directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, have or share a “direct or indirect pecuniary interest,” which is the opportunity to profit directly or indirectly from a transaction in securities. Thus a Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household (i.e. a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

 

    “Client” means any account for which Invesco Advisers, Inc. is either the adviser or sub-adviser including Affiliated Mutual Funds.

 

    “Control” has the same meaning as under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act.

 

    “Covered Person” means and includes:

 

    any director, officer, full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties: makes, participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making investment recommendations, or obtains information concerning investment recommendations, with respect to such purchase or sale of Covered Securities; or has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

 

    all Employees of Invesco Ltd. located in the United States who are not covered by the Code of Ethics of a registered investment advisory affiliate of Invesco Ltd.

 

    any other persons falling within the definition of Access Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 , as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) or Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) and such other persons that may be so deemed to be Covered Persons by Compliance.

Invesco Funds have created a separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual Funds. Independent Trustees are not Covered Persons under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics. Trustees who are not Independent Trustees and are not Employees of Invesco are also not Covered Person under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, but must report his or her securities holdings, transactions, and accounts as required in the separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual Funds.

 

    “Covered Security” means a security as defined in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act except that it does not include the following:

 

Code of Ethics    15   


    Direct obligations of the Government of the United States or its agencies;

 

    Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

 

    Any open-end mutual fund not advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. All Affiliated Mutual Funds shall be considered Covered Securities regardless of whether they are advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.;

 

    Any unit investment trust, including unit investment trusts advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. However, this definition shall not apply to any series of the PowerShares QQQ Trust or the BLDRS Index Fund Trust;

 

    Invesco Ltd. stock because it is subject to the provisions of Invesco Ltd.’s Code of Conduct. Notwithstanding this exception, transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to all the pre-clearance and reporting requirements outlined in other provisions of this Code and any other corporate guidelines issued by Invesco Ltd.

 

    “Employee” means and includes:

 

    Any full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making or obtains information concerning investment recommendations with respect to such purchase or sales of Covered Securities; or who has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

 

    All Employees of Invesco Ltd. located in the United States who are not covered by the Code of Ethics of a registered investment advisory affiliate of Invesco Ltd.

 

    Any other persons falling within the definitions of Access Person or Advisory Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act or Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and such other persons that may be deemed to be an Employee by Compliance.

 

    “Gifts”, “Entertainment” and “Business Partner” have the same meaning as provided in the Invesco Ltd. Gifts and Entertainment Policy.

 

    “Independent Trustee” means a Trustee who is not an interested person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act.

 

    “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the ’34 Act.

 

    “Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s -affiliated Broker-dealer” means Invesco Distributors, Inc. or Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. or their successors.

 

Code of Ethics    16   


    “Investment Personnel” means any full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by Clients or any natural person who Controls a Client or an investment adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Client regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Client as defined in Rule 17j-1.

 

    “Non-Investment Personnel” means any Employee that does not meet the definition of Investment Personnel as listed above.

 

    “Private Securities Transaction” means any securities transaction relating to new offerings of securities which are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided however that transactions subject to the notification requirements of Rule 3050 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) Conduct Rules, transactions among immediate family members (as defined in the interpretation of the FINRA Board of Governors on free-riding and withholding) for which no associated person receives any selling compensation, and personal securities transactions in investment company and variable annuity securities shall be excluded.

 

    “Restricted List Securities” means the list of securities that are provided to the Compliance Department by Invesco Ltd. or investment departments, which include those securities that are restricted from purchase or sale by Client or Employee accounts for various reasons (e.g., large concentrated ownership positions that may trigger reporting or other securities regulatory issues, or possession of material, non-public information, or existence of corporate transaction in the issuer involving an Invesco Ltd. unit).

 

    “Trustee” means any member of the Board of Trustees for an open-end or closed-end mutual fund advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

XI. Invesco Ltd. Policies and Procedures

All Employees are subject to the policies and procedures established by Invesco Ltd., including the Code of Conduct, Insider Trading Policy, Political Contributions Policy and Gift and Entertainment Policy and must abide by all their requirements, provided that where there is a conflict between a minimal standard established by an Invesco Ltd. policy and the standards established by an Invesco Advisers, Inc. policy, including this Code, the latter shall control.

XII. IVZ Global Code of Ethics Contacts

 

    Telephone Hotline: 1-877-331-CODE [2633]

 

    E-Mail: codeofethicsnorthamerica@invesco.com

Last Revised: January 1, 2017

 

Code of Ethics    17   

INVESCO UK

CODE OF ETHICS

2017

 

2017 Code of Ethics (UK)

Page 1 of 26


CONTENTS

 

SECTION    PAGE  

1. Statement of Fiduciary Principles

     4  

2. Material non-public information

     5  

3. Personal Investing Activities, Pre-Clearance and Pre-Notification

     8  

4. Trade Restrictions on Personal Investing

     11  

5. Economic Opportunities, Confidentiality and Outside Directorships

     14  

6. Client Investments in Securities Owned by Invesco Employees

     15  

7. Certifications and Reporting

     16  

8. Miscellaneous

     19  

APPENDICIES

  

A: Definitions

     20  

B: Acknowledgement of Receipt of Revised Code of Ethics

     22  

C: Annual Certification of Compliance with the Code of Ethics

     23  

D: Types of Transactions in Invesco Shares: Pre-Clearance Guidance

     26  

 

2017 Code of Ethics (UK)

Page 2 of 26


This revised Code of Ethics Policy (‘the Code’) applies to all Employees of all entities of Invesco UK Ltd (“Invesco”) who are based in the UK, Dubai and the Channel Islands. It covers the following topics:

 

  Prohibitions related to material, non-public information;

 

  Personal securities investing; and

 

  Service as a director and other business opportunities.

This Code also imposes on Employees certain restrictions and reporting obligations which are specified below. Adherence to this Code, both letter and spirit, is a fundamental and absolute condition of employment with Invesco.

The following Invesco Policies are referred to in this Code of Ethics and the latest version of each of these Policies can be found on the UK Compliance Intranet Site or the Legal, Compliance and Internal Audit intranet site:

 

    Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment (Inducements) Policy;

 

    Conflicts of Interest Policy;

 

    Treating Customers Fairly Policy;

 

    Whistleblowing Policy;

 

    Market Abuse Policy;

 

    Fraud Policy;

 

    Insider Trading Policy; and

 

    Anti-Bribery Policy.

It is appreciated that no Code of Ethics can address every circumstance that may give rise to a conflict, a potential conflict or an appearance of a conflict of interest. Every Employee should be alert to any actual, potential or appearance of a conflict of interest with Invesco’s clients and to conduct himself or herself with good judgment. Failure to exercise good judgment, as well as violations of this Code, may result in the imposition of sanctions on the Employee, including suspension or dismissal. All Covered Persons are required to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations and this Code. Covered Persons shall promptly report any violations of law or regulations or any provision of this Code of which they become aware to the Compliance Officer or his/her designee.

The requirements within this Code will apply in full to all permanent Invesco employees. In addition, there are individuals who, whilst not permanent Invesco Employees, have access to Invesco offices and/or systems and who could therefore potentially acquire certain material, non-public information. The applicability of this Code to those individuals is as follows:

Non-Executive Directors: subject to pre-clearance (through the UK Compliance Team) and certification requirements on the purchase and sale of IVZ shares and in respect of outside interests.

Temporary staff, contractors, consultants, catering staff, post room staff, and security and maintenance staff: the Code applies in full.

Auditors, staff seconded from Legal or Accountancy Firms, Actuarial Function Holder: the Code will apply in full unless Invesco is satisfied that the individual is subject to an equivalent Code.

Physio/GP/Gym staff: Code will only apply where the individual has access to relevant Invesco systems.

Cleaning Staff : Code requirements will not apply.

 

2017 Code of Ethics (UK)

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Where individuals do not have access to Star Compliance, the distribution of the Code, the pre-clearance of transactions and other notifications will occur directly with the Compliance Department. Inquiries regarding these requirements and requests to pre-clear should be directed to the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team by email to codeofethics@invesco.com or by phone to 0203-219-2799.

 

1 STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY PRINCIPALS

 

  1.1 As a fiduciary, Invesco owes an undivided duty of loyalty to its clients. It is Invesco’s policy that all Employees conduct themselves so as to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest with Invesco clients, but also that they refrain from conduct which could give rise to the appearance of a conflict of interest that may compromise the trust our clients have placed in us.

 

  1.2 The Code is designed to ensure, among other things, that the personal securities transactions of all Employees are conducted in accordance with the following general principles:

 

  1.2.1 A duty at all times to place the interests of Invesco’s clients first and foremost;

 

  1.2.2 The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted in a manner consistent with this Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual, potential or appearance of a conflict of interest or any abuse of an Employee’s position of trust and responsibility; and

 

  1.2.3 The requirement that Employees should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

 

  1.3 Invesco’s policy is to avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest but, where they unavoidably occur, to record, manage, and disclose them to prevent abuse and protect our clients, Employees and other counterparties.

 

  1.4 Invesco does not make political contributions with corporate funds. No Employees may, under any circumstances, use company funds to make political contributions, nor may you represent your personal political views as being those of the company.

 

  1.5 Invesco seeks to do business with clients and suppliers on a fair and equitable basis. Employees may not accept or provide gifts, entertainment or other non-monetary benefits of an unreasonable value which could create a conflict with the duty owed to clients. Any limits imposed by our business unit’s policies, local laws, or regulations with respect to the acceptance or provision of gifts, entertainment and non-monetary benefits must be complied with. Invesco lays down written standards regarding the nature of gifts, benefits and entertainment, with strict monetary and frequency limitations. Only gifts, benefits and entertainment which comply with regulatory requirements and internal standards, are designed to enhance the quality of service to customers and do not create conflicts of interest, can be given or received. Subject to regulatory requirements and internal limits, the types of benefits which may be given or received by the Invesco Group include: gifts, hospitality and promotional competition prizes; joint marketing exercises; participation in seminars and conferences; provision of technical services and information technology; training; and travel and accommodation expenses. All gifts, benefits and entertainment provided or received by Invesco or its personnel must be recorded in the relevant Invesco business unit’s Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment Register as soon as possible. If there is any doubt about the permissibility of giving or receiving a gift, benefit or entertainment event, Employees should contact the Compliance Department for guidance before this is given or received. Further information can be found in the UK Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment (Inducements) Policy.

 

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  1.6 Invesco does not tolerate bribery. Employees must not offer, give, request, or agree to accept or accept financial or non-financial advantages of any kind where the purpose is to influence a person to behave improperly in their decisions or actions or to reward them for having done so. Charitable donations must not be made as an inducement or reward for improper behaviour. Unofficial payments to speed up routine government or other processes must never be made, however small. These restrictions apply to Invesco staff and to anybody appointed to act on Invesco’s behalf and cover relationships with prospective or existing clients or business partners. Further information can be found in the Anti-Bribery Policy.

 

  1.7 Legislation exists to protect Employees who ‘blow the whistle’ about wrongdoing within the firm. This legislation encourages Employees to raise concerns internally in the first instance. Invesco Employees should feel able to raise any such concerns internally, confident that it will be dealt with properly and that all reasonable steps will be taken to prevent victimisation. If Employees wish to report concerns anonymously they can call the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline, 1-855-234-9780. The toll-free telephone number for calls from the UK is 0800-032-8483. Employees may also report their concerns by visiting the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline website at: www.invesco.ethicspoint.com . To ensure confidentiality, this telephone line and website is provided by an independent company and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. All submissions to the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline will be reviewed and handled in a prompt, fair, and discreet manner. Employees are encouraged to report questionable practices so that Invesco has an opportunity to address and resolve these before they become more significant regulatory or legal issues.

 

  1.8 It is Invesco UK policy, in the context of being an Asset Manager, to treat its customers fairly.

 

  1.9 No Employee should have ownership in or other interest in or employment by any outside concern which does business with Invesco Ltd. This does not apply to stock or other investments in a publicly held company, provided that the stock and other investments do not, in the aggregate, exceed 5% of the outstanding ownership interests of such company. Invesco Ltd. may, following a review of the relevant facts, permit ownership interests which exceed these amounts if management or the Board of Directors, as appropriate, concludes that such ownership interests will not adversely affect Invesco’s business interests or the judgment of the affected staff.

 

  1.10 Employees are prohibited from using personal hedging strategies or remuneration or liability related contracts of insurance to undermine any risk alignment effects embedded in their remuneration arrangements. This includes, for instance, entering into an arrangement with a third party under which that third party will make payments directly, or indirectly, to the Employee that are linked to, or commensurate with, the amounts by which the Employee’s remuneration is subject to reductions arising from the implementation of EU Directives and associated legislation and regulation.

 

2 MATERIAL, NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND INSIDE INFORMATION

 

  2.1 Restriction on Trading or Recommending Trading Each Employee is reminded that it constitutes a violation of law and/or market abuse regulations for any person to trade in or recommend trading in the securities of a company while in possession of, as appropriate, inside information or material, non-public information concerning that company, or to disclose such information to any person not entitled to receive it if there is reason to believe that such information will be used in connection with a trade in the securities of that company. Violations of law and regulations may give rise to civil as well as criminal liability, including the imposition of monetary penalties or prison sentences upon the individuals involved. Tippees (i.e, persons who receive material, non-public information or inside information) also may be held liable if they trade or if they do not trade but pass along such information to others.

 

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  2.2 Material non-public information relates to US legislation and is relevant for US-traded companies and financial instruments. Inside information relates to European legislation and relevant for European traded companies and financial instruments.

 

  2.3 What is material, non-public information? ‘Material information’ is any information about a company which, if disclosed, is likely to affect the market price of the company’s securities or to be considered important by an average investor in deciding whether to purchase or sell those securities. Examples of information which should be presumed to be “material” are matters such as dividend increases or decreases, earnings estimates by the company, changes in the company’s previously released earnings estimates, significant new products or discoveries, major litigation by or against the company, liquidity or solvency problems, extraordinary management developments, significant merger or acquisition proposals, or similar major events which would be viewed as having materially altered the “total mix” of information available regarding the company or the market for any of its securities.

 

  2.4 ‘Non-public information’, often referred to as ‘inside information,’ is information that has not yet been publicly disclosed. Information about a company is considered to be non-public information if it is received under circumstances which indicate that it is not yet in general circulation and that such information may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to the company or its insiders, or that the recipient knows to have been furnished by someone in breach of a fiduciary obligation. Courts have held that fiduciary relationships exist between a company and another party in a broad variety of situations involving a relationship between a company and its lawyers, investment bankers, financial printers, Employees, technical advisors and others. This list is not exhaustive and the types of fiduciary relationships and the way in which they are formed are extensive.

 

  2.5 What is “inside information”? Inside information is information which:

 

  (a) is of a precise nature; and

 

  (b) is not generally available; and

 

  (c) relates directly or indirectly to one or more issuers of the relevant securities or one or more of the relevant investments; and

 

  (d) would, if generally available, be likely to have a significant effect on the price of the relevant securities or investments.

Information is precise if it:

(a) indicates circumstances which exist or may reasonably be expected to come into existence, or an event that has occurred or may reasonably be expected to occur, and

(b) is specific enough to enable a conclusion to be drawn as to the possible effect on the price of the relevant instrument or investment.

Information would be likely to have a significant effect on price if and only if it is information of a kind which a reasonable investor would be likely to use as part of the basis of his investment decisions. In other words, it has to be a piece of information which a reasonable investor would use when making a decision to buy or sell a financial instrument. It does not have to be the major reason for the decision, just one of the reasons. Because the information contributes towards a buy or sell decision, and these decisions determine the price of an instrument, the information is viewed as being significant for setting the price of the instrument. The “significant effect on price” does not relate to the size of any price movement of the financial instrument due to the effect of the information.

 

  2.6 Information should not be considered to have been publicly disclosed until a reasonable time after it has been made public (for example, by a press release). Someone with access to inside information may not “beat the market” by trading simultaneously with, or immediately after, the official release of material information.

 

  2.7 The responsibility of ensuring that the proposed transaction does not constitute insider dealing or a conflict with the interests of a client remains with the relevant Employee and obtaining pre-clearance to enter into a transaction under Section 3.3 below does not absolve that responsibility.

 

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  2.8 Invesco is in a unique position, being privy to market research and rumours and being privy also to information about its clients which may be public companies. Invesco Employees must be aware and vigilant to ensure that they cannot be accused of being a party of any ‘insider dealing’ or market abuse situations.

 

  2.9 In particular, the following investment activities must not be entered into without carefully ensuring that there are no implications of insider trading:

 

  2.9.1 Trading in shares for a client in any other client of Invesco which is a Company quoted on a recognised stock exchange.

 

  2.9.2 Trading in shares for a client in a quoted company where Invesco:

 

  i) obtains information in any official capacity which may be price sensitive and has not been made available to the general public.

 

  ii) obtains any other information which can be substantiated in connection with a quoted company which is also both price sensitive and has not been made available to the general public.

 

  2.9.3 Manipulation of the market through the release of information to regular market users which is false or misleading about a company.

 

  2.9.4 Release of information about a company that would have the effect of distorting the market in such a way to be considered market abuse.

 

  2.10 Reporting Requirement. Whenever an Employee believes that he or she may have come into possession of material, non-public information about a public company, he or she personally must immediately notify the Compliance Department and should not discuss such information with anyone else including Invesco Employees and should not engage in transactions for himself, herself, or others including Invesco clients.

 

  2.11 Upon receipt of such information, the Compliance Department will include the company name on the ‘IVZ Restricted List’ in respect of which no transactions may be entered into. This list will be advised to the Equity dealing desk and no discussion will be entered into.

 

  2.12 Confidentiality. No information regarding the affairs of any client of Invesco may be passed to anyone outside Invesco unless specifically requested by law, regulation or court order. In any event, the Compliance and Legal Departments must be consulted prior to furnishing such information.

 

  2.13 Employees should maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Company and their fellow Employees. Employees shall take all reasonable efforts to safeguard such confidential information that is in their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third parties. While accessing and utilising internal applications and systems, Employees must access such information solely to the extent it is mandatory to perform their task and not to access any other data which is not necessary. External publication or distribution of internal company information, policies or procedures is prohibited except when disclosure is properly authorised by the functional owner of the information or legally mandated. Employees should make all reasonable efforts to safeguard such information that is in their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third parties.

 

  2.14

Sanctions. Any Employee, who knowingly trades or recommends trading while in possession of material, non-public information, or inside information,

 

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  may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, as well as to immediate suspension and/or dismissal from Invesco.

 

3 PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES, PRE-CLEARANCE AND PRE-NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

  3.1 Transactions covered by this Code All transactions (other than transactions described in section 3.2) in investments made for “Covered Accounts” are subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions, pre-notification and reporting requirements described below, unless otherwise indicated. For a list of the types of Employee and other accounts which are “Covered Accounts”, please see the definition in Appendix A.

 

  3.2 Transactions in the following investments (“Exempt Investments”) are not subject to the trading restrictions or other requirements of this Code and do not need to be pre-notified, pre-cleared, or reported other than as described below:

 

  3.2.1 Registered unaffiliated (e.g. Schroders) open-ended Collective Investment Schemes [CIS] including; open-ended mutual funds, open-ended investment companies/ICVCs or unit trusts.

 

  3.2.2 Securities which are direct obligations of an OECD country (e.g. US Treasury Bonds);

 

  3.2.3 In-specie transfers; and

 

  3.2.4 Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements.

Employees are required to provide statements for all Covered Accounts as described in Section 7.4. If an account has the ability to invest in Covered Securities, the account is considered a Covered Account and the full statement must be provided to Compliance including information regarding Exempt Investments.

Transactions which require pre-notification and pre-clearance

 

  3.3 Pre-Clearance

 

  3.3.1 Pre-Clearance Transactions

Transactions in a Covered Account which must be notified to the Compliance department for pre-clearance, regardless of whether the order is placed directly or through a broker/adviser, include the following (“Covered Securities”):

 

    buys or sales of ordinary securities, equivalent securities, venture capital schemes such as Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), closed-end funds such as Investment Trusts and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (to the extent detailed in 3.4.8 below), including any of these investments which are held within a product/wrapper such as a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or Individual Savings Account (ISA).

All Employees must receive prior approval using the Star Compliance system or from the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team in order to engage in a personal securities transaction in a Covered Security.

Pre-clearance will not be given if the proposed personal securities transaction is in conflict with any of the rules outlined in this Policy, including the Blackout Rule.

 

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All transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities must be pre-cleared. Please refer to Appendix D for additional guidelines on Invesco Ltd. securities. Any transaction in a previous employer’s company stock that is obtained through an employee benefit plan or company stock fund held in an external retirement plan requires pre-clearance.

 

  3.3.2 The Pre-clearance Process

The pre-clearance process involves the following steps:

 

    The proposed trade must be entered into the Star Compliance system.

 

    Covered persons (e.g. an Employee’s spouse, non-employee without Invesco system access) who do not have access to the Star Compliance system can submit their trade requests either through the Invesco Employee who will submit the request through Star Compliance or may contact the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team directly.

 

    The Star Compliance system will confirm if there is any Client activity in the same or equivalent security currently on the trading desk and verify if there have been any transactions within the corresponding Blackout Rule period (refer to section 4.1.2).

 

    The Star Compliance system will check to see if the security is on the restricted list (refer to section 4.1.1).

 

    If any potential conflicts are identified by the Star Compliance system, the request will be reviewed by the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team.

 

    An automated response will be received by the Employee for all pre-approval requests indicating whether the transaction has been approved or denied.

 

  3.3.3 Executing Approved Transactions

Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day. If the trade is not executed within this time period, a new pre-clearance request must be submitted and approved if the Employee still intends to trade in that security. Good-until-cancelled orders (GTCs) are not allowed.

All approved trades that are not executed must be retracted in the Star Compliance system by the Employee.

Employees may be requested to reverse any trades processed without the required pre-approval.

Any costs or losses associated with the reversal are the responsibility of the Employee. The Employee may also be asked to disgorge any profits from the trade.

No order for a Securities Transaction for which pre-clearance authorisation is sought may be placed prior to the receipt of authorisation of the transaction.

Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except in the following situations:

 

    Approval is granted after the close of trading day. In this case, approval is valid through the next trading day.

 

    Where trade instructions are sent via the post to IFDS, this period will be extended, and the trade must be executed by the close of market two trading days after permission has been granted.

 

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  3.3.4 Copies of the relevant contract notes (or equivalent) must be sent to the Code of Ethics inbox. This must be done in a timely manner.

 

  3.4 Transactions that do not need to be pre-cleared . The pre-clearance requirements (and the trading restrictions on personal investing described below) do not apply to the following transactions, unless otherwise indicated:

 

  3.4.1 Invesco Affiliated Funds : Invesco open–ended Collective Investment Schemes, Pension Funds or other affiliated schemes, including any of these investments which are held within an unaffiliated product/wrapper, apart from closed-end funds such as Investment Trusts, and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (to the extent detailed in 3.4.8 below). Whilst pre-clearance is not required in respect of transactions in affiliated funds, employees must nevertheless adhere to the certification and reporting requirements as detailed in section 7 below.

 

  3.4.2 Discretionary Accounts: Transactions effected in any Covered Account over which the Employee has no direct or indirect influence or control (a “Discretionary Account”). An Employee shall be deemed to have “no direct or indirect influence or control” over an account only if all of the following conditions are met:

 

  i) investment discretion for such account has been delegated in writing to an independent fiduciary and such investment discretion is not shared with the Employee; and

 

  ii) the Employee certifies in writing that he or she has not and will not discuss any potential investment decisions with such independent fiduciary; and

 

  iii) the advisor also certifies in writing that he or she will not discuss any potential investment decisions with the owner of the account or the Employee; and

 

  iv) duplicate periodic statements are provided to the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team.

 

  v) the Compliance Department has determined that the account satisfies the foregoing requirements.

 

  3.4.3 Governmental Issues : Investments in the debt obligations of state and municipal governments or agencies, (e.g. Essex Council Electricity Bond).

 

  3.4.4 Non-Volitional Trades : Transactions which are non-volitional on the part of the Employee (such as the receipt of securities pursuant to a stock dividend or merger).

 

  3.4.5 Automatic Transactions : Purchases of the stock of a company pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or an Employee stock purchase plan sponsored by such company.

 

  3.4.6 Rights Offerings : Receipt or exercise of rights issued by a company on a pro rata basis to all holders of a class of security. Employees must, however, pre-clear transactions for the acquisition of such rights from a third party or the disposition of such rights.

 

  3.4.7 Non-Executive Director’s Transactions : Transactions in Invesco Ltd. shares, by Non-Executive Directors. Transactions by Non-Executive Directors will be pre-cleared outside of Star Compliance.

 

  3.4.8

Exchange Traded Products: Employees are exempt from pre-clearing unaffiliated broad-based Exchange Traded Products such as Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) and Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs) as described on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List .

 

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  ETFs are Covered Securities and are still subject to requirements and limits on personal investing as described in sections 4 and 7, irrespective of whether pre-clearance is required. All Invesco PowerShares ETFs and ETFs not listed on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List must be pre-cleared.

 

  3.4.9 Note that all of the transactions described in paragraphs 3.4.1. to 3.4.8, while not subject to pre-clearance, are nevertheless still subject to the requirements and limits in section 4 and to all of the reporting requirements set forth below in section 7. This must be done in a timely manner after the transaction.

 

4 TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING

 

  4.1 All transactions in Covered Accounts which are subject to the pre-clearance requirements specified in this Code are also subject to the following trading restrictions:

 

  4.1.1 Restricted Lists : Employees requesting pre-clearance to buy or sell a security on the Restricted List may be restricted from executing the trade because of potential conflicts of interest.

 

  4.1.2 Blackout Periods : An Employee may not buy or sell, or permit any Covered Account to buy or sell, a security or any instrument if there is conflicting activity in an Invesco Client account.

Non-Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within two trading days after a Client trades in that security; and

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within three trading days before or after a Client trades in that security; and

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security with the trading desk.

De Minimis Exemptions. Compliance will apply the following de minimis exemptions in granting pre-clearance when a Client has recently traded or is trading in a security involved in a Covered Person’s proposed personal securities transaction:

o Equity de minimis exemptions.

 

    If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30-day period provided the issuer of such security is included in the FTSE 100 Index S&P TSX Composite Index, Russell 1000, ASX 300 Accumulation Index, Hang Seng Index, Straits Times Index STI (FSSTI), Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), NIKKEI 225, the NSE S&P CNX Nifty Index, or any of the other main indices globally included on the De Minimis Indices List which can be accessed on the Invesco intranet using the following link:

http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-NA/Training/Documents/De%20

Minimis%20Indices%20List.pdf .

 

   

If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute

 

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up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30-day period provided that there is no conflicting client activity in that security during the blackout period or on the trading desk that exceeds 500 shares per trading day.

o Fixed income de minimis exemptions . If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of trading activity in a particular fixed income security he or she may execute up to £60,000 of par value of such security in a rolling 30-day period.

For practical purposes, an Employee without knowledge of investment activity of a Client account would not know of such activity in advance of a Client trade. Therefore, for those Employees, trading with pre-clearance approval granted prior to a Client transaction will not be considered a violation of this Code of Ethics. Compliance will review personal securities transactions to identify potential conflicts in which there is an appearance that such an Employee could have traded while he or she was aware of upcoming Client transactions. If a potential conflict exists, this would be considered a violation of the blackout period required by this Code of Ethics.

The automated review system will confirm that there is no activity currently on the trading desk on the security involved in the proposed personal securities transaction and will verify that there have been no Client transactions for the requested security within the last two trading days for all Covered Persons except Investment Personnel for whom the blackout period is the last three trading days.

For Investments, Portfolio Administration and IT personnel, Compliance will also check the trading activity of affiliates with respect to which such personnel have access to transactional information to verify that there have been no Client transactions in the requested security during the blackout period. Compliance will notify the Covered Person of the approval or denial of the proposed personal securities transaction.

Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction prior to closing of the market immediately following the approval, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval.

 

  4.1.3 In the event there is a trade in a client account in the same security or instrument within a blackout period, the Employee may be required to close out the position and to disgorge any profit to a charitable organisation chosen by Invesco Compliance.

 

  4.1.4 Invesco Ltd. Securities:

1. No Employee may effect short sales of Invesco Ltd. securities.

2. No Employee may engage in transactions in publicly traded options, such as puts, calls and other derivative securities relating to the Invesco Ltd.’s securities, on an exchange or any other organised market.

3. For all Covered Persons, all transactions, including transfers by gift, in Invesco Ltd. Securities are subject to pre-clearance regardless of the size of the transaction, and are subject to “blackout” periods established by Invesco Ltd. and holding periods prescribed under the terms of the agreement or program under which the securities were received.

 

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4. Holdings of Invesco Ltd. securities in Covered Persons accounts are subject to the reporting requirements specified in Section 7.3 of this Code.

Any Employee who becomes aware of material non-public information about Invesco is prohibited from trading in Invesco Securities. Full details of the Invesco stock transaction Pre-Clearance Guide and restrictions for all Employees of Invesco can be found in Appendix D.

 

  4.1.5 Invesco Investment Trusts: Staff dealing in Invesco Investment Trusts will also be subject to closed periods as dictated by each of the Trusts.

 

  4.1.6 UK ICVCs and other affiliated schemes will be subject to the Short -Term Trading restrictions (60 day rule - see 4.1.7).The preferential rate of sales charge allowed to staff will be withdrawn in circumstances where it is apparent that the Employee has traded on a short-term basis in those shares i.e. where previous transactions by that person have resulted in the short-term holding of those investments. Shares of UK ICVCs and affiliated schemes will not be accepted for redemption if the funds themselves are closed for redemption due to the effects of subsequent market or currency movements.

 

  4.1.7 Short-Term Trading Profits: It is Invesco’s policy to restrict the ability of Employees to benefit from short-term trading in securities and instruments. Employees must disgorge profits made on the sale of any security or instrument held less than 60 days. This section (4.1.7) will not apply to Financial Spread Betting transactions which have been approved under the Exceptions section (4.1.15) of this Policy. Transactions in currencies and commodities are exempt from the 60 day holding period. Disgorgement amounts must represent the full amount of the profits received and are not adjusted to account for taxes or related fees.

 

  4.1.8 Initial Public Offerings: No Employee may purchase or permit any Covered Account to purchase a security offered pursuant to an initial public offering, except in a Venture Capital Trust or Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), wherever such offering is made. However where the public offering is made by a Government of where the Employee is resident and different amounts of the offering are specified for different investor types e.g. private and institutional, the Compliance Officer may allow such purchases after consultation with the local Chief Executive Officer or his designee.

 

  4.1.9 Privately-Issued Securities: Employees may not purchase or permit a Covered Account to purchase or acquire any privately-issued securities, other than in exceptional cases specifically approved by the local Chief Executive Officer (e.g. where such investment is part of a family-owned and operated business venture that would not be expected to involve an investment opportunity of interest to any Invesco client).

 

  4.1.10

Employees, however, may invest in interests in private investment funds (i.e. hedge funds) that are established to invest predominantly in public securities and instruments, subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions and reporting requirements contained in this Code. Employees may also invest in residential co-operatives and private recreational clubs (such as sports clubs, country clubs, luncheon clubs and the like) for their personal use; such investments are not subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions and reporting requirements unless the Employee’s investing is part of a business conducted by the

 

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  Employee. Such ownership should be reported to the Compliance Officer.

 

  4.1.11 Short Sales: An Employee may not sell short a security.

 

  4.1.12 Financial Spread Betting: Employees may not enter into Financial Spread betting arrangements unless they have applied in writing to do so under the Exceptions section of this Policy (4.1.15) and have received written confirmation that this is permitted. Exceptions will not be granted for Financial Spread Betting on single stocks but, depending on the circumstances, spread betting on Foreign Exchange Rates, Main Indices and Government Bonds may be allowed on an exceptions basis.

 

  4.1.13 Futures: Employees may not write, sell or buy exchange-traded futures, synthetic futures, swaps and similar non-exchange traded instruments.

 

  4.1.14 Investment Clubs: Employee participation in an investment club with the purpose of pooling money and investing based on group investment decisions is prohibited.

 

  4.1.15 Exceptions: The Chief Executive Officer or his designee in consultation with the Compliance Officer may, on a case by case basis, grant exceptions from these trading restrictions upon written request. Any exceptions granted will be reported to the local Board of Directors at least annually.

 

5 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, CONFIDENTIALITY AND OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS

 

  5.1 In order to reduce potential conflicts of interest arising from the participation of Employees on the boards of directors of public, private, non-profit and other enterprises, all Employees are subject to the following restrictions and guidelines:

 

  5.1.1 An Employee may not serve as a director of a public company without the approval of the Compliance Officer after consultation with the local Chief Executive Officer.

 

  5.1.2 An Employee may serve on the board of directors or participate as an adviser or otherwise, or advisers of a private company only if:

 

  (i) client assets have been invested in such company and having a seat on the board would be considered beneficial to our clients interest; and

 

  (ii) service on such board has been approved in writing by the Compliance Officer. The Employee must resign from such board of directors as soon as the company contemplates going public, except where the Compliance Officer has determined that an Employee may remain on a board. In any event, an Employee shall not accept any compensation for serving as a director (or in a similar capacity) of such company; any compensation offered shall either be refused or, if unable to be refused, distributed pro rata to the relevant client accounts.

 

  5.1.3 An Employee must receive prior written permission from the Compliance Officer or his designee before serving as a director, non-executive director, trustee or member of an advisory board of either:

 

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  (i) any non-profit or charitable institution; or

 

  (ii) a private family-owned and operated business.

 

  5.1.4 An Employee may serve as an officer or director of a residential co-operative, but must receive prior written permission from the Compliance Officer before serving as a director if, in the course of such service, he or she gives advice with respect to the management of the co-operative’s funds.

 

  5.1.5 If an Employee serving on the board of directors or advisers of any entity comes into possession of material, non-public information through such service, he or she must immediately notify the Compliance Officer.

 

  5.1.6 An Invesco Employee shall not take personal advantage of any economic opportunity properly belonging to an Invesco Client or to Invesco itself. Such opportunities could arise, for example, from confidential information belonging to a client or the offer of a directorship. Employees must not disclose information relating to a client’s intentions, activities or portfolios except:

 

  i) to fellow Employees, or other agents of the client, who need to know it to discharge their duties; or

 

  ii) to the client itself.

 

  5.1.7 Employees may not cause or attempt to cause any Client to purchase, sell or hold any Security in a manner calculated to create any personal benefit to the Employee or Invesco.

 

  5.1.8 If an Employee or immediate family member stands to materially benefit from an investment decision for an Advisory Client that the Employee is recommending or participating in, the Employee must disclose that interest to persons with authority to make investment decisions and to the Compliance Officer. Based on the information given, a decision will be made on whether or not to restrict the Employee’s participation in causing a client to purchase or sell a Security in which the Employee has an interest.

 

  5.1.9 An Employee must disclose to those persons with authority to make investment decisions for a Client (or to the Compliance Officer if the Employee in question is a person with authority to make investment decisions for the Client), any Beneficial Interest that the Employee (or immediate family) has in that Security or an Equivalent Security, or in the issuer thereof, where the decision could create a material benefit to the Employee (or immediate family) or the appearance of impropriety. The person to whom the Employee reports the interest, in consultation with the Compliance Officer, must determine whether or not the Employee will be restricted in making investment decisions.

 

6 CLIENT INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES OWNED BY INVESCO EMPLOYEES

 

  6.1 General Principles: In addition to the specific prohibitions on certain personal securities transactions as set forth herein, and in-line with the requirements of the Fraud Policy, all Employees are prohibited from:

 

  6.1.1 Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any prospect or client;

 

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  6.1.2 Making any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state to a client or a prospective client, a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

 

  6.1.3 Engaging in any act, practice or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any prospect or client;

 

  6.1.4 Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to any prospect or client; or

 

  6.1.5 Revealing to any other person (except in the normal course of his or her duties on behalf of a client) any information regarding securities transactions by any client or by Invesco,

 

  6.1.6 Revealing to any other person (except in the normal course of his or her duties on behalf of a client) the consideration of any securities transactions by any client or by Invesco.

 

7 CERTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

  7.1 This Code forms part of an Employee’s contract of employment and any breach may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including summary dismissal.

 

  7.2 In order to implement the general principles, restrictions and prohibitions contained in this Code, each Employee is required to provide the following certifications and reports described in sections 7.2 to 7.4 below:

 

  7.2.1 On commencing employment at Invesco, each new Employee shall receive a copy of the Code via electronic means and will be expected to confirm that they understand and accept this Code within 10 days of commencing employment.

 

  7.2.2 New Employees are also required, within 10 days of commencing employment, to provide the following to the Compliance Department:

 

  (i) a list of all Covered Accounts (see Initial Holdings Report 7.3.1); and

 

  (ii) details of any directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit, non-profit and other enterprises.

 

  7.3 Employees are required to sign-off and submit various reports in the Star Compliance system as detailed in sections 7.3.1 to 7.3.4 below. Employees that do not hold any Covered Securities or Covered Accounts are still required to sign-off on these reports.

 

  7.3.1 Initial Holdings Reports: Within 10 calendar days of becoming a Covered Person, each Covered Person must complete an Initial Holdings Report by inputting into the automated system, Star Compliance, the following information (the information must be current within 45 days of the date the person becomes a Covered Person):

 

   

A list of all security holdings, including the name, number of shares (for equities) and the principal amount (for debt securities) in which the person has direct or indirect Beneficial Interest. A Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of their

 

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immediate family sharing the same household (e.g. a spouse or civil partner and children) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

 

    The security identifier (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the person; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person

 

  7.3.2 Quarterly Transactions Reports: All Covered Persons must report, no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the following information for all transactions in a Covered Security in which a Covered Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest:

 

    The date of all transactions in that quarter, the security name, the number of shares (for equity securities); or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and the principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security;

 

    The nature of the transaction (buy, sell, etc.);

 

    The security identifier (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was executed;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank executing the transaction; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted to Compliance.

All Covered Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report regardless of whether they executed transactions during the quarter or not. If a Covered Person did not execute transactions subject to reporting requirements during a quarter, the report must include a representation to that effect. Covered Persons need not include transactions that do not require pre-clearance such as transactions made through an Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan or Exempt Investments (refer to section 3.2).

Additionally, Covered Persons must report information on any new brokerage account established by the Covered Person during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person (including Covered Securities held in a retirement vehicle, including plans sponsored by Invesco or its affiliates).

The report shall include:

 

    The date the account was established;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted to Compliance.

Compliance may identify transactions by Covered Persons that technically comply with the Code for review based on any pattern of activity that has an appearance of a conflict of interest.

 

  7.3.3 Annual Holdings Reports: All Covered Persons must report annually the following information, which must be current within 45 days of the date the report is submitted to Compliance:

 

    The security name and the number of shares (for equities) or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security in which the Covered Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest;

 

    The security identifier for each Covered Security (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which the security is held;

 

    With respect to Discretionary Accounts, if any, certifications that such Employee does not discuss any investment decisions with the person making investment decisions;

 

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    With respect to any non-public security owned by such Employee, a statement indicating whether the issuer has changed its name or publicly issued securities during such calendar year; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

 

  7.3.4 Certification of Compliance: All Covered Persons must certify annually that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code.

In addition, all Covered Persons must certify annually that they have complied with the requirements of the Code and that they have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the Code. If material changes are made to the Code during the year, these changes will also be reviewed and approved by the Invesco UK Conflicts of Interest Committee.

All Covered Persons must certify within 30 days of the effective date of the amended code that they have read and understand the Code and recognise that they are subject to the Code. On an annual basis, Employees are required to provide an updated list of the following to Compliance:

 

  i) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit, non-profit and other enterprises;

 

  ii) potential conflicts of interest identified which have not yet been reported to the Compliance Department; and

 

  iii) potential Treating Customers Fairly issues identified which have not yet been reported to the Compliance Department.

 

  7.4 Confirmations and Statements: In respect of each personal securities transaction involving a Covered Security, the Employee engaging in the transaction must provide the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team a duplicate copy of the trade confirmation, or such other confirmations as are available, in a timely manner.

Employees are encouraged to direct their brokers to deliver to the Invesco Compliance Department, duplicate trade confirmations and account statements for their Covered Accounts in a timely manner. If duplicate contract notes are not provided by the broker, the Employee must provide the statements directly to Compliance in a timely manner following a trade or receipt of a periodic statement. In addition, Employees must provide duplicate trade confirmations and account statements directly to the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team upon request.

The IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team will review reports submitted and report any breaches of this Policy or any other concerns relating to personal trading to the Invesco UK Compliance department. All material breaches and concerns are also reported to Invesco UK Conflicts of Interest Committee.

 

  7.5 Exempt Investments: Confirmations, periodic statements, and periodic reports need not be provided with respect to Exempt Investments (see 3.2). If an account has the ability to hold both Covered Securities and Exempt Investments, the periodic statement will need to be provided and may include information regarding Exempt Investments.

 

  7.6 Disclaimer of Beneficial Interest: Any report required under this Code may contain a statement that such report is not to be construed as an admission by the person making the report that he or she has any direct and indirect beneficial interest of the security to which the report relates.

 

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  7.7 Annual Review: The Compliance Officer will review the Code on an annual basis and as necessary, in light of legal and business developments and experience in implementing the Code, and will prepare a report to the relevant Executive Committee that:

 

  7.7.1 summarises existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the past year,

 

  7.7.2 identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action during the past year, and

 

  7.7.3 identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based on the experience under the Code, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations

 

8 MISCELLANEOUS

 

  8.1 Interpretation: The provisions of this Code will be interpreted by the Compliance Officer. Questions of interpretation should be directed in the first instance to the Compliance Officer or his/her designee or, if necessary, with the Compliance Officer of another Invesco entity. The interpretation of the Compliance Officer is final.

 

  8.2 Sanctions: Compliance will issue a letter of education to the Covered Persons involved in violations of the Code that are determined to be inadvertent or immaterial.

Invesco may impose additional sanctions in the event of repeated violations or violations that are determined to be material or not inadvertent, including disgorgement of profits (or the differential between the purchase or sale price of the personal security transaction and the subsequent purchase or sale price by a relevant Client during the enumerated period), a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment.

Any violations of this Code and sanctions therefore will be reported to the local Board of Directors at least annually.

 

  8.3 Effective Date: This revised Code shall become effective as of 1 February 2017.

 

  8.4 IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team Contact Information You may direct any questions regarding this Code to the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team by email to codeofethics@invesco.com or by phone to 203-219-2799.

 

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APPENDIX A

DEFINITIONS

 

1. Advisory Client’ means any client (including both investment companies and managed accounts) for which Invesco serves as an investment adviser, renders investment advice, or makes investment decisions.

 

2. ‘Beneficial Interest’ means the opportunity to share, directly or indirectly, in any profit or loss on a transaction in Securities, including but not limited to all joint accounts, partnerships and trusts.

 

3. A ‘Covered Account‘ is defined for purposes of this Policy as any account:

 

    Where the Employee is the registered owner of the securities in the account, thereby having a direct financial interest or benefit from the account; or

 

    In which an Employee has indirect financial interest or indirect benefit, such as accounts held in the name of the Employee’s spouse, civil partner, or child living in the same household.

 

    In which an Employee has direct control, such as any account for which the Employee has a power of attorney or trading authorisation, trust accounts on which the Employee is appointed a trustee, or corporate accounts for which the Employee is an authorised signing officer.

The examples provided above are not all-inclusive. There may be other account types and registrations not listed above that are considered covered for the purposes of this Policy.

 

4. A ‘Covered Person’ means any director, officer, full or part time Employee of Invesco UK and any individuals who, whilst not permanent Invesco UK Employees, have access to Invesco offices and/or systems and who could therefore potentially acquire certain material, non-public information.

 

5. ‘Employee’ means a person who has a contract of employment with, or employed by, Invesco UK or any associated Invesco Company within Europe; including consultants, contractors or temporary Employees.

 

6. ‘Equivalent Security’ means any Security issued by the same entity as the issuer of a security, including options, rights, warrants, preferred stock, restricted stock, bonds and other obligations of that company.

 

7. ‘Fund’ means an investment company for which Invesco serves as an adviser or subadviser.

 

8. Good-until-cancelled order’ means an instruction to buy or sell a security at a specified price that remains active until it is either rescinded by the employee or the trade is executed.

 

9. ‘High quality short-term debt instruments’ means any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and which is treated in one of the highest two rating categories by a Nationally Recognised Statistical Rating Organisation, or which is unrated but is of comparable quality.

 

10. ‘Independent Fund Director’ means an independent director of an investment company advised by Invesco.

 

11. ‘Initial Public Offering’ means any security which is being offered for the first time on a Recognised Stock Exchange.

 

12. ‘Open-Ended Collective Investment Scheme’ means any Open-ended Investment Company, US Mutual Fund, UK ICVC or Irish Unit Trust, Luxembourg SICAV, French SICAV or Bermuda Fund.

 

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13. ‘Securities Transaction’ means a purchase of or sale of Securities.

 

14. ‘Security’ includes stock, notes, bonds, debentures and other evidences of indebtedness (including loan participations and assignments), limited partnership interests, investment contracts, and all derivative instruments, such as options and warrants.

 

15. UK ICVC and affiliate schemes” defined as all UK domiciled Invesco ICVCs, all Invesco Continental European domestic ranges and all Invesco Ireland and Luxembourg SICAVs and Unit Trusts.

 

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APPENDIX B

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

OF INVESCO UK REVISED CODE OF ETHICS

Only complete this version of the Annual Acknowledgement where you are unable to complete the electronic version.

I acknowledge that I have received the Invesco Code of Ethics dated 1 February 2017, and represent that:

 

1. In accordance with Section 7 of the Code of Ethics, I will fully disclose the Securities holdings in Covered Accounts*;

 

2. In accordance with Section 3 of the Code of Ethics, I will obtain prior authorisation for all Securities Transactions in each of my Covered Accounts except for transactions exempt from pre-clearance under Section 3 of the Code of Ethics*;

 

3. In accordance with section 7 of the Code of Ethics, I will report all Securities Transactions in each of my Covered Accounts except for transactions exempt from reporting under Section 3 of the Code of Ethics;

 

4. I have notified all individuals who own accounts that are Covered Accounts of the requirements set forth in this Code and understand that these accounts are subject to the Code including reporting and pre-clearance requirements;

 

5. I have been authorised by all individuals who own Covered Accounts to provide the relevant details concerning their securities transactions in accordance with the Code;

 

6. I will comply with the Code of Ethics in all other respects; and

 

7. I understand that a violation of the Code may be grounds for disciplinary action or termination of my employment and may also be a violation of law and regulations which may give rise to civil as well as criminal liability.

 

      
     Signature
      
     Print Name

Date:                                                                  

 

* Representations Nos: 1 and 2 do not apply to Independent Fund Directors

 

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APPENDIX C

ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS

To be completed by all Employees following the end of each calendar year - only complete this version of the Annual Certification where you are unable to complete the electronic version.

I hereby certify that, with respect to the calendar year ending on 31 December 2016 (the ‘Calendar Year), I have reported to Invesco all Securities Transactions in respect of each of my Covered Account(s). I further certify that I have reviewed the attachments hereto and confirm that:

 

a) Sections A & B contain a complete list of Covered Account(s) as well as a complete list of my directorships, advisory board memberships and similar positions;

 

b) Section C contains a complete list of trades, other than Exempt Investments, in my Covered Account(s) during the Calendar Year for which contract notes/confirmations have not been forwarded;

 

c) Sections D & E contain details of any potential Conflicts of Interest and Treating Customers Fairly issues identified during the year but not yet reported.

I further certify that:

 

a) For any of my Covered Accounts which have been approved by the Compliance Department as a Discretionary Account(s) (which have been identified on Section A with an ‘E’ prefix), that I have not exercised investment discretion or influenced any investment decisions and that I will not exercise investment discretion or influence any potential investment decisions with such Discretionary Account(s);

 

b) As appropriate, I have identified on Section A hereto those Covered Accounts which contain open-ended Collective Investment Schemes/Investment Companies shares only but for which account statements and confirms are not and have not been provided and hereby confirm that all securities transactions in these accounts are and will be limited exclusively to transactions in shares of open-ended Collective Investment Schemes;

 

c) For any privately-issued security held by me or my Covered Account(s), I will inform the Compliance Department upon learning that any issuer has either changed its name or has issued or proposed to issue any class of security to the public;

 

d) I have complied with the requirements of the Conflicts of Interest Policy, the Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment (Inducements) Policy, the Anti-Bribery Policy, the Market Abuse Policy, Insider Trading Policy, Fraud Policy and the Treating Customers Fairly Policy;

 

e) I have not used personal hedging strategies or remuneration or liability related insurance contracts to undermine any risk alignment effects embedded in my remuneration arrangements;

 

f) I have read and understand my department’s procedures;

 

g) I have admitted to and reported any errors at the time they occurred or as soon I became aware of them; and

 

h) I have received a copy of and understand the Code in its entirety and acknowledge that I am subject to its provisions. I also certify that I have complied and will comply with its requirements;

To the extent that any of the attached Schedules contain inaccurate or incomplete information, I have noted and initialled the change directly on the Schedule and returned this certification along with all Schedules to the Compliance Department. Capitalised terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given to them in the Code.

 

      
     Signature
      
     Print Name

Date:                                                                  

UPON YOUR FULL REVIEW AND EXECUTION, PLEASE RETURN THE ENTIRE

PACKAGE IMMEDIATELY TO THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT IN HENLEY

 

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APPENDIX C

Annual Certificate of Compliance with THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS

Section A - COVERED ACCOUNTS

The following is a list of Covered Accounts subject to the Invesco Code of Ethics:

Section B - Directorships, Advisory Board Memberships and Similar Positions held

The following is a list of directorships, advisory board memberships and similar positions that I hold:

 

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APPENDIX C

Annual Certificate of Compliance with THE INVESCO CODE OF ETHICS

Section C – Trades

The following is a list of trades undertaken during the period for which contract notes/confirmations have not been forwarded:

Section D - Conflicts of Interest

The following is a list of potential conflicts of interest I have identified during the course of the year and not already reported to the Compliance Department:

Section E – Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)

The following is a list of potential TCF issues I have identified during the course of the year and not already reported via the TCF Scorecards:

 

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APPENDIX D

 

Type of Transaction in IVZ

  

Pre-Clearance

   Basis for Approval    Quarterly Reporting of
Transactions
   Annual
Report of
Holdings
- Open market purchases & sales    Yes    Not permitted in    Yes    Yes
- Transactions in plan       blackout periods.      
   Compliance       Compliance    Compliance
    

Officer

      Officer    Officer

 

Exercise of Employee Stock Options when same day sale

   Yes    Not permitted in
closed periods for
   Yes    n/a

•  Rec’d when merged w/ Invesco

   IVZ Company    those in the    Compliance   

•  Options for Stock Grants

   Secretarial    ‘Blackout Group’.    Officer   

•  Options for Global Stock Plans

           

•  Options for Restricted StkAwards

      Option holding

period must be

satisfied.

     

 

Sale of Stocks Exercised and held until later date. Options Exercised will have been received as follows:

  

Yes

 

   Not permitted in
closed periods for
   Yes

 

   Yes

 

•  Rec’d when merged w/ Invesco

   Compliance    those in the    Compliance    Compliance

•  Options for Stock Grants

   Officer    ‘Blackout Group’.    Officer    Officer

•  Options for Global Stock Plans

           

•  Options for Restricted StkAwards

      Stock holding period      
        must be satisfied.      

 

Sale of Stock Purchased through Sharesave or Invesco Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  

Yes

 

Compliance

Officer

   Not permitted
in closed
periods for
those in the
‘Blackout Group’.
   Yes

 

Compliance

Officer

   Yes

 

Compliance

Officer

 

Sale of Stock Purchased through UK Share Incentive Plan

  

Yes

 

Compliance Officer

   Not permitted
in closed
periods for
those in the
‘Blackout Group’.
   Yes

 

Compliance

Officer

   Yes

 

Compliance

Officer

1) Open market purchases/sales - Pre-clearance to deal is required from Compliance, no dealing is permitted during close periods for those in the ‘Blackout Group’. Details of closed periods are posted to the intranet site by Company Secretarial.

2) Employee Stock Options (a)  exercise/same day sale - authorisation of the Option is granted by Company Secretarial Department and signed by Trustees of the Scheme.

3) Employee Stock Options (b)  exercise/take possession/subsequent day sale - same as above, except that individual would pay for the shares and pay tax. The stock would then be lodged in the Employee share service arrangement - then if subsequent disposal was sought the normal pre-clearance process would apply (pre-clearance from Compliance - no dealing during closed periods for ‘Blackout Group’ members).

4) Stock Grants (Global Stock Plans) - Awards made yearly, stock would be purchased through Company Secretarial and held for three years. After three years elect to keep the shares or distribute - stock would be transferred to Employee share service arrangement with normal pre-clearance/closed period requirements.

5) Employees who receive IVZ stock when their company is purchased by IVZ - stock distribution as part of the transaction to buy the Company concerned. Stock would be issued to the individual concerned and, depending on the terms of the deal, may be required to be held for a period. Stock would be transferred into the Employee share service, and subject to terms of the Company deal would then follow normal pre-clearance/close period guidelines.

6) Restricted Stock Awards - similar to stock grants as above - except tax not paid initially - pre-clearance from Compliance and closed period restrictions apply.

7) Transactions in IVZ stock via a pension plan - Transaction no different to open market purchases - pre-clearance required, dealing in closed periods not allowed.

8) Sharesave - If Sharesave is exercised then stock would be placed into Employee share service arrangement. Then if individual sells they go through normal pre-clearance and closed period process. Special rules may be brought in at share save anniversary dates. These will be communicated as appropriate.

9) UK Share Incentive Plan (SIP) - A UK SIP is open to UK Employees - which is a tax efficient way of purchasing shares on a monthly basis. The shares must be held for 5 years from initial purchase date - sell before and then tax would be paid. If you sell after the five year period, then normal pre-clearance and closed period restrictions would apply.

10) Invesco Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) - payroll deduction contributions or purchases into the ESPP do not require pre-clearance but all sale transactions do require pre-clearance. Employees who are not subject to a blackout period are allowed to sell the IVZ shares immediately they are available to sell. The 60 day holding period does not apply to such sales.

 

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LOGO

Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct

 

A. Introduction

Invesco’s Code of Conduct supports our Purpose of “ delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.” This Code of Conduct (“Code of Conduct” or “Code”) has been created to assist us in accomplishing our Purpose. It contains a number of policies and standards which, when taken together, are designed to help define the essence of the conduct of an Invesco representative. These policies and standards are also intended to provide guidance to Invesco personnel in fulfilling their obligations to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations (“applicable laws”). This Code of Conduct applies to all officers and other employees of Invesco and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Covered Persons”).

Being a purpose-driven firm strengthens Invesco’s culture. In practice, this means that our clients’ interests must always come first, that Covered Persons should treat each other with respect and consideration, and that Invesco should participate as a responsible corporate citizen in every community in which it operates. This commitment is a vital part of our achieving our principal responsibility as a publicly-held company: producing a fair return on our shareholders’ capital.

This Code of Conduct contains broad and general principles that supplement the specific policies, procedures and training within each business unit of Invesco.

 

B. Statement of General Principles

Invesco operates in a highly-regulated and complex environment. There are numerous layers of overlapping, and occasionally conflicting, laws, customs and local practices. This Code of Conduct was designed to provide all of us who are part of Invesco with a clear statement of our firm’s ethical and cultural standards.

Generally, we serve our clients as fiduciaries. Fiduciary businesses are generally held to a higher standard of conduct than other businesses, and as such there are special obligations that apply. The following key duties and principles govern our conduct as fiduciaries:

 

Page 1 of 18


    Best interests of clients - As fiduciaries, we have a duty to act with reasonable care, skill and caution in the best interests of our clients, and to avoid conflicts of interest.

 

    Global fiduciary standards - Invesco seeks to maintain the same high fiduciary standards throughout the world, even though those standards may not be legally required, or even recognized, in some countries.

 

    Client confidentiality - We must maintain the confidentiality of information relating to the client, and comply with the data protection requirements imposed by many jurisdictions.

 

    Information - Clients must be provided with timely and accurate information regarding their accounts.

 

    Segregation and protection of assets - Processes must be established for the proper maintenance, control and protection of client assets. Fiduciary assets must be segregated from Invesco assets and property.

 

    Delegation of duties - Fiduciary duties should be delegated only when the client consents and where permitted by applicable law. Reasonable care, skill and caution must be exercised in the selection of agents and review of their performance.

 

    Client guidelines - Invesco is responsible for making investment decisions on behalf of clients that are consistent with the prospectus, contract, or other controlling document relating to the client’s account.

 

    Relations with regulators - We seek relationships with regulators that are open and responsive in nature.

 

C. General Conduct

 

1. Fair and Honest Dealing

Covered Persons shall deal fairly and honestly with Invesco’s shareholders, customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. Covered Persons shall behave in an ethical manner and shall not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair dealing practice.

 

2. Anti-Discrimination and Harassment

Invesco is committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. Such conduct, whether overt or subtle, is demeaning, may be illegal, and undermines the integrity of the employment relationship.

 

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Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, pressure to engage in a sexual relationship as a condition of employment or promotion, or conduct which creates a hostile or offensive work environment.

Discrimination can take many forms including actions, words, jokes, or comments based upon an individual’s race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or other legally protected characteristic. Any Covered Person who engages in harassment or discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

 

3. Electronic Communications

The use of electronic mail, the Internet and other technology assets is an important part of our work at Invesco. Used improperly, this technology presents legal and business risks for the company and for individual employees. There are also important privacy issues associated with the use of technology, and related regulations are evolving.

In accordance with Invesco’s IT Systems: Acceptable Use policies, all Covered Persons are required to use information technology for proper business purposes and in a manner that does not compromise the confidentiality of sensitive or proprietary information. All communications with the public, clients, prospects and fellow employees must be conducted with dignity, integrity, and competence and in an ethical and professional manner.

We must not use information technology to: transmit or store materials which are obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive; engage in criminal activity; obtain unauthorized access to data or files; commit copyright violations; install personal software without permission; or make Internet statements, without permission, that suggest that the user is speaking on behalf of Invesco or its affiliates.

 

4. Substance Abuse

Invesco is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place for all employees. The use, possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or being “under the influence” of drugs at any time while on company premises or on company business is prohibited. The term “drug” includes alcoholic beverages (other than in connection with entertainment events, or in other appropriate settings), prescriptions not authorized by your doctor, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other illegal substances.

 

5. Political Activities and Lobbying

Covered Persons, as private citizens, are encouraged to exercise their rights and duties in any political or civic process. For example, voting in elections for which they are eligible, or making contributions supporting candidates or parties of their choice.

 

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Invesco does not make political contributions with corporate funds. No Covered Person may, under any circumstances, use company funds to make political contributions, nor may you represent your personal political views as being those of the company. In the United States, Invesco does support a Political Action Committee.

 

D. Conflicts of Interest

Invesco and its Covered Persons must adhere to the highest standards of honest and ethical conduct. A conflict of interest exists when a Covered Person acts in a manner that is not in the best interests of Invesco, our clients, or our shareholders. Often, this is because the Covered Person or someone with whom they have a close personal relationship (e.g. a relative or friend) will benefit personally.

All Covered Persons must act in a manner that is in the best interests of Invesco, our clients, and our shareholders and must avoid any situation that gives rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest. At no time may a Covered Person use Invesco property, information, or their position to profit personally or to assist others in profiting at the expense of the company, to compete with Invesco, or to take advantage of opportunities that are discovered in the course of serving Invesco.

All Covered Persons shall promptly communicate to the applicable member of Compliance any material transaction, relationship, or situation that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest so that the company and the Covered Person may take steps to minimize the conflict.

While not all-inclusive, the following sections describe in more detail key areas where real or perceived conflicts of interest can arise.

 

1. Outside Activities and Compensation

No Covered Person shall perform work or render services for any competitor of Invesco or for any organization with which Invesco does business, or which seeks to do business with Invesco, outside of the normal course of his or her employment with Invesco, without the prior written approval of the company. Nor shall any such person be a director, officer, or consultant of such an organization, or permit his or her name to be used in any fashion that would tend to indicate a business connection with such organization, without such approval. Outside organizations can include public or private corporations, partnerships, charitable foundations and other not-for-profit institutions. With the above approval, Covered Persons may receive compensation for such activities.

Service with organizations outside of Invesco can; however, raise serious regulatory issues, including conflicts of interest and access to material non-public information.

As an outside board member or officer, a Covered Person may come into possession of material non-public information about the outside company or other public companies. It is critical that a proper information barrier be in place between Invesco and the

 

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outside organization, and that the Covered Person does not communicate such information to other Covered Persons in violation of the information barrier.

Similarly, Invesco may have a business relationship with the outside organization or may seek a relationship in the future. In those circumstances, the Covered Person must not be involved in any way in the business relationship between Invesco and the outside organization.

Invesco retains the right to prohibit membership by Covered Persons on any board of directors/trustees or as an officer of an outside organization where such membership might conflict with the best interests of the company. Approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to proper resolution of potential conflicts of interest. Outside activities will be approved only if these issues can be satisfactorily resolved.

 

2. Personal Trading

Purchasing and selling securities in a Covered Person’s own account, or accounts over which the Covered Person has access or control, particularly in securities owned by client accounts, can give rise to potential conflicts of interest. As fiduciaries, we are held to the highest standards of conduct. Improperly gaining advance knowledge of portfolio transactions, or conducting securities transactions based upon information obtained at Invesco, can be a violation of those standards.

Every Covered Person must also comply with the specific personal trading rules in effect for the Covered Person’s business unit.

 

3. Information Barriers, Material Non-Public Information, and Inside Information

In the conduct of our business, Covered Persons may come into possession of material non-public information or inside information. This information could concern an issuer, a client, a portfolio, the market for a particular security, or Invesco itself. The Board of Directors of the company has adopted an Insider Trading Policy (“Insider Trading Policy”) which applies to all Covered Persons. The Insider Trading Policy prohibits all Covered Persons from using such information in ways that violate the law, including for personal gain. Non-public information must be kept confidential, which may include keeping it confidential from other Covered Persons. The purchase or sale of Invesco’s securities or the securities of other publicly-traded companies while aware of material nonpublic information about such company, or the disclosure of material nonpublic information to others who then trade in such company’s securities, is prohibited by this Code of Conduct and applicable securities laws.

With regard to Invesco securities, the Insider Trading Policy, among other provisions, prohibits directors, officers, and other Covered Persons who are deemed to have access to material, non-public information relating to the company from trading during specified Blackout Periods (as defined therein). All Covered Persons should review the Invesco Insider Trading Policy and any applicable local procedures carefully and follow the policies and procedures described therein. The failure of a Covered Person to comply with the company’s Insider Trading Policy and any applicable local procedures

 

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may subject him or her to company-imposed sanctions, up to and including termination for cause, whether or not the failure to comply results in a violation of law. Please contact an appropriate member of Compliance on any questions regarding this subject and the company’s Insider Trading Policy or any applicable local procedures.

 

4. Gifts and Relationships with Customers and Suppliers

Invesco seeks to do business with clients and suppliers on a fair and equitable basis. We may not accept or provide gifts of other than nominal value, or lavish entertainment, or other valuable benefits or special favors to or from customers or suppliers. We must observe any limits imposed by our business unit’s policies, local laws, or regulations with respect to the acceptance or provision of gifts and entertainment.

 

E. Compliance with Applicable Laws

Invesco strives to ensure that all activity by or on behalf of Invesco is in compliance with applicable laws. As Invesco operates in major countries and securities markets throughout the world, we have a duty to comply with applicable laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. While not exhaustive, this section describes several areas where such legislation may exist.

 

1. Anti-Bribery and Dealings with Governmental Officials

Invesco does not tolerate bribery. We, and those working on Invesco’s behalf, must not offer, request, receive, give, accept or agree to accept bribes to or from anyone whether in the private or public sector with the intent to induce or reward improper performance of duties.

Many of the countries in which Invesco conducts its business prohibit the improper influencing of governmental officials or other business persons by the payment, giving or offering of bribes, gifts, political contributions, lavish hospitality or by other means. Our policy requires adherence to those restrictions.

Do not directly or indirectly promise, offer or make payment in money or give an advantage or anything of value to anyone including a government official, agent or employee of a government, political party, labor organization, charity, a business entity or its representatives, a candidate of a political party or their families, with the intent to induce favorable business treatment or improper performance of their business or government decisions and actions.

This policy prohibits actions intended to, for example, improperly:

 

    influence a specific decision or action or

 

    enhance future relationships or

 

    maintain existing relationships

 

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We must not request, accept or agree to accept payments or other advantages that are intended to improperly influence our decisions or actions or additionally, agree to any business relationships that are conditional on such advantages being given or received.

In general, all travel and entertainment that Covered Persons provide to existing or perspective business partners and governmental officials must be pre-approved within the appropriate business unit. If approved, and in the case of situations involving government officials, a written confirmation that such expenses do not violate local law must be obtained from an appropriate third party (e.g., the business unit’s legal counsel or the government official’s supervisor).

Covered Persons shall comply with applicable laws governing political campaign finance and lobbying activities and shall not engage in any conduct that is intended to avoid the application of such laws to activities undertaken on Invesco’s behalf. In addition, appropriate executive officers shall monitor compliance with lobbyist registration and disclosure requirements by all individuals who act on behalf of Invesco.

These prohibitions in this section extend to any consultants or agents we may retain on behalf of Invesco.

Further information can be found in the Invesco Anti-Bribery Policy. Guidance regarding genuine and allowable gifts and entertainment is set out in the Invesco Ltd Gifts and Entertainment Policy.

 

2. Anti-Money Laundering

In the global marketplace, the attempted use of financial institutions and instruments to launder money is a significant problem that has resulted in the passage of strict laws in many countries. Money laundering is the attempt to disguise money derived from or intended to finance illegal activity including drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, fraud, and many other crimes. Money launderers go to great lengths to hide the sources of their funds. Among the most common stratagems are placing cash in legitimate financial institutions, layering between numerous financial institutions, and integrating the laundered proceeds back into the economy as apparently legitimate funds.

All Covered Persons must be vigilant in the fight against money laundering, and must not allow Invesco to be used for money laundering. Each business unit has developed an anti-money laundering program that is consistent with Invesco’s policy. Each Covered Person must comply with the applicable program.

 

3. Antitrust

The laws of many countries are designed to protect consumers from illegal competitive actions such as price fixing and dividing markets. It is Invesco’s policy and practice to compete based on the merits of our products and services. In order to further that policy, Covered Persons must not fix or control prices with competitors, divide up

 

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territories or markets, limit the production or sale of products, boycott certain suppliers or customers, unfairly control or restrict trade in any way, restrict a competitor’s marketing practices, or disparage a competitor. Covered Persons must never discuss products, pricing or markets with competitors with the intent to fix prices or divide markets.

 

4. International Issues

If you conduct business for Invesco outside of the U.S., in addition to being familiar with the local laws of the other countries involved, be sure you are familiar with the following U.S. laws and regulations. Violations of these laws can result in substantial fines, imprisonment and severe restrictions on the company’s ability to do business.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar laws in many other countries have a variety of provisions that regulate business in other countries and with foreign citizens. In essence, these laws make it a crime to promise or give anything of value to a foreign official or political party in order to obtain or keep business or obtain any improper advantage. It is also illegal to make payments to agents, sales representatives or other third parties if you have reason to believe your gift will be used illegally. Seek advice from the appropriate member of Compliance for interpretation of the FCPA or similar laws if you are involved in any business dealings that involve foreign countries.

Anti-Boycott Laws

From time to time, various countries may impose restrictions upon the ability of businesses in their jurisdiction to engage in commerce with designated individuals, countries or companies. These laws are commonly referred to as boycotts or trade embargoes. It may be against the law to cooperate in any boycotts between foreign countries not sanctioned by the laws of the place where your office is located. All requests for boycott support or boycott-related information must be reported to your supervisor and the member of Compliance with responsibility for your office.

Similarly, many countries contribute the names of criminal or terrorist organizations or individuals to a common database and require financial institutions to screen customer lists against the database as part of their “Know Your Customer” obligations. We must be aware of, and where appropriate, adhere to any such restrictions.

Embargo Sanctions

The United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control prohibits U.S. companies and their foreign subsidiaries from doing business with certain countries and agencies and certain individuals. The laws of other countries may have similar types of prohibitions. The regulations vary depending on the country and the

 

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type of transaction and often change as countries’ foreign policies change. If you are aware of any sensitive political issues with a country in which Invesco is doing or considering doing business, seek advice from the appropriate member of Compliance.

 

F. Information Management

 

1. Confidential Information

Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the company or its customers, if disclosed. All information (in any form, including electronic information) that is created or used in support of company business activities is the property of Invesco. This company information is a valuable asset and Covered Persons are expected to protect it from unauthorized disclosure. This includes Invesco customer, supplier, business partner, and employee data. United States (federal and state) and other jurisdictions’ laws may restrict the use of such information and impose penalties for impermissible use or disclosure.

Covered Persons must maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the company or its customers, vendors or consultants except when disclosure is properly authorized by the company or legally mandated. Covered Persons shall take all reasonable efforts to safeguard such confidential information that is in their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third parties.

Information pertaining to Invesco’s competitive position or business strategies, and information relating to negotiations with Covered Persons or third parties, should be protected and shared only with Covered Persons having a need to know such information in order to perform their job responsibilities.

 

2. Data Privacy

Data privacy, as it relates both to our clients and our employees, has become a major political and legal issue in many jurisdictions in which we do business. A variety of laws in each of those jurisdictions governs the collection, storage, dissemination, transfer, use, access to and confidentiality of personal information and patient health information. These laws can work to limit transfers of such data across borders and even among affiliated entities within Invesco. Invesco and its Covered Persons will comply with all provisions of these laws that relate to its business, including the privacy, security and electronic transmission of financial, health and other personal information. The company expects its Covered Persons to keep all such data confidential and to protect, use and disclose information in the conduct of our business only in compliance with these laws. The company will consider and may release personal information to third parties to comply with law or to protect the rights, property or safety of Invesco and its customers. In accordance with Invesco policies, each business unit has developed required disclosures and data security procedures applicable to that business unit. All Covered Persons must comply with the applicable procedures.

 

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With respect to Invesco Covered Persons, all salary, benefit, medical and other personal information relating to Covered Persons shall generally be treated as confidential. Personnel files, payroll information, disciplinary matters, and similar information are to be maintained in a manner designed to protect confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws. All Covered Persons shall exercise due care to prevent the release or sharing of such information beyond those persons who may need such information to fulfill their job functions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all personnel information belongs solely to Invesco and may be reviewed or used by the company as needed to conduct its business.

 

G. Protecting Invesco’s Assets

All Covered Persons shall strive to preserve and protect the company’s assets and resources and to promote their efficient use. The standards set forth below are intended to guide Covered Persons by articulating Invesco’s expectations as they relate to activities or behaviors that may affect the company’s assets.

 

1. Personal Use of Corporate Assets

Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on Invesco’s profitability. Covered Persons are not to convert assets of the company to personal use. Company property should be used for the company’s legitimate business purposes and the business of the company shall be conducted in a manner designed to further Invesco’s interest rather than the personal interest of an individual Covered Person. Covered Persons are prohibited from the unauthorized use or taking of Invesco’s equipment, supplies, materials or services. Prior to engaging in any activity on company time which will result in remuneration to the Covered Person or the use of Invesco’s equipment, supplies, materials or services for personal or non-work related purposes, officers and other Covered Persons shall obtain the approval of the supervisor of the appropriate business unit.

 

2. Use of Company Software

Covered Persons use software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, data management, and many other applications. Software products purchased by the company are covered by some form of licensing agreement that describes the terms, conditions and allowed uses. It is the company’s policy to respect copyright laws and observe the terms and conditions of any license agreements. Copyright laws in the United States and other countries impose civil and criminal penalties for illegal reproductions and use of licensed software. You must be aware of the restrictions on the use of software and abide by those restrictions. Invesco business equipment may not be used to reproduce commercial software. In addition, you may not use personal software on company equipment without prior written approval.

 

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3. Computer Resources/E-mail

The company’s computer resources, which include the electronic messaging systems (e-mail, SMS, etc.), belong to Invesco and not to the Covered Person. They are not intended to be used for amusement, solicitation, or other non-business purposes. While it is recognized that Covered Persons will occasionally use the system for personal communications, it is expected that such uses will be kept to a minimum and that Covered Persons will be responsible and professional in their use of these functions. The use of the computer systems to make or forward derogatory or offensive remarks about other people or groups is prohibited. E-mail/Text messages should be treated as any other written business communication.

 

4. Invesco Intellectual Property

Covered Persons must carefully maintain and manage the intellectual property rights of Invesco, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, to preserve and protect their value. Information, ideas and intellectual property assets of Invesco are important to the company’s success.

Invesco’s name, logo, trademarks, inventions, processes and innovations are intellectual property assets and their protection is vital to the success of the company’s business. The company’s and any of its subsidiaries’ names, logos and other trademarks and service marks are to be used only for authorized company business and never in connection with personal or other activities unless appropriately approved and in accordance with company policy. In addition, our Covered Persons must respect the intellectual property rights of third parties. Violation of these rights can subject both you and the company to substantial liability, including criminal penalties.

Any work product produced in the course of performing your job shall be deemed to be a “work made for hire” and shall belong to Invesco and is to be used only for the benefit of Invesco. This includes such items as marketing plans, product development plans, computer programs, software, hardware and similar materials. You must share any innovations or inventions you create with your supervisor so that the company can take steps to protect these valuable assets.

 

5. Retention of Books and Records

Invesco corporate records are important assets. Corporate records include essentially everything you produce as a Covered Person, regardless of its format. A corporate record may be in the form of paper, electronic data, e-mail, or voice mail. It may be something as obvious as a memorandum or a contract or something not as obvious, such as a desk calendar, an appointment book, or an expense record.

Invesco is required by law to maintain certain types of corporate records, usually for a specified period of time. Failure to retain such documents for such minimum periods could subject Invesco to penalties and fines, cause the loss of rights, obstruct justice, place Invesco in contempt of court, or place Invesco at a serious disadvantage in litigation. However, storage of voluminous records over time is costly. Therefore,

 

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Invesco has established controls to assure retention for required periods and timely destruction of retrievable records, such as paper copies and records on computers and electronic systems. Even if a document is retained for the legally required period, liability could still result if a document is destroyed before its scheduled destruction date.

Invesco and its affiliates are subject to the regulatory requirements of numerous countries and regulatory agencies. Virtually all of them have specific requirements concerning the creation, maintenance and storage of business records. Invesco expects all Covered Persons to become familiar with and fully comply with the records retention/destruction schedule for the departments and office locations for which they work. If you believe documents should be retained beyond the applicable retention period, consult with the Records Management Department.

 

6. Sales and Marketing Materials

Invesco is committed to building sustained, open, and honest relationships with our customers, and to complying with all relevant regulatory requirements. This requires that all marketing and sales-related materials be prepared under standards approved by Compliance and, prior to use, reviewed and approved by the appropriate supervisor within a business unit. Covered materials include but are not limited to, requests for proposals, client presentations, performance summaries, advertisements, published market commentaries, brochures and web site content.

 

H. Disclosure of Invesco Information

 

1. Integrity and Accuracy of Financial Records

The preparation and maintenance of accurate books, records and accounts is required by law and essential to the proper discharge of financial, legal and reporting obligations. All Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or indirectly falsifying or causing to be false or misleading any financial or accounting book, record or account. In addition, all financial data must be completely and accurately recorded in compliance with applicable law and Invesco’s accounting policies and procedures. A Covered Person may violate this section by acting or by failing to act when he or she becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of this section.

 

2. Disclosure in Reports and Documents

Filings and Public Materials . As a public company, it is important that the company’s filings with the SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and international regulatory agencies are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. The company also makes many other filings with the SEC and other U.S. and international regulatory agencies on behalf of the funds that its subsidiaries and affiliates manage. Further, the company prepares mutual fund account statements, client investment performance information,

 

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prospectuses and advertising materials that are sent out to its mutual fund shareholders and clients.

Disclosure and Reporting Policy . The company’s policy is to comply with all applicable disclosure, financial reporting and accounting regulations applicable to the company. The company maintains the highest commitment to its disclosure and reporting requirements, and expects and requires all Covered Persons to record information accurately and truthfully in the books and records of the company.

Information for Filings . Depending on his or her position with the company, a Covered Person may be called upon to provide necessary information to assure that the company’s public reports and regulatory filings are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. The company expects all Covered Persons to be diligent in providing accurate information to the inquiries that are made related to the company’s public disclosure requirements.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . Covered Persons are required to cooperate and comply with the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting so that the company’s reports and documents filed with the SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and international regulatory agencies comply in all material respects with applicable laws and provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.

 

3. Improper Influence on the Conduct of Audits

Every Covered Person must deal fairly and honestly with outside accountants performing audits, reviews or examinations of Invesco’s and its subsidiaries’ financial statements. To that end, no Covered Person of Invesco may make or cause to be made a materially false or misleading statement (or omit facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading) in connection with an audit, review or examination of financial statements by independent accountants or the preparation of any document or report required to be filed with a governmental or regulatory authority. Covered Persons of Invesco also are prohibited from coercing, manipulating, misleading or fraudulently inducing any independent public or certified public accountant engaged in the performance or review of financial statements that are required to be filed with a governmental or regulatory authority if he or she knows or should have known that his or her actions could result in making those financial statements materially misleading.

 

4. Standards for Invesco’s Financial Officers

Invesco’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer (the “Financial Officers”) are required to take all reasonable steps to provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosures in the reports and documents that Invesco files with or submits to the SEC and other regulatory bodies and in other public communications made by Invesco. In the event that a Financial Officer learns that any such report, document or communication does not meet this standard and such deviation is material, then the Financial Officers are required to review and investigate

 

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such deviation, advise the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors regarding the deviation and, where necessary, revise the relevant report, document or communication.

Although a particular accounting treatment for one or more of Invesco’s operations may be permitted under applicable accounting standards, the Financial Officers may not authorize or permit the use of such an accounting treatment if the effect is to distort or conceal Invesco’s true financial condition. The accounting standards and treatments utilized by Invesco must, in all instances, be determined on an objective and uniform basis and without reference to a single transaction or series of transactions and their impact on Invesco’s financial results for a particular time period. Any new or novel accounting treatment or standard that is to be utilized in the preparation of Invesco’s financial statements must be discussed with Invesco’s Audit Committee and its independent auditors.

 

5. Communications with the Media

Invesco has a long-standing policy of co-operating with the news media. This policy is intended to enhance the company’s reputation, provide accurate information, and achieve our business goals.

Invesco employs media relations professionals who are responsible for managing our interaction with the news media. Invesco’s Corporate Communications Department is responsible for formulating and directing our media relations approach and policy worldwide. Other Invesco employees should not speak to or disseminate information to the news media unless such contact has been requested and arranged by or coordinated with an Invesco media relations professional in accordance with the company’s media relations policy. Any contact from the news media should be referred promptly and without comment to an Invesco media relations professional. If you do not know the appropriate media relations professional for your unit, you can refer the contact to the Invesco Corporate Communications Department.

 

6. Communications with Analysts and Shareholders

Many countries have detailed rules with regard to the dissemination of information about public companies. In particular, a public company must have procedures for controlling the release of information that may have a material impact on its share price. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are responsible for Invesco’s relationships with the financial community, including the release of price sensitive information. Other Invesco employees may not speak to or disseminate information regarding the company to the financial community (including analysts, investors, shareholders, Company lenders, and rating agencies) unless such contact has been requested and arranged by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Investor Relations Department.

 

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I. Compliance with the Code of Conduct

 

1. Your Responsibilities

One person’s misconduct can damage our entire company’s hard-earned reputation and compromise the public’s trust in the company. Every Covered Person should therefore be familiar with this Code and abide strictly by its provisions.

 

2. Reporting Violations of the Code

As part of being accountable to each other and Invesco, all Covered Persons are required to report possible violations of the Invesco Code of Conduct, laws or regulations. Such violations can include, but are not limited to:

 

    Violations of any laws or regulations generally involving Invesco;

 

    Questionable accounting matters, internal accounting controls, auditing matters, breaches of fiduciary duty or violations of United States or foreign securities laws or rules (collectively, “Accounting Matters”) including, but not limited to:

 

    fraud or deliberate error in the preparation, evaluation, review or audit of any financial statement of Invesco;

 

    fraud or deliberate error in the recording and maintaining of financial records of Invesco;

 

    deficiencies in or non-compliance with Invesco’s internal accounting controls;

 

    misrepresentation or false statements to or by a senior officer or accountant regarding a matter contained in the financial records, financial reports or audit reports of Invesco;

 

    deviation from full and fair reporting of Invesco’s financial condition; or

fraudulent or criminal activities engaged in by officers, directors or employees of Invesco;

You may report your concerns in any of three ways:

Contact your supervisor

We encourage you to first contact your immediate supervisor or another appropriate person in your own management chain of any concerns raised.

Contact the Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit or Human Resources Departments

If you prefer not to discuss a concern with your own supervisor or others in your own management chain, you may instead contact the Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit or Human Resources Departments directly. The individual you report the matter to would

 

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be responsible for working with you to determine the details of your concern as well as following Invesco’s reporting and escalation processes in order to address the matter.

Call our Invesco Whistleblower Hotline

If raising a concern in the first two methods makes you uncomfortable for any reason, or if you and/or the individual you have reported your concern do not feel Invesco’s established reporting and escalation channels would effectively address or is not effectively addressing the matter you have raised, you may also report your concerns confidentially and anonymously by calling the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline. If you are calling from a U.S. or Canadian location, dial 1-855-234-9780 . For calls from all other locations, Use the following link to identify a toll-free number for your country:

Link to International Toll-Free Numbers

You may also report your concern by visiting the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline website at www.invesco.ethicspoint.com .

The Invesco Whistleblower Hotline is administered by an outside vendor and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline, please click here: Invesco Whistleblower Hotline .

Complaints relating to Accounting Matters will be reviewed pursuant to the Audit Committee’s policy and procedures and under its direction and oversight by such persons as the Audit Committee determines to be appropriate. All other matters will be reviewed under the direction and oversight of the appropriate departments within Invesco, usually also including Compliance. Prompt and appropriate corrective action will be taken when and as warranted in the judgment of the Audit Committee or other reviewing department.

Invesco will not permit retaliation, retribution, harassment, or intimidation of any employee who in good faith reports a possible violation. Along with the three reporting methods described above, this also includes, but is not limited to an employee who discloses information to a government or law enforcement agency, or any other national, state or provincial securities regulatory authority where the employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a violation or possible violation of federal or state law or regulation.

However, employees who file reports or provide evidence which they know to be false or without a reasonable belief in the truth and accuracy of such information may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of their employment.

 

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3. Failure to Comply

It is your responsibility at all times to comply with the law and behave in an ethical manner. Failure to obey laws and regulations violates this Code and may expose both you and the company to criminal or civil sanctions. Invesco will investigate reported violations of the Code and, if violations are found, may take disciplinary action, if appropriate, against the individuals involved up to and including termination. Invesco may also seek civil remedies from you and even refer criminal misconduct to law enforcement agencies, and may make reports, if appropriate, to regulatory authorities. Nothing in this Code restricts the company from taking any disciplinary action on any matters pertaining to the conduct of a Covered Person, whether or not expressly set forth in the Code.

 

4. Annual Certification

As Covered Persons, each of us is obligated to read and understand this Code of Conduct and our relevant business unit’s policies and procedures. All Covered Persons are expected to abide by both the letter and spirit of the Code and will certify their adherence on an annual basis.

 

5. Other Requirements

This Code cannot anticipate every possible situation or cover every topic in detail. The company has established special policies to address specific subjects and will update this Code and those specific policies from time-to-time. Covered Persons are also expected to perform their work with honesty and integrity in any areas not specifically addressed by the Code. If you are unclear about a situation, please speak with your supervisor or an appropriate member of Compliance before taking action.

 

6. Waivers of the Code

In certain limited situations, Invesco may waive the application of a provision of the Code to employees or Executive Officers (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, “Executive Officers”). For the purposes of the Code, the term “waiver” shall mean a material departure from a provision of the Code.

For all employees, including Executive Officers, any requests for waivers must be made to Compliance. For waiver requests not involving an Executive Officer, Compliance shall forward the request to the General Counsel of the business unit for consideration.

For waiver requests involving an Executive Officer, Compliance will forward the request to General Counsel to raise to the Invesco Board of Directors or a committee thereof for consideration. Only the Board of Directors or one of its committees may approve a waiver for an Executive Officer. Any such waiver granted to an Executive Officer shall be promptly disclosed to shareholders within four (4) business days as required by SEC rules and the corporate governance listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange and other applicable laws.

 

Page 17 of 18


Criteria for a Waiver:

Any employee or Executive Officer requesting a waiver of the Code must demonstrate that such a waiver:

 

    is necessary to alleviate undue hardship or in view of unforeseen circumstances or is otherwise appropriate under all the relevant facts and circumstances;

 

    will not be inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of the Code;

 

    will not adversely affect the interests of clients of the company or the interests of the company; and

 

    will not result in a transaction or conduct that would violate provisions of applicable laws or regulations.

 

7. Use and Disclosure

This Code is intended solely for the internal use by the company and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of the company, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion. To the extent required by law, the company shall publicly ( e.g. , in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and/or on its website) disclose this Code of Conduct and its application to all of the company’s Covered Persons.

 

8. Amendments

This Code may only be amended by Invesco’s Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof. To the extent required by law, amendments to the Code of Conduct shall be disclosed publicly. As set forth in the company’s filings with the SEC, the company has elected to disclose certain amendments to the Code that affect, and any waivers of the Code granted to, Financial Officers on the company’s Web site.

Revised: October 2016

 

Page 18 of 18

Invesco Hong Kong Limited

CODE OF ETHICS

January 1, 2017

 

1


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section

 

Item

   Page  
I.   Introduction      3  
II.   Statement of Fiduciary Principles      3  
III.   Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations; Reporting of Violations      4  
IV.   Limits on Personal Investing      4  
 

A.     Personal Investing

     4  
 

1       Pre-clearance of Personal Securities Transactions

     4  
 

2       Blackout Period

     6  
 

       De Minimis Exemptions

     6  
 

3       Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits

     7  
 

4       Initial Public Offerings

     8  
 

5       Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel

     8  
 

6       Prohibition on Investment Clubs

     8  
 

7       Restricted List Securities

     8  
 

8       Other Criteria Considered in Pre-clearance

     8  
 

9       Covered Accounts Requirements

     8  
 

10    Private Securities Transactions

     9  
 

11    Limited Investment Opportunity

     9  
 

12    Excessive Short-Term Trading in Funds

     9  
 

B.     Invesco Ltd. Securities

     9  
 

C.     Limitations on Other Personal Activities

     10  
 

1       Outside Business Activities

     10  
 

2       Gifts and Entertainment Policy

     11  
 

•       Gifts

     11  
 

•       Entertainment

     11  
 

D.     Parallel Investing Permitted

     12  
V.   Reporting Requirements      12  
 

a.      Initial Holdings Reports

     12  
 

b.      Quarterly Transaction Reports

     12  
 

c.      Annual Holdings Reports

     13  
 

d.      Gifts and Entertainment Reporting

     14  
 

e.      Certification of Compliance

     14  
VI.   Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues      14  
VII.   Administration of the Code of Ethics      15  

VIII.

 

Sanctions

     15  

IX.

 

Exceptions to the Code

     15  

X.

 

Definitions

     15  

XI.

 

Invesco Ltd. Policies and Procedures

     18  

XII.

 

Code of Ethics Contact

     18  

 

2


Invesco Hong Kong Limited

CODE OF ETHICS

I. Introduction

Invesco Hong Kong Limited (“IHKL”) has a fiduciary relationship with respect to each portfolio under management. The interests of Clients and of the shareholders of investment company take precedence over the personal interests of IHKL’s Covered Persons (defined below). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are defined at the end of this document.

This Code of Ethics (“the Code”) applies to IHKL’s affiliated broker-dealers, all Invesco Affiliated Mutual Funds and all of their Covered Persons. Covered Persons include:

 

    any director, officer, full or part time, temporary or permanent Employee of IHKL or

 

    any full or part time Employee of any of IHKL’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties: makes, participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making investment recommedations, or obtains information concerning investment recommendations with respect to such purchase or sales of Covered Securities; or has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations, or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by IHKL.

 

    any other persons falling within the definitions of Access Person or Advisory Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) or Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) and such other persons that may be deemed to be Covered Persons by Compliance.

 

    any other persons that may be so deemed by the Head of Compliance, Greater China.

II. Statement of Fiduciary Principles

The following fiduciary principles govern Covered Persons.

 

    the interests of Clients and shareholders of the investment company must be placed first at all times and Covered Persons must not take inappropriate advantage of his or her positions; and

 

    all personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code and in a manner to avoid any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility; and

 

    this Code is our effort to address conflicts of interest that may arise in the ordinary course of our business and does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest. This Code does not necessarily shield Covered Persons from liability for personal trading or other conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to Clients and shareholders of the investment company.

 

3


III. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations; Reporting of Violations

All Covered Persons are required to comply with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations and this Code. Covered Persons shall promptly report any violations of laws or regulations or any provision of this Code of which they become aware to IHKL’s Head of Compliance, Greater China or his/her designee. Additional methods of reporting potential violations or compliance issues are described in Section VI of this Code under “Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues.”

IV. Limits on Personal Investing

A. Personal Investing

1. Pre-clearance of Personal Security Transactions . All Covered Persons must pre-clear with Compliance using the automated review system, all personal security transactions involving Covered Securities in which they have a Beneficial Interest unless otherwise indicated below. A Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household (i.e., a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction prior to closing of the market immediately following the approval, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval. Good-until-cancelled orders are not allowed.

Additionally, all Covered Persons must pre-clear personal securities transactions involving securities over which they have discretion. For example, if a Covered Person is directing the transactions for a friend or family member (regardless of whether they share the same household) all transactions in Covered Securities must be pre-cleared.

Covered Securities include but are not limited to all investments that can be traded by IHKL for its Clients, including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, municipal bonds, Affiliated Mutual Funds, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), closed-end mutual funds, and any of their derivatives such as options and futures. All Affiliated Mutual Funds (including both open-end and closed-end funds) and Invesco PowerShares ETFs are considered Covered Securities.

All transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities must be pre-cleared. Please refer to section IV.B for additional guidelines on Invesco Ltd. securities. Any transaction in a previous employer’s company stock that is obtained through an employee benefit plan or company stock fund held in an external retirement plan requires pre-clearance.

 

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The Following Pre-clearance Exemptions Apply:

Invesco Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds:

Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds do not need to be pre-cleared through the automated review system. Except those held under Local Pension Schemes, all affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds are subject to the reporting requirements outlined in section V below.

Exchange Traded Products :

Employees are exempt from pre-clearing unaffiliated broad-based Exchange Traded Products such as Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) and Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs) as described on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List , and any derivatives of these securities such as options. All Invesco PowerShares ETFs and ETFs not listed on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List must be pre-cleared .

Currencies, Commodities :

Employees are exempt from pre-clearing transactions in currencies and commodities.

Options, futures and all other derivatives based on an index of securities, currencies, and commodities :

Employees are exempt from pre-clearing transactions in derivatives of an index of securities, currencies and commodities.

All Covered Securities are still subject to requirements and limits on personal investing as described in Section IV. and V. of the Code, irrespective of whether pre-clearance is required.

Exempted Securities:

Covered Securities do not include shares of money market funds, local and U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit, or interests in open-ended collective investment schemes (including mutual funds and/or unit trusts) not advised or sub-advised by any entity within the Invesco group. (Please refer to the “Definitions” section of this Code for more information on the term, Covered Security.)

If you are unclear about whether a proposed transaction involves a Covered Security, please contact Compliance prior to executing the transaction via email at: CodeofEthicsGreaterChina@invesco.com or by phone at 111-2633 from your Invesco office phone.

Compliance will consider the following factors, among others, in determining whether or not pre-clearance approval will be provided. Please note that you must obtain pre-clearance even if you believe your transactions request satisfies the criteria below. The

 

5


automated review system will review personal trade requests from Covered Persons based on the following considerations:

2. Blackout Period. IHKL does not permit Covered Persons to trade in a Covered Security if there is conflicting activity in an Invesco Client account.

 

    Non-Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within two trading days after a Client trades in that security.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

 

    Investment Personnel .

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within three trading days before or after a Client trades in that security.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

For practical purposes, an Employee without knowledge of investment activity of a Client account would not know of such activity in advance of a Client trade. Therefore, for those Employees, trading with pre-clearance approval granted prior to a Client transaction will not be considered a violation of this Code of Ethics. Compliance will review personal securities transactions to identify potential conflicts in which there is an appearance that such an Employee could have traded while he or she was aware of upcoming Client transactions. If a potential conflict exists, this would be considered a violation of the blackout period required by this Code of Ethics.

De Minimis Exemptions . Compliance will apply the following de minimis exemptions in granting pre-clearance when a Client has recently traded or is trading in a security involved in a Covered Person’s proposed personal securities transaction:

 

    Equity de minimis exemptions.

 

    If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30-day period provided the issuer of such security is included in the Hang Seng Index, Straits Times Index STI (FSSTI), or Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) or any of the main indices globally included on the De Minimis Indices List which can be accessed on the Invesco intranet using the following link:

http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-

NA/Training/Documents/De%20Minimis%20Indices%20List.pdf

 

6


    For any other security, if a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30 day period provided that there is no conflicting Client activity in that security during the blackout period or on the trading desk that exceeds 500 shares per trading day.

 

    Fixed income de minimis exemption . If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular fixed income security he or she may execute up to HKD800,000 of par value of such security in a rolling 30-day period.

The automated review system will confirm that there is no activity currently on the trading desk on the security involved in the proposed personal securities transaction and will verify that there have been no Client transactions for the requested security within the last two trading days for all Covered Persons except Investment Personnel for whom the black-out period is the last three trading days. For Investments, Portfolio Administration and IT personnel, Compliance will also check the trading activity of affiliates with respect to which such personnel have potential access to transactional information to verify that there have been no Client transactions in the requested security during the blackout period. Compliance will notify the Covered Person of the approval or denial of the proposed personal securities transaction. The approval of a personal securities transaction request is only valid for that business day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction on the business day the approval is granted, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval.

Any failure to pre-clear transactions is a violation of the Code and will be subject to the following potential sanctions:

 

    A Letter of Education will be provided to any Covered Person whose failure to pre-clear is considered immaterial or inadvertent.

 

    Deliberate failures to pre-clear transactions, as well as repeat and/or material violations, may result in in-person training, probation, withdrawal of personal trading privileges or employment termination, depending on the nature and severity of the violations.

3. Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits . Covered Persons are prohibited from engaging in the purchase and sale, or short sale and cover of the same Covered Security within 60 calendar days at a profit. If a Covered Person trades a Covered Security within the 60 day time frame, any profit from the trade will be disgorged to a charity of IHKL’s choice and a letter of education may be issued to the Covered Person. Transactions in currencies, commodities and derivatives (such as options and futures) based on an index of securities, currencies, and commodities are exempt from the 60 day holding period. This exemption does not apply to derivatives of individual

 

7


securities. Disgorgement amounts must represent the full amount of the profits received and are not adjusted to account for taxes or related fees.

4. Initial Public Offerings . Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or indirectly acquiring Beneficial Interest of any security in an equity Initial Public Offering. Exceptions will only be granted in unusual circumstances and must be recommended by Compliance and approved by the Head of Compliance, Greater China or Head of Legal, Greater China (or designee) and the Chief Investment Officer, Asia ex-Japan (or designee) of the Covered Person’s business unit.

5. Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel . Investment Personnel are prohibited from effecting short sales of Covered Securities in his or her personal accounts if a Client of IHKL for whose account they have investment management responsibility has a long position in those Covered Securities.

6. Prohibition on Investment Clubs . Participation in a club with the purpose of pooling money and investing based on group investment decisions is prohibited.

7. Restricted List Securities. Employees requesting pre-clearance to buy or sell a security on the Restricted List may be restricted from executing the trade because of potential conflicts of interest.

8. Other Criteria Considered in Pre-clearance. In spite of adhering to the requirements specified throughout this section, Compliance, in keeping with the general principles and objectives of the Code, may refuse to grant pre-clearance of a Personal Securities Transaction in its sole discretion without being required to specify any reason for the refusal.

9. Covered Accounts Requirements .

a. Covered Persons may only maintain brokerage accounts with:

 

    full service broker-dealers.

b. Requirement to move accounts that do not meet Compliance requirement: Every person who becomes a Covered Person under this Code must move all of his or her brokerage accounts that do not comply with the above provision of the Code within thirty (30) calendar days from the date the Covered Person becomes subject to this Code.

c. Discretionary Managed Accounts. In order to establish a Discretionary Managed Account, a Covered Person must grant the manager complete investment discretion over a Covered Person’s account. Pre-clearance is not required for trades in this account; however, a Covered Person may not participate, directly or indirectly, in individual investment decisions or be aware of such decisions before transactions are executed. This restriction does not preclude a Covered Person from establishing investment guidelines for the manager, such as indicating industries in

 

8


which a Covered Person desires to invest, the types of securities a Covered Person wants to purchase or a Covered Person’s overall investment objectives. However, those guidelines may not be changed so frequently as to give the appearance that a Covered Person is actually directing account investments. Covered Persons must receive approval from Compliance to establish and maintain such an account and must provide written evidence that complete investment discretion over the account has been turned over to a professional money manager or other third party. Covered Persons are not required to pre-clear or list transactions for such managed accounts in the automated review system; however, Covered Persons with these types of accounts must provide an annual certification that they do not exercise direct or indirect control over the managed accounts.

10. Private Securities Transactions . Covered Persons may not engage in a Private Securities Transaction without first (a) giving Compliance a detailed written notification describing the transaction and indicating whether or not they will receive compensation and (b) obtaining prior written permission from Compliance. Investment Personnel who have been approved to acquire securities of an issuer in a Private Securities Transaction must disclose that investment to Compliance and the Chief Investment Officer, Asia ex-Japan when they are involved in a Client’s subsequent consideration of an investment in the same issuer. The Investment Personnel’s decision to purchase such securities on behalf of Client account must be independently reviewed by Regional Head of Investments, Asia Pacific or Chief Investment Officer, Asia ex-Japan with no personal interest in that issuer.

11. Limited Investment Opportunity (e.g. private placements, hedge funds, etc.) . Covered Persons may not engage in a limited investment opportunity without first (a) giving Compliance a detailed written notification describing the transaction and (b) obtaining prior written permission from Compliance. Limited investment opportunities offered directly from Invesco to employees are not subject to pre-clearance requirement. All limited investment opportunities are subject to the reporting requirements outlined in section V below.

12. Excessive Short-Term Trading in Funds . Employees are prohibited from excessive short term trading of any collective investment schemes (including mutual funds and/or unit trusts) advised or sub-advised by any entity within the Invesco Group and are subject to various limitations outlined in the respective prospectus and other fund disclosure documents.

B. Invesco Ltd. Securities

1. No Employee may effect short sales of Invesco Ltd. securities.

2. No Employee may engage in transactions in publicly traded options, such as puts, calls and other derivative securities relating to the Invesco Ltd’s securities, on an exchange or any other organized market.

 

9


3. For all Covered Persons, transactions, including transfers by gift, in Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to pre-clearance regardless of the size of the transaction, and are subject to “black-out” periods established by Invesco Ltd. and holding periods prescribed under the terms of the agreement or program under which the securities were received.

4. Holdings of Invesco Ltd. securities in Covered Persons accounts are subject to the reporting requirements specified in Section IVA.8 of this Code.

C. Limitations on Other Personal Activities

1. Outside Business Activities . You may not (i) engage in any outside business activity, regardless of whether or not you receive compensation, or (ii) serve as directors, officers, or employees of unaffiliated public or private companies, whether for profit or non-profit, without the approval from (a) manager of the employee (b) Head of Human Resources, Greater China or his/her deputy and (c) Head of Compliance, Greater China or his/her deputy. In granting the approval, a number of factors shall be taken into consideration, including whether the employee’s involvement in the outside business activities will result in any actual or potential conflict of interest:

 

    the business natures (e.g. scope of services and clientele) of the outside organization(s)

 

    the employee’s roles and duties in the outside organization(s)

 

    the employee’s time allocation in the outside business activities and whether he/she can properly manage his/her time in carrying out both (and, where applicable, supervising) the function of Invesco and the outside business activity(ies)

 

    any confidentiality concerns arising from one’s possible access to non-public or sensitive information in light of his/her roles and duties in the outside organization(s);

 

    whether Invesco has a business relationship with the outside organization(s) or may seek a relationship in the future. In general, the Covered Person must not be involved in any way in the business relationship between Invesco and the outside organization

 

    Other factors that may result in actual or potential conflict of interest to the employee’s role and duties in Invesco

(note: The is not an exhaustive list. Each activity is reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis with consideration to specific roles and companies/organizations)

If the outside business activity is approved, the Employee must recuse himself or herself from making Client investment decisions concerning the particular company or issuer as appropriate, provided that this recusal requirement shall not apply with respect to certain IHKL’s Employees, who may serve on corporate boards as a result of, or in connection

 

10


with, Client investments made in those companies. Employees must always comply with all applicable Invesco Ltd. policies and procedures, including those prohibiting the use of material non-public information in Client or employee personal securities transactions.

2. Gift and Entertainment . Employees may not give or accept Gifts or Entertainment that may be considered excessive either in dollar value or frequency to avoid the appearance of any potential conflict of interest. The Invesco Ltd. Gifts and Entertainment Policy includes specific conditions under which Employees may accept or give Gifts or Entertainment. Where there are conflicts between a minimal standard established by a policy of Invesco Ltd. and the standards established by a policy of IHKL, including this Code, the latter shall control.

Under no circumstances may an Employee give or accept cash or any possible cash equivalent from a broker or vendor.

An Employee may not provide or receive any Gift or Entertainment that is conditioned upon IHKL, its parents or affiliates doing business with the other entity or person involved.

 

    Gifts . Under no circumstances, should the value of Gift given or received exceed HKD1,600 per individual annually . In other words, each individual Employee may (a) give Gifts up to HKD1,600 in value to each individual Business Associate in a calendar year and (b) receive Gifts up to HKD1,600 in value from a Business Associate in a calendar year. If the value of the Gift received is not able to be determined, professional judgment should be used to determine the value of the Gift. Should the value exceed HKD1,600, it should be returned to the donor, and passed to the Human Resources or donates to the charity. Prior approval from Compliance is not necessary. However, post approval from Compliance is required. If the Gift is not giving to any particular person, the Gift shall be passed to Human Resources Department and distributed to the staff on a raffle basis. The Gift limit is applied to each individual office.

 

    Entertainment . Provided that the Employee and Business Associate both attend an event, an Employee may accept from a single Business Partner, or provide to a single person of a Business Partner for Entertainment of value up to HKD9,300 in a calendar year . Under no circumstances, the value of the entertainment should exceed HKD3,100 per individual per event . Prior approval from Compliance is not necessary. However, post approval from Compliance is required.

Employees may not reimburse Business Partners for the cost of tickets that would be considered excessive or for travel related expenses without approval of Compliance.

Examples of Entertainment that may be considered excessive in value include Super Bowls, the Masters, Wimbledon, Kentucky Derby, hunting trips, ski trips,

 

11


etc. An occasional sporting event, golf outing or concert when accompanied by the Business Partner may not be excessive.

Approval from Compliance is required before Gifts and Entertainment expenses will be reimbursed by Finance. Review will be performed on a regular basis to test reimbursements for Compliance approval.

Employees who are unsure if an event would be permissible should contact compliance prior to attending to confirm if the event would be considered excessive.

D. Parallel Investing Permitted

Subject to the provisions of this Code, Employees may invest in or own the same securities as those acquired or sold by IHKL for its Clients.

V.     Reporting Requirements

a. Initial Holdings Reports . Within 10 calendar days of becoming a Covered Person, each Covered Person must complete an Initial Holdings Report by inputting into the automated pre-clearance system, Star Compliance, the following information (the information must be current within 45 calendar days of the date the person becomes a Covered Person):

 

    A list of all security holdings, including the name, number of shares (for equities) and the principal amount (for debt securities) in which the Covered Person has direct or indirect Beneficial Interest. A Covered Person is presumed to have Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of their immediate family sharing the same household (i.e., a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements;

 

    The security identifier (ISIN, SEDOL, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the person; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance

b. Quarterly Transaction Reports . All Covered Persons must report, no later than 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter, the following information for all transactions in a Covered Security in which a Covered Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest:

 

   

The date of all transactions in that quarter, the security name, the number of shares (for equity securities); or the interest rate and maturity date (if

 

12


 

applicable) and the principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security;

 

    The security identifier (ISIN, SEDOL, symbol, etc.);

 

    The nature of the transaction (buy, sell, etc.);

 

    The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was executed;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank executing the transaction; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted to Compliance.

All Covered Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report regardless of whether they executed transactions during the quarter or not. If a Covered Person did not execute transactions subject to reporting requirements during a quarter, the report must include a representation to that effect. Covered Persons need not include transactions made through an limited investment opportunity, Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan, any Local Pension Schemes or accounts held directly with Invesco in the quarterly transaction report.

Additionally, Covered Persons must report information on any new brokerage account established by the Covered Person during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person. The report shall include:

 

    The date the account was established;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted to Compliance.

Compliance may identify transactions by Covered Persons that technically comply with the Code for review based on any pattern of activity that has an appearance of a conflict of interest.

c. Annual Holdings Reports . All Covered Persons must, no later than 30 calendar days after the end of calendar year subject to any extension to be granted by Head of Compliance, Greater China having regard to the relevant circumstantial factors, report the following information, which must be current within 45 calendar days of the date the report is submitted to Compliance:

 

    The security and the number of shares (for equities) or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security in which the Covered Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest;

 

    The security identifier (ISIN, SEDOL, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which the security is held; and

 

13


    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

d. Gifts and Entertainment Reporting.

 

    Reporting of Gifts and Entertainment given to an Invesco Employee by a Client or Business Partner. All Gifts and Entertainment received by an Employee must be reported through the automated review system within thirty (30) calendar days after the receipt of the Gift or the attendance of the Entertainment event. The requirement to report Entertainment includes dinners or any other event with a business partner of IHKL in attendance.

 

    Reporting of Gifts and Entertainment given by an Invesco Employee to a Client or Business Partner. All Gifts and Entertainment given by an Employee must be reported through the automated review system within thirty (30) calendar days after the day of event. An Employee should contact their manager or Compliance if they are not sure how to report gifts or entertainment they intend to give or have given to a Client or Business Partner.

e. Certification of Compliance. All Covered Persons must certify annually that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code. In addition, all Covered Persons must certify annually that they have complied with the requirements of the Code and that they have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the Code. The IHKL Greater China Management Committee (“GCMAC”) will review and approve the Code annually. If material changes are made to the Code during the year, these changes will also be reviewed and approved by the GCMAC. All Covered Persons must certify within 30 calendar days of the effective date of the amended code that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code.

VI. Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues

IHKL has created several channels for Employees to raise compliance issues and concerns on a confidential basis. An Employee should first discuss a compliance issue with his or her supervisor, department head or with IHKL’s Head of Legal, Greater China, Head of Compliance, Greater China or Internal Audit. Human Resources matters should be directed to the Human Resources Department, an additional anonymous vehicle for reporting such concerns.

In the event that an Employee does not feel comfortable discussing compliance issues through normal channels, the Employee may anonymously report suspected violations of law or Invesco policy, including this Code, by calling the toll-free Invesco Whistleblower Hotline. This hotline is available to employees of multiple operating units of Invesco Ltd. Use the following link to identify a toll-free number for your country:

International Toll-Free Numbers

 

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Employees may also report his or her concerns by visiting the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline website at: www.invesco.ethicspoint.com . To ensure your confidentiality, the phone line and website are provided by an independent company and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

All submissions to the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline will be reviewed and handled in a prompt, fair and discreet manner. Employees are encouraged to report these questionable practices so that Invesco has an opportunity to address and resolve these issues before they become more significant regulatory or legal issues.

VII. Administration of the Code of Ethics

IHKL has used reasonable diligence to institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent violations of this Code.

Upon discovering a material violation of the Code, Compliance will notify the Head of Compliance, Greater China. The Head of Compliance, Greater China will notify the GCMAC of any material violations at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

No less frequently than annually, IHKL will furnish to the GCMAC or such committee as it may designate, a written report that:

 

    describes significant issues arising under the Code since the last report to the GCMAC, including information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to material violations; and

 

    certifies that IHKL has adopted procedures reasonably designed to prevent Covered Persons from violating the Code.

VIII. Sanctions

Compliance will issue a letter of education to the Covered Persons involved in violations of the Code that are determined to be inadvertent or immaterial.

IHKL may impose additional sanctions in the event of repeated violations or violations that are determined to be material or not inadvertent, including disgorgement of profits (or the differential between the purchase or sale price of the Personal Security Transaction and the subsequent purchase or sale price by a relevant Client during the enumerated period), a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment.

IX. Exceptions to the Code

Head of Compliance, Greater China (or designee) may grant an exception to any provision in this Code.

X. Definitions

 

    “Affiliated Mutual Funds” generally includes all collective investment schemes (including mutual funds and/or unit trusts) advised or sub-advised by IHKL or IHKL’s affiliates.

 

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    “Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan” means a program in which regular purchases or sales are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including dividend reinvestment plans.

 

    “Beneficial Interest” has the same meaning as the ownership interest of a “beneficial owner” pursuant to Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the ’34 Act”). To have a Beneficial Interest, Covered Persons must have directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, have or share a “direct or indirect pecuniary interest,” which is the opportunity to profit directly or indirectly from a transaction in securities. Thus a Covered Person is presumed to have Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household (i.e. a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

 

    “Client” means any account for which IHKL is either the adviser or sub-adviser including Affiliated Mutual Funds.

 

    “Control” means, in general, the power to exercise a controlling influence, and has the same meaning as under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act.

 

    “Covered Person” means and includes:

 

    any director, officer, full or part time, temporary or permanent Employee of IHKL or any full or part time Employee of any of IHKL’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties: makes, participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making investment recommendations or obtains information concerning investment recommendations, with respect to such purchase or sale of Covered Securities ; or has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by IHKL.

 

    any other persons falling within the definition of Access Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 , as amended (the “Investment Company Act”)or Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) and such other persons that may be so deemed by Compliance.

 

    any other persons that may be so deemed by the Head of Compliance, Greater China.

 

    “Covered Security” means a security as defined in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act except that it does not include the following.

 

    Direct obligations of the Government of the United States or its agencies or the country in which the employee is a resident;

 

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    Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

 

    Any interests in open-ended collective investment schemes (including mutual fund and/or unit trusts) not advised or sub-advised by any entity within the Invesco Group (All Affiliated Mutual Funds shall be considered Covered Securities regardless of whether they are advised or sub-advised by IHKL).

 

    Invesco Ltd. stock because it is subject to the provisions of Invesco Ltd.’s Code of Conduct. Notwithstanding this exception, transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to all the pre-clearance and reporting requirements outlined in other provisions of this Code and any other corporate guidelines issued by Invesco Ltd.

 

    “Employee” means and includes:

 

    Any full or part time, temporary or permanent Employee of IHKL or

 

    Any full or part time Employee of any IHKL’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securties or who is involved in making or obtains information concerning investment recommendations with respect to such purchase or sales of Covered Securities; or who has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by IHKL.

 

    Any other persons falling within the definitions of Access Person or Advisory Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act or Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and such other persons that may be deemed to be an Employee by Compliance.

 

    For any other persons that may be so deemed by the Head of Compliance, Greater China.

 

    “Gifts”, “Entertainment” and “Business Partner” have the same meaning as provided in the Invesco Ltd. Gifts and Entertainment Policy.

 

    “Initial Public Offering” means a public offering where shares of stock in a company are sold to the general public, on a securities exchange, for the first time.

 

    “Investment Personnel ” means any full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by Clients or any natural person who Controls a Client or an investment adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Client regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Client as defined in Rule 17j-1.

 

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    Local Pension Schemes ” means any local mandatory provident fund schemes, registered or exempted occupational retirement schemes or statutory pension schemes (excluding any voluntary contributions to be made in addition to mandatory contributions).

 

    “Non-Investment Personnel” means any Employee that does not meet the definition of Investment Personnel as listed above.

 

    “Private Securities Transaction” means any securities transaction relating to offerings of securities which are not publicly traded. Employees may not purchase or acquire any privately-issued securities, other than in exceptional cases where such investment is part of a family-owned and operated business venture that would not be expected to involve an investment opportunity of interest to any Invesco client.

 

    “Restricted List Securities” means the list of securities that are provided to the Compliance Department by Invesco Ltd. or investment departments, which include those securities that are restricted from purchase or sale by Client or Employee accounts for various reasons (e.g., large concentrated ownership positions that may trigger reporting or other securities regulatory issues, or possession of material, non-public information, or existence of corporate transaction in the issuer involving an Invesco Ltd. unit).

XI. Invesco Ltd. Policies and Procedures

All Employees are subject to the policies and procedures established by Invesco Ltd., including the Code of Conduct, Insider Trading Policy and Gifts and Entertainment Policy and must abide by all their requirements, provided that where there is a conflict between a minimal standard established by an Invesco Ltd. policy and the standards established by an IHKL policy, including this Code, the latter shall control.

XII. Code of Ethics Contacts

 

    Telephone Hotline: 111-2633 from your Invesco office phone
    E-Mail: CodeofEthicsGreaterChina@invesco.com

Last Revised: January 1, 2017

 

18

LOGO

Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct

 

A. Introduction

Invesco’s Code of Conduct supports our Purpose of “ delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.” This Code of Conduct (“Code of Conduct” or “Code”) has been created to assist us in accomplishing our Purpose. It contains a number of policies and standards which, when taken together, are designed to help define the essence of the conduct of an Invesco representative. These policies and standards are also intended to provide guidance to Invesco personnel in fulfilling their obligations to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations (“applicable laws”). This Code of Conduct applies to all officers and other employees of Invesco and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Covered Persons”).

Being a purpose-driven firm strengthens Invesco’s culture. In practice, this means that our clients’ interests must always come first, that Covered Persons should treat each other with respect and consideration, and that Invesco should participate as a responsible corporate citizen in every community in which it operates. This commitment is a vital part of our achieving our principal responsibility as a publicly-held company: producing a fair return on our shareholders’ capital.

This Code of Conduct contains broad and general principles that supplement the specific policies, procedures and training within each business unit of Invesco.

 

B. Statement of General Principles

Invesco operates in a highly-regulated and complex environment. There are numerous layers of overlapping, and occasionally conflicting, laws, customs and local practices. This Code of Conduct was designed to provide all of us who are part of Invesco with a clear statement of our firm’s ethical and cultural standards.

Generally, we serve our clients as fiduciaries. Fiduciary businesses are generally held to a higher standard of conduct than other businesses, and as such there are special obligations that apply. The following key duties and principles govern our conduct as fiduciaries:

 

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    Best interests of clients - As fiduciaries, we have a duty to act with reasonable care, skill and caution in the best interests of our clients, and to avoid conflicts of interest.

 

    Global fiduciary standards - Invesco seeks to maintain the same high fiduciary standards throughout the world, even though those standards may not be legally required, or even recognized, in some countries.

 

    Client confidentiality - We must maintain the confidentiality of information relating to the client, and comply with the data protection requirements imposed by many jurisdictions.

 

    Information - Clients must be provided with timely and accurate information regarding their accounts.

 

    Segregation and protection of assets - Processes must be established for the proper maintenance, control and protection of client assets. Fiduciary assets must be segregated from Invesco assets and property.

 

    Delegation of duties - Fiduciary duties should be delegated only when the client consents and where permitted by applicable law. Reasonable care, skill and caution must be exercised in the selection of agents and review of their performance.

 

    Client guidelines - Invesco is responsible for making investment decisions on behalf of clients that are consistent with the prospectus, contract, or other controlling document relating to the client’s account.

 

    Relations with regulators - We seek relationships with regulators that are open and responsive in nature.

 

C. General Conduct

 

1. Fair and Honest Dealing

Covered Persons shall deal fairly and honestly with Invesco’s shareholders, customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. Covered Persons shall behave in an ethical manner and shall not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair dealing practice.

 

2. Anti-Discrimination and Harassment

Invesco is committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. Such conduct, whether overt or subtle, is demeaning, may be illegal, and undermines the integrity of the employment relationship.

 

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Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, pressure to engage in a sexual relationship as a condition of employment or promotion, or conduct which creates a hostile or offensive work environment.

Discrimination can take many forms including actions, words, jokes, or comments based upon an individual’s race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or other legally protected characteristic. Any Covered Person who engages in harassment or discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

 

3. Electronic Communications

The use of electronic mail, the Internet and other technology assets is an important part of our work at Invesco. Used improperly, this technology presents legal and business risks for the company and for individual employees. There are also important privacy issues associated with the use of technology, and related regulations are evolving.

In accordance with Invesco’s IT Systems: Acceptable Use policies, all Covered Persons are required to use information technology for proper business purposes and in a manner that does not compromise the confidentiality of sensitive or proprietary information. All communications with the public, clients, prospects and fellow employees must be conducted with dignity, integrity, and competence and in an ethical and professional manner.

We must not use information technology to: transmit or store materials which are obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive; engage in criminal activity; obtain unauthorized access to data or files; commit copyright violations; install personal software without permission; or make Internet statements, without permission, that suggest that the user is speaking on behalf of Invesco or its affiliates.

 

4. Substance Abuse

Invesco is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place for all employees. The use, possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or being “under the influence” of drugs at any time while on company premises or on company business is prohibited. The term “drug” includes alcoholic beverages (other than in connection with entertainment events, or in other appropriate settings), prescriptions not authorized by your doctor, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other illegal substances.

 

5. Political Activities and Lobbying

Covered Persons, as private citizens, are encouraged to exercise their rights and duties in any political or civic process. For example, voting in elections for which they are eligible, or making contributions supporting candidates or parties of their choice.

 

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Invesco does not make political contributions with corporate funds. No Covered Person may, under any circumstances, use company funds to make political contributions, nor may you represent your personal political views as being those of the company. In the United States, Invesco does support a Political Action Committee.

 

D. Conflicts of Interest

Invesco and its Covered Persons must adhere to the highest standards of honest and ethical conduct. A conflict of interest exists when a Covered Person acts in a manner that is not in the best interests of Invesco, our clients, or our shareholders. Often, this is because the Covered Person or someone with whom they have a close personal relationship (e.g. a relative or friend) will benefit personally.

All Covered Persons must act in a manner that is in the best interests of Invesco, our clients, and our shareholders and must avoid any situation that gives rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest. At no time may a Covered Person use Invesco property, information, or their position to profit personally or to assist others in profiting at the expense of the company, to compete with Invesco, or to take advantage of opportunities that are discovered in the course of serving Invesco.

All Covered Persons shall promptly communicate to the applicable member of Compliance any material transaction, relationship, or situation that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest so that the company and the Covered Person may take steps to minimize the conflict.

While not all-inclusive, the following sections describe in more detail key areas where real or perceived conflicts of interest can arise.

 

1. Outside Activities and Compensation

No Covered Person shall perform work or render services for any competitor of Invesco or for any organization with which Invesco does business, or which seeks to do business with Invesco, outside of the normal course of his or her employment with Invesco, without the prior written approval of the company. Nor shall any such person be a director, officer, or consultant of such an organization, or permit his or her name to be used in any fashion that would tend to indicate a business connection with such organization, without such approval. Outside organizations can include public or private corporations, partnerships, charitable foundations and other not-for-profit institutions. With the above approval, Covered Persons may receive compensation for such activities.

Service with organizations outside of Invesco can; however, raise serious regulatory issues, including conflicts of interest and access to material non-public information.

As an outside board member or officer, a Covered Person may come into possession of material non-public information about the outside company or other public companies. It is critical that a proper information barrier be in place between Invesco and the

 

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outside organization, and that the Covered Person does not communicate such information to other Covered Persons in violation of the information barrier.

Similarly, Invesco may have a business relationship with the outside organization or may seek a relationship in the future. In those circumstances, the Covered Person must not be involved in any way in the business relationship between Invesco and the outside organization.

Invesco retains the right to prohibit membership by Covered Persons on any board of directors/trustees or as an officer of an outside organization where such membership might conflict with the best interests of the company. Approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to proper resolution of potential conflicts of interest. Outside activities will be approved only if these issues can be satisfactorily resolved.

 

2. Personal Trading

Purchasing and selling securities in a Covered Person’s own account, or accounts over which the Covered Person has access or control, particularly in securities owned by client accounts, can give rise to potential conflicts of interest. As fiduciaries, we are held to the highest standards of conduct. Improperly gaining advance knowledge of portfolio transactions, or conducting securities transactions based upon information obtained at Invesco, can be a violation of those standards.

Every Covered Person must also comply with the specific personal trading rules in effect for the Covered Person’s business unit.

 

3. Information Barriers, Material Non-Public Information, and Inside Information

In the conduct of our business, Covered Persons may come into possession of material non-public information or inside information. This information could concern an issuer, a client, a portfolio, the market for a particular security, or Invesco itself. The Board of Directors of the company has adopted an Insider Trading Policy (“Insider Trading Policy”) which applies to all Covered Persons. The Insider Trading Policy prohibits all Covered Persons from using such information in ways that violate the law, including for personal gain. Non-public information must be kept confidential, which may include keeping it confidential from other Covered Persons. The purchase or sale of Invesco’s securities or the securities of other publicly-traded companies while aware of material nonpublic information about such company, or the disclosure of material nonpublic information to others who then trade in such company’s securities, is prohibited by this Code of Conduct and applicable securities laws.

With regard to Invesco securities, the Insider Trading Policy, among other provisions, prohibits directors, officers, and other Covered Persons who are deemed to have access to material, non-public information relating to the company from trading during specified Blackout Periods (as defined therein). All Covered Persons should review the Invesco Insider Trading Policy and any applicable local procedures carefully and follow the policies and procedures described therein. The failure of a Covered Person to comply with the company’s Insider Trading Policy and any applicable local procedures

 

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may subject him or her to company-imposed sanctions, up to and including termination for cause, whether or not the failure to comply results in a violation of law. Please contact an appropriate member of Compliance on any questions regarding this subject and the company’s Insider Trading Policy or any applicable local procedures.

 

4. Gifts and Relationships with Customers and Suppliers

Invesco seeks to do business with clients and suppliers on a fair and equitable basis. We may not accept or provide gifts of other than nominal value, or lavish entertainment, or other valuable benefits or special favors to or from customers or suppliers. We must observe any limits imposed by our business unit’s policies, local laws, or regulations with respect to the acceptance or provision of gifts and entertainment.

 

E. Compliance with Applicable Laws

Invesco strives to ensure that all activity by or on behalf of Invesco is in compliance with applicable laws. As Invesco operates in major countries and securities markets throughout the world, we have a duty to comply with applicable laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. While not exhaustive, this section describes several areas where such legislation may exist.

 

1. Anti-Bribery and Dealings with Governmental Officials

Invesco does not tolerate bribery. We, and those working on Invesco’s behalf, must not offer, request, receive, give, accept or agree to accept bribes to or from anyone whether in the private or public sector with the intent to induce or reward improper performance of duties.

Many of the countries in which Invesco conducts its business prohibit the improper influencing of governmental officials or other business persons by the payment, giving or offering of bribes, gifts, political contributions, lavish hospitality or by other means. Our policy requires adherence to those restrictions.

Do not directly or indirectly promise, offer or make payment in money or give an advantage or anything of value to anyone including a government official, agent or employee of a government, political party, labor organization, charity, a business entity or its representatives, a candidate of a political party or their families, with the intent to induce favorable business treatment or improper performance of their business or government decisions and actions.

This policy prohibits actions intended to, for example, improperly:

 

    influence a specific decision or action or

 

    enhance future relationships or

 

    maintain existing relationships

 

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We must not request, accept or agree to accept payments or other advantages that are intended to improperly influence our decisions or actions or additionally, agree to any business relationships that are conditional on such advantages being given or received.

In general, all travel and entertainment that Covered Persons provide to existing or perspective business partners and governmental officials must be pre-approved within the appropriate business unit. If approved, and in the case of situations involving government officials, a written confirmation that such expenses do not violate local law must be obtained from an appropriate third party (e.g., the business unit’s legal counsel or the government official’s supervisor).

Covered Persons shall comply with applicable laws governing political campaign finance and lobbying activities and shall not engage in any conduct that is intended to avoid the application of such laws to activities undertaken on Invesco’s behalf. In addition, appropriate executive officers shall monitor compliance with lobbyist registration and disclosure requirements by all individuals who act on behalf of Invesco.

These prohibitions in this section extend to any consultants or agents we may retain on behalf of Invesco.

Further information can be found in the Invesco Anti-Bribery Policy. Guidance regarding genuine and allowable gifts and entertainment is set out in the Invesco Ltd Gifts and Entertainment Policy.

 

2. Anti-Money Laundering

In the global marketplace, the attempted use of financial institutions and instruments to launder money is a significant problem that has resulted in the passage of strict laws in many countries. Money laundering is the attempt to disguise money derived from or intended to finance illegal activity including drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, fraud, and many other crimes. Money launderers go to great lengths to hide the sources of their funds. Among the most common stratagems are placing cash in legitimate financial institutions, layering between numerous financial institutions, and integrating the laundered proceeds back into the economy as apparently legitimate funds.

All Covered Persons must be vigilant in the fight against money laundering, and must not allow Invesco to be used for money laundering. Each business unit has developed an anti-money laundering program that is consistent with Invesco’s policy. Each Covered Person must comply with the applicable program.

 

3. Antitrust

The laws of many countries are designed to protect consumers from illegal competitive actions such as price fixing and dividing markets. It is Invesco’s policy and practice to compete based on the merits of our products and services. In order to further that policy, Covered Persons must not fix or control prices with competitors, divide up

 

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territories or markets, limit the production or sale of products, boycott certain suppliers or customers, unfairly control or restrict trade in any way, restrict a competitor’s marketing practices, or disparage a competitor. Covered Persons must never discuss products, pricing or markets with competitors with the intent to fix prices or divide markets.

 

4. International Issues

If you conduct business for Invesco outside of the U.S., in addition to being familiar with the local laws of the other countries involved, be sure you are familiar with the following U.S. laws and regulations. Violations of these laws can result in substantial fines, imprisonment and severe restrictions on the company’s ability to do business.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar laws in many other countries have a variety of provisions that regulate business in other countries and with foreign citizens. In essence, these laws make it a crime to promise or give anything of value to a foreign official or political party in order to obtain or keep business or obtain any improper advantage. It is also illegal to make payments to agents, sales representatives or other third parties if you have reason to believe your gift will be used illegally. Seek advice from the appropriate member of Compliance for interpretation of the FCPA or similar laws if you are involved in any business dealings that involve foreign countries.

Anti-Boycott Laws

From time to time, various countries may impose restrictions upon the ability of businesses in their jurisdiction to engage in commerce with designated individuals, countries or companies. These laws are commonly referred to as boycotts or trade embargoes. It may be against the law to cooperate in any boycotts between foreign countries not sanctioned by the laws of the place where your office is located. All requests for boycott support or boycott-related information must be reported to your supervisor and the member of Compliance with responsibility for your office.

Similarly, many countries contribute the names of criminal or terrorist organizations or individuals to a common database and require financial institutions to screen customer lists against the database as part of their “Know Your Customer” obligations. We must be aware of, and where appropriate, adhere to any such restrictions.

Embargo Sanctions

The United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control prohibits U.S. companies and their foreign subsidiaries from doing business with certain countries and agencies and certain individuals. The laws of other countries may have similar types of prohibitions. The regulations vary depending on the country and the

 

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type of transaction and often change as countries’ foreign policies change. If you are aware of any sensitive political issues with a country in which Invesco is doing or considering doing business, seek advice from the appropriate member of Compliance.

 

F. Information Management

 

1. Confidential Information

Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the company or its customers, if disclosed. All information (in any form, including electronic information) that is created or used in support of company business activities is the property of Invesco. This company information is a valuable asset and Covered Persons are expected to protect it from unauthorized disclosure. This includes Invesco customer, supplier, business partner, and employee data. United States (federal and state) and other jurisdictions’ laws may restrict the use of such information and impose penalties for impermissible use or disclosure.

Covered Persons must maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the company or its customers, vendors or consultants except when disclosure is properly authorized by the company or legally mandated. Covered Persons shall take all reasonable efforts to safeguard such confidential information that is in their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third parties.

Information pertaining to Invesco’s competitive position or business strategies, and information relating to negotiations with Covered Persons or third parties, should be protected and shared only with Covered Persons having a need to know such information in order to perform their job responsibilities.

 

2. Data Privacy

Data privacy, as it relates both to our clients and our employees, has become a major political and legal issue in many jurisdictions in which we do business. A variety of laws in each of those jurisdictions governs the collection, storage, dissemination, transfer, use, access to and confidentiality of personal information and patient health information. These laws can work to limit transfers of such data across borders and even among affiliated entities within Invesco. Invesco and its Covered Persons will comply with all provisions of these laws that relate to its business, including the privacy, security and electronic transmission of financial, health and other personal information. The company expects its Covered Persons to keep all such data confidential and to protect, use and disclose information in the conduct of our business only in compliance with these laws. The company will consider and may release personal information to third parties to comply with law or to protect the rights, property or safety of Invesco and its customers. In accordance with Invesco policies, each business unit has developed required disclosures and data security procedures applicable to that business unit. All Covered Persons must comply with the applicable procedures.

 

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With respect to Invesco Covered Persons, all salary, benefit, medical and other personal information relating to Covered Persons shall generally be treated as confidential. Personnel files, payroll information, disciplinary matters, and similar information are to be maintained in a manner designed to protect confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws. All Covered Persons shall exercise due care to prevent the release or sharing of such information beyond those persons who may need such information to fulfill their job functions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all personnel information belongs solely to Invesco and may be reviewed or used by the company as needed to conduct its business.

 

G. Protecting Invesco’s Assets

All Covered Persons shall strive to preserve and protect the company’s assets and resources and to promote their efficient use. The standards set forth below are intended to guide Covered Persons by articulating Invesco’s expectations as they relate to activities or behaviors that may affect the company’s assets.

 

1. Personal Use of Corporate Assets

Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on Invesco’s profitability. Covered Persons are not to convert assets of the company to personal use. Company property should be used for the company’s legitimate business purposes and the business of the company shall be conducted in a manner designed to further Invesco’s interest rather than the personal interest of an individual Covered Person. Covered Persons are prohibited from the unauthorized use or taking of Invesco’s equipment, supplies, materials or services. Prior to engaging in any activity on company time which will result in remuneration to the Covered Person or the use of Invesco’s equipment, supplies, materials or services for personal or non-work related purposes, officers and other Covered Persons shall obtain the approval of the supervisor of the appropriate business unit.

 

2. Use of Company Software

Covered Persons use software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, data management, and many other applications. Software products purchased by the company are covered by some form of licensing agreement that describes the terms, conditions and allowed uses. It is the company’s policy to respect copyright laws and observe the terms and conditions of any license agreements. Copyright laws in the United States and other countries impose civil and criminal penalties for illegal reproductions and use of licensed software. You must be aware of the restrictions on the use of software and abide by those restrictions. Invesco business equipment may not be used to reproduce commercial software. In addition, you may not use personal software on company equipment without prior written approval.

 

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3. Computer Resources/E-mail

The company’s computer resources, which include the electronic messaging systems (e-mail, SMS, etc.), belong to Invesco and not to the Covered Person. They are not intended to be used for amusement, solicitation, or other non-business purposes. While it is recognized that Covered Persons will occasionally use the system for personal communications, it is expected that such uses will be kept to a minimum and that Covered Persons will be responsible and professional in their use of these functions. The use of the computer systems to make or forward derogatory or offensive remarks about other people or groups is prohibited. E-mail/Text messages should be treated as any other written business communication.

 

4. Invesco Intellectual Property

Covered Persons must carefully maintain and manage the intellectual property rights of Invesco, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, to preserve and protect their value. Information, ideas and intellectual property assets of Invesco are important to the company’s success.

Invesco’s name, logo, trademarks, inventions, processes and innovations are intellectual property assets and their protection is vital to the success of the company’s business. The company’s and any of its subsidiaries’ names, logos and other trademarks and service marks are to be used only for authorized company business and never in connection with personal or other activities unless appropriately approved and in accordance with company policy. In addition, our Covered Persons must respect the intellectual property rights of third parties. Violation of these rights can subject both you and the company to substantial liability, including criminal penalties.

Any work product produced in the course of performing your job shall be deemed to be a “work made for hire” and shall belong to Invesco and is to be used only for the benefit of Invesco. This includes such items as marketing plans, product development plans, computer programs, software, hardware and similar materials. You must share any innovations or inventions you create with your supervisor so that the company can take steps to protect these valuable assets.

 

5. Retention of Books and Records

Invesco corporate records are important assets. Corporate records include essentially everything you produce as a Covered Person, regardless of its format. A corporate record may be in the form of paper, electronic data, e-mail, or voice mail. It may be something as obvious as a memorandum or a contract or something not as obvious, such as a desk calendar, an appointment book, or an expense record.

Invesco is required by law to maintain certain types of corporate records, usually for a specified period of time. Failure to retain such documents for such minimum periods could subject Invesco to penalties and fines, cause the loss of rights, obstruct justice, place Invesco in contempt of court, or place Invesco at a serious disadvantage in litigation. However, storage of voluminous records over time is costly. Therefore,

 

Page 11 of 18


Invesco has established controls to assure retention for required periods and timely destruction of retrievable records, such as paper copies and records on computers and electronic systems. Even if a document is retained for the legally required period, liability could still result if a document is destroyed before its scheduled destruction date.

Invesco and its affiliates are subject to the regulatory requirements of numerous countries and regulatory agencies. Virtually all of them have specific requirements concerning the creation, maintenance and storage of business records. Invesco expects all Covered Persons to become familiar with and fully comply with the records retention/destruction schedule for the departments and office locations for which they work. If you believe documents should be retained beyond the applicable retention period, consult with the Records Management Department.

 

6. Sales and Marketing Materials

Invesco is committed to building sustained, open, and honest relationships with our customers, and to complying with all relevant regulatory requirements. This requires that all marketing and sales-related materials be prepared under standards approved by Compliance and, prior to use, reviewed and approved by the appropriate supervisor within a business unit. Covered materials include but are not limited to, requests for proposals, client presentations, performance summaries, advertisements, published market commentaries, brochures and web site content.

 

H. Disclosure of Invesco Information

 

1. Integrity and Accuracy of Financial Records

The preparation and maintenance of accurate books, records and accounts is required by law and essential to the proper discharge of financial, legal and reporting obligations. All Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or indirectly falsifying or causing to be false or misleading any financial or accounting book, record or account. In addition, all financial data must be completely and accurately recorded in compliance with applicable law and Invesco’s accounting policies and procedures. A Covered Person may violate this section by acting or by failing to act when he or she becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of this section.

 

2. Disclosure in Reports and Documents

Filings and Public Materials . As a public company, it is important that the company’s filings with the SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and international regulatory agencies are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. The company also makes many other filings with the SEC and other U.S. and international regulatory agencies on behalf of the funds that its subsidiaries and affiliates manage. Further, the company prepares mutual fund account statements, client investment performance information,

 

Page 12 of 18


prospectuses and advertising materials that are sent out to its mutual fund shareholders and clients.

Disclosure and Reporting Policy . The company’s policy is to comply with all applicable disclosure, financial reporting and accounting regulations applicable to the company. The company maintains the highest commitment to its disclosure and reporting requirements, and expects and requires all Covered Persons to record information accurately and truthfully in the books and records of the company.

Information for Filings . Depending on his or her position with the company, a Covered Person may be called upon to provide necessary information to assure that the company’s public reports and regulatory filings are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. The company expects all Covered Persons to be diligent in providing accurate information to the inquiries that are made related to the company’s public disclosure requirements.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . Covered Persons are required to cooperate and comply with the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting so that the company’s reports and documents filed with the SEC and other U.S. federal, state, domestic and international regulatory agencies comply in all material respects with applicable laws and provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.

 

3. Improper Influence on the Conduct of Audits

Every Covered Person must deal fairly and honestly with outside accountants performing audits, reviews or examinations of Invesco’s and its subsidiaries’ financial statements. To that end, no Covered Person of Invesco may make or cause to be made a materially false or misleading statement (or omit facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading) in connection with an audit, review or examination of financial statements by independent accountants or the preparation of any document or report required to be filed with a governmental or regulatory authority. Covered Persons of Invesco also are prohibited from coercing, manipulating, misleading or fraudulently inducing any independent public or certified public accountant engaged in the performance or review of financial statements that are required to be filed with a governmental or regulatory authority if he or she knows or should have known that his or her actions could result in making those financial statements materially misleading.

 

4. Standards for Invesco’s Financial Officers

Invesco’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer (the “Financial Officers”) are required to take all reasonable steps to provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosures in the reports and documents that Invesco files with or submits to the SEC and other regulatory bodies and in other public communications made by Invesco. In the event that a Financial Officer learns that any such report, document or communication does not meet this standard and such deviation is material, then the Financial Officers are required to review and investigate

 

Page 13 of 18


such deviation, advise the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors regarding the deviation and, where necessary, revise the relevant report, document or communication.

Although a particular accounting treatment for one or more of Invesco’s operations may be permitted under applicable accounting standards, the Financial Officers may not authorize or permit the use of such an accounting treatment if the effect is to distort or conceal Invesco’s true financial condition. The accounting standards and treatments utilized by Invesco must, in all instances, be determined on an objective and uniform basis and without reference to a single transaction or series of transactions and their impact on Invesco’s financial results for a particular time period. Any new or novel accounting treatment or standard that is to be utilized in the preparation of Invesco’s financial statements must be discussed with Invesco’s Audit Committee and its independent auditors.

 

5. Communications with the Media

Invesco has a long-standing policy of co-operating with the news media. This policy is intended to enhance the company’s reputation, provide accurate information, and achieve our business goals.

Invesco employs media relations professionals who are responsible for managing our interaction with the news media. Invesco’s Corporate Communications Department is responsible for formulating and directing our media relations approach and policy worldwide. Other Invesco employees should not speak to or disseminate information to the news media unless such contact has been requested and arranged by or coordinated with an Invesco media relations professional in accordance with the company’s media relations policy. Any contact from the news media should be referred promptly and without comment to an Invesco media relations professional. If you do not know the appropriate media relations professional for your unit, you can refer the contact to the Invesco Corporate Communications Department.

 

6. Communications with Analysts and Shareholders

Many countries have detailed rules with regard to the dissemination of information about public companies. In particular, a public company must have procedures for controlling the release of information that may have a material impact on its share price. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are responsible for Invesco’s relationships with the financial community, including the release of price sensitive information. Other Invesco employees may not speak to or disseminate information regarding the company to the financial community (including analysts, investors, shareholders, Company lenders, and rating agencies) unless such contact has been requested and arranged by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Investor Relations Department.

 

Page 14 of 18


I. Compliance with the Code of Conduct

 

1. Your Responsibilities

One person’s misconduct can damage our entire company’s hard-earned reputation and compromise the public’s trust in the company. Every Covered Person should therefore be familiar with this Code and abide strictly by its provisions.

 

2. Reporting Violations of the Code

As part of being accountable to each other and Invesco, all Covered Persons are required to report possible violations of the Invesco Code of Conduct, laws or regulations. Such violations can include, but are not limited to:

 

    Violations of any laws or regulations generally involving Invesco;

 

    Questionable accounting matters, internal accounting controls, auditing matters, breaches of fiduciary duty or violations of United States or foreign securities laws or rules (collectively, “Accounting Matters”) including, but not limited to:

 

    fraud or deliberate error in the preparation, evaluation, review or audit of any financial statement of Invesco;

 

    fraud or deliberate error in the recording and maintaining of financial records of Invesco;

 

    deficiencies in or non-compliance with Invesco’s internal accounting controls;

 

    misrepresentation or false statements to or by a senior officer or accountant regarding a matter contained in the financial records, financial reports or audit reports of Invesco;

 

    deviation from full and fair reporting of Invesco’s financial condition; or

fraudulent or criminal activities engaged in by officers, directors or employees of Invesco;

You may report your concerns in any of three ways:

Contact your supervisor

We encourage you to first contact your immediate supervisor or another appropriate person in your own management chain of any concerns raised.

Contact the Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit or Human Resources Departments

If you prefer not to discuss a concern with your own supervisor or others in your own management chain, you may instead contact the Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit or Human Resources Departments directly. The individual you report the matter to would

 

Page 15 of 18


be responsible for working with you to determine the details of your concern as well as following Invesco’s reporting and escalation processes in order to address the matter.

Call our Invesco Whistleblower Hotline

If raising a concern in the first two methods makes you uncomfortable for any reason, or if you and/or the individual you have reported your concern do not feel Invesco’s established reporting and escalation channels would effectively address or is not effectively addressing the matter you have raised, you may also report your concerns confidentially and anonymously by calling the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline. If you are calling from a U.S. or Canadian location, dial 1-855-234-9780 . For calls from all other locations, Use the following link to identify a toll-free number for your country:

Link to International Toll-Free Numbers

You may also report your concern by visiting the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline website at www.invesco.ethicspoint.com .

The Invesco Whistleblower Hotline is administered by an outside vendor and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline, please click here: Invesco Whistleblower Hotline .

Complaints relating to Accounting Matters will be reviewed pursuant to the Audit Committee’s policy and procedures and under its direction and oversight by such persons as the Audit Committee determines to be appropriate. All other matters will be reviewed under the direction and oversight of the appropriate departments within Invesco, usually also including Compliance. Prompt and appropriate corrective action will be taken when and as warranted in the judgment of the Audit Committee or other reviewing department.

Invesco will not permit retaliation, retribution, harassment, or intimidation of any employee who in good faith reports a possible violation. Along with the three reporting methods described above, this also includes, but is not limited to an employee who discloses information to a government or law enforcement agency, or any other national, state or provincial securities regulatory authority where the employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a violation or possible violation of federal or state law or regulation.

However, employees who file reports or provide evidence which they know to be false or without a reasonable belief in the truth and accuracy of such information may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of their employment.

 

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3. Failure to Comply

It is your responsibility at all times to comply with the law and behave in an ethical manner. Failure to obey laws and regulations violates this Code and may expose both you and the company to criminal or civil sanctions. Invesco will investigate reported violations of the Code and, if violations are found, may take disciplinary action, if appropriate, against the individuals involved up to and including termination. Invesco may also seek civil remedies from you and even refer criminal misconduct to law enforcement agencies, and may make reports, if appropriate, to regulatory authorities. Nothing in this Code restricts the company from taking any disciplinary action on any matters pertaining to the conduct of a Covered Person, whether or not expressly set forth in the Code.

 

4. Annual Certification

As Covered Persons, each of us is obligated to read and understand this Code of Conduct and our relevant business unit’s policies and procedures. All Covered Persons are expected to abide by both the letter and spirit of the Code and will certify their adherence on an annual basis.

 

5. Other Requirements

This Code cannot anticipate every possible situation or cover every topic in detail. The company has established special policies to address specific subjects and will update this Code and those specific policies from time-to-time. Covered Persons are also expected to perform their work with honesty and integrity in any areas not specifically addressed by the Code. If you are unclear about a situation, please speak with your supervisor or an appropriate member of Compliance before taking action.

 

6. Waivers of the Code

In certain limited situations, Invesco may waive the application of a provision of the Code to employees or Executive Officers (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, “Executive Officers”). For the purposes of the Code, the term “waiver” shall mean a material departure from a provision of the Code.

For all employees, including Executive Officers, any requests for waivers must be made to Compliance. For waiver requests not involving an Executive Officer, Compliance shall forward the request to the General Counsel of the business unit for consideration.

For waiver requests involving an Executive Officer, Compliance will forward the request to General Counsel to raise to the Invesco Board of Directors or a committee thereof for consideration. Only the Board of Directors or one of its committees may approve a waiver for an Executive Officer. Any such waiver granted to an Executive Officer shall be promptly disclosed to shareholders within four (4) business days as required by SEC rules and the corporate governance listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange and other applicable laws.

 

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Criteria for a Waiver:

Any employee or Executive Officer requesting a waiver of the Code must demonstrate that such a waiver:

 

    is necessary to alleviate undue hardship or in view of unforeseen circumstances or is otherwise appropriate under all the relevant facts and circumstances;

 

    will not be inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of the Code;

 

    will not adversely affect the interests of clients of the company or the interests of the company; and

 

    will not result in a transaction or conduct that would violate provisions of applicable laws or regulations.

 

7. Use and Disclosure

This Code is intended solely for the internal use by the company and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of the company, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion. To the extent required by law, the company shall publicly ( e.g. , in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and/or on its website) disclose this Code of Conduct and its application to all of the company’s Covered Persons.

 

8. Amendments

This Code may only be amended by Invesco’s Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof. To the extent required by law, amendments to the Code of Conduct shall be disclosed publicly. As set forth in the company’s filings with the SEC, the company has elected to disclose certain amendments to the Code that affect, and any waivers of the Code granted to, Financial Officers on the company’s Web site.

Revised: October 2016

 

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INVESCO EMEA (EX UK)

CODE OF ETHICS

October 2016

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 1 of 29


CONTENTS

 

SECTION    PAGE  

1. Statement of Fiduciary Principles

     4  

2. Material non-public information and inside information

     6  

3. Personal Investing Activities, Pre-Clearance and Pre- Notification

     9  

4. Trade Restrictions on Personal Investing

     12  

5. Economic Opportunities, Confidentiality and Outside Directorships

     16  

6. Client Investments in Securities Owned by Invesco Employees

     18  

7. Certifications and Reporting

     18  

8. Miscellaneous

     21  

9. Specific Provisions for Employees of Invesco Real Estate and Employees associated with real estate transactions undertaken by Invesco.

     23  

APPENDICIES

  

A: Definitions

     25  

B: Types of Transactions in Invesco Shares: Pre-Clearance Guidance

     27  

C. Personal Account Dealing Guidance Overview

     28  

D. Pre-Clearance Form

     29  

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 2 of 29


This revised Code of Ethics Policy (‘the Code’) applies to all Employees of all entities of Invesco EMEA (ex UK) (“Invesco”). It covers the following topics:

 

  Prohibitions related to material, non-public information and inside information;

 

  Personal securities investing; and

 

  Service as a director and other business opportunities.

This Code also imposes on Employees certain restrictions and reporting obligations which are specified below. Adherence to this Code, both letter and spirit, is a fundamental and absolute condition of employment with Invesco.

The following Invesco Policies are referred to in this Code of Ethics and the latest version of each of these Policies can be found on the Compliance Europe Intranet Site (for EMEA (ex UK) regional policies) or the Legal, Compliance, Security and Internal Audit intranet site (global policies):

 

    Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment (Inducements) Policy;

 

    Conflicts of Interest Policy;

 

    Whistleblowing Policy;

 

    Market Abuse Policy;

 

    Fraud Policy;

 

    Insider Trading Policy; and

 

    Anti-Bribery Policy.

It is appreciated that no Code of Ethics can address every circumstance that may give rise to a conflict, a potential conflict or an appearance of a conflict of interest. Every Employee should be alert to any actual, potential or appearance of a conflict of interest with Invesco’s clients and to conduct himself or herself with good judgment. Failure to exercise good judgment, as well as violations of this Code, may result in the imposition of sanctions on the Employee, including suspension or dismissal. All Covered Persons are required to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations and this Code. Covered Persons shall promptly report any violations of law or regulations or any provision of this Code of which they become aware to the Compliance Officer or his/her designee.

The requirements within this Code will apply in full to all permanent Invesco employees. In addition, there are individuals who, whilst not permanent Invesco Employees, have access to Invesco offices and/or systems and who could therefore potentially acquire certain material, non-public information or inside information. The applicability of this Code to those individuals is as follows:

Independent Non-Executive Directors: subject to pre-clearance (through the local Compliance Team) and certification requirements on the purchase and sale of IVZ shares, the purchase and sale of Invesco affiliated investments, and in respect of outside interests.

Temporary staff, contractors, consultants, facilities staff and security and maintenance staff who have access to Invesco systems, the Code applies in full.

Auditors, staff seconded from Legal or Accountancy Firms, Actuarial Function Holder : the Code will apply in full unless Invesco is satisfied that the individual is subject to an equivalent Code.

Cleaning Staff : Code requirements will not apply.

Where individuals do not have access to Star Compliance or do not accept the use of Star Compliance due to the transfer of personal data to the Compliance

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 3 of 29


staff outside of the European Union, the distribution of the Code, the pre-clearance of transactions and other notifications will occur directly with the Compliance Department. Inquiries regarding these requirements should be directed to your local Compliance Officer.

 

1 STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY PRINCIPLES

 

  1.1 As a fiduciary, Invesco owes an undivided duty of loyalty to its clients. It is Invesco’s policy that all Employees conduct themselves so as to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest with Invesco clients, but also that they refrain from conduct which could give rise to the appearance of a conflict of interest that may compromise the trust our clients have placed in us.

 

  1.2 The Code is designed to ensure, among other things, that the personal securities transactions of all Employees are conducted in accordance with the following general principles:

 

  1.2.1 A duty at all times to place the interests of Invesco’s clients first and foremost;

 

  1.2.2 The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted in a manner consistent with this Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual, potential or appearance of a conflict of interest or any abuse of an Employee’s position of trust and responsibility; and

 

  1.2.3 The requirement that Employees should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

 

  1.3 Invesco’s policy is to avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest but, where they unavoidably occur, to record, manage, and disclose them to prevent abuse and protect our clients, Employees and other counterparties.

 

  1.4 Invesco does not make political contributions with corporate funds. No Employees may, under any circumstances, use company funds to make political contributions, nor may you represent your personal political views as being those of the company.

 

  1.5

Invesco seeks to do business with clients and suppliers on a fair and equitable basis. Employees may not accept or provide gifts, entertainment or other non-monetary benefits of an unreasonable value which could create a conflict with the duty owed to clients. Any limits imposed by our business unit’s policies, local laws, or regulations with respect to the acceptance or provision of gifts, entertainment and non-monetary benefits must be complied with. Invesco lays down written standards regarding the nature of gifts, benefits and entertainment, with strict monetary and frequency limitations. Only gifts, benefits and entertainment which comply with regulatory requirements and internal standards, are designed to enhance the quality of service to customers and do not create conflicts of interest, can be given or received. Subject to regulatory requirements and internal limits, the types of benefits which may be given or received by the Invesco Group include: gifts, hospitality and promotional competition prizes; joint marketing exercises; participation in seminars and conferences; provision of technical services and information technology; training; and travel and accommodation expenses. All gifts, benefits and entertainment provided or received by Invesco or its personnel must be recorded in

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 4 of 29


  GBE declarations sent quarterly to Compliance. If there is any doubt about the permissibility of giving or receiving a gift, benefit or entertainment event, Employees should contact the Compliance Department for guidance before this is given or received. Further information can be found in the EMEA ex-UK Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment (Inducements) Policy.

 

  1.6 Invesco does not tolerate bribery. Employees must not offer, give, request, or agree to accept or accept financial or non-financial advantages of any kind where the purpose is to influence a person to behave improperly in their decisions or actions or to reward them for having done so. Charitable donations must not be made as an inducement or reward for improper behaviour. Unofficial payments to speed up routine government or other processes must never be made, however small. These restrictions apply to Invesco staff and to anybody appointed to act on Invesco’s behalf and cover relationships with prospective or existing clients or business partners. Further information can be found in the Anti-Bribery Policy.

 

  1.7 Legislation exists to protect Employees who ‘blow the whistle’ about wrongdoing within the firm. This legislation encourages Employees to raise concerns internally in the first instance. Invesco Employees should feel able to raise any such concerns internally, confident that it will be dealt with properly and that all reasonable steps will be taken to prevent victimisation. If Employees wish to report concerns anonymously they can call the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline using the toll-free telephone numbers below which vary depending on your location:

Austria: 0800-291870

Belgium: 0800-77004

Czech Republic: 800-142-550

France: 0800-902500

Germany: 0800-1016582

Ireland: 1800615403

Italy: 800-786907

Netherlands: 0800-0226174

Spain: 900-991498

Sweden: 020-79-8729

Switzerland: 0800-562907

Employees may also report their concerns by visiting the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline website at: www.invesco.ethicspoint.com . To ensure confidentiality, this telephone line and website is provided by an independent company and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. All submissions to the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline will be reviewed and handled in a prompt, fair, and discreet manner. Employees are encouraged to report questionable practices so that Invesco has an opportunity to address and resolve these before they become more significant regulatory or legal issues.

 

  1.8 It is Invesco policy, in the context of being an Asset Manager, to treat its customers fairly.

 

  1.9

No Employee should have ownership in or other interest in or employment by any outside concern which does business with Invesco Ltd. This does not apply to stock or other investments in a publicly held company, provided that the stock and other investments

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 5 of 29


do not, in the aggregate, exceed 5% of the outstanding ownership interests of such company. Invesco Ltd. may, following a review of the relevant facts, permit ownership interests which exceed these amounts if management or the Board of Directors, as appropriate, concludes that such ownership interests will not adversely affect Invesco’s business interests or the judgment of the affected staff.

 

  1.10 Employees are prohibited from using personal hedging strategies or remuneration or liability related contracts of insurance to undermine any risk alignment effects embedded in their remuneration arrangements. This includes, for instance, entering into an arrangement with a third party under which that third party will make payments directly, or indirectly, to the Employee that are linked to, or commensurate with, the amounts by which the Employee’s remuneration is subject to reductions arising from the implementation of EU Directives and associated legislation and regulation.

 

2 MATERIAL, NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION  & INSIDE INFORMATION

 

  2.1 Restriction on Trading or Recommending Trading Each Employee is reminded that it constitutes a violation of law and/or market abuse regulations for any person to trade in or recommend trading in the securities of a company while in possession of as appropriate inside information or material, non-public information concerning that company, or to disclose such information to any person not entitled to receive it if there is reason to believe that such information will be used in connection with a trade in the securities of that company. Violations of law and regulations may give rise to civil as well as criminal liability, including the imposition of monetary penalties or prison sentences upon the individuals involved. Tippees (i.e, persons who receive material, non-public information or inside information) also may be held liable if they trade or if they do not trade but pass along such information to others.

 

  2.2 Material non-public information relates to US legislation and is relevant for US-traded companies and financial instruments. Inside information relates to European legislation and relevant for European traded companies and financial instruments.

 

  2.3 What is material, non-public information? ‘Material information’ is any information about a company which, if disclosed, is likely to affect the market price of the company’s securities or to be considered important by an average investor in deciding whether to purchase or sell those securities. Examples of information which should be presumed to be “material” are matters such as dividend increases or decreases, earnings estimates by the company, changes in the company’s previously released earnings estimates, significant new products or discoveries, major litigation by or against the company, liquidity or solvency problems, extraordinary management developments, significant merger or acquisition proposals, or similar major events which would be viewed as having materially altered the “total mix” of information available regarding the company or the market for any of its securities.

 

  2.4

‘Non-public information’ is information that has not yet been publicly disclosed. Information about a company is considered to be non-public information if it is received under circumstances which

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 6 of 29


indicate that it is not yet in general circulation and that such information may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to the company or its insiders, or that the recipient knows to have been furnished by someone in breach of a fiduciary obligation. Courts have held that fiduciary relationships exist between a company and another party in a broad variety of situations involving a relationship between a company and its lawyers, investment bankers, financial printers, Employees, technical advisors and others. This list is not exhaustive and the types of fiduciary relationships and the way in which they are formed are extensive.

 

  2.5 What is “inside information”? Inside information is information which:

 

  (a) is of a precise nature; and

 

  (b) is not generally available; and

 

  (c) relates directly or indirectly to one or more issuers of the relevant securities or one or more of the relevant investments; and

 

  (d) would, if generally available, be likely to have a significant effect on the price of the relevant securities or investments.

Information is precise if it:

 

  (a) indicates circumstances which exist or may reasonably be expected to come into existence, or an event that has occurred or may reasonably be expected to occur, and

 

  (b) is specific enough to enable a conclusion to be drawn as to the possible effect on the price of the relevant instrument or investment.

Information would be likely to have a significant effect on price if and only if it is information of a kind which a reasonable investor would be likely to use as part of the basis of his investment decisions. In other words it has to be a piece of information which a reasonable investor would use when making a decision to buy or sell a financial instrument. It does not have to be the major reason for the decision just one of the reasons. Because the information contributes towards a buy or sell decision, and these decisions determine the price of an instrument, the information is viewed as being significant for setting the price of the instrument. The “significant effect on price” does not relate to the size of any price movement of the financial instrument due to the effect of the information.

 

  2.6 Information should not be considered to have been publicly disclosed until a reasonable time after it has been made public (for example, by a press release). Someone with access to inside information may not “beat the market” by trading simultaneously with, or immediately after, the official release of material information.

 

  2.7 The responsibility of ensuring that the proposed transaction does not constitute insider dealing or a conflict with the interests of a client remains with the relevant Employee and obtaining pre-clearance to enter into a transaction under Section 3.3 below does not absolve that responsibility.

 

  2.8 Invesco is in a unique position, being privy to market research and rumours and being privy also to information about its clients which may be public companies. Invesco Employees must be aware and vigilant to ensure that they cannot be accused of being a party of any ‘insider dealing’ or market abuse situations.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 7 of 29


  2.9 In particular, the following investment activities must not be entered into without carefully ensuring that there are no implications of insider trading:

 

  2.9.1 Trading in shares for a client in any other client of Invesco which is a Company quoted on a recognised stock exchange.

 

  2.9.2 Trading in shares for a client in a quoted company where Invesco:

 

  i) obtains information in any official capacity which may be price sensitive and has not been made available to the general public.

 

  ii) obtains any other information which can be substantiated in connection with a listed company or related derivatives or financial instruments which is also both price sensitive and has not been made available to the general public.

 

  2.9.3 Manipulation of the market by entering into a transaction, placing an order or any other behavior which gives or is likely to give false or misleading signals as to the supply of, demand form or price of a financial instrument or secures or is likely to secure the price of one or several financial instruments. This also covers any attempt of market manipulation.

 

  2.9.4 Release of information about a company that would have the effect of distorting the market in such a way to be considered market abuse.

 

  2.10 Reporting Requirement. Whenever an Employee believes that he or she may have come into possession of material, non-public information or inside information about a public company, he or she personally must immediately notify the Compliance Department and should not discuss such information with anyone else including Invesco Employees and should not engage in transactions for himself, herself, or others including Invesco clients.

 

  2.11 Upon receipt of such information, the Compliance Department will include the company name on the ‘IVZ Restricted List’ in respect of which no transactions may be entered into. This list will be advised to the Equity dealing desk and no discussion will be entered into.

 

  2.12 Confidentiality. No information regarding the affairs of any client of Invesco may be passed to anyone outside Invesco unless specifically requested by law, regulation or court order. In any event, the Compliance and Legal Departments must be consulted prior to furnishing such information.

 

  2.13

Employees should maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Company and their fellow Employees. Employees shall take all reasonable efforts to safeguard such confidential information that is in their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third parties. While accessing and utilising internal applications and

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 8 of 29


  systems, employees must access such information solely to the extent it is mandatory to perform their task and not to access any other data which is not necessary. External publication or distribution of internal company information, policies or procedures is prohibited except when disclosure is properly authorised by the functional owner of the information or legally mandated. Employees should make all reasonable efforts to safeguard such information that is in their possession against inadvertent disclosure and shall comply with any non-disclosure obligations imposed on Invesco in its agreements with third parties.

 

  2.14 Sanctions. Any Employee, who knowingly trades or recommends trading while in possession of material, non-public information or inside information, may be subject to civil and criminal penalties and/or significant monetary penalties, as well as to immediate suspension and/or dismissal from Invesco.

 

3 PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES, PRE-CLEARANCE AND PRE-NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

  3.1 Transactions covered by this Code All transactions (other than transactions described in section 3.2) in investments made for “Covered Accounts” are subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions, pre-notification and reporting requirements described below, unless otherwise indicated. For a list of the types of Employee and other accounts which are “Covered Accounts”, please see the definition in Appendix A.

 

  3.2 Transactions in the following investments (“Exempt Investments”) are not subject to the trading restrictions or other requirements of this Code and do not need to be pre-notified, pre-cleared, or reported other than as described below:

 

  3.2.1 Registered unaffiliated (e.g. Schroders) open-ended Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) including; open-ended mutual funds, open-ended investment companies/ICVCs/ SICAVs or unit trusts - but not Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) or closed-end funds, e.g. Investment Trusts;

 

  3.2.2 Securities which are direct obligations of an OECD country (e.g. US Treasury Bonds);

 

  3.2.3 In-specie transfers; and

 

  3.2.4 Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and High Quality Short-Term Debt Instruments including repurchase agreements.

Employees are required to provide statements for all Covered Accounts as described in Section 7.4. If an account has the ability to invest in Covered Securities, the account is considered a Covered Account and the full statement must be provided to Compliance including information regarding Exempt Investments.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 9 of 29


  Transactions which require pre-notification and pre-clearance

 

  3.3 Pre-Clearance

 

  3.3.1 Transactions in a Covered Account which must be notified to the Compliance department for pre-clearance, regardless of whether the order is placed directly or through a broker/adviser, include the following (“Covered Securities”):

 

    buys or sales of ordinary securities, equivalent securities, venture capital schemes such as Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), Investment Trusts and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), including any of these investments which are held within a product/wrapper; and

 

    buys, sales, or switches in Invesco UK ICVCs, GPR/Cross Border Funds, Pension Funds or other affiliated schemes, including any of these investments which are held within an unaffiliated product/wrapper e.g. Invesco funds managed by an unaffiliated pension provider.

All Employees must receive prior approval using the Star Compliance system or from the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team in order to engage in a personal securities transaction in a Covered Security.

Pre-clearance will not be given if the proposed personal securities transaction is in conflict with any of the rules outlined in this Policy, including the Blackout Rule.

 

  3.3.2 The Pre-clearance Process

For those using STAR the pre-clearance process involves the following steps:

 

    The proposed trade must be entered into the Star Compliance system.

 

    The Star Compliance system will confirm if there is any Client activity in the same or equivalent security currently on the trading desk and verify if there have been any transactions within the corresponding Blackout Rule period (refer to section 4.1.2).

 

    The Star Compliance system will check to see if the security is on the restricted list (refer to section 4.1.1).

 

    If any potential conflicts are identified by the Star Compliance system, the request will be reviewed by the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team.

 

    An automated response will be received by the Employee for all pre-approval requests indicating whether the transaction has been approved or denied.

For those without access to Star Compliance, please refer to the pre-clearance form at Appendix D.

 

  3.3.3 Executing Approved Transactions

All authorised personal securities transactions must be executed on the same business day . If the trade is not executed within this time period, a new pre-clearance request must be submitted and approved if the Employee still intends to trade in that security.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 10 of 29


All approved trades that are not executed must be retracted in the Star Compliance system by the Employee.

No order for a securities transaction for which pre-clearance authorisation is sought may be placed prior to the receipt of authorisation of the transaction. Employees may be requested to reverse any trades processed without the required pre-approval. Any costs or losses associated with the reversal are the responsibility of the Employee. The Employee may also be asked to disgorge any profits from the trade.

Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only , except in the following situations:

 

    Approval is granted after the close of trading day. In this case, approval is valid through the next trading day.

 

    Where an employee submits a request for a security that is trading on a market that is not open when the request is submitted and receives approval for the trade, the trade must be completed prior to closing of the market immediately following approval.

 

  3.3.4 Copies of the relevant contract notes (or equivalent) must be sent to codeofethicsemeaexuk@invesco.com. This must be done in a timely manner.

For those not accessing Star Compliance the details of where to provide contract notes is noted in the pre-clearance form.

 

  3.4 Transactions that do not need to be pre-cleared . The pre-clearance requirements (and the trading restrictions on personal investing described below) do not apply to the following transactions, unless otherwise indicated:

 

  3.4.1 Discretionary Accounts. Transactions effected in any Covered Account over which the Employee has no direct or indirect influence or control (a “Discretionary Account”). An Employee shall be deemed to have “no direct or indirect influence or control” over an account only if all of the following conditions are met:

 

  i) investment discretion for such account has been delegated in writing to an independent fiduciary and such investment discretion is not shared with the Employee; and

 

  ii) the Employee certifies in writing that he or she has not and will not discuss any potential investment decisions with such independent fiduciary; and

 

  iii) the advisor also certifies in writing that he or she will not discuss any potential investment decisions with the owner of the account or the Employee; and

 

  iv) duplicate periodic statements are provided to the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team.

 

  v) the Compliance Department has determined that the account satisfies the foregoing requirements.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 11 of 29


  3.4.2 Governmental Issues. Investments in the debt obligations of state and municipal governments or agencies.

 

  3.4.3 Non-Volitional Trades. Transactions which are non-volitional on the part of the Employee (such as the receipt of securities pursuant to a stock dividend or merger).

 

  3.4.4 Automatic Transactions Purchases of the stock of a company pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or an employee stock purchase plan sponsored by such company.

 

  3.4.5 Rights Offerings Receipt or exercise of rights issued by a company on a pro rata basis to all holders of a class of security. Employees must, however, pre-clear transactions for the acquisition of such rights from a third party or the disposition of such rights.

 

  3.4.6 Independent Non-Executive Director’s Transactions Transactions in securities, except for Invesco Ltd. shares and/or Investment Trusts and other affiliated funds managed by Invesco, by Independent Non-Executive Directors. Transactions by Independent Non-Executive Directors will be pre-cleared outside of Star Compliance.

 

  3.4.7 Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs ) Employees must seek pre-clearance for transactions in respect of ETFs unless otherwise indicated on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List. . ETFs are Covered Securities and are still subject to requirements and limits on personal investing as described in sections 4 and 7, irrespective of whether pre-clearance is required

 

  3.4.8 Note that all of the transactions described in paragraphs 3.4.1. to 3.4.7, while not subject to pre-clearance, are nevertheless subject to all of the reporting requirements set forth below in paragraph 7.3. This must be done in a timely manner after the transaction.

 

4 TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING

 

  4.1 All transactions in Covered Accounts which are subject to the pre-clearance requirements specified in this Code are also subject to the following trading restrictions:

 

  4.1.1 Restricted Lists Employees requesting pre-clearance to buy or sell a security on the Restricted List may be restricted from executing the trade because of potential conflicts of interest.

 

  4.1.2 Blackout Periods An employee may not buy or sell, or permit any Covered Account to buy or sell, a security or any instrument if there is conflicting activity in an Invesco Client account.

Non-Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within two trading days before or after a Client trades in that security; and

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 12 of 29


    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

Investment Personnel .

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within three trading days before or after a Client trades in that security; and

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security with the trading desk.

De Minimis Exemptions. Compliance will apply the following de minimis exemptions in granting pre-clearance when a Client has recently traded or is trading in a security involved in a Covered Person’s proposed personal securities transaction:

o Equity de minimis exemptions .

• If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30-day period provided the issuer of such security is included in the FTSE 100 Index, DAX Index, CAC 40 Index or any of the other main indices globally included on the De Minimis Indices List which can be accessed on the Invesco intranet using the following link:

http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-NA/Training/Documents/De%20Minimis%20

Indices%20List.pdf .

• If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30-day period provided that there is no conflicting client activity in that security during the blackout period or on the trading desk that exceeds 500 shares per trading day.

o Fixed income de minimis exemptions . If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of trading activity in a particular fixed income security he or she may execute up to EUR  70,000 of par value of such security in a rolling 30-day period.

The automated review system will confirm that there is no activity currently on the trading desk on the security involved in the proposed personal securities transaction and will verify that there have been no Client transactions for the requested security within the last two trading days for all Covered Persons except Investment Personnel for whom the blackout period is the last three trading days.

For Investments, Portfolio Administration and IT personnel, Compliance will also check the trading activity of affiliates with respect to which such personnel have access to transactional information to verify that there have been no Client transactions in the requested security during the blackout period. Compliance will notify the Covered Person of the approval or denial of the proposed personal securities transaction.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 13 of 29


Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business/trade day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day (see section 3.3.3). If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction prior to closing of the market immediately following the approval, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval.

 

  4.1.3 In the event there is a trade in a client account in the same security or instrument within a blackout period, the Employee may be required to close out the position and to disgorge any profit to a charitable organisation chosen by Invesco Compliance.

 

  4.1.4 Invesco Ltd. Securities

1. No Employee may effect short sales of Invesco Ltd. securities.

2. No Employee may engage in transactions in publicly traded options, such as puts, calls and other derivative securities relating to the Invesco Ltd.’s securities, on an exchange or any other organized market.

3. For all Covered Persons, all transactions, including transfers by gift, in Invesco Ltd. Securities are subject to pre-clearance regardless of the size of the transaction, and are subject to “blackout” periods established by Invesco Ltd. and holding periods prescribed under the terms of the agreement or program under which the securities were received.

4. Holdings of Invesco Ltd. securities in Covered Persons accounts are subject to the reporting requirements specified in Section 7.3 of this Code.

Any Employee who becomes aware of material non-public information about Invesco is prohibited from trading in Invesco Securities. Full details of the Invesco stock transaction Pre-Clearance Guide and restrictions for all Employees of Invesco can be found in Appendix B.

 

  4.1.5 Invesco Investment Trusts Staff dealing in Invesco Investment Trusts will also be subject to closed periods as dictated by each of the Trusts.

 

  4.1.6 Affiliated Funds such as the Cross Border Product Range, PowerShares ETFs, French domiciled UCITS and other affiliated schemes will be subject to the Short -Term Trading restrictions (60 day rule - see 4.1.7). Any preferential rate of sales charge allowed to staff will be withdrawn in circumstances where it is apparent that the Employee has traded on a short-term basis in those shares i.e. where previous transactions by that person have resulted in the short-term holding of those investments. Shares of affiliated schemes will not be accepted for redemption if the funds themselves are closed for redemption due to the effects of subsequent market or currency movements.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 14 of 29


  4.1.7 Short-Term Trading Profits It is Invesco’s policy to restrict the ability of Employees to benefit from short-term trading in securities and instruments. Employees must disgorge profits made on the sale of any security or instrument held less than 60 days. This section (4.1.7) will not apply to Financial Spread Betting transactions which have been approved under the Exceptions section (4.1.15) of this Policy.

 

  4.1.8 Initial Public Offerings No Employee may purchase or permit any Covered Account to purchase a security offered pursuant to an initial public offering, except in a Venture Capital Trust or Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), wherever such offering is made. However where the public offering is made by a Government of where the Employee is resident and different amounts of the offering are specified for different investor types e.g. private and institutional, the Compliance Officer may allow such purchases after consultation with the EMEA functional lead.

 

  4.1.9 Privately-Issued Securities Employees may not purchase or permit a Covered Account to purchase or acquire any privately-issued securities, other than in exceptional cases specifically approved by the Compliance Officer after consultation with the EMEA functional lead (e.g. where such investment is part of a family-owned and operated business venture that would not be expected to involve an investment opportunity of interest to any Invesco client).

 

  4.1.10 Employees, however, may invest in interests in private investment funds (i.e. hedge funds) that are established to invest predominantly in public securities and instruments, subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions and reporting requirements contained in this Code. Employees may also invest in residential co-operatives and private recreational clubs (such as sports clubs, country clubs, luncheon clubs and the like) for their personal use; such investments are not subject to the pre-clearance procedures, trading restrictions and reporting requirements unless the Employee’s investing is part of a business conducted by the Employee. Such ownership should be reported to the Compliance Officer.

 

  4.1.11 Short Sales An Employee may not sell short a security.

 

  4.1.12 Financial Spread Betting Employees may not enter into Financial Spread betting arrangements unless they have applied in writing to do so under the Exceptions section of this Policy (4.1.15) and have received written confirmation that this is permitted. Exceptions will not be granted for Financial Spread Betting on single stocks but, depending on the circumstances, spread betting on Foreign Exchange Rates, Main Indices and Government Bonds may be allowed on an exceptions basis.

 

  4.1.13 Futures Employees may not write, sell or buy exchange-traded futures, synthetic futures, swaps and similar non-exchange traded instruments.

 

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  4.1.14 Investment Clubs Employee participation in an investment club with the purpose of pooling money and investing based on group investment decisions is prohibited.

 

  4.1.15 Exceptions The EMEA functional lead, local Head of Office and the Director of Compliance EMEA (ex UK) (or their designees) may together, on a case by case basis, grant exceptions from these trading restrictions upon written request. Any exceptions granted will be reported to the local Board of Directors at least annually.

 

5 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, CONFIDENTIALITY AND OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS

 

  5.1 In order to reduce potential conflicts of interest arising from the participation of Employees on the boards of directors of public, private, non-profit and other enterprises, all Employees are subject to the following restrictions and guidelines:

 

  5.1.1 An Employee may not serve as a director of a public company without the approval of the Compliance Officer after consultation with the EMEA functional lead and the Head of Office.

 

  5.1.2 An Employee may serve on the board of directors or participate as an adviser or otherwise, or advisers of a private company only if:

 

  (i) client assets have been invested in such company and having a seat on the board would be considered beneficial to our clients interest; and

 

  (ii) service on such board has been approved in writing by the Compliance Officer after consultation with the EMEA functional lead and the Head of Office. The Employee must resign from such board of directors as soon as the company contemplates going public, except where the Compliance Officer (after consultation with the EMEA functional lead and the Head of Office) has determined that an Employee may remain on a board. In any event, an Employee shall not accept any compensation for serving as a director (or in a similar capacity) of such company; any compensation offered shall either be refused or, if unable to be refused, distributed pro rata to the relevant client accounts.

 

  5.1.3 An Employee must receive prior written permission from the local Head of Office (after consultation with the Compliance Officer) or his designee before serving as a director, non-executive director, trustee or member of an advisory board of either:

 

  (i) any non-profit or charitable institution; or

 

  (ii) a private family-owned and operated business.

 

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  5.1.4 An Employee may serve as an officer or director of a residential co-operative, but must receive prior written permission from the local Head of Office (after consultation with the Compliance Officer) before serving as a director if, in the course of such service, he or she gives advice with respect to the management of the co-operative’s funds.

 

  5.1.5 If an Employee serving on the board of directors or advisers of any entity comes into possession of material, non-public information through such service, he or she must immediately notify the Compliance Officer.

 

  5.1.6 An Invesco Employee shall not take personal advantage of any economic opportunity properly belonging to an Invesco Client or to Invesco itself. Such opportunities could arise, for example, from confidential information belonging to a client or the offer of a directorship. Employees must not disclose information relating to a client’s intentions, activities or portfolios except:

 

  i) to fellow Employees, or other agents of the client, who need to know it to discharge their duties; or

 

  ii) to the client itself.

 

  5.1.7 Employees may not cause or attempt to cause any Client to purchase, sell or hold any Security in a manner calculated to create any personal benefit to the Employee or Invesco.

 

  5.1.8 If an Employee or immediate family member stands to materially benefit from an investment decision for an Advisory Client that the Employee is recommending or participating in, the Employee must disclose that interest to persons with authority to make investment decisions and to the local Compliance Officer. Based on the information given, a decision will be made on whether or not to restrict the Employee’s participation in causing a client to purchase or sell a Security in which the Employee has an interest.

 

  5.1.9 An Employee must disclose to those persons with authority to make investment decisions for a Client (or to the Compliance Officer if the Employee in question is a person with authority to make investment decisions for the Client), any Beneficial Interest that the Employee (or immediate family) has in that Security or an Equivalent Security, or in the issuer thereof, where the decision could create a material benefit to the Employee (or immediate family) or the appearance of impropriety. The person to whom the Employee reports the interest, in consultation with the Compliance Officer, must determine whether or not the Employee will be restricted in making investment decisions.

 

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6 CLIENT INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES OWNED BY INVESCO EMPLOYEES

 

  6.1 General Principles In addition to the specific prohibitions on certain personal securities transactions as set forth herein, and in-line with the requirements of the Fraud Policy, all Employees are prohibited from:

 

  6.1.1 Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any prospect or client;

 

  6.1.2 Making any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state to a client or a prospective client, a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

 

  6.1.3 Engaging in any act, practice or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any prospect or client;

 

  6.1.4 Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to any prospect or client;

 

  6.1.5 Revealing to any other person (except in the normal course of his or her duties on behalf of a client) any information regarding securities transactions by any client or by Invesco, or

 

  6.1.6 Revealing to any other person (except in the normal course of his or her duties on behalf of a client) the consideration of any securities transactions by any client or by Invesco.

 

7 CERTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

  7.1 This Code forms part of an employee’s contract of employment and any breach may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including summary dismissal.

 

  7.2 In order to implement the general principles, restrictions and prohibitions contained in this Code, each Employee is required to provide the following certifications and reports described in sections 7.2 to 7.4 below.:

7.2.1 On commencing employment at Invesco, each new employee shall receive a copy of the Code and will be expected to confirm that they understand and accept this Code within 10 days of commencing employment.

7.2.2 New employees are also required, within 10 days of commencing employment, to provide the following to the Compliance Department:

 

  (i) a list of all Covered Accounts (see Initial Holdings Report 7.3.1); and

 

  (ii) details of any directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit, non-profit and other enterprises.

 

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  7.3 Employees are required to sign-off and submit various reports in the Star Compliance system as detailed in sections 7.3.1 to 7.3.4 below. Employees that do not hold any Covered Securities or Covered Accounts are still required to sign-off on these reports.

7.3.1 Initial Holdings Reports. Within 10 calendar days of becoming a Covered Person, each Covered Person must complete an Initial Holdings Report by reporting the following information (the information must be current within 45 days of the date the person becomes a Covered Person):

 

    A list of all security holdings, including the name, number of shares (for equities) and the principal amount (for debt securities) in which the person has direct or indirect Beneficial Interest. A Covered Person is presumed to havea Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of their immediate family sharing the same household (e.g., a spouse or civil partner and children) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

 

    The security identifier (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the person; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person

7.3.2 Quarterly Transactions Reports. All Covered Persons must report, no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the following information for all transactions in a Covered Security in which a Covered Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest:

 

    The date of all transactions in that quarter, the security name, the number of shares (for equity securities); or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and the principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security;

 

    The nature of the transaction (buy, sell, etc.);

 

    The security identifier (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was executed;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank executing the transaction; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted to Compliance.

All Covered Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report regardless of whether they executed transactions during the quarter or not. If a Covered Person did not execute transactions subject to reporting requirements during a quarter, the report must include a representation to that effect. Covered Persons need not include transactions that do not require pre-clearance such as transactions made through an Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan or Exempt Investments (refer to section 3.2).

Additionally, Covered Persons must report information on any new brokerage account established by the Covered Person during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit

 

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of the Covered Person (including Covered Securities held in a retirement vehicle, including plans sponsored by Invesco or its affiliates).

The report shall include:

 

    The date the account was established;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted to Compliance.

Compliance may identify transactions by Covered Persons that technically comply with the Code for review based on any pattern of activity that has an appearance of a conflict of interest.

7.3.3 Annual Holdings Reports. All Covered Persons must report annually the following information, which must be current within 45 days of the date the report is submitted to Compliance:

 

    The security name and the number of shares (for equities) or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security in which the Covered Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest;

 

    The security identifier for each Covered Security (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which the security is held;

 

    With respect to Discretionary Accounts, if any, certifications that such Employee does not discuss any investment decisions with the person making investment decisions;

 

    With respect to any non-public security owned by such Employee, a statement indicating whether the issuer has changed its name or publicly issued securities during such calendar year; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

7.3.4 Certification of Compliance. All Covered Persons must certify annually that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code. In addition, all Covered Persons must certify annually that they have complied with the requirements of the Code and that they have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the Code. If material changes are made to the Code during the year, these changes will also be reviewed and approved, where required, by the relevant board/management committee.

All Covered Persons must certify within 30 days of the effective date of the amended code that they have read and understand the Code and recognise that they are subject to the Code. On an annual basis, Employees are required to provide an updated list of the following to Compliance:

 

  i) directorships (or similar positions) of for-profit, non-profit and other enterprises;

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 20 of 29


  ii) potential conflicts of interest identified which have not yet been reported to the Compliance Department; and

 

  iii) potential Fiduciary or Treating Customers Fairly issues identified which have not yet been reported to the Compliance Department/ escalated through appropriate reporting channels.

 

  7.4 Confirmations and Statements.

In respect of each covered personal securities transaction involving a Covered Security, Employees are encouraged to direct their brokers to deliver to the Invesco Compliance Department, duplicate trade confirmations and account statements for their Covered Accounts in a timely manner. If duplicate contract notes are not provided by the broker, the Employee must provide the statements directly to Compliance in a timely manner following a trade or receipt of a periodic statement. In addition, Employees must provide duplicate trade confirmations and account statements directly to the Compliance upon request.

Material breaches and concerns are reported to Invesco boards, and/or committees of same, as appropriate.

 

  7.5 Exempt Investments Confirmations, periodic statements, and periodic reports need not be provided with respect to Exempt Investments (see 3.2). If an account has the ability to hold both Covered Securities and Exempt Investments, the periodic statement will need to be provided and may include information regarding Exempt Investments.

 

  7.6 Disclaimer of Beneficial Interest Any report required under this Code may contain a statement that such report is not to be construed as an admission by the person making the report that he or she has any direct and indirect beneficial interest of the security to which the report relates.

 

  7.7 Annual Review The Compliance Officer will review the Code on an annual basis and as necessary, in light of legal and business developments and experience in implementing the Code, and will prepare a report, where required/appropriate, to the relevant board/management committee that:

 

  7.7.1 summarizes existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the past year,

 

  7.7.2 identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action during the past year, and

 

  7.7.3 identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based on the experience under the Code, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations

 

8 MISCELLANEOUS

 

  8.1

Interpretation The provisions of this Code will be interpreted by the Compliance Officer. Questions of interpretation should be directed in the first instance to the Compliance Officer or his/her

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 21 of 29


designee or, if necessary, with the Compliance Officer of another Invesco entity. The interpretation of the Compliance Officer is final.

 

  8.2 Sanctions Compliance will issue a letter of education to the Covered Persons involved in violations of the Code that are determined to be inadvertent or immaterial.

Invesco may impose additional sanctions in the event of repeated violations or violations that are determined to be material or not inadvertent, including disgorgement of profits (or the differential between the purchase or sale price of the personal security transaction and the subsequent purchase or sale price by a relevant Client during the enumerated period), a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment.

Any violations of this Code and sanctions therefore will be reported to the local Board of Directors at least annually.

 

  8.3 Effective Date This revised Code shall become effective as of 1  October 2016.

 

  8.4 IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team Contact Information You may direct any questions regarding this Code to the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team by email to codeofethicsEMEAexUK@invesco.com . If you are not utilising Star Compliance please refer your queries to local Compliance.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 22 of 29


9 SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OF INVESCO REAL ESTATE AND EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATED WITH REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY INVESCO :

 

  9.1 The purpose of this section is to ensure all personal real estate transactions and financing of Employees are conducted
    to place the interests of Invesco’s clients first,

 

    to avoid any actual, potential or appearance of a conflict of interest,

 

    to avoid any abuse of an Employee’s position of trust and responsibility and

 

    to avoid the possibility that Employees would take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

 

  9.2 The requirements in these sections are an addition to rather than a substitute of all other requirements made in the Code of Ethics.

Restrictions

Any Employee who:

 

    knowingly invests in real estate or recommends investments in real estate while in possession of material, non-public information,

 

    informs somebody (outside of Invesco or the client) about a real estate investment or about a client using information he has received through his employment with Invesco may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, as well as to immediate suspension and/or dismissal from Invesco.

These restrictions also apply to investments undertaken by third parties on the Employee’s account or by the Employee for another person.

Definitions

‘Material information’ is any information about a real estate investment which, if disclosed, is likely to affect the market price of a real estate investment. Examples of information which should be presumed to be “material” are matters such as income from property, pollution of the premises, earnings estimates of a real estate project development plans or changes of such estimates, or forthcoming transformation of land into building land prior to public planning.

‘Non-public information’ is information that is not provided by publicly available sources. Information about a real estate investment is considered to be non-public if it is received under circumstances which indicate that such information may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to any party involved in the real estate project or its insiders, or that the recipient knows to have been furnished by someone in breach of a fiduciary duty. An example of non-public information related to real estate investments is the desire or need of a client to sell a real estate investment.

Inside information ’ is information of precise nature, which has not been made public, relating, directly or indirectly to one or more issuers or to one or more instruments. The information is precise if it indicates circumstances which exist or may reasonably be expected to come into existence or an event that has occurred or may reasonably be expected to occur and is specific enough to enable a conclusion to be drawn as to the possible effect on the price of the relevant real estate investment.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 23 of 29


In the case of a protracted process that is intended to bring about, or that results in, particular circumstances or a particular event, those future circumstances or that future event, and also the intermediate steps of that process which are connected with bringing about or resulting in those future circumstances or that future event, may be deemed to be precise information

In particular, the following activities must not be entered into without carefully ensuring that there are no implications of insider trading and no appearance of a conflict of interest:

 

  1. Personally investing in real estate for a client when another client or a business partner of Invesco is involved in setting up and selling the investment. e.g. as an intermediary or a financier.

 

  2. Entering into a private real estate transaction or financing when any cost or fees brought forth by it are other than at arm’s length.

 

  3. Taking personal advantage of any economic opportunity properly belonging to an Invesco Client or to Invesco itself.

 

  4. Investing in real estate for a client where Invesco has access to information which may be price sensitive.

 

  5. Manipulation of the market by entering into a transaction, placing an order or any other behavior which gives or is likely to give false or misleading signals as to the supply of, demand form or price of a real estate investment or secures or is likely to secure the price of one or several real estate investments. This also covers any attempt of market manipulation.

 

  6. Release of any information (except in the normal course of his or her duties as an Employee of Invesco) about a client’s considerations of a real estate investment.

 

  7. Personally engaging in real estate investments and thereby using information received through the employment with Invesco.

Personal Investing Activities, Pre-Clearance and Pre-Notification

Prior to engaging in any private real estate transaction the Employee must fully disclose the transaction or financing to the local compliance officer along with details of any non-public information held by the Employee. Further detail may be requested by Compliance including an independent valuation or confirmation of purchase price.

It will only be permitted if it is not contrary to the interests of Invesco or the clients of Invesco. In the event that such an engagement was entered into before the Employee has joined Invesco and it is a commercial investment (not inhabited by the Employee or family members), it must be disclosed upon employment.

Disclosure of the transaction is also required if the Employee acts as an authorised agent, if the transaction is undertaken by a third party for the account of the Employee or if a transaction one in which an Employee has indirect financial interest or indirect benefit, such as those in the name of the Employee’s spouse, civil partner, or child living in the same household.

Compliance will without delay inform the Employee about the decision. If the permission for a particular investment is given, a time limit of one year applies to the actual engagement in this specific investment.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 24 of 29


APPENDIX A

 

DEFINITIONS

 

1. Advisory Client’ means any client (including both investment companies and managed accounts) for which Invesco serves as an investment adviser, renders investment advice, or makes investment decisions.

 

2. ‘Beneficial Interest’ means the opportunity to share, directly or indirectly, in any profit or loss on a transaction in Securities, including but not limited to all joint accounts, partnerships and trusts.

 

3. A ‘Covered Account’ is defined for purposes of this Policy as any account:

 

    Where the Employee is the registered owner of the securities in the account, thereby having a direct financial interest or benefit from the account; or

 

    In which an Employee has indirect financial interest or indirect benefit, such as accounts held in the name of the Employee’s spouse, civil partner, or child living in the same household.

 

    In which an Employee has direct control, such as any account for which the Employee has a power of attorney or trading authorization, trust accounts on which the Employee is appointed a trustee, or corporate accounts for which the Employee is an authorised signing officer.

The examples provided above are not all-inclusive. There may be other account types and registrations not listed above that are considered covered for the purposes of this Policy.

 

4. ‘Employee’ means a person who has a contract of employment with an Invesco Company within Europe (excluding UK); including consultants, contractors or temporary Employees.

 

5. ‘Equivalent Security’ means any Security issued by the same entity as the issuer of a security, including options, rights, warrants, preferred stock, restricted stock, bonds and other obligations of that company.

 

6. ‘Fund’ means an investment company for which Invesco serves as an adviser or subadviser.

 

7. ‘High quality short-term debt instruments’ means any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and which is treated in one of the highest two rating categories by a Nationally Recognised Statistical Rating Organisation, or which is unrated but is of comparable quality.

 

9. ‘Initial Public Offering’ means any security which is being offered for the first time on a Recognised Stock Exchange.

 

10. ‘Open-Ended Collective Investment Scheme’ means any Open-ended Investment Company, US Mutual Fund, UK ICVC or Irish Unit Trust, Luxembourg SICAV, French SICAV or Bermuda Fund.

 

11. ‘Securities Transaction’ means a purchase of or sale of Securities.

 

12. ‘Security’ includes stock, notes, bonds, debentures and other evidences of indebtedness (including loan participations and assignments), limited partnership interests, investment contracts, and all derivative instruments, such as options and warrants.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 25 of 29


13. Affiliate schemes” defined as all UK domiciled Invesco ICVCs, all Invesco Continental European domestic ranges and all Invesco Ireland and Luxembourg SICAVs and Unit Trusts.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 26 of 29


APPENDIX B

 

 

Type of Transaction in IVZ

   Pre-
Clearance
     Basis for
Approval
   Quarterly
Reporting of
Transactions
     Annual Report
of Holdings
 

- Open market purchases & sales

     Yes      Not permitted in      Yes        Yes  

- Transactions in plan

      blackout periods.      
    
Compliance
Officer
 
 
        Compliance Officer       
Compliance
Officer
 
 

 

Exercise of Employee Stock Options when same day sale

     Yes      Not permitted in
closed periods
     Yes        n/a  

•  Rec’d when merged w/ Invesco

     IVZ Company      for those in the      Compliance     

•  Options for Stock Grants

     Secretarial      ‘Blackout Group’.      Officer     

•  Options for Global Stock Plans

           

•  Options for Restricted StkAwards

           
      Option holding      
      period must be      
      satisfied.      
Sale of Stocks Exercised and held until      Yes      Not permitted in      Yes        Yes  
later date. Options Exercised will have       closed periods      
been received as follows:      Compliance      for those in the      Compliance Officer        Compliance  

•  Rec’d when merged w/ Invesco

     Officer      ‘Blackout Group’.         Officer  

•  Options for Stock Grants

           

•  Options for Global Stock Plans

•  Options for Restricted StkAwards

      Stock holding
period must be
satisfied.
     
Sale of Stock Purchased through Sharesave or Invesco Employee Stock Purchase Plan     

 


Yes

 

Compliance
Officer

 

 

 
 

   Not permitted in
closed periods
for those in the
‘Blackout Group’.
    

 

Yes

 

Compliance Officer

 

 

 

    

 


Yes

 

Compliance
Officer

 

 

 
 

1) Open market purchases/sales - Pre-clearance to deal is required from Compliance, no dealing is permitted during close periods for those in the ‘Blackout Group’. Details of closed periods are posted to the intranet site by Company Secretarial.

2) Employee Stock Options (a)  exercise/same day sale - authorisation of the Option is granted by Company Secretarial Department and signed by Trustees of the Scheme.

3) Employee Stock Options (b)  exercise/take possession/subsequent day sale - same as above, except that individual would pay for the shares and pay tax. The stock would then be lodged in the Employee share service arrangement - then if subsequent disposal was sought the normal pre-clearance process would apply (pre-clearance from Compliance - no dealing during closed periods for ‘Blackout Group’ members).

4) Stock Grants (Global Stock Plans) - Awards made yearly, stock would be purchased through Company Secretarial and held for three years. After three years elect to keep the shares or distribute - stock would be transferred to Employee share service arrangement with normal pre-clearance/closed period requirements.

5) Employees who receive IVZ stock when their company is purchased by IVZ - stock distribution as part of the transaction to buy the Company concerned. Stock would be issued to the individual concerned and, depending on the terms of the deal, may be required to be held for a period. Stock would be transferred into the Employee share service, and subject to terms of the Company deal would then follow normal pre-clearance/close period guidelines.

6) Restricted Stock Awards - similar to stock grants as above - except tax not paid initially - pre-clearance from Compliance and closed period restrictions apply.

7) Transactions in IVZ stock via a pension plan - Transaction no different to open market purchases - pre-clearance required, dealing in closed periods not allowed.

8) Sharesave - If Sharesave is exercised then stock would be placed into Employee share service arrangement. Then if individual sells they go through normal pre-clearance and closed period process. Special rules may be brought in at share save anniversary dates. These will be communicated as appropriate.

10) Invesco Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) - payroll deduction contributions or purchases into the ESPP do not require pre-clearance but all sale transactions do require pre-clearance. Employees who are not subject to a blackout period are allowed to sell the IVZ shares immediately they are available to sell. The 60 day holding period does not apply to such sales.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 27 of 29


APPENDIX C

 

Personal Account Dealing Guidance Overview

 

Investment / transaction type   

60 day  

holding  

period  

*  

  

Pre-  

Clearance  

  

Post-  

event  

Reporting  

   Exempt     

Not

Allowed

           
ANY deliberate transactions (buys or sells) in Covered Securities of any type including: Equities, Options, Fixed Income, Venture Capital Funds, IVZ shares**, ETFs etc.    x      x                 
           
IVZ funds/products including PowerShares ETFs    x      x                 
           
Privately issued investment securities/hedge funds    x      x                 
           
Independent Non-Executive Directors: Personal Investment Transactions in IVZ Ltd. shares & products.    x      x                 
           
Government and local authority debt (non-OECD country)    x           x            
           
Independent Non-Executive Directors: Personal Investment Transactions in non- IVZ shares & funds    x           x            
           
Undirected/Automatic transactions or movements    x           x            
           
Non-IVZ Collective Investment Schemes (excluding ETFs)                   x       
           
OECD debt (e.g. US treasury bills)                   x       
           
Financial Spread betting ***                        x  
           
Initial Public Offerings***                        x  
           
Futures/Short Sales                        x  

Note: in all cases, unless exempt, contract notes confirming the trades must be provided to Compliance in a timely manner. Pre-trade approval is valid for that day only.

 

* An exemption might be granted but if so, profits cannot be retained
** May be subject to a close period
*** Apply for an exemption within the pre-trade authorisation process

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 28 of 29


APPENDIX D

 

 

 

LOGO

APPENDIX D INVESCO PRE-CLEARANCE OF PERSONAL TRADE AUTHORISATION FORM N.B. UK Employess with access to STAR must use STAR for preclearance. EMEA Ex UK Employees are encouraged to use STAR but can use this form if desired. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE OPENED THIS FORM WITH MACROS ENABLED Section A STEP 1 PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION : Permission is sought to: Type of Security: Please state the Name of Company / Fund Stock ID (ISIN etc: ) Please Date of Request: Name of Broker Office to-date Account Number Name of Beneficial Owner: Address of Beneficial Owner: Amount of transaction: Shares or currency: PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION FULLY BY PUTTING AN ‘X’ IN ONLY ONE OF THE BOXES BELOW AND THEN PRESSING THE ENTER BUTTON ON YOUR KEYPAD. THE NOTE BELOW THE BOXES WILL THEN TELL YOU WHAT TO DO NEXT This is a transaction in a Venture Capital Trust (VCT) or an Invesco/Invesco affiliated fund or a transaction in Invesco shares This a transaction in a non-Invesco affiliated fund This is a transaction which is not listed in the above two options (e.g. Investment Trusts; Ordinary shares etc.. ) PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE FOR GUIDANCE I have read the Invesco Code of Ethics relevant to my region and believe to the best of my knowledge that the proposed trade (s) fully comply with the requirements of the Code. Name of Employee: Date: here to view the INVESCO UK and EMEA ex UK Code of Ethics (If you click link press the enter button on returning to form) STEP 2: COMPLETE EITHER SECTION B OR C BELOW AS INSTRUCTED ABOVE AND READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Section B——Venture Capital Trusts(VCTs); Affiliated funds (Complete this section if directed by Section A above. ) Step 3: Answer the questions below. If you are unable to change the answers to “N” please press the enter button and try again. If this does not work then you may not have enabled macros when opening the form and you should close the form and start again. 1 I certify that I do not possess material nonpublic information regarding this security and its issuer, nor am I aware of any recent trading Yes No activity in this security on behalf of clients. 2 Have you or any account covered by the pre-authorisation provisions of the Code purchased or sold these securities (or equivalent securities) in the prior 60 days? Yes No Step 4 E-mail to:*UK- Compliance Personal Share Dealing, Date: Time: Compliance Step 5: Compliance will review and revert by e-mail. You can now trade. The trade must be completed by the end of the business day from the date of this confirmation. For UK staff please ensure copy contract notes are forwarded to Kim McLaren. For EMEA ex UK contract notes should be provided to *EMEA (ex UK)——Compliance PSD Manual Process. Section C——Equity, Bonds, Warrants etc Step 3: Answer the questions below. If you are unable to change the answers to “N” please press the enter button and try again. If this does not work then you may not have enabled macros when opening the form and you should close the form and start again. 1 Do you, or to your knowledge does anyone at Invesco, possess material non-public information regarding the security or the issuer of Yes No the security? 2 To your knowledge are the securities (or equivalent securities) being considered, for purchase or sale by one or more accounts managed by Yes No Invesco? 3 Have you or any account covered by the pre-authorisation provisions of the Code purchased or sold these securities (or equivalent securities) Yes No in the prior 60 days? 4 Are the securities being acquired in an initial public offering? Yes No 5 Are the securities being acquired in a private placement? If so, please complete the Private Placement form which can be obtained from the Yes No Compliance Department. STEP 4: UK employees to e-mail to *UK- Compliance Personal Share Dealing, Compliance are signing off to confirm that the securities in question have not been traded in the last three days (unless the deal is <500 shares and a main index constituent) or up to (€70,000 of par value for Fixed income and a main index constituent) and there are no outstanding orders. STEP 5: Compliance will approve or reject items back to the applicant. Compliance Compliance sign off is given for securities deals based on a review of your responses in Section 3 indicating that there would be no breach of Invesco’s fiduciary duty by the trade being executed and evidencing compliance review of personal trading restrictions as outlined in the Code of Ethics. Step 6: Once authorisation has been received from Compliance you can place the trade by the end of business day without further approval. UK staff must provide a copy of the contract note to Kim McLaren, Compliance Department, Henley. EMEA ex UK staff must provide copy contract notes to *EMEA (ex UK)——Compliance PSD Manual Process. AUTHORITY TO DEAL This is to confirm that authorisation has been given today to the above application to acquire/dispose of the above amount of shares/bonds/options etc. This consent shall remain valid until the end of the business day from the date of this authority letter and the transaction must be completed within this time period. As a condition of this consent the Company reserves the right to its withdrawal if circumstances arise, prior to your effecting this transaction, thatwould then make it inappropriate for you to enter into this transaction. You are required to ensure that a copy of the contract note evidencing the transaction is forwarded to the relevant Compliance department in a timely manner. This authorisation is given subject to the Invesco Code of Ethics relevant to your region. 29.09.2015 Invesco assures that the confidentiality standards and data protection requirements of the country of origin are maintained. It also assures that all information regarding employees’ requests for trading remains confidential and are handled by authorised personnel only.

 

  2016 Code of Ethics EMEA (ex UK)        Page 29 of 29

LOGO

Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.

Policies and Procedures

Code of Ethics Policy

 

Policy Owner:    Compliance, Management
Policy Approver:    Compliance
Version:    1.15
Last Review Date:    June 1, 2015
Next Review Date:    June 1, 2016
Review Frequency:    Annual and as needed
Applicable Authority:    Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
Policy Cross References:   

Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, Invesco Insider Trading Policies; Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, Invesco Advisers, Inc. Political Contributions Policy;

ISSM Advertising and Marketing Policy, Information Wall and Material Non-Public Information Policy, Political Contributions Policy, and Gifts and Entertainment Policy

Overview

In our efforts to ensure that Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. (“ISSM”) develops and maintains a reputation for integrity and high ethical standards, it is essential not only that ISSM and its employees comply with relevant federal and state securities laws, but also that we maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct. The ISSM Code of Ethics (the “Code”) is designed to help ensure that we conduct our business consistent with these high standards.

The policies and procedures set forth in the Code apply to all employees of the firm. Failure to comply with the Code may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

ISSM holds to the following principles:

 

    We are fiduciaries. Our duty is at all times to place the interests of our Clients first.

 

    All personal securities transactions will be conducted in such a manner as to be consistent with the Code and to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an employee’s position of trust and responsibility.

 

    No employee should take inappropriate advantage of their position.

 

    The fiduciary principle that information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of any Client is confidential.

 

This policy is the property of Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and may not be provided to any

external party without express prior consent from Compliance or Legal.

 

1


Standards of Business Conduct

In adherence to Invesco’s Code of Conduct, all Invesco employees must comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws. Employees are not permitted, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of a security held or to be acquired by a Client:

 

    To defraud such Client in any manner;

 

    To engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon such a Client;

 

    To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to such Client; or

 

    To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.

Conflicts of Interest

As a fiduciary, ISSM has an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty, and good faith to act in the best interests of its Clients. Compliance with this duty can be achieved by avoiding conflicts of interest and by fully disclosing all material facts concerning any conflict that does arise with respect to any Client. Employees should try to avoid any situation that has even the appearance of conflict or impropriety.

Personal Securities Transactions

All access persons are required to comply with Invesco’s policies and procedures regarding personal securities transactions. Information concerning the identity of security holdings and all material nonpublic information related to the holdings of Clients is confidential. Employees are prohibited from disclosing to persons outside the firm any material nonpublic information about any Client, the investments made by the firm on behalf of Clients, and information regarding the firm’s trading strategies, except as required to effectuate securities transactions on behalf of a client or for other legitimate business purposes.

Refer to ISSM’s Information Wall and Material Non-Public Information Policy and Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Code of Ethics for specific requirements.

Gifts and Entertainment

A conflict of interest occurs when the personal interests of employees interfere or could potentially interfere with their responsibilities to the firm and its clients. The overriding principle is that supervised persons should not accept inappropriate gifts, favors,

 

This policy is the property of Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and may not be provided to any

external party without express prior consent from Compliance or Legal.

Page 2


entertainment, special accommodations, or other things of material value that could influence their decision-making or make them feel beholden to a person or firm. Similarly, supervised persons should not offer gifts, favors, entertainment or other things of value that could be viewed as overly generous or aimed at influencing decision-making or making a client feel beholden to the firm or the supervised person.

Refer to the ISSM Gifts and Entertainment Policy for more detailed guidelines.

Political Contributions

ISSM recognizes that various laws and regulations impact the ability of ISSM and its employees to make political contributions in certain circumstances. ISSM seeks to comply with the prohibitions of Rule 206(4)-5 under the Advisers Act (the “SEC Pay to Play Rule”). ISSM also seeks to comply with all other laws that may restrict or prohibit ISSM or its employees from making certain political contributions.

Refer to the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Political Contributions Policy for more detailed guidelines.

Board of Directors

Because of the high potential for conflicts of interest and insider trading problems, investment personnel may not serve on the boards of directors of any public companies without previous approval from the IVZ Global Code of Ethics Team. If the outside business activity is approved, the employee must recuse himself or herself from making Client investment decisions concerning the particular company or issuer as appropriate, provided that this recusal requirement shall not apply with respect to certain employees that serve on corporate boards as a result of, or in connection with, Client investments made in those companies.

Marketing and Promotional Activities

All oral and written statements, including those made to clients, prospective clients, their representatives, or the media must be professional, accurate, balanced, and not misleading in any way. Any promotional materials must be pre-approved.

Refer to the ISSM Advertising and Marketing Policy for specific guidelines.

 

This policy is the property of Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and may not be provided to any

external party without express prior consent from Compliance or Legal.

Page 3


Other Outside Activities

Employees are prohibited from engaging in outside business or investment activities that may interfere with their duties with the firm. Outside business affiliations, including directorships of private companies, consulting engagements, or public/charitable positions must be approved in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).

Fiduciary Appointments

Approval must be obtained from the CCO before accepting an executorships, trusteeship, or power of attorney, other than with respect to a family member. Fiduciary appointments on behalf of family members must be disclosed at the inception of the relationship.

Disclosure

Employees should disclose any personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or harm the reputation of the firm.

Reporting Violations

ISSM appointed Lisa L. Gray as its CCO. All references to the CCO in this policy or other ISSM policies refer to Lisa L. Gray. All employees are required to report any material violation of the firm’s Code promptly to the CCO.

Confidentiality

All reports of potential Code breaches will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and investigated promptly and appropriately. Reports may not be submitted anonymously.

Sanctions

Any violations of this ISSM and the broader Invesco Code of Ethics will result in disciplinary action that a designated person deems appropriate, including but not limited to, a warning, fines, disgorgement, suspension, demotion, or termination of employment. In addition to sanctions, violations may result in referral to civil or criminal authorities where appropriate.

 

This policy is the property of Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and may not be provided to any

external party without express prior consent from Compliance or Legal.

Page 4


Definitions

Access Person - an access person is any one that may have access to client information.

Supervised Person - includes directors, officers, and partners of the firm, employees of the firm, and any other person who provides advice on behalf of the adviser and is subject to the adviser’s supervision and control.

Covered Securities - Any stock, bond, future, investment contract or any other instrument that is considered a “security” under the Investment Advisers Act. Covered securities do not include:

 

    Direct obligations of the US Government (e.g., treasury securities);

 

    Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase agreements;

 

    Shares issued by money market funds;

 

    Shares of open-end mutual funds that are not advised or sub-advised by Invesco Ltd. or any of its affiliates;

 

    Shares issued by unit investment trusts.

 

This policy is the property of Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. and may not be provided to any

external party without express prior consent from Compliance or Legal.

Page 5


Invesco Advisers, Inc.

CODE OF ETHICS

January 1, 2017

 

Code of Ethics    1   


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section

  

Item

   Page  
I.    Introduction      3  
II.    Statement of Fiduciary Principles      3  
III.    Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations; Reporting of Violations      4  
IV.    Limits on Personal Investing      4  
   A. Personal Investing      4  
          1        Pre-clearance of Personal Securities Transactions      4  
        2        Blackout Period      5  
               •      De Minimis Exemptions      6  
        3        Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits      7  
        4        Initial Public Offerings      7  
        5        Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel      7  
        6        Restricted List Securities      8  
        7        Other Criteria Considered in Pre-clearance      8  
        8        Covered Account Requirements      8  
        9        Private Securities Transactions      8  
        10        Limited Investment Opportunity      9  
        11        Excessive Short-Term Trading in Funds      9  
   B. Invesco Ltd. Securities      9  
   C. Limitations on Other Personal Activities      10  
        1        Outside Business Activities      10  
        2        Gifts and Entertainment      10  
               •      Gifts      10  
               •      Entertainment      10  
        3        U.S. Department of Labor Reporting      11  
   D. Parallel Investing Permitted      11  
V.    Reporting Requirements      11  
               a.      Initial Holdings Reports      11  
           b.      Quarterly Transaction Reports      12  
           c.      Annual Holdings Reports      13  
           d.      Gifts and Entertainment Reporting      13  
           e.      Certification of Compliance      13  
VI.    Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues      13  
VII.    Administration of the Code of Ethics      14  
VIII.    Sanctions      14  
IX.    Exceptions to the Code      14  
X.    Definitions      14  
XI.    Invesco Ltd. Policies and Procedures      17  
XII.    Code of Ethics Contacts      17  

 

Code of Ethics    2   


Invesco Advisers, Inc.

CODE OF ETHICS

(Originally adopted February 29, 2008; Amended effective January 1, 2017)

I. Introduction

Invesco Advisers, Inc. has a fiduciary relationship with respect to each portfolio under management. The interests of Clients and of the shareholders of investment company Clients take precedence over the personal interests of Covered Persons (defined below). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are defined at the end of this document.

This Code of Ethics (“the Code”) applies to Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Advisers, Inc’s. affiliated Broker-dealers (Invesco Distributors, Inc. and Invesco Capital Markets, Inc.), all Invesco Affiliated Mutual Funds, and all of their Covered Persons. Covered Persons include:

 

    any director, officer, full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties: makes, participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making investment recommendations, or obtains information concerning investment recommendations, with respect to such purchase or sale of Covered Securities; or has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations, or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.;

 

    all Employees of Invesco Ltd. located in the United States who are not covered by the Code of Ethics of a registered investment advisory affiliate of Invesco Ltd.; and

 

    any other persons falling within the definitions of Access Person or Advisory Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) or Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) and such other persons that may be deemed to be Covered Persons by Compliance.

Invesco Funds have created a separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual Funds. Independent Trustees are not Covered Persons under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics. Trustees who are not Independent Trustees and are not Employees of Invesco are also not Covered Persons under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, but must report his or her securities holdings, transactions, and accounts as required in the separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual funds.

II. Statement of Fiduciary Principles

The following fiduciary principles govern Covered Persons:

 

    the interests of Clients and shareholders of investment company Clients must be placed first at all times and Covered Persons must not take inappropriate advantage of his or her positions; and

 

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    all personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code and in a manner to avoid any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility; and

 

    this Code is our effort to address conflicts of interest that may arise in the ordinary course of our business and does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest. This Code does not necessarily shield Covered Persons from liability for personal trading or other conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to Clients and shareholders of investment company Clients.

III. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations; Reporting of Violations

All Covered Persons are required to comply with applicable state and federal securities laws, rules and regulations and this Code. Covered Persons shall promptly report any violations of laws or regulations or any provision of this Code of which they become aware to Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. Additional methods of reporting potential violations or compliance issues are described in Section VI. of this Code under “Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues.”

IV. Limits on Personal Investing

A. Personal Investing

1. Pre-clearance of Personal Security Transactions . All Covered Persons must pre-clear with Compliance, using the automated review system, all personal security transactions involving Covered Securities in which they have a Beneficial Interest unless otherwise indicated below. A Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household (i.e., a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction prior to closing of the market immediately following the approval, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval. Good-until-cancelled orders (GTCs) are not allowed.

Additionally, all Covered Persons must pre-clear personal securities transactions involving Covered Securities over which they have discretion. For example, if a Covered Person is directing the transactions for a friend or family member (regardless of whether they share the same household) all transactions in Covered Securities must be pre-cleared.

Covered Securities include, but are not limited to, all investments that can be traded by an Invesco Advisers, Inc. entity for its Clients, including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, municipal bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end mutual funds, and any of their derivatives such as options and futures. All Invesco Affiliated Mutual Funds (including both open-end and closed-end funds) and Invesco PowerShares ETFs are considered Covered Securities.

All transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities must be pre-cleared. Please refer to section IV.B for additional guidelines on Invesco Ltd. securities. Any transaction in a previous employer’s company stock that is

 

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obtained through an employee benefit plan or company stock fund held in an external retirement plan requires pre-clearance.

The Following Pre-clearance Exemptions Apply :

Invesco Affiliated Open–End Mutual Funds : All Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds must be held with an Approved Broker, at the Affiliated Mutual Funds’ transfer agent, in the CollegeBound 529 Savings Plan, or in the Invesco 401(k). Pre-clearance is not required for transactions in Affiliated Funds as long as the shares are held in compliance with this requirement.

CollegeBound 529 Savings Plan : All transactions in the CollegeBound 529 Savings Plan are exempt from pre-clearance.

Exchange Traded Products : Employees are exempt from pre-clearing broad-based Exchange Traded Products such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) and Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs) as described on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List , and any derivatives of these securities such as options. All Invesco PowerShares ETFs and ETFs not listed on the Pre-clearance Exempt ETF List must be pre-cleared .

Currencies, commodities : Employees are exempt from pre-clearing transactions in currencies and commodities.

Options, futures and all other derivatives based on an index of securities, currencies, and commodities : Employees are exempt from pre-clearing transactions in derivatives of an index of securities, currencies and commodities.

All Covered Securities are still subject to requirements and limits on personal investing as described in Section IV. and V. of the Code, irrespective of whether pre-clearance is required.

Exempted Securities:

Covered Securities do not include shares of money market funds, U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit or shares of open-end mutual funds not advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. Unit investment trusts, including those advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc., are not Covered Securities. However, this definition shall not apply to any series of the PowerShares QQQ Trust or the BLDRS Index Fund Trust. (Please refer to the “Definitions” section of this Code for more information on the term, Covered Security.)

If you are unclear about whether a proposed transaction involves a Covered Security, contact Compliance via email at codeofethicsnorthamerica@invesco.com or by phone at 1-877-331-CODE [1-877-331-2633] prior to executing the transaction.

Compliance will consider the following factors, among others, in determining whether or not pre-clearance approval will be provided. Please note that you must obtain pre-clearance even if you believe your transactions request satisfies the criteria below. The automated review system will review personal trade requests from Covered Persons based on the following considerations:

2. Blackout Period . Invesco Advisers, Inc. does not permit Covered Persons to trade in a Covered Security if there is conflicting activity in an Invesco Client account.

 

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    Non-Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within two trading days after a Client trades in that security.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

 

    Investment Personnel.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security within three trading days before or after a Client trades in that security.

 

    may not buy or sell a Covered Security if there is a Client order on that security currently with the trading desk.

For practical purposes, an Employee without knowledge of investment activity of a Client account would not know of such activity in advance of a Client trade. Therefore, for those Employees, trading with pre-clearance approval granted prior to a Client transaction will not be considered a violation of this Code of Ethics. Compliance will review personal securities transactions to identify potential conflicts in which there is an appearance that such an Employee could have traded while he or she was aware of upcoming Client transactions. If a potential conflict exists, this would be considered a violation of the blackout period required by this Code of Ethics.

De Minimis Exemptions . Compliance will apply the following de minimis exemptions in granting pre-clearance when a Client has recently traded or is trading in a security involved in a Covered Person’s proposed personal securities transaction:

 

    Equity de minimis exemptions .

 

    If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30-day period provided the issuer of such security is included in the Russell 1000 Index or any of the main indices globally included on the De Minimis Indices List which can be accessed on the Invesco intranet using the following link:

http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-NA/Training/Documents/De%20Minimis%20Indices%20List.pdf

 

    If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular equity security, he or she may execute up to 500 shares of such security in a rolling 30 day period provided that there is no conflicting Client activity in that security during the blackout period or on the trading desk that exceeds 500 shares per trading day.

 

    Fixed income de minimis exemption . If a Covered Person does not have knowledge of Client trading activity in a particular fixed income security he or she

 

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may execute up to $100,000 of par value of such security in a rolling 30-day period.

The automated review system will confirm that there is no activity currently on the trading desk on the security involved in the proposed personal securities transaction and will verify that there have been no Client transactions for the requested security within the last two trading days for all Covered Persons except Investment Personnel for whom the blackout period is the last three trading days. For Investments, Portfolio Administration and IT personnel, Compliance will also check the trading activity of affiliates with respect to which such personnel have potential access to transactional information to verify that there have been no Client transactions in the requested security during the blackout period. Compliance will notify the Covered Person of the approval or denial of the proposed personal securities transaction. Any approval granted to a Covered Person to execute a personal security transaction is valid for that business day only, except that if approval is granted after the close of the trading day such approval is good through the next trading day. If a Covered Person does not execute the proposed securities transaction prior to closing of the market immediately following the approval, the Covered Person must resubmit the request on another day for approval.

Any failure to pre-clear transactions is a violation of the Code and will be subject to the following potential sanctions:

 

    A Letter of Education will be provided to any Covered Person whose failure to pre-clear is considered immaterial or inadvertent.

 

    Deliberate failures to pre-clear transactions, as well as repeat and/or material violations, may result in in-person training, probation, withdrawal of personal trading privileges or employment termination, depending on the nature and severity of the violations.

3. Prohibition of Short-Term Trading Profits . Covered Persons are prohibited from engaging in the purchase and sale, or short sale and cover of the same Covered Security within 60 days at a profit. If a Covered Person trades a Covered Security within the 60 day time frame, any profit from the trade will be disgorged to a charity of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s choice and a letter of education may be issued to the Covered Person. Transactions in currencies, commodities and derivatives (such as options and futures) based on an index of securities, currencies, and commodities are exempt from the 60 day holding period. This exemption does not apply to derivatives of individual securities. Disgorgement amounts must represent the full amount of the profits received and are not adjusted to account for taxes or related fees.

4. Initial Public Offerings . Covered Persons are prohibited from directly or indirectly acquiring Beneficial Interest of any security in an equity Initial Public Offering. Exceptions will only be granted in unusual circumstances and must be recommended by Compliance and approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel (or designee) and the Chief Investment Officer (or designee) of the Covered Person’s business unit.

5. Prohibition of Short Sales by Investment Personnel . Investment Personnel are prohibited from effecting short sales of Covered Securities in his or her personal accounts if a Client of Invesco Advisers, Inc. for whose account they have investment management responsibility has a long position in those Covered Securities.

 

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6. Prohibition on Investment Clubs . Participation in a club with the purpose of pooling money and investing based on group investment decisions is prohibited.

7. Restricted List Securities. Employees requesting pre-clearance to buy or sell a security on the Restricted List may be restricted from executing the trade because of potential conflicts of interest.

8. Other Criteria Considered in Pre-clearance. In spite of adhering to the requirements specified throughout this section, Compliance, in keeping with the general principles and objectives of the Code, may refuse to grant pre-clearance of a Personal Securities Transaction in its sole discretion without being required to specify any reason for the refusal.

9. Covered Account Requirements.

a. US Approved Brokers:

The following link, posted on the Invesco intranet site, includes a list of US Approved Brokers. These brokers provide electronic transaction and statement feeds to Invesco Advisers, Inc.:

http://sharepoint/sites/Compliance-COE-NA/Training/Documents/Approved%20Discount%20Broker%20List.pdf

b. US Brokerage Account may only be held with::

 

    US Approved Brokers;

 

    Full service broker-dealers, that are not a US Approved Broker, with which a Covered Person has engaged an investment advisor; or in limited circumstances,

 

    Qualified retirement plans (such as external 401(k)s, 403(b)s, etc.) or other similar accounts that Covered Persons are not legally able to transfer.

Note: Accounts in which all trading is completed online and without a financial advisor, called a discount brokerage account, must be held with an Approved Broker.

Covered Persons located outside of the US are not subject to US Approved Broker requirements.

c. US Open –End Affiliated Mutual Funds may only be held through:

 

    US Approved Brokers;

 

    The Invesco CollegeBound 529 Plan; or

 

    Invesco’s transfer agency, Invesco Investment Services, Inc.

d. Discretionary Managed Accounts. In order to establish a discretionary managed account, a Covered Person must grant the manager complete investment discretion over a

 

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Covered Person’s account. Pre-clearance is not required for trades in this account; however, a Covered Person may not participate, directly or indirectly, in individual investment decisions or be aware of such decisions before transactions are executed. This restriction does not preclude a Covered Person from establishing investment guidelines for the manager, such as indicating industries in which a Covered Person desires to invest, the types of securities a Covered Person wants to purchase or a Covered Persons overall investment objectives. However, those guidelines may not be changed so frequently as to give the appearance that a Covered Person is actually directing account investments. Covered Persons must receive approval from Compliance to establish and maintain such an account and must provide written evidence that complete investment discretion over the account has been turned over to a professional money manager or other third party. Covered Persons are not required to pre-clear or list transactions for such managed accounts in the automated review system; however, Covered Persons with these types of accounts must provide an annual certification that they do not exercise direct or indirect control over the managed accounts.

10. Private Securities Transactions . Covered Persons may not engage in a Private Securities Transaction without first (a) giving Compliance a detailed written notification describing the transaction and indicating whether or not they will receive compensation and (b) obtaining prior written permission from Compliance. Investment Personnel who have been approved to acquire securities of an issuer in a Private Securities Transaction must disclose that investment to Compliance and the Chief Investment Officer of the Investment Personnel’s business unit when they are involved in a Client’s subsequent consideration of an investment in the same issuer. The business unit’s decision to purchase such securities on behalf of Client account must be independently reviewed by Investment Personnel with no personal interest in that issuer.

11. Limited Investment Opportunity (e.g. private placements, hedge funds, etc.) . Covered Persons may not engage in a limited investment opportunity without first (a) giving Compliance a detailed written notification describing the transaction and (b) obtaining prior written permission from Compliance. Limited investment opportunities offered directly from Invesco to employees are not subject to pre-clearance requirements, including but not limited to, the Invesco Real Estate ESCs and WLR funds. All Limited investment opportunities are subject to the reporting requirements outlined in section V below.

12. Excessive Short Term Trading in Funds . Employees are prohibited from excessive short term trading of any mutual fund advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. and are subject to various limitations outlined in the respective prospectus and other fund disclosure documents.

B.   Invesco Ltd. Securities

1. No Employee may effect short sales of Invesco Ltd. securities.

2. No Employee may engage in transactions in publicly traded options, such as puts, calls and other derivative securities relating to the Invesco Ltd’s securities, on an exchange or any other organized market.

 

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3. For all Covered Persons, transactions, including transfers by gift, in Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to pre-clearance regardless of the size of the transaction, and are subject to “black-out” periods established by Invesco Ltd. and holding periods prescribed under the terms of the agreement or program under which the securities were received.

4. Holdings of Invesco Ltd. securities in Covered Persons’ accounts are subject to the reporting requirements specified in Section IV.A.8 of this Code.

C. Limitations on Other Personal Activities

1. Outside Business Activities . Employees may not engage in any outside business activity, regardless of whether or not he or she receives compensation, without prior approval from Compliance. Absent prior written approval of Compliance, Employees may not serve as directors, officers, or employees of unaffiliated public or private companies, whether for profit or non-profit. If the outside business activity is approved, the Employee must recuse himself or herself from making Client investment decisions concerning the particular company or issuer as appropriate, provided that this recusal requirement shall not apply with respect to certain Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Employees, who may serve on corporate boards as a result of, or in connection with, Client investments made in those companies. Employees must always comply with all applicable Invesco Ltd. policies and procedures, including those prohibiting the use of material non-public information in Client or employee personal securities transactions.

2. Gift and Entertainment . The Invesco Ltd. Gifts and Entertainment Policy includes specific conditions under which Employees may accept or give Gifts or Entertainment. Where there are conflicts between a minimal standard established by a policy of Invesco Ltd. and the standards established by a policy of Invesco Advisers, Inc., including this Code, the latter shall control.

To avoid the appearance of any potential conflict of interest, under no circumstances may an Employee:

 

    Give or accept Gifts or Entertainment that may be considered excessive either in dollar value or frequency;

 

    Give or accept cash or any possible cash equivalent from a broker or vendor;

 

    Reimburse Business Partners for the cost of tickets that would be considered excessive or for travel related expenses without approval of Compliance; or

 

    Provide or receive any Gift or Entertainment that is conditioned upon Invesco Advisers, Inc., its parents or affiliates doing business with the other entity or person involved.

 

    Gifts . Employees are prohibited from accepting or giving the following: a Gift valued in excess of annual FINRA limits; or Gifts from one person or firm valued in excess of annual FINRA limits in the aggregate during a calendar year period.

 

    Entertainment . Examples of Entertainment that may be considered excessive in value include Super Bowls, the Masters, Wimbledon, Kentucky Derby, hunting trips, ski trips, etc. An occasional sporting event, golf outing or concert when accompanied by the Business Partner may not be excessive.

 

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Employees who are unsure if an event would be permissible should contact compliance prior to attending to confirm if the event would be considered excessive.

3. U.S. Department of Labor Reporting: Under current U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Regulations, Invesco Advisers, Inc. is required to disclose to the DOL certain specified financial dealings with a union or officer, agent, shop steward, employee, or other representative of a union (collectively referred to as “union officials”). Under the Regulations, practically any gift or entertainment furnished by Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Employees to a union or union official is considered a payment reportable to the DOL.

Although the Regulations provide for a de minimis exemption from the reporting requirements for payments made to a union or union official that do not exceed $250 a year, that threshold applies to all of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Employees in the aggregate with respect to each union or union official. Therefore, it is Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s policy to require that ALL Gifts or Entertainment furnished by an Employee, regardless of whether the gift is given to a union or union official, be reported to Invesco Advisers, Inc. using the Invesco Advisers, Inc., Finance Department’s expense tracking application, Oracle E-Business Suite or any other application deployed for that purpose which has the capability to capture all the required details of the payment. In addition to reporting the Gift or Entertainment in the expense tracking system, Covered Persons must also follow department guidelines for reporting requirements in other systems. Each item reported must include the name of the recipient, union affiliation, address, amount of payment, date of payment, purpose and circumstance of payment, including the terms of any oral agreement or understanding pursuant to which the payment was made.

Invesco Advisers, Inc. is obligated to report on an annual basis all payments, subject to the de minimis exemption, to the DOL on Form LM-10 Employer Report.

Covered Persons should contact Compliance if clarification is required regarding reporting requirements for payments to a union or union official. A failure to report a payment required to be disclosed will be considered a material violation of this Code. The DOL also requires all unions and union officials to report payments they receive from entities such as Invesco Advisers, Inc. and their Employees.

D.   Parallel Investing Permitted

Subject to the provisions of this Code, Employees may invest in or own the same securities as those acquired or sold by Invesco Advisers, Inc. for its Clients.

V. Reporting Requirements

a. Initial Holdings Reports . Within 10 calendar days of becoming a Covered Person, each Covered Person must complete an Initial Holdings Report by inputting into the automated pre-clearance system, Star Compliance, the following information (the information must be current within 45 days of the date the person becomes a Covered Person):

 

   

A list of all security holdings, including the security name, the number of shares (for equities) and the principal amount (for debt securities) in which the Covered Person has direct or indirect Beneficial Interest. A Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family

 

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sharing the same household (i.e., a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements;

 

    The security identifier for each Covered Security (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the Covered Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

b. Quarterly Transaction Reports . All Covered Persons must report, no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the following information for all transactions during the quarter in a Covered Security in which a Covered Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest:

 

    The date of all transactions in that quarter, the security name, the number of shares (for equity securities); or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and the principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security;

 

    The nature of the transaction (buy, sell, etc.);

 

    The security identifier (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was executed;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank executing the transaction; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

All Covered Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report regardless of whether they executed transactions during the quarter or not. If a Covered Person did not execute transactions subject to reporting requirements during a quarter, the report must include a representation to that effect. Covered Persons need not include transactions made through an limited investment opportunity, Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan or similar plans and transactions in Covered Securities held in the Invesco 401(k) or accounts held directly with Invesco in the Quarterly Transaction Report.

Additionally, Covered Persons must report information on any new brokerage account established by the Covered Person during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Covered Person (including Covered Securities held in a 401(k) or other retirement vehicle, including plans sponsored by Invesco Advisers, Inc. or its affiliates). The report shall include:

 

    The date the account was established;

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

 

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Compliance may identify transactions by Covered Persons that technically comply with the Code for review based on any pattern of activity that has an appearance of a conflict of interest.

c. Annual Holdings Reports . All Covered Persons must report annually the following information, which must be current within 45 days of the date the report is submitted to Compliance:

 

    A list of all security holdings, including the security name, the number of shares (for equities) or the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable) and principal amount (for debt securities) for each Covered Security in which the Covered Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest;

 

    The security identifier for each Covered Security (CUSIP, symbol, etc.);

 

    The name of the broker-dealer or bank with or through which the security is held; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the Covered Person to Compliance.

d. Gifts and Entertainment Reporting.

 

    Reporting of Gifts and Entertainment given to an Invesco Employee by a Client or Business Partner. All Gifts and Entertainment received by an Employee must be reported through the automated pre-clearance system within thirty (30) calendar days after the receipt of the Gift or the attendance of the Entertainment event. The requirement to report Entertainment includes dinners or any other event with a business partner of Invesco Advisers, Inc. in attendance.

 

    Reporting of Gifts and Entertainment given by an Invesco Employee to a Client or Business Partner. All Gifts and Entertainment given by an Employee must be reported through the reporting requirements of the Employee’s business unit. All Employee’s should contact his or her manager or Compliance if they are not sure how to report gifts they intend to give or have given to a Client or Business Partner.

e. Certification of Compliance. All Covered Persons must certify annually in writing that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code. In addition, all Covered Persons must certify in writing annually that they have complied with the requirements of the Code and that they have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the Code. If material changes are made to the Code during the year, these changes will also be reviewed and approved by Invesco Advisers, Inc. and the relevant funds’ boards. All Covered Persons must certify in writing within 30 days of the effective date of the amended code that they have read and understand the Code and recognize that they are subject to the Code.

VI. Reporting of Potential Compliance Issues

Invesco Advisers, Inc. has created several channels for Employees to raise compliance issues and concerns on a confidential basis. An Employee should first discuss a compliance issue with his or her

 

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supervisor, department head or with Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer. Human Resources matters should be directed to the Human Resources Department, an additional anonymous vehicle for reporting such concerns.

In the event that an Employee does not feel comfortable discussing compliance issues through normal channels, the Employee may anonymously report suspected violations of law or Invesco policy, including this Code, by calling the toll-free Invesco Whistleblower Hotline at 1-855-234-9780. This hotline is available to employees of multiple operating units of Invesco Ltd. Employees may also report his or her concerns by visiting the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline website at: www.invesco.ethicspoint.com . To ensure your confidentiality, the phone line and website are provided by an independent company and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All submissions to the Invesco Whistleblower Hotline will be reviewed and handled in a prompt, fair and discreet manner. Employees are encouraged to report these questionable practices so that Invesco has an opportunity to address and resolve these issues before they become more significant regulatory or legal issues.

VII. Administration of the Code of Ethics

Invesco Advisers, Inc. has used reasonable diligence to institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent violations of this Code.

No less frequently than annually, Invesco Advisers, Inc. will furnish to the Affiliated Mutual Funds’ Boards of Trustees a written report that:

 

    describes significant issues arising under the Code since the last report to the funds’ board, including information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to material violations; and

 

    certifies that Invesco Advisers, Inc. has adopted procedures reasonably designed to prevent Covered Persons from violating the Code.

VIII. Sanctions

Compliance will issue a letter of education to the Covered Persons involved in violations of the Code that are determined to be inadvertent or immaterial.

Invesco Advisers, Inc. may impose additional sanctions in the event of repeated violations or violations that are determined to be material or not inadvertent, including disgorgement of profits (or the differential between the purchase or sale price of the personal security transaction and the subsequent purchase or sale price by a relevant Client during the enumerated period), a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment.

IX. Exceptions to the Code

Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s Chief Compliance Officer (or designee) may grant an exception to any provision in this Code.

X. Definitions

 

    “Affiliated Mutual Funds” generally includes all open-end or closed-end mutual funds advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

 

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    “Automatic Investment Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan” means a program in which regular purchases or sales are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including dividend reinvestment plans.

 

    “Beneficial Interest” has the same meaning as the ownership interest of a “beneficial owner” pursuant to Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the ’34 Act”). To have a Beneficial Interest, Covered Persons must have directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, have or share a “direct or indirect pecuniary interest,” which is the opportunity to profit directly or indirectly from a transaction in securities. Thus a Covered Person is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household (i.e. a spouse or equivalent domestic partner, children, etc.) or by certain partnerships, trusts, corporations, or other arrangements.

 

    “Client” means any account for which Invesco Advisers, Inc. is either the adviser or sub-adviser including Affiliated Mutual Funds.

 

    “Control” has the same meaning as under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act.

 

    “Covered Person” means and includes:

 

    any director, officer, full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any of Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties: makes, participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making investment recommendations, or obtains information concerning investment recommendations, with respect to such purchase or sale of Covered Securities; or has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

 

    all Employees of Invesco Ltd. located in the United States who are not covered by the Code of Ethics of a registered investment advisory affiliate of Invesco Ltd.

 

    any other persons falling within the definition of Access Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 , as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) or Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) and such other persons that may be so deemed to be Covered Persons by Compliance.

Invesco Funds have created a separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual Funds. Independent Trustees are not Covered Persons under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics. Trustees who are not Independent Trustees and are not Employees of Invesco are also not Covered Person under the Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, but must report his or her securities holdings, transactions, and accounts as required in the separate Code of Ethics for Trustees of the Affiliated Mutual Funds.

 

    “Covered Security” means a security as defined in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act except that it does not include the following:

 

Code of Ethics    15   


    Direct obligations of the Government of the United States or its agencies;

 

    Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

 

    Any open-end mutual fund not advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. All Affiliated Mutual Funds shall be considered Covered Securities regardless of whether they are advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.;

 

    Any unit investment trust, including unit investment trusts advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc. However, this definition shall not apply to any series of the PowerShares QQQ Trust or the BLDRS Index Fund Trust;

 

    Invesco Ltd. stock because it is subject to the provisions of Invesco Ltd.’s Code of Conduct. Notwithstanding this exception, transactions in Invesco Ltd. securities are subject to all the pre-clearance and reporting requirements outlined in other provisions of this Code and any other corporate guidelines issued by Invesco Ltd.

 

    “Employee” means and includes:

 

    Any full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates that, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in, or obtains any information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities or who is involved in making or obtains information concerning investment recommendations with respect to such purchase or sales of Covered Securities; or who has access to non-public information concerning any Client’s purchase or sale of Covered Securities, access to non-public securities recommendations or access to non-public information concerning portfolio holdings of any portfolio advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

 

    All Employees of Invesco Ltd. located in the United States who are not covered by the Code of Ethics of a registered investment advisory affiliate of Invesco Ltd.

 

    Any other persons falling within the definitions of Access Person or Advisory Person under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act or Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and such other persons that may be deemed to be an Employee by Compliance.

 

    “Gifts”, “Entertainment” and “Business Partner” have the same meaning as provided in the Invesco Ltd. Gifts and Entertainment Policy.

 

    “Independent Trustee” means a Trustee who is not an interested person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act.

 

    “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the ’34 Act.

 

    “Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s -affiliated Broker-dealer” means Invesco Distributors, Inc. or Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. or their successors.

 

Code of Ethics    16   


    “Investment Personnel” means any full or part time Employee of Invesco Advisers, Inc. or any full or part time Employee of any Invesco Advisers, Inc.’s affiliates who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by Clients or any natural person who Controls a Client or an investment adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Client regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Client as defined in Rule 17j-1.

 

    “Non-Investment Personnel” means any Employee that does not meet the definition of Investment Personnel as listed above.

 

    “Private Securities Transaction” means any securities transaction relating to new offerings of securities which are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided however that transactions subject to the notification requirements of Rule 3050 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) Conduct Rules, transactions among immediate family members (as defined in the interpretation of the FINRA Board of Governors on free-riding and withholding) for which no associated person receives any selling compensation, and personal securities transactions in investment company and variable annuity securities shall be excluded.

 

    “Restricted List Securities” means the list of securities that are provided to the Compliance Department by Invesco Ltd. or investment departments, which include those securities that are restricted from purchase or sale by Client or Employee accounts for various reasons (e.g., large concentrated ownership positions that may trigger reporting or other securities regulatory issues, or possession of material, non-public information, or existence of corporate transaction in the issuer involving an Invesco Ltd. unit).

 

    “Trustee” means any member of the Board of Trustees for an open-end or closed-end mutual fund advised or sub-advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc.

XI. Invesco Ltd. Policies and Procedures

All Employees are subject to the policies and procedures established by Invesco Ltd., including the Code of Conduct, Insider Trading Policy, Political Contributions Policy and Gift and Entertainment Policy and must abide by all their requirements, provided that where there is a conflict between a minimal standard established by an Invesco Ltd. policy and the standards established by an Invesco Advisers, Inc. policy, including this Code, the latter shall control.

XII. IVZ Global Code of Ethics Contacts

 

    Telephone Hotline: 1-877-331-CODE [2633]

 

    E-Mail: codeofethicsnorthamerica@invesco.com

Last Revised: January 1, 2017

 

Code of Ethics    17   

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I appoint Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, to act as my attorneys-in-fact and agents, in my capacity as a trustee of (i) the Open-End Funds and Invesco Senior Loan Fund listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein effective March 9. 2017 and (ii) the Closed-End Funds, with the exception of Invesco Senior Loan Fund, listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein, effective March 28, 2017, to:

(1) sign on my behalf any and all filings made by the Funds pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”) and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (“1940 Act), including but not limited to, Registration Statements under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other applicable state and federal regulatory Authorities and

(2) sign any and all applications for exemptive relief from state or federal securities regulations, and amendments to such applications, and to file the same with the applicable regulatory authority.

I grant Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, as attorneys-in-fact and agents the power of substitution and re-substitution in his name and stead, and the full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with the foregoing appointments. The grant shall remain in effect until terminated in writing.

I ratify and confirm any and all acts that Sheri Morris and/or John M. Zerr lawfully take as my attorneys-in-fact and agents by virtue of this appointment.

 

/s/ Cynthia L. Hostetler
Cynthia L. Hostetler
Date: March 28, 2017


Schedule A

Closed-end Funds

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II

Invesco Bond Fund

Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund

Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund

Invesco High Income Trust II

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust

Invesco Municipal Trust

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Senior Income Trust

Invesco Senior Loan Fund

Invesco Total Property Market Income Fund

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals

Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust

Open-end Funds

AIM Counselor Series Trust (Invesco Counselor Series Trust)

AIM Equity Funds (Invesco Equity Funds)

AIM Funds Group (Invesco Funds Group)

AIM Growth Series (Invesco Growth Series)

AIM Investment Securities Funds (Invesco Investment Securities Funds)

AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds)

AIM International Mutual Funds (Invesco International Mutual Funds)

AIM Sector Funds (Invesco Sector Funds)

AIM Tax-Exempt Funds (Invesco Tax-Exempt Funds)

AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust)

AIM Variable Insurance Funds (Invesco Variable Insurance Funds)

Invesco Exchange Fund

Invesco Management Trust

Invesco Securities Trust

Short-Term Investments Trust


POWER OF ATTORNEY

I appoint Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, to act as my attorneys-in-fact and agents, in my capacity as a trustee of (i) the Open-End Funds and Invesco Senior Loan Fund listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein effective March 9. 2017 and (ii) the Closed-End Funds, with the exception of Invesco Senior Loan Fund, listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein, effective March 28, 2017, to:

(1) sign on my behalf any and all filings made by the Funds pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”) and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (“1940 Act), including but not limited to, Registration Statements under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other applicable state and federal regulatory Authorities and

(2) sign any and all applications for exemptive relief from state or federal securities regulations, and amendments to such applications, and to file the same with the applicable regulatory authority.

I grant Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, as attorneys-in-fact and agents the power of substitution and re-substitution in his name and stead, and the full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with the foregoing appointments. The grant shall remain in effect until terminated in writing.

I ratify and confirm any and all acts that Sheri Morris and/or John M. Zerr lawfully take as my attorneys-in-fact and agents by virtue of this appointment.

 

/s/ Teresa M. Ressel

Teresa M. Ressel
Date: March 28, 2017


Schedule A

Closed-end Funds

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II

Invesco Bond Fund

Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund

Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund

Invesco High Income Trust II

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust

Invesco Municipal Trust

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Senior Income Trust

Invesco Senior Loan Fund

Invesco Total Property Market Income Fund

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals

Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust

Open-end Funds

AIM Counselor Series Trust (Invesco Counselor Series Trust)

AIM Equity Funds (Invesco Equity Funds)

AIM Funds Group (Invesco Funds Group)

AIM Growth Series (Invesco Growth Series)

AIM Investment Securities Funds (Invesco Investment Securities Funds)

AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds)

AIM International Mutual Funds (Invesco International Mutual Funds)

AIM Sector Funds (Invesco Sector Funds)

AIM Tax-Exempt Funds (Invesco Tax-Exempt Funds)

AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust)

AIM Variable Insurance Funds (Invesco Variable Insurance Funds)

Invesco Exchange Fund

Invesco Management Trust

Invesco Securities Trust

Short-Term Investments Trust


POWER OF ATTORNEY

I appoint Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, to act as my attorneys-in-fact and agents, in my capacity as a trustee of (i) the Open-End Funds and Invesco Senior Loan Fund listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein effective March 9. 2017 and (ii) the Closed-End Funds, with the exception of Invesco Senior Loan Fund, listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein, effective March 28, 2017, to:

(1) sign on my behalf any and all filings made by the Funds pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”) and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (“1940 Act), including but not limited to, Registration Statements under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other applicable state and federal regulatory Authorities and

(2) sign any and all applications for exemptive relief from state or federal securities regulations, and amendments to such applications, and to file the same with the applicable regulatory authority.

I grant Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, as attorneys-in-fact and agents the power of substitution and re-substitution in his name and stead, and the full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with the foregoing appointments. The grant shall remain in effect until terminated in writing.

I ratify and confirm any and all acts that Sheri Morris and/or John M. Zerr lawfully take as my attorneys-in-fact and agents by virtue of this appointment.

 

/s/ Margaret Ann Barnett Stern

Margaret Ann Barnett Stern
Date: March 28, 2017


Schedule A

Closed-end Funds

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II

Invesco Bond Fund

Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund

Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund

Invesco High Income Trust II

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust

Invesco Municipal Trust

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Senior Income Trust

Invesco Senior Loan Fund

Invesco Total Property Market Income Fund

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals

Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust

Open-end Funds

AIM Counselor Series Trust (Invesco Counselor Series Trust)

AIM Equity Funds (Invesco Equity Funds)

AIM Funds Group (Invesco Funds Group)

AIM Growth Series (Invesco Growth Series)

AIM Investment Securities Funds (Invesco Investment Securities Funds)

AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds)

AIM International Mutual Funds (Invesco International Mutual Funds)

AIM Sector Funds (Invesco Sector Funds)

AIM Tax-Exempt Funds (Invesco Tax-Exempt Funds)

AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust)

AIM Variable Insurance Funds (Invesco Variable Insurance Funds)

Invesco Exchange Fund

Invesco Management Trust

Invesco Securities Trust

Short-Term Investments Trust


POWER OF ATTORNEY

I appoint Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, to act as my attorneys-in-fact and agents, in my capacity as a trustee of (i) the Open-End Funds and Invesco Senior Loan Fund listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein effective March 9. 2017 and (ii) the Closed-End Funds, with the exception of Invesco Senior Loan Fund, listed on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein, effective March 28, 2017, to:

(1) sign on my behalf any and all filings made by the Funds pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”) and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (“1940 Act), including but not limited to, Registration Statements under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other applicable state and federal regulatory Authorities and

(2) sign any and all applications for exemptive relief from state or federal securities regulations, and amendments to such applications, and to file the same with the applicable regulatory authority.

I grant Sheri Morris and John M. Zerr, and each of them separately, as attorneys-in-fact and agents the power of substitution and re-substitution in his name and stead, and the full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with the foregoing appointments. The grant shall remain in effect until terminated in writing.

I ratify and confirm any and all acts that Sheri Morris and/or John M. Zerr lawfully take as my attorneys-in-fact and agents by virtue of this appointment.

 

/s/ Christopher L. Wilson

Christopher L. Wilson
Date: March 28, 2017


Schedule A

Closed-end Funds

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II

Invesco Bond Fund

Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund

Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund

Invesco High Income Trust II

Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust

Invesco Municipal Trust

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Senior Income Trust

Invesco Senior Loan Fund

Invesco Total Property Market Income Fund

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals

Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust

Open-end Funds

AIM Counselor Series Trust (Invesco Counselor Series Trust)

AIM Equity Funds (Invesco Equity Funds)

AIM Funds Group (Invesco Funds Group)

AIM Growth Series (Invesco Growth Series)

AIM Investment Securities Funds (Invesco Investment Securities Funds)

AIM Investment Funds (Invesco Investment Funds)

AIM International Mutual Funds (Invesco International Mutual Funds)

AIM Sector Funds (Invesco Sector Funds)

AIM Tax-Exempt Funds (Invesco Tax-Exempt Funds)

AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust)

AIM Variable Insurance Funds (Invesco Variable Insurance Funds)

Invesco Exchange Fund

Invesco Management Trust

Invesco Securities Trust

Short-Term Investments Trust