SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM N-1A
File No. 002-75526 |
File No. 811-03363 |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | /X/ | |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | / / | |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 | /X/ | |
and/or | ||
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | /X/ | |
Amendment No. 64 |
DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS | ||
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) | ||
2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 19103-7094 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code: | (800) 523-1918 |
David F. Connor, Esq., 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094 |
(Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
Approximate Date of Public Offering: | April 30, 2009 |
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
/ / | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) | |
/X/ | on April 30, 2009 pursuant to paragraph (b) | |
/ / | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) | |
/ / | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) | |
/ / | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) | |
/ / | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485. | |
If appropriate:
/ / | This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
--- C O N T E N T S ---
This Post-Effective Amendment No. 643 to Registration File No. 002-75526 includes the following:
1. | Facing Page | |
2. | Contents Page | |
3. | Part A Prospectuses | |
4. | Part B - Statement of Additional Information | |
5. | Part C - Other Information | |
6. | Signatures | |
7. | Exhibits |
Prospectus
Fixed income
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified
Income Fund
April 30, 2009
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Get shareholder reports and prospectuses online instead of in
the mail.
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Table of contents
Fund profile | page 1 |
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund | 1 |
How we manage the Fund | page 8 |
Our investment strategies | 8 |
The securities in which the Fund typically invests | 10 |
The risks of investing in the Fund | 16 |
Disclosure of portfolio holdings information | 21 |
Who manages the Fund | page 22 |
Investment manager | 22 |
Portfolio managers | 22 |
Manager of managers structure | 24 |
Whos who? | 24 |
About your account | page 26 |
Investing in the Fund | 26 |
Choosing a share class | 26 |
Dealer compensation | 31 |
Payments to intermediaries | 32 |
How to reduce your sales charge | 34 |
Waivers of contingent deferred sales charges | 38 |
How to buy shares | 42 |
Fair valuation | 43 |
Retirement plans | 44 |
Document delivery | 44 |
How to redeem shares | 44 |
Account minimums | 45 |
Special services | 46 |
Frequent trading of Fund shares | 47 |
Dividends, distributions, and taxes | 50 |
Certain management considerations | 52 |
Financial highlights | page 54 |
Additional information | page 69 |
Profile
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
What is the Funds investment objective?
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund seeks maximum total return, consistent with reasonable risk. Although the Fund will strive to achieve its objective, there is no assurance that it will.
What are the Funds main
investment strategies?
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achieved from various sectors of the fixed income market. The corporate debt obligations in which the Fund may invest include bonds, notes, debentures, and commercial paper of U.S. companies and, subject to the limitations described below, non-U.S. companies. The Fund may also invest in a variety of securities which are issued or guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government, and by various agencies or instrumentalities which have been established or are sponsored by the U.S. government, and, subject to the limitations described below, securities issued by foreign governments. Additionally, the Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, government-sponsored corporations, and mortgage-backed securities issued by certain private, nongovernment entities. The Fund may also invest in securities that are backed by assets such as receivables on home equity |
Who should invest in the Fund
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Who should not invest in the Fund
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Profile
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
and credit card loans, automobile, mobile home, recreational vehicle and other loans, wholesale dealer floor plans, and leases. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in below-investment-grade securities. In general, the below-investment-grade securities that the Fund may purchase in this sector will generally be rated BB or lower by S&P or Fitch, Ba or lower by Moodys, or similarly rated by another NRSRO. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. The Funds total non-U.S. dollar currency exposure will be limited, in the aggregate, to no more than 10% of net assets.
What are the main risks of
investing in the Fund?
Investments in high yield, high-risk or junk bonds entail certain risks, including the risk of loss of principal, which may be greater than the risks presented by investment grade bonds and which should be considered by investors contemplating an investment in the Fund. Among these risks are those that result from the absence of a liquid secondary market and the dominance in the market of institutional investors. |
The Fund will also be affected by prepayment risk due to its holdings of mortgage-backed securities. With prepayment risk, when homeowners prepay mortgages during periods of low interest rates, the Fund may be forced to redeploy its assets in lower yielding securities. The Funds investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies are generally denominated in foreign currencies and involve certain risks not typically associated with investing in bonds issued by U.S. companies, including political instability, foreign economic conditions, and inadequate regulatory and accounting standards. To the extent that the Fund invests in foreign fixed income securities, the value of these securities may be adversely affected by changes in U.S. or foreign interest rates, as well as changes in currency exchange rates. In addition, investments in emerging markets are subject to greater risks than investments in more developed countries, including risks of political or economic instability, expropriation, adverse changes in tax laws, and currency controls. Moreover, there is substantially less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than there is about issuers in developed markets, and the information that is available tends to be of a lesser quality. Also, emerging markets are typically less mature, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than are developed markets. The Funds investments in foreign securities may also be subject to currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that the value of an investment may be negatively affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Adverse changes in exchange rates may reduce or eliminate any gains produced by |
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investments that are denominated in foreign currencies and may increase losses. If, and to the extent that, we invest in forward foreign currency contracts or use other investments to hedge against currency risks, the Fund will be subject to the special risks, including counterparty risk, associated with those activities. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. |
For a more complete discussion of risk, please see The risks of investing in the Fund on page 16. You should keep in mind that an investment in the Fund is not a complete investment program; it should be considered just one part of your total financial plan. Be sure to discuss this Fund with your financial advisor to determine whether it is an appropriate choice for you. |
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Profile
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
How has Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund performed?
This bar chart and table can help you evaluate the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows how annual returns for the Funds Class A shares have varied over the past 10 calendar years. The table shows the average annual returns of Class A, B, C, and R shares for the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year or lifetime periods, as applicable. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future. The returns reflect expense caps in effect during certain of these periods. The returns would be lower without the expense caps. Please turn to the footnotes under What are the Funds fees and expenses? for additional information about the expense caps.
Year-by-year total return (Class A)
During the periods illustrated in this bar chart, Class As highest quarterly return was 3.90% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and its lowest quarterly return was -1.33% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
The maximum Class A sales charge of 2.75%, which is normally deducted when you purchase shares, is not reflected in the previous paragraph or in the bar chart. If this fee were included, the returns would be less than those shown. The average annual returns in the table below do include the sales charge.
Effective the close of business on November 30, 2007, the Funds investment objective, strategies, and policies were changed to permit the Fund to invest in a diversified portfolio of limited-term fixed income securities. These changes allow the Fund to invest in a broader range of fixed income securities, including U.S. government securities, foreign government securities, and corporate and high yield securities of domestic and foreign issuers. Accordingly, the Fund no longer invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. government securities.
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Average annual returns for periods ended December 31, 2008
10 years or | ||||||||||
1 year | 5 years | lifetime** | ||||||||
Class A return before taxes | (0.65 | %) | 2.70 | % | 4.01 | % | ||||
Class A return after taxes on distributions | (2.07 | %) | 1.18 | % | 2.18 | % | ||||
Class A return after taxes on distributions | ||||||||||
and sale of Fund shares | (0.43 | %) | 1.41 | % | 2.29 | % | ||||
Class B return before taxes* | (0.49 | %) | 2.39 | % | 3.85 | % | ||||
Class C return before taxes* | 0.49 | % | 2.39 | % | 3.42 | % | ||||
Class R return before taxes | 1.86 | % | 2.85 | % | 2.57 | % | ||||
Barclays Capital 13 Year Government/Credit Index | 4.97 | % | 3.81 | % | 4.79 | % |
The Funds returns above are compared to the performance of the Barclays Capital 13 Year Government/Credit Index. The Barclays Capital 13 Year Government/Credit Index, formerly the Lehman Brothers 13 Year Government/Credit Index, is a market value-weighted index of government fixed-rate debt securities and investment grade U.S. and foreign fixed-rate debt securities with average maturities of one to three years. It is important to note that, unlike the Fund, the Index is unmanaged and does not reflect the actual costs of operating a mutual fund, such as the costs of buying, selling, and holding securities. Maximum sales charges are included in the Fund returns shown above.
After-tax performance is presented only for Class A shares of the Fund. The after-tax returns for other Fund classes may vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investors individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown. After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles, such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts. The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The after-tax rate used is based on the current tax characterization of the elements of the Funds returns (for example, qualified vs. nonqualified dividends) and may be different than the final tax characterization of such elements. Past performance, both before and after taxes, is not a guarantee of future results.
*Total returns assume redemption of shares at end of period. The 10-year returns for Class B shares reflect conversion to Class A shares after approximately five years. If shares were not redeemed, the returns for Class B would be 1.47%, 2.39%, and 3.85% for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods, respectively; and the returns for Class C would be 1.47%, 2.39%, and 3.42% for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods, respectively.
**Lifetime returns are shown if a class existed for less than 10 years. The Index returns shown for Class A, Class B, and Class C shares are for the 10-year period because Class A, Class B, and Class C shares commenced operations more than 10 years ago. The Index returns for Class R shares are for the lifetime period because the inception date for the Class R shares of the Fund was June 2, 2003. The Index return for the Class R lifetime period is 3.59% for the Barclays Capital 13 Year Government/Credit Index. The Index reports returns on a monthly basis as of the last day of the month. As a result, the Index return for Class R lifetime reflects the returns from June 30, 2003 through December 31, 2008.
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Profile
Fees and expenses
What are the Funds fees and expenses?
Sales charges are fees paid directly from your investments when you buy or sell shares of the Fund. You do not pay sales charges when you buy or sell Class R shares.
Class | A | B | C | R | |||||
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed | |||||||||
on purchases as a percentage of offering price | 2.75% | none | none | none | |||||
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) | |||||||||
as a percentage of original purchase price | |||||||||
or redemption price, whichever is lower | none | 1 | 2.00% | 2 | 1.00% | 3 | none | ||
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed | |||||||||
on reinvested dividends | none | none | none | none | |||||
Redemption fees | none | none | none | none | |||||
Exchange fees 4 | none | none | none | none |
Annual fund operating expenses are deducted from the Funds assets.
1 A purchase of Class A shares of $1 million or more may be made at net asset value (NAV). However, if you buy the shares through a financial advisor who is paid a commission, a contingent deferred sales charge will apply to redemptions made within one year of purchase (Limited CDSC). Additional Class A purchase options that involve a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) may be permitted from time to time and will be disclosed in the Prospectus if they are available.
2 If you redeem Class B shares during the first year after you buy them, you will pay a CDSC of 2.00%, which declines to 1.00% during the second and third years, and 0% thereafter.
3 Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% CDSC.
4 Exchanges are subject to the requirements of each Delaware Investments ® Fund. A front-end sales charge may apply if you exchange your shares into a fund that has a front-end sales charge.
5 The Manager has agreed to voluntarily waive all or portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 plan expenses, taxes, interest, inverse floater program expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent annual fund operating expenses from exceeding, in an aggregate amount, 0.70% of the Funds average daily net assets from May 1, 2009 until such time as the voluntary expense cap is discontinued. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements apply only to expenses paid directly by the Fund, and may be discontinued at any time because they are voluntary. The fees and expenses shown in the annual fund operating expenses table above do not reflect this voluntary expense cap.
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6 The Funds distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (Distributor), has voluntarily agreed to limit the Class A shares 12b-1 fees no more than to 0.15% of the Funds average daily net assets from May 1, 2009 until such time as the waiver is discontinued. The waiver may be discontinued at any time because it is voluntary. The distribution and service fees shown in the annual fund operating expenses table above do not reflect the Distributors voluntary waiver.
7 The Distributor has contracted to limit the Class R shares 12b-1 fees from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010 to no more than 0.50% of the Funds average daily net assets.
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund to the cost of investing in other mutual funds with similar investment objectives. The example shows the cumulative amount of Fund expenses on a hypothetical investment of $10,000 with an annual 5% return over the time shown. The Funds actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return we use here. For the Funds Class R shares, this example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years 2 through 10. For the Funds Class A, Class B, and Class C shares, this example assumes that the Series total operating expenses remain unchanged in each of the periods shown. This is an example only, and does not represent future expenses, which may be greater or less than those shown here.
(if redeemed) | (if redeemed) | ||||||||||||
Class | A | B 1 | B 1 | C | C | R | |||||||
1 year | $386 | $185 | $385 | $185 | $285 | $134 | |||||||
3 years | $621 | $573 | $673 | $573 | $573 | $440 | |||||||
5 years | $875 | $985 | $985 | $985 | $985 | $767 | |||||||
10 years | $1,601 | $1,707 | $1,707 | $2,137 | $2,137 | $1,693 |
1 The Class B example reflects the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares after approximately five years. Information for years 6 through 10 reflects expenses of the Class A shares.
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How we manage the Fund
Our investment strategies We analyze economic and market conditions, seeking to identify the securities or market sectors that we believe are the best investments for the Fund. Securities in which the Fund may invest include, but are not limited to, the following:
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade fixed income securities. The Fund may invest in debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and by U.S. corporations. The corporate debt obligations in which the Fund may invest include bonds, notes, debentures, and commercial paper of U.S. companies. The U.S. government securities in which the Fund may invest include a variety of securities which are issued or guaranteed as to the payment of principal |
and interest by the U.S. government, and by various agencies or instrumentalities which have been established or are sponsored by the U.S. government. The Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or by government-sponsored corporations. Other mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest are issued by certain private, nongovernment entities. The Fund may also invest in securities that are backed by assets such as receivables on home equity and credit card loans, automobile, mobile home, recreational vehicle and other loans, wholesale dealer floor plans, and leases. The Fund maintains an average effective duration of one to three years. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in below-investment-grade securities. The Fund may invest in domestic corporate debt obligations, including notes, which may be convertible or nonconvertible, commercial paper, units consisting of bonds with stock or warrants to buy stock attached, debentures and convertible debentures. The Fund will invest in both rated and unrated bonds. Unrated bonds may be more speculative in nature than rated bonds. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. The Manager will limit non-U.S.-dollar-denominated securities to no more than 20% of net assets. The Funds total non-U.S.-dollar currency exposure will be limited, in the aggregate, to no more than 10% of net assets. These fixed income securities may include foreign |
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government securities, debt obligations of foreign companies, and securities issued by supranational entities. A supranational entity is an entity established or financially supported by the national governments of one or more countries to promote reconstruction or development. Examples of supranational entities include, among others, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (more commonly known as the World Bank), the European Economic Community, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored American depositary receipts, European depositary receipts, or global depositary receipts. The Fund may also invest in zero coupon bonds and may purchase shares of other investment companies. The Fund will invest in both rated and unrated foreign securities. |
The Fund may invest in securities issued in any currency and may hold foreign currencies. Securities of issuers within a given country may be denominated in the currency of another country or in multinational currency units, such as the euro. The Fund may, from time to time, purchase or sell foreign currencies and/or engage in forward foreign currency transactions in order to expedite settlement of Fund transactions and to minimize currency value fluctuations. The Funds investment objective is nonfundamental. This means that the Board may change the Funds objective without obtaining shareholder approval. If the objective were changed, we would notify shareholders at least 60 days before the change in the objective became effective. |
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How we manage the Fund
The securities in which the Fund typically invests
Fixed income securities offer the potential for greater income payments than stocks, and also may provide capital appreciation. Please see the Funds Statement of Additional Information (SAI) for additional information about certain of the securities described below as well as other securities in which the Fund may invest.
Direct U.S. Treasury obligations | ||
Direct U.S. Treasury obligations include Treasury bills, notes, and bonds of varying maturities. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. |
How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest without limit in U.S. Treasury securities, although they are typically not the Funds largest holding because they generally do not offer as high a level of current income as other fixed income securities. |
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Mortgage-backed securities | ||
Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent pools of mortgages, with investors receiving principal and interest payments as the underlying mortgage loans are paid back. Many are issued and guaranteed against default by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Fannie Mae, and GNMA. Others are issued by private financial institutions, with some fully collateralized by certificates issued or guaranteed by the government or its agencies or instrumentalities. |
How the Fund uses them: There is no limit on government-related mortgage-backed securities. The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities or by government-sponsored corporations. The Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities that are secured by the underlying collateral of the private issuer. Such securities are not government securities and are not directly guaranteed by the U.S. government in any way. These include CMOs, REMICs, and CMBS. |
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Asset-backed securities | ||
Asset-backed securities are bonds or notes backed by accounts receivable including home equity, automobile, or credit loans. |
How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by an NRSRO. |
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Corporate bonds | ||
Corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by a corporation. |
How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest in corporate bonds. |
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How we manage the Fund
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How we manage the Fund
comprised of U.S. government securities. In the Managers discretion, the Fund may invest overnight cash balances in short-term | discount notes issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or government-sponsored enterprises. | |
Options and futures |
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Options represent a right to buy or sell a security or a group of securities at an agreed upon price at a future date. The purchaser of an option may or may not choose to go through with the transaction. The seller of an option, however, must go through with the transaction if its purchaser exercises the option. Futures contracts are agreements for the purchase or sale of a security or a group of securities at a specified price, on a specified date. Unlike purchasing an option, a futures contract must be executed unless it is sold before the settlement date. Certain options and futures may be considered derivative securities. How the Fund uses them: At times when we anticipate adverse conditions, we may |
want to protect gains on securities without actually selling them. We might use options or futures to neutralize the effect of any price declines, without selling a bond or bonds, or as a hedge against changes in interest rates. We may also sell an option contract (often referred to as writing an option) to earn additional income for the Fund. Use of these strategies can increase the operating costs of the Fund and can lead to loss of principal. The Fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. |
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Restricted securities |
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Restricted securities are privately placed securities whose resale is restricted under U.S. securities laws. How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest in privately placed securities, including those that are eligible for resale |
only among certain institutional buyers without registration, which are commonly known as Rule 144A Securities. Restricted securities that are determined to be illiquid may not exceed the Funds 15% limit on illiquid securities. | |
Illiquid securities |
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Illiquid securities are securities that do not have a ready market and cannot be easily sold within seven days at approximately the price at which a fund has valued them. Illiquid |
securities include repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days. How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. |
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How we manage the Fund
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How the Fund strives to manage it: We maintain a long-term investment approach and focus on securities that we believe can continue to provide returns over an extended time frame regardless of interim market fluctuations. Generally, we do not try to predict overall market movements. In evaluating the use of an index swap for the Fund, we carefully consider how market |
changes could affect the swap and how that compares to our investing directly in the market the swap is intended to represent. When selecting dealers with whom we would make interest rate or index swap agreements for the Fund, we focus on those dealers with high-quality ratings and do careful credit analysis before engaging in the transaction. | |
Industry and security risks |
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Industry risk is the risk that the value of securities in a particular industry (such as financial services or manufacturing) will decline because of changing expectations for the performance of that industry. Security risk is the risk that the value of an individual stock or bond will decline because of changing expectations for the performance of the individual company issuing the stock |
or bond (due to situations that could range from decreased sales to events such a pending merger or actual or threatened bankruptcy). How the Fund strives to manage them: We limit the amount of the Funds assets invested in any one industry and in any individual security or issuer. We also follow a rigorous selection process when choosing securities for the portfolio. |
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Credit risk |
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Credit risk is risk that an issuer of a debt security, including a governmental issuer, may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal in a timely manner. Changes in an issuers financial strength or in a securitys credit rating may affect a securitys vale, which would impact a funds performance. Investing in so-called junk or high yield bonds entails the risk of principal loss, which may be greater than the risk involved in investment grade bonds. High yield bonds are sometimes issued by companies whose earnings at the time the bond is issued are less than the projected debt payments on the bonds. A protracted economic downturn may severely disrupt the market for high yield bonds, |
adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds, and adversely affect the ability of high yield issuers to repay principal and interest. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund strives to minimize credit risk by investing primarily in higher quality, investment grade corporate bonds. Any portion of a Fund that is invested in high yielding, lower-quality corporate bonds is subject to greater credit risk. The Manager strives to manage that risk through careful bond selection, by limiting the percentage of the Fund that can be invested in lower-quality bonds, and by maintaining a diversified portfolio of bonds representing a variety of industries and issuers. |
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How we manage the Fund
Prepayment risk | ||
Prepayment risk is the risk that homeowners will prepay mortgages during periods of low interest rates, forcing a fund to reinvest its money at interest rates that might be lower than those on the prepaid mortgage. Prepayment risk may also affect other types of debt securities, but generally to a lesser extent than mortgage securities. |
How the Fund strives to manage it: We take into consideration the likelihood of prepayment when we select mortgages. We may look for mortgage securities that have characteristics that make them less likely to be prepaid, such as low outstanding loan balances or below-market interest rates. |
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Liquidity risk |
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Liquidity risk is the possibility that securities cannot be readily sold within seven days at approximately the price at which a fund has valued them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. A fund also may |
not be able to dispose of illiquid securities at a favorable time or price during periods of infrequent trading of an illiquid security. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund limits its exposure to illiquid securities to no more than 15% of its net assets. |
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Derivatives risk |
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Derivatives risk is the possibility that a fund may experience a significant loss if it employs a derivatives strategy (including a strategy involving swaps such as interest rate swaps, index swaps, and credit default swaps) related to a security or a securities index and that security or index moves in the opposite direction from what the portfolio management team had anticipated. Derivatives also involve additional expenses, which could reduce any |
benefit or increase any loss to a fund from using the strategy. How the Fund strives to manage it: We will use derivatives for defensive purposes, such as to protect gains or hedge against potential losses in the portfolio without actually selling a security, to neutralize the impact of interest rate changes, to affect diversification, or to earn additional income. |
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Currency risk |
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Currency risk is the risk that the value of an investment may be negatively affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Adverse changes in exchange rates may reduce or eliminate any gains produced by investments that are denominated in foreign currencies and may increase losses. |
How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund, which has exposure to global and international investments, may be affected by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations and may incur costs in connection with conversions between currencies. To hedge this currency risk associated with investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, |
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we may invest in forward foreign currency contracts. These activities pose special risks which do not typically arise in connection with |
investments in U.S. securities. In addition, we may engage in foreign currency options and futures transactions. |
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Foreign risk |
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Foreign risk is the risk that foreign securities may be adversely affected by political instability, changes in currency exchange rates, foreign economic conditions, or inadequate regulatory and accounting standards. How the Fund strives to manage it: We attempt to reduce the risks presented by such investments by conducting world-wide fundamental research, including country visits. |
In addition, we monitor current economic and market conditions and trends, the political and regulatory environment, and the value of currencies in different countries in an effort to identify the most attractive countries and securities. Additionally, when currencies appear significantly overvalued compared to average real exchange rates, we may hedge exposure to those currencies for defensive purposes. |
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Emerging markets risk |
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Emerging markets risk is the possibility that the risks associated with international investing will be greater in emerging markets than in more developed foreign markets because, among other things, emerging markets may have less stable political and economic environments. In addition, in many emerging markets there is substantially less publicly available information about issuers and the information that is available tends to be of a lesser quality. Economic markets and structures tend to be less mature and diverse and the securities markets, which are subject to less government regulation or supervision, |
may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. We cannot eliminate these risks but will attempt to reduce these risks through portfolio diversification, credit analysis, and attention to trends in the economy, industries and financial markets, and other relevant factors. The Fund will limit investments in emerging markets, in the aggregate, to no more than 10% of its net assets. |
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Foreign government securities risk |
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Foreign government securities risk involves the ability of a foreign government or governmentrelated issuer to make timely principal and interest payments on its external debt obligations. This ability to make payments will be strongly influenced by the issuers balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credits and investments, |
fluctuations in interest rates, and the extent of its foreign reserves. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund attempts to reduce the risks associated with investing in foreign governments by limiting the portion of its assets that may be invested in such securities. The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its net assets in foreign securities. |
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How we manage the Fund
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These commitments may require a fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when that fund might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the companys financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that a fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times hold and maintain in a segregated account cash or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments. |
How the Fund strives to manage it: These risks may not be completely eliminated, but we will attempt to reduce them through portfolio diversification, credit analysis, and attention to trends in the economy, industries, and financial markets. Should we determine that any of these securities may be illiquid, these would be subject to the Funds restriction on illiquid securities. |
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Valuation risk |
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A less liquid secondary market, as described above, makes it more difficult for a fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio. During periods of reduced liquidity, judgment plays a greater role in valuing high yield securities. |
How the Fund strives to manage it: We will strive to manage this risk by carefully evaluating individual bonds and by limiting the amount of the Funds assets that can be allocated to privately placed high yield securities. |
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Counterparty risk |
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If a fund enters into a derivative contract (such as a swap, futures, or options contract) or a repurchase agreement, it will be subject to the risk that the counterparty to such a contract or agreement may fail to perform its obligations under the contract or agreement due to financial difficulties (such as a bankruptcy or reorganization). As a result, the fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any |
recovery, may only obtain a limited recovery, or may obtain no recovery at all. How the Fund strives to manage it: We try to minimize this risk by considering the creditworthiness of all parties before we enter into transactions with them. The Fund will hold collateral from counterparties consistent with applicable regulations. |
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Disclosure of portfolio holdings information
A description of the Funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio securities is available in the SAI.
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Who manages the Fund
Investment manager The Manager is a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, which is a subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. The Manager makes investment decisions for the Fund, manages the Funds business affairs, and provides daily administrative services. For its services to the Fund, the |
Manager was paid an aggregate fee, net of fee waivers, of 0.37% of average daily net assets during the last fiscal year. A discussion of the basis for the Boards approval of the Funds investment advisory contract is available in the Funds semiannual report to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2008. |
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Portfolio managers Paul Grillo and Roger A. Early have day-to-day responsibilities for making investment decisions for the Fund.
Paul Grillo,
CFA,
Senior Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer
Total Return Fixed Income Strategy
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Carolina State University and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Pace University.
Roger A. Early, CPA, CFA,
CFP,
Senior Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer Total Return
Fixed Income Strategy
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his bachelors degree in economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA with concentrations in finance and accounting from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the CFA Society of Philadelphia. |
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers ownership of Fund shares. | |
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Who manages the Fund
Manager of managers structure The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate under a manager of managers structure that permits the Manager, with the approval of the Board, to appoint and replace sub-advisors, enter into sub-advisory agreements, and materially amend and terminate sub-advisory agreements on behalf of the Fund without shareholder approval (Manager of Managers Structure). Under the Manager of Managers Structure, the Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Funds Board, for overseeing the Funds sub-advisors and recommending to the Board their hiring, termination, or replacement. The SEC order does not apply to any sub-advisor that is affiliated with the Fund or the Manager. While the Manager does not currently expect to use the Manager of |
Managers Structure with respect to the Fund, the Manager may, in the future, recommend to the Funds Board the establishment of the Manager of Managers Structure by recommending the hiring of one or more sub-advisors to manage all or a portion of the Funds portfolio. The Manager of Managers Structure enables the Fund to operate with greater efficiency and without incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approvals for matters relating to sub-advisors or sub-advisory agreements. The Manager of Managers Structure does not permit an increase in the overall management and advisory fees payable by the Fund without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified of any changes made to sub-advisors or sub-advisory agreements within 90 days of the change. |
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Whos who?
Board of trustees: A mutual fund is governed by a board of trustees, which has oversight responsibility for the management of the funds business affairs. Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the investment manager, the distributor, and others that perform services for the fund. Generally, at least 40% of the board of trustees must be independent of a funds investment manager and distributor. However, the Fund relies on certain exemptive rules adopted by the SEC that require its Board to be comprised of a majority of such independent Trustees. These independent Trustees, in particular, are advocates for shareholder interests. Investment manager: An investment manager is a company responsible for selecting portfolio investments consistent with the |
objective and policies stated in the mutual funds prospectus. The investment manager places portfolio orders with broker/dealers and is responsible for obtaining the best overall execution of those orders. A written contract between a mutual fund and its investment manager specifies the services the investment manager performs. Most management contracts provide for the investment manager to receive an annual fee based on a percentage of the funds average daily net assets. The investment manager is subject to numerous legal restrictions, especially regarding transactions between itself and the funds it advises. Portfolio managers: Portfolio managers are employed by the investment manager to make investment decisions for individual portfolios on a day-to-day basis. |
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Custodian: Mutual funds are legally required to protect their portfolio securities and most funds place them with a qualified bank custodian that segregates fund securities from other bank assets. Distributor: Most mutual funds continuously offer new shares to the public through distributors that are regulated as broker/dealers and are subject to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules governing mutual fund sales practices. Financial intermediary wholesaler: Pursuant to a contractual arrangement with a funds distributor, a financial intermediary wholesaler is primarily responsible for promoting the sale of fund shares through broker/dealers, financial advisors, and other financial intermediaries. Service agent: Mutual fund companies employ service agents (sometimes called transfer agents) to maintain records of shareholder accounts, calculate and disburse dividends and |
capital gains, and prepare and mail shareholder statements and tax information, among other functions. Many service agents also provide customer service to shareholders. Financial advisors: Financial advisors provide advice to their clients, analyzing their financial objectives and recommending appropriate funds or other investments. Financial advisors are associated with securities broker/dealers who have entered into selling and/or service arrangements with the distributor. Selling broker/dealers and financial advisors are compensated for their services, generally through sales commissions, and through 12b-1 fees and/or service fees deducted from a funds assets. Shareholders: Like shareholders of other companies, mutual fund shareholders have specific voting rights. Material changes in the terms of a funds management contract must be approved by a shareholder vote, and funds seeking to change fundamental investment policies must also seek shareholder approval. |
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About your account
Investing in the Fund
You can choose from a number of share classes for the Fund. Because each share class has a different combination of sales charges, fees, and other features, you should consult your financial advisor to determine which class best suits your investment goals and time frame. As of September 3, 2008, Delaware Management Trust Company discontinued accepting applications from investors seeking to invest in the Delaware Investments ® Family of Funds by opening new 403(b) custodial accounts. Effective January 1, 2009, Delaware Management Trust Company will not accept contributions into existing 403(b) custodial accounts.
Choosing a share class
Class A |
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daily net assets, which is lower than the 12b-1 fee for Class B, Class C, and Class R shares. See Dealer compensation below for further information.
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Class A sales charges
The table below details your sales charges on purchases of Class A shares. The offering price for Class A shares includes the front-end sales charge. The sales charge as a percentage of the net amount invested is the maximum percentage of the amount invested rounded to the nearest hundredth. The actual sales charge that you pay as a percentage of the offering price and as a percentage of the net amount invested will vary depending on the then-current NAV, the percentage rate of sales charge, and rounding.
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Sales charge as | Sales charge | ||
Amount of purchase | % of offering price | as % of net amount invested | |
Less than $100,000 | 2.75% | 3.23% | |
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | 2.00% | 2.44% | |
$250,000 but less than $1 million | 1.00% | 1.34% | |
$1 million or more | None | None | |
(Limited CDSC may apply)* | (Limited CDSC may apply)* |
*There is no front-end sales charge when you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares. However, if the Distributor paid your financial advisor a commission on your purchase of $1 million or more of Class A shares, you will have to pay a Limited CDSC of 0.75% if you redeem these shares within the first year after your purchase, unless a specific waiver of the Limited CDSC applies. The Limited CDSC will be paid to the Distributor and will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the NAV at the time the Class A shares being redeemed were purchased; or (2) the NAV of such Class A shares at the time of redemption. For purposes of this formula, the NAV at the time of purchase will be the NAV at purchase of the Class A shares even if those shares are later exchanged for shares of another Delaware Investments ® Fund and, in the event of an exchange of Class A shares, the NAV of such shares at the time of redemption will be the NAV of the shares acquired in the exchange. In determining whether a Limited CDSC is payable, it will be assumed that shares not subject to the Limited CDSC are the first redeemed followed by other shares held for the longest period of time. See Dealer compensation below for a description of the dealer commission that is paid.
Class B |
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As of May 31, 2007, no new or subsequent investments, including investments through automatic investment plans and by qualified retirement plans (such as 401(k) or 457 plans), are allowed in the Funds Class B shares, except through a reinvestment of dividends or capital gains or permitted exchanges. Existing shareholders of Class B shares may continue to hold their Class B shares, reinvest dividends into Class B shares, and exchange their Class B shares of one Delaware Investments ® Fund for Class B shares of another Fund, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Existing Class B shareholders wishing to make subsequent purchases in the Funds shares will be permitted to invest in other classes of the Fund, subject to that classs pricing structure and eligibility requirements, if any. | For Class B shares outstanding as of May 31, 2007, and Class B shares acquired upon reinvestment of dividends or capital gains, all Class B share attributes, including the CDSC schedules, conversion to Class A schedule, and distribution and service (12b-1) fees, will continue in their current form. In addition, because the Funds or its Distributors ability to assess certain sales charges and fees is dependent on the sale of new shares, the termination of new purchases of Class B shares could ultimately lead to the elimination and/or reduction of such sales charges and fees. The Fund may not be able to provide shareholders with advance notice of the reduction in these sales charges and fees. You will be notified via a Prospectus supplement if there are any changes to any attributes, sales charges, or fees. |
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About your account
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contingent deferred sales charges below for further information.
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Class C | ||
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determined, please see Calculation of contingent deferred sales charges Class B and Class C below.
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Class R | ||
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Except as noted above, no other IRAs are eligible for Class R shares (for example, no traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, SARSEPs, etc.). For purposes of determining plan asset levels, affiliated plans may be combined at the request of the plan sponsor.
Any account holding Class A shares as of June 2, 2003 (the date Class R shares were made available) continues to be eligible to purchase Class A shares after that date. Any account holding Class R shares is not eligible to purchase Class A shares.
Each share class may be eligible for purchase through programs sponsored by financial intermediaries that require the purchase of a specific class of shares.
Each share class of the Fund has adopted a separate 12b-1 plan that allows it to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Funds assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
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About your account
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Dealer compensation
The financial advisor that sells you shares of the Fund may be eligible to receive the following amounts as compensation for your investment in the Fund. These amounts are paid by the Distributor to the securities dealer with whom your financial advisor is associated.
Class A 1 | Class B 2 | Class C 3 | Class R 4 | ||||
Commission (%) | | 2.00% | 1.00% | | |||
Investment less than $100,000 | 2.35% | | | | |||
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | 1.75% | | | | |||
$250,000 but less than $1 million | 0.75% | | | | |||
$1 million but less than $5 million | 0.75% | | | | |||
$5 million but less than $25 million | 0.50% | | | | |||
$25 million or more | 0.25% | | | | |||
12b-1 Fee to Dealer | 0.30% | 0.15% | 1.00% | 0.60% |
1 | On sales of Class A shares, the Distributor reallows to your securities dealer a portion of the front-end sales charge depending upon the amount you invested. Your securities dealer may be eligible to receive a 12b-1 fee of up to 0.30% from the date of purchase. However, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to limit this amount to 0.15% from May 1, 2009 until it is discontinued. | |
2 | On sales of Class B shares, the Distributor may pay your securities dealer an up-front commission of 2.00%. Your securities dealer may be eligible to receive a 12b-1 service fee of up to 0.25% from the date of purchase. After approximately five years, Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares and dealers may then be eligible to receive the 0.30% 12b-1 fee applicable to Class A. | |
3 | On sales of Class C shares, the Distributor may pay your securities dealer an up-front commission of 1.00%. The up-front commission includes an advance of the first years 12b-1 service fee of up to 0.25%. During the first 12 months, the Distributor retains the full 1.00% 12b-1 fee to partially offset the up-front commission and the prepaid 0.25% service fee advanced at the time of purchase. Starting in the 13th month, your securities dealer may be eligible to receive the full 1.00% 12b-1 fee applicable to Class C. Alternatively, certain intermediaries may not be eligible to receive the up-front commission of 1.00%, but may receive the 12b-1 fee for Class C shares from the date of purchase. | |
4 | On sales of Class R shares, the Distributor does not pay your securities dealer an up-front commission. Your securities dealer may be eligible to receive a 12b-1 fee of up to 0.60% from the date of purchase. However, the Distributor has contracted to limit this amount to 0.50% from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010. |
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About your account
Payments to intermediaries The Distributor, Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., and their affiliates may pay additional compensation (at their own expense and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, or other financial intermediaries (Financial Intermediaries) in connection with the sale or retention of Fund shares and/or shareholder servicing, including providing the Fund with shelf space or a higher profile with the Financial Intermediarys consultants, salespersons, and customers (distribution assistance). The level of payments made to a qualifying Financial Intermediary in any given year will vary. To the extent permitted by SEC and FINRA rules and other applicable laws and regulations, the Distributor may pay, or allow its affiliates to pay, other promotional incentives or payments to Financial Intermediaries. If a mutual fund sponsor or distributor makes greater payments for distribution assistance to your Financial Intermediary with respect to distribution of shares of that |
particular mutual fund than sponsors or distributors of other mutual funds make to your Financial Intermediary with respect to the distribution of the shares of their mutual funds, your Financial Intermediary and its salespersons may have a financial incentive to favor sales of shares of the mutual fund making the higher payments over shares of other mutual funds or over other investment options. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, a Financial Intermediary may also have a financial incentive for recommending a particular share class over other share classes. You should consult with your Financial Intermediary and review carefully any disclosure provided by such Financial Intermediary as to compensation it receives in connection with investment products it recommends or sells to you. In certain instances, the payments could be significant and may cause a conflict of interest for your Financial Intermediary. Any such payments will not change the NAV or the price of the Funds shares. For more information, please see the SAI. |
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About your account
How to reduce your sales charge
We offer a number of ways to reduce or eliminate the sales charge on shares. Please refer to the SAI for detailed information and eligibility requirements. You can also get additional information from your financial advisor. You or your financial advisor must notify us at the time you purchase shares if you are eligible for any of these programs. You may also need to provide information to your financial advisor or the Fund in order to qualify for a reduction in
Program | ||
Letter of intent | ||
Through a letter of intent, you agree to invest a certain amount in Delaware Investments ® Funds (except money market funds with no sales charge) over a 13-month period to qualify for reduced front-end sales charges. |
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Rights of accumulation | ||
You can combine your holdings or purchases of all Delaware Investments ® Funds (except money market funds with no sales charge), as well as the holdings and purchases of your spouse and children under 21 to qualify for reduced front-end sales charges. |
Reinvestment of redeemed shares | ||
Up to 12 months after you redeem shares, you can reinvest the proceeds without paying a sales charge. |
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SIMPLE IRA, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), Profit
Sharing,
Money Purchase, and 457 Retirement Plans |
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These investment plans may qualify for reduced sales charges by combining the purchases of all members of the group. Members of these groups may also qualify to purchase shares without a front-end sales charge and may qualify for a waiver of any CDSCs on Class A shares. |
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sales charges. Such information may include your Delaware Investments ® Funds holdings in any other accounts, including retirement accounts, held indirectly or through an intermediary, and the names of qualifying family members and their holdings. Class R shares have no sales charge or CDSC. We reserve the right to determine whether any purchase is entitled, by virtue of the foregoing, to the reduced sales charge.
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About your account
Buying Class A shares at net asset value Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at NAV under the following circumstances, provided that you notify the Fund in advance that the trade qualifies for this privilege.
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About your account
Waivers of contingent deferred sales charges The Funds applicable CDSCs may be waived under the following circumstances: |
Redemptions in accordance with a systematic withdrawal plan, provided the annual amount selected to be withdrawn under the plan does not exceed 12% of the value of the account on the date that the systematic withdrawal plan was established or modified. |
Redemptions that result from the Funds right to liquidate a shareholders account if the aggregate NAV of the shares held in the account is less than the then-effective minimum account size. |
Distributions to participants or beneficiaries from a retirement plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code). |
Redemptions pursuant to the direction of a participant or beneficiary of a retirement plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code with respect to that retirement plan. |
Periodic distributions from an individual retirement account (i.e., traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP, SARSEP, Coverdell ESA) or a qualified plan** (401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, 403(b)(7), and 457 Retirement Plans) not subject to a penalty under Section 72(t)(2)(A) of the Code or a hardship or unforeseen emergency provision in the qualified plan as described in Treas. Reg. §1.401(k)-1(d)(3) and Section 457(d)(1)(A)(iii) of the Code. |
Returns of excess contributions due to any regulatory limit from an individual retirement account (i.e., traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP, SARSEP, Coverdell ESA) or a qualified plan** (401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, and 457 Retirement Plans). |
Distributions by other employee benefit plans to pay benefits. |
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Class A* | Class B | Class C |
Available | Available | Available |
Available | Available | Available |
Available | Not available | Not available |
Available | Not available | Not available |
Available | Available | Available |
Available | Available | Available |
Available | Not available | Not available |
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About your
account
Waivers of contingent deferred sales charges (continued) |
Systematic withdrawals from a retirement account or qualified plan that are not subject to a penalty pursuant to Section 72(t)(2)(A) of the Code or a hardship or unforeseen emergency provision in the qualified plan** as described in Treas. Reg. §1.401(k)-1(d)(3) and Section 457(d)(1)(A)(iii) of the Code. The systematic withdrawal may be pursuant to the systematic withdrawal plan for the Delaware Investments ® Funds or a systematic withdrawal permitted by the Code. |
Distributions from an account of a redemption resulting from the death or disability (as defined in Section 72(t)(2)(A) of the Code) of a registered owner or a registered joint owner occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed. In the case of accounts established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or trust accounts, the waiver applies upon the death of all beneficial owners. |
Redemptions by certain legacy retirement assets that meet the requirements set forth in the SAI. |
Redemptions by the classes of shareholders who are permitted to purchase shares at NAV, regardless of the size of the purchase. See Buying Class A shares at net asset value above. |
*The waiver for Class A shares relates to a waiver of the Limited CDSC. Please note that you or your financial advisor will have to notify us at the time of purchase that the trade qualifies for such waiver. **Qualified plans that are fully redeemed at the direction of the plans fiduciary are subject to any applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC, unless the redemption is due to the termination of the plan. |
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Class A* | Class B | Class C |
Available | Available | Available |
Available | Available | Available |
Available | Not available | Available |
Available | Not available | Not available |
Certain sales charges may be based on historical cost. Therefore, you should maintain any records that substantiate these costs because the Fund, its transfer agent, and financial intermediaries may not maintain this information. Information about existing sales charges and sales charge reductions and waivers is available free of charge on the Delaware Investments ® Funds Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com. Additional information on sales charges can be found in the SAI, which is available upon request.
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About your account
How to buy shares Through your financial advisor Your financial advisor can handle all the details of purchasing shares, including opening an account. Your financial advisor may charge a separate fee for this service. By mail Complete an investment slip and mail it with your check, made payable to the fund and class of shares you wish to purchase, to Delaware Investments, P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for investments by overnight courier service. If you are making an initial purchase by mail, you must include a completed investment application (or an appropriate retirement plan application if you are opening a retirement account) with your check. Please note that purchase orders submitted by mail will not be accepted until such orders are received by Delaware Investments at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 for investments by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for investments by overnight courier service. Please do not send purchase orders to 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094. By wire Ask your bank to wire the amount you want to invest to The Bank of New York Mellon, ABA #021000018, bank account number 8900403748. Include your account number and the name of the fund and class of shares in which you want to invest. If you are making an initial purchase by wire, you must first call us at 800 523-1918 so we can assign you an account number. |
By exchange You may exchange all or part of your investment in one or more Delaware Investments ® Funds for shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds. Please keep in mind, however, that under most circumstances you are allowed to exchange only between like classes of shares. To open an account by exchange, call the Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918.
Through automated
You may purchase or exchange shares through Delaphone, our automated telephone service, or through our Web site, www.delawareinvestments.com. For more information about how to sign up for these services, call our Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918. Once you have completed an application, you can open an account with an initial investment of $1,000 and make additional investments at any time for as little as $100. The minimum initial purchase is $250, and you can make additional investments of $25 or more, if you are buying shares in an IRA or Roth IRA, under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, or through an Automatic Investing Plan. The minimum initial purchase for a Coverdell Education Savings Account (formerly, an Education IRA) is $500. The minimums vary for retirement plans other than IRAs, Roth IRAs, or Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. The price you pay for shares will depend on when we receive your purchase order. If an authorized agent or we receive your order before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which is normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, you will |
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pay that days closing share price, which is based on a funds NAV. If your order is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, you will pay the next business days price. A business day is any day that the NYSE is open for business (Business Day). We reserve the right to reject any purchase order. We determine the NAV per share for each class of the Fund at the close of regular trading on the NYSE on each Business Day. The NAV per share for each class of the Fund is calculated by subtracting the liabilities of each class from its total assets and dividing the resulting number by the number of shares outstanding for that |
class. We generally price securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available at their market value. For a fund that invests in foreign securities, the funds NAV may change on days when a shareholder will not be able to purchase or sell fund shares because foreign markets are open at times and on days when U.S. markets are not. We price fixed income securities on the basis of valuations provided to us by an independent pricing service that uses methods approved by the Board. For all other securities, we use methods approved by the Board that are designed to price securities at their fair market value. |
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Fair valuation When the Fund uses fair value pricing, it may take into account any factors it deems appropriate. The Fund may determine fair value based upon developments related to a specific security, current valuations of foreign stock indices (as reflected in U.S. futures markets), and/or U.S. sector or broader stock market indices. The price of securities used by the Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. Fair value pricing may involve subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The Fund anticipates using fair value pricing for securities primarily traded on U.S. exchanges only under very limited circumstances, such as the early closing of the exchange on which a security is traded |
or suspension of trading in the security. The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Fund may frequently value many foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools to the extent available. The Board has delegated responsibility for valuing the Funds assets to a Pricing Committee of the Manager, which operates under the policies and procedures approved by the Board and which is subject to the Boards oversight. |
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About your account
Retirement plans In addition to being an appropriate investment for your IRA, Roth IRA, and Coverdell Education Savings Account, the Fund may be suitable for group retirement plans. You may establish your IRA account even if you are already a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. For more information on how the Fund can play an important role in your retirement planning or for details about group plans, please consult your financial advisor, or call our Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918. |
Document delivery If you have an account in the same Delaware Investments ® Fund as another member of your household, we send your household one copy of the Funds prospectus and annual and semiannual reports unless you opt otherwise. This will help us reduce the printing and mailing expenses associated with the Fund. We will continue to send one copy of each of these documents to your household until you notify us that you wish to receive individual materials. If you wish to receive individual materials, please call our Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918 or your financial advisor. We will begin sending you individual copies of these documents 30 days after receiving your request. |
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How to redeem shares Through your financial advisor Your financial advisor can handle all the details of redeeming your shares (selling them back to the Fund). Your financial advisor may charge a separate fee for this service. By mail You may redeem your shares by mail by writing to: Delaware Investments, P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for redemptions by overnight courier service. All owners of the account must sign the request. For redemptions of more than $100,000, you must include a signature guarantee for each owner. Signature guarantees are also required when redemption proceeds are going to an address other than the address of record on the account. |
Please note that redemption orders submitted by mail will not be accepted until such orders are received by Delaware Investments at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 for redemptions by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for redemptions by overnight courier service. Please do not send redemption requests to 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094. By telephone You may redeem up to $100,000 of your shares by telephone. You may have the proceeds sent to you by check, or, if you redeem at least $1,000 of shares, you may have the proceeds sent directly to your bank by wire. If you request a wire deposit, a bank wire fee may be deducted from your proceeds. Bank information must be on file before you request a wire redemption. |
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By wire You may redeem $1,000 or more of your shares and have the proceeds deposited directly to your bank account, normally the next Business Day after we receive your request. If you request a wire deposit, a bank wire fee may be deducted from your proceeds. Bank information must be on file before you request a wire redemption.
Through automated
You may redeem shares through Delaphone, our automated telephone service, or through our Web site, www.delawareinvestments.com. For more information about how to sign up for these services, call our Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918. If you hold your shares in certificates, you must submit the certificates with your request to sell the shares. We recommend that you send your certificates by certified mail. When you send us a properly completed request to redeem or exchange shares and an authorized agent or we receive the request before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), you will receive the NAV next determined after we receive your request. If we receive your request after the close of regular trading |
on the NYSE, you will receive the NAV next determined on the next Business Day. We will deduct any applicable CDSCs. You may also have to pay taxes on the proceeds from your sale of shares. We will send you a check, normally the next Business Day, but no later than seven days after we receive your request to sell your shares. If you purchased your shares by check, we will wait until your check has cleared, which can take up to 15 days, before we send your redemption proceeds. If you are required to pay a CDSC when you redeem your shares, the amount subject to the fee will be based on the shares NAV when you purchased them or their NAV when you redeem them, whichever is less. This arrangement assures that you will not pay a CDSC on any increase in the value of your shares. You also will not pay the charge on any shares acquired by reinvesting dividends or capital gains. If you exchange shares of one fund for shares of another, you do not pay a CDSC at the time of the exchange. If you later redeem those shares, the purchase price for purposes of the CDSC formula will be the price you paid for the original shares, not the exchange price. The redemption price for purposes of this formula will be the NAV of the shares you are actually redeeming. |
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Account minimums If you redeem shares and your account balance falls below the required account minimum of $1,000 ($250 for IRAs, Roth IRAs, Uniform Gifts to Minors Act and Uniform Transfers to Minors Act accounts, or accounts with automatic investing plans, and $500 for Coverdell Education Savings Accounts) for three or more consecutive months, you will |
have until the end of the current calendar quarter to raise the balance to the minimum. If your account is not at the minimum by the required time, you may be charged a $9 fee for that quarter and each quarter after that until your account reaches the minimum balance. If your account does not reach the minimum balance, the Fund may redeem your account after 60 days written notice to you. |
45
About your account
Special services
To help make investing with us as easy as possible, and to help you build your investments, we offer the following special services.
Automatic investing plan The automatic investing plan allows you to make regular monthly or quarterly investments directly from your checking account. Direct deposit With direct deposit, you can make additional investments through payroll deductions, recurring government or private payments such as Social Security, or direct transfers from your bank account. Electronic delivery With Delaware eDelivery, you can receive your fund documents electronically instead of via U.S. mail. When you sign up for eDelivery, you can access your account statements, shareholder reports, and other fund materials online, in a secure internet environment at any time, from anywhere. Online account access Online account access is a password-protected area of the Delaware Investments ® Funds Web site that gives you access to your account information and allows you to perform transactions in a secure internet environment. Systematic exchange option With the systematic exchange option, you can arrange automatic monthly exchanges between your shares in one or more Delaware Investments ® Funds. These exchanges are subject to the same rules as regular exchanges (see below) and require a minimum monthly exchange of $100 per fund. |
Dividend reinvestment plan Through the dividend reinvestment plan, you can have your distributions reinvested in your account or the same share class in another Delaware Investments ® Fund. The shares that you purchase through the dividend reinvestment plan are not subject to a front-end sales charge or to a CDSC. Under most circumstances, you may reinvest dividends only into like classes of shares. Exchanges You may generally exchange all or part of your shares for shares of the same class of another Delaware Investments ® Fund without paying a front-end sales charge or a CDSC at the time of the exchange. However, if you exchange shares from a money market fund that does not have a sales charge or from Class R shares of any fund, you will pay any applicable sales charge on your new shares. When exchanging Class B and Class C shares of one fund for the same class of shares in other funds, your new shares will be subject to the same CDSC as the shares you originally purchased. The holding period for the CDSC will also remain the same, with the amount of time you held your original shares being credited toward the holding period of your new shares. You do not pay sales charges on shares that you acquired through the reinvestment of dividends. You may have to pay taxes on your exchange. When you exchange shares, you are purchasing shares in another fund so you should be sure to get a copy of the funds prospectus and read it carefully |
46
before buying shares through an exchange. The Fund may refuse the purchase side of any exchange request, if, in the Managers judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected. On demand service Through the on demand service, you or your financial advisor may transfer money between your Fund account and your predesignated bank account by telephone request. This service is not available for retirement plans. There is a minimum transfer of $25 and a maximum transfer of $100,000, except for purchases into IRAs. Delaware Investments does not charge a fee for this service; however, your bank may assess one. Direct deposit service Through the direct deposit service, you can have $25 or more in dividends and distributions deposited directly to your bank account. Delaware Investments does not charge a fee for this service; however, your |
bank may assess one. This service is not available for retirement plans. Systematic withdrawal plan Through the systematic withdrawal plan, you can arrange a regular monthly or quarterly payment from your account made to you or someone you designate. If the value of your account is $5,000 or more, you can make withdrawals of at least $25 monthly, or $75 quarterly. You may also have your withdrawals deposited directly to your bank account through the direct deposit service. The applicable Limited CDSC for Class A shares and the CDSC for Class B and C shares redeemed via a systematic withdrawal plan will be waived if the annual amount withdrawn in each year is less than 12% of the account balance on the date that the plan is established. If the annual amount withdrawn in any year exceeds 12% of the account balance on the date that the systematic withdrawal plan is established, all redemptions under the plan will be subject to the applicable CDSC, including an assessment for previously redeemed amounts under the plan. |
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Frequent trading of Fund shares The Fund discourages purchases by market timers and purchase orders (including the purchase side of exchange orders) by shareholders identified as market timers may be rejected. The Funds Board has adopted policies and procedures designed to detect, deter, and prevent trading activity detrimental to the Fund and its shareholders, such as market timing. The Fund will consider anyone who follows a |
pattern of market timing in any Delaware Investments ® Fund or the Optimum Fund Trust to be a market timer and may consider anyone who has followed a similar pattern of market timing at an unaffiliated fund family to be a market timer. Market timing of a fund occurs when investors make consecutive, rapid, short-term roundtrips that is, purchases into a fund followed quickly by redemptions out of that fund. A short-term roundtrip |
47
About your account
is any redemption of fund shares within 20 Business Days of a purchase of that funds shares. If you make a second such short-term roundtrip in a fund within the same calendar quarter as a previous short-term roundtrip in that fund, you may be considered a market timer. In determining whether market timing has occurred, the Fund will consider short-term roundtrips to include rapid purchases and sales of Fund shares through the exchange privilege. The Fund reserves the right to consider other trading patterns to be market timing. Your ability to use the Funds exchange privilege may be limited if you are identified as a market timer. If you are identified as a market timer, we will execute the redemption side of your exchange order but may refuse the purchase side of your exchange order. The Fund reserves the right to restrict or reject, without prior notice, any purchase order or exchange order for any reason, including any purchase order or exchange order accepted by any shareholders financial intermediary or in any omnibus-type account. Transactions placed in violation of the Funds market timing policy are not necessarily deemed accepted by the Fund and may be rejected by the Fund on the next Business Day following receipt by the Fund. Redemptions will continue to be permitted in accordance with the Funds current Prospectus. A redemption of shares under these circumstances could be costly to a shareholder if, for example, the shares have declined in value, the shareholder recently paid a front-end sales charge, the shares are subject to a CDSC, or the sale results in adverse tax consequences. To avoid this risk, a shareholder should carefully monitor |
the purchases, sales, and exchanges of Fund shares and avoid frequent trading in Fund shares. The Fund reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without notice, including modifications to the Funds monitoring procedures and the procedures to close accounts to new purchases. Although the implementation of this policy involves judgments that are inherently subjective and may be selectively applied, we seek to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of the Funds shareholders. While we will take actions designed to detect and prevent market timing, there can be no assurance that such trading activity will be completely eliminated. Moreover, the Funds market timing policy does not require the Fund to take action in response to frequent trading activity. If the Fund elects not to take any action in response to frequent trading, such frequent trading activity could continue.
Risks of market
timing
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48
to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times to raise cash to accommodate short-term trading activity. This could adversely affect the Funds performance, if, for example, the Fund incurs increased brokerage costs and realization of taxable capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. A fund that invests significantly in foreign securities may be particularly susceptible to short-term trading strategies. This is because foreign securities are typically traded on markets that close well before the time a fund calculates its NAV (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Developments that occur between the closing of the foreign market and a funds NAV calculation may affect the value of these foreign securities. The time zone differences among international stock markets can allow a shareholder engaging in a short-term trading strategy to exploit differences in fund share prices that are based on closing prices of foreign securities established some time before a fund calculates its own share price. Any fund that invests in securities that are thinly traded, traded infrequently, or relatively illiquid has the risk that the securities prices used to calculate the funds NAV may not accurately reflect current market values. A shareholder may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences. Funds that may be adversely affected by such arbitrage include, in particular, funds that significantly invest in small-cap securities, technology, and other specific industry sector securities, and in certain fixed income securities, such as high yield bonds, asset-backed securities, or municipal bonds. |
Transaction monitoring
procedures
Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of the Fund, particularly among certain broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries, including sponsors of retirement plans and variable insurance products. The Fund will attempt to have financial intermediaries apply the Funds monitoring procedures to these omnibus accounts and to the individual participants in such accounts. However, to the extent that a financial intermediary is |
49
About your account
not able or willing to monitor or enforce the Funds frequent trading policy with respect to an omnibus account, the Fund or its agents may require the financial intermediary to impose its frequent trading policy, rather than the Funds policy, to shareholders investing in the Fund through the financial intermediary. A financial intermediary may impose different requirements or have additional restrictions on the frequency of trading than the Fund. Such restrictions may include, without limitation, requiring the trades to be placed by U.S. mail, prohibiting purchases for a designated period of time (typically 30 to 90 days) by investors who have recently purchased or redeemed Fund shares, and similar restrictions. The Funds ability to impose such restrictions with respect to accounts traded through particular financial intermediaries may vary depending on systems capabilities, applicable contractual and legal restrictions, and cooperation of those financial intermediaries. You should consult your financial intermediary regarding the application of such restrictions and to determine whether your financial intermediary imposes any additional or different limitations. In an effort to discourage market timers in such accounts, the Fund may consider enforcement against market timers at the participant level and at the omnibus level, up to and including termination of the omnibus accounts authorization to purchase Fund shares. |
Limitations on ability to detect
and curtail market timing
Dividends, distributions, and taxes
Dividends and
distributions
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50
Annual
statements
Avoid buying a
dividend
Tax
considerations
For federal income tax purposes, Fund distributions of short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Fund distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains no matter how long you have owned your shares. With respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2011, |
unless such provision is extended or made permanent, a portion of income dividends designated by the Fund may be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation by individual shareholders at long-term capital gain rates provided certain holding period requirements are met. Because the income of the Fund primarily is derived from investments earning interest rather than dividend income, generally none or only a small portion of the income dividends paid to you by the Fund may be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation by individuals at long-term capital gain tax rates if certain holding period requirements are met.
Sale or redemption of Fund
shares
Backup
withholding
Other
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51
About your account
Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a 30% or lower treaty rate and U.S. estate tax and are subject to special U.S. tax certification requirements to avoid backup withholding and claim any treaty benefits. Exemptions from U.S. withholding tax are provided for capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from long-term capital gains, if any, and, with respect to taxable years of the Fund that begin before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), interest-related dividends paid by the Fund from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources and short-term capital gain dividends. However, notwithstanding such |
exemptions from U.S. withholding at the source, any such dividends and distributions of income and capital gains will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a U.S. person. This discussion of Dividends, distributions, and taxes is not intended or written to be used as tax advice. Because everyones tax situation is unique, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local, or foreign tax consequences before making an investment in the Fund. |
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Certain management considerations
Investments by funds of funds
and similar investment vehicles
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of funds and/or similar investment vehicles. While it is impossible to predict the overall impact of these transactions over time, there could be adverse effects on portfolio management. For example, the Fund may be required to sell securities or invest cash at times when it would not otherwise do so. These transactions could also have tax consequences if sales of securities result in gains, and could also increase transaction costs or portfolio turnover. |
52
Financial highlights
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Funds financial performance. All per share information reflects financial results for a single Fund share.
Class A shares |
Net asset value, beginning of period |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income 1 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies |
Total from investment operations |
Less dividends and distributions from: |
Net investment income |
Total dividends and distributions |
Net asset value, end of period |
Total return 2 |
Ratios and supplemental data: |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Portfolio turnover |
1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects waivers by the manager and distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.
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The information for each of the fiscal years ended December 31 presented below has been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds financial statements, is included in the Funds annual report, which is available upon request by calling 800 523-1918.
Year ended | |||||||||||||||
12/31 | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
$8.340 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | $8.620 | |||||||||||
0.294 | 0.310 | 0.284 | 0.278 | 0.244 | |||||||||||
(0.112 | ) | 0.199 | 0.019 | (0.132 | ) | (0.048 | ) | ||||||||
0.182 | 0.509 | 0.303 | 0.146 | 0.196 | |||||||||||
(0.342 | ) | (0.379 | ) | (0.363 | ) | (0.356 | ) | (0.336 | ) | ||||||
(0.342 | ) | (0.379 | ) | (0.363 | ) | (0.356 | ) | (0.336 | ) | ||||||
$8.180 | $8.340 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | |||||||||||
2.21% | 6.36% | 3.76% | 1.76% | 2.31% | |||||||||||
$252,563 | $177,183 | $173,362 | $189,845 | $204,053 | |||||||||||
0.84% | 0.83% | 0.81% | 0.82% | 0.75% | |||||||||||
1.12% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.12% | 1.13% | |||||||||||
3.55% | 3.77% | 3.46% | 3.32% | 2.85% | |||||||||||
3.27% | 3.48% | 3.13% | 3.02% | 2.47% | |||||||||||
351% | 236% | 276% | 259% | 313% |
55
Financial highlights
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
Class B shares |
Net asset value, beginning of period |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income 1 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies |
Total from investment operations |
Less dividends and distributions from: |
Net investment income |
Total dividends and distributions |
Net asset value, end of period |
Total return 2 |
Ratios and supplemental data: |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Portfolio turnover |
1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect .
56
Year ended | |||||||||||||||
12/31 | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
$8.330 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | $8.620 | |||||||||||
0.223 | 0.240 | 0.215 | 0.207 | 0.170 | |||||||||||
(0.101 | ) | 0.189 | 0.019 | (0.132 | ) | (0.047 | ) | ||||||||
0.122 | 0.429 | 0.234 | 0.075 | 0.123 | |||||||||||
(0.272 | ) | (0.309 | ) | (0.294 | ) | (0.285 | ) | (0.263 | ) | ||||||
(0.272 | ) | (0.309 | ) | (0.294 | ) | (0.285 | ) | (0.263 | ) | ||||||
$8.180 | $8.330 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | |||||||||||
1.47% | 5.34% | 2.89% | 0.90% | 1.44% | |||||||||||
$3,728 | $5,631 | $11,674 | $19,857 | $27,559 | |||||||||||
1.69% | 1.68% | 1.66% | 1.67% | 1.60% | |||||||||||
1.82% | 1.82% | 1.84% | 1.82% | 1.83% | |||||||||||
2.70% | 2.92% | 2.61% | 2.47% | 2.00% | |||||||||||
2.57% | 2.78% | 2.43% | 2.32% | 1.77% | |||||||||||
351% | 236% | 276% | 259% | 313% |
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Financial highlights
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
Class C shares |
Net asset value, beginning of period |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income 1 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies |
Total from investment operations |
Less dividends and distributions from: |
Net investment income |
Total dividends and distributions |
Net asset value, end of period |
Total return 2 |
Ratios and supplemental data: |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Portfolio turnover |
1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect .
58
Year ended | |||||||||||||||
12/31 | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
$8.330 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | $8.620 | |||||||||||
0.224 | 0.240 | 0.215 | 0.207 | 0.170 | |||||||||||
(0.102 | ) | 0.189 | 0.019 | (0.132 | ) | (0.047 | ) | ||||||||
0.122 | 0.429 | 0.234 | 0.075 | 0.123 | |||||||||||
(0.272 | ) | (0.309 | ) | (0.294 | ) | (0.285 | ) | (0.263 | ) | ||||||
(0.272 | ) | (0.309 | ) | (0.294 | ) | (0.285 | ) | (0.263 | ) | ||||||
$8.180 | $8.330 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | |||||||||||
1.47% | 5.34% | 2.89% | 0.90% | 1.44% | |||||||||||
$52,505 | $19,847 | $21,716 | $32,235 | $49,709 | |||||||||||
1.69% | 1.68% | 1.66% | 1.67% | 1.60% | |||||||||||
1.82% | 1.82% | 1.84% | 1.82% | 1.83% | |||||||||||
2.70% | 2.92% | 2.61% | 2.47% | 2.00% | |||||||||||
2.57% | 2.78% | 2.43% | 2.32% | 1.77% | |||||||||||
351% | 236% | 276% | 259% | 313% |
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Financial highlights
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
Class R shares |
Net asset value, beginning of period |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income 1 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies |
Total from investment operations |
Less dividends and distributions from: |
Net investment income |
Total dividends and distributions |
Net asset value, end of period |
Total return 2 |
Ratios and supplemental data: |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Portfolio turnover |
1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return reflects waivers by the manager and distributor, as applicable. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect .
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Year ended | |||||||||||||||
12/31 | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
$8.340 | $8.220 | $8.270 | $8.490 | $8.630 | |||||||||||
0.265 | 0.281 | 0.255 | 0.244 | 0.205 | |||||||||||
(0.112 | ) | 0.189 | 0.029 | (0.142 | ) | (0.048 | ) | ||||||||
0.153 | 0.470 | 0.284 | 0.102 | 0.157 | |||||||||||
(0.313 | ) | (0.350 | ) | (0.334 | ) | (0.322 | ) | (0.297 | ) | ||||||
(0.313 | ) | (0.350 | ) | (0.334 | ) | (0.322 | ) | (0.297 | ) | ||||||
$8.180 | $8.340 | $8.220 | $8.270 | $8.490 | |||||||||||
1.86% | 5.86% | 3.53% | 1.34% | 1.73% | |||||||||||
$1,446 | $517 | $1,876 | $1,860 | $1,905 | |||||||||||
1.19% | 1.18% | 1.16% | 1.23% | 1.20% | |||||||||||
1.42% | 1.42% | 1.44% | 1.42% | 1.43% | |||||||||||
3.20% | 3.42% | 3.11% | 2.91% | 2.40% | |||||||||||
2.97% | 3.18% | 2.83% | 2.72% | 2.17% | |||||||||||
351% | 236% | 276% | 259% | 313% |
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Financial highlights
How to read the financial highlights |
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Net investment income
(loss)
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments
Net asset value
(NAV)
Total return
|
Net assets
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average net assets
Portfolio
turnover
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Additional information
Call the Shareholder Service Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. | ||
| For fund information, literature, price, yield, and performance figures. | |
| For information on existing regular investment accounts and retirement plan accounts including wire investments, wire redemptions, telephone redemptions, and telephone exchanges. |
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund symbols
CUSIP | Nasdaq | |||
Class A | 245912308 | DTRIX | ||
Class B | 245912605 | DTIBX | ||
Class C | 245912704 | DTICX | ||
Class R | 245912803 | DLTRX |
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Additional information about the Funds investments is available in its annual and semiannual shareholder reports. In the Funds annual shareholder report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds performance during the period covered by the report. You can find more information about the Fund in its current SAI, which is filed electronically with the SEC, and which is legally a part of this Prospectus (it is incorporated by reference) . To receive a free copy of the SAI, or the annual or semiannual report, or if you have any questions about investing in the Fund, write to us at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 by overnight courier service, or call |
toll-free 800 523-1918. The SAI and shareholder reports are available, free of charge, through the Funds Web site (www. delawareinvestments. com). You may also obtain additional information about the Fund from your financial advisor. You can find reports and other information about the Fund on the EDGAR database on the SEC Web site (www.sec.gov). You can get copies of this information, after paying a duplication fee, by e-mailing the SEC at publicinfo@sec. gov or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-0102. Information about the Fund, including its SAI, can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For information on the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 202 551-8090. |
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PR-022 [12/08] DG3 4/09 | Investment Company Act file number: 811-03363 | P0 13824 |
Prospectus
Fixed Income
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified
Income Fund
April 30, 2009
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Get shareholder reports and
prospectuses online instead of in the mail.
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Table of contents
Fund profile | page 1 | |
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund | 1 | |
How we manage the Fund | page 7 | |
Our investment strategies | 7 | |
The securities in which the Fund typically invests | 8 | |
The risks of investing in the Fund | 15 | |
Disclosure of portfolio holdings information | 20 | |
Who manages the Fund | page 21 | |
Investment manager | 21 | |
Portfolio managers | 21 | |
Manager of managers structure | 24 | |
Whos who? | 24 | |
About your account | page 26 | |
Investing in the Fund | 26 | |
Payments to intermediaries | 26 | |
How to buy shares | 27 | |
Fair valuation | 28 | |
Document delivery | 29 | |
How to redeem shares | 29 | |
Account minimum | 30 | |
Exchanges | 30 | |
Frequent trading of Fund shares | 30 | |
Dividends, distributions, and taxes | 33 | |
Certain management considerations | 35 | |
Financial highlights | page 36 | |
Additional information | page 45 |
Profile
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
What is the Funds investment objective?
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund seeks maximum total return, consistent with reasonable risk. Although the Fund will strive to achieve its objective, there is no assurance that it will.
What are the Funds main
investment strategies?
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The corporate debt obligations in which the Fund may invest include bonds, notes, debentures, and commercial paper of U.S. companies and, subject to the limitations described below, non-U.S. companies. The Fund may also invest in a variety of securities which are issued or guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government, and by various agencies or instrumentalities which have been established or are sponsored by the U.S. government, and, subject to the limitations described below, securities issued by foreign governments. Additionally, the Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, government-sponsored corporations, and mortgage-backed securities issued by certain private, nongovernment entities. The Fund may also invest in securities that are backed by assets such as receivables on home equity and credit card loans, automobile, mobile home, recreational vehicle and other loans, wholesale dealer floor plans, and leases. |
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Who should invest in the Fund
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Who should not invest in the Fund
1 |
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Profile
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in below-investment-grade securities. In general, the below-investment-grade securities that the Fund may purchase in this sector will generally be rated BB or lower by S&P or Fitch, Ba or lower by Moodys, or similarly rated by another NRSRO. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. The Funds total non-U.S. dollar currency exposure will be limited, in the aggregate, to no more than 10% of net assets.
What are the main risks of
investing in the Fund?
Investments in high yield, high-risk or junk bonds entail certain risks, including the risk of loss of principal, which may be greater than the risks presented by investment grade bonds and which should be considered by investors contemplating an investment in the Fund. Among these risks are those that result from the absence of a liquid secondary market and the dominance in the market of institutional investors. The Fund will also be affected by prepayment risk due to its holdings of mortgage-backed securities. With prepayment risk, when homeowners prepay mortgages during periods of low interest rates, the Fund may be forced to redeploy its assets in lower yielding securities. |
The Funds investments in securities issued by non-U.S. companies are generally denominated in foreign currencies and involve certain risks not typically associated with investing in bonds issued by U.S. companies, including political instability, foreign economic conditions, and inadequate regulatory and accounting standards. To the extent that the Fund invests in foreign fixed income securities, the value of these securities may be adversely affected by changes in U.S. or foreign interest rates, as well as changes in currency exchange rates. In addition, investments in emerging markets are subject to greater risks than investments in more developed countries, including risks of political or economic instability, expropriation, adverse changes in tax laws, and currency controls. Moreover, there is substantially less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than there is about issuers in developed markets, and the information that is available tends to be of a lesser quality. Also, emerging markets are typically less mature, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than are developed markets. The Funds investments in foreign securities may also be subject to currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that the value of an investment may be negatively affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Adverse changes in exchange rates may reduce or eliminate any gains produced by investments that are denominated in foreign currencies and may increase losses. If, and to the extent that, we invest in forward foreign currency contracts or use other investments to hedge against currency risks, the Fund will be subject to the special risks, including counterparty risk, associated with those activities. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. |
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For a more complete discussion of risk, please see The risks of investing in the Fund on page 15. You should keep in mind that an investment in the Fund is not a complete investment |
program; it should be considered just one part of your total financial plan. Be sure to discuss this Fund with your financial advisor to determine whether it is an appropriate choice for you. |
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How has Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund performed?
This bar chart and table can help you evaluate the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows how annual returns for the Funds Institutional Class shares have varied over the past 10 calendar years. The table shows the average annual returns of the Institutional Class shares for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods. The Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future. The returns reflect expense caps in effect during certain of these periods. The returns would be lower without the expense caps. Please turn to the footnotes under What are the Funds fees and expenses? for additional information about the expense caps.
Year-by-year total return (Institutional Class)
During the periods illustrated in this bar chart, the Institutional Class highest quarterly return was 3.94% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and its lowest quarterly return was -1.29% for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
Effective the close of business on November 30, 2007, the Funds investment objective, strategies, and policies were changed to permit the Fund to invest in a diversified portfolio of limited-term fixed income securities. These changes allow the Fund to invest in a broader range of fixed income securities, including U.S. government securities, foreign government securities, and corporate and high yield securities of domestic and foreign issuers. Accordingly, the Fund no longer invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. government securities.
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Profile
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
Average annual returns for periods ended December 31, 2008
1 year | 5 years | 10 years | |||||||
Return before taxes | 2.37 | % | 3.42 | % | 4.47 | % | |||
Return after taxes on distributions | 0.85 | % | 1.84 | % | 2.57 | % | |||
Return after taxes on distributions | |||||||||
and sale of Fund shares | 1.53 | % | 1.99 | % | 2.65 | % | |||
Barclays Capital 13 Year Government/Credit Index | 4.97 | % | 3.81 | % | 4.79 | % |
The Funds returns above are compared to the performance of the Barclays Capital 13 Year Government/Credit Index. The Barclays Capital 13 Year Government/Credit Index, formerly the Lehman Brothers 13 Year Government/Credit Index, is a market value-weighted index of government fixed-rate debt securities and investment grade U.S. and foreign fixed-rate debt securities with average maturities of one to three years. It is important to note that, unlike the Fund, the Index is unmanaged and does not reflect the actual costs of operating a mutual fund, such as the costs of buying, selling, and holding securities. Maximum sales charges are included in the Fund returns shown above.
Actual after-tax returns depend on the investors individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown. After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles, such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts. The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The after-tax rate used is based on the current tax characterization of the elements of the Funds returns (for example, qualified vs. nonqualified dividends) and may be different than the final tax characterization of such elements. Past performance, both before and after taxes, is not a guarantee of future results.
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Fees and expenses
What are the Funds fees and expenses?
You do not pay sales charges directly from your investments when you buy or sell shares of the Institutional Class.
Institutional Class | |||
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed | |||
on purchases as a percentage of offering price | none | ||
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) | |||
as a percentage of original purchase price | |||
or redemption price, whichever is lower | none | ||
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed | |||
on reinvested dividends | none | ||
Redemption fees | none | ||
Exchange fees 1 | none |
Annual fund operating expenses are deducted from the Funds assets.
Institutional Class | |||
Management fees 2 | 0.50% | ||
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees | none | ||
Other expenses | 0.32% | ||
Total annual fund operating expenses | 0.82% |
1 Exchanges are subject to the requirements of each Delaware Investments ® Fund. A front-end sales charge may apply if you exchange your shares into a fund that has a front-end sales charge.
2 The Manager has agreed to voluntarily waive all or portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 plan expenses, taxes, interest, inverse floater program expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent annual fund operating expenses from exceeding, in an aggregate amount, 0.70% of the Funds average daily net assets from May 1, 2009 until such time as the voluntary expense cap is discontinued. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements apply only to expenses paid directly by the Fund, and may be discontinued at any time because they are voluntary. The fees and expenses shown in the annual fund operating expenses table above do not reflect this voluntary expense cap.
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Profile
Fees and expenses
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund to the cost of investing in other mutual funds with similar investment objectives. The example shows the cumulative amount of Fund expenses on a hypothetical investment of $10,000 with an annual 5% return over the time shown. The Funds actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return we use here. This example assumes that the Series total operating expenses remain unchanged in each of the periods shown. This is an example only, and does not represent future expenses, which may be greater or less than those shown here.
Institutional Class | |||
1 year | $84 | ||
3 years | $262 | ||
5 years | $455 | ||
10 years | $1,014 |
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How we manage the Fund
Our investment strategies We analyze economic and market conditions, seeking to identify the securities or market sectors that we believe are the best investments for the Fund. Securities in which the Fund may invest include, but are not limited to, the following:
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade fixed income securities. The Fund may invest in debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and by U.S. corporations. The corporate debt obligations in which the Fund may invest include bonds, notes, debentures, and commercial paper of U.S. companies. The U.S. government securities in which the Fund may invest include a variety of securities which are issued or guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government, and by |
various agencies or instrumentalities which have been established or are sponsored by the U.S. government. The Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or by government-sponsored corporations. Other mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest are issued by certain private, nongovernment entities. The Fund may also invest in securities that are backed by assets such as receivables on home equity and credit card loans, automobile, mobile home, recreational vehicle and other loans, wholesale dealer floor plans, and leases. The Fund maintains an average effective duration of one to three years. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in below-investment-grade securities. The Fund may invest in domestic corporate debt obligations, including notes, which may be convertible or nonconvertible, commercial paper, units consisting of bonds with stock or warrants to buy stock attached, debentures and convertible debentures. The Fund will invest in both rated and unrated bonds. Unrated bonds may be more speculative in nature than rated bonds. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities, including up to 10% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. The Manager will limit non-U.S.-dollar-denominated securities to no more than 20% of net assets. The Funds total non-U.S.-dollar currency exposure will be limited, in the aggregate, to no more than 10% of net assets. These fixed income securities may include foreign government securities, debt obligations of foreign companies, and |
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How we manage the Fund
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Mortgage-backed securities | ||
Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent pools of mortgages, with investors receiving principal and interest payments as the underlying mortgage loans are paid back. Many are issued and guaranteed against default by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Fannie Mae, and GNMA. Others are issued by private financial institutions, with some fully collateralized by certificates issued or guaranteed by the government or its agencies or instrumentalities. |
How the Fund uses them: There is no limit on government-related mortgage-backed securities. The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities or by government-sponsored corporations. The Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities that are secured by the underlying collateral of the private issuer. Such securities are not government securities and are not directly guaranteed by the U.S. government in any way. These include CMOs, REMICs, and CMBS. |
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Asset-backed securities |
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Asset-backed securities are bonds or notes backed by accounts receivable including home equity, automobile, or credit loans. |
How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by an NRSRO. |
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Corporate bonds |
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Corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by a corporation. |
How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest in corporate bonds. | |
High yield corporate bonds |
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High yield corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by a corporation and rated lower than investment grade by an NRSRO such as S&P or Moodys. High yield bonds (also known as junk bonds) are issued by corporations that have lower credit quality and may have difficulty repaying principal and interest. How the Fund uses them: Emphasis is typically on those rated BB or Ba by an NRSRO. The Fund carefully evaluates an individual companys financial situation, its management, |
the prospects for its industry, and the technical factors related to its bond offering. We seek to identify those companies that we believe will be able to repay their debt obligations in spite of poor ratings. The Fund may invest in unrated bonds if we believe their credit quality is comparable to the rated bonds we are permitted to invest in. Unrated bonds may be more speculative in nature than rated bonds. The Fund may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in high yield securities. |
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How we manage the Fund
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How we manage the Fund
How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored ADRs. ADRs in which the Fund may invest will be those that are actively traded in the United States. | In conjunction with the Funds investments in foreign securities, it may also invest in sponsored and unsponsored EDRs and GDRs. | |
Bank loans |
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A bank loan is an interest in a loan or other direct indebtedness, such as an assignment, that entitles the acquiror of such interest to payments of interest, and/or other amounts due under the structure of the loan or other direct indebtedness. In addition to being structured as secured or unsecured loans, such investments could be structured as novations or assignments or represent trade or other claims owed by a company to a supplier. How the Fund uses them: The Fund may invest without restriction in bank loans that |
meet the Managers credit standards. We perform our own independent credit analysis on each borrower and on the collateral securing each loan. We consider the nature of the industry in which the borrower operates, the nature of the borrowers assets, and the general quality and creditworthiness of the borrower. The Fund may invest in bank loans in order to enhance total return, to affect diversification, or to earn additional income. We will not use bank loans for reasons inconsistent with the Funds investment objective. | |
Repurchase agreements |
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A repurchase agreement is an agreement between a buyer of securities, such as a fund, and a seller of securities, in which the seller agrees to buy the securities back within a specified time at the same price the buyer paid for them, plus an amount equal to an agreed-upon interest rate. Repurchase agreements are often viewed as equivalent to cash. How the Fund uses them: Typically, the Fund may use repurchase agreements as short-term investments for the Funds cash position. |
In order to enter into these repurchase agreements, the Fund must have collateral of at least 102% of the repurchase price. We will only enter into repurchase agreements in which the collateral is comprised of U.S. government securities. In the Managers discretion, the Fund may invest overnight cash balances in short-term discount notes issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or government-sponsored enterprises. | |
Options and futures |
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Options represent a right to buy or sell a security or a group of securities at an agreed upon price at a future date. The purchaser of an option may or may not choose to go through with the transaction. The seller of an option, |
however, must go through with the transaction if its purchaser exercises the option. Futures contracts are agreements for the purchase or sale of a security or a group of securities at a specified price, on a specified date. |
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How we manage the Fund
to another party by paying that party a periodic premium; likewise, a fund may assume the financial risk of a credit event occurring on a particular security or basket of securities in exchange for receiving premium payments from another party. Interest rate swaps, index swaps, and credit default swaps may be considered illiquid. How the Fund uses them: The Fund may use interest rate swaps to adjust its sensitivity to interest rates or to hedge against changes in interest rates. Index swaps may be used to gain exposure to markets that the Fund invests in, such as the corporate bond market. The Fund |
may also use index swaps as a substitute for futures or options contracts if such contracts are not directly available to the Fund on favorable terms. The Fund may enter into credit default swaps in order to hedge against a credit event, to enhance total return, or to gain exposure to certain securities or markets. Use of these strategies can increase the operating costs of the Fund and lead to loss of principal. The Fund may also invest in other securities, including certificates of deposit and obligations of both U.S. and foreign banks, corporate debt, and commercial paper. |
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Borrowing from banks The Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes or to facilitate redemptions. The Fund will be required to pay interest to the lending banks on the amounts borrowed. As a result, borrowing money could result in the Fund being unable to meet its investment objective. Lending securities The Fund may lend up to 25% its assets to qualified broker/dealers or institutional investors for their use in securities transactions. Borrowers of the Funds securities must provide collateral to the Fund and adjust the amount of collateral each day to reflect the changes in the value of the loaned securities. These transactions may generate additional income for the Fund. |
Purchasing securities on a
when-issued
The Fund may buy or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis; that is, paying for securities before delivery or taking delivery at a later date. We will designate cash or securities in amounts sufficient to cover the Funds obligations, and will value the designated assets daily. Portfolio turnover We anticipate that the Funds annual portfolio turnover may be greater than 100%. A turnover rate of 100% would occur if, for example, the Fund bought and sold all of the securities in its portfolio once in the course of a year or frequently traded a single security. A high rate of portfolio turnover in any year may increase brokerage commissions paid and could generate taxes for shareholders on realized investment gains. |
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The risks of investing in the Fund
Investing in any mutual fund involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment, and the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Before you invest in the Fund, you should carefully evaluate the risks. Because of the nature of the Fund, you should consider your investment to be a long-term investment that typically provides the best results when held for a number of years. The table below describes the principal risks you assume when investing in the Fund. Please see the SAI for a further discussion of certain of these risks and other risks not discussed here.
Interest rate risk |
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Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise. The risk is greater for bonds with longer maturities than for those with shorter maturities. Swaps may be particularly sensitive to interest rate changes. Depending on the actual movements of interest rates and how well the portfolio manager anticipates them, a fund could experience a higher or lower return than anticipated. |
How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund will not invest in swaps with maturities of more than 10 years. Each business day (as defined below), we will calculate the amount the Fund must pay for swaps it holds and will segregate enough cash or other liquid securities to cover that amount. |
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Market risk | ||
Market risk is the risk that all or a majority of the securities in a certain market like the stock or bond market will decline in value because of economic conditions, future expectations, or investor confidence. Index swaps are subject to the same market risks as the investment market or sector that the index represents. Depending on the actual movements of the index and how well the portfolio manager forecasts those movements, a fund could experience a higher or lower return than anticipated. How the Fund strives to manage it: We maintain a long-term investment approach and focus on securities that we believe can continue |
to provide returns over an extended time frame regardless of interim market fluctuations. Generally, we do not try to predict overall market movements. In evaluating the use of an index swap for the Fund, we carefully consider how market changes could affect the swap and how that compares to our investing directly in the market the swap is intended to represent. When selecting dealers with whom we would make interest rate or index swap agreements for the Fund, we focus on those dealers with high-quality ratings and do careful credit analysis before engaging in the transaction. |
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How we manage the Fund
Industry and security risks |
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Industry risk is the risk that the value of securities in a particular industry (such as financial services or manufacturing) will decline because of changing expectations for the performance of that industry. Security risk is the risk that the value of an individual stock or bond will decline because of changing expectations for the performance of the individual company issuing the stock |
or bond (due to situations that could range from decreased sales to events such a pending merger or actual or threatened bankruptcy). How the Fund strives to manage them: We limit the amount of the Funds assets invested in any one industry and in any individual security or issuer. We also follow a rigorous selection process when choosing securities for the portfolio. |
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Credit risk | ||
Credit risk is risk that an issuer of a debt security, including a governmental issuer, may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal in a timely manner. Changes in an issuers financial strength or in a securitys credit rating may affect a securitys vale, which would impact a funds performance. Investing in so-called junk or high yield bonds entails the risk of principal loss, which may be greater than the risk involved in investment grade bonds. High yield bonds are sometimes issued by companies whose earnings at the time the bond is issued are less than the projected debt payments on the bonds. A protracted economic downturn may severely disrupt the market for high yield bonds, adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds, |
and adversely affect the ability of high yield issuers to repay principal and interest. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund strives to minimize credit risk by investing primarily in higher quality, investment grade corporate bonds. Any portion of a Fund that is invested in high yielding, lower-quality corporate bonds is subject to greater credit risk. The Manager strives to manage that risk through careful bond selection, by limiting the percentage of the Fund that can be invested in lower-quality bonds, and by maintaining a diversified portfolio of bonds representing a variety of industries and issuers. |
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Prepayment risk | ||
Prepayment risk is the risk that homeowners will prepay mortgages during periods of low interest rates, forcing a fund to reinvest its money at interest rates that might be lower than those on the prepaid mortgage. Prepayment risk may also affect other types of debt securities, but generally to a lesser extent than mortgage securities. | How the Fund strives to manage it: We take into consideration the likelihood of prepayment when we select mortgages. We may look for mortgage securities that have characteristics that make them less likely to be prepaid, such as low outstanding loan balances or below-market interest rates. |
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Liquidity risk |
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Liquidity risk is the possibility that securities cannot be readily sold within seven days at approximately the price at which a fund has valued them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. A fund also may |
not be able to dispose of illiquid securities at a favorable time or price during periods of infrequent trading of an illiquid security. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund limits its exposure to illiquid securities to no more than 15% of its net assets. |
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Derivatives risk | ||
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Derivatives risk is the possibility that a fund may experience a significant loss if it employs a derivatives strategy (including a strategy involving swaps such as interest rate swaps, index swaps, and credit default swaps) related to a security or a securities index and that security or index moves in the opposite direction from what the portfolio management team had anticipated. Derivatives also involve additional expenses, which could reduce any |
benefit or increase any loss to a fund from using the strategy. How the Fund strives to manage it: We will use derivatives for defensive purposes, such as to protect gains or hedge against potential losses in the portfolio without actually selling a security, to neutralize the impact of interest rate changes, to affect diversification, or to earn additional income. |
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Currency risk | ||
Currency risk is the risk that the value of an investment may be negatively affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Adverse changes in exchange rates may reduce or eliminate any gains produced by investments that are denominated in foreign currencies and may increase losses. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund, which has exposure to global and international investments, may be affected by |
changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations and may incur costs in connection with conversions between currencies. To hedge this currency risk associated with investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities, we may invest in forward foreign currency contracts. These activities pose special risks which do not typically arise in connection with investments in U.S. securities. In addition, we may engage in foreign currency options and futures transactions. |
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How we manage the Fund
Foreign risk |
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Foreign risk is the risk that foreign securities may be adversely affected by political instability, changes in currency exchange rates, foreign economic conditions, or inadequate regulatory and accounting standards. How the Fund strives to manage it: We attempt to reduce the risks presented by such investments by conducting world-wide fundamental research, including country visits. In addition, we monitor current |
economic and market conditions and trends, the political and regulatory environment, and the value of currencies in different countries in an effort to identify the most attractive countries and securities. Additionally, when currencies appear significantly overvalued compared to average real exchange rates, we may hedge exposure to those currencies for defensive purposes. | |
Emerging markets risk | ||
Emerging markets risk is the possibility that the risks associated with international investing will be greater in emerging markets than in more developed foreign markets because, among other things, emerging markets may have less stable political and economic environments. In addition, in many emerging markets there is substantially less publicly available information about issuers and the information that is available tends to be of a lesser quality. Economic markets and structures tend to be less mature and diverse and the securities markets, which are subject to less government regulation or supervision, |
may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility. How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. We cannot eliminate these risks but will attempt to reduce these risks through portfolio diversification, credit analysis, and attention to trends in the economy, industries and financial markets, and other relevant factors. The Fund will limit investments in emerging markets, in the aggregate, to no more than 10% of its net assets. |
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Foreign government securities risk |
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Foreign government securities risk involves the ability of a foreign government or government-related issuer to make timely principal and interest payments on its external debt obligations. This ability to make payments will be strongly influenced by the issuers balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credits and investments, fluctuations in interest rates, and the extent of its foreign reserves. | How the Fund strives to manage it: The Fund attempts to reduce the risks associated with investing in foreign governments by limiting the portion of its assets that may be invested in such securities. The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its net assets in foreign securities. |
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How we manage the Fund
at a time when that fund might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the companys financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that a fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times hold and maintain in a segregated account cash or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments. |
How the Fund strives to manage it: These risks may not be completely eliminated, but we will attempt to reduce them through portfolio diversification, credit analysis, and attention to trends in the economy, industries, and financial markets. Should we determine that any of these securities may be illiquid, these would be subject to the Funds restriction on illiquid securities. | |
Valuation risk | ||
A less liquid secondary market, as described above, makes it more difficult for a fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio. During periods of reduced liquidity, judgment plays a greater role in valuing high yield securities. | How the Fund strives to manage it: We will strive to manage this risk by carefully evaluating individual bonds and by limiting the amount of the Funds assets that can be allocated to privately placed high yield securities. | |
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Counterparty risk | ||
If a fund enters into a derivative contract (such as a swap, futures, or options contract) or a repurchase agreement, it will be subject to the risk that the counterparty to such a contract or agreement may fail to perform its obligations under the contract or agreement due to financial difficulties (such as a bankruptcy or reorganization). As a result, the fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery, may only obtain a limited recovery, or may obtain no recovery at all. | How the Fund strives to manage it: We try to minimize this risk by considering the creditworthiness of all parties before we enter into transactions with them. The Fund will hold collateral from counterparties consistent with applicable regulations. | |
Disclosure of portfolio holdings information
A description of the Funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio securities is available in the SAI.
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Who manages the Fund
Investment manager The Manager is a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, which is a subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. The Manager makes investment decisions for the Fund, manages the Funds business affairs, and provides daily administrative services. For its services to the Fund, the |
Manager was paid an aggregate fee, net of fee waivers, of 0.37% of average daily net assets during the last fiscal year. A discussion of the basis for the Boards approval of the Funds investment advisory contract is available in the Funds semiannual report to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2008. |
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Portfolio
managers
Paul Grillo and Roger A. Early have day-to-day responsibilities for making investment decisions for the Fund.
Paul Grillo,
CFA,
Senior Vice President,
Co-Chief Investment Officer Total Return Fixed Income
Strategy
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Carolina State University and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Pace University.
Roger A. Early, CPA, CFA,
CFP,
Senior Vice President,
Co-Chief Investment Officer Total Return Fixed Income
Strategy
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Who manages the Fund
and Rockwell International. Early earned his bachelors degree in economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA with concentrations in finance and accounting from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the CFA Society of Philadelphia. |
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers ownership of Fund shares. | |
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Who manages the Fund
Manager of managers structure The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate under a manager of managers structure that permits the Manager, with the approval of the Board, to appoint and replace sub-advisors, enter into sub-advisory agreements, and materially amend and terminate sub-advisory agreements on behalf of the Fund without shareholder approval (Manager of Managers Structure). Under the Manager of Managers Structure, the Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Funds Board, for overseeing the Funds sub-advisors and recommending to the Board their hiring, termination, or replacement. The SEC order does not apply to any sub-advisor that is affiliated with the Fund or the Manager. While the Manager does not currently expect to use the Manager of |
Managers Structure with respect to the Fund, the Manager may, in the future, recommend to the Funds Board the establishment of the Manager of Managers Structure by recommending the hiring of one or more sub-advisors to manage all or a portion of the Funds portfolio. The Manager of Managers Structure enables the Fund to operate with greater efficiency and without incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approvals for matters relating to sub-advisors or sub-advisory agreements. The Manager of Managers Structure does not permit an increase in the overall management and advisory fees payable by the Fund without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified of any changes made to sub-advisors or sub-advisory agreements within 90 days of the change. |
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Whos who? Board of trustees: A mutual fund is governed by a board of trustees, which has oversight responsibility for the management of the funds business affairs. Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the investment manager, the distributor, and others that perform services for the fund. Generally, at least 40% of the board of trustees must be independent of a funds investment manager and distributor. However, the Fund relies on certain exemptive rules adopted by the SEC that require its Board to be comprised of a majority of such independent Trustees. These independent Trustees, in particular, are advocates for shareholder interests. |
Investment manager: An investment manager is a company responsible for selecting portfolio investments consistent with the objective and policies stated in the mutual funds prospectus. The investment manager places portfolio orders with broker/ dealers and is responsible for obtaining the best overall execution of those orders. A written contract between a mutual fund and its investment manager specifies the services the investment manager performs. Most management contracts provide for the investment manager to receive an annual fee based on a percentage of the funds average daily net assets. The investment manager is subject to numerous legal restrictions, especially regarding transactions between itself and the funds it advises. |
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Portfolio managers: Portfolio managers are employed by the investment manager to make investment decisions for individual portfolios on a day-to-day basis. Custodian: Mutual funds are legally required to protect their portfolio securities and most funds place them with a qualified bank custodian that segregates fund securities from other bank assets. Distributor: Most mutual funds continuously offer new shares to the public through distributors that are regulated as broker/dealers and are subject to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules governing mutual fund sales practices. Financial intermediary wholesaler: Pursuant to a contractual arrangement with a funds distributor, a financial intermediary wholesaler is primarily responsible for promoting the |
sale of fund shares through broker/dealers, financial advisors, and other financial intermediaries. Service agent: Mutual fund companies employ service agents (sometimes called transfer agents) to maintain records of shareholder accounts, calculate and disburse dividends and capital gains, and prepare and mail shareholder statements and tax information, among other functions. Many service agents also provide customer service to shareholders. Shareholders: Like shareholders of other companies, mutual fund shareholders have specific voting rights. Material changes in the terms of a funds management contract must be approved by a shareholder vote, and funds seeking to change fundamental investment policies must also seek shareholder approval. |
25
About your account
Investing in the Fund Institutional Class shares are available for purchase only by the following:
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for their services exclusively from their advisory clients;
Payments to intermediaries The Distributor, Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., and their affiliates may pay additional compensation (at their own expense and not as an expense of the Fund) to certain affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, or other financial intermediaries (Financial Intermediaries) in connection with the sale or retention of Fund shares and/ or shareholder servicing, including providing the Fund with shelf space or a higher profile with the Financial Intermediarys consultants, salespersons, and customers (distribution assistance). The level of payments made to a qualifying Financial Intermediary in any given year will vary. To the extent permitted by SEC and FINRA rules and other applicable laws and regulations, the Distributor may pay, or allow its affiliates to pay, other promotional incentives or payments to Financial Intermediaries. |
26
If a mutual fund sponsor or distributor makes greater payments for distribution assistance to your Financial Intermediary with respect to distribution of shares of that particular mutual fund than sponsors or distributors of other mutual funds make to your Financial Intermediary with respect to the distribution of the shares of their mutual funds, your Financial Intermediary and its salespersons may have a financial incentive to favor sales of shares of the mutual fund making the higher payments over shares of other mutual funds or over other investment options. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, a Financial Intermediary |
may also have a financial incentive for recommending a particular share class over other share classes. You should consult with your Financial Intermediary and review carefully any disclosure provided by such Financial Intermediary as to compensation it receives in connection with investment products it recommends or sells to you. In certain instances, the payments could be significant and may cause a conflict of interest for your Financial Intermediary. Any such payments will not change the net asset value (NAV) or the price of the Funds shares. For more information, please see the SAI. |
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How to buy shares By mail Complete an investment slip and mail it with your check, made payable to the fund and class of shares you wish to purchase, to Delaware Investments, P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for investments by overnight courier service. If you are making an initial purchase by mail, you must include a completed investment application (or an appropriate retirement plan application if you are opening a retirement account) with your check. Please note that purchase orders submitted by mail will not be accepted until such orders are received by Delaware Investments at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 for investments by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for investments by overnight courier service. Please do not send purchase orders to 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094. |
By wire Ask your bank to wire the amount you want to invest to The Bank of New York Mellon, ABA #021000018, bank account number 8900403748. Include your account number and the name of the fund and class of shares in which you want to invest. If you are making an initial purchase by wire, you must first call us at 800 362-7500 so we can assign you an account number. By exchange You may exchange all or part of your investment in one or more Delaware Investments ® Funds for shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds. Please keep in mind, however, that you may not exchange your shares for Class A shares, other than Delaware Cash Reserve Fund. You may not exchange shares for Class B, Class C, or Class R shares. To open an account by exchange, call your Client Services Representative at 800 362-7500. |
27
About your account
Through your financial advisor Your financial advisor can handle all the details of purchasing shares, including opening an account. Your financial advisor may charge a separate fee for this service. The price you pay for shares will depend on when we receive your purchase order. If an authorized agent or we receive your order before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which is normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, you will pay that days closing share price, which is based on a funds NAV. If your order is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, you will pay the next business days price. A business day is any day that the NYSE is open for business (Business Day). We reserve the right to reject any purchase order. We determine the NAV per share for each class of the Fund at the close of regular |
trading on the NYSE on each Business Day. The NAV per share for each class of the Fund is calculated by subtracting the liabilities of each class from its total assets and dividing the resulting number by the number of shares outstanding for that class. We generally price securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available at their market value. For a fund that invests in foreign securities, the funds NAV may change on days when a shareholder will not be able to purchase or sell fund shares because foreign markets are open at times and on days when U.S. markets are not. We price fixed income securities on the basis of valuations provided to us by an independent pricing service that uses methods approved by the Board. For all other securities, we use methods approved by the Board that are designed to price securities at their fair market value. |
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Fair valuation When the Fund uses fair value pricing, it may take into account any factors it deems appropriate. The Fund may determine fair value based upon developments related to a specific security, current valuations of foreign stock indices (as reflected in U.S. futures markets), and/or U.S. sector or broader stock market indices. The price of securities used by the Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. Fair value pricing may involve subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. |
The Fund anticipates using fair value pricing for securities primarily traded on U.S. exchanges only under very limited circumstances, such as the early closing of the exchange on which a security is traded or suspension of trading in the security. The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Fund may frequently value many foreign equity |
28
securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools to the extent available. The Board has delegated responsibility for valuing the Funds assets to a Pricing Committee of the Manager, which operates under the policies and procedures approved by the Board and which is subject to the Boards oversight. Document delivery If you have an account in the same Delaware Investments ® Fund as another person or entity at your address, we send one copy |
of the Funds prospectus and annual and semiannual reports to that address, unless you opt otherwise. This will help us reduce the printing and mailing expenses associated with the Fund. We will continue to send one copy of each of these documents to that address until you notify us that you wish to receive individual materials. If you wish to receive individual materials, please call your Client Services Representative at 800 362-7500. We will begin sending you individual copies of these documents 30 days after receiving your request. |
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How to redeem shares By mail You may redeem your shares (sell them back to the Fund) by mail by writing to: Delaware Investments, P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for redemptions by overnight courier service. All owners of the account must sign the request. For redemptions of more than $100,000, you must include a signature guarantee for each owner. Signature guarantees are also required when redemption proceeds are going to an address other than the address of record on the account. Please note that redemption orders submitted by mail will not be accepted until such orders are received by Delaware Investments at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 for redemptions by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 for redemptions by |
overnight courier service. Please do not send redemption requests to 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094. By telephone You may redeem up to $100,000 of your shares by telephone. You may have the proceeds sent to you by check, or, if you redeem at least $1,000 of shares, you may have the proceeds sent directly to your bank by wire. If you request a wire deposit, a bank wire fee may be deducted from your proceeds. Bank information must be on file before you request a wire redemption. By wire You may redeem $1,000 or more of your shares and have the proceeds deposited directly to your bank account, normally the next Business Day after we receive your request. If you request a wire deposit, a bank wire fee may be deducted from your proceeds. Bank information must be on file before you request a wire redemption. |
29
About your account
Through your financial advisor Your financial advisor can handle all the details of redeeming your shares (selling them back to the Fund). Your financial advisor may charge a separate fee for this service. If you hold your shares in certificates, you must submit the certificates with your request to sell the shares. We recommend that you send your certificates by certified mail. When you send us a properly completed request to redeem or exchange shares, and an authorized agent or we receive the request before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), you |
will receive the NAV next determined after we receive your request. If we receive your request after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, you will receive the NAV determined on the next Business Day. You may also have to pay taxes on the proceeds from your sale of shares. We will send you a check, normally the next Business Day, but no later than seven days after we receive your request to sell your shares. If you purchased your shares by check, we will wait until your check has cleared, which can take up to 15 days, before we send your redemption proceeds. |
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Account minimum If you redeem shares and your account balance falls below $250, the Fund may redeem your account after 60 days written notice to you. Exchanges You may generally exchange all or part of your shares for shares of the same class of another Delaware Investments ® Fund. If you exchange shares to a fund that has a sales charge, you will pay any applicable sales charges on your new shares. You do not pay sales charges on shares that you acquired through the reinvestment of dividends. You may have to pay taxes on your exchange. When you exchange shares, you are purchasing shares in another fund, so you should be sure to get a copy of the funds prospectus and read it carefully before buying shares through an exchange. You may not exchange your shares for Class A shares of another Delaware Investments ® Fund, other than Delaware Cash Reserve |
Fund. You may not exchange your shares for Class B, Class C, or Class R shares of another Delaware Investments ® Fund. The Fund may refuse the purchase side of any exchange request, if, in the Managers judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected. Frequent trading of Fund shares The Fund discourages purchases by market timers and purchase orders (including the purchase side of exchange orders) by shareholders identified as market timers may be rejected. The Funds Board has adopted policies and procedures designed to detect, deter, and prevent trading activity detrimental to the Fund and its shareholders, such as market timing. The Fund will consider anyone who follows a pattern of market timing in any Delaware Investments ® Fund or the Optimum Fund Trust to be a market timer and may consider |
30
anyone who has followed a similar pattern of market timing at an unaffiliated fund family to be a market timer. Market timing of a fund occurs when investors make consecutive, rapid, short-term roundtrips that is, purchases into a fund followed quickly by redemptions out of that fund. A short-term roundtrip is any redemption of fund shares within 20 Business Days of a purchase of that funds shares. If you make a second such short-term roundtrip in a fund within the same calendar quarter as a previous short-term roundtrip in that fund, you may be considered a market timer. In determining whether market timing has occurred, the Fund will consider short-term roundtrips to include rapid purchases and sales of Fund shares through the exchange privilege. The Fund reserves the right to consider other trading patterns to be market timing. Your ability to use the Funds exchange privilege may be limited if you are identified as a market timer. If you are identified as a market timer, we will execute the redemption side of your exchange order but may refuse the purchase side of your exchange order. The Fund reserves the right to restrict or reject, without prior notice, any purchase order or exchange order for any reason, including any purchase order or exchange order accepted by any shareholders financial intermediary or in any omnibus-type account. Transactions placed in violation of the Funds market timing policy are not necessarily deemed accepted by the Fund and may be rejected by the Fund on the next Business Day following receipt by the Fund. Redemptions will continue to be permitted in accordance with the Funds current |
Prospectus. A redemption of shares under these circumstances could be costly to a shareholder if, for example, the shares have declined in value, the shareholder recently paid a front-end sales charge, the shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, or the sale results in adverse tax consequences. To avoid this risk, a shareholder should carefully monitor the purchases, sales, and exchanges of Fund shares and avoid frequent trading in Fund shares. The Fund reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without notice, including modifications to the Funds monitoring procedures and the procedures to close accounts to new purchases. Although the implementation of this policy involves judgments that are inherently subjective and may be selectively applied, we seek to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of the Funds shareholders. While we will take actions designed to detect and prevent market timing, there can be no assurance that such trading activity will be completely eliminated. Moreover, the Funds market timing policy does not require the Fund to take action in response to frequent trading activity. If the Fund elects not to take any action in response to frequent trading, such frequent trading activity could continue.
Risks of market
timing
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31
About your account
involving large dollar amounts, may disrupt efficient portfolio management. In particular, the Fund may have difficulty implementing its long-term investment strategies if it is forced to maintain a higher level of its assets in cash to accommodate significant short-term trading activity. Excessive purchases and sales or exchanges of the Funds shares may also force the Fund to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times to raise cash to accommodate short-term trading activity. This could adversely affect the Funds performance, if, for example, the Fund incurs increased brokerage costs and realization of taxable capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. A fund that invests significantly in foreign securities may be particularly susceptible to short-term trading strategies. This is because foreign securities are typically traded on markets that close well before the time a fund calculates its NAV (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Developments that occur between the closing of the foreign market and a funds NAV calculation may affect the value of these foreign securities. The time zone differences among international stock markets can allow a shareholder engaging in a short-term trading strategy to exploit differences in fund share prices that are based on closing prices of foreign securities established some time before a fund calculates its own share price. Any fund that invests in securities that are thinly traded, traded infrequently, or relatively illiquid has the risk that the securities prices used to calculate the funds NAV may not accurately reflect current market values. A shareholder may seek |
to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences. Funds that may be adversely affected by such arbitrage include, in particular, funds that significantly invest in small-cap securities, technology, and other specific industry sector securities, and in certain fixed income securities, such as high yield bonds, asset-backed securities, or municipal bonds.
Transaction monitoring
procedures
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Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of the Fund, particularly among certain broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries, including sponsors of retirement plans and variable insurance products. The Fund will attempt to have financial intermediaries apply the Funds monitoring procedures to these omnibus accounts and to the individual participants in such accounts. However, to the extent that a financial intermediary is not able or willing to monitor or enforce the Funds frequent trading policy with respect to an omnibus account, the Fund or its agents may require the financial intermediary to impose its frequent trading policy, rather than the Funds policy, to shareholders investing in the Fund through the financial intermediary. A financial intermediary may impose different requirements or have additional restrictions on the frequency of trading than the Fund. Such restrictions may include, without limitation, requiring the trades to be placed by U.S. mail, prohibiting purchases for a designated period of time (typically 30 to 90 days) by investors who have recently purchased or redeemed Fund shares, and similar restrictions. The Funds ability to impose such restrictions with respect to accounts traded through particular financial intermediaries may vary depending on systems capabilities, applicable contractual and legal restrictions, and cooperation of those financial intermediaries. You should consult your financial intermediary regarding the application of such restrictions and to determine whether your financial intermediary imposes any additional or different limitations. In an effort to discourage market timers in |
such accounts, the Fund may consider enforcement against market timers at the participant level and at the omnibus level, up to and including termination of the omnibus accounts authorization to purchase Fund shares.
Limitations on ability to detect
and curtail market timing
Dividends, distributions, and taxes
Dividends and
distributions
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33
About your account
The amount of any distribution will vary, and there is no guarantee the Fund will pay either an income dividend or a capital gains distribution. We automatically reinvest all dividends and any capital gains, unless you direct us to do otherwise.
Annual statements
Avoid buying a
dividend
Tax considerations
For federal income tax purposes, Fund distributions of short-term capital gains are |
taxable to you as ordinary income. Fund distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains no matter how long you have owned your shares. With respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2011, unless such provision is extended or made permanent, a portion of income dividends designated by the Fund may be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation by individual shareholders at long-term capital gain rates provided certain holding period requirements are met. Because the income of the Fund primarily is derived from investments earning interest rather than dividend income, generally none or only a small portion of the income dividends paid to you by the Fund may be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation by individuals at long-term capital gain tax rates if certain holding period requirements are met.
Sale or redemption of Fund
shares
Backup withholding
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Other
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U.S. sources and short-term capital gain dividends. However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding at the source, any such dividends and distributions of income and capital gains will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a U.S. person. This discussion of Dividends, distributions, and taxes is not intended or written to be used as tax advice. Because everyones tax situation is unique, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local, or foreign tax consequences before making an investment in the Fund. |
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Certain management considerations
Investments by funds of funds
and similar investment vehicles
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of funds and/or similar investment vehicles. While it is impossible to predict the overall impact of these transactions over time, there could be adverse effects on portfolio management. For example, the Fund may be required to sell securities or invest cash at times when it would not otherwise do so. These transactions could also have tax consequences if sales of securities result in gains, and could also increase transaction costs or portfolio turnover. |
35
Financial highlights
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds financial performance. All per share information reflects financial results for a single Fund share.
Institutional Class shares |
Net asset value, beginning of period |
Income (loss) from investment operations: |
Net investment income 1 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies |
Total from investment operations |
Less dividends and distributions from: |
Net investment income |
Total dividends and distributions |
Net asset value, end of period |
Total return 2 |
Ratios and supplemental data: |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
prior to fees waived and expense paid indirectly |
Portfolio turnover |
1 The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
2 Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.
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The information for each of the fiscal years ended December 31 presented below has been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds financial statements, is included in the Funds annual report, which is available upon request by calling 800 362-7500.
Year ended | ||||||||||||||||
12/31 | ||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||
$8.340 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | $8.620 | ||||||||||||
0.306 | 0.322 | 0.297 | 0.291 | 0.256 | ||||||||||||
(0.111 | ) | 0.199 | 0.019 | (0.132 | ) | (0.047 | ) | |||||||||
0.195 | 0.521 | 0.316 | 0.159 | 0.209 | ||||||||||||
(0.355 | ) | (0.391 | ) | (0.376 | ) | (0.369 | ) | (0.349 | ) | |||||||
(0.355 | ) | (0.391 | ) | (0.376 | ) | (0.369 | ) | (0.349 | ) | |||||||
$8.180 | $8.340 | $8.210 | $8.270 | $8.480 | ||||||||||||
2.37% | 6.52% | 3.92% | 1.91% | 2.46% | ||||||||||||
$7,420 | $9,298 | $21,873 | $26,070 | $21,732 | ||||||||||||
0.69% | 0.68% | 0.66% | 0.67% | 0.60% | ||||||||||||
0.82% | 0.82% | 0.84% | 0.82% | 0.83% | ||||||||||||
3.70% | 3.92% | 3.61% | 3.47% | 3.00% | ||||||||||||
3.57% | 3.78% | 3.43% | 3.32% | 2.77% | ||||||||||||
351% | 236% | 276% | 259% | 313% |
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Financial highlights
How to read the financial highlights |
||
Net investment income
(loss)
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments
Net asset value
(NAV)
Total
return
|
Net
assets
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to average net assets
Portfolio turnover
|
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Additional information
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund symbols | CUSIP | Nasdaq | |
(Institutional Class) | 245912506 | DTINX |
45
Additional information about the Funds investments is available in its annual and semiannual shareholder reports. In the Funds annual shareholder report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds performance during the period covered by the report. You can find more information about the Fund in its current SAI, which is filed electronically with the SEC, and which is legally a part of this Prospectus (it is incorporated by reference) . To receive a free copy of the SAI, or the annual or semiannual report, or if you have any questions about investing in the Fund, write to us at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 by overnight courier service, or call |
toll-free 800 362-7500. The SAI and shareholder reports are available, free of charge, through the Funds Web site (www.delawareinvestments.com). You may also obtain additional information about the Fund from your financial advisor. You can find reports and other information about the Fund on the EDGAR database on the SEC Web site (www.sec.gov). You can get copies of this information, after paying a duplication fee, by e-mailing the SEC at publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-0102. Information about the Fund, including its SAI, can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For information on the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 202 551-8090. |
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PR-047 [12/08] DG3 4/09 | Investment Company Act file number: 811-03363 | PO 13825 |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
April 30, 2009
DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED TERM
GOVERNMENT FUNDS
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia,
PA 19103-7094
For Prospectuses, Performance, and
Information on Existing Accounts of:
Class A shares, Class B shares,
Class C shares, and Class R shares: 800 523-1918
Institutional
Classes: 800 362-7500
Dealer Services (Broker/Dealers only): 800 362-7500
This Statement of Additional Information (Part B) describes the shares of Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund (the Fund), which is a series of Delaware Group Limited Term Government Funds (the Trust). The Fund offers Class A, B, C, and R shares (collectively, the Fund Classes) and Institutional Class shares. All references to shares in this Part B refer to all classes of shares of the Fund, except where noted. The Funds investment manager is Delaware Management Company (the Manager), a series of Delaware Management Business Trust.
This Part B supplements the information contained in the Funds current prospectuses (the Prospectuses), each dated April 30, 2009, as they may be amended from time to time. This Part B should be read in conjunction with the applicable Prospectus. This Part B is not itself a Prospectus but is, in its entirety, incorporated by reference into each Prospectus. A Prospectus may be obtained by writing or calling your investment dealer or by contacting the Funds national distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the Distributor), at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City, MO 64121-9656 by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 by overnight courier service, or by phone toll-free at 800 523-1918. Please do not send any correspondence to 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094. The Funds financial statements, the notes relating thereto, the financial highlights, and the report of independent registered public accounting firm are incorporated by reference from the Funds annual report (Annual Report) into this Part B. A copy of the Annual Report will accompany any request for this Part B. The Annual Report can be obtained, without charge, by calling 800 523-1918.
TABLE OF CONTENTS | |||
Page | Page | ||
Organization and Classification | 2 | Purchasing Shares | 42 |
Investment Objective, Restrictions, and Policies | 2 | Investment Plans | 53 |
Investment Strategies and Risks | 4 | Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value | 56 |
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information | 26 | Redemption and Exchange | 57 |
Management of the Trust | 27 | Distributions and Taxes | 64 |
Investment Manager and Other Service Providers | 33 | Performance Information | 74 |
Portfolio Managers | 37 | Financial Statements | 74 |
Trading Practices and Brokerage | 39 | Principal Holders | 75 |
Capital Structure | 41 | Appendix A Description of Ratings | 76 |
1
ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION |
Organization
The Trust was organized as a Pennsylvania business trust in 1981,
reorganized as a Maryland corporation in 1990, and reorganized again as a
Delaware statutory trust on December 15, 1999. Effective as of the close of
business on August 28, 1995, the Trusts name was changed from Delaware Group
Treasury Reserves, Inc. to Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds, Inc.
Effective as of December 15, 1999, the Trusts name was changed from Delaware
Group Limited-Term Government Funds, Inc. to Delaware Group Limited-Term
Government Funds.
Classification
The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The
Funds portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, RESTRICTIONS, AND POLICIES |
Investment
Objective
The Funds investment objective is described in the Prospectuses. The
Funds investment objective is nonfundamental, and may be changed without
shareholder approval. However, the Trusts Board of Trustees (Board) must
approve any changes to nonfundamental investment objectives and the Fund will
notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to a material change in the Funds
investment objective.
Fundamental Investment
Restrictions
The Fund has adopted the following restrictions that cannot be changed
without approval by the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding
shares, which is a vote by the holders of the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of the
voting securities present in person or by proxy at a meeting, if the holders of
more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by
proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. The
percentage limitations contained in the restrictions and policies set forth
herein apply at the time of purchase of securities.
The Fund shall not:
1. Make investments that will result in the concentration (as that term may be defined in the 1940 Act, any rule or order thereunder, or U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) staff interpretation thereof) of its investments in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in the same industry, provided that this restriction does not limit the Fund from investing in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or in tax-exempt obligations or certificates of deposit.
2. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except as the 1940 Act, any rule or order thereunder, or SEC staff interpretation thereof, may permit.
3. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except that the Fund may engage in transactions involving the acquisition, disposition or resale of its portfolio securities under circumstances where it may be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act).
4. Purchase or sell real estate, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from investing in issuers that invest, deal or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests therein, or investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein.
2
5. Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving futures contracts and options thereon or investing in securities that are secured by physical commodities.
6. Make loans, provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from purchasing debt obligations, entering into repurchase agreements, loaning its assets to broker/dealers or institutional investors and investing in loans, including assignments and participation interests.
Nonfundamental Investment
Restriction
In addition to the fundamental investment policies and restrictions
described above, and the various general investment policies described in the
Prospectuses, the Fund will be subject to the following investment restriction,
which is considered nonfundamental and may be changed by the Board without
shareholder approval: The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
securities that it cannot sell or dispose of in the ordinary course of business
within seven days at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the
investment.
In applying the Funds fundamental policy concerning concentration that is described above, it is a matter of nonfundamental policy that: (i) utility companies will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric, and telephone will each be considered a separate industry; (ii) financial service companies will be classified according to the end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance, and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry; and (iii) asset-backed securities will be classified according to the underlying assets securing such securities. Additionally, the Fund intends to comply with the SEC staff position that securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by any single foreign government are considered to be securities of issues in the same industry.
Except for the Funds policy with respect to borrowing, any investment restriction or limitation that involves a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall not be considered violated unless an excess over the applicable percentage occurs immediately after an acquisition of securities or utilization of assets and such excess results therefrom.
Portfolio
Turnover
Portfolio trading will be undertaken principally to accomplish the
Funds investment objective. The Fund is free to dispose of portfolio securities
at any time, subject to complying with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the Code), and the 1940 Act, when changes in circumstances or
conditions make such a move desirable in light of the Funds investment
objective. The Fund will not attempt to achieve or be limited to a predetermined
rate of portfolio turnover. Such turnover always will be incidental to
transactions undertaken with a view to achieving the Funds investment
objective.
The portfolio turnover rate tells you the amount of trading activity in the Funds portfolio. A turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if all of the Funds investments held at the beginning of a year were replaced by the end of the year, or if a single investment were frequently traded. The turnover rate also may be affected by cash requirements from redemptions and repurchases of the Funds shares. A high rate of portfolio turnover in any year may increase brokerage commissions paid and could generate taxes for shareholders on realized investment gains. In investing to achieve its investment objective, the Fund may hold securities for any period of time.
The Fund generally may be expected to engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities, which means that portfolio turnover can be expected to exceed 100%. The Fund has, in the past, experienced portfolio turnover rates that were significantly in excess of 100%. For the past two fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Funds portfolio turnover rates were 236% and 351%, respectively.
3
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS |
The Funds investment objectives, strategies, and risks are described in the Prospectuses. Certain additional information is provided below. All investment strategies of the Fund are nonfundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
Asset-Backed
Securities
The Fund may invest in securities that are backed by assets such as
receivables on home equity and credit loans, receivables regarding automobile,
mobile home and recreational vehicle loans, wholesale dealer floor plans, and
leases or other loans or financial receivables currently available or which may
be developed in the future.
Such receivables are securitized in either a pass-through or a pay-through structure. Pass-through securities provide investors with an income stream consisting of both principal and interest payments in respect of the receivables in the underlying pool. Pay-through asset-backed securities are debt obligations issued usually by a special purpose entity. The securities are collateralized by the various receivables and the payments on the underlying receivables provide the proceeds to pay the debt service on the debt obligations issued.
The rate of principal payment on asset-backed securities generally depends on the rate of principal payments received on the underlying assets. Such rate of payments may be affected by economic and various other factors such as changes in interest rates or the concentration of collateral in a particular geographic area. Therefore, the yield may be difficult to predict and actual yield to maturity may be more or less than the anticipated yield to maturity. Due to the shorter maturity of the collateral backing such securities, there tends to be less of a risk of substantial prepayment than with mortgage-backed securities but the risk of such a prepayment does exist. Such asset-backed securities do, however, involve certain risks not associated with mortgage-backed securities, including the risk that security interests cannot be adequately, or in many cases ever, established and other risks that may be peculiar to particular classes of collateral. For example, with respect to credit card receivables, a number of state and federal consumer credit laws give debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the outstanding balance. In the case of automobile receivables, there is a risk that the holders may not have either a proper or first security interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables due to the large number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws; therefore, recoveries on repossessed collateral may not always be available to support payments on the securities.
Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, such securities may contain elements of credit support. Such credit support falls into two categories: (i) liquidity protection, and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the receipt of payments due on the underlying pool is timely. Protection against losses resulting from ultimate default enhances the likelihood of payments of the obligations on at least some of the assets in the pool. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction or through a combination of such approaches. The Fund will not pay any additional fees for such credit support, although the existence of credit support may increase the price of a security.
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Examples of credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include senior-subordinated securities (multiple class securities with one or more classes subordinate to other classes as to the payment of principal thereof and interest thereon, with the result that defaults on the underlying assets are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of reserve funds (where cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying assets, are held in reserve against future losses) and over collateralization (where the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying assets exceed that required to make payments of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). The degree of credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical information respecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Delinquencies or losses in excess of those anticipated could adversely affect the return on an investment in such issue.
Average Effective
Duration
The average effective duration of the Fund will typically be between
one and three years. This is considered a short- to intermediate-range
duration.
Some of the securities in the Funds portfolio may have periodic interest rate adjustments based upon an index such as the 91-day Treasury bill rate. This periodic interest rate adjustment tends to lessen the volatility of the securitys price. With respect to securities with an interest rate adjustment period of one year or less, the Fund will, when determining average weighted maturity, treat such a securitys maturity as the amount of time remaining until the next interest rate adjustment.
Instruments such as Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) securities, and similar securities backed by amortizing loans generally have shorter effective maturities than their stated maturities. This is due to changes in amortization caused by demographic and economic forces such as interest rate movements. These effective maturities are calculated based upon historical payment patterns. For purposes of determining the Funds average effective duration, the maturities of such securities will be calculated based upon the issuing agencys payment factors using industry-accepted valuation models.
Bank
Obligations
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are short-term negotiable obligations
of commercial banks; time deposits (TDs) are nonnegotiable deposits maintained
in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates;
and bankers acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers
usually in connection with international transactions.
Obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks, such as CDs and TDs, may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and government regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of domestic banks or domestic branches of foreign banks. These risks include foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls, and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches of domestic banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations, and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a domestic bank than about a domestic bank. CDs issued by wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries of domestic banks are guaranteed as to repayment of principal and interest (but not as to sovereign risk) by the domestic parent bank.
5
Obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by governmental regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A domestic branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states (State Branches) may or may not be required to: (i) pledge to the regulator by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state, an amount of its assets equal to 5% of their total liabilities; and (ii) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of their State Branches. The deposits of State Branches may not necessarily be insured by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a domestic branch of a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.
In view of the foregoing factors associated with the purchase of CDs and TDs issued by foreign branches of domestic banks or by domestic branches of foreign banks, the Manager will carefully evaluate such investments on a case-by-case basis.
Savings and loan associations whose CDs may be purchased by the Fund are supervised by the Office of Thrift Supervision and are insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC and is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. As a result, such savings and loan associations are subject to regulation and examination.
Commercial
Paper
The
Fund may invest in short-term promissory notes issued by corporations, which at
the time of purchase are rated P-1 and/or A-1. Commercial paper ratings P-1 by
Moodys and A-1 by S&P are the highest investment grade category.
Corporate Debt
The Fund may
invest in corporate notes and bonds.
Credit Default
Swaps
The
Fund may enter into credit default swap (CDS) contracts to the extent
consistent with its investment objectives and strategies. A CDS contract is a
risk-transfer instrument (in the form of a derivative security) through which
one party (the purchaser of protection) transfers to another party (the
seller of protection) the financial risk of a Credit Event (as defined below),
as it relates to a particular reference security or basket of securities (such
as an index). In exchange for the protection offered by the seller of
protection, the purchaser of protection agrees to pay the seller of protection a
periodic premium. In the most general sense, the benefit for the purchaser of
protection is that, if a Credit Event should occur, it has an agreement that the
seller of protection will make it whole in return for the transfer to the seller
of protection of the reference security or securities. The benefit for the
seller of protection is the premium income it receives. The Fund might use CDS
contracts to limit or to reduce the risk exposure of the Fund to defaults of the
issuer or issuers of its holdings (i.e., to reduce risk when the Fund owns or
has exposure to such securities). The Fund also might use CDS contracts to
create or vary exposure to securities or markets.
CDS transactions may involve general market, illiquidity, counterparty, and credit risks. CDS prices may also be subject to rapid movements in response to news and events affecting the underlying securities. The aggregate notional amount (typically, the principal amount of the reference security or securities) of the Funds investments in the CDS contracts will be limited to 15% of its total net assets. As the purchaser or seller of protection, the Fund may be required to segregate cash or other liquid assets to cover its obligations under certain CDS contracts.
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Where the Fund is a purchaser of protection, it will designate on its books and records cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover its premium payments under the CDS. To the extent that the Fund, as a purchaser of protection, may be required in the event of a credit default to deliver to the counterparty (i) the reference security (or basket of securities); (ii) a security (or basket of securities) deemed to be the equivalent of the reference security (or basket of securities); or (iii) the negotiated monetary value of the obligation, the Fund will designate the reference security (or basket of securities) on its books and records as being held to satisfy its obligation under the CDS or, where the Fund does not own the reference security (or basket of securities), the Fund will designate on its books and records cash or liquid securities sufficient to satisfy the potential obligation. To the extent that the Fund, as a seller of protection, may be required in the event of a credit default to deliver to the counterparty some or all of the notional amount of the CDS, it will designate on its books and records cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover the obligation. Whether a credit default swap requires the Fund to cash settle its obligations or to net its obligations (i.e., to offset its obligations against the obligations of the counterparty), the Fund will designate on its books and records cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover its obligations under the credit default swap. All cash and liquid securities designated by the Fund to cover its obligations under CDSs will be marked to market daily to cover these obligations.
As the seller of protection in a CDS contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a reference security (or basket of securities) to the counterparty in the event of a default, bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration, modified restructuring, or agreed upon event (each of these events is a Credit Event). If a Credit Event occurs, the Fund generally would receive the security or securities to which the Credit Event relates in return for the payment to the purchaser of the par value. Provided that no Credit Event occurs, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract in return for this credit protection. In addition, if no Credit Event occurs during the term of the CDS contract, the Fund would have no delivery requirement or payment obligation to the purchaser of protection. As the seller of protection, the Fund would have credit exposure to the reference security (or basket of securities). The Fund will not sell protection in a CDS contract if it cannot otherwise hold the security (or basket of securities).
As the purchaser of protection in a CDS contract, the Fund would pay a premium to the seller of protection. In return, the Fund would be protected by the seller of protection from a Credit Event on the reference security (or basket of securities). A risk in this type of transaction is that the seller of protection may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund if a Credit Event should occur. This risk is known as counterparty risk and is described in further detail below.
If the purchaser of protection does not own the reference security (or basket of securities), the purchaser of protection may be required to purchase the reference security (or basket of securities) in the case of a Credit Event on the reference security (or basket of securities). If the purchaser of protection cannot obtain the security (or basket of securities), it may be obligated to deliver a security (or basket of securities) that is deemed to be equivalent to the reference security (or basket of securities) or the negotiated monetary value of the obligation.
Each CDS contract is individually negotiated. The term of a CDS contract, assuming no Credit Event occurs, is typically between two and five years. CDS contracts may be unwound through negotiation with the counterparty. Additionally, a CDS contract may be assigned to a third party. In either case, the unwinding or assignment involves the payment or receipt of a separate payment by the Fund to terminate the CDS contract.
7
Counterparty risk. A significant risk in CDS transactions is the creditworthiness of the counterparty because the integrity of the transaction depends on the willingness and ability of the counterparty to meet its contractual obligations. If there is a default by a counterparty who is a purchaser of protection, the Funds potential loss is the agreed upon periodic stream of payments from the purchaser of protection. If there is a default by a counterparty that is a seller of protection, the Funds potential loss is the failure to receive the par value or other agreed upon value from the seller of protection if a Credit Event should occur. CDS contracts do not involve the delivery of collateral to support each partys obligations; therefore, the Fund will only have contractual remedies against the counterparty pursuant to the CDS agreement. As with any contractual remedy, there is no guarantee that the Fund would be successful in pursuing such remedies. For example, the counterparty may be judgment proof due to insolvency. The Fund thus assumes the risk that it will be delayed or prevented from obtaining payments owed to it.
Eurodollar
Instruments
The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments. Eurodollar
instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options thereon
which are linked to the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR), although
foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to time.
Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the
lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against
changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments
are linked.
Foreign Currency
Transactions
The Fund may hold foreign currency
deposits from time to time and may convert dollars and foreign currencies in the
foreign exchange markets. The Fund is permitted to have net non-U.S. currency
exposure of up to 10% of the Funds net assets. Currency conversion involves
dealer spreads and other costs, although commissions usually are not charged.
Currencies may be exchanged on a spot (
i.e.
, cash) basis, or by entering into
forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date and
price. Forward contracts generally are traded in an interbank market conducted
directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their
customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate
the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and
complete the contemplated currency exchange.
Foreign Currency Options: The Fund may purchase U.S. exchange-listed call and put options on foreign currencies. Such options on foreign currencies operate similarly to options on securities. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and investments generally.
The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the foreign currency and the U.S. dollar, and may have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies and there is no regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealer or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Available quotation information is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the U.S. options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options market.
8
Foreign Currency Conversion: Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for currency conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
Foreign
Investments
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign securities,
including permitting the Fund to invest up to 10% of its net assets in emerging
markets. Foreign investments can involve significant risks in addition to the
risks inherent in U.S. investments. The value of securities denominated in or
indexed to foreign currencies, and of dividends and interest from such
securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or
weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have
less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices on some
foreign markets can be highly volatile. Many foreign countries lack uniform
accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those applicable to U.S.
companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding
an issuers financial condition and operations. In addition, the costs of
foreign investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and
custodial costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers, brokers, and securities markets may be subject to less government supervision. Foreign security trading practices, including those involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and may involve substantial delays. It may also be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries.
Investing abroad also involves different political and economic risks. Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There may be a greater possibility of default by foreign governments or foreign government-sponsored enterprises. Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political, economic, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments. There is no assurance that the Manager will be able to anticipate or counter these potential events.
The considerations noted above generally are intensified for investments in developing countries. Developing countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of securities.
The Fund may invest in foreign securities that impose restrictions on transfer within the United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to transfer restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts (ADRs and EDRs) are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign-based issuer held in trust by a bank or similar financial institution. Designed for use in U.S. and European securities markets, respectively, ADRs and EDRs are alternatives to the purchase of the underlying securities in their national markets and currencies.
9
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange
Contracts
When dealing in forward contracts, the Fund will be limited to hedging
involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction
hedging is the purchase or sale of forward contracts with respect to specific
receivables or payables of the Fund generally arising in connection with the
purchase or sale of its portfolio securities and accruals of interest or
dividends receivable and Fund expenses. Position hedging is the sale of a
foreign currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
quoted in that currency. The Fund may not position hedge with respect to a
particular currency for an amount greater than the aggregate market value
(determined at the time of making any sale of a forward contract) of securities
held in its portfolio denominated or quoted in, or currently convertible into,
such currency.
When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when the Fund anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividends or interest payments on a security which it holds, the Fund may desire to lock in the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the Fund will be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received.
Additionally, when the Manager believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may enter into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars, to sell the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the securities of the Fund denominated in such foreign currency.
The Fund may use currency forward contracts to manage currency risks and to facilitate transactions in foreign securities. The following discussion summarizes the principal currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be used by the Fund.
In connection with purchases and sales of securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund may enter into currency forward contracts to fix a definite price for the purchase or sale in advance of the trades settlement date. This technique is sometimes referred to as a settlement hedge or transaction hedge. The Manager expects to enter into settlement hedges in the normal course of managing the Funds foreign investments. The Fund could also enter into forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency in anticipation of future purchases or sales of securities denominated in a foreign currency, even if the specific investments have not yet been selected by the Manager.
The Fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example, if the Fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars to hedge against possible declines in the pounds value. Such a hedge (sometimes referred to as a position hedge) would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. The Fund could also hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the pound sterling -- for example, by entering into a forward contract to sell euros in return for U.S. dollars. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a proxy hedge, could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally will not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a simple hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
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Under certain conditions, SEC guidelines require mutual funds to set aside cash and appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodian account to cover currency forward contracts. As required by SEC guidelines, the Fund will segregate assets to cover currency forward contracts, if any, whose purpose is essentially speculative. The Fund will not segregate assets to cover forward contracts, including settlement hedges, position hedges, and proxy hedges. Successful use of forward currency contracts will depend on the Managers skill in analyzing and predicting currency values. Forward contracts may substantially change the Funds investment exposure to changes in currency exchange rates, and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Manager anticipates. For example, if a currencys value rose at a time when the Manager had hedged the Fund by selling that currency in exchange for dollars, the Fund would be unable to participate in the currencys appreciation. If the Manager hedges currency exposure through proxy hedges, the Fund could realize currency losses from the hedge and the security position at the same time if the two currencies do not move in tandem. Similarly, if the Manager increases the Funds exposure to a foreign currency, and that currencys value declines, the Fund will realize a loss. There is no assurance that the Managers use of forward currency contracts will be advantageous to the Fund or that it will hedge at an appropriate time.
Futures
Futures contracts are agreements for the purchase or sale for future
delivery of securities. While futures contracts provide for the delivery of
securities, deliveries usually do not occur. A purchase of a futures contract
means the acquisition of a contractual right to obtain delivery to the Fund of
the securities called for by the contract at a specified price during a
specified future month. Although not a fundamental policy, the Fund currently
intends to limit its investments in futures contracts and options thereon to the
extent that not more than 5% of the Funds assets are required as futures
contract margin deposits and premiums on options, and only to the extent that
obligations relating to such transactions represent not more than 20% of the
Funds assets.
Contracts are generally terminated by entering into an offsetting transaction. When the Fund enters into a futures transaction, it must deliver to the futures commission merchant selected by the Fund an amount referred to as initial margin. This amount is maintained by the futures commission merchant in an account at the Funds custodian bank. Thereafter, a variation margin may be paid by the Fund to, or drawn by the Fund from, such account in accordance with controls set for such account, depending upon changes in the price of the underlying securities subject to the futures contract.
In addition, when the Fund engages in futures transactions, to the extent required by the SEC, it will maintain with its custodian, assets in a segregated account to cover its obligations with respect to such contracts, which assets will consist of cash, cash equivalents, or high-quality debt securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the difference between the fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of the margin payments made by the Fund with respect to such futures contracts.
The Fund may enter into such futures contracts to protect against the adverse effects of fluctuations in interest rates without actually buying or selling such securities. Similarly, when it is expected that interest rates may decline, futures contracts may be purchased to hedge in anticipation of subsequent purchases of government securities at higher prices.
With respect to options on futures contracts, when the Fund is not fully invested, it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates. The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities which are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at the expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities which are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of government securities which the Fund intends to purchase.
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If a put or call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it receives. Depending on the degree of correlation between the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, the Funds losses from existing options on futures may, to some extent, be reduced or increased by changes in the value of portfolio securities. The Fund will purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Funds portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates.
To the extent that interest rates move in an unexpected direction, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of futures contracts or options on futures contracts or may realize a loss. For example, if the Fund is hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates which would adversely affect the price of government securities held in its portfolio and interest rates decrease instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its government securities which it has because it will have offsetting losses in its futures position. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund had insufficient cash, it may be required to sell government securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements. Such sales of government securities may, but will not necessarily, be at increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Fund may be required to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
Further, with respect to options on futures contracts, the Fund may seek to close out an option position by writing or buying an offsetting position covering the same securities or contracts and have the same exercise price and expiration date. The ability to establish and close out positions on options will be subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market, which cannot be assured.
Lastly, it should be noted that the Trust on behalf of the Fund has filed with the National Futures Association a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool operator (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Funds operation. Accordingly, the Fund is not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO.
High Yield, High Risk Debt
Securities
The Fund may
purchase securities that are rated lower than Baa by Moodys Investors Service,
Inc. (Moodys) or lower than BBB by Standard & Poors (S&P). These
securities are often considered to be speculative and involve significantly
higher risk of default on the payment of principal and interest or are more
likely to experience significant price fluctuation due to changes in the
issuers creditworthiness. Market prices of these securities may fluctuate more
than higher-rated debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of
general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates.
While the market for high yield corporate debt securities has been in existence
for many years and has weathered previous economic downturns, the market in
recent years has experienced a dramatic increase in the large-scale use of such
securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and restructurings.
Accordingly, past experience may not provide an accurate indication of future
performance of the high yield bond market, especially during periods of economic
recession. See Appendix A Description of Ratings
in this Part B.
The market for lower-rated securities may be less active than that for higher-rated securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which these securities can be sold. If market quotations are not available, these securities will be valued in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, including the use of third-party pricing services. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing high yield corporate debt securities than is the case for securities for which more external sources for quotations and last-sale information are available. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the ability of outside pricing services used by the Fund to value its portfolio securities and the Funds ability to dispose of these lower-rated debt securities.
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Since the risk of default is higher for lower-quality securities, the Managers research and credit analysis is an integral part of managing any securities of this type held by the Fund. In considering investments for the Fund, the Manager will attempt to identify those issuers of high yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future. The Managers analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer. There can be no assurance that such analysis will prove accurate.
The Fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise exercise its rights as security holder to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of shareholders.
Interest Rate and Index
Swaps
The
Fund may invest in interest rate and index swaps to the extent consistent with
its investment objective and strategies. The Fund will only invest in swaps in
which all the reference rates are related to or derived from instruments or
markets in which the Fund is otherwise eligible to invest, and subject to the
investment limitations on the instruments to which the purchased reference rate
relates.
Swaps are agreements to exchange payment streams over a period of time with another party, called a counterparty. Each payment stream is based on a specified rate, which could be a fixed or variable interest rate, the rate of return on an index or some other reference rate. The payment streams are calculated with reference to a hypothetical principal amount, called the notional principal or the notional amount. For example, in an interest rate swap one party may agree to pay a fixed interest rate to a counterparty and to receive in return variable interest rate payments from the counterparty. The amount that each party pays is calculated by multiplying the fixed and variable rates, respectively, by the notional amount. The payment streams may thus be thought of as interest payments on the notional amount. The notional amount does not actually change hands at any point in the swap transaction; it is used only to calculate the value of the payment streams.
When two counterparties each wish to swap interest rate payments, they typically each enter into a separate interest rate swap contract with a broker/dealer intermediary, who is the counterparty in both transactions, rather than entering into a swap contract with each other directly. The broker/dealer intermediary enters into numerous transactions of this sort, and attempts to manage its portfolio of swaps so as to match and offset its payment receipts and obligations.
The typical minimum notional amount is $5 million. Variable interest rates are usually set by reference to the LIBOR. The typical maximum term of an interest rate swap agreement ranges from one to 12 years. Index swaps tend to be shorter term, often for one year. The Fund will not invest in swaps with maturities of more than 10 years.
The Fund may also engage in index swaps, also called total return swaps. In an index swap, the Fund may enter into a contract with a counterparty in which the counterparty will make payments to the Fund based on the positive returns of an index, such as a corporate bond index, in return for the Fund paying to the counterparty a fixed or variable interest rate, as well as paying to the counterparty any negative returns on the index. In a sense, the Fund is purchasing exposure to an index in the amount of the notional principal in return for making interest rate payments on the notional principal. As with interest rate swaps, the notional principal does not actually change hands at any point in the transaction. The counterparty, typically an investment bank, manages its obligations to make total return payments by maintaining an inventory of the fixed income securities that are included in the index.
Swap transactions provide several benefits to the Fund. Interest rate swaps may be used as a duration management tool. Duration is a measure of a bonds interest-rate sensitivity, expressed in terms of years because it is related to the length of time remaining on the life of a bond. In general, the longer a bonds duration, the more sensitive the bonds price will be to changes in interest rates. The average duration of the Fund is the weighted average of the durations of the Funds fixed income securities.
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If the Fund wished to shorten the duration of certain of its assets, longer term assets could be sold and shorter term assets acquired, but these transactions have potential tax and return differential consequences. By using an interest rate swap, the Fund could agree to make semiannual fixed rate payments and receive semiannual floating rate LIBOR payments adjusted every six months. The duration of the floating rate payments received by the Fund will now be six months. In effect, the Fund has reduced the duration of the notional amount invested from a longer term to six months over the life of the swap agreement.
The Fund may also use swaps to gain exposure to specific markets. For example, suppose bond dealers have particularly low inventories of corporate bonds, making it difficult for a fixed income fund to increase its exposure to the corporate bond segment of the market. It is generally not possible to purchase exchange-traded options on a corporate bond index. The Fund could replicate exposure to the corporate bond market, however, by engaging in an index swap in which the Fund gains exposure to a corporate bond index in return for paying a LIBOR-based floating interest rate.
Other uses of swaps could help permit the Fund to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to protect against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps may also be considered substitutes for interest rate futures in many cases where the hedging horizon is longer than the maturity of the typical futures contract, and may be considered to provide more liquidity than similar forward contracts, particularly long-term forward contracts.
Counterparty risk. The primary risk of swap transactions is the creditworthiness of the counterparty, since the integrity of the transaction depends on the willingness and ability of the counterparty to maintain the agreed upon payment stream. This risk is often referred to as counterparty risk. If there is a default by a counterparty in a swap transaction, the Funds potential loss is the net amount of payments the Fund is contractually entitled to receive for one payment period (if any - the Fund could be in a net payment position), not the entire notional amount, which does not change hands in a swap transaction. Swaps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal as collateral for the transaction. The Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreement but, as with any contractual remedy, there is no guarantee that the Fund would be successful in pursuing them the counterparty may be judgment proof due to insolvency, for example. The Fund thus assumes the risk that it will be delayed or prevented from obtaining payments owed to it. The standard industry swap agreements do, however, permit the Fund to terminate a swap agreement (and thus avoid making additional payments) in the event that a counterparty fails to make a timely payment to the Fund.
In response to this counterparty risk, several securities firms have established separately capitalized subsidiaries that have a higher credit rating, permitting them to enter into swap transactions as dealers. The Fund will not be permitted to enter into any swap transaction unless, at the time of entering into such transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the actual counterparty, combined with any credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moodys or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Manager. In addition, the Manager will closely monitor the ongoing creditworthiness of swap counterparties in order to minimize the risk of swaps.
In addition to counterparty risk, the use of swaps also involves risks similar to those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. If the portfolio manager is incorrect in his or her forecast of market values or interest rates, the investment performance of the Fund that has entered into a swap transaction could be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used. It is important to note, however, that there is no upper limit on the amount the Fund might theoretically be required to pay in a swap transaction.
In order to ensure that the Fund will only engage in swap transactions to the extent consistent with its investment objectives and strategies, the Fund will only engage in a swap transaction if all of the reference rates used in the swap are related to or derived from securities, instruments, or markets that are otherwise eligible investments for the Fund. Similarly, the extent to which the Fund may invest in a swap, as measured by the notional amount, will be subject to the same limitations as the eligible investments to which the purchased reference rate relates.
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The Fund will, consistent with industry practice, segregate and mark-to-market daily cash or other liquid assets having an aggregate market value at least equal to the net amount of the excess, if any, of the Funds payment obligations over its entitled payments with respect to each swap contract. To the extent that the Fund is obligated by a swap to pay a fixed or variable interest rate, the Fund may segregate securities that are expected to generate income sufficient to meet the Funds net payment obligations. For example, if the Fund holds interest rate swaps and is required to make payments based on variable interest rates, it will have to make increased payments if interest rates rise, which will not necessarily be offset by the fixed-rate payments it is entitled to receive under the swap agreement.
There is not a well developed secondary market for interest rate or index swaps. Most interest rate swaps are nonetheless relatively liquid because they can be sold back to the counterparty/dealer relatively quickly at a determinable price. Most index swaps, on the other hand, are considered illiquid because the counterparty/dealer will typically not unwind an index swap prior to its termination (and, consequently, index swaps tend to have much shorter terms). The Fund may therefore treat all swaps as subject to their limitation on illiquid investments. For purposes of calculating these percentage limitations, the Fund will refer to the notional amount of the swap.
Swaps will be priced using fair value pricing. The income provided by a swap should be qualifying income for purposes of Subchapter M of the Code. Swaps should not otherwise result in any significant diversification or valuation issues under the Code.
Illiquid Securities
The Fund may
invest no more than 15% of the value of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A (Rule 144A Securities) under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A permits many privately placed and legally restricted securities to be freely traded among certain institutional buyers such as the Fund.
While maintaining oversight, the Board of Trustees has delegated to the Manager the day-to-day function of determining whether or not individual Rule 144A Securities are liquid for purposes of the Funds limitation on investments in illiquid assets. The Board has instructed the Manager to consider the following factors in determining the liquidity of a Rule 144A Security: (i) the frequency of trades and trading volume for the security; (ii) whether at least three dealers are willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of potential purchasers; (iii) whether at least two dealers are making a market in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades ( e.g. , the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer), and whether a security is listed on an electronic network for trading the security.
If the Manager determines that a Rule 144A Security that was previously determined to be liquid is no longer liquid and, as a result, the Funds holdings of illiquid securities exceed the Funds limits on investment in such securities, the Manager will determine what action to take to ensure that the Fund continues to adhere to such limitation.
Investment Company
Securities
The Fund is permitted to invest in other investment companies, including
open-end, closed-end, or unregistered investment companies, either within the
percentage limits set forth in the 1940 Act, any rule or order thereunder, or
SEC staff interpretation thereof, or without regard to percentage limits in
connection with a merger, reorganization, consolidation or other similar
transaction. However, the Fund may not operate as a fund of funds which
invests primarily in the shares of other investment companies as permitted by
Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) of the 1940 Act, if its own shares are utilized as
investments by such a fund of funds. Under the 1940 Acts limitations, the
Fund may not (i) own more than 3% of the voting stock of another investment
company; (ii) invest more than 5% of the Funds total assets in the shares of
any one investment company; or (iii) invest more than 10% of the Funds total
assets in shares of other investment companies. These percentage limitations
also apply to the Funds investments in unregistered investment
companies.
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Money Market
Instruments
The Fund may invest in corporate and government money market instruments.
Money market instruments in which the Fund may invest include U.S. government
securities; certificates of deposit, time deposits, and bankers acceptances
issued by domestic banks (including their branches located outside the U.S. and
subsidiaries located in Canada), domestic branches of foreign banks, savings and
loan associations and similar institutions; high grade commercial paper; and
repurchase agreements with respect to the foregoing types of instruments. See
also Bank Deposits above.
Mortgage-Backed
Securities
The Fund may invest in mortgage-related securities, including those
representing an undivided ownership interest in a pool of mortgages, issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as:
Government National Mortgage Association Certificates: Certificates issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) are mortgage-backed securities representing part ownership of a pool of mortgage loans, which are issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial banks and savings and loan associations, and are either insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. A pool of these mortgages is assembled and, after being approved by GNMA, is offered to investors through securities dealers. The timely payment of interest and principal on each mortgage is guaranteed by GNMA and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Principal is paid back monthly by the borrower over the term of the loan. Investment of prepayments may occur at higher or lower rates than the anticipated yield on the certificates. Due to the prepayment feature and the need to reinvest prepayments of principal at current market rates, GNMA certificates can be less effective than typical bonds of similar maturities at locking in yields during periods of declining interest rates. GNMA certificates typically appreciate or decline in market value during periods of declining or rising interest rates, respectively. Due to the regular repayment of principal and the prepayment feature, the effective maturities of mortgage pass-through securities are shorter than stated maturities, will vary based on market conditions and cannot be predicted in advance. The effective maturities of newly-issued GNMA certificates backed by relatively new loans at or near the prevailing interest rates are generally assumed to range between approximately nine and 12 years.
FNMA and FHLMC Mortgage-Backed Obligations: The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, issues pass-through securities representing interests in a pool of conventional mortgage loans. FNMA guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest but this guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. government, issues participation certificates which represent an interest in a pool of conventional mortgage loans. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of principal, and maintains reserves to protect holders against losses due to default, but the certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
As is the case with GNMA certificates, the actual maturity of, and realized yield on, particular FNMA and FHLMC pass-through securities will vary based on the prepayments of the underlying pool of mortgages and cannot be predicted.
In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) announced that FNMA and FHLMC would be placed into a conservatorship under FHFA. The effect that this conservatorship will have on these companies debt and equity securities is unclear.
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In addition to mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, the Fund may also invest in securities issued by certain private, nongovernment corporations, such as financial institutions, if the securities are fully collateralized at the time of issuance by securities or certificates issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Two principal types of mortgage-backed securities are collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). The Fund currently invests in privately issued CMOs and REMICs only if they are rated, at the time of purchase, in the two highest grades by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization.
CMOs are debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies or by financial institutions and other mortgage lenders and collateralized by a pool of mortgages held under an indenture. CMOs are issued in a number of classes or series with different maturities. The classes or series are retired in sequence as the underlying mortgages are repaid. Prepayment may shorten the stated maturity of the obligation and can result in a loss of premium, if any has been paid. Certain of these securities may have variable or floating interest rates and others may be stripped securities which provide only the principal or interest feature of the underlying security).
Stripped mortgage securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of stripped mortgage security will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only class). The yield to maturity on an interest-only class is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the securitys yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities even if the securities are rated in the highest rating categories.
Although stripped mortgage securities are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet been fully developed and, accordingly, these securities are generally illiquid and to such extent, together with any other illiquid investments, will not exceed 15% of the Funds net assets.
REMICs, which were authorized under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, are private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they issue multiple classes of securities and certain REMICs also may be stripped.
The Fund may also invest in CMOs, REMICs, and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) that are not issued or guaranteed by, or fully collateralized by securities issued or guaranteed by, the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (nonagency mortgage-backed securities). These securities are secured by the underlying collateral of the private issuer.
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CMBS are issued by special purpose entities that represent an undivided interest in a portfolio of mortgage loans backed by commercial properties. The loans are collateralized by various types of commercial property, which include, but are not limited to, multi-family housing, retail shopping centers, office space, hotels, and health care facilities. Private lenders, such as banks or insurance companies, originate these loans and then sell the loans directly into a CMBS trust or other entity. CMBS are subject to credit risk, prepayment risk, and extension risk. The Manager addresses credit risk by investing in CMBS that are rated in the top rating category by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Although prepayment risk is present, it is of a lesser degree in the CMBS than in the residential mortgage market. Unlike other asset classes, commercial loans have structural impediments to refinancing that include lockout periods, prepayment penalties, yield maintenance, and defeasance. These devices reduce the uncertainty introduced by prepayment options. The Manager carefully analyzes the composition and proportions of various prepayment provisions to protect against unscheduled payments. Extension risk is the risk that balloon payments (i.e., the final payment on a commercial mortgage, which is substantially larger than other periodic payments under the mortgage) are deferred beyond their originally scheduled date for payment. Extension risk measures the impact of a borrowers ability to pay the balloon payment in a timely fashion, while maintaining loan payments in accordance with the terms specified in the loan. For the investor, extension will increase the average life of the security, generally resulting in lower yield for discount bonds and a higher yield for premium bonds. The Manager models and stress tests extension risk and invests only in structures where extension risk is acceptable under various scenarios.
Although the market for the foregoing securities has become increasingly liquid over the past few years, currently, the market for such securities is experiencing a period of extreme volatility, which has negatively impacted market liquidity positions. Initially, the market participants concerns were focused on the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed securities market. However, these concerns have since expanded to include a broad range of mortgaged-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as other fixed income securities. These securities are more difficult to value and may be hard to sell. In addition, in general, securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.
Loans and Other Direct
Indebtedness
The Fund may purchase loans and other direct indebtedness. In
purchasing a loan, the Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or
other lending institution in a loan to a corporate, governmental, or other
borrower. Many such loans are secured, although some may be unsecured. Such
loans may be in default at the time of purchase. Loans that are fully secured
offer the Fund more protection than unsecured loans in the event of non-payment
of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the
liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate
borrowers obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. These loans are
made generally to finance internal growth, mergers, acquisitions, stock
repurchases, leveraged buy-outs, and other corporate activities. Such loans are
typically made by a syndicate of lending institutions, represented by an agent
lending institution that has negotiated and structured the loan and is
responsible for collecting interest, principal, and other amounts due on its own
behalf and on behalf of the others in the syndicate, and for enforcing its and
their other rights against the borrower. Alternatively, such loans may be
structured as novations, pursuant to which the Fund would assume all of the
rights of the lending institution in a loan or as assignments, pursuant to which
the Fund would purchase an assignment of a portion of a lenders interest in a
loan either directly from the lender or through an intermediary.
The Fund may also purchase trade or other claims against companies, which generally represent money owned by the company to a supplier of goods or services. These claims may also be purchased at a time when the company is in default.
18
Certain of the loans and the other direct indebtedness acquired by the Fund may involve revolving credit facilities or other standby financing commitments, which obligate the Fund to pay additional cash on a certain date or on demand. These commitments may require the Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when that Fund might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the companys financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that the Fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times hold and maintain in a segregated account cash or other high grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments. The Funds ability to receive payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due in connection with these investments will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. In selecting the loans and other direct indebtedness that the Fund will purchase, the investment manager will rely upon its own (and not the original lending institutions) credit analysis of the borrower. As the Fund may be required to rely upon another lending institution to collect and pass on to the Fund amounts payable with respect to the loan and to enforce the Funds rights under the loan and other direct indebtedness, an insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of the lending institution may delay or prevent the Fund from receiving such amounts. In such cases, the Fund will evaluate as well the creditworthiness of the lending institution and will treat both the borrower and the lending institution as an issuer of the loan for purposes of compliance with applicable law pertaining to the diversification of the Funds portfolio investments. The highly leveraged nature of many such loans and other direct indebtedness may make such loans and other direct indebtedness especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. Investments in such loans and other direct indebtedness may involve additional risk to the Fund.
Options
The Fund may purchase call options, write call options on a covered
basis, write secured put options, and purchase put options on a covered basis
only, and will not engage in option writing strategies for speculative purposes.
The Fund may invest in options that are either exchange listed or traded over-the-counter. Certain over-the-counter options may be illiquid. Thus, it may not be possible to close option positions and this may have an adverse impact on the Funds ability to effectively hedge its securities. The Fund will not, however, invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Covered Call Writing. The Fund may write covered call options from time to time on such portion of its portfolio, without limit, as the Manager determines is appropriate in seeking to achieve the Funds investment objective. A call option gives the purchaser of such option the right to buy, and the writer, in this case the Fund, has the obligation to sell the underlying security at the exercise price during the option period. The advantage to the Fund of writing covered calls is that the Fund receives a premium which is additional income. However, if the security rises in value, the Fund may not fully participate in the market appreciation.
During the option period, a covered call option writer may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker/dealer through whom such call option was sold, requiring the writer to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option period or at such earlier time in which the writer effects a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cannot be effected with respect to an option once the option writer has received an exercise notice for such option.
With respect to options on actual portfolio securities owned by the Fund, the Fund may enter into closing purchase transactions. A closing purchase transaction is one in which the Fund, when obligated as a writer of an option, terminates its obligation by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written.
19
Closing purchase transactions will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to enable the Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both. The Fund may realize a net gain or loss from a closing purchase transaction depending upon whether the net amount of the original premium received on the call option is more or less than the cost of effecting the closing purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a closing purchase transaction may be partially or entirely offset by the premium received from a sale of a different call option on the same underlying security. Such a loss may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation in the market value of the underlying security. Conversely, a gain resulting from a closing purchase transaction could be offset in whole or in part by a decline in the market value of the underlying security.
If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a short-term capital gain in the amount of the premium on the option less the commission paid. Such a gain, however, may be offset by depreciation in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security equal to the difference between the cost of the underlying security and the proceeds of the sale of the security plus the amount of the premium on the option less the commission paid.
The market value of a call option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the price volatility of the underlying security, and the time remaining until the expiration date.
The Fund will write call options only on a covered basis, which means that the Fund will own the underlying security subject to a call option at all times during the option period. Unless a closing purchase transaction is effected, the Fund would be required to continue to hold a security which it might otherwise wish to sell or deliver a security it would want to hold. Options written by the Fund will normally have expiration dates between one and nine months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may be below, equal to, or above the current market value of the underlying security at the time the option is written.
Purchasing Call Options . The Fund may purchase call options to the extent that premiums paid by the Fund do not aggregate more than 2% of the Funds total assets. The advantage of purchasing call options is that the Fund may alter portfolio characteristics, and modify portfolio maturities without incurring the cost associated with portfolio transactions.
The Fund may, following the purchase of a call option, liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same Fund as the option previously purchased. The Fund will realize a profit from a closing sale transaction if the price received on the transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the original call option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing sale transaction if the price received on the transaction is less than the premium paid to purchase the original call option.
Although the Fund will generally purchase only those call options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event, it may not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the results that the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of such options and upon the subsequent disposition of the underlying securities acquired through the exercise of such options. Further, unless the price of the underlying security changes sufficiently, a call option purchased by the Fund may expire without any value to the Fund.
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Purchasing Put Options . The Fund will only purchase put options to the extent that the premiums on all outstanding put options do not exceed 2% of the Funds total assets. A put option purchased by the Fund gives it the right to sell one of its securities for an agreed price up to an agreed date. However, the Fund must pay a premium for this right, whether it exercises it or not. The Fund will, at all times during which it holds a put option, own the security covered by such option.
The Fund intends to purchase put options in order to protect against a decline in the market value of the underlying security below the exercise price less the premium paid for the option (protective puts). The ability to purchase put options will allow the Fund to protect an unrealized gain in an appreciated security in its portfolio without actually selling the security. If the security does not drop in value, the Fund will lose the value of the premium paid. The Fund may sell a put option, which it has previously purchased prior to the sale of the securities underlying such option. Such sales will result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount received on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put option that is sold.
The Fund may sell a put option purchased on individual portfolio securities. Additionally, the Fund may enter into closing sale transactions. A closing sale transaction is one in which the Fund, when it is the holder of an outstanding option, liquidates its position by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased.
Writing Put Options . The Fund may also write put options on a secured basis which means that the Fund will maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian, cash or U.S. government securities in an amount not less than the exercise price of the option at all times during the option period. The amount of cash or U.S. government securities held in the segregated account will be adjusted on a daily basis to reflect changes in the market value of the securities covered by the put option written by the Fund. Secured put options will generally be written in circumstances where the Manager wishes to purchase the underlying security for the Funds portfolio at a price lower than the current market price of the security. In such event, the Fund would write a secured put option at an exercise price which, reduced by the premium received on the option, reflects the lower price it is willing to pay.
Following the writing of a put option, the Fund may wish to terminate the obligation to buy the security underlying the option by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. The Fund may not, however, effect such a closing transaction after it has been notified of the exercise of the option.
Portfolio Loan
Transactions
The Fund may loan up to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers or
institutional investors for their use relating to short sales or other security
transactions.
It is the understanding of the Manager that the SEC staff permits portfolio lending by registered investment companies if certain conditions are met. These conditions are as follows: (i) each transaction must have 100% collateral in the form of cash, short-term U.S. government securities, or irrevocable letters of credit payable by banks acceptable to the Fund from the borrower; (ii) this collateral must be valued daily and should the market value of the loaned securities increase, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the Fund; (iii) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan after notice, at any time; (iv) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on any loan, and any dividends, interest or other distributions on the lent securities, and any increase in the market value of such securities; (v) the Fund may pay reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (vi) the voting rights on the lent securities may pass to the borrower; however, if the Board knows that a material event will occur affecting an investment loan, they must either terminate the loan in order to vote the proxy or enter into an alternative arrangement with the borrower to enable the trustees to vote the proxy.
One major risk to which the Fund would be exposed on a portfolio loan transaction is the risk that the borrower would go bankrupt at a time when the value of the security goes up. Therefore, the Fund will only enter into loan arrangements after a review of all pertinent facts by the Manager, under the supervision of the Board, including the creditworthiness of the borrowing broker, dealer, or institution and then only if the consideration to be received from such loans would justify the risk. Creditworthiness will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the Manager.
21
Cash collateral received is invested in a collective investment vehicle (Collective Trust) established by the Funds custodian for the purpose of investment on behalf of clients participating in its securities lending programs. The Collective Trust invests in fixed income securities, with a weighted average maturity not to exceed 90 days, rated in one of the top three tiers by S&P or Moodys or repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the lending agent, realization and/or retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. In the event the borrower fails to return loaned securities and the collateral received is insufficient to cover the value of the loaned securities and provided such collateral shortfall is not the result of investment losses, the lending agent has agreed to pay the amount of the shortfall to the fund or, at the discretion of the lending agent, replace the loaned securities. The Fund continues to record dividends or interest, as applicable, on the securities loaned and is subject to change in value of the securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. With respect to security loans collateralized by U.S. Treasury obligations, the Fund receives a fee from the security lending agent. With respect to security loans collateralized by cash collateral, the earnings from the collateral investments are shared among the Fund, the security lending agent, and the borrower. The Fund records securities lending income net of allocations to the security lending agent and the borrower.
Repurchase
Agreements
In order to invest its cash reserves or when in a temporary defensive
posture, the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks or
broker/dealers deemed to be creditworthy by the Manager. A repurchase agreement
is a short-term investment in which the purchaser (e.g., the Fund) acquires
ownership of a debt security and the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation
at a future time and set price, thereby determining the yield during the
purchasers holding period. Generally, repurchase agreements are of short
duration, often less than one week, but on occasion for longer periods. The Fund
may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements with
maturities of seven days or more. Should an issuer of a repurchase agreement
fail to repurchase the underlying security, the loss to the Fund, if any, would
be the difference between the repurchase price and the market value of the
security. The Fund will limit its investments in repurchase agreements, to those
which the Manager determines to present minimal credit risks and which are of
high quality. In addition, the Fund must have collateral of 102% of the
repurchase price, including the portion representing the Funds yield under such
agreements, which is monitored on a daily basis. Such collateral is held by a
custodian in book entry form. Such agreements may be considered loans under the
1940 Act, but the Fund considers repurchase agreements contracts for the
purchase and sale of securities, and it seeks to perfect a security interest in
the collateral securities so that it has the right to keep and dispose of the
underlying collateral in the event of a default.
The funds in the Delaware Investments ® family (each a Delaware Investments ® Fund and collectively, the Delaware Investments ® Funds) have obtained an exemption (the Order) from the joint-transaction prohibitions of Section 17(d) of the 1940 Act to allow Delaware Investments Funds jointly to invest cash balances. The Fund may invest cash balances in a joint repurchase agreement in accordance with the terms of the Order and subject generally to the conditions described above.
Restricted
Securities
While maintaining oversight, the Board has delegated to the Manager
the day-to-day functions of determining whether or not individual Rule 144A
securities are liquid for purposes of the Funds 15% limitation on investments
in illiquid assets. The Board has instructed the Manager to consider the
following factors in determining the liquidity of a Rule 144A security: (i) the
frequency of trades and trading volume for the security; (ii) whether at least
three dealers are willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of
potential purchasers; (iii) whether at least two dealers are making a market in
the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer and whether a security is
listed on an electronic network for trading the security).
22
If the Manager determines that a Rule 144A security which was previously determined to be liquid is no longer liquid and, as a result, the Funds holdings of illiquid securities exceed the Funds 15% limit on investment in such securities, the Manager will determine what action to take to ensure that the Fund continues to adhere to such limitation.
U.S. Government
Securities
Obligations of U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities,
and sponsored enterprises have historically involved little risk of loss of
principal if held to maturity. However, not all U.S. government securities are
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of certain
agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises of the U.S.
government are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g.,
GNMA); other obligations are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from
the U.S. Treasury (e.g., the Federal Home Loan Banks) and others are supported
by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase an agencys
obligations. Still others are backed only by the credit of the agency,
authority, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise issuing the obligation. No
assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support
to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery
Securities
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery
basis. In such transactions, instruments are purchased with payment and delivery
taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an
advantageous yield or price at the time of the transaction. Delivery of and
payment for these securities may take as long as a month or more after the date
of the purchase commitment. The Fund will designate cash or securities in
amounts sufficient to cover its obligations, and will value the designated
assets daily. The payment obligation and the interest rates that will be
received are each fixed at the time the Fund enters into the commitment and no
interest accrues to the Fund until settlement. Thus, it is possible that the
market value at the time of settlement could be higher or lower than the
purchase price if the general level of interest rates has changed.
Zero Coupon and Pay-In-Kind
Bonds
Zero
coupon bonds are debt obligations which do not entitle the holder to any
periodic payments of interest prior to maturity or a specified date when the
securities begin paying current interest, and therefore are issued and traded at
a discount from their face amounts or pay value. Pay-In-Kind (PIK) bonds pay
interest through the issuance to holders of additional securities. Zero coupon
bonds and PIK bonds are generally considered to be more interest-sensitive than
income bearing bonds, to be more speculative than interest-bearing bonds and to
have certain tax consequences which could, under certain circumstances, be
adverse to the Fund. Investments in zero coupon or PIK bonds would require the
Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate
sufficient cash to make these distributions, the Fund may be required to sell
securities in its portfolio that it otherwise might have continued to hold or to
borrow. These rules could affect the amount, timing, and tax character of income
distributed to you by the Fund.
Special Risk
Considerations
Foreign Securities
Risks
.
The Fund has the right to purchase
securities in any developed, underdeveloped, or emerging country. Investors
should consider carefully the substantial risks involved in investing in
securities issued by companies and governments of foreign nations. These risks
are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. There is
the possibility of expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation,
taxation of income earned in foreign nations or other taxes imposed with respect
to investments in foreign nations, foreign exchange control (which may include
suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a given country), default in
foreign government securities, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect investments in securities of issuers in those
nations.
23
In addition, in many countries, there is substantially less publicly available information about issuers than is available in reports about companies in the United States. Foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to United States companies. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of a developing or emerging country issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had the financial statements been prepared in accordance with the United States generally accepted accounting principles. Also, for an issuer that keeps accounting records in local currency, inflation accounting rules may require for both tax and accounting purposes, that certain assets and liabilities be restated on the issuers balance sheet in order to express items in terms of currency or constant purchasing power. Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses or profits. Consequently, financial data may be materially affected by restatements for inflation and may not accurately reflect the real condition of those issuers and securities markets.
Further, the Fund may encounter difficulty or be unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. Commission rates on securities transactions in foreign countries, which are sometimes fixed rather than subject to negotiation, as in the United States, are likely to be higher. Further, the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer than in domestic markets, and may be subject to administrative uncertainties. In many foreign countries, there is less government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States, and capital requirements for brokerage firms are generally lower. The foreign securities markets of many of the countries in which the Fund may invest may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than those in the United States.
Emerging Markets Securities Risks . Compared to the United States and other developed countries, emerging countries may have volatile social conditions, relatively unstable governments and political systems, economies based on only a few industries and economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and securities markets that trade a small number of securities, which can result in a low or nonexistent volume of trading. Prices in these securities markets tend to be volatile and, in the past, securities in these countries have offered greater potential for gain (as well as loss) than securities of companies located in developed countries. Until recently, there has been an absence of a capital market structure or market-oriented economy in certain emerging countries. Further, investments and opportunities for investments by foreign investors are subject to a variety of national policies and restrictions in many emerging countries. These restrictions may take the form of prior governmental approval, limits on the amount or type of securities held by foreigners, limits on the types of companies in which foreigners may invest and prohibitions on foreign investments in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. Additional restrictions may be imposed at any time by these or other countries in which the Fund invests. Also, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from several foreign countries is restricted and controlled under certain regulations, including, in some cases, the need for certain governmental consents. Although these restrictions may in the future make it undesirable to invest in emerging countries, the Manager does not believe that any current repatriation restrictions would affect its decision to invest in such countries. Countries such as those in which the Fund may invest have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, substantial, and in some periods extremely high rates of inflation for many years, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations or currency depreciation, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties, and extreme poverty and unemployment. Other factors that may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, a countrys cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole, its governments policy towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international agencies, and the political constraints to which a government debtor may be subject.
24
Foreign Government Securities Risks . With respect to investment in debt issues of foreign governments, the ability of a foreign government or government-related issuer to make timely and ultimate payments on its external debt obligations will also be strongly influenced by the issuers balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credits and investments, fluctuations in interest rates, and the extent of its foreign reserves. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in dollars could be adversely affected. If a foreign government or government-related issuer cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations, and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the governments implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance, and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may curtail the willingness of such third parties to lend funds, which may further impair the issuers ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely manner. The cost of servicing external debt will also generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest at rates which are adjusted based upon international interest rates. The ability to service external debt will also depend on the level of the relevant governments international currency reserves and its access to foreign exchange. Currency devaluations may affect the ability of a government issuer to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to service its external debt.
As a result of the foregoing, a foreign governmental issuer may default on its obligations. If such a default occurs, the Fund may have limited effective legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign government and government-related debt securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government and government-related debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements.
Risks Related to Additional Investment Techniques . With respect to forward foreign currency contracts, the precise matching of forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved is generally not possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency strategy is highly uncertain.
It is impossible to forecast the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of the contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver (and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency). Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.
25
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION |
The Fund has adopted a policy generally prohibiting the disclosure of portfolio holdings information to any person until after 30 calendar days have passed. The Trust posts a list of the Funds portfolio holdings monthly, with a 30-day lag, on the Funds Web site, www.delawareinvestments.com. In addition, on a 10-day lag, we also make available on the Web site a month-end summary listing of the number of the Funds securities, country and asset allocations, and top 10 securities and sectors by percentage of holdings for the Fund. This information is available publicly to any and all shareholders free of charge once posted on the Web site by calling 800 523-1918.
Other entities, including institutional investors and intermediaries that distribute the Funds shares, are generally treated similarly and are not provided with the Funds portfolio holdings in advance of when they are generally available to the public.
The Fund may, from time to time, provide statistical data derived from publicly available information to third parties, such as shareholders, prospective shareholders, financial intermediaries, consultants, and ratings and ranking organizations.
Third-party service providers and affiliated persons of the Fund are provided with the Funds portfolio holdings only to the extent necessary to perform services under agreements relating to the Fund. In accordance with the policy, certain third-party service providers receive non-public portfolio holdings information on an ongoing basis in order to perform their duties on behalf of the Fund. They are: the Managers affiliates (Delaware Management Business Trust, Delaware Service Company, Inc., and the Distributor) and the Trusts independent registered public accounting firm, custodian, legal counsel, financial printer (DG3), and proxy voting service (Institutional Shareholder Services).
Third-party rating and ranking organizations and consultants who have signed agreements (Nondisclosure Agreements) with the Fund or the Manager may receive portfolio holdings information more quickly than the 30-day lag. The Nondisclosure Agreements require that the receiving entity hold the information in the strictest confidence and prohibit the receiving entity from disclosing the information or trading on the information (either in Fund shares or in shares of the Funds portfolio securities). In addition, the receiving party must agree to provide copies of any research or reports generated using the portfolio holdings information in order to allow for monitoring of use of the information. Neither the Fund, the Manager, nor any affiliate receive any compensation or consideration with respect to these agreements.
To protect the shareholders interests and to avoid conflicts of interest, Nondisclosure Agreements must be approved by a member of the Managers Legal Department and Compliance Department and any deviation in the use of the portfolio holdings information by the receiving party must be approved in writing by the Funds Chief Compliance Officer prior to such use.
The Board will be notified of any substantial change to the foregoing procedures. The Board also receives an annual report from the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer which, among other things, addresses the operation of the Trusts procedures concerning the disclosure of portfolio holdings information.
26
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST |
Officers and
Trustees
The business and affairs of the Trust are managed under the direction
of its Board of Trustees. Certain officers and Trustees of the Trust hold
identical positions in each of the other Delaware Investments
®
Funds.
As of March 31, 2009, the Trusts officers and Trustees directly owned less than
1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, except for the Institutional Class, in
which they owned 10.48% of the outstanding shares.
The Trusts Trustees and principal officers are noted below along with their birthdates and their business experience for the past five years. The Trustees serve for indefinite terms until their resignation, death, or removal.
Number of | |||||
Portfolios in Fund | |||||
Name, Address, and | Position(s) Held | Length of Time | Principal Occupation(s) During | Complex Overseen | Other Directorships |
Birthdate | with the Trust | Served | Past 5 Years | by Trustee | Held by Trustee |
Interested Trustees | |||||
Patrick P. Coyne 1 | Chairman, | Chairman and | Patrick P. Coyne has served in | 83 | Director Kaydon |
2005 Market Street | President, Chief | Trustee since | various executive capacities at | Corp. | |
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Executive Officer, | August 16, | different times at Delaware | ||
and Trustee | 2006 | Investments. 2 | Board of Governors | ||
April 1963 | Member | ||||
President and | Investment Company | ||||
Chief Executive | Institute (ICI) | ||||
Officer since | (2007 Present) | ||||
August 1, 2006 | |||||
Member of | |||||
Investment | |||||
Committee Cradle | |||||
of Liberty Council, | |||||
BSA | |||||
(November 2007 | |||||
Present) | |||||
Finance Committee | |||||
Member St. John | |||||
Vianney Roman | |||||
Catholic Church | |||||
(2007 Present) |
27
Number of | |||||
Portfolios in Fund | |||||
Name, Address, and | Position(s) Held | Length of Time | Principal Occupation(s) During | Complex Overseen | Other Directorships |
Birthdate | with the Trust | Served | Past 5 Years | by Trustee | Held by Trustee |
Independent Trustees | |||||
Thomas L. Bennett | Trustee | Since March | Private Investor | 83 | Director Bryn |
2005 Market Street | 2005 | (March 2004 Present) | Mawr Bank Corp. | ||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (BMTC) | ||||
Investment Manager | (April 2007 | ||||
October 1947 | Morgan Stanley & Co. | Present) | |||
(January 1984 March 2004) | |||||
Chairman of | |||||
Investment | |||||
Committee | |||||
Pennsylvania | |||||
Academy of Fine | |||||
Arts (2007 Present) | |||||
Trustee | |||||
(2004 Present) | |||||
Investment | |||||
Committee and | |||||
Governance | |||||
Committee Member | |||||
| |||||
Pennsylvania | |||||
Horticultural Society | |||||
(February 2006 | |||||
Present) | |||||
John A. Fry | Trustee | Since January | President | 83 | Director |
2005 Market Street | 2001 | Franklin & Marshall College | Community Health | ||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (June 2002 Present) | Systems | |||
May 1960 | Executive Vice President | ||||
University of Pennsylvania | |||||
(April 1995 June 2002) | |||||
Anthony D. Knerr | Trustee | Since April | Founder and Managing Director | 83 | None |
2005 Market Street | 1990 | Anthony Knerr & Associates | |||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (Strategic Consulting) | ||||
(1990 Present) | |||||
December 1938 | |||||
Lucinda S. Landreth | Trustee | Since March | Chief Investment Officer | 83 | None |
2005 Market Street | 2005 | Assurant, Inc. | |||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (Insurance) | ||||
(2002 2004) | |||||
June 1947 | |||||
Ann R. Leven | Trustee | Since October | Consultant | 83 | Director and Audit |
2005 Market Street | 1989 | ARL Associates | Committee Chair | ||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (Financial Planning) | Systemax Inc. | |||
(1983 Present) | |||||
November 1940 |
28
Number of | |||||
Portfolios in Fund | |||||
Name, Address, and | Position(s) Held | Length of Time | Principal Occupation(s) During | Complex Overseen | Other Directorships |
Birthdate | with the Trust | Served | Past 5 Years | by Trustee | Held by Trustee |
Thomas F. Madison | Trustee | Since May | President and Chief Executive | 83 | Director and Chair of |
2005 Market Street | 1997 3 | Officer MLM Partners, Inc. | Compensation | ||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (Small Business Investing & | Committee, | |||
Consulting) | Governance | ||||
February 1936 | (January 1993 Present) | Committee Member | |||
CenterPoint | |||||
Energy | |||||
Lead Director and | |||||
Chair of Audit and | |||||
Governance | |||||
Committees, Member | |||||
of Compensation | |||||
Committee | |||||
Digital River Inc. | |||||
Director and Chair of | |||||
Governance | |||||
Committee, Audit | |||||
Committee Member | |||||
| |||||
Rimage Corporation | |||||
Director and Chair of | |||||
Compensation | |||||
Committee | |||||
Spanlink | |||||
Communications | |||||
Lead Director and | |||||
Chair of | |||||
Compensation and | |||||
Governance | |||||
Committees | |||||
Valmont Industries, | |||||
Inc. | |||||
Janet L. Yeomans | Trustee | Since April | Vice President and Treasurer | 83 | None |
2005 Market Street | 1999 | (January 2006 Present) | |||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | |||||
Vice President Mergers & | |||||
July 1948 | Acquisitions | ||||
(January 2003 January 2006), | |||||
and Vice President | |||||
(July 1995 January 2003) | |||||
3M Corporation | |||||
J. Richard Zecher | Trustee | Since March | Founder | 83 | Director and Audit |
2005 Market Street | 2005 | Investor Analytics | Committee Member | ||
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (Risk Management) | | |||
(May 1999 Present) | Investor Analytics | ||||
July 1940 | |||||
Founder | |||||
Sutton Asset Management | |||||
(Hedge Fund) | |||||
(September 1996 Present) |
29
The following table shows each Trustees ownership of shares of the Fund and of shares of all Delaware Investments ® Funds as of December 31, 2008.
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All | ||
Registered Investment Companies Overseen by | ||
Name | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Trust | Trustee in Family of Investment Companies |
Interested Trustee | ||
Patrick P. Coyne | More than $100,000 | More than $100,000 |
Independent Trustees | ||
Thomas L. Bennett | None | $10,001 $50,000 |
John A. Fry | None | $10,001 $50,000 |
Anthony D. Knerr | None | More than $100,000 |
Lucinda S. Landreth | None | More than $100,000 |
Ann R. Leven | None | More than $100,000 |
Thomas F. Madison | None | $10,001 $50,000 |
Janet L. Yeomans | None | More than $100,000 |
J. Richard Zecher | None | $10,001 $50,000 |
30
The following table describes the aggregate compensation received by the Trustees from the Trust and the total compensation received from the Delaware Investments ® Funds for which he or she served as a Trustee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. Only the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons as defined by the 1940 Act (the Independent Trustees) receive compensation from the Trust.
Total Compensation | |||
from the Investment | |||
Companies in the | |||
Aggregate | Retirement Benefits | Delaware | |
Compensation from | Accrued as Part of | Investments ® | |
Trustee | the Trust 1 | Fund Expenses | Complex 1 |
Thomas L. Bennett | $1,904 | None | $195,000 |
John A. Fry | $1,755 | None | $177,500 |
Anthony D. Knerr | $1,609 | None | $162,500 |
Lucinda S. Landreth | $1,707 | None | $172,500 |
Ann R. Leven | $2,184 | None | $222,500 |
Thomas F. Madison | $1,775 | None | $180,000 |
Janet L. Yeomans | $1,710 | None | $175,000 |
J. Richard Zecher | $1,710 | None | $175,000 |
1 | Effective December 1, 2007, each Independent Trustee/Director will receive an annual retainer fee of $100,000 for serving as a Trustee/Director for all 31 investment companies in the Delaware Investments ® family, plus $5,000 per day for attending each Board Meeting held on behalf of all investment companies in the complex. Members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Audit Committee, and Investments Committee receive additional compensation of $2,500 for each Committee meeting attended. In addition, the chairperson of the Audit Committee receives an annual retainer of $25,000, the chairperson of the Investments Committee receives an annual retainer of $20,000, and the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receives an annual retainer of $15,000. The Lead/Coordinating Trustee/Director of the Delaware Investments ® Funds receives an additional annual retainer of $35,000. |
The Board has the following committees:
Audit Committee: This committee monitors accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, and internal controls for the Trust. It also oversees the quality and objectivity of the Trusts financial statements and the independent audit thereof, and acts as a liaison between the Trusts independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board. The Trusts Audit Committee consists of the following four Independent Trustees: Thomas F. Madison, Chairman; Thomas L. Bennett; John A. Fry; and J. Richard Zecher. The Audit Committee held six meetings during the Trusts last fiscal year.
31
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee: This committee recommends Board members, fills vacancies and considers the qualifications of Board members. The committee also monitors the performance of counsel for the Independent Trustees. The committee will consider shareholder recommendations for nomination to the Board only in the event that there is a vacancy on the Board. Shareholders who wish to submit recommendations for nominations to the Board to fill a vacancy must submit their recommendations in writing to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o Delaware Investments ® Funds at 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7094. Shareholders should include appropriate information on the background and qualifications of any persons recommended (e.g., a resume), as well as the candidates contact information and a written consent from the candidate to serve if nominated and elected. Shareholder recommendations for nominations to the Board will be accepted on an ongoing basis and such recommendations will be kept on file for consideration when there is a vacancy on the Board. The committee consists of the following four Independent Trustees: John A. Fry, Chairman; Anthony D. Knerr; Lucinda S. Landreth; and Ann Leven (ex officio). The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held five meetings during the Trusts last fiscal year.
Independent Trustee Committee: This committee develops and recommends to the Board a set of corporate governance principles and oversees the evaluation of the Board, its committees, and its activities. The committee is comprised of all of the Trusts Independent Trustees. The Independent Trustee Committee held four meetings during the Trusts last fiscal year.
Investments Committee: The primary purposes of the Investments Committee are to: (i) assist the Board at its request in its oversight of the investment advisory services provided to the Fund by the Manager as well as any sub-advisors; (ii) review all proposed advisory and sub-advisory agreements for new Funds or proposed amendments to existing agreements and to recommend what action the full Board and the Independent Trustees take regarding the approval of all such proposed agreements; and (iii) review from time to time reports supplied by the Manager regarding investment performance and expenses and suggest changes to such reports. The Investments Committee consists of the following five Independent Trustees: Thomas L. Bennett, Chairman; Anthony D. Knerr; Lucinda S. Landreth; Janet L. Yeomans; and J. Richard Zecher. The Investments Committee held four meetings during the Trusts last fiscal year.
Code of
Ethics
The
Trust, the Manager, the Distributor, and Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc.
(the Funds financial intermediary wholesaler) have adopted Codes of Ethics in
compliance with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which govern
personal securities transactions. Under the Codes of Ethics, persons subject to
the Codes are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, including
securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, subject to the
requirements set forth in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and certain other
procedures set forth in the applicable Code of Ethics. The Codes of Ethics are
on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.
Proxy Voting
Policy
The Trust has formally delegated to the Manager the responsibility for
making all proxy voting decisions in relation to portfolio securities held by
the Fund. If and when proxies need to be voted on behalf of the Fund, the
Manager will vote such proxies pursuant to its Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures (the Procedures). The Manager has established a Proxy Voting
Committee (the Committee), which is responsible for overseeing the Managers
proxy voting process for the Fund. One of the main responsibilities of the
Committee is to review and approve the Procedures to ensure that the Procedures
are designed to allow the Manager to vote proxies in a manner consistent with
the goal of voting in the best interests of the Fund.
32
In order to facilitate the actual process of voting proxies, the Manager has contracted with Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a wholly owned subsidiary of RiskMetrics Group (RiskMetrics), to analyze proxy statements on behalf of the Fund and the Managers other clients and vote proxies generally in accordance with the Procedures. The Committee is responsible for overseeing ISS/RiskMetricss proxy voting activities. If a proxy has been voted for the Fund, ISS/RiskMetrics will create a record of the vote. By no later than August 31 of each year, information (if any) regarding how the [Fund/Portfolios/Series] voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recently disclosed 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (i) through the Trusts website at http://www.delawareinvestments.com; and (ii) on the Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov.
The Procedures contain a general guideline stating that recommendations of company management on an issue (particularly routine issues) should be given a fair amount of weight in determining how proxy issues should be voted. However, the Manager will normally vote against managements position when it runs counter to its specific Proxy Voting Guidelines (the Guidelines), and the Manager will also vote against managements recommendation when it believes that such position is not in the best interests of the Fund.
As stated above, the Procedures also list specific Guidelines on how to vote proxies on behalf of the Fund. Some examples of the Guidelines are as follows: (i) generally vote for shareholder proposals asking that a majority or more of directors be independent; (ii) generally vote against proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote; (iii) votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, determining whether the transaction enhances shareholder value; (iv) generally vote against proposals to create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights; (v) generally vote re-incorporation proposals on a case-by-case basis; (vi) votes with respect to equity-based compensation plans are generally determined on a case-by-case basis; and (vii) generally vote for proposals requesting reports on the level of greenhouse gas emissions from a companys operations and products.
Because the Trust has delegated proxy voting to the Manager, the Trust is not expected to encounter any conflict of interest issues regarding proxy voting and therefore does not have procedures regarding this matter. However, the Manager does have a section in its Procedures that addresses the possibility of conflicts of interest. Most proxies that the Manager receives on behalf of the [Fund/Portfolios/Series] are voted by ISS/RiskMetrics in accordance with the Procedures. Because almost all Fund proxies are voted by ISS/RiskMetrics pursuant to the predetermined Procedures, it normally will not be necessary for the Manager to make an actual determination of how to vote a particular proxy, thereby largely eliminating conflicts of interest for the Manager during the proxy voting process. In the very limited instances where the Manager is considering voting a proxy contrary to ISS/RiskMetricss recommendation, the Committee will first assess the issue to see if there is any possible conflict of interest involving the Manager or affiliated persons of the Manager. If a member of the Committee has actual knowledge of a conflict of interest, the Committee will normally use another independent third party to do additional research on the particular proxy issue in order to make a recommendation to the Committee on how to vote the proxy in the best interests of the Fund. The Committee will then review the proxy voting materials and recommendation provided by ISS/RiskMetrics and the independent third party to determine how to vote the issue in a manner that the Committee believes is consistent with the Procedures and in the best interests of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS |
Investment
Manager
The Manager, located at 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094,
furnishes investment management services to the Fund, subject to the supervision
and direction of the Board. The Manager also provides investment management
services to all of the other Delaware Investments
®
Funds. Affiliates of the Manager also manage other investment
accounts. While investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from
those of the other funds and accounts, investment decisions for such other funds
and accounts may be made at the same time as investment decisions for the Fund.
The Manager pays the salaries of all Trustees, officers, and employees who are
affiliated with both the Manager and the Trust.
33
As of December 31, 2008, the Manager and its affiliates within Delaware Investments were managing in the aggregate in excess of $115 billion in assets in various institutional or separately managed, investment company, and insurance accounts. The Manager is a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, which is a subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. (DMHI). DMHI is a subsidiary, and subject to the ultimate control, of Lincoln National Corporation (Lincoln). Lincoln, with headquarters in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a diversified organization with operations in many aspects of the financial services industry, including insurance and investment management.
Delaware Investments is the marketing name for DMHI and its subsidiaries. The Manager and its affiliates own the name Delaware Group. Under certain circumstances, including the termination of the Trusts advisory relationship with the Manager or its distribution relationship with the Distributor, the Manager and its affiliates could cause the Trust to remove the words Delaware Group from the Trusts name.
The Investment Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager (the Investment Management Agreement) is dated December 15, 1999 and was approved by shareholders on that date. The Investment Management Agreement had an initial term of two years and may be renewed each year so long as such renewal and continuance are specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and only if the terms of, and the renewal thereof, have been approved by the vote of a majority of the Trusts Independent Trustees, who are not parties thereto or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Management Agreement is terminable without penalty on 60 days notice by the Board or by the Manager. The Investment Management Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
As compensation for the services rendered under the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund shall pay the Manager an annual management fee as a percentage of average daily net assets equal to: 0.50% on the first $500 million; 0.475% on the next $500 million; 0.45% on the next $1.5 billion; and 0.425% on assets in excess of $2.5 billion.
The Manager has agreed to voluntarily waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 plan expenses, taxes, interest, inverse floater program expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent annual fund operating expenses from exceeding, in an aggregate amount, 0.70% of the Funds average daily net assets from May 1, 2009 until such time as the voluntary expense cap is discontinued. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements apply only to expenses paid directly by the Fund, and may be discontinued at any time because they are voluntary. The fees and expenses shown in the annual fund operating expenses table above do not reflect this voluntary expense cap.
During the past three fiscal years, the Fund paid the following investment management fees, after fee waivers, as applicable:
Fiscal Year Ended | Incurred | Paid | Waived |
12/31/08 | $1,208,742 | $897,829 | $310,913 |
12/31/07 | $1,074,011 | $768,880 | $305,131 |
12/31/06 | $1,260,007 | $812,502 | $447,505 |
Except for those expenses borne by the Manager under the Investment Management Agreement and the Distributor under the Distribution Agreement, the Fund is responsible for all of its own expenses. Among others, such expenses include the Funds proportionate share of certain administrative expenses; investment management fees; transfer and dividend disbursing fees and costs; accounting services; custodian expenses; federal and state securities registration fees; proxy costs; and the costs of preparing prospectuses and reports sent to shareholders.
34
Distributor
The Distributor, located at 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia,
PA 19103-7094, serves as the national distributor of the Trusts shares under a
Distribution Agreement dated April 19, 2001. The Distributor is an affiliate of
the Manager and bears all of the costs of promotion and distribution, except for
payments by the Fund Classes under their respective Rule 12b-1 Plans. The
Distributor is an indirect subsidiary of DMHI and, therefore, of Lincoln. The
Distributor has agreed to use its best efforts to sell shares of the Fund. See
the Prospectuses for information on how to invest. Shares of the Fund are
offered on a continuous basis by the Distributor and may be purchased through
authorized investment dealers or directly by contacting the Distributor or the
Trust. The Distributor also serves as the national distributor for the other
Delaware Investments
®
Funds. The Board
annually reviews fees paid to the Distributor.
During the Funds last three fiscal years, the Distributor received net commissions from the Fund on behalf of its Class A shares, after re-allowances to dealers, as follows:
Total Amount of | Amounts Reallowed to | ||
Fiscal Year Ended | Underwriting Commission | Dealers | Net Commission to DDLP |
12/31/08 | $159,390 | $135,261 | $24,129 |
12/31/07 | $55,175 | $46,884 | $8,291 |
12/31/06 | $52,876 | $44,921 | $7,955 |
During the Funds last three fiscal years, the Distributor received, in the aggregate, limited contingent deferred sales charge (Limited CDSC) payments with respect to Class A shares of the Fund as follows:
Limited CDSC Payments | |
Fiscal Year Ended | Class A shares |
12/31/08 | $8,068 |
12/31/07 | $18 |
12/31/06 | $8 |
During the Funds last three fiscal years, the Distributor received contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) payments with respect to the Funds Class B shares and Class C shares as follows:
CDSC Payments | ||
Fiscal Year Ended | Class B shares | Class C shares |
12/31/08 | $3,538 | $5,803 |
12/31/07 | $10,317 | $451 |
12/31/06 | $11,136 | $1,566 |
Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. (LFD), an affiliate of the Manager, serves as the Funds financial intermediary wholesaler pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Financial Intermediary Distribution Agreement (the Financial Intermediary Agreement) with the Distributor as of January 1, 2007. LFD is primarily responsible for promoting the sale of Fund shares through broker/dealers, financial advisors, and other financial intermediaries (collectively, Financial Intermediaries). The address of LFD is 130 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087-5221. The Distributor pays LFD for the actual expenses incurred by LFD in performing its duties under the Financial Intermediary Agreement as determined by the Distributors monthly review of information retrieved from Lincoln Financial Groups applicable expense management system. Based on this review, the Distributor may request that LFD provide additional information describing its expenses in detail reasonably acceptable to the Distributor. The fees associated with LFDs services to the Fund are borne exclusively by the Distributor and not by the Fund.
35
Transfer
Agent
Delaware Service Company, Inc. (DSC), an affiliate of the Manager, is
located at 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094, and serves as the
Funds shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing, and transfer agent (the
Transfer Agent) pursuant to a Shareholder Services Agreement dated April 19,
2001, as amended June 26, 2001. The Transfer Agent is an indirect subsidiary of
DMHI and, therefore, of Lincoln. The Transfer Agent also acts as shareholder
servicing, dividend disbursing, and transfer agent for other Delaware
Investments
®
Funds. The Transfer Agent
is paid a fee by the Fund for providing these services consisting of an annual
per account charge of $27.00 for each open and $10.00 for each closed account on
its records and each account held on a sub-accounting system maintained by firms
that hold accounts on an omnibus basis.
These charges are assessed monthly on a pro rata basis and determined by using the number of shareholder and retirement accounts maintained as of the last calendar day of each month. Compensation is fixed each year and approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees.
The Fund has authorized, in addition to the Transfer Agent, one or more brokers to accept on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. For purposes of pricing, the Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a brokers authorized designee, accepts the order.
DST Systems, Inc. (DST) provides subtransfer agency services to the Fund. In connection with these services, DST administers the overnight investment of cash pending investment in the Fund or payment of redemptions. The proceeds of this investment program are used to offset the Funds transfer agency expenses.
Fund
Accountants
Effective October 1, 2007, The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon),
One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286-0001, provides fund accounting and financial
administration services to the Fund. Those services include performing functions
related to calculating the Funds net asset values (NAVs) and providing
financial reporting information, regulatory compliance testing, and other
related accounting services. For these services, the Fund pays BNY Mellon an
asset-based fee, subject to certain fee minimums plus certain out-of-pocket
expenses and transactional charges. Effective October 1, 2007, DSC provides fund
accounting and financial administration oversight services to the Fund. Those
services include overseeing the Funds pricing process, the calculation and
payment of fund expenses, and financial reporting in shareholder reports,
registration statements and other regulatory filings. DSC also manages the
process for the payment of dividends and distributions and the dissemination of
Fund NAVs and performance data. For these services, the Fund pays DSC an
asset-based fee, plus certain out-of-pocket expenses and transactional charges.
The fees payable to BNY Mellon and DSC under the service agreements described
above will be allocated among all funds in the Delaware
Investments
®
Family of Funds on a
relative NAV basis. Prior to October 1, 2007, DSC provided fund accounting and
financial administration services to the Fund at an annual rate of 0.04% of the
Funds average daily net assets.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and the period January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007, the Fund paid DSC the following amounts for fund accounting and financial administration services: $100,800, and $64,895, respectively.
During the period from October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund paid the following amounts to BNY Mellon for fund accounting and financial administration services: $18,390 and $79,741, respectively.
During the period from October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund paid the following amounts to DSC for fund accounting and financial administration oversight services: $2,626 and $16,958, respectively.
36
Custodian
BNY Mellon also serves as the custodian of the Funds securities and
cash. As the Funds custodian, BNY Mellon maintains a separate account or
accounts for the Fund; receives, holds, and releases portfolio securities on
account of the Fund; receives and disburses money on behalf of the Fund; and
collects and receives income and other payments and distributions on account of
the Funds portfolio securities. BNY Mellon also serves as the Funds custodian
for its investments in foreign securities.
Legal Counsel
Stradley
Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP serves as the Trusts legal counsel.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS |
Other Accounts
Managed
The following chart lists certain information about types of other
accounts for which each portfolio manager is primarily responsible as of
December 31, 2008, unless otherwise noted. Any accounts managed in a personal
capacity appear under Other Accounts along with the other accounts managed on
a professional basis. The personal account information is current as of the most
recent calendar quarter end for which account statements are
available.
Total Assets | ||||||||
No. of Accounts with | in Accounts with | |||||||
No. of | Total Assets | Performance-Based | Performance-Based | |||||
Accounts | Managed | Fees | Fees | |||||
Roger A. Early | ||||||||
Registered investment | 23 | $8.7 billion | 0 | $0 | ||||
companies | ||||||||
Other pooled investment | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | ||||
vehicles | ||||||||
Other Accounts | 15 | $2.7 billion | 0 | $0 | ||||
Paul Grillo | ||||||||
Registered investment | 16 | $5.5 billion | 0 | $0 | ||||
companies | ||||||||
Other pooled investment | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | ||||
vehicles | ||||||||
Other Accounts | 20 | $2.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
Description of Potential Material
Conflicts of Interest
Individual portfolio managers may perform investment
management services for other funds or accounts similar to those provided to the
Fund and the investment action for such other fund or account and the Fund may
differ. For example, an account or fund may be selling a security, while another
account or the Fund may be purchasing or holding the same security. As a result,
transactions executed for one fund or account may adversely affect the value of
securities held by another fund, account, or the Fund. Additionally, the
management of multiple other funds or accounts and the Fund may give rise to
potential conflicts of interest, as a portfolio manager must allocate time and
effort to multiple funds or accounts and the Fund. A portfolio manager may
discover an investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one
account or fund. The investment opportunity may be limited, however, so that all
funds or accounts for which the investment would be suitable may not be able to
participate. The Manager has adopted procedures designed to allocate investments
fairly across multiple funds or accounts.
37
A portfolio managers management of personal accounts also may present certain conflicts of interest. While the Managers code of ethics is designed to address these potential conflicts, there is no guarantee that it will do so.
Compensation
Structure
Each portfolio managers
compensation consists of the following
:
Base Salary : Each named portfolio manager receives a fixed base salary. Salaries are determined by a comparison to industry data prepared by third parties to ensure that portfolio manager salaries are in line with salaries paid at peer investment advisory firms.
Bonus : Due to transitioning of responsibilities of our fixed income managers over the past year, some of the managers bonuses may have been guaranteed for the past year. It is anticipated that going forward an objective component will be added to the bonus for each manager that is reflective of account performance relative to an appropriate peer group or database. The following paragraph describes the structure of the non-guaranteed bonus.
Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, which is based on quantitative and qualitative factors. There is one pool for bonus payments for the fixed income department. The amount of the pool for bonus payments is determined by assets managed (including investment companies, insurance product-related accounts and other separate accounts), management fees and related expenses (including fund waiver expenses) for registered investment companies, pooled vehicles, and managed separate accounts. Generally, 60%-75% of the bonus is quantitatively determined. For more senior portfolio managers, a higher percentage of the bonus is quantitatively determined. For investment companies, each manager is compensated according the Funds Lipper or Morningstar peer group percentile ranking on a one-year, three-year, and five-year basis, with longer-term performance more heavily weighted. For managed separate accounts the portfolio managers are compensated according to the composite percentile ranking against the Frank Russell and Callan Associates databases (or similar sources of relative performance data) on a one-year, three-year, and five-year basis, with longer term performance more heavily weighted. There is no objective award for a fund that falls below the 50 th percentile, but incentives reach maximum potential at the 25 th -30 th percentile. There is a sliding scale for investment companies that are ranked above the 50 th percentile. The remaining 25%-40% portion of the bonus is discretionary as determined by the Manager and takes into account subjective factors.
For new and recently transitioned portfolio managers, the compensation may be weighted more heavily towards a portfolio managers actual contribution and ability to influence performance, rather than longer-term performance. The Manager intends to move the compensation structure towards longer-term performance for these portfolio managers over time.
Deferred Compensation Each named portfolio manager is eligible to participate in the Lincoln National Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation & Supplemental/Excess Retirement Plan, which is available to all employees whose base salaries or established compensation exceed a designated threshold. The Plan is a non-qualified unfunded deferred compensation plan that permits participating employees to defer the receipt of a portion of their cash compensation.
Stock Option Incentive Plan/Equity Compensation Plan - Portfolio managers may be awarded options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (collectively, Awards) relating to the underlying shares of common stock of Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan.
38
The Amended and Restated Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan was established in 2001 in order to: attract, retain and reward key employees of the company; enable such employees to acquire or increase an equity interest in the company in order to align the interest of such employees and the company; and provide such employees with incentives to expend their maximum efforts. Subject to the terms of the plan and applicable award agreements, Awards typically vest in 25% increments on a four-year schedule, and shares of common stock underlying the Awards are issued after vesting. Awards are granted under the plan from time to time by the company. Awards may be based in part on seniority. The fair market value of the shares of Delaware Investments U.S., Inc., is normally determined as of each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The fair market value of shares of common stock underlying Awards granted on or after December 26, 2008 is determined by an independent appraiser utilizing an appraisal valuation methodology in compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The fair market value of shares of common stock underlying Awards granted prior to December 26, 2008 is determined by an independent appraiser utilizing a formula based valuation methodology. Shares issued typically must be held for six months and one day, after which time the stockholder may put them back to the company and the shares may be called back from the stockholder by the company from time to time, as the case may be.
Other Compensation : Portfolio managers may also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees.
Ownership of
Securities
As
of December 31, 2008, the Funds portfolio managers owned the following amounts
of Fund shares:
TRADING PRACTICES AND BROKERAGE |
The Manager selects broker/dealers to execute transactions on behalf of the Fund for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities on the basis of its judgment of their professional capability to provide the service. The primary consideration in selecting broker/dealers is to seek those broker/dealers who will provide best execution for the Fund. Best execution refers to many factors, including the price paid or received for a security, the commission charged, the promptness and reliability of execution, the confidentiality and placement accorded the order, and other factors affecting the overall benefit obtained by the account on the transaction. Some trades are made on a net basis where the Fund either buys securities directly from the dealer or sells them to the dealer. In these instances, there is no direct commission charged but there is a spread (the difference between the buy and sell price) which is the equivalent of a commission. When a commission is paid, the Fund pays reasonable brokerage commission rates based upon the professional knowledge of the Managers trading department as to rates paid and charged for similar transactions throughout the securities industry. In some instances, the Fund pays a minimal share transaction cost when the transaction presents no difficulty.
39
During the past three fiscal years, the aggregate dollar amounts of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund were as follows:
Brokerage | |||
Fiscal Year Ended | Commissions | ||
12/31/08 | $38,984 | ||
12/31/07 | $12,782 | ||
12/31/06 | $19,952 |
Subject to best execution and Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act, the Manager may allocate out of all commission business generated by all of the funds and accounts under its management, brokerage business to broker/dealers who provide brokerage, and research services. These services include providing advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing of analyses and reports concerning issuers, securities, or industries; providing information on economic factors and trends; assisting in determining portfolio strategy; providing computer software and hardware used in security analyses; and providing portfolio performance evaluation and technical market analyses. Such services are used by the Manager in connection with its investment decision-making process with respect to one or more mutual funds and separate accounts managed by it, and may not be used, or used exclusively, with respect to the mutual fund or separate account generating the brokerage.
As provided in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Funds Investment Management Agreement, higher commissions are permitted to be paid to broker/dealers who provide brokerage and research services than to broker/dealers who do not provide such services, if such higher commissions are deemed reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. Although transactions directed to broker/dealers who provide such brokerage and research services may result in the Fund paying higher commissions, the Manager believes that such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. In some instances, services may be provided to the Manager which constitute, in some part, brokerage and research services used by the Manager in connection with its investment decision-making process and constitute, in some part, services used by the Manager in connection with administrative or other functions not related to its investment decision-making process. In such cases, the Manager will make a good faith allocation of brokerage and research services and will pay out of its own resources for services used by the Manager in connection with administrative or other functions not related to its investment decision-making process. In addition, so long as no fund is disadvantaged, portfolio transactions that generate commissions or their equivalent are allocated to broker/dealers who provide daily portfolio pricing services to the Fund and to other Delaware Investments ® Funds. Subject to best execution, commissions allocated to brokers providing such pricing services may or may not be generated by the funds receiving the pricing service.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, none of the Funds portfolio transactions were directed to broker/dealers for brokerage and research services provided.
40
As of December 31, 2008, the Fund held the following amounts of securities of its regular broker/dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act, or such broker/dealers parents:
Name of Regular Broker/Dealer | Value of Any Securities Owned |
JP Morgan | $2,210,000 |
Bank of America | $2,580,000 |
Citigroup | $2,190,000 |
Morgan Stanley | $2,700,000 |
Goldman Sachs | $2,695,000 |
BB&T | $1,895,000 |
The Manager may place a combined order for two or more accounts or funds engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or fund. When a combined order is executed in a series of transactions at different prices, each account participating in the order may be allocated an average price obtained from the executing broker. It is believed that the ability of the accounts to participate in volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the accounts and funds. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Manager and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions.
Consistent with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules, and subject to seeking best execution, the Manager may place orders with broker/dealers that have agreed to defray certain Fund expenses such as custodian fees.
The Fund has the authority to participate in a commission recapture program. Under the program, and subject to seeking best execution as described in this section, the Fund may direct certain security trades to brokers who have agreed to rebate a portion of the related brokerage commission to the Fund in cash. Any such commission rebates will be included in realized gain on securities in the appropriate financial statements of the Fund. The Manager and its affiliates have previously acted and may in the future act as an investment manager to mutual funds or separate accounts affiliated with the administrator of the commission recapture program. In addition, affiliates of the administrator act as consultants in helping institutional clients choose investment managers and may also participate in other types of businesses and provide other services in the investment management industry.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE |
Capitalization
The Trust currently has authorized, and allocated to each
Class of the Fund, an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no
par value. All shares are, when issued in accordance with the Trusts
registration statement (as amended from time to time), governing instruments and
applicable law, fully paid and nonassessable. Shares do not have preemptive
rights. All shares represent an undivided proportionate interest in the assets
of the Fund, and each share class has the same voting and other rights and
preferences as the other classes of the Fund, except that shares of the
Institutional Class may not vote on any matter affecting the Fund Classes Plans
under Rule 12b-1. Similarly, as a general matter, shareholders of the Fund
Classes may vote only on matters affecting the Rule 12b-1 Plan that relates to
the class of shares they hold. However, Class B shares of the Fund may vote on
any proposal to increase materially the fees to be paid by the Fund under the
Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to Class A shares. Except for the foregoing, each share
Class has the same voting and other rights and preferences as the other Classes
of the Fund. General expenses of the Fund will be allocated on a pro rata basis
to the classes according to asset size, except that expenses of the Fund
Classes Rule 12b-1 Plans will be allocated solely to those
classes.
41
Until May 31, 1992, the Fund offered shares of two retail classes, Investors Series II class (now Class A shares) and the Investors Series I class. Shares of Investors Series I class were offered with a sales charge, but without the imposition of a Rule 12b-1 fee. Effective June 1, 1992, following shareholder approval of a plan of recapitalization on May 15, 1992, shareholders of the Investors Series I class had their shares converted into shares of the Investors Series II class and became subject to the latter class Rule 12b-1 charges. Effective at the same time, following approval by shareholders, the name Investors Series was changed to Treasury Reserves Intermediate Series and the name Investors Series II class was changed to Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund class. Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund (Institutional) class was first offered on June 1, 1992 and beginning May 2, 1994 it became known as Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund Institutional Class. On May 2, 1994, the Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund class became known as the Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund A Class. Effective as of close of business on August 28, 1995, the Trusts name was changed from Delaware Group Treasury Reserves, Inc. to Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds, Inc. and the name Treasury Reserves Intermediate Series was changed to Limited-Term Government Fund. At the same time, the names of Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund A Class, Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund B Class and Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund Institutional Class were changed to Limited-Term Government Fund A Class, Limited-Term Government Fund B Class, and Limited-Term Government Fund Institutional Class, respectively. Effective as of August 16, 1999, the name of Limited-Term Government Fund changed to Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund. Corresponding changes were also made to the names of each of the Funds Classes. Effective as of December 15, 1999, the Trusts name was changed from Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds, Inc. to Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds. The Funds Class R shares were initially offered on June 2, 2003. Effective November 30, 2007, Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund changed its name to Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund.
Noncumulative
Voting
The Trusts shares have noncumulative voting rights, which means that
the holders of more than 50% of the shares of the Trust voting for the election
of Trustees can elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in such
event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any
Trustees.
PURCHASING SHARES |
As of May 31, 2007, the Fund ceased to permit new or subsequent investments, including investments through automatic investment plans and by qualified retirement plans (such as 401(k) or 457 plans), in Class B shares, except through reinvestment of dividends or capital gains or permitted exchanges. Existing shareholders of Class B shares may continue to hold their Class B shares, reinvest dividends into Class B shares, or exchange their Class B shares of one Delaware Investments ® Fund for Class B shares of another Delaware Investments ® Fund, as permitted by existing exchange privileges. Existing Class B shareholders wishing to make subsequent purchases in the Funds shares will be permitted to invest in other classes of the Fund, subject to that classs pricing structure and eligibility requirements, if any.
For Class B shares outstanding as of May 31, 2007 and Class B shares acquired upon reinvestment of dividends or capital gains, all Class B share attributes, including the CDSC schedules, conversion to Class A schedule, and distribution and service (12b-1) fees, will continue in their current form. You will be notified via supplement if there are any changes to these attributes, sales charges, or fees.
42
General
Information
Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis by the Distributor
and, for the Fund Classes, may be purchased through authorized investment
dealers or directly by contacting the Distributor or the Trust. The Trust
reserves the right to suspend sales of Fund shares and reject any order for the
purchase of Fund shares if, in the opinion of management, such rejection is in
the Funds best interest. The minimum initial investment generally is $1,000 for
Class A shares, Class B shares, and Class C shares. Subsequent purchases of such
Classes generally must be at least $100. The initial and subsequent investment
minimums for Class A shares will be waived for purchases by officers, Trustees,
and employees of any Delaware Investments
®
Fund, the Manager or any of the Managers affiliates if the purchases
are made pursuant to a payroll deduction program. Shares purchased pursuant to
the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act and shares
purchased in connection with an automatic investing plan are subject to a
minimum initial purchase of $250 and a minimum subsequent purchase of $25. There
are no minimum purchase requirements for Class R shares and the Institutional
Class, but certain eligibility requirements must be met.
You may purchase up to $1 million of Class C shares of the Fund. See Investment Plans for purchase limitations applicable to retirement plans. The Trust will reject any purchase order for $1 million or more of Class C shares. An investor should keep in mind that reduced front-end sales charges apply to investments of $50,000 or more in Class A shares, and that Class A shares are subject to lower annual Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses than Class C shares and generally are not subject to a CDSC.
Selling dealers are responsible for transmitting orders promptly. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of its shares if, in the opinion of management, such rejection is in the Funds best interest. If a purchase is canceled because your check is returned unpaid, you are responsible for any loss incurred. The Fund can redeem shares from your account(s) to reimburse itself for any loss, and you may be restricted from making future purchases in any Delaware Investments ® Fund. The Fund reserves the right to reject purchase orders paid by third-party checks or checks that are not drawn on a domestic branch of a United States financial institution. If a check drawn on a foreign financial institution is accepted, you may be subject to additional bank charges for clearance and currency conversion.
The Fund also reserves the right, following shareholder notification, to charge a service fee on non-retirement accounts that, as a result of redemption, have remained below the minimum stated account balance for a period of three or more consecutive months. Holders of such accounts may be notified of their insufficient account balance and advised that they have until the end of the current calendar quarter to raise their balance to the stated minimum. If the account has not reached the minimum balance requirement by that time, the Fund may charge a $9 fee for that quarter and each subsequent calendar quarter until the account is brought up to the minimum balance. The service fee will be deducted from the account during the first week of each calendar quarter for the previous quarter, and will be used to help defray the cost of maintaining low-balance accounts. No fees will be charged without proper notice, and no CDSC will apply to such assessments.
The Fund also reserves the right, upon 60 days written notice, to involuntarily redeem accounts that remain under the minimum initial purchase amount as a result of redemptions. An investor making the minimum initial investment may be subject to involuntary redemption without the imposition of a CDSC or Limited CDSC if he or she redeems any portion of his or her account.
FINRA has adopted amendments to its Conduct Rules relating to investment company sales charges. The Trust and the Distributor intend to operate in compliance with these rules.
43
Certificates representing shares purchased are not ordinarily issued. Certificates were previously issued for Class A shares and Institutional Class shares of the Fund. However, purchases not involving the issuance of certificates are confirmed to the investor and credited to the shareholders account on the books maintained by the Transfer Agent. The investor will have the same rights of ownership with respect to such shares as if certificates had been issued. An investor will be permitted to obtain a certificate in certain limited circumstances that are approved by an appropriate officer of the Fund. No charge is assessed by the Trust for any certificate issued. The Fund does not intend to issue replacement certificates for lost or stolen certificates, except in certain limited circumstances that are approved by an appropriate officer of the Fund. In those circumstances, a shareholder may be subject to fees for replacement of a lost or stolen certificate, under certain conditions, including the cost of obtaining a bond covering the lost or stolen certificate. Please contact the Trust for further information. Investors who hold certificates representing any of their shares may only redeem those shares by written request. The investors certificate(s) must accompany such request.
Certain omnibus accounts and managed or asset-allocation programs may be opened below the minimum stated account balance and may maintain balances that are below the minimum stated account balance without incurring a service fee or being subject to involuntary redemption.
Alternative Purchase Arrangements
Class A and Class C
Shares
The alternative purchase arrangements of Class A shares and Class C
shares permit investors to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most
suitable for their needs given the amount of their purchase, the length of time
they expect to hold their shares, and other relevant circumstances. Please note
that as of May 31, 2007, the Fund ceased to permit new or subsequent
investments, including through automatic investment plans and by qualified
retirement plans (such as 401(k) or 457 plans), in Class B shares, except
through a reinvestment of dividends or capital gains or permitted exchanges.
Investors should determine whether, given their particular circumstances, it is
more advantageous to purchase Class A shares and incur a front-end sales charge
and annual Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to 0.30% of the average daily net
assets of Class A shares, or to purchase Class C shares and have the entire
initial purchase amount invested in the Fund with the investment thereafter
subject to a CDSC and annual Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses. Class C shares are
subject to a CDSC if the shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Class
C shares are subject to annual Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to 1.00% (0.25% of
which is a service fee to be paid to the Distributor, dealers or others for
providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts) of average
daily net assets of the respective Class. Class C shares do not convert to
another Class.
The higher Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses on Class C shares will be offset to the extent a return is realized on the additional money initially invested upon the purchase of such shares. However, there can be no assurance as to the return, if any, that will be realized on such additional money. In addition, the effect of any return earned on such additional money will diminish over time.
In comparing Class C shares to Class R shares, investors should consider the higher Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses on Class C shares. Investors also should consider the fact that, like Class C shares, Class R shares do not have a front-end sales charge and, unlike Class C shares, Class R shares are not subject to a CDSC.
For the distribution and related services provided to, and the expenses borne on behalf of, the Fund, the Distributor and others will be paid, in the case of Class A shares, from the proceeds of the front-end sales charge and Rule 12b-1 Plan fees and, in the case of Class C shares, from the proceeds of the Rule 12b-1 Plan fees and, if applicable, the CDSC incurred upon redemption, and in the case of Class R shares, from the proceeds of the Rule 12b-1 Plan fees. Financial advisors may receive different compensation for selling Class A shares, Class C shares and Class R shares. Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the respective Rule 12b-1 Plans (including for Class R shares) and the CDSCs applicable to Class C shares are the same as those of the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the front-end sales charge applicable to Class A shares in that such fees and charges are used to finance the distribution of the respective Classes. See Plans Under Rule 12b-1 for the Fund Classes below.
44
Dividends, if any, paid on the Fund Classes and Institutional Class shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day and will be in the same amount, except that the amount of Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses relating to the Fund Classes that pay such expenses will be borne exclusively by such Classes. See Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value below.
Class A Shares: Purchases of $50,000 or more of Class A shares at the offering price carry reduced front-end sales charges as shown in the table in the Fund Classes Prospectus, and may include a series of purchases over a 13-month period under a letter of intent signed by the purchaser. See Special Purchase Features - Class A shares, below for more information on ways in which investors can avail themselves of reduced front-end sales charges and other purchase features.
From time to time, upon written notice to all of its dealers, the Distributor may hold special promotions for specified periods during which the Distributor may re-allow to dealers up to the full amount of the front-end sales charge. The Distributor should be contacted for further information on these requirements as well as the basis and circumstances upon which the additional commission will be paid. Participating dealers may be deemed to have additional responsibilities under the securities laws. Dealers who receive 90% or more of the sales charge may be deemed to be underwriters under the 1933 Act.
Dealers
Commission
As described in the Fund Classes Prospectus, for initial purchases of
Class A shares of $1 million or more, a dealers commission may be paid by the
Distributor to financial advisors through whom such purchases are effected.
In determining a financial advisors eligibility for the dealers commission, purchases of Class A shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds to which a Limited CDSC applies (see Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange) may be aggregated with those of the Class A shares of the Fund. Financial advisors also may be eligible for a dealers commission in connection with certain purchases made under a letter of intent or pursuant to an investors right of accumulation. Financial advisors should contact the Distributor concerning the applicability and calculation of the dealers commission in the case of combined purchases.
An exchange from other Delaware Investments ® Funds will not qualify for payment of the dealers commission, unless a dealers commission or similar payment has not been previously paid on the assets being exchanged. The schedule and program for payment of the dealers commission are subject to change or termination at any time by the Distributor at its discretion.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternative
Class B Shares
Class B shares were previously available at NAV without a front-end
sales charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investors purchase
payment would be invested in Fund shares. As discussed below, however, Class B
shares are subject to annual Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses and, if redeemed within
six years of purchase, a CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual Rule 12b-1 Plan fees are paid to the Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services, and bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class B shares. These payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling Class B shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class B Rule 12b-1 Plan may be in an amount equal to no more than 1.00% annually. The combination of the CDSC and the proceeds of the Rule 12b-1 Plan fees makes it possible for the Fund to sell Class B shares without deducting a front-end sales charge at the time of purchase.
45
Holders of Class B shares who exercise the exchange privilege described below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for Class B shares described in this Part B, even after the exchange. Such CDSC schedule may be higher than the CDSC schedule for Class B shares acquired as a result of the exchange. See Redemption and Exchange below.
Automatic Conversion of Class B
shares
Class B shares, other than shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends, held for eight years after purchase are eligible for automatic
conversion into Class A shares. Conversions of Class B shares into Class A
shares will occur only four times in any calendar year, on the 18th day (or next
business day) of March, June, September, and December (each, a Conversion
Date). A business day is any day that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is
open for business (Business Day). If the eighth anniversary after a purchase
of Class B shares falls on a Conversion Date, an investors Class B shares will
be converted on that date. If the eighth anniversary occurs between Conversion
Dates, an investors Class B shares will be converted on the next Conversion
Date after such anniversary. Consequently, if a shareholders eighth anniversary
falls on the day after a Conversion Date, that shareholder will have to hold
Class B shares for as long as three additional months after the eighth
anniversary of purchase before the shares will automatically convert to Class A
shares.
Class B shares of the Fund acquired through a reinvestment of dividends will convert to the corresponding Class A shares of that Fund (or, in the case of Delaware Cash Reserve Fund, the Consultant Class) pro rata with Class B shares of the fund not acquired through dividend reinvestment.
All such automatic conversions of Class B shares will constitute tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes.
Level Sales Charge Alternative
Class C shares
Class C shares may be purchased at NAV without a front-end sales
charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investors purchase payment will
be invested in Fund shares. The Distributor currently compensates dealers or
brokers for selling Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own assets
in an amount equal to no more than 1.00% of the dollar amount purchased. As
discussed below, Class C shares are subject to annual Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses
and, if redeemed within 12 months of purchase, a CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual Rule 12b-1 Plan fees are paid to the Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services, and bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class C shares. These payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling Class C shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class C Rule 12b-1 Plan may be in an amount equal to no more than 1.00% annually.
Holders of Class C shares who exercise the exchange privilege described below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for Class C shares. See Redemption and Exchange below.
Plans under Rule 12b-1 for the Fund
Classes
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Trust has adopted a
plan for each of the Fund Classes (the Plans). Each Plan permits the Fund to
pay for certain distribution, promotional, and related expenses involved in the
marketing of only the class of shares to which the Plan applies. The Plans do
not apply to Institutional Class shares. Such shares are not included in
calculating the Plans fees, and the Plans are not used to assist in the
distribution and marketing of shares of the Institutional Class. Shareholders of
the Institutional Class may not vote on matters affecting the
Plans.
46
The Plans permit the Fund, pursuant to its Distribution Agreement, to pay out of the assets of the Fund Classes monthly fees to the Distributor for its services and expenses in distributing and promoting sales of shares of such classes. These expenses include, among other things, preparing and distributing advertisements, sales literature, and prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, compensating sales and marketing personnel; holding special promotions for specified periods of time; and paying distribution and maintenance fees to brokers, dealers, and others. In connection with the promotion of shares of the Fund Classes, the Distributor may, from time to time, pay to participate in dealer-sponsored seminars and conferences, and reimburse dealers for expenses incurred in connection with pre-approved seminars, conferences, and advertising. The Distributor may pay or allow additional promotional incentives to dealers as part of pre-approved sales contests and/or to dealers who provide extra training and information concerning the Fund Classes and increase sales of the Fund Classes. In addition, the Fund may make payments from the Rule 12b-1 Plan fees of its respective Fund Classes directly to others, such as banks, who aid in the distribution of Fund Class shares or provide services with respect to a class, pursuant to service agreements with the Trust. The Plan expenses relating to Class B shares and Class C shares are also used to pay the Distributor for advancing the commission costs to dealers with respect to the initial sale of such shares.
On May 21, 1987, the Board of Trustees set the fee for Class A shares, pursuant to its Plan, at 0.15% of average daily net assets. This fee was effective until May 31, 1992. Effective June 1, 1992, the Board of Trustees determined that the annual fee, payable on a monthly basis, under the Plan, will be equal to the sum of: (i) the amount obtained by multiplying 0.10% by the average daily net assets represented by Class A shares that were originally purchased prior to June 1, 1992 in the Investors Series I class (which was converted into what is now referred to as Class A shares on June 1, 1992 pursuant to a Plan of Recapitalization approved by shareholders of the Investors Series I class), and (ii) the amount obtained by multiplying 0.15% by the average daily net assets represented by all other Class A shares. While this is the method to be used to calculate the Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by Class A shares, the fee is a Class expense so that all shareholders, regardless of whether they originally purchased or received shares in the Investors Series I class or in one of the other classes that is now known as Class A shares will bear Rule 12b-1 expenses at the same rate. While this describes the current formula for calculating the fees which will be payable under the Class A shares Plan beginning June 1, 1992, the Plan permits a full 0.30% on all assets of Class A shares to be paid at any time following appropriate Board approval.
The Plans do not limit fees to amounts actually expended by the Distributor. It is possible that the Distributor may realize a profit in any particular year in which payments pursuant to the Plans exceed the amounts actually expended by the Distributor. However, the Distributor currently expects that its distribution expenses will equal or exceed payments to it under the Plans. The Distributor may incur additional expenses and make additional payments to dealers from its own resources to promote the distribution of shares of the Fund. The monthly fees paid to the Distributor under the Plans are subject to the review and approval of the Trusts Independent Trustees, who may reduce the fees or terminate the Plans at any time.
All of the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor and others, such as broker/dealers, in excess of the amount paid on behalf of the Fund Classes would be borne by such persons without any reimbursement from such Fund Classes. Consistent with the requirements of Rule 12b-1(h) under the 1940 Act and subject to seeking best execution, the Fund may, from time to time, buy or sell portfolio securities from, or to, firms that receive payments under the Plans.
From time to time, the Distributor may pay additional amounts from its own resources to dealers for aid in distribution or for aid in providing administrative services to shareholders.
The Plans and the Distribution Agreement, as amended, have all been approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plans and the Distribution Agreement, by a vote cast in person at a meeting duly called for the purpose of voting on the Plans and such Agreements. Continuation of the Plans and the Distribution Agreement, as amended, must be approved annually by the Board in the same manner as specified above.
47
Each year, the Board must determine whether continuation of the Plans is in the best interest of shareholders of the Fund Classes and whether there is a reasonable likelihood of each Plan providing a benefit to its respective Fund Class. The Plans and the Distribution Agreement, as amended, may be terminated with respect to the Fund Class at any time without penalty by a majority of Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plans and the Distribution Agreement, or by a majority vote of the relevant Fund Class outstanding voting securities. Any amendment materially increasing the percentage payable under the Plans must likewise be approved by a majority vote of the relevant Fund Class outstanding voting securities, as well as by a majority vote of Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plans or Distribution Agreement. With respect to the Funds Class A shares Plans, any material increase in the maximum percentage payable thereunder must also be approved by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds Class B shares. Also, any other material amendment to the Plans must be approved by a majority vote of the Board, including a majority of Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plans or Distribution Agreements. In addition, in order for the Plans to remain effective, the selection and nomination of Independent Trustees must be effected by the Trustees who are Independent Trustees and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plans or Distribution Agreement. Persons authorized to make payments under the Plans must provide written reports at least quarterly to the Board for their review.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the Rule 12b-1 payments for the Funds Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares, and Class R shares were: $298,803, $44,376, $289,946, and $5,642, respectively. Such amounts were used for the following purposes:
Class A | Class B | Class C | Class R | |
shares | shares | shares | shares | |
Advertising | | | | |
Annual/Semiannual Reports | $24,264 | $557 | $922 | $431 |
Broker Sales Charges | | $518 | | |
Broker Trails* | | $6,623 | | $3,096 |
Salaries & Commissions to Wholesalers | $251,268 | | | |
Interest on Broker Sales Charges | | $6,010 | $37,082 | |
Promotional-Other | | $66 | $3,662 | $40 |
Prospectus Printing | $23,271 | $464 | $1,035 | $391 |
Wholesaler Expenses | | | $247,245 | $1,684 |
Total Expenditures | $298,803 | $14,238 | $289,946 | $5,642 |
* | The broker trail amounts listed in this row are principally based on payments made to broker-dealers monthly. However, certain brokers receive trail payments quarterly. The quarterly payments are based on estimates, and the estimates may be reflected in the amounts in this row. |
48
Other Payments to
Dealers
The Distributor, LFD, and their affiliates may pay compensation at their
own expense, and not as an expense of the Fund, to Financial Intermediaries in
connection with the sale or retention of Fund shares and/or shareholder
servicing. For example, the Distributor may pay additional compensation to
Financial Intermediaries for various purposes, including, but not limited to,
promoting the sale of Fund shares, maintaining share balances and/or for
sub-accounting, administrative, or shareholder processing services, marketing,
educational support, and ticket charges. Such payments are in addition to any
distribution fees, service fees, and/or transfer agency fees that may be payable
by the Fund. The additional payments may be based on factors, including level of
sales (based on gross or net sales or some specified minimum sales or some other
similar criteria related to sales of the Fund and/or some or all other Delaware
Investments
®
Funds), amount of assets
invested by the Financial Intermediarys customers (which could include current
or aged assets of the Fund and/or some or all other Delaware Investments
®
Funds), the Funds advisory fees, some
other agreed upon amount, or other measures as determined from time to time by
the Distributor.
A significant purpose of these payments is to increase sales of the Funds shares. The Manager or its affiliates may benefit from the Distributors or LFDs payment of compensation to Financial Intermediaries through increased fees resulting from additional assets acquired through the sale of Fund shares through such Financial Intermediaries.
Special Purchase Features Class A Shares
Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value: The Fund Classes Prospectus set forths the categories of investors who may purchase Class A shares at NAV. This section provides additional information regarding this privilege. The Fund must be notified in advance that a trade qualifies for purchase at NAV.
As disclosed in the Fund Classes Prospectus, certain retirement plans that contain certain legacy retirement assets may make purchases of Class A shares at NAV. The requirements are as follows:
As disclosed in the Fund Classes Prospectus, certain legacy bank sponsored retirement plans may make purchases of Class A shares at NAV. These purchases may be made by bank sponsored retirement plans that held, but are no longer eligible to purchase, Institutional Class shares or interests in a collective trust as a result of a change in distribution arrangements.
49
Allied Plans: Class A shares are available for purchase by participants in certain 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans (Allied Plans) which are made available under a joint venture agreement between the Distributor and another institution through which mutual funds are marketed and which allow investments in Class A shares of designated Delaware Investments ® Funds (eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares), as well as shares of designated classes of non- Delaware Investments ® Funds (eligible non-Delaware Investments ® Fund shares). Class C shares are not eligible for purchase by Allied Plans .
With respect to purchases made in connection with an Allied Plan, the value of eligible Delaware Investments ® and eligible non-Delaware Investments ® Fund shares held by the Allied Plan may be combined with the dollar amount of new purchases by that Allied Plan to obtain a reduced front-end sales charge on additional purchases of eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares. See Combined Purchases Privilege below.
Participants in Allied Plans may exchange all or part of their eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares for other eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares or for eligible non-Delaware Investments ® Fund shares at NAV without payment of a front-end sales charge. However, exchanges of eligible fund shares, both Delaware Investments ® and non-Delaware Investments ® Funds, which were not subject to a front end sales charge, will be subject to the applicable sales charge if exchanged for eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares to which a sales charge applies. No sales charge will apply if the eligible fund shares were previously acquired through the exchange of eligible shares on which a sales charge was already paid or through the reinvestment of dividends. See Investing by Exchange under Investment Plans below .
A dealers commission may be payable on purchases of eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares under an Allied Plan. In determining a financial advisors eligibility for a dealers commission on NAV purchases of eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares in connection with Allied Plans, all participant holdings in the Allied Plan will be aggregated. See Class A shares under Alternative Investment Arrangements above.
The Limited CDSC is applicable to redemptions of NAV purchases from an Allied Plan on which a dealers commission has been paid. Waivers of the Limited CDSC, as described in the Fund Classes Prospectuses, apply to redemptions by participants in Allied Plans except in the case of exchanges between eligible Delaware Investments ® and non-Delaware Investments ® Fund shares. When eligible Delaware Investments ® Fund shares are exchanged into eligible non-Delaware Investments ® Fund shares, the Limited CDSC will be imposed at the time of the exchange, unless the joint venture agreement specifies that the amount of the Limited CDSC will be paid by the financial advisor or selling dealer. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange below.
50
Letter of Intent: The reduced front-end sales charges described above with respect to Class A shares are also applicable to the aggregate amount of purchases made by any such purchaser within a 13-month period pursuant to a written letter of intent provided by the Distributor and signed by the purchaser, and not legally binding on the signer or the Trust which provides for the holding in escrow by the Transfer Agent, of 5% of the total amount of Class A shares intended to be purchased, until such purchase is completed within the 13-month period. The Fund will not accept retroactive letters of intent. The 13-month period begins on the date of the earliest purchase. If the intended investment is not completed, except as noted below, the purchaser will be asked to pay an amount equal to the difference between the front-end sales charge on Class A shares purchased at the reduced rate and the front-end sales charge otherwise applicable to the total shares purchased. If such payment is not made within 20 days following the expiration of the 13-month period, the Transfer Agent will surrender an appropriate number of the escrowed shares for redemption in order to realize the difference. Such purchasers may include the values (at offering price at the level designated in their letter of intent) of all their shares of the Fund and of any class of any of the other Delaware Investments ® Funds previously purchased and still held as of the date of their letter of intent toward the completion of such Letter, except as described below . Those purchasers cannot include shares that did not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC, unless the purchaser acquired those shares through an exchange from a Delaware Investments ® Fund that did carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC. For purposes of satisfying an investors obligation under a letter of intent, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund and the corresponding classes of shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds that offer such shares may be aggregated with Class A shares of the Fund and the corresponding class of shares of the other Delaware Investments ® Funds.
Employers offering a Delaware Investments retirement plan may also complete a letter of intent to obtain a reduced front-end sales charge on investments of Class A shares made by the plan. The aggregate investment level of the letter of intent will be determined and accepted by the Transfer Agent at the point of plan establishment. The level and any reduction in front-end sales charge will be based on actual plan participation and the projected investments in Delaware Investments ® Funds that are offered with a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC for a 13-month period. The Transfer Agent reserves the right to adjust the signed letter of intent based on these acceptance criteria. The 13-month period will begin on the date this letter of intent is accepted by the Transfer Agent. If actual investments exceed the anticipated level and equal an amount that would qualify the plan for further discounts, any front-end sales charges will be automatically adjusted. In the event this letter of intent is not fulfilled within the 13-month period, the plan level will be adjusted (without completing another letter of intent) and the employer will be billed for the difference in front-end sales charges due, based on the plans assets under management at that time. Employers may also include the value (at offering price at the level designated in their letter of intent) of all their shares intended for purchase that are offered with a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC of any class. Class B and Class C shares of the Fund and other Delaware Investments ® Funds which offer corresponding classes of shares may also be aggregated for this purpose.
Combined Purchases Privilege: When you determine the availability of the reduced front-end sales charges on Class A shares, you can include, subject to the exceptions described below, the total amount of any Class of shares you own of the Fund and all other Delaware Investments ® Funds. However, you cannot include mutual fund shares that do not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC, unless you acquired those shares through an exchange from a Delaware Investments ® Fund that did carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC.
The privilege also extends to all purchases made at one time by an individual; or an individual, his or her spouse and their children under 21; or a trustee or other fiduciary of trust estates or fiduciary accounts for the benefit of such family members (including certain employee benefit programs).
51
Rights of Accumulation: When you determine the availability of the reduced front-end sales charges on Class A shares, you can include, subject to the exceptions described below, the total amount of any Class of shares you own of the Fund and all other Delaware Investments ® Funds. However, you cannot include mutual fund shares that do not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC, unless you acquired those shares through an exchange from a Delaware Investments ® Fund that did carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC, or Limited CDSC. If, for example, any such purchaser has previously purchased and still holds Class A shares and/or shares of any other of the classes described in the previous sentence with a value of $40,000 and subsequently purchases $10,000 at offering price of additional Class A shares, the charge applicable to the $10,000 purchase would be that applicable to a single purchase of $50,000. For the purpose of this calculation, the shares presently held shall be valued at the public offering price that would have been in effect were the shares purchased simultaneously with the current purchase. Investors should refer to the table of sales charges for Class A shares in the Fund Classes Prospectus to determine the applicability of the rights of accumulation to their particular circumstances.
12-Month Reinvestment Privilege: Holders of Class A shares of the Fund (and of the Institutional Class shares of the Fund holding shares which were acquired through an exchange from one of the other Delaware Investments ® Funds offered with a front-end sales charge) who redeem such shares have one year from the date of redemption to reinvest all or part of their redemption proceeds in the same Class of the Fund or in the same Class of any of the other Delaware Investments ® Funds. In the case of Class A shares, the reinvestment will not be assessed a front-end sales charge. The reinvestment will be subject to applicable eligibility and minimum purchase requirements and must be in states where shares of such other funds may be sold. This reinvestment privilege does not extend to Class A shares where the redemption of the shares triggered the payment of a Limited CDSC. Persons investing redemption proceeds from direct investments in the Delaware Investments ® Funds, offered without a front-end sales charge will be required to pay the applicable sales charge when purchasing Class A shares. The reinvestment privilege does not extend to a redemption of Class B or Class C shares.
Any such reinvestment cannot exceed the redemption proceeds (plus any amount necessary to purchase a full share). The reinvestment will be made at the NAV next determined after receipt of remittance.
Any reinvestment directed to a Delaware Investments ® Fund in which the investor does not then have an account will be treated like all other initial purchases of such Funds shares. Consequently, an investor should obtain and read carefully the prospectus for the Delaware Investments ® Fund in which the investment is intended to be made before investing or sending money. The applicable prospectus contains more complete information about the Delaware Investments ® Fund, including charges and expenses.
Investors should consult their financial advisors or the Transfer Agent, which also serves as the Funds shareholder servicing agent, about the applicability of the Class A Limited CDSC in connection with the features described above.
Group Investment Plans: Group Investment Plans that are not eligible to purchase shares of the Institutional Classes may also benefit from the reduced front-end sales charges for investments in Class A shares set forth in the table in the Fund Classes Prospectus, based on total plan assets. If a company has more than one plan investing in Delaware Investments ® Funds, then the total amount invested in all plans would be used in determining the applicable front-end sales charge reduction upon each purchase, both initial and subsequent, upon notification to the Fund at the time of each such purchase. Employees participating in such Group Investment Plans may also combine the investments made in their plan account when determining the applicable front-end sales charge on purchases to nonretirement Delaware Investments investment accounts if they so notify the Fund in which they are investing in connection with each purchase. See Retirement Plans for the Fund Classes under Investment Plans below for information about retirement plans.
52
The Limited CDSC is generally applicable to any redemptions of NAV purchases made on behalf of a group retirement plan on which a dealers commission has been paid only if such redemption is made pursuant to a withdrawal of the entire plan from a Delaware Investments ® Fund. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value below under Redemption and Exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Limited CDSC for Class A shares on which a dealers commission has been paid will be waived in connection with redemptions by certain group defined contribution retirement plans that purchase shares through a retirement plan alliance program which requires that shares will be available at NAV, provided that RFS either was the sponsor of the alliance program or had a product participation agreement with the sponsor of the alliance program that specifies that the Limited CDSC will be waived.
INVESTMENT PLANS |
Reinvestment
Plan
Unless
otherwise designated by shareholders in writing, dividends from net investment
income and distributions from realized securities profits, if any, will be
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the respective Fund Class in
which an investor has an account (based on the NAV in effect on the reinvestment
date) and will be credited to the shareholders account on that date. All
dividends and distributions of the Institutional Class are reinvested in the
accounts of the holders of such shares (based on the NAV in effect on the
reinvestment date). A confirmation of each dividend payment from net investment
income and of distributions from realized securities profits, if any, will be
mailed to shareholders in the first quarter of the next fiscal year.
Reinvestment of Dividends in
other Delaware Investments
®
Funds
Subject to applicable eligibility and minimum initial
purchase requirements and the limitations set forth below, holders of the Fund
Classes may automatically reinvest dividends and/or distributions in any of the
other Delaware Investments
®
Funds, including the Fund, in states where their shares may be sold.
Such investments will be at NAV at the close of business on the reinvestment
date without any front-end sales charge or service fee. The shareholder must
notify the Transfer Agent in writing and must have established an account in the
fund into which the dividends and/or distributions are to be invested. Any
reinvestment directed to a fund in which the investor does not then have an
account will be treated like all other initial purchases of the funds shares.
Consequently, an investor should obtain and read carefully the prospectus for
the fund in which the investment is intended to be made before investing or
sending money. The prospectus contains more complete information about the fund,
including charges and expenses.
Subject to the following limitations, dividends and/or distributions from other Delaware Investments ® Funds may be invested in shares of the Fund, provided an account has been established. Dividends and distributions may be reinvested only in shares of the same Class from which they arose. For example, dividends from Class R shares may be reinvested only in other Class R shares.
Capital gains and/or dividend distributions for participants in the following retirement plans are automatically reinvested into the same Delaware Investments ® Fund in which their investments are held: traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP, SARSEP, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (Coverdell ESAs), 401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, or 457 Retirement Plans.
53
Investing by
Exchange
If
you have an investment in another Delaware Investments
®
Fund, you may write and authorize an exchange of part or all
of your investment into shares of the Fund. If you wish to open an account by
exchange, call the Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918 for more
information. All exchanges are subject to the eligibility and minimum purchase
requirements and any additional limitations set forth in the Funds
Prospectuses. See Redemption and Exchange below for more complete information
concerning your exchange privileges.
Investing Proceeds from Eligible 529
Plans
The
proceeds of a withdrawal from an Eligible 529 Plan that are directly reinvested
in a substantially similar class of the Delaware Investments
®
Funds will qualify for treatment as if such
proceeds had been exchanged from another Delaware Investments
®
Fund rather than transferred from the
Eligible 529 Plan, as described under Redemption and Exchange below. The
treatment of your redemption proceeds from an Eligible 529 Plan does not apply
if you take possession of the proceeds of the withdrawal and subsequently
reinvest them (i.e., the transfer is not made directly). Similar benefits may
also be extended to direct transfers from a substantially similar class of a
Delaware Investments
®
Fund into
an Eligible 529 Plan.
Investing by Electronic Fund
Transfer
Direct Deposit Purchase Plan:
Investors may arrange for the Fund to
accept for investment in Class A shares, Class C shares, or Class R shares,
through an agent bank, pre-authorized government, or private recurring payments.
This method of investment assures the timely credit to the shareholders account
of payments such as social security, veterans pension or compensation benefits,
federal salaries, railroad retirement benefits, private payroll checks,
dividends, and disability or pension fund benefits. It also eliminates the
possibility and inconvenience of lost, stolen, and delayed checks.
Automatic Investing Plan: Shareholders of Class A shares and Class C shares may make automatic investments by authorizing, in advance, monthly or quarterly payments directly from their checking account for deposit into their Fund account. This type of investment will be handled in either of the following ways: (i) if the shareholders bank is a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), the amount of the periodic investment will be electronically deducted from his or her checking account by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) and such checking account will reflect a debit although no check is required to initiate the transaction; or (ii) if the shareholders bank is not a member of NACHA, deductions will be made by pre-authorized checks, known as Depository Transfer Checks. Should the shareholders bank become a member of NACHA in the future, his or her investments would be handled electronically through EFT.
This option is not available to participants in the following plans: SIMPLE IRA, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, or 457 Retirement Plans.
* * *
Minimum Initial/Subsequent Investments by Electronic Fund Transfer: Initial investments under the direct deposit purchase plan and the automatic investing plan must be for $250 or more and subsequent investments under such plans must be for $25 or more. An investor wishing to take advantage of either service must complete an authorization form. Either service can be discontinued by the shareholder at any time without penalty by giving written notice.
Payments to the Fund from the federal government or its agencies on behalf of a shareholder may be credited to the shareholders account after such payments should have been terminated by reason of death or otherwise. Any such payments are subject to reclamation by the federal government or its agencies. Similarly, under certain circumstances, investments from private sources may be subject to reclamation by the transmitting bank. In the event of a reclamation, the Fund may liquidate sufficient shares from a shareholders account to reimburse the government or the private source. In the event there are insufficient shares in the shareholders account, the shareholder is expected to reimburse the Fund.
54
Direct Deposit Purchases by
Mail
Shareholders may authorize a third party, such as a bank or employer, to
make investments directly to their Fund accounts. The Fund will accept these
investments, such as bank-by-phone, annuity payments, and payroll allotments, by
mail directly from the third party. Investors should contact their employers or
financial institutions who in turn should contact the Trust for proper
instructions.
On Demand Service
You or your investment dealer may request purchases of Fund
shares by phone using the on demand service. When you authorize the Fund to
accept such requests from you or your investment dealer, funds will be withdrawn
from (for share purchases) your predesignated bank account. Your request will be
processed the same day if you call prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. There is a
$25 minimum and $100,000 maximum limit for on demand service transactions.
It may take up to four Business Days for the transactions to be completed. You can initiate this service by completing an Account Services form. If your name and address are not identical to the name and address on your Fund account, you must have your signature guaranteed. The Fund does not charge a fee for this service; however, your bank may charge a fee.
Systematic Exchange
Option
Shareholders can use the systematic exchange option to invest in the
Fund Classes through regular liquidations of shares in their accounts in other
Delaware Investments
®
Funds. Shareholders of the Fund Classes may
elect to invest in one or more of the other Delaware Investments
®
Funds through the systematic exchange option. If, in connection with the
election of the systematic exchange option, you wish to open a new account to
receive the automatic investment, such new account must meet the minimum initial
purchase requirements described in the prospectus of the fund that you select.
All investments under this option are exchanges and are therefore subject to the
same conditions and limitations as other exchanges noted above.
Under this automatic exchange program, shareholders can authorize regular monthly investments (minimum of $100 per fund) to be liquidated from their account and invested automatically into other Delaware Investments ® Funds, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in the Fund Classes Prospectuses . The investment will be made on the 20th day of each month (or, if the fund selected is not open that day, the next Business Day) at the public offering price or NAV, as applicable, of the fund selected on the date of investment. No investment will be made for any month if the value of the shareholders account is less than the amount specified for investment.
Periodic investment through the systematic exchange option does not insure profits or protect against losses in a declining market. The price of the fund into which investments are made could fluctuate. Since this program involves continuous investment regardless of such fluctuating value, investors selecting this option should consider their financial ability to continue to participate in the program through periods of low fund share prices. This program involves automatic exchanges between two or more fund accounts and is treated as a purchase of shares of the fund into which investments are made through the program. Shareholders can terminate their participation in the systematic exchange option at any time by giving written notice to the fund from which exchanges are made.
This option is not available to participants in the following plans: SIMPLE IRA, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, or 457 Retirement Plans. This option also is not available to shareholders of the Institutional Class.
55
Retirement Plans for the Fund
Classes
An investment in the Fund may be suitable for tax-deferred retirement
plans, such as: traditional IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), SIMPLE 401(k),
Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, or 457 Retirement Plans. In addition, the Fund
may be suitable for use in Roth IRAs and Coverdell ESAs. For further details
concerning these plans and accounts, including applications, contact your
financial advisor or the Distributor. To determine whether the benefits of a
tax-sheltered retirement plan, Roth IRA, or Coverdell ESA are available and/or
appropriate, you should consult with a tax advisor.
The CDSC may be waived on certain redemptions of Class B shares and Class C shares. See the Fund Classes Prospectus for a list of the instances in which the CDSC is waived.
Purchases of Class C shares must be in an amount that is less than $1 million for such plans. The maximum purchase limitations apply only to the initial purchase of shares by the retirement plan.
Minimum investment limitations generally applicable to other investors do not apply to retirement plans other than IRAs, for which there is a minimum initial purchase of $250 and a minimum subsequent purchase of $25, regardless of which Class is selected. Retirement plans may be subject to plan establishment fees, annual maintenance fees and/or other administrative or trustee fees. Fees are based upon the number of participants in the plan as well as the services selected. Additional information about fees is included in retirement plan materials. Fees are quoted upon request. Annual maintenance fees may be shared by Delaware Management Trust Company, the Transfer Agent, other affiliates of the Manager, and others that provide services to such Plans.
Certain shareholder investment services available to nonretirement plan shareholders may not be available to retirement plan shareholders. Certain retirement plans may qualify to purchase Institutional Class shares. See Availability of Institutional Class shares above. For additional information on any of the plans and Delaware Investments ® retirement services, call the Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918.
Taxable distributions from the retirement plans described may be subject to withholding.
DETERMINING OFFERING PRICE AND NET ASSET VALUE |
Orders for purchases and redemptions of Class A shares are effected at the offering price next calculated after receipt of the order by the Fund, its agent, or certain other authorized persons. Orders for purchases and redemptions of Class B shares, Class C shares, Class R shares, and Institutional Class shares, as applicable, are effected at the NAV per share next calculated after receipt of the order by the Fund, its agent, or certain other authorized persons. See Distributor under Investment Manager and Other Service Providers above. Selling dealers are responsible for transmitting orders promptly.
The offering price for Class A shares is equal to the NAV per share plus any applicable sales charges. Offering price and NAV are computed as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, which is normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on days when the NYSE is open for business. The NYSE is scheduled to be open Monday through Friday throughout the year except for days when the following holidays are observed: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. When the NYSE is closed, the Fund will generally be closed, pricing calculations will not be made, and purchase and redemption orders will not be processed.
56
The NAV per share for each class of the Fund is calculated by subtracting the liabilities of each class from its total assets and dividing the resulting number by the number of shares outstanding for that class. In determining the Funds total net assets, portfolio securities primarily listed or traded on a national or foreign securities exchange, except for bonds, are generally valued at the closing price on that exchange, unless such closing prices are determined to be not readily available pursuant to the Funds pricing procedures.
Exchange-traded options are valued at the last reported sale price or, if no sales are reported, at the mean between bid and asked prices. Non-exchange-traded options are valued at fair value using a mathematical model. Futures contracts are valued at their daily quoted settlement price. For valuation purposes, foreign currencies and foreign securities denominated in foreign currency values will be converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean between the bid and offered quotations of such currencies against U.S. dollars based on rates in effect that day. Securities not traded on a particular day, over-the-counter securities, and government and agency securities are valued at the mean value between bid and asked prices. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair value of such securities. Foreign securities and the prices of foreign securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the mean between the bid and offer quotations of such currencies based on rates in effect as of the close of the London Stock Exchange.
Use of a pricing service has been approved by the Board. Prices provided by a pricing service take into account appropriate factors such as institutional trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. Subject to the foregoing, securities for which market quotations are not readily available and other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith and in a method approved by the Board.
Each Class of the Fund will bear, pro rata, all of the common expenses of the Fund. The NAVs of all outstanding shares of each Class of the Fund will be computed on a pro rata basis for each outstanding share based on the proportionate participation in the Fund represented by the value of shares of that Class. All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund will be borne on a pro rata basis by each outstanding share of a Class, based on each Class percentage in that Fund represented by the value of shares of such Classes, except that the Institutional Class will not incur any of the expenses under the Trusts Rule 12b-1 Plans, while the Fund Classes each will bear the Rule 12b-1 Plan expenses payable under their respective Plans. Due to the specific distribution expenses and other costs that will be allocable to each Class the NAV of each Class of the Fund will vary.
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE |
General
Information
You can redeem or exchange your shares in a number of
different ways that are described below
.
Your shares will be redeemed
or exchanged at a price based on the NAV next determined after the Fund receives
your request in good order, subject, in the case of a redemption, to any
applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC. For example, redemption or exchange requests
received in good order after the time the offering price and NAV of shares are
determined will be processed on the next Business Day. See the Funds
Prospectuses. A shareholder submitting a redemption request may indicate that he
or she wishes to receive redemption proceeds of a specific dollar amount. In the
case of such a request, and in the case of certain redemptions from retirement
plan accounts, the Fund will redeem the number of shares necessary to deduct the
applicable CDSC in the case of Class B shares and Class C shares, and, if
applicable, the Limited CDSC in the case of Class A shares and tender to the
shareholder the requested amount, assuming the shareholder holds enough shares
in his or her account for the redemption to be processed in this manner.
Otherwise, the amount tendered to the shareholder upon redemption will be
reduced by the amount of the applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC. Redemption
proceeds will be distributed promptly, as described below, but not later than
seven days after receipt of a redemption request.
57
Except as noted below, for a redemption request to be in good order, you must provide your account number, account registration, and the total number of shares or dollar amount of the transaction. For exchange requests, you must also provide the name of the Delaware Investments ® Fund in which you want to invest the proceeds. Exchange instructions and redemption requests must be signed by the record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered. You may request a redemption or an exchange by calling the Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918. The Fund may suspend, terminate, or amend the terms of the exchange privilege upon 60 days written notice to shareholders.
Orders for the repurchase of Fund shares which are submitted to the Distributor prior to the close of its Business Day will be executed at the NAV per share computed that day (subject to the applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC), if the repurchase order was received by the broker/dealer from the shareholder prior to the time the offering price and NAV are determined on such day. The selling dealer has the responsibility of transmitting orders to the Distributor promptly. Such repurchase is then settled as an ordinary transaction with the broker/dealer (who may make a charge to the shareholder for this service) delivering the shares repurchased.
Payment for shares redeemed will ordinarily be mailed the next Business Day, but in no case later than seven days, after receipt of a redemption request in good order by the Fund or certain other authorized persons (see Distributor under Investment Manager and Other Service Providers above); provided, however, that each commitment to mail or wire redemption proceeds by a certain time, as described below, is modified by the qualifications described in the next paragraph.
The Fund will process written and telephone redemption requests to the extent that the purchase orders for the shares being redeemed have already settled. The Fund will honor redemption requests as to shares for which a check was tendered as payment, but the Fund will not mail or wire the proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the purchase check has cleared, which may take up to 15 days from the purchase date. You can avoid this potential delay if you purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds. The Fund reserves the right to reject a written or telephone redemption request or delay payment of redemption proceeds if there has been a recent change to the shareholders address of record.
If a shareholder has been credited with a purchase by a check which is subsequently returned unpaid for insufficient funds or for any other reason, the Fund will automatically redeem from the shareholders account the shares purchased by the check plus any dividends earned thereon. Shareholders may be responsible for any losses to the Fund or to the Distributor.
In case of a suspension of the determination of the NAV because the NYSE is closed for other than weekends or holidays, or trading thereon is restricted or an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by them is not reasonably practical, or it is not reasonably practical for the Fund fairly to value its assets, or in the event that the SEC has provided for such suspension for the protection of shareholders, the Fund may postpone payment or suspend the right of redemption or repurchase. In such cases, the shareholder may withdraw the request for redemption or leave it standing as a request for redemption at the NAV next determined after the suspension has been terminated.
Payment for shares redeemed or repurchased may be made either in cash or kind, or partly in cash and partly in kind. Any portfolio securities paid or distributed in kind would be valued as described in Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value above. Subsequent sale by an investor receiving a distribution in kind could result in the payment of brokerage commissions. However, the Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1.00% of the Funds NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
The value of the Funds investments is subject to changing market prices. Thus, a shareholder redeeming shares of the Fund may sustain either a gain or loss, depending upon the price paid and the price received for such shares.
58
Certain redemptions of Class A shares purchased at NAV may result in the imposition of a Limited CDSC. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value below. Class B and Class C shares are subject to CDSCs as described under Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares under Purchasing Shares above and the Fund Classes Prospectus. Except for the applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC and, with respect to the expedited payment by wire described below for which, in the case of the Fund Classes, a bank wire fee may be deducted, neither the Fund nor the Distributor charges a fee for redemptions or repurchases, but such fees could be charged at any time in the future.
Holders of Class B shares or Class C shares that exchange their shares (Original Shares) for shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds (in each case, New Shares) in a permitted exchange, will not be subject to a CDSC that might otherwise be due upon redemption of the Original Shares. However, such shareholders will continue to be subject to the CDSC and any CDSC assessed upon redemption of the New Shares will be charged by the Fund from which the Original Shares were exchanged. In the case of Class B shares, shareholders will also continue to be subject to the automatic conversion schedule of the Original Shares as described in this Part B. In an exchange of Class B shares, the Funds CDSC schedule may be higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the New Shares acquired as a result of the exchange. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a disposition of the New Shares, the period of time that an investor held the Original Shares is added to the period of time that an investor held the New Shares. With respect to Class B shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the Original Shares may be longer than that of the New Shares. Consequently, an investment in New Shares by exchange may subject an investor to the higher Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class B shares for a longer period of time than if the investment in New Shares were made directly.
Holders of Class A shares and Institutional Class shares of the Fund may exchange their shares for certain of the shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds, including other Class A shares and Institutional Class shares, but may not exchange their shares for Class B shares, Class C shares, or Class R shares of the Fund or of any other Delaware Investments ® Fund. Holders of Class B shares of the Fund may exchange their shares only into Class B shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds. Similarly, holders of Class C shares of the Fund may exchange their shares only into Class C shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds. Class B shares of the Fund and Class C shares of the Fund acquired by exchange will continue to carry the CDSC and, in the case of Class B shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the fund from which the exchange is made. The holding period of Class B shares of the Fund acquired by exchange will be added to that of the shares that were exchanged for purposes of determining the time of the automatic conversion into Class A shares of that Fund. Holders of Class R shares of the Fund may exchange their shares only into Class R shares of other Delaware Investments ® Funds or, if Class R shares are not available for a particular fund, into the Class A shares of such Fund.
Permissible exchanges into Class A shares of the Fund will be made without a front-end sales charge, except for exchanges of shares that were not previously subject to a front-end sales charge (unless such shares were acquired through the reinvestment of dividends). Permissible exchanges into Class B shares or Class C shares will be made without the imposition of a CDSC by the Delaware Investments ® Fund from which the exchange is being made at the time of the exchange.
The Fund also reserves the right to refuse the purchase side of an exchange request by any person or group if, in the Managers judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest effectively in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected. A shareholders purchase exchanges may be restricted or refused if the Fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant portions of the Funds assets.
The Fund discourages purchases by market timers and purchase orders (including the purchase side of exchange orders) by shareholders identified as market timers may be rejected. The Fund will consider anyone who follows a pattern of market timing in any Delaware Investments ® Fund to be a market timer.
59
Market timing of a Delaware Investments ® Fund occurs when investors make consecutive rapid short-term roundtrips or, in other words, purchases into a Delaware Investments ® Fund followed quickly by redemptions out of that Fund. A short-term roundtrip is any redemption of Fund shares within 20 Business Days of a purchase of that Funds shares. If you make a second such short-term roundtrip in a Delaware Investments ® Fund within the same calendar quarter of a previous short-term roundtrip in that Fund, you may be considered a market timer. The purchase and sale of Fund shares through the use of the exchange privilege are also included in determining whether market timing has occurred. The Fund also reserve the right to consider other trading patterns as market timing.
Your ability to use the Funds exchange privilege may be limited if you are identified as a market timer. If you are identified as a market timer, we will execute the redemption side of your exchange order but may refuse the purchase side of your exchange order.
Written Redemption
You can write to the Fund at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas City,
MO 64121-9656 by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407
by overnight courier service to redeem some or all of your shares. The request
must be signed by all owners of the account or your investment dealer of record.
For redemptions of more than $100,000, or when the proceeds are not sent to the
shareholder(s) at the address of record, the Fund requires a signature by all
owners of the account and a signature guarantee for each owner. A signature
guarantee can be obtained from a commercial bank, a trust company, or a member
of a Securities Transfer Association Medallion Program (STAMP). The Fund
reserves the right to reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible
institution based on its creditworthiness. The Fund may require further
documentation from corporations, executors, retirement plans, administrators,
trustees, or guardians.
Payment is normally mailed the next Business Day after receipt of your redemption request. If your Class A shares or Institutional Class shares are in certificate form, the certificate(s) must accompany your request and also be in good order. Certificates generally are no longer issued for Class A shares and Institutional Class shares. Certificates are not issued for Class B shares or Class C shares.
Written Exchange
You may also write to the Fund (at P.O. Box 219656, Kansas
City, MO 64121-9656 by regular mail or 430 W. 7th Street, Kansas City, MO
64105-1407 by overnight courier service) to request an exchange of any or all of
your shares into another Delaware Investments
®
Fund, subject to the
same conditions and limitations as other exchanges noted above.
Telephone Redemption and
Exchange
To get the added convenience of the telephone redemption and exchange
methods, you must have the Transfer Agent hold your shares (without charge) for
you. If you hold your Class A shares or Institutional Class shares in
certificate form, you may redeem or exchange only by written request and you
must return your certificates.
Telephone Redemption : The Check to Your Address of Record service and the Telephone Exchange service, both of which are described below, are automatically provided unless you notify the Fund in writing that you do not wish to have such services available with respect to your account. The Fund reserves the right to modify, terminate or suspend these procedures upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. It may be difficult to reach the Fund by telephone during periods when market or economic conditions lead to an unusually large volume of telephone requests.
60
Neither the Fund nor its Transfer Agent is responsible for any shareholder loss incurred in acting upon written or telephone instructions for redemption or exchange of Fund shares which are reasonably believed to be genuine. With respect to such telephone transactions, the Fund will follow reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine (including verification of a form of personal identification) as, if it does not, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Telephone instructions received by the Fund Classes are generally tape recorded, and a written confirmation will be provided for all purchase, exchange, and redemption transactions initiated by telephone. By exchanging shares by telephone, you are acknowledging prior receipt of a prospectus for the fund into which your shares are being exchanged.
Telephone Redemption Check to Your Address of Record : The Telephone Redemption feature is a quick and easy method to redeem shares. You or your investment dealer of record can have redemption proceeds of $100,000 or less mailed to you at your address of record. Checks will be payable to the shareholder(s) of record. Payment is normally mailed the next Business Day after receipt of the redemption request. This service is only available to individual, joint and individual fiduciary-type accounts.
Telephone Redemption Proceeds to Your Bank: Redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more can be transferred to your predesignated bank account by wire or by check. You should authorize this service when you open your account. If you change your predesignated bank account, you must complete an authorization form and have your signature guaranteed. For your protection, your authorization must be on file. If you request a wire, your funds will normally be sent the next Business Day. If the proceeds are wired to the shareholders account at a bank which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, there could be a delay in the crediting of the funds to the shareholders bank account. A bank wire fee may be deducted from Fund Class redemption proceeds. If you ask for a check, it will normally be mailed the next Business Day after receipt of your redemption request to your pre-designated bank account. There are no separate fees for this redemption method, but mailing a check may delay the time it takes to have your redemption proceeds credited to your predesignated bank account. To redeem shares by telephone, simply call the Shareholder Service Center at 800 523-1918 prior to the time the offering price and NAV are determined, as noted above.
Telephone
Exchange
The Telephone Exchange feature is a convenient and efficient way to
adjust your investment holdings as your liquidity requirements and investment
objectives change. You or your investment dealer of record can exchange your
shares into other Delaware Investments
®
Funds under the same
registration, subject to the same conditions and limitations as other exchanges
noted above. As with the written exchange service, telephone exchanges are
subject to the requirements of the Fund, described herein. Telephone exchanges
may be subject to limitations as to amount or frequency.
The telephone exchange privilege is intended as a convenience to shareholders and is not intended to be a vehicle to speculate on short-term swings in the securities market through frequent transactions into and out of Delaware Investments ® Funds. Telephone exchanges may be subject to limitations as to amount or frequency. The Transfer Agent and the Fund reserve the right to record exchange instructions received by telephone and to reject exchange requests at any time in the future.
On Demand Service
You or your investment dealer may request redemptions of
Fund Class shares by phone using on demand service. When you authorize the Fund
to accept such requests from you or your investment dealer, funds will be
deposited to your predesignated bank account. Your request will be processed the
same day if you call prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. There is a $25 minimum
and $100,000 maximum limit for on demand service transactions. For more
information, see On Demand Service under Investment Plans above.
61
Systematic Withdrawal
Plans
Shareholders of the Fund Classes who own or purchase $5,000 or more of
shares at the offering price, or NAV, as applicable, for which certificates have
not been issued may establish a systematic withdrawal plan for monthly
withdrawals of $25 or more, or quarterly withdrawals of $75 or more, although
the Fund does not recommend any specific amount of withdrawal. This is
particularly useful to shareholders living on fixed incomes, since it can
provide them with a stable supplemental amount. This $5,000 minimum does not
apply for the investments made through qualified retirement plans. Shares
purchased with the initial investment and through reinvestment of cash dividends
and realized securities profits distributions will be credited to the
shareholders account and sufficient full and fractional shares will be redeemed
at the NAV calculated on the third Business Day preceding the mailing date.
Checks are dated either the 1st or the 15th of the month, as selected by the shareholder (unless such date falls on a holiday or a weekend), and are normally mailed within two Business Days. Both ordinary income dividends and realized securities profits distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Class at NAV. This plan is not recommended for all investors and should be started only after careful consideration of its operation and effect upon the investors savings and investment program. To the extent that withdrawal payments from the plan exceed any dividends and/or realized securities profits distributions paid on shares held under the plan, the withdrawal payments will represent a return of capital, and the share balance may in time be depleted, particularly in a declining market. Shareholders should not purchase additional shares while participating in a systematic withdrawal plan.
The sale of shares for withdrawal payments constitutes a taxable event and a shareholder may incur a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. This gain or loss may be long-term or short-term depending on the holding period for the specific shares liquidated. Premature withdrawals from retirement plans may have adverse tax consequences.
Withdrawals under this plan made concurrently with the purchases of additional shares may be disadvantageous to the shareholder. Purchases of Class A shares through a periodic investment program in the Fund must be terminated before a systematic withdrawal plan with respect to such shares can take effect, except if the shareholder is a participant in a retirement plan offering Delaware Investments ® Funds or is investing in Delaware Investments ® Funds which do not carry a sales charge. Redemptions of Class A shares pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan may be subject to a Limited CDSC if the purchase was made at NAV and a dealers commission has been paid on that purchase. The applicable Limited CDSC for Class A shares and CDSC for Class C shares redeemed via a systematic withdrawal plan will be waived if the annual amount withdrawn in each year is less than 12% of the account balance on the date that the Plan is established. If the annual amount withdrawn in any year exceeds 12% of the account balance on the date that the systematic withdrawal plan is established, all redemptions under the Plan will be subject to the applicable CDSC, including an assessment for previously redeemed amounts under the Plan. Whether a waiver of the CDSC is available or not, the first shares to be redeemed for each systematic withdrawal plan payment will be those not subject to a CDSC because they have either satisfied the required holding period or were acquired through the reinvestment of distributions. See the Fund Classes Prospectus for more information about the waiver of CDSCs.
An investor wishing to start a systematic withdrawal plan must complete an authorization form. If the recipient of systematic withdrawal plan payments is other than the registered shareholder, the shareholders signature on this authorization must be guaranteed. Each signature guarantee must be supplied by an eligible guarantor institution. The Fund reserves the right to reject a signature guarantee supplied by an eligible institution based on its creditworthiness. This plan may be terminated by the shareholder or the Transfer Agent at any time by giving written notice.
62
Systematic withdrawal plan payments are normally made by check. In the alternative, you may elect to have your payments transferred from your Fund account to your predesignated bank account through the on demand service. Your funds will normally be credited to your bank account up to four Business Days after the payment date. There are no separate fees for this redemption method. It may take up to four Business Days for the transactions to be completed. You can initiate this service by completing an Account Services form. If your name and address are not identical to the name and address on your Fund account, you must have your signature guaranteed. The Fund does not charge a fee for this service; however, your bank may charge a fee. This service is not available for retirement plans.
The systematic withdrawal plan is not available for the Institutional Class. Shareholders should consult with their financial advisors to determine whether a Systematic Withdrawal Plan would be suitable for them.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for
Certain Redemptions of Class A shares Purchased at Net Asset
Value
For purchases of $1 million or more, a Limited CDSC will be imposed on
certain redemptions of Class A shares (or shares into which such Class A shares
are exchanged) according to the following schedule: (i) 1.00% if shares are
redeemed during the first year after the purchase; and (ii) 0.50% if such shares
are redeemed during the second year after the purchase, if such purchases were
made at NAV and triggered the payment by the Distributor of the dealers
commission as described above under Dealers Commission under Purchasing
Shares.
The Limited CDSC will be paid to the Distributor and will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of: (i) the NAV at the time of purchase of the Class A shares being redeemed; or (ii) the NAV of such Class A shares at the time of redemption. For purposes of this formula, the NAV at the time of purchase will be the NAV at purchase of the Class A shares even if those shares are later exchanged for shares of another Delaware Investments ® Fund and, in the event of an exchange of Class A shares, the NAV of such shares at the time of redemption will be the NAV of the shares acquired in the exchange.
Redemptions of such Class A shares held for more than two years will not be subject to the Limited CDSC and an exchange of such Class A shares into another Delaware Investments ® Fund will not trigger the imposition of the Limited CDSC at the time of such exchange. The period a shareholder owns shares into which Class A shares are exchanged will count towards satisfying the two-year holding period. The Limited CDSC is assessed if such two-year period is not satisfied irrespective of whether the redemption triggering its payment is of Class A shares of the Fund or Class A shares acquired in the exchange.
In determining whether a Limited CDSC is payable, it will be assumed that shares not subject to the Limited CDSC are the first redeemed followed by other shares held for the longest period of time. The Limited CDSC will not be imposed on shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions, or on amounts representing share appreciation.
Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges
Please see the Fund Classes Prospectus for instances in which the
Limited CDSC applicable to Class A shares and the CDSCs applicable to Class B
and C shares may be waived.
As disclosed in the Fund Classes Prospectuses, certain retirement plans that contain certain legacy assets may redeem shares without paying a CDSC. The following plans may redeem shares without paying a CDSC:
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DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES |
Distributions
It is the present policy of the Trust to declare dividends
from net investment income of the Fund on a daily basis. Dividends are declared
at the time the offering price and net asset value are determined (see
Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value above) each day the Fund is
open and are paid monthly. Net investment income earned on days when the Fund is
not open will be declared as a dividend on the next Business Day.
The Trust anticipates distributing to its shareholders substantially all of the Funds net investment income. Any distributions from net realized securities profits will be made twice a year. The first payment will be made during the first quarter of the next fiscal year. The second payment will be made near the end of the calendar year, typically in November, to comply with certain requirements of the Code.
Checks are normally mailed within three Business Days of that date. Any check in payment of dividends or other distributions which cannot be delivered by the United States Postal Service or which remains uncashed for a period of more than one year may be reinvested in the shareholders account at the then-current net asset value and the dividend option may be changed from cash to reinvest. The Fund may deduct from a shareholders account the costs of the Funds effort to locate a shareholder if a shareholders mail is returned by the United States Postal Service or the Fund is otherwise unable to locate the shareholder or verify the shareholders mailing address. These costs may include a percentage of the account when a search company charges a percentage fee in exchange for their location services.
Purchases of Fund shares by wire begin earning dividends when converted into Federal Funds and are normally available for investment the next Business Day after receipt. Purchases by check earn dividends upon conversion to Federal Funds, normally one Business Day after receipt.
Each class of the Fund will share proportionately in the investment income and expenses of the Fund, except that the Fund Classes alone will incur distribution fees under their respective 12b-1 Plans.
Dividends and realized securities profits distributions are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund at the NAV in effect on the payable date, and credited to the shareholders account, unless an election to receive distributions in cash has been made by the shareholder. Dividend payments of $1.00 or less will be automatically reinvested, notwithstanding a shareholders election to receive dividends in cash. If such a shareholders dividends increase to greater than $1.00, the shareholder would have to file a new election in order to begin receiving dividends in cash again.
Taxes
Distributions of Net Investment Income
.
The Fund receives income
generally in the form of interest on its investments in portfolio securities.
This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes
its net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. If you are a
taxable investor, any distributions by the Fund from such income (other than
qualified dividend income received by individuals) will be taxable to you at
ordinary income tax rates, whether you take them in cash or in additional
shares.
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Distributions of Capital Gains . The Fund may derive capital gain and loss in connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities. Distributions derived from the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss will be taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions paid from the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have held your shares in the Fund. Any net short-term or long-term capital gain realized by the Fund (net of any capital loss carryovers) generally will be distributed twice each year and may be distributed more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the Fund.
Returns of Capital . If the Funds distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholders cost basis in the Fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold. Any return of capital in excess of your basis, however, is taxable as a capital gain.
Investment in Foreign Securities . The Fund is permitted to invest in foreign securities as described above. Accordingly, the Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on income from certain foreign securities. This, in turn, could reduce the Funds distributions paid to you.
Effect of foreign debt investments on distributions . Most foreign exchange gains realized on the sale of debt securities are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes by the Fund. Similarly, foreign exchange losses realized on the sale of debt securities generally are treated as ordinary losses. These gains when distributed are taxable to you as ordinary income, and any losses reduce the Funds ordinary income otherwise available for distribution to you. This treatment could increase or decrease the Funds ordinary income distributions to you, and may cause some or all of the Funds previously distributed income to be classified as a return of capital.
PFIC securities . The Fund may invest in securities of foreign entities that could be deemed for federal income tax purposes to be passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). In general, a PFIC is any foreign corporation if 75% or more of its gross income for its taxable year is passive income, or 50% or more of its average assets (by value) are held for the production of passive income. When investing in PFIC securities, the Fund intends to mark-to-market these securities under certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary income at the end of the Funds fiscal and excise (described below) tax years. Deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any current or previously recognized gains. These gains (reduced by allowable losses) are treated as ordinary income that the Fund is required to distribute, even though it has not sold or received dividends from these securities. You should also be aware that the designation of a foreign security as a PFIC security will cause its income dividends to fall outside of the definition of qualified foreign corporation dividends. These dividends generally will not qualify for the reduced rate of taxation on qualified dividends when distributed to you by the Fund. In addition, if the Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax (the effect of which might be mitigated by making a mark-to-market election in the year prior to the sale) on a portion of any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.
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Information on the Amount and Tax Character of Distributions . The Fund will inform you of the amount and character of your distributions at the time they are paid and will advise you of the tax status of such distributions for federal income tax purposes shortly after the close of each calendar year. If you have not held Fund shares for a full year, the Fund may designate and distribute to you, as ordinary income, qualified dividends or capital gains, and in the case of non-U.S. shareholders, a Fund may further designate and distribute as interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, a percentage of income that is not equal to the actual amount of such income earned during the period of your investment in the Fund. Taxable distributions declared by the Fund in December to shareholders of record in such month, but paid in January, are taxable to you as if they were paid in December.
Election to be Taxed as a Regulated Investment Company . The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and intends to so qualify during the current fiscal year. As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally is not subject to entity level federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to you. The Board of Trustees reserves the right not to distribute the Funds net long-term capital gain or not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines such a course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. If net long-term capital gain is retained, the Fund would be taxed on the gain at the highest corporate tax rate, and the shareholders of the Fund would be notified that they are entitled to a credit or refund for the tax paid by the Fund. If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund would be subject to federal and possibly state corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to you will be treated as taxable dividend income to the extent of the Funds earnings and profits.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes, the Fund must meet certain asset diversification, income and distribution specific requirements, including:
(i) The Fund must maintain a diversified portfolio of securities, wherein no security, including the securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) can exceed 25% of the Funds total assets, and, with respect to 50% of the Funds total assets, no investment (other than cash and cash items, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) can exceed 5% of the Funds total assets or 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer;
(ii) The Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership; and
(iii) The Fund must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income for each of its fiscal years.
Excise Tax Distribution Requirements . As a regulated investment company, the Fund is required to distribute its income and gains on a calendar year basis, regardless of the Funds fiscal year end as follows:
Required distributions . To avoid a 4% federal excise tax, the Code requires the Fund to distribute to you by December 31 of each year, at a minimum, the following amounts: 98% of its taxable ordinary income earned during the calendar year; 98% of its capital gain net income earned during the twelve-month period ending October 31; and 100% of any undistributed amounts from the prior year. The Fund intends to declare and pay these distributions in December (or to pay them in January, in which case you must treat them as received in December) but can give no assurances that its distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes.
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Post-October losses . Because the periods for measuring a regulated investment companys income are different for excise and income tax purposes special rules are required to protect the amount of earnings and profits needed to support excise tax distributions. For instance, if a regulated investment company that uses October 31st as the measurement period for paying out capital gain net income realizes a net capital loss after October 31 and before the close of its taxable year, the fund likely would have insufficient earnings and profits for that taxable year to support the dividend treatment of its required distributions for that calendar year. Accordingly, the Fund is permitted to elect to treat net capital losses realized between November 1 and its fiscal year end of December 31 (post-October loss) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year (i.e., January 1).
Sales, Exchanges and Redemption of Fund Shares . Sales, exchanges and redemptions (including redemptions in kind) of Fund shares are taxable transactions for federal and state income tax purposes. If you redeem your Fund shares, the Internal Revenue Service requires you to report any gain or loss on your redemption. If you held your shares as a capital asset, the gain or loss that you realize will be a capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term, generally depending on how long you have held your shares.
Redemptions at a loss within six months of purchase . Any loss incurred on a redemption or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributed to you by the Fund on those shares.
Wash sales . All or a portion of any loss that you realize on a redemption of your Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in the Fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before or after your share redemption. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be added to your tax basis in the new shares.
Deferral of basis Class A shares only . In reporting gain or loss on the sale of your Fund shares, you may be required to adjust your basis in the shares you sell under the following circumstances:
IF:
THEN: In reporting any gain or loss on your sale, all or a portion of the sales charge that you paid for your original shares is excluded from your tax basis in the shares sold and added to your tax basis in the new shares.
Conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares . The automatic conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares at the end of approximately five years after purchase will be tax-free for federal income tax purposes. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the state and local tax consequences of the conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares, or any other conversion or exchange of shares.
Cost Basis Reporting . Under recently enacted provisions of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Funds administrative agent will be required to provide you with cost basis information on the sale of any of your shares in the Fund, subject to certain exceptions. This cost basis reporting requirement is effective for shares purchased in the Fund on or after January 1, 2012.
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U.S. Government Securities . Income earned on certain U.S. government obligations is exempt from state and local personal income taxes if earned directly by you. States also grant tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment or reporting requirements that must be met by the Fund. Income on investments by the Fund in certain other obligations, such as repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government obligations, commercial paper and federal agency-backed obligations (e.g., GNMA or FNMA obligations), generally does not qualify for tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporations.
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals . For individual shareholders, a portion of the dividends paid by the Fund may be qualified dividend income, which is eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain rates. This reduced rate generally is available for dividends paid by the Fund out of dividends earned on the Funds investment in stocks of domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations. Either none or only a nominal portion of the dividends paid by the Fund will be qualified dividend income because the Fund invests primarily in debt instruments. Income dividends from interest earned by the Fund on debt securities will continue to be taxed at the higher ordinary income tax rates.
Both the Fund and the investor must meet certain holding period requirements to qualify Fund dividends for this treatment. Specifically, the Fund must hold the stock for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend. Similarly, investors must hold their Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund distribution goes ex-dividend. The ex-dividend date is the first date following the declaration of a dividend on which the purchaser of stock is not entitled to receive the dividend payment. When counting the number of days you held your Fund shares, include the day you sold your shares but not the day you acquired these shares.
While the income received in the form of a qualified dividend is taxed at the same rates as long-term capital gains, such income will not be considered as a long-term capital gain for other federal income tax purposes. For example, you will not be allowed to offset your long-term capital losses against qualified dividend income on your federal income tax return. Any qualified dividend income that you elect to be taxed at these reduced rates also cannot be used as investment income in determining your allowable investment interest expense. For other limitations on the amount of or use of qualified dividend income on your income tax return, please contact your personal tax advisor.
After the close of its fiscal year, the Fund will designate the portion of its ordinary dividend income that meets the definition of qualified dividend income taxable at reduced rates. If 95% or more of the Funds income is from qualified sources, it will be allowed to designate 100% of its ordinary income distributions as qualified dividend income.
This favorable taxation of qualified dividend income at long-term capital gain tax rates expires and will no longer apply to dividends paid by the Fund with respect to its taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010 (sunset date), unless such provision is extended or made permanent.
Dividends-Received Deduction for Corporations . For corporate shareholders, a portion of the dividends paid by the Fund may qualify for the dividends-received deduction. The portion of dividends paid by the Fund that so qualifies will be designated each year in a notice mailed to the Funds shareholders and cannot exceed the gross amount of dividends received by the Fund from domestic (U.S.) corporations that would have qualified for the dividends-received deduction in the hands of the Fund if the Fund was a regular corporation. Either none or only a nominal portion of the dividends paid by the Fund will be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction because the Fund invests primarily in debt instruments.
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The availability of the dividends-received deduction is subject to certain holding period and debt financing restrictions imposed under the Code on the corporation claiming the deduction. The amount that the Fund may designate as eligible for the dividends-received deduction will be reduced or eliminated if the shares on which the dividends earned by the Fund were debt-financed or held by the Fund for less than a minimum period of time, generally 46 days during a 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend. Similarly, if your Fund shares are debt-financed or held by you for less than a 46-day period then the dividends-received deduction for Fund dividends on your shares may also be reduced or eliminated. Even if designated as dividends eligible for the dividends-received deduction, all dividends (including any deducted portion) must be included in your alternative minimum taxable income calculation .
Investment in Complex Securities . The Fund may invest in complex securities that could be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These rules could accelerate the recognition of income by the Fund (possibly causing the Fund to sell securities to raise the cash for necessary distributions) and/or defer the Funds ability to recognize a loss, and, in limited cases, subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax. These rules could also affect whether gain or loss recognized by the Fund is treated as ordinary or capital or as interest or dividend income. These rules could, therefore, affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund. For example:
Derivatives . The Fund is permitted to invest in certain options, futures, forwards or foreign currency contracts. If the Fund makes these investments, under certain provisions of the Code, it may be required to mark-to-market these contracts and recognize for federal income tax purposes any unrealized gains and losses at its fiscal year end even though it continues to hold the contracts. Under these provisions, gains or losses on the contracts generally would be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term gains or losses, but gains or losses on certain foreign currency contracts would be treated as ordinary income or losses. In determining its net income for excise tax purposes, the Fund also would be required to mark-to-market these contracts annually as of October 31 (for capital gain net income and ordinary income arising from certain foreign currency contracts) and to realize and distribute any resulting income and gains.
Short sales and securities lending transactions . The Funds entry into a short sale transaction or an option or other contract could be treated as the constructive sale of an appreciated financial position, causing it to realize gain, but not loss, on the position. Additionally, the Funds entry into securities lending transactions may cause the replacement income earned on the loaned securities to fall outside of the definition of qualified dividend income. This replacement income generally will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on qualified dividend income.
Tax straddles . The Funds investment in options, futures, forwards, or foreign currency contracts in connection with certain hedging transactions could cause it to hold offsetting positions in securities. If the Funds risk of loss with respect to specific securities in its portfolio is substantially diminished by the fact that it holds other securities, the Fund could be deemed to have entered into a tax straddle or to hold a successor position that would require any loss realized by it to be deferred for tax purposes.
Securities purchased at discount . The Fund is permitted to invest in securities issued or purchased at a discount such as zero coupon, deferred interest or payment-in-kind (PIK) bonds that could require it to accrue and distribute income not yet received. If it invests in these securities, the Fund could be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise might have continued to hold in order to generate sufficient cash to make these distributions.
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Credit default swap agreements . The Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. The rules governing the tax aspects of swap agreements that provide for contingent non-periodic payments of this type are in a developing stage and are not entirely clear in certain aspects. Accordingly, while the Fund intends to account for such transactions in a manner deemed to be appropriate, the IRS might not accept such treatment. The Fund intends to monitor developments in this area. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which the Fund will be able to engage in credit default swap agreements.
Investment in taxable mortgage pools (excess inclusion income) . The Fund may invest in U.S.-REITs that hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) or which are, or have certain wholly-owned subsidiaries that are, taxable mortgage pools. Under a Notice issued by the IRS, the Code and Treasury regulations to be issued, a portion of the Funds income from a U.S.-REIT that is attributable to the REITs residual interest in a REMIC or equity interests in a taxable mortgage pool (referred to in the Code as an excess inclusion) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. The excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as the Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest or, if applicable, taxable mortgage pool directly. In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a disqualified organization (which generally includes certain cooperatives, governmental entities and tax-exempt organizations that are not subject to tax on UBTI) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. The Notice imposes certain reporting requirements upon regulated investment companies that have excess inclusion income. While the Fund does not intend to invest in U.S.-REITs, a substantial portion of the assets of which generates excess inclusion income, there can be no assurance that the Fund will not allocate to shareholders excess inclusion income.
The rules concerning excess inclusion income are complex and unduly burdensome in their current form, and the Fund is awaiting further guidance from the IRS on how these rules are to be implemented. Shareholders should talk to their tax advisors about whether an investment in the Fund is a suitable investment given the potential tax consequences of the Funds receipt and distribution of excess inclusion income.
Investments in securities of uncertain tax character. The Fund may invest in 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 regulated investment companies under the Code.
Backup Withholding . By law, the Fund must withhold a portion of your taxable dividends and sales proceeds unless you:
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The Fund also must withhold if the IRS instructs it to do so. When withholding is required, the amount will be 28% of any dividends or proceeds paid. The special U.S. tax certification requirements applicable to non-U.S. investors are described under the Non-U.S. Investors heading below.
Non-U.S. Investors . Non-U.S. investors (shareholders who, as to the United States, are nonresident alien individuals, foreign trusts or estates, foreign corporations, or foreign partnerships) may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are subject to special U.S. tax certification requirements. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisors about the applicability of U.S. tax withholding and the use of the appropriate forms to certify their status.
In general . The United States imposes a flat 30% withholding tax (or a withholding tax at a lower treaty rate) on U.S. source dividends, including on income dividends paid to you by the Fund. Exemptions from this U.S. withholding tax are provided for capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from its net long-term capital gains, and, with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), interest-related dividends paid by the Fund from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources and short-term capital gain dividends. However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding at the source, any dividends and distributions of income and capital gains, including the proceeds from the sale of your Fund shares, will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a U.S. person.
Capital gain dividends and short-term capital gain dividends . In general, (i) a capital gain dividend designated by the Fund and paid from its net long-term capital gains, or (ii) with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), a short-term capital gain dividend designated by the Fund and paid from its net short-term capital gains, other than long- or short-term capital gains realized on disposition of U.S. real property interests (see the discussion below) are not subject to U.S. withholding tax unless you are a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year.
Interest-related dividends. With respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), dividends designated by the Fund as interest-related dividends and paid from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources are not subject to U.S. withholding tax. Qualified interest income includes, in general, U.S. source (1) bank deposit interest, (2) short-term original discount, (3) interest (including original issue discount, market discount, or acquisition discount) on an obligation which is in registered form, unless it is earned on an obligation issued by a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is a 10-percent shareholder or is contingent interest, and (4) any interest-related dividend from another regulated investment company. On any payment date, the amount of an income dividend that is designated by the Fund as an interest-related dividend may be more or less than the amount that is so qualified. This is because the designation is based on an estimate of the Funds qualified net interest income for its entire fiscal year, which can only be determined with exactness at fiscal year end. As a consequence, the Fund may over withhold a small amount of U.S. tax from a dividend payment. In this case, the non-U.S. investors only recourse may be to either forgo recovery of the excess withholding or to file a United States nonresident income tax return to recover the excess withholding.
Further limitations on tax reporting for interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends for non-U.S. investors . It may not be practical in every case for the Fund to designate, and the Fund reserves the right in these cases to not designate, small amounts of interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends. Additionally, the Funds designation of interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends may not be passed through to shareholders by intermediaries who have assumed tax reporting responsibilities for this income in managed or omnibus accounts due to systems limitations or operational constraints.
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Net investment income from dividends on stock and foreign source interest income continue to be subject to withholding tax; effectively connected income . Ordinary dividends paid by the Fund to non-U.S. investors on the income earned on portfolio investments in (i) the stock of domestic and foreign corporations and (ii) the debt of foreign issuers continue to be subject to U.S. withholding tax. If you hold your Fund shares in connection with a U.S. trade or business, your income and gains will be considered effectively connected income and taxed in the U.S. on a net basis, in which case you may be required to file a nonresident U.S. income tax return.
Investment in U.S. real property . The Fund may invest in equity securities of corporations that invest in U.S. real property, including U.S. Real Estate Investment Trusts (U.S.-REIT). The sale of a U.S. real property interest (USRPI) by the Fund or by a U.S. REIT or U.S. real property holding corporation in which the Fund invests may trigger special tax consequences to the Funds non-U.S. shareholders.
The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA) makes non-U.S. persons subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a USRPI as if he or she were a U.S. person. Such gain is sometimes referred to as FIRPTA gain. The Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of FIRPTA gain by a regulated investment company (RIC) received from a U.S. REIT or U.S. real property holding corporation or realized by the RIC on a sale of a USRPI (other than a domestically controlled U.S. REIT or RIC that is classified as a qualified investment entity) as follows:
These rules apply to dividends with respect to the Funds taxable years beginning before January 1, 2010 (sunset date), except that after such sunset date, Fund distributions from a U.S.-REIT (whether or not domestically controlled) attributable to FIRPTA gain will continue to be subject to the withholding rules described above provided the Fund would otherwise be classified as a qualified investment entity.
Because the Fund expects to invest less than 50% of its assets at all times, directly or indirectly in U.S. real property interests, the Fund expects that neither gain on the sale or redemption of Fund shares nor Fund dividends and distributions would be subject to FIRPTA reporting and tax withholding.
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U.S. estate tax . An individual who, at the time of death, is a non-U.S. shareholder will nevertheless be subject to U.S. federal estate tax with respect to Fund shares at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens and residents, unless a treaty exemption applies. If a treaty exemption is available, a decedents estate may nonetheless need to file a U.S. estate tax return to claim the exemption in order to obtain a U.S. federal transfer certificate. The transfer certificate will identify the property (i.e., Fund shares) as to which the U.S. federal estate tax lien has been released. In the absence of a treaty, there is a $13,000 statutory estate tax credit (equivalent to U.S. situs assets with a value of $60,000). For estates with U.S. situs assets of not more than $60,000, the Fund may accept, in lieu of a transfer certificate, an affidavit from an appropriate individual evidencing that decedents U.S. situs assets are below this threshold amount. In addition, a partial exemption from U.S estate tax may apply to Fund shares held by the estate of a nonresident decedent. The amount treated as exempt is based upon the proportion of the assets held by the Fund at the end of the quarter immediately preceding the decedent's death that are debt obligations, deposits, or other property that would generally be treated as situated outside the United States if held directly by the estate. This provision applies to decedents dying after December 31, 2004 and before January 1, 2010, unless such provision is extended or made permanent. Transfers by gift of shares of the Fund by a non-U.S. shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual will not be subject to U.S. federal gift tax.
U.S. tax certification rules . Special U.S. tax certification requirements apply to non-U.S. shareholders both to avoid U.S. back up withholding imposed at a rate of 28% and to obtain the benefits of any treaty between the United States and the shareholders country of residence. In general, a non-U.S. shareholder must provide a Form W-8 BEN (or other applicable Form W-8) to establish that you are not a U.S. person, to claim that you are the beneficial owner of the income and, if applicable, to claim a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding as a resident of a country with which the United States has an income tax treaty. A Form W-8 BEN provided without a U.S. taxpayer identification number will remain in effect for a period beginning on the date signed and ending on the last day of the third succeeding calendar year unless an earlier change of circumstances makes the information on the form incorrect.
The tax consequences to a non-U.S. shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein. Non-U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, including the applicability of foreign tax.
Effect of Future Legislation; Local Tax Considerations . The foregoing general discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and any such changes or decisions may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. Rules of state and local taxation of ordinary income, qualified dividend income and capital gain dividends may differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation described above. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholders particular situation. Non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized above. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of these and other state and local tax rules affecting investment in the Fund.
This discussion of Distributions and Taxes is not intended or written to be used as tax advice and does not purport to deal with all federal tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special rules. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding your particular circumstances before making an investment in the Fund.
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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION |
To obtain the Funds most current performance information, please call 800 523-1918 or visit www.delawareinvestments.com.
Performance quotations represent the Funds past performance and should not be considered as representative of future results. The Fund will calculate its performance in accordance with the requirements of the rules and regulations under the 1940 Act, or any other applicable U.S. securities law, as they may be revised from time to time by the SEC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Ernst & Young LLP, which is located at 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and, in its capacity as such, audits the annual financial statements contained in the Funds Annual Report. The Funds Statement of Net Assets, Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, Financial Highlights and Notes to Financial Statements, as well as the report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 are included in the Funds Annual Report to shareholders. The financial statements and financial highlights, the notes relating thereto and the report of Ernst & Young LLP listed above are incorporated by reference from the Annual Report into this Part B.
74
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS |
As March 31, 2009, management believes the following accounts held of record 5% or more of the outstanding Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares, Class R shares, and the Institutional Class shares of the Fund. Management does not have knowledge of beneficial owners.
Class | Shareholders Name and Address | Percentage |
Class R | Lincoln National Life Insurance Co | 9.44% |
1300 S Clinton St | ||
Fort Wayne, IN 46802-3506 | ||
Class R | Mg Trustco Agent Trustee | 7.47% |
Frontier Trustco | ||
Quantum Tax Savings Plan | ||
Po Box 10699 | ||
Fargo, ND 58106-0699 | ||
Class R | MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit Of Its | 44.41% |
Customers | ||
Attention: Fund Administration | ||
4800 Deer Lake Dr E # 2 | ||
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 | ||
Institutional Class | Lincoln Financial Group | 40.22% |
Foundation Inc | ||
1300 S Clinton St | ||
Fort Wayne, IN 46802-3506 | ||
Institutional Class | RS DMC Employee MPP Plan | 27.48% |
Delaware Management Co | ||
Empl Money Purchase Pension | ||
C/O Rick Seidel | ||
2005 Market St | ||
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042 | ||
Class A | MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit Of Its | 12.15% |
Customers | ||
Attention: Fund Administration | ||
4800 Deer Lake Dr E # 2 | ||
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 | ||
Class B | MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit Of Its | 13.34% |
Customers | ||
Attention: Fund Administration | ||
4800 Deer Lake Dr E # 2 | ||
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 | ||
Class C | MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit Of Its | 30.45% |
Customers | ||
Attention: Fund Administration | ||
4800 Deer Lake Dr E # 2 | ||
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 | ||
Class C | Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. | 6.70% |
Attn: Peter Booth, 7th Floor. | ||
333 W 34th St. | ||
New York, NY 10001-2402 |
75
APPENDIX ADESCRIPTION OF RATINGS |
Bonds
Excerpts from Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) description of
its bond ratings:
Aaa
judged to be the best quality. They carry the smallest degree
of investment risk;
Aa
judged to be of high quality by all standards;
A
possess favorable
attributes and are considered upper medium grade obligations;
Baa
considered as medium
grade obligations. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for
the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be
characteristically unreliable over any great length of time;
Ba
judged to have
speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often
the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class;
B
generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period
of time may be small;
Caa
are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there
may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest;
Ca
represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues
are often in default or have other marked shortcomings;
C
the lowest rated class of
bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing.
Excerpts from Standard & Poors (S&P) description of its bond ratings: AAA highest grade obligations. They possess the ultimate degree of protection as to principal and interest; AA also qualify as high grade obligations, and in the majority of instances differ from AAA issues only in a small degree; A strong ability to pay interest and repay principal although more susceptible to changes in circumstances; BBB regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal; BB, B, CCC, CC regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions; C reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid; D in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.
76
PART C
Delaware Group
®
Limited-Term Government Funds
File Nos. 002-75526 /
811-03363
Post-Effective Amendment No. 64
OTHER INFORMATION
1
(l) | Initial Capital Agreements . Not applicable. | |||||||
(m) | Rule 12b-1 Plan . | |||||||
(1) | Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Class A (April 19, 2001) incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed February 28, 2002. | |||||||
(2) | Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Class B (April 19, 2001) incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed February 28, 2002. | |||||||
(3) | Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Class C (April 19, 2001) incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed February 28, 2002. | |||||||
(4) | Plan under Rule 12b-1 (May 15, 2003) for Class R is incorporated into this filing by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 filed April 26, 2006. | |||||||
2
3
The following persons serving as directors or officers of the Manager have held the following positions during the past two years. Unless otherwise noted, the principal business address of the directors and officers of the Manager is 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094. |
Name and Principal | Positions and Offices | Positions and Offices with | Other Positions and Offices |
Business Address | with Manager | Registrant | Held |
Patrick P. Coyne | President | Chairman/President/Chief Executive Officer | Mr. Coyne has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
President Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. | |||
Director Kaydon Corp. | |||
Board of Governors Member Investment Company Institute (ICI) | |||
Member of Investment Committee Cradle of Liberty Council, BSA | |||
Finance Committee Member St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church | |||
Michael J. Hogan 1 | Executive Vice President/Head of Equity Investments | Executive Vice President/Head of Equity Investments | Mr. Hogan has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
John C. E. Campbell | Executive Vice President/Global Marketing & Client Services | None | Mr. Campbell has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Philip N. Russo | Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer | None | Mr. Russo has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
See Yeng Quek | Executive Vice President/Managing Director/Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income | Executive Vice President/Managing Director, Fixed Income | Mr. Quek has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments Executive Vice President/Managing Director/Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. |
Director/Trustee HYPPCO Finance Company Ltd. |
4
Name and
Principal
Business Address |
Positions and
Offices
with Manager |
Positions and
Offices with
Registrant |
Other
Positions and Offices
Held |
Douglas L. Anderson | Senior Vice President Operations | None | Mr. Anderson has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Marshall T. Bassett | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer Emerging Growth Equity | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer Emerging Growth Equity | Mr. Bassett has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Joseph R. Baxter | Senior Vice President/Head of Municipal Bond Investments | Senior Vice President/Head of Municipal Bond Investments | Mr. Baxter has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Christopher S. Beck | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Beck has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Michael P. Buckley | Senior Vice President/Director of Municipal Research |
Senior Vice President/Director of Municipal Research |
Mr. Buckley has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Stephen J. Busch | Senior Vice President Investment Accounting |
Senior Vice President Investment Accounting |
Mr. Busch has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Michael F. Capuzzi | Senior Vice President Investment Systems | Senior Vice President Investment Systems | Mr. Capuzzi has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Lui-Er Chen 2 | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Markets | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Markets | Mr. Chen has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Thomas H. Chow | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Chow has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Robert F. Collins | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Collins has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Stephen J. Czepiel 3 | Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Senior Municipal Bond Trader | Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Head Municipal Bond Trader | Mr. Czepiel has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Chuck M. Devereux | Senior Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Senior Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Mr. Devereux has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Roger A. Early 4 | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Early has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Stuart M. George | Senior Vice President/Head of Equity Trading | Senior Vice President/Head of Equity Trading | Mr. George has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
5
Name and Principal
Business Address |
Positions and Offices
with Manager |
Positions and Offices with
Registrant |
Other Positions and Offices
Held |
Paul Grillo | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Grillo has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
William F. Keelan | Senior Vice President/Director of Quantitative Research | Senior Vice President/Director of Quantitative Research | Mr. Keelan has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Kevin P. Loome 5 | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Head of High Yield Investments | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Head of High Yield Investments | Mr. Loome has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Francis X. Morris | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer Core Equity | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer Core Equity | Mr. Morris has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Brian L. Murray, Jr. | Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer | Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer |
Mr. Murray has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. |
Susan L. Natalini | Senior Vice President/Marketing & Shared Services | None | Ms. Natalini has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
D. Tysen Nutt | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, Large Cap Value Equity | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, Large Cap Value Equity | Mr. Nutt has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Philip O. Obazee | Senior Vice President/Derivatives Manager | Senior Vice President/Derivatives Manager | Mr. Obazee has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
David P. OConnor | Senior Vice President/Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/General Counsel | Senior Vice President/Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/General Counsel | Mr. OConnor has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Senior Vice President/ Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer Optimum Fund Trust | |||
Senior Vice President/ Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. |
|||
Philip R. Perkins | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Mr. Perkins has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
6
Name and Principal
Business Address |
Positions and Offices
with Manager |
Positions and Offices with
Registrant |
Other Positions and Offices
Held |
Richard Salus | Senior Vice President/ Controller/Treasurer | Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer | Mr. Salus has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Senior Vice President/ Controller/Treasurer Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. | |||
Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Optimum Fund Trust | |||
Jeffrey S. Van Harte 6 | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer Focus Growth Equity | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer Focus Growth Equity | Mr. Van Harte has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Babak Zenouzi 7 | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Zenouzi has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Gary T. Abrams | Vice President/Senior Equity Trader | Vice President/Senior Equity Trader | Mr. Abrams has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Christopher S. Adams | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Senior Equity Analyst | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Senior Equity Analyst | Mr. Adams has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Damon J. Andres | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Andres has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Wayne A. Anglace 8 | Vice President/Credit Research Analyst | Vice President/Credit Research Analyst | Mr. Anglace has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Margaret MacCarthy Bacon 9 |
Vice President/Investment Specialist |
Vice President/Investment Specialist | Ms. Bacon has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Todd Bassion 10 |
Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Mr. Bassion has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Jo Anne Bennick | Vice President/15(c) Reporting | Vice President/15(c) Reporting | Ms. Bennick has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Richard E. Biester | Vice President/Equity Trader | Vice President/Equity Trader | Mr. Biester has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Patricia L. Bakely | Vice President/Assistant Controller | Vice President/Assistant Controller | Ms. Bakely has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Christopher J. Bonavico 11 | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Mr. Bonavico has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Vincent A. Brancaccio | Vice President/Senior Equity Trader | Vice President/Senior Equity Trader | Mr. Brancaccio has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
7
Name and Principal
Business Address |
Positions and Offices
with Manager |
Positions and Offices with
Registrant |
Other Positions and Offices
Held |
Kenneth F. Broad 12 | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Mr. Broad has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Kevin J. Brown 13 | Vice President/Senior Investment Specialist | Vice President/Senior Investment Specialist | Mr. Brown has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Mary Ellen M. Carrozza | Vice President/Client Services | Vice President/Client Services | Ms. Carrozza has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Stephen G. Catricks | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Mr. Catricks has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Wen-Dar Chen 14 | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Mr. Chen has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Anthony G. Ciavarelli | Vice President/Assistant General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | Mr. Ciavarelli has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. | |||
David F. Connor | Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Secretary | Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Secretary | Mr. Connor has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Secretary Optimum Fund Trust | |||
Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Secretary Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. | |||
Michael Costanzo | Vice President/Performance Analyst Manager | Vice President/Performance Analyst Manager | Mr. Costanzo has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Kishor K. Daga | Vice President/Derivatives Operations | Vice President/Derivatives Operations | Mr. Daga has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Cori E. Daggett | Vice President/Counsel/ Assistant Secretary | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | Ms. Daggett has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Craig C. Dembek 15 | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Mr. Dembek has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Camillo DOrazio | Vice President/Investment Accounting | Vice President/Investment Accounting | Mr. DOrazio has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Christopher M. Ericksen 16 | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Mr. Ericksen has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
8
9
Name and Principal
Business Address |
Positions and Offices
with Manager |
Positions and Offices with
Registrant |
Other Positions and Offices
Held |
|
Brian Hamlet 23 | Vice President/Senior Corporate Bond Trader | Vice President/Senior Corporate Bond Trader | Mr. Hamlet has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Lisa L. Hansen 24 | Vice President/Head of Focus Growth Equity Trading | Vice President/Head of Focus Growth Equity Trading | Ms. Hansen has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Gregory M. Heywood 25 | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Equity Analyst | Mr. Heywood has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Sharon Hill | Vice President/Head of Equity Quantitative Research and Analytics | Vice President/Head of Equity Quantitative Research and Analytics | Ms. Hill has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Christopher M. Holland | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Mr. Holland has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Chungwei Hsia 26 | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Mr. Hsia has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Michael E. Hughes | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst | Mr. Hughes has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Jordan L. Irving | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Irving has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Cynthia Isom | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Ms. Isom has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Kenneth R. Jackson | Vice President/Quantitative Analyst | Vice President/Equity Trader | Mr. Jackson has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Stephen M. Juszczyszyn 27 | Vice President/Structured Products Analyst/Trader | Vice President/Structured Products Analyst/Trader | Mr. Juszczyszyn has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Audrey E. Kohart | Vice President Financial Planning and Reporting | Vice President Financial Planning and Reporting | Ms. Kohart has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Anu B. Kothari 28 | Vice President/Equity Analyst | Vice President/Equity Analyst | Ms. Kothari has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Roseanne L. Kropp | Vice President/Senior Fund Analyst II High Grade | Vice President/Senior Fund Analyst High Grade | Ms. Kropp has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Nikhil G. Lalvani | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Mr. Lalvani has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Steven T. Lampe | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Mr. Lampe has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments | |
Brian R. Lauzon 29 | Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Equity Investments | Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Equity Investments | Mr. Lauzon has served in various executive capacities with Delaware Investments | |
Anthony A. Lombardi | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Lombardi has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
10
11
Name and
Principal
Business Address |
Positions and
Offices
with Manager |
Positions and
Offices with
Registrant |
Other
Positions and Offices
Held |
Nancy E. Smith | Vice President Investment Accounting | Vice President Investment Accounting | Ms. Smith has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Brenda L. Sprigman | Vice President/Business Manager Fixed Income | Vice President/Business Manager Fixed Income | Ms. Sprigman has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Michael T. Taggart | Vice President Facilities & Administrative Services | None | Mr. Taggart has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Junee Tan-Torres 37 | Vice President/Structured Solutions | Vice President/ Structured Solutions | Mr. Tan-Torress has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Risé Taylor | Vice President/Strategic Investment Relationships | None | Ms. Taylor has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Rudy D. Torrijos, III | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/ Portfolio Manager | Mr. Torrijos has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Michael Tung 38 | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Mr. Tung has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Robert A. Vogel, Jr. | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager | Mr. Vogel has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Lori P. Wachs | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Ms. Wachs has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Jeffrey S. Wang 39 | Vice President/Equity Analyst | Vice President/Equity Analyst | Mr. Wang has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Michael G. Wildstein 40 | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst | Mr. Wildstein has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Kathryn R. Williams | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary | Ms. Williams has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary Lincoln National Investment Companies, Inc. | |||
Nashira Wynn | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst/Portfolio Manager | Vice President/Portfolio Manager | Ms. Wynn has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Guojia Zhang 41 | Vice President/Equity Analyst | Vice President/Equity Analyst | Mr. Zhang has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
Douglas R. Zinser 42 | Vice President/Credit Research Analyst | Vice President/Credit Research Analyst | Mr. Zinser has served in various executive capacities within Delaware Investments |
12
1. | Managing Director/Global Head of Equity (2004-2007) and Director/Portfolio Strategist (1996-2004), SEI Investments. |
2. | Managing Director/Senior Portfolio Manager , Evergreen Investment Management Company, 1995. |
3. | Vice President , Mesirow Financial, 1993-2004. |
4. | Senior Portfolio Manager, Chartwell Investment Partners, 2003-2007; Chief Investment Officer, Turner Investments, 2002-2003. |
5. | Portfolio Manager/Analyst, T. Rowe Price, 1996-2007. |
6. | Principal/Executive Vice President, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 1980-2005. |
7. | Senior Portfolio Manager , Chartwell Investment Partners, 1999-2006. |
8. | Research Analyst, Gartmore Global Investments, 2004-2007; Vice President - Private Client Researcher, Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown, 2000-2004. |
9. | Client Service Officer , Thomas Weisel Partners, 2002-2005. |
10. | Senior Research Associate , Thomas Weisel Partners, 2002-2005. |
11. | Principal/Portfolio Manager, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 1993-2005. |
12. | Principal/Portfolio Manager, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 2000-2005. |
13. | Director Institutional Equity Sales, Merrill Lynch, 2003-2006. |
14. | Quantitative Analyst, J.P. Morgan Securities, 1998-2004. |
15. | Senior Fixed Income Analyst, Chartwell Investment Partners, 2003-2007; Senior Fixed Income Analyst, Stein, Roe & Farnham, 2000-2003. |
16. | Portfolio Manager, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 2004-2005; Vice President/Portfolio Manager, Goldman Sachs 1994-2004. |
17. | Portfolio Manager, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 2000-2005. |
18. | Finance Professor, University of Massachusetts, 1987-2006; Co-founder, Arborway Capital, 2005; Senior Investment Professional, Thomas Weisel Partners, 2002-2005; Senior Investment Professional, ValueQuest, 1987-2002. |
19. | Vice President, Lehman Brothers, 2002-2008. |
20. | Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Manager, Miller, Anderson and Sherrerd, 1998-2007. |
21. | Vice President/Senior Quantitative Analyst, State Street Global Markets LLC, 2005-2007; Quantitative Strategist, Morgan Stanley, 2004-2005; Investment Banker, Commerzbank Securities, 2000-2004. |
22. | Portfolio Manager , Thomas Weisel Partners, 2002-2005. |
23. | Vice President, Lehman Brothers Holdings, 2003-2007. |
24. | Principal/Portfolio Manager/Senior Trader, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 1997-2005. |
25. | Senior Research Analyst, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 2004-2005; Senior Analyst, Wells Capital Management, LLC 2003-2004; Senior Analyst, Montgomery Asset Management 1996-2003. |
26. | Senior Analyst, Oppenheimer funds, 2006-2007; Senior Analyst, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, 2005- 2006; Analyst, Federated Investors, 2001-2005. |
27. | Director of Fixed Income Trading, Sovereign Bank Capital Markets, 2001-2007. |
28. | Equity Research Analyst , State Street Global Advisors, 2002-2008. |
29. | Director of Marketing , Merganser Capital Management, 2001-2007. |
30. | Senior High Yield Trader, Chartwell Investment Partners, 2002-2007. |
31. | Managing Director Fixed Income Trading, Sovereign Securities, 2001-2007. |
32. | Senior Portfolio Manager, HSBC Halbis Partners (USA), 2006-2007; Global Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, State of New Jersey, Department of Treasury, Division of Investment, 1999-2006. |
33. | Senior Software Developer/Technical Lead , Advisorport/PFPC, 2000-2005. |
34. | Principal/Portfolio Manager, Transamerica Investment Management, LLC, 1998-2005. |
35. | Head Trader, McMorgan & Company , 2003-2005. |
36. | Vice President/Senior Emerging Markets Analyst, Artha Capital Management, 2005-2006; Director/Portfolio Manager, CDP Capital, 2002-2005. |
37. | Director of Pension Analytics , Merrill Lynch, 2006-2008; Managing Director , Pension, Investment and Insurance Resource, LLC, 2006; Investment Director , Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting, 2003-2006. |
38. | Vice President, Galleon Group, 2005-2006; Analyst, Hambrecht & Quist Capital Management, 2003-2005; Junior Analyst, Durus Capital Management, 2003; Anesthesiologist, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 2002-2003. |
39. | Investment Manager, Pictet Asset Management Limited, 2004-2007; Summer Intern, Ritchie Capital Management, LLC, 2003; Senior Investment Associate, Putnam Investments, 1999-2002. |
40. | Portfolio Manager, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, 2001-2007. |
41. | Equity Analyst , Evergreen Investment Management Company, 2004-2006. |
42. | Vice President, Assurant, 2006-2007; Assistant Vice President - Senior Research Analyst, Delaware Investments, 2002-2006. |
13
Item 27. |
Principal Underwriters . |
|||
(a)(1) | Delaware Distributors, L.P. serves as principal underwriter for all the mutual funds in the Delaware Investments Family of Funds. | |||
(a)(2) | Information with respect to each officer and partner of the principal underwriter and the Registrant is provided below. Unless otherwise noted, the principal business address of each officer and partner of Delaware Distributors, L.P. is 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7094. |
Name and Principal Business | Positions and Offices with | Positions and Offices with |
Address | Underwriter | Registrant |
Delaware Distributors, Inc. | General Partner | None |
Delaware Capital Management | Limited Partner | None |
Delaware Investment Advisers | Limited Partner | None |
Theodore K. Smith | President | None |
Philip N. Russo | Executive Vice President | None |
Douglas L. Anderson | Senior Vice President | None |
Jeffrey M. Kellogg | Senior Vice President | None |
Brian L. Murray, Jr. | Senior Vice President | Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer |
David P. OConnor | Senior Vice President General Counsel | Senior Vice President/Strategic Investment Relationships and Initiatives/General Counsel |
Richard Salus | Senior Vice President/Controller/Treasurer/Financial Operations Principal | Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer |
Trevor M. Blum | Vice President | None |
Mary Ellen M. Carrozza | Vice President | None |
Anthony G. Ciavarelli | Vice President/Assistant Secretary | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
David F. Connor | Vice President/Secretary | Vice President/Deputy General Counsel/Secretary |
Cori E. Daggett | Vice President/Assistant Secretary | Vice President/Assistant Secretary |
Daniel V. Geatens | Vice President | Vice President |
Edward M. Grant | Vice President | None |
Audrey Kohart | Vice President | Vice President - Financial Planning and Reporting |
Marlene D. Petter | Vice President | None |
Richard D. Seidel | Vice President/Assistant Controller/Assistant Treasurer | None |
Michael T. Taggart | Vice President | None |
Molly Thompson | Vice President | None |
Kathryn R. Williams | Vice President/Assistant Secretary | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
(b)(1) | Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. (LFD) serves as financial intermediary wholesaler for all the mutual funds in the Delaware Investments Family of Funds. | |||
(b)(2) | Information with respect to each officer and partner of LFD and the Registrant is provided below. Unless otherwise noted, the principal business address of each officer and partner of LFD is 130 North Radnor-Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087. |
14
Name and Principal Business | Positions and Offices with | |
Address |
Positions and Office with LFD |
Registrant |
(Vacant) | President and Chief Executive Officer | None |
David M. Kittredge | Senior Vice President | None |
Nancy Briguglio | Vice President | None |
Patrick J. Caulfield | Vice President; Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Randal J. Freitag | Vice President; Treasurer | None |
Deana M. Friedt | Vice President | None |
Amy W. Hester | Vice President | None |
Daniel P. Hickey 1 | Vice President | None |
Karina Istvan | Vice President | None |
Sharon G. Marnien | Vice President | None |
Thomas F. Murray | Vice President | None |
James Ryan | Vice President | None |
Keith J. Ryan | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | None |
Joel Schwartz | Vice President | None |
Marjorie Snelling | Vice President | None |
1 350 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103 |
(c) |
Not applicable. |
|||
Item 29. |
Management Services . None. |
|||
Item 30. |
Undertakings . Not applicable. |
15
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on this 29th day of April, 2009.
DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS | ||
By: | /s/ Patrick P. Coyne | |
Patrick P. Coyne | ||
Chairman/President/Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature | Title | Date | |||
/s/ Patrick P. Coyne | Chairman/President/Chief Executive Officer | April 29, 2009 | |||
Patrick P. Coyne | (Principal Executive Officer) and Trustee | ||||
Thomas L. Bennett | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
Thomas L. Bennett | |||||
John A. Fry | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
John A. Fry | |||||
Anthony D. Knerr | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
Anthony D. Knerr | |||||
Lucinda S. Landreth | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
Lucinda S. Landreth | |||||
Ann R. Leven | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
Ann R. Leven | |||||
Thomas F. Madison | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
Thomas F. Madison | |||||
Janet L. Yeomans | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
Janet L. Yeomans | |||||
J. Richard Zecher | * | Trustee | April 29, 2009 | ||
J. Richard Zecher | |||||
Richard Salus | * | Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer | April 29, 2009 | ||
Richard Salus | (Principal Financial Officer) |
*By: | /s/ Patrick P. Coyne | ||
Patrick P. Coyne | |||
as Attorney-in-Fact for | |||
each of the persons indicated | |||
(Pursuant to Powers of Attorney previously filed) |
16
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
EXHIBITS
TO
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
17
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(Delaware Group ® Limited-Term Government Funds N-1A)
EX-99.e.1.ii | Executed Distribution Expense Limitation Letter (April 2009) between Delaware Distributors, L.P. and the Registrant | |
EX-99.g.1 | Executed Mutual Fund Custody and Services Agreement (July 20, 2007) between The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly, Mellon Bank, N.A.) and the Registrant | |
EX-99.h.1.ii | Executed Schedule B (June 1, 2008) to the Shareholder Services Agreement | |
EX-99.j | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (April 2009) | |
EX-99.n.1 | Plan under Rule 18f-3 (August 31, 2006) | |
EX-99.n.1.i | Appendix A (November 19, 2008) to Plan under Rule 18f-3 | |
EX-99.p.1 | Code of Ethics for the Delaware Investments Family of Funds (August 2008) | |
EX-99.p.2 | Code of Ethics for Delaware Investments (Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, and Delaware Distributors, L.P.) (August 2008) |
18
Ex-99.e.1.ii
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
2005
Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
April 29 2009
Delaware Group Limited Term Government
Funds
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Re: | Expense Limitations |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
By our execution of this letter agreement (the Agreement), intending to be legally bound hereby, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the Distributor) agrees that in order to improve the performance of the Class R Shares of the Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund (the Fund), which is a series of Delaware Group Limited Term Government Funds, the Distributor shall waive a portion of the Rule 12b-1 (distribution) fees for the Funds Class R Shares, so that the Class R Shares Rule 12b-1 (distribution) fees will not exceed 0.50% for the period May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.
The Distributor acknowledges that it shall not be entitled to collect on, or make a claim for, waived fees at any time in the future.
Delaware Distributors, L.P. | |||
By: | /s/Theodore K. Smith | ||
Name: | Theodore K. Smith | ||
Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
Date: | April 29, 2009 |
Your signature below
acknowledges
acceptance of this Agreement:
Delaware Group Limited Term Government Funds
By: | /s/Patrick P. Coyne | ||
Name: | Patrick P. Coyne | ||
Title: | President | ||
Date: | April 29, 2009 |
Ex-99.g.1
Delaware Funds |
MUTUAL FUND CUSTODY
AND
SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the 20 th day of July, 2007, and is by and between each investment company listed on Appendix D (referred to herein individually as the Fund and collectively, as the Funds) and MELLON BANK, N.A. (referred to herein as the Custodian) a national banking association with its principal place of business at One Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258. As a matter of administrative convenience, this Agreement is entered into by and between the Custodian and multiple Funds, each on behalf of their respective Series (as hereinafter defined). Nevertheless, this Agreement shall be construed to constitute a separate Agreement between each such Fund, on behalf of its Series, and the Custodian. As such, the term Fund is used in the singular herein.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets, and the Fund has made the Series listed on Appendix D subject to this Agreement (each such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to the Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be referred to as a Series and collectively as the Series);
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian desire to set forth their agreement with respect to the custody of the Series Securities and cash and the processing of Securities transactions;
WHEREAS , the Board desires to delegate certain of its responsibilities for performing the services set forth in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2) and (c)(3) of Rule 17f-5 to the Custodian as a Foreign Custody Manager;
WHEREAS , the Custodian agrees to accept such delegation with respect to Assets; and
WHEREAS , the Custodian agrees to perform the function of a Primary Custodian under Rule 17f-7;
NOW THEREFORE , the Fund and the Custodian agree as follows:
DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases, unless the context requires otherwise, shall have the following meanings:
1. Act : the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, all as amended from time to time.
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2. Agreement : this agreement and any amendments.
3. Assets : any Securities and other assets and investments of the Fund and/or Series, including foreign currencies and investments for which the primary market is outside the United States, and such cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Funds and/or Series transactions in such investments.
4. Authorized Person : any person, whether or not any such person is an officer or employee of the Fund, duly authorized by the Fund to add or delete jurisdictions pursuant to Article II and to give Instructions on behalf of a Series which is listed in the Certificate annexed hereto as Appendix A or such other Certificate as may be received by the Custodian from time to time.
5. Board : the Board of Directors/Trustees (or the body authorized to exercise authority similar to that of the board of directors of a corporation) of the Fund.
6. Book-Entry System : the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system for United States and federal agency Securities, its successor or successors and its nominee or nominees.
7. Business Day : any day on which the Series, the Custodian, the Book-Entry System and appropriate clearing corporation(s) are open for business.
8. Certificate : any notice, instruction or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, which is actually received by the Custodian and signed on behalf of a Series by an Authorized Person or Persons designated by the Board to issue a Certificate.
9. Eligible Securities Depository : the meaning of the term set forth in Rule 17f-7(b)(1).
10. Foreign Countries : the jurisdictions listed on Appendix C for which the Custodian makes available Foreign Custodians, as such list may be amended from time to time in accordance with Article II.
11. Foreign Custodian : (a) a banking institution or trust company incorporated or organized under the laws of a country other than the United States, that is regulated as such by the countrys government or an agency of the countrys government; (b) a majority-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank or bank-holding company; or (c) any entity, other than a Securities Depository, with respect to which exemptive or no-action relief has been granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission to act as an eligible foreign custodian under Rule 17f-5. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Foreign Custodian shall not include Euroclear, Clearstream, Bank One or any other transnational system for the central handling of securities or equivalent book-entries regardless of whether or not such entities or their service providers are acting in a custodial capacity with respect to Assets, Securities or other property of the Series.
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12. Foreign Custody Manager : the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-5(a)(3).
13. Instructions : (i) all directions to the Custodian from an Authorized Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; (ii) all directions by or on behalf of the Fund to the Custodian in its corporate capacity (or any of its affiliates) with respect to contracts for foreign exchange; (iii) all directions by or on behalf of the Fund pursuant to an agreement with Custodian (or any of its affiliates) with respect to benefit disbursement services or information or transactional services provided via a web site sponsored by the Custodian (or any of its affiliates) (e.g., the Workbench web site) and (iv) all directions by or on behalf of the Fund pursuant to any other agreement or procedure between the Custodian (or any of its affiliates) and the Fund, if such agreement or procedure specifically provides that authorized persons thereunder are deemed to be authorized to give instructions under this Agreement. Instructions shall be in writing, transmitted by first class mail, overnight delivery, private courier, facsimile, or shall be an electronic transmission subject to the Custodians policies and procedures, other institutional delivery systems or trade matching utilities as directed by an Authorized Person and supported by the Custodian, or other methods agreed upon in writing by the Fund and Custodian. The Custodian may, in its discretion, accept oral directions and instructions from an Authorized Person and may require confirmation in writing. However, where the Custodian acts on an oral direction prior to receipt of a written confirmation, the Custodian shall not be liable if a subsequent written confirmation fails to conform to the oral direction.
14. Primary Custodian : the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-7(b)(2).
15. Prospectus : a Series' current registration statement, including the prospectus and statement of additional information, relating to the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Act.
16. Risk Analysis : the analysis required under Rule 17f-7(a)(1)(i)(A).
17. Rules 17f-4, 17f-5 and 17f-7 : such Rules as promulgated under Section 17(f) of the Act, as such rules (and any successor rules or regulations) may be amended from time to time.
18. Security or Securities : bonds, debentures, notes, stocks, shares, evidences of indebtedness, and other securities, commodities, interests and investments from time to time owned by the Series.
19. Securities Depository : a system for the central handling of securities as defined in Rule 17f-4.
20. Shares : shares of each Series, however designated.
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ARTICLE I. CUSTODY PROVISIONS
1. Appointment of Custodian . The Board appoints the Custodian, and the Custodian accepts appointment, as custodian of all the Assets at the time owned by or in the possession of the Series during the period of this Agreement. The Board shall not appoint any other custodian for any Assets of any Series during the Initial Term.
2. Custody of Cash and Securities .
a. Receipt and Holding of Assets . The Series will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all Assets owned by it at any time during the period of this Custody Agreement. The Custodian will not be responsible for such Assets until actually received. The Board specifically authorizes the Custodian to hold Assets or other property of the Series with any domestic subcustodian or Securities Depository, and Foreign Custodians or Eligible Securities Depositories in the Foreign Countries as provided in Article II, as may be directed by the Fund or its investment adviser or subadviser, as the case may be. Assets of the Series deposited in a Securities Depository or Eligible Securities Depositories will be reflected in an account or accounts which include only assets held by the Custodian or a Foreign Custodian for its customers.
b. Disbursements of Cash and Delivery of Securities . The Custodian shall disburse cash or deliver out Securities only for the purposes listed below. Instructions must specify or evidence the purpose for which any transaction is to be made and the Series shall be solely responsible to assure that Instructions are in accord with any limitations or restrictions applicable to the Series:
(1) In payment for Securities purchased for the applicable Series;
(2) In payment of dividends or distributions with respect to Shares;
(3) In payment for Shares which have been redeemed by the applicable Series;
(4) In payment of taxes;
(5) When Securities are sold, called, redeemed, retired, or otherwise become payable;
(6) In exchange for, or upon conversion into, other securities alone or other securities and cash pursuant to any plan or merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, readjustment or other similar transactions;
(7) Upon conversion of Securities pursuant to their terms into other securities;
(8) Upon exercise of subscription, purchase or other similar rights represented by Securities;
4
(9) For the payment of interest, management or supervisory fees, distributions or operating expenses;
(10) In payment of fees and in reimbursement of the expenses and liabilities of the Custodian attributable to the applicable Series;
(11) In connection with any borrowings by the applicable Series or short sales of securities requiring a pledge of Assets, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;
(12) In connection with any loans, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as specified in Instructions which shall reflect any restrictions applicable to the Series;
(13) For the purpose of redeeming Shares of the capital stock of the applicable Series and the delivery to, or the crediting to the account of, the Custodian or the applicable Series transfer agent, such Shares to be purchased or redeemed;
(14) For the purpose of redeeming in kind Shares of the applicable Series against delivery to the Custodian, its subcustodian or the Series transfer agent of such Shares to be so redeemed;
(15) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and a member of The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund. The Custodian will act only in accordance with Instructions in the delivery of Securities to be held in escrow and will have no responsibility or liability for any such Securities which are not returned promptly when due other than to make proper requests for such return;
(16) For spot or forward foreign exchange transactions to facilitate security trading, receipt of income from Securities or related transactions;
(17) Upon the termination of this Agreement;
(18) In connection with non-certificated investments including, but not limited to: deposit obligations, repurchase agreements, and swap transactions, loan participations, options and futures transactions and other derivative investments;
(19) For other proper purposes as may be specified in Instructions issued by an Authorized Person of the Fund which shall include a statement of the purpose for which the delivery or payment is to be made, the amount of the payment or specific Assets to be delivered, the name of the person or persons to whom delivery or payment is to be made, and a Certificate stating that the purpose is a proper purpose under the instruments governing the Fund; and
5
(20) For delivery of Assets of the Fund as set forth under Article I, Section 7.
c. Actions Which May be Taken Without Instructions . Unless an Instruction to the contrary is received, the Custodian shall:
(1) Collect all income due or payable, provided that the Custodian shall not be responsible for the failure to receive payment of (or late payment of) distributions or other payments with respect to Assets held in the account;
(2) Present for payment and collect the amount payable upon all Assets which may mature or be called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to the Series for monitoring or ascertaining any call, redemption or retirement dates with respect to put bonds or similar instruments which are owned by the Series and held by the Custodian or its nominees where such dates are not published in sources routinely used by the Custodian. Nor shall the Custodian have any responsibility or liability to the Series for any loss by the Series for any missed payments or other defaults resulting therefrom, unless the Custodian received timely notification from the Series specifying the time, place and manner for the presentment of any such put bond owned by the Series and held by the Custodian or its nominee. The Custodian shall not be responsible and assumes no liability for the accuracy or completeness of any notification the Custodian may furnish to the Series with respect to put bonds or similar instruments;
(3) Surrender Securities in temporary form for definitive Securities;
(4) Hold directly, or through a Securities Depository with respect to Securities therein deposited, for the account of the applicable Series all rights and similar Securities issued with respect to any Securities held by the Custodian hereunder for that Series;
(5) Submit or cause to be submitted to the applicable Series or its investment advisor as designated by the Fund information actually received by the Custodian regarding ownership rights, including proxies pertaining to Assets held for the applicable Series;
(6) Deliver or cause to be delivered any Securities held for the applicable Series in exchange for other Securities or cash issued or paid in connection with the liquidation, reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of any corporation, or the exercise of any conversion privilege;
6
(7) Deliver or cause to be delivered any Securities held for the applicable Series to any protective committee, reorganization committee or other person in connection with the reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation or recapitalization or sale of assets of any corporation, and receive and hold under the terms of this Agreement such certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other instruments or documents as may be issued to it to evidence such delivery;
(8) Make or cause to be made such transfers or exchanges of the Assets specifically allocated to the applicable Series and take such other steps as shall be stated in Instructions to be for the purpose of effectuating any duly authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the applicable Series;
(9) Deliver Securities upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase agreement related to such Securities entered into by the Series;
(10) Deliver Securities owned by the applicable Series to the issuer thereof or its agent when such Securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided, however, that in any such case the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to the Series for monitoring or ascertaining any call, redemption or retirement dates with respect to the put bonds or similar instruments which are owned by the Series and held by the Custodian or its nominee where such dates are not published in sources routinely used by the Custodian. Nor shall the Custodian have any responsibility or liability to the Series for any loss by the Series for any missed payment or other default resulting therefrom unless the Custodian received timely notification from the Series specifying the time, place and manner for the presentment of any such put bond owned by the Series and held by the Custodian or its nominee. The Custodian shall not be responsible and assumes no liability to the Series for the accuracy or completeness of any notification the Custodian may furnish to the applicable Series with respect to put bonds or similar investments but shall provide the Fund with information concerning such notices received;
(11) Endorse and collect all checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money received by the Custodian for the account of the applicable Series;
(12) Report the Asset positions of a Series as of such dates as the Fund and the Custodian may agree upon, in accordance with methods consistently followed and uniformly applied. It is hereby expressly acknowledged and agreed that any Asset values that may be reflected in any such report shall be furnished by the Custodian solely on an accommodation basis and is provided to or for the benefit of the Fund (or the Funds service provider or agent) as general information and is not intended to be a comprehensive summary or report of the value of the Assets comprising a Series. No representation is made by the Custodian as to the accuracy or completeness of any such values. The Custodian does not undertake any duty or responsibility to notify or otherwise provide any updates or other revisions with respect to any such values. It is hereby further expressly acknowledged and agreed that the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, cost, damage, expense, liability or claim directly or indirectly relating to any such values reflected on any such report for a Series provided by the Custodian; and
7
(13) Execute any and all documents, agreements or other instruments and take all actions as may be necessary or desirable for the accomplishment of the purposes of this Agreement.
d. Confirmation and Statements . Promptly after the close of business on each Business Day, the Custodian shall furnish each Series with confirmations and a summary of all transfers to or from the account of the Series during such Business Day. Where Securities purchased by a Series are in a fungible bulk of securities registered in the name of the Custodian (or its nominee) or shown on the Custodian's account on the books of a Securities Depository, the Custodian shall by book-entry or otherwise identify the quantity of those securities belonging to that Series. At least monthly, the Custodian shall furnish each Series with a detailed statement of the Securities and other Assets held for the Series under this Custody Agreement.
e. Registration of Securities . The Custodian is authorized to hold all Securities, Assets, or other property of each Series in nominee name, in bearer form or in book-entry form. The Custodian may register any Securities, Assets or other property of each Series in the name of the Fund or the Series, in the name of the Custodian, any domestic subcustodian or Foreign Custodian, in the name of any duly appointed registered nominee of such entity, or in the name of a Securities Depository or its successor or successors, or its nominee or nominees. The Fund agrees to furnish to the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for transfer, or to register in the name of its registered nominee or in the name of a domestic subcustodian, Foreign Custodian or Securities Depository, any Securities which the Custodian may hold for the account of the applicable Series and which may from time to time be registered in the name of the Fund or the applicable Series.
f. Reporting and Recordkeeping . The ownership of the property whether securities, cash and/or other property, and whether held by the Custodian or a subcustodian or in a depository, clearing agency or clearing system, shall be clearly recorded on the Custodian's books as belonging to the Series and not for the Custodian's own interest. Where certificates are legended or otherwise not fungible with publicly traded certificates (and in other cases where the Custodian and the Series may agree), the Series reserves the right to instruct the Custodian as to the name only in which such securities shall be registered and the Custodian, to the extent reasonably practicable, shall comply with such Instructions; provided, however, if the Custodian reasonably determines that compliance with such Instructions is not reasonably practicable or otherwise may conflict with applicable law, rule or regulation, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Series and shall comply with reasonable alternatives as to which the parties may agree. The Custodian shall keep accurate and detailed accounts of all investments, receipts, disbursements and other transactions for the Series. All accounts, books and records of the Custodian relating thereto shall be open to inspection and audit at all reasonable times during normal business hours of the Custodian by any person designated by the Series.
8
All such books, records and accounts shall be maintained and preserved in the form reasonably requested by the Series and in accordance with the Act and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Section 31 thereof and Rule 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All books, records and accounts pertaining to the Series, which are in the possession of the Custodian, shall be the property of the Fund and such materials or (unless the delivery of original materials is required pursuant to applicable law) legible copies thereof in a format reasonably acceptable to the Fund, shall be surrendered promptly upon request; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be entitled to retain a copy or the original of any such books, records and accounts as may be required or permitted by applicable law and the Custodian's own policies and procedures. The Custodian will supply to the Series from time to time, as mutually agreed upon, a statement in respect to any property of the Series held by the Custodian or by a subcustodian.
g. Segregated Accounts . Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian will, from time to time establish, segregated accounts on behalf of the applicable Series to hold and deal with specified Assets as shall be directed.
3. Settlement of Series Transactions .
a. Customary Practices . Settlement of transactions may be effected in accordance with trading and processing practices customary in the jurisdiction or market where the transaction occurs. The Fund acknowledges that this may, in certain circumstances, require the delivery of Assets without the concurrent receipt of Securities (or other property) or cash. In such circumstances, the Custodian shall have no responsibility for nonreceipt of payments (or late payment) or nondelivery of Securities or other property (or late delivery) by the counterparty.
b. Contractual Income . The Custodian shall credit the applicable Series, in accordance with the Custodians standard operating procedure, with income and maturity proceeds on Securities on the contractual payment dates net of any taxes or upon actual receipt. To the extent the Custodian credits income on contractual payment date, the Custodian may reverse such accounting entries to the contractual payment date if the Custodian reasonably believes that such amount will not be received.
c. Contractual Settlement . The Custodian will attend to the settlement of Securities transactions in accordance with the Custodians standard operating procedure, on the basis of either contractual settlement date accounting or actual settlement date accounting. To the extent the Custodian settles certain Securities transactions on the basis of contractual settlement date accounting, the Custodian may reverse to the contractual settlement date any entry relating to such contractual settlement if the Custodian reasonably believes that such amount will not be received.
4. Lending of Securities . The Custodian may lend the Assets of the Series in accordance with the terms and conditions of one or more separate securities lending agreements, approved by the Fund.
9
5. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Series .
a. No trustee or agent of the Fund, and no officer, director, employee or agent of the Fund's investment adviser, of any sub-investment adviser of the Fund, or of the Fund's administrator, shall have physical access to the assets of the Series held by the Custodian or be authorized or permitted to withdraw any investments of the Series, nor shall the Custodian deliver any Assets of the Series to any such person. No officer, director, employee or agent of the Custodian who holds any similar position with the Fund's investment adviser, with any sub-investment adviser of the Fund or with the Fund's administrator shall have access to the Assets of the Series.
b. Nothing in this Section 5 shall prohibit any duly authorized officer, employee or agent of the Fund, or any duly authorized officer, director, employee or agent of the investment adviser, of any sub-investment adviser of the Series or of the Series administrator, from giving Instructions to the Custodian or executing a Certificate so long as it does not result in delivery of or access to Assets of the Series prohibited by paragraph (a) of this Section 5.
6. Standard of Care; Scope of Custodial Responsibilities .
a. Standard of Care . The Custodian shall be required to exercise reasonable care with respect to its duties under this Agreement unless otherwise provided.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss or damage, including counsel fees, resulting from its action or omission to act or otherwise, except for any such loss or damage arising out of the negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian or any agent, subcustodian or Foreign Custodian appointed by the Custodian.
(2) The Custodian may consult with the Custodians or the Funds counsel with respect to any matter arising in connection with this Agreement, and the Custodian shall not be liable nor accountable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel. To the extent possible, the Custodian shall notify the Fund at any time the Custodian believes it needs advice of the Funds counsel with regard to the Custodians responsibilities and duties pursuant to this Agreement. If the Custodian wishes to seek and rely on legal advice from counsel that is neither the Custodians counsel nor the Funds counsel, and the Custodian seeks to be reimbursed for the counsel fees, then the Custodian must notify and seek prior approval of the affected Fund, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Custodian shall in no event be liable to a Fund or any Fund shareholder or beneficial owner for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
b. Scope of Duties . Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall be under no duty or obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
(1) The acts or omissions of any agent appointed pursuant to Instructions of the Fund or its investment advisor including, but not limited to, any broker-dealer or other entity to hold any Assets of the Fund as collateral or otherwise pursuant to any investment strategy.
10
(2) The title, genuineness or validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by the Series, the legality of the purchase thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid therefor;
(3) The legality of the sale of any Securities by the Series or the propriety of the amount for which the same are sold;
(4) The legality of the issue or sale of any Shares, or the sufficiency of the amount to be received therefor;
(5) The legality of the redemption of any Shares, or the propriety of the amount to be paid therefor;
(6) The legality of the declaration or payment of any distribution of the Series; or
(7) The legality of any borrowing for temporary administrative or emergency purposes.
c. No Liability Until Receipt . The Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered to be the Custodian of, any money, whether or not represented by any check, draft, or other instrument for the payment of money, received by it on behalf of the Series, until the Custodian actually receives and collects such money.
d. Amounts Due from Transfer Agent . The Custodian shall not be required to effect collection of any amount due to the Series from the Series transfer agent nor be required to cause payment or distribution by such transfer agent of any amount paid by the Custodian to the transfer agent.
e. Collection Where Payment Refused . The Custodian shall not be required to take action to effect collection of any amount, if the Securities upon which such amount is payable are in default, if payment is refused after due demand or presentation, or with respect to any insolvency or similar proceeding, unless and until it shall be directed to take such action and it shall be assured to its satisfaction of reimbursement of its related costs and expenses.
f. No Duty to Ascertain Authority . The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to ascertain whether any Assets at any time delivered to or held by it for the Series are such as may properly be held by the Series under the provisions of its governing instruments or Prospectus.
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g. Reliance on Instructions . The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Instruction, notice or other instrument in writing received by the Custodian and reasonably believed by the Custodian to be genuine and to be signed by an Authorized Person of the Series. Where the Custodian is issued Instructions orally, the Series acknowledge that if written confirmation is requested, the validity of the transactions or enforceability of the transactions authorized by the Series shall not be affected if such confirmation is not received or is contrary to oral Instructions given. The Custodian shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with all such Instructions and in failing to act in the absence thereof. The Custodian shall be under no duty to question any direction of an Authorized Person with respect to the portion of the account over which such Authorized Person has authority, to review any property held in the account, to make any suggestions with respect to the investment and reinvestment of the Assets in the account, or to evaluate or question the performance of any Authorized Person. The Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for any diminution of value of any Assets held by the Custodian or its subcustodians pursuant to Instructions. In following Instructions, the Custodian shall be fully protected and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any person or entity not selected or retained by the Custodian in its sole discretion, including but not limited to, any broker-dealer or other entity designated by the Fund or Authorized Person to hold Assets of the account as collateral or otherwise pursuant to an investment strategy.
7. Appointment of Subcustodians; Transfer of Assets to Subcustodians or Brokers . The Custodian is hereby authorized to appoint one or more domestic subcustodians (which may be an affiliate of the Custodian) to hold Assets at any time owned by the Series. The Custodian is also hereby authorized, when acting pursuant to Instructions, to: 1) place Assets with any Foreign Custodian located in a jurisdiction which is not a Foreign Country and with Euroclear, Clearstream, Banc One or any other transnational depository; and 2) settle or place Assets with a broker or any such domestic subcustodian or Foreign Custodian in connection with derivative transactions of any kind, including futures, options, short selling, swaps or other transactions. When acting pursuant to such Instructions, the Custodian shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such broker, subcustodian or Foreign Custodian.
8. Overdraft Facility and Security for Payment . In the event that the Custodian receives Instructions to make payments or transfers of Assets on behalf of the Series for which there would be, at the close of business on the Business Day of such payment or transfer, insufficient monies held by the Custodian on behalf of the Series, the Custodian may, in its sole discretion, provide an overdraft (an "Overdraft") to the Series in an amount sufficient to allow the completion of such payment or transfer. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall be payable on the next Business Day, unless otherwise agreed by the Series and the Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the date of the Overdraft to the date of payment in full by the Series at a rate agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Series or, in the absence of specific agreement, by such rate as charged to other customers of the Custodian under procedures uniformly applied. The Custodian and the Series acknowledge that the purpose of such Overdraft is to temporarily finance the purchase of Securities for prompt delivery in accordance with the terms hereof, to meet unanticipated or unusual redemptions, to allow the settlement of foreign exchange contracts or to meet other unanticipated Series expenses. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Series (an "Overdraft Notice") of any Overdraft.
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To secure payment of any Overdraft and related interest and expenses, the Series hereby grants to the Custodian a first priority security interest in and right of setoff against the Assets in the Series account, including all income, substitutions and proceeds, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (the Collateral), in the full amount of such Overdraft, interest and expenses; provided that the Series does not grant the Custodian a security interest in any Securities issued by an affiliate of the Custodian (as defined in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act). The Custodian and the Series intend that, as the securities intermediary with respect to the Collateral, the Custodians security interest shall automatically be perfected when it attaches. Should the Series fail to pay promptly any amounts owed hereunder, the Custodian shall be entitled to use available Assets in the Series account and to liquidate Securities in the account as necessary to meet the Series obligations relating to such Overdraft, interest and expenses. In any such case, and without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall be entitled to take such other actions(s) or exercise such other options, powers and rights as the Custodian now or hereafter has as a secured creditor under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law.
9. Tax Obligations . For purposes of this Agreement, Tax Obligations shall mean taxes, withholding, certification and reporting requirements, claims for exemptions or refund, interest, penalties, additions to tax and other related expenses. To the extent that the Custodian has received relevant and necessary information with respect to the account, the Custodian shall perform the following services with respect to Tax Obligations:
a. The Custodian shall file claims for exemptions or refunds with respect to withheld foreign (non-U.S.) taxes in instances in which such claims are appropriate upon receipt of sufficient information;
b. The Custodian shall withhold appropriate amounts, as required by U.S. tax laws, with respect to amounts received on behalf of nonresident aliens upon receipt of Instructions; and
c. The Custodian shall provide to the Fund or the Authorized Person such information received by the Custodian which could, in the Custodians reasonable belief, assist the Fund or the Authorized Person in the submission of any reports or returns with respect to Tax Obligations. The Fund shall inform the Custodian in writing as to which party or parties shall receive information from the Custodian.
d. The Custodian shall provide such other services with respect to Tax Obligations, including preparation and filing of tax returns and reports and payment of amounts due (to the extent funded), as requested by the Fund and agreed to by the Custodian in writing. The Custodian shall have no independent obligation to determine the existence of any information with respect to, or the extent of, any Tax Obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the account by any taxing authority. Except as specifically provided herein or agreed to in writing by the Custodian, the Custodian shall have no obligations or liability with respect to Tax Obligations, including, without limitation, any obligation to file or submit returns or reports with any state, foreign or other taxing authorities.
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e. In making payments to service providers pursuant to Instructions, the Fund acknowledges that the Custodian is acting as a paying agent and not as the payor, for tax information reporting and withholding purposes.
ARTICLE II. FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER SERVICES
1. Delegation . The Board delegates to the Custodian, and the Custodian hereby agrees to accept, responsibility as the Funds Foreign Custody Manager for selecting, contracting with and monitoring Foreign Custodians in Foreign Countries in accordance with Rule 17f-5(c).
2. Changes to Appendix C . Appendix C may be amended by written agreement from time to time to add or delete jurisdictions by written agreement signed by an Authorized Person of the Fund and the Custodian, but the Custodian reserves the right to delete jurisdictions upon reasonable notice to the Series .
3. Reports to Board . Custodian shall provide written reports notifying the Board of the placement of Assets with a particular Foreign Custodian and of any material change in a Series foreign custody arrangements. Such reports shall be provided to the Board quarterly, except as otherwise agreed by the Custodian and the Fund.
4. Monitoring System . In each case in which the Custodian has exercised delegated authority to place Assets with a Foreign Custodian, the Custodian shall establish a system, to re-assess or re-evaluate selected Foreign Custodians, at least annually in accordance with Rule 17f-5(c)(3).
5. Standard of Care . In exercising the delegated authority under this Article II of the Agreement, the Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of the Assets would exercise in like circumstances. Contracts with Foreign Custodians shall provide for reasonable care for Assets based on the standards applicable to Foreign Custodians in the Foreign Country. In making this determination, the Custodian shall consider the provisions of Rule 17f-5(c)(2).
6. Use of Securities Depositories. In exercising its delegated authority, the Custodian may assume that the Series and its investment adviser have determined, pursuant to Rule 17f-7, that the depository provides reasonable safeguards against custody risks, if a Series decides to place and maintain foreign Assets with any Securities Depository as to which the Custodian has provided the Fund on behalf of such Series with a Risk Analysis.
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7. Notice of Change of Subcustodians . The Custodian shall promptly advise or provide notice to the Series of any change to its subcustodial network.
ARTICLE III. INFORMATION SERVICES
1. Risk Analysis . The Custodian will provide the Fund on behalf of the Series with a Risk Analysis with respect to Securities Depositories operating in the Foreign Countries. If the Custodian is unable to provide a Risk Analysis with respect to a particular Securities Depository, it will notify the Fund on behalf of the Series. Custodian shall advise whether a particular Securities Depository meets the objective standard set forth in applicable provisions of Rule 17f-7 of the Act. If a new Securities Depository commences operation in one of the Foreign Countries, the Custodian will provide the Fund on behalf of the Series with a Risk Analysis in a reasonably practicable time after such Securities Depository becomes operational. If a new country is added to Appendix C , the Custodian will provide the Fund on behalf of the Series with a Risk Analysis with respect to each Securities Depository in that country within a reasonably practicable time after the addition of the country to Appendix C .
2. Monitoring of Securities Depositories . The Custodian will monitor the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with each Securities Depository for which it has provided the Fund on behalf of the Series with a Risk Analysis as required under Rule 17f-7. The Custodian will promptly notify the Fund on behalf of the Series or its investment adviser of any material change in these risks.
3. Use of Agents . The Custodian may employ agents, including, but not limited to Foreign Custodians, to perform its responsibilities under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article III.
4. Exercise of Reasonable Care The Custodian will exercise reasonable care, prudence, and diligence in performing its responsibilities under this Article III. With respect to the Risk Analyses provided or monitoring performed by an agent, the Custodian will exercise reasonable care in the selection of such agent, and shall be entitled to rely upon information provided by agents so selected in the performance of its duties and responsibilities under this Article III.
5. Liabilities and Warranties . While the Custodian will take reasonable precautions to ensure that information provided is accurate, the Custodian shall have no liability with respect to information provided to it by third parties. Due to the nature and source of information, and the necessity of relying on various information sources, most of which are external to the Custodian, the Custodian shall have no liability for direct or indirect use of such information.
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ARTICLE IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Compensation .
a. The Fund will compensate the Custodian for its services rendered under this Agreement in accordance with the fees set forth on Appendix E (the Fees), which schedule may be modified by the Custodian after the Initial Term upon not less than sixty days prior written notice to, and the consent of, the Fund. Any undisputed Fees not paid within sixty (60) days of the invoice date will be subject to a late charge equal to 1.5% of the Fees remaining unpaid. Additional charges of 1.5% per month will accrue and be owing on such undisputed and unpaid Fees for each additional month during which such Fees remain unpaid, subject to any maximum amounts imposed by law. If any Fees are disputed by the Fund, the Custodian and the Fund shall work together in good faith to resolve the dispute promptly.
b. The Custodian will bill the Fund as soon as practicable after the end of each calendar month. The Fund will promptly pay to the Custodian the amount of such billing.
c. If not paid directly or timely by the Fund, the Custodian may, with prior approval of the Fund which may not be unreasonably withheld, charge against Assets held on behalf of the Series compensation and any expenses incurred by the Custodian in the performance of its duties pursuant to this Agreement. The Custodian shall also be entitled, subject to the approval of the Fund, to charge against Assets of the Series the amount of any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred with respect to the Series, including counsel fees, for which it shall be entitled to reimbursement under the provisions of this Agreement.
2. Insolvency of Foreign Custodians . The Custodian shall be responsible for losses or damages suffered by the Series arising as a result of the insolvency of a Foreign Custodian only to the extent that the Custodian failed to comply with the standard of care set forth in Article II with respect to the selection and monitoring of such Foreign Custodian.
3. Liability for Depositories . The Custodian shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from the deposit or maintenance of Securities, Assets or other property of the Series with a Securities Depository.
4. Damages. Under no circumstances shall the Custodian be liable for any indirect, consequential or special damages with respect to its role as Foreign Custody Manager, Custodian or information vendor.
5. Indemnification; Liability of the Series.
a. The Fund shall indemnify and hold the Custodian harmless from all liabilities and costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees and expenses, relating to or arising out of the performance of the Custodians obligations under this Agreement except to the extent resulting from the negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian, any agent or subcustodian appointed by the Custodian or any of its or their directors, officers, agents, nominees or employees, in the performance of any functions hereunder, or any other failure to comply with the standard of care required by this Agreement. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
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b. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from all liabilities and costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees and expenses, resulting from: (i) the negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian, any agent or subcustodian appointed by the Custodian or any of its or their directors, officers, agents, nominees or employees, in the performance of any functions hereunder, or any other failure to comply with the standard of care required by this Agreement; or (ii) any burglary, robbery, hold-up, theft, or mysterious disappearance, including loss by damage or destruction. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
c. The Series and the Custodian agree that the obligations of the Fund under this Agreement shall not be binding upon any of the directors/trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, of the Series, individually, but are binding only upon the Assets and other property of the Fund.
6. Force Majeure; Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary contained herein, the Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for its failure to perform under this Agreement or for any losses to the account resulting from any event beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian, its agents or its subcustodians (other than subcustodians that were engaged by the Custodian at the instruction of the Fund). In the event of such event, or any disaster that causes a business interruption, the Custodian shall act in good faith and follow applicable procedures in its disaster recovery and business continuity plan and use all commercially reasonable efforts to minimize service interruptions.
The Custodian represents and warrants that it has implemented and maintains reasonable procedures and systems (including reasonable disaster recovery and business continuity plans and procedures consistent with legal, regulatory and business needs applicable to the Custodians duties under this Agreement) to safeguard the Funds records and data and the Custodians records, data, equipment facilities and other property that it uses in the performance of its obligations hereunder from loss or damage attributable to fire, theft, or any other cause, and the Custodian will make such changes to the procedures and systems from time to time as are reasonably required for the secure performance of its obligations hereunder.
7. Term and Termination.
a. The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date hereof (the Effective Date) and continue for an initial term of three (3) years (the Initial Term). After the Initial Term expires, this Agreement shall continue but either (1) the Custodian may terminate this Agreement with respect to a Fund by giving such Fund one hundred twenty (120) days notice in writing, specifying the date of such termination, or (2) a Fund may terminate this Agreement with respect to such Fund by giving the Custodian sixty (60) days notice in writing, specifying the date of such termination.
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b. This Agreement may be terminated by the following party or parties, as the case may be, for one or more of the following reasons, provided the terminating party or parties provides the applicable written notice to the other party or parties of the reason for such termination:
(1) NonRenewal : This Agreement shall terminate with respect to a Fund at the end of the Initial Term if either the Custodian or such Fund provides notice that it does not want to renew or extend this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term;
(2) Mutual Agreement : The Custodian and a Fund may mutually agree in writing to terminate this Agreement with respect to such Fund at any time;
(3) For Cause : (A) The Custodian may terminate this Agreement with respect to a Fund For Cause, as defined below, by providing such Fund with written notice of termination For Cause at least 60 days prior to the date of termination of this Agreement with respect to such Fund, or (B) a Fund may terminate this Agreement with respect to such Fund For Cause, as defined below, by providing the Custodian with written notice of termination For Cause at least 60 days prior to the date of termination of this Agreement with respect to such Fund; or
(4) Failure to Pay : The Custodian may terminate this Agreement with respect to a Fund if the Custodian has notified such Fund that it has failed to pay the Custodian any undisputed amounts when due under this Agreement and it has failed to cure such default within 60 days of receipt of such notice (or, if the Fund has disputed any amounts in good faith, upon resolution of the dispute).
For purposes of subparagraph (3) above, For Cause shall mean:
(A) a material breach of this Agreement by any other party that has not been remedied for 30 days following written notice by the terminating party that identifies in reasonable detail the alleged failure of the other party to perform, provided that if such default is capable of being cured, then the other party shall be entitled to such longer period as may reasonably be required to cure such default if the other party shall have commenced such cure and is diligently pursuing same, but such cure must be completed within 120 days in any event;
(B) when any other party commits any act or omission that constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud or reckless disregard of its or their duties under this Agreement and that act or omission results in material adverse consequences to the terminating party;
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(C) a final, unappealable judicial, regulatory or administrative ruling or order in which any other party has been found guilty of criminal or unethical behavior in the conduct of its business that directly relates to the subject matter of the services provided hereunder; or
(D) when any other party shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the other party to adjudicate it as bankrupt or insolvent, or to seek to liquidate, wind up, or reorganize the other party, or protect or relieve its debts under any law, or to seek the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or other similar official for it or for a substantial portion of its assets, which proceeding shall remain unstayed for sixty (60) days or the other party shall have taken steps to authorize any of the above actions or has become unable to pay its debts as they mature.
c. If this Agreement is terminated by any party with respect to a Fund (regardless of whether it is terminated pursuant to paragraph (b) above or for any reason other than those specified in paragraph (b) above), such Fund shall pay to Custodian on or before the date of such termination any undisputed and unpaid fees owed to, and shall reimburse Custodian for any undisputed and unpaid out-of-pocket costs and expenses owed to, Custodian under this Agreement prior to its termination.
d. If either (1) a Fund terminates this Agreement with respect to such Fund during the Initial Term for any reason other than those specified in paragraph (b) above, or (2) the Custodian terminates this Agreement with respect to a Fund during the Initial Term For Cause or the Funds failure to pay under subparagraphs (b)(3) or (b)(4) of this Section, respectively, then such Fund shall be liable to the Custodian for all provable actual damages of Custodian arising from such termination, excluding punitive, special, indirect, incidental and consequential damages, and shall reimburse all Costs and Expenses incurred by the Custodian in connection with effecting such termination and converting such Fund to a successor custodian, including without limitation the delivery to such successor custodian, such Fund and/or such Funds service providers, any of the Funds Assets, property, records, data, instruments and documents. In addition, such Fund shall reimburse the Custodian promptly for any actual, provable, extraordinary, non-customary and direct costs and expenses (other than any Costs and Expenses) incurred by the Custodian in connection with effecting such termination and converting such Fund to a successor custodian, including without limitation the delivery to such successor custodian, such Fund and/or such Funds service providers, any of such Funds Assets, property, records, data, instruments and documents.
e. If either (1) the Custodian terminates this Agreement with respect to a Fund at any time for any reason other than those specified in paragraph (b) above, or (2) a Fund terminates this Agreement with respect to such Fund at any time For Cause under subparagraph (b)(3) of this Section, then the Custodian shall reimburse such Fund for any Costs and Expenses incurred by such Fund in connection with converting the Assets of such Fund to a successor custodian, including without limitation the delivery to such successor custodian, such Fund and/or such Funds service providers, any of such Funds Assets, property, records, data, instruments and documents.
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f. If this Agreement is terminated (1) by either the Custodian or a Fund for nonrenewal under subparagraph (b)(1), (2) by the Custodian and a Fund upon mutual agreement under subparagraph (b)(2), (3) by a Fund at any time after the Initial Term for any reason other than those specified in paragraph (b) above, or (4) by Custodian at any time after the Initial Term For Cause or such Funds failure to pay under subparagraphs (b)(3) or (b)(4) of this Section, respectively, such Fund shall reimburse Custodian promptly for any Costs and Expenses incurred by Custodian in connection with effecting such termination and converting such Fund to a successor custodian, including without limitation the delivery to such successor custodian, such Fund and/or such Funds service providers any of such Funds Assets, property, records, data, instruments and documents.
g. For purposes of this Section 7 of this Article IV, Costs and Expenses incurred by a party shall mean any actual, provable, reasonable, customary and direct costs and expenses incurred by such party. For purposes of this Section 7 of this Article IV, Costs and Expenses shall not include any wind-down costs, including, without limitation, non-cancelable lease payments; severance payments due and payable to personnel of the Custodian or its subcustodians (other than subcustodians that were engaged by the Custodian at the instruction of a Fund); unused equipment expense; and non-cancelable payments or termination charges regarding subcustodial services that were not incurred at the instruction of a Fund and that cannot be transferred or redeployed by Mellon.
Such party must provide the other party or parties with written evidence of such costs and expenses before the other party or parties are obligated to pay them. Such party also has a duty to mitigate, and must exercise its duty to mitigate, such costs and expenses. Except as expressly set forth herein, no party hereto shall be responsible for any costs and expenses or damages of any kind whatsoever resulting from, related to or otherwise in connection with the termination of this Agreement.
h. In the event that this Agreement is terminated by a party, the parties hereto agree to cooperate and act in good faith to ensure an orderly conversion of the Assets, property, records, data, instruments and documents of the applicable Fund or Funds to a successor custodian with respect to the services provided under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the Custodian agrees that, in the event this Agreement is terminated by a party or the parties, it will deliver a Funds or the Funds Assets, property, records, data, instruments and documents to such Fund or the Funds, its or their successor service providers and/or its or their other service providers, as the case may be, in a non-proprietary, commerically-available format.
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i. The termination of this Agreement with respect to any given Fund shall in no way affect the continued validity of this Agreement with respect to any other Fund. Furthermore, if, following termination of this Agreement with respect to any given Fund, Custodian continues to perform any one or more of the services governed hereby with the express consent of such Fund, then the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation the provisions dealing with indemnification and compensation, shall continue in full force and effect.
j. In the event notice of termination is given by the Custodian, which notice shall be given at least 60 days prior to the date of termination (notwithstanding the reason for termination), a Fund shall, on or before the termination date, deliver to the Custodian a Certificate evidencing the vote of the Board designating a successor custodian. In the absence of such designation, the Custodian may designate a successor custodian, which shall be a person qualified to so act under the Act for such Fund. If a Fund fails to designate a successor custodian, such Fund shall, upon the date specified in the notice of termination, and upon the delivery by the Custodian of all Assets then owned by such Fund, be deemed to be its own custodian and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement other than the duty with respect to Securities held in the Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered to such Fund.
k. Upon termination of the Agreement, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, deliver to the successor all Assets then held by the Custodian on behalf of a Fund, after deducting all fees, expenses and other amounts owed, if any, that are not disputed in good faith by such Fund.
l. Following termination, the Custodian will promptly forward income and principal received, if any, with respect to a Fund, including but not limited to tax reclaim payments for tax reclaims filed prior to termination, to a designated successor custodian.
m. In the event of a dispute following the expiration or termination of this Agreement, all relevant provisions shall be deemed to continue to apply to the obligations and liabilities of the parties.
8. Inspection of Books and Records . The books and records of the Custodian directly related to the Fund shall be open to inspection and audit at reasonable times by officers and representatives of the Fund and auditors employed by the Fund at its own expense and with prior written notice to the Custodian, and by the appropriate employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
9. Miscellaneous.
a. Appendix A is a Certificate signed by the Secretary of the Fund setting forth the names and the signatures of Authorized Persons. The Fund shall furnish a new Certificate when the list of Authorized Persons is changed in any way. Until a new Certificate is received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in acting upon Instructions from Authorized Persons as set forth in the last delivered Certificate.
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b. Appendix B is a Certificate signed by the Secretary of the Fund setting forth the names and the positions of the present officers of the Fund. The Fund agrees to furnish to the Custodian a new Certificate when any changes are made. Until a new Certificate is received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in relying upon the last delivered Certificate.
c. Any required written notice or other instrument shall be sufficiently given if addressed to the Custodian or the Fund, as the case may be, and delivered to it at its offices at:
The Custodian:
Mellon Bank,
N.A.
One Mellon Center
500 Grant Street, 19
th
Floor
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
Attn: Leonard R. Heinz, Esq.,
Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel
Telephone: (412)
234-1508
Facsimile: (412) 234-8417
The Fund:
the address set forth on Appendix D for the Fund;
or at such other place as the parties may from time to time designate to the other in writing.
d. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by both parties.
e. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the written consent of the Custodian, or by the Custodian without the written consent of the Fund, authorized or approved by a vote of the Board, provided, however, that a Fund merger or reorganization where the fund surviving from such merger or reorganization assumes the duties and obligations of such Fund under this Agreement shall not require the Custodians consent; provided further, however, that the Custodian may assign the Agreement or any function thereof to any corporation or entity which directly or indirectly is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Custodian and any other attempted assignment without written consent shall be null and void.
f. Nothing in this Agreement shall give or be construed to give or confer upon any third party any rights hereunder.
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g. The Custodian represents that it is a U.S. Bank within the meaning of paragraph (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act. The Fund has the requisite amount and scope of fidelity bond coverage required by Rule 17g-1 under the 1940 Act, and has directors and officers errors and omissions insurance coverage. The Custodian will maintain a fidelity bond and an insurance policy with respect to errors and omissions coverage in form and amount that are commercially reasonable in light of Custodians duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.
h. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Fund is solely responsible to assure that the maintenance of the Series Assets hereunder complies with applicable laws and regulations, including without limitation the Act and applicable interpretations thereof or exemptions therefrom. The Fund represents that it has determined that it is reasonable to rely on Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement.
i. Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
j. The captions of the Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
k. Each party represents to the other that it has all necessary power and authority, and has obtained any consent or approval necessary to permit it, to enter into and perform this Agreement and that this Agreement does not violate, give rise to a default or right of termination under or otherwise conflict with any applicable law, regulation, ruling, decree or other governmental authorization or any contract to which it is a party or by which any of its assets is bound. Each party represents and warrants that the individual executing this Agreement on its behalf has the requisite authority to bind the Fund or the Custodian to this Agreement. The Fund has received and read the Customer Identification Program Notice, a copy of which is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A.
l. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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Delaware Funds |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective representatives duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
MELLON BANK, N.A. | |
By: | /s/ illegible |
Title: | First Vice President |
DELAWARE GROUP ADVISER FUNDS, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP CASH RESERVE, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS I, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS II, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS III, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS IV, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS V, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP FOUNDATION FUNDS, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE GROUP INCOME FUNDS, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
24
DELAWARE GROUP STATE TAX-FREE INCOME TRUST, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP TAX-FREE FUND, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP TAX-FREE MONEY FUND, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP GLOBAL & INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR INSURED FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS MUNICIPAL TRUST, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR MUTUAL FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR MUTUAL FUNDS II, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP GOVERNMENT FUND, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE POOLED TRUST, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR MUTUAL FUNDS III, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
25
VOYAGEUR TAX FREE FUNDS, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE VIP TRUST, | |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS ARIZONA | |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS | |
COLORADO INSURED MUNICIPAL FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS FLORIDA | |
INSURED MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS | |
MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND II, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS DIVIDEND | |
AND INCOME FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS GLOBAL | |
DIVIDEND AND INCOME FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS | |
ENHANCED GLOBAL DIVIDEND AND INCOME FUND, INC. | |
By: | /s/ Richard Salus |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
26
APPENDIX
A
LIST OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS
I, David F. Connor, Secretary of the Funds, do hereby certify that:
The following individuals have been duly authorized as Authorized Persons to give Instructions on behalf of the Funds and each Series thereof and the specimen signatures set forth opposite their respective names are their true and correct signatures:
Name and Position | Signature |
John J. OConnor | /s/ John J. O'Connor |
Senior Vice President | |
Phoebe W. Figland | /s/ Phoebe W. Figland |
Vice President | |
Laura A. Wagner | /s/ Laura A. Wagner |
Vice President | |
William Dwyer | /s/ William Dwyer |
Assistant Vice President | |
David Scharff | /s/ David Scharff |
Assistant Vice President | |
Thomas J. Morrisroe | /s/ Thomas J. Morrisroe |
Assistant Vice President | |
Michael ODonnell | /s/ Michael O'Donnell |
Assistant Vice President | |
Eric Schmidt | /s/ Eric Schmidt |
Assistant Vice President | |
Mark Mastrogiovanni | /s/ Mark Mastrogiovanni |
Assistant Vice President | |
James A. Furgele | /s/ James A. Furgele |
Senior Vice President |
27
Kayann Johnson | /s/ Kayann Johnson |
Assistant Vice President | |
John Leszczynski | /s/ John Leszczynski |
Assistant Vice President | |
Lisa Howard | /s/ Lisa Howard |
Assistant Vice President | |
Kara Wagner | /s/ Kara Wagner |
Assistant Vice President | |
Danny Grune | /s/ Danny Grune |
Assistant Vice President |
By: | /s/ David F. Connor |
Secretary | |
Dated: |
28
Delaware Funds |
APPENDIX B
FUND OFFICERS
I, David F. Connor, Secretary of the Funds, do hereby certify that:
The following individuals serve in the following positions with the Funds and each individual has been duly elected or appointed to each such position and qualified therefor in conformity with the Funds governing instruments:
29
Stephen R. Cianci | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Robert F. Collins | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Chuck M. Devereux | Senior Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
Roger A. Early | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Brian Funk | Senior Vice President/Director of Credit Research |
James A. Furgele | Senior Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Brent C. Garrells | Senior Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
Stuart M. George | Senior Vice President/Head of Equity Trading |
Paul Grillo | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Jonathan Hatcher | Senior Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
William F. Keelan | Senior Vice President/Director Quantitative Research |
Francis X. Morris | Senior Vice President/Director Chief Investment |
Officer, Core Equity | |
Zoë Neale | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, |
International Equity | |
D. Tysen Nutt | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, |
Large Cap Value | |
Philip R. Perkins | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Timothy L. Rabe | Senior Vice President/Head of High Yield |
Jeffrey S. Van Harte | Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer- |
Focus Growth Equity | |
Babak Zenouzi | Senior Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Christopher S. Adams | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Senior Equity Analyst |
Damon J. Andres | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Wayne A. Anglace | Vice President/Credit Research Analyst |
Todd Bassion | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst/Portfolio Manager |
Christopher J. Bonavico | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager, Equity Analyst |
Kenneth F. Broad | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager, Equity Analyst |
30
Mary Ellen M. Carrozza | Vice President/Client Services |
Steven G. Catricks | Vice President/Portfolio Manager |
Wen-Dar Chen | Vice President/Portfolio Manager |
Lisa Chin | Vice President/Emerging Markets Analyst |
Anthony G. Ciavarelli | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Bradley J. Cline | Vice President/International Credit Research Analyst |
Cori E. Daggett | Vice President/Senior Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Craig C. Dembek | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
Joel A. Ettinger | Vice President/Taxation |
Christopher M. Ericksen | Vice President/Portfolio Manager, Equity Analyst |
Devon K. Everhart | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
Phoebe W. Figland | Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Patrick G. Fortier | Vice President/Portfolio Manager, Equity Analyst |
Denise A. Franchetti | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Municipal Bond |
Credit Analyst | |
Larry Franko | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst |
Henry A. Garrido | Vice President/Equity Analyst |
Barry Gladstein | Vice President/Equity Analyst/Portfolio Manager |
Edward Gray | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
David J. Hamilton | Vice President/Credit Research Analyst |
Brian Hamlet | Vice President/Senior Corporate Bond Trader |
Gregory M. Heywood | Vice President/Portfolio Manager, Research Analyst |
Sharon Hill | Vice President/Head of Equity Quantitative Research |
& Analytics | |
Christopher M. Holland | Vice President/Associate Equity Analyst II/Portfolio Manager |
Chungwei Hsia | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
Michael E. Hughes | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst |
Jordan L. Irving | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
31
Cynthia Isom | Vice President/Portfolio Manager |
Kenneth R. Jackson | Vice President/Quantitative Analyst |
Stephen M. Juszczyszyn | Vice President/Structured Products Analyst/Trader |
Audrey E. Kohart | Vice President/Financial Planning and Reporting |
Nikhil G. Lalvani | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst/Portfolio Manager |
Steven T. Lampe | Vice President/Portfolio Manager |
Anthony A. Lombardi | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
John P. McCarthy | Vice President/Senior Research Aanlyst/Trader |
Brian McDonnell | Vice President/Structured Products Analyst/Trader |
Michael S. Morris | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Senior Equity Analyst |
Philip O. Obazee | Vice President/Derivatives Manager |
Donald G. Padilla | Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Senior Equity Analyst |
Daniel J. Prislin | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager, Equity Analyst |
Gretchen Regan | Vice President/Quantitative Analyst |
Craig S. Remsen | Vice President/Senior Credit Research Analyst |
Carl Rice | Vice President/Senior Investment Specialist, Large |
Cap Value Focus Equity | |
Kevin C. Schildt | Vice President/Senior Municipal Credit Analyst |
Bruce Schoenfeld | Vice President/Equity Analyst |
Nancy E. Smith | Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Rudy D. Torrijos, III | Vice President/Portfolio Manager |
Michael Tung | Vice President/Equity Analyst |
Robert A. Vogel, Jr. | Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager |
Lori P. Wachs | Vice President/Portfolio Manager |
Laura A. Wagner | Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Michael G. Wildstein | Vice President/Senior Research Analyst |
Kathryn R. Williams | Vice President/Associate General Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
32
Nashira Wynn | Vice President/Senior Equity Analyst/Portfolio Manager |
Greg Zappin | Vice President/Credit Research Analyst |
Guojia Zhang | Vice President/Equity Analyst |
James E. Blake | Assistant Vice President/Senior Compliance Officer |
Ian Bowman | Assistant Vice President/Research Analyst |
Michael E. Dresnin | Assistant Vice President/Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
William J. Dwyer | Assistant Vice President/Corporate Actions |
Abby C. Fick | Assistant Vice President/Legal Services |
Molly Graham | Assistant Vice President/Legal Services |
Kerri S. Haag | Assistant Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Matthew G. Higgins | Assistant Vice President/Credit Research Analyst |
Jerel A. Hopkins | Assistant Vice President/Counsel/Assistant Secretary |
Kashif Ishaq | Assistant Vice President/Associate Trader |
Kayann Johnson | Assistant Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Karin M. Kelly | Assistant Vice President/Quantitative Analyst Supervisor |
Colleen Kneib | Assistant Vice President/Municipal Credit Analyst |
John Leszczynski | Assistant Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Kent P. Madden | Assistant Vice President/Equity Analyst |
Thomas J. Morrisroe | Assistant Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Terry OBrien | Assistant Vice President/Fixed Income Reporting Analyst |
James P. ONeill | Assistant Vice President/Senior Compliance Officer |
Caleb Piper | Assistant Vice President/Equity Analyst |
Udail K. Purmasetti | Assistant Vice President/Credit Research Analyst I |
Eric W. Schmidt | Assistant Vice President/Investment Accounting |
Frank J. Strenger | Assistant Vice President/Associate Trader |
33
Van Tran | Assistant Vice President/Research Analyst |
Cindy Lindenberg | Senior Compliance Officer |
Dennis Norman | Tax Compliance Officer |
By: | s/ David F. Connor |
Secretary | |
Dated: |
34
APPENDIX C
SELECTED COUNTRIES
See attachment
* Note, the Fund or
its investment adviser or subadviser, as the case may be , shall be responsible
for determining the Foreign Countries in which the Fund may invest, and shall
direct the Custodian from time to time as to the Foreign Countries which have
been approved for investment by the Fund.
** Note, the Custodian will not act as a
Foreign Custody Manager with respect to Assets held in this country. Holding
Assets and use of Custodian's usual subcustodian in this country is subject to
Instructions by the Fund and its execution of a separate letter-agreement
pertaining to custody and market risks.
35
GRAPHIC OMITTED - Current Subcustodial Network
TOTAL MARKETS INCLUDED IN MELLON
GLOBAL SECURITIES SERVICES'
NETWORK 83
Country | Bank | Start | Depository |
(Year agent bank relationship | Date | ||
established) | |||
Argentina | Citibank, Buenos Aires (2007) | 1990 |
Caja de Valores
Sociedad Anonima (CVSA)
Central de Registracion y Liquidacion (CRYL) |
Australia | Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (2005) | 1986 |
Austraclear
ASX Settlement & Transfer Corporation (ASTC) |
Austria | Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG, Vienna (1990) | 1987 | Oesterreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB) |
Bahrain | HSBC, Manama (2001) | 2001 | Bahrain Stock Exchange |
Bangladesh | Standard Chartered Bank, Dhaka (1993) | 1993 | Central Depository Bangladesh Limited |
Belgium | BNP Paribas Securities Services, Brussels (2004) | 1986 |
Caisse
Interprofessionelle de Depots et de Virement de Titres S.A.
(CIK)
National Bank of Belgium (NBB) |
Bermuda | HSBC, Bermuda (1996) | 1996 | Bermuda Securities Depository (BSD) |
Botswana | Barclays Bank of Botswana Limited, Gaborone (2001) | 1995 | Bank of Botswana |
Brazil | Citibank N.A., Sao Paulo (1991) | 1991 |
Companhia
Brasileira de Liquidacao e Custodia (CBLC)
Central of Custody and Financial Settlement of Securities (CETIP) Sistema Especial de Liquidacao e de Custodia (SELIC) |
Bulgaria | HVB Bank Biochim, Sofia (2004) | 2004 |
Bulgarian
National Bank (BNB)
Bulgaria Central Security Depository (CDAD) |
Canada | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Toronto (1993) | 1986 | The Canadian Depository for Securities Ltd. (CDS) |
Chile | BankBoston, Santiago (1993) | 1993 | Deposito Central de Valores (DCV) |
June 2007 |
1 |
Current Subcustodial Network |
Mellon Global Securities Services |
The information contained in this report is presented as a compilation of information gathered from various sources that are believed to be accurate. While every care has been taken in assembling and verifying this information, Mellon Global Securities Services accepts no liability for the correctness or completeness of information provided in this document. This document is not intended to be used as the basis for decisions to invest or not to invest in any given country, nor should this report be considered to constitute investment advice. This report may not be reproduced or distributed without the explicit written consent of Mellon Global Securities Services. |
36
Country | Bank | Start | Depository |
(Year agent bank relationship | Date | ||
established) | |||
China A | HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited (1992) | 2006 |
The China
Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation LTD, Shanghai (CSDCC
Shanghai)
The China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation LTD, Shenzhen (CSDCC Shenzhen) |
China B | HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited (1992) | 1992 |
The China
Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation LTD, Shanghai (CSDCC
Shanghai)
The China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation LTD, Shenzhen (CSDCC Shenzhen) |
Clearstream | 1986 | Clearstream Banking S.A., Luxembourg | |
Colombia | Cititrust Colombia S.A., (2005) | 1994 |
Deposito
Centralizado de Valores de Colombia (DECEVAL)
Deposito Central de Valores (DCV) |
Croatia | HVB Zagrebacka banka d.d. Zagreb (2001) | 2001 | The Central Depository Agency (SDA) |
Cyprus | EFG Eurobank Ergasias SA. (2006) | 2007 | Central Depository and Central Registry (CDCR) |
Czech Republic | Citibank A.S., Prague (2004) | 1993 |
Stredisko
Cennych Papiru (SCP)
Czech National Bank (CNB) |
Denmark | Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, Copenhagen (2003) | 1986 | The Danish Securities Centre (Vaerdipapircentralen, VP) |
Egypt | Citibank, N.A., Cairo (1998) | 1996 | Misr Company for Clearing, Settlement and Central Depository (MCSD) |
Estonia | Scandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), Tallinn (2005) | 1997 | The Estonian Central Depository for Securities (ECDS) |
Euroclear | 1980 | Euroclear Bank S.A., Belgium | |
Finland | Nordea Bank Finland PLC, Helsinki (1991) | 1986 | Finnish-Swedish Central Securities Depository (NCSD) |
France | BNP Paribas Securities Services, Paris (1987) | 1986 | Euroclear France SA |
Germany | Paribas Securities Services, Frankfurt (2004) | 1986 | Clearstream Banking AG, Frankfurt (CFB) |
Ghana | Barclays Bank of Ghana Limited, Accra (2001) | 1995 | --- |
June 2007 |
2 |
Current Subcustodial Network |
Mellon Global Securities Services |
The information contained in this report is presented as a compilation of information gathered from various sources that are believed to be accurate. While every care has been taken in assembling and verifying this information, Mellon Global Securities Services accepts no liability for the correctness or completeness of information provided in this document. This document is not intended to be used as the basis for decisions to invest or not to invest in any given country, nor should this report be considered to constitute investment advice. This report may not be reproduced or distributed without the explicit written consent of Mellon Global Securities Services. |
37
Country | Bank | Start | Depository |
(Year agent bank relationship | Date | ||
established) | |||
Greece | EFG Eurobank Ergasias S.A. (2006) | 1989 |
Central
Securities Depository S.A. (CSD)
Bank of Greece (BoG) |
Hong Kong | HSBC, Hong Kong (1986) | 1986 |
The Hong Kong
Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC)
Central Money Market Unit (CMU) |
Hungary | Unicredit Bank Hungary Zrt. (1996) | 1993 | Central Depository and Clearing House Limited (KELER) |
Iceland | Glitnir banki HF (2002) | 2002 | Icelandic Securities Depository Ltd |
India | HSBC, Mumbai (1992) | 1992 |
National
Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)
Central Depository Services Limited (CSDL) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
Indonesia | HSBC, Jakarta (1990) | 1990 |
PT Kustodian
Sentral Efek Indonesia (PTKSEI)
Bank Indonesia (BI) |
Ireland | Mellon Bank N.A., London Branch (2004) | 1988 |
CRESTCo
Euroclear Operations Center (EOC) |
Israel | Citibank N.A., Tel Aviv Branch | 1991 | Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Clearing House, Ltd. (TASECH) |
Italy | BNP Paribas Securities Services, Milan (1996) | 1986 | Monte Titoli S.p.A. |
Japan |
For ABN Amro
Mellon clients and Mellon Bank clients:
HSBC, Tokyo (2003) For CIBC Mellon clients: The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (2007) |
1986 |
Japan Securities
Depository Center (JASDEC)
Bank of Japan (BoJ) |
Jordan | HSBC, Amman (2004) | 1991 | Jordan Securities Depository Center |
Kazakhstan | HSBC, Kazakhstan (2002) | 2002 | Central Depository of Securities (CDS) |
Kenya | Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited, Nairobi (2001) | 1996 | The Central Bank of Kenya |
Latvia | Scandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), (2005) | 2004 | The Latvian Central Depository (LCD) |
June 2007 |
3 |
Current Subcustodial Network |
Mellon Global Securities Services |
The information contained in this report is presented as a compilation of information gathered from various sources that are believed to be accurate. While every care has been taken in assembling and verifying this information, Mellon Global Securities Services accepts no liability for the correctness or completeness of information provided in this document. This document is not intended to be used as the basis for decisions to invest or not to invest in any given country, nor should this report be considered to constitute investment advice. This report may not be reproduced or distributed without the explicit written consent of Mellon Global Securities Services. |
38
Country | Bank | Start | Depository |
(Year agent bank relationship | Date | ||
established) | |||
Lebanon | HSBC, Beirut (2001) | 2001 |
Custodian and
Clearing Center of Financial Instruments for Lebanon and the Middle East
(Midclear)
Banque du Liban, BDL (Central Bank of Lebanon) |
Lithuania | Scandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), (2005) | 2004 | The Central Securities Depository of Lithuania (CSDL) |
Luxembourg | Euroclear Bank S.A., Brussels (2007) | 1987 | Clearsteam Banking S.A., Luxembourg |
Malaysia | Citibank Berhad (2004) | 1989 |
Bursa Malaysian
Central Depository Sdn. Berhad (MCD)
Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) |
Mauritius | HSBC, Port Louis (1994) | 1994 |
The Central
Depository and Settlement Company Limited (CDS)
The Bank of Mauritius (BoM) |
Mexico | Banco Santander Serfin, S.A. (2001) | 1988 | SD Indeval S.A. de C.V. |
Morocco | Societe Generale Marocaine de Banques, Casablanca (2004) | 1998 | Maroclear |
The Netherlands | ABN Amro Mellon Global Securities Services B.V. (2005) | 1986 | Euroclear Nederland |
New Zealand | Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (2005) | 1987 | New Zealand Central Securities Depository Ltd. (NZCSD) |
Norway | Nordea Bank Norge ASA, Oslo (2003) | 1986 | Norwegian Central Securities Depository, Verdipapirsentralen (VPS) |
Oman | HSBC, Ruwi (2001) | 2001 | The Muscat Depository and Securities Registration Company (MDSRC) |
Pakistan | Deutsche Bank AG, Karachi (1991) | 1991 |
Central
Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC)
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) |
Peru | Citibank del Peru, Lima (2005) | 1992 | Caja de Valores y Liquidaciones (CAVALI) |
The Philippines | HSBC, Manila (1990) | 1990 |
Philippines
Central Depository (PCD)
Registry of Scripless Securities (RoSS) |
Poland | Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA., Warsaw (2004) | 1992 |
National
Depository of Securities (NDS)
Central Register for Treasury Bills (CRBS) |
June 2007 |
4 |
Current Subcustodial Network |
Mellon Global Securities Services |
The information contained in this report is presented as a compilation of information gathered from various sources that are believed to be accurate. While every care has been taken in assembling and verifying this information, Mellon Global Securities Services accepts no liability for the correctness or completeness of information provided in this document. This document is not intended to be used as the basis for decisions to invest or not to invest in any given country, nor should this report be considered to constitute investment advice. This report may not be reproduced or distributed without the explicit written consent of Mellon Global Securities Services. |
39
Country | Bank | Start | Depository |
(Year agent bank relationship | Date | ||
established) | |||
Portugal | Banco Commercial Portugues S.A., Lisbon (1997) | 1988 | Sociedade Gestora de Liquidação e de Sistemas Centralizados de Valores Mobiliários (INTERBOLSA) |
Romania | HVB Tiriac Bank, Bucharest S.A. (1999) | 1999 |
The National
Company for Clearing, Settlement and Depository for Securities
(SNCDD)
National Bank of Romania (NBR) Central Depository S.A. |
Russia | ZAO Commercial Bank Citibank (2005) | 1997 |
Depository
Clearing Company (DCC)
National Depository Center (NDC) The Bank for Foreign Trade (VTB) |
Serbia | Bank Austria A.G., Belgrade | 2007 | Central Securities Depository (CSD) |
Singapore | The Development Bank of Singapore, Singapore (1987) | 1987 |
Central
Depository (Pte) Ltd. (CDP)
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
Slovakia | UniCredit Bank A.S. (2004) | 1996 |
Slovak Center
for Securities (SCP)
National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) |
Slovenia | Bank Austria A.G., Ljubljana (1998) | 1998 | The Central Securities Clearing Corporation (KDD) |
South Africa | Societe Generale, Johannesburg (2003) | 1994 |
The Central
Depository Limited (CD)
Share Transactions Totally Electronic (STRATE) |
South Korea | HSBC, Seoul (2003) | 1991 | Korea Securities Depository (KSD) |
Spain | Santander Investment Services, S.A. (1997) | 1986 |
Servicio de
Compensacion Y Liquidacion de Valores (SCLV)
Central Bank (Banco de Espana) |
Sri Lanka | HSBC, Colombo (1991) | 1991 | Central Depository Systems Private Limited (CDS) |
Sweden | Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, Stockholm (2003) | 1986 | Finnish-Swedish Central Securities Depository (NCSD) |
Switzerland | Union Bank of Switzerland, Zurich (2003) | 1986 | Swiss Securities Services Corporation - SegaIntersettle AG (SIS) |
Taiwan | Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), Taipei (2006) | 1993 | Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation (TDCC) |
Thailand | HSBC, Bangkok Branch (1988) | 1988 | The Thailand Securities Depository Company Limited (TSD) |
Tunisia | Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie, Tunis | 2007 | Societe Interprofessionelle pour la Compensation et le Depots des Valeurs Mobilieres (STICODEVAM) |
June 2007 |
5 |
Current Subcustodial Network |
Mellon Global Securities Services |
The information contained in this report is presented as a compilation of information gathered from various sources that are believed to be accurate. While every care has been taken in assembling and verifying this information, Mellon Global Securities Services accepts no liability for the correctness or completeness of information provided in this document. This document is not intended to be used as the basis for decisions to invest or not to invest in any given country, nor should this report be considered to constitute investment advice. This report may not be reproduced or distributed without the explicit written consent of Mellon Global Securities Services. |
40
Country | Bank | Start | Depository |
(Year agent bank relationship | Date | ||
established) | |||
Turkey | Citibank A.S., Istanbul (2001) | 1990 |
Central Registry
Agency (CRA)
Central Bank of Turkey (CBT) |
Uganda | Barclays Bank of Uganda, Kampala (2002) | 2002 | ---- |
Ukraine | Joint Stock Commercial Bank HypoVereinsbank, Ukraine (JSCB HVB) (2002) | 2002 |
The National
Bank of the Ukraine Depository (NBU)
The Interregional Securities Union (IRSU) |
United Arab Emirates | HSBC, Dubai (2007) | 2007 |
Dubai Financial
Market - CDS department (DFM)
Abu Dhabi Securities Market - CSD department (ADSM) DIFX Central Securities Depository (CSD) |
United Kingdom | Mellon Global Securities Services, London (2003) | 1986 | CRESTCo |
United States | Mellon Bank N.A. (1983) | 1983 |
Depository Trust
& Clearing Corporation (DTCC)
National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) |
Uruguay | BankBoston, Montevideo (1997) | 1997 |
Banco Central
del Uruguay (BCU)
ABN AMRO - Agency Bolsa de Valores |
Venezuela | Citibank, N.A., Caracas (1990) | 1990 |
Caja Venezolana
de Valores (CVV)
The Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) |
Vietnam | Standard Chartered Bank, Hanoi | 2007 | Vietnam Securities Depository (VSD) |
Zambia | Barclays Bank of Zambia Limited, Lusaka (2001) | 1996 |
The Lusaka Stock
Exchange Central Shares Depository Limited (LuSE CSD)
The Bank of Zambia |
Zimbabwe | Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited, Harare (2001) | 1995 | --- |
June 2007 |
6 |
Current Subcustodial Network |
Mellon Global Securities Services |
The information contained in this report is presented as a compilation of information gathered from various sources that are believed to be accurate. While every care has been taken in assembling and verifying this information, Mellon Global Securities Services accepts no liability for the correctness or completeness of information provided in this document. This document is not intended to be used as the basis for decisions to invest or not to invest in any given country, nor should this report be considered to constitute investment advice. This report may not be reproduced or distributed without the explicit written consent of Mellon Global Securities Services. |
41
Delaware Funds |
APPENDIX E FEE SCHEDULE
Basis Point/ Unit Cost | |
Administrative Fee | |
Domestic | |
1/10 basis point (.000010) on domestic assets | 0.10 |
Global | |
Developed Markets Category 1 | 3.00 |
Developed Markets Category 2 | 4.50 |
Developed Markets Category 3 | 7.00 |
Intermediate Markets Category 4 | 12.00 |
Intermediate Markets Category 5 | 20.00 |
Emerging Markets- Category 6 | 40.00 |
Structural Charges | |
Per Domestic Account | waived |
Per Global Account | waived |
Per Fund of Fund | waived |
Third party Lending Support (per fund) | 5,000.00 |
Transaction Fee | |
Domestic | |
Per Depository or Fed Eligible Transaction | $1.00 |
Per Physical Transaction | $15.00 |
Per Fed Funds Wire Received Or Delivered | $3.00 |
Per Paydown | $1.00 |
Per Option (per Write, Close, Expire, or Exercise) | $5.00 |
Per Forward Contract | $20.00 |
Per F/X Not Executed At Mellon | $30.00 |
Per Security Segregation | $3.00 |
Global | |
Developed Markets Category 1 | $25.00 |
Developed Markets Category 2 | $25.00 |
Developed Markets Category 3 | $25.00 |
Intermediate Markets Category 4 | $50.00 |
Intermediate Markets Category 5 | $60.00 |
Emerging Markets- Category 6 | $85.00 |
Conversion and Implementation Costs | |
Conversion and Implementation | Waived (see Notes) |
42
Workbench Information Delivery | |
Client Reporting | |
Unlimited Workbench User IDs* | |
Customized Report Development | |
Per Report (Minimum) for One-time Development Fee | $1,000.00 |
Per Report Annual Maintenance Fee | $500.00 |
Per Hour for Special Projects | $150.00 |
43
NOTES |
Custodian will pass through to the client any out-of-pocket expenses associated with the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional fees may apply in situations where the following may occur: clients billing requirements are exceptional, client requires rush service or systems development, clients require consulting services and / or manual or otherwise exceptional pricing for securities, Tax Department support work, or client requires on-site training. |
Market Tiers: |
Developed Markets |
Category 1: Canada, Euroclear, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, CEDEL |
Category 2: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, South Africa |
Category 3: Argentina, Brazil, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey |
Intermediate Markets |
Category 4: Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Peru, Taiwan, Zimbabwe |
Category 5: Bangladesh, Bermuda, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Uruguay |
Emerging Markets |
Category 6: Chile, China Shanghai, China Shenzhen, Colombia, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, India, Jordan, Morocco, Russia, Slovak Republic, Venezuela, Zambia |
44
Delaware Funds |
Earnings credits and Overdraft Fees: |
Earnings credits and overdraft rates
will be calculated monthly on the basis of the following formula: The
Account may earn interest on balances, including disbursement balances and
balances arising from purchase and sale transactions. For each month
during which the Custodian holds property for the Client, there shall be
an adjustment to the custody fees, calculated as follows. For each day of
the month in which the closing cash balance of the Account is more than
zero, such cash balance amount will earn interest calculated by taking the
amount of the idle balance multiplied by the Overnight Federal Funds Rate
(defined below) minus .50% divided by 365 days. The amount of interest
credit shall be known as the Daily Credits. Alternatively, for each day
of the month in which the closing balance of the Account is less than zero
(an overdraft), the overdraft amount will be subject to a charge
calculated by taking the amount of the overdraft multiplied by the
Overnight Federal Funds Rate (defined below) plus .50% divided by 365
days. The amount of interest charge shall be known as Daily Charges. The
net of the Daily Credits and Daily Charges for a particular month will be
credited or debited, as the case may be, to the Monthly Notification for
the applicable period. Monthly credit balances will roll forward to offset
future Custodian fees and expenses. Unused Daily Credits will expire at
calendar year end. Credit balances may not be transferred. They are used
exclusively to offset Custodian fees and expenses and shall not be applied
against investment or other related expenses. A Daily Charge shall not
apply to the extent that an overdraft is solely due to Custodian
error.
|
Initial Custody Conversion Fee Waiver |
Custodian will not charge custody
transaction charges (per this fee schedule) related to the initial
conversion of assets to Custodian.
|
FEES WILL BE PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS |
Fees will be calculated and billed on a monthly basis. Fees not paid within 60 days of the due date will be subject to a late charge of 1.5% of the amount billed. Additional charges of 1.5% per month will be incurred for each additional month fees remain unpaid. |
MELLON BANK, N.A. | |
By: | /s/ illegible |
Title: | First Vice President |
45
DELAWARE GROUP ADVISER FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP CASH RESERVE, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS I, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS II, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS III, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS IV, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS V, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP FOUNDATION FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP INCOME FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP STATE TAX-FREE INCOME TRUST, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP TAX-FREE FUND, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
46
DELAWARE GROUP TAX-FREE MONEY FUND, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP GLOBAL & INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR INSURED FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS MUNICIPAL TRUST, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR MUTUAL FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR MUTUAL FUNDS II, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP GOVERNMENT FUND, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE POOLED TRUST, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR MUTUAL FUNDS III, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
VOYAGEUR TAX FREE FUNDS, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
DELAWARE VIP TRUST, |
on behalf of its Series identified on Appendix D |
47
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS ARIZONA | |
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS | |
COLORADO INSURED MUNICIPAL FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS FLORIDA | |
INSURED MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS | |
MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND II, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS DIVIDEND | |
AND INCOME FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS GLOBAL | |
DIVIDEND AND INCOME FUND, INC. | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS | |
ENHANCED GLOBAL DIVIDEND AND INCOME FUND, INC. | |
By: | /s/ Richard Salus |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
48
Delaware Funds |
EXHIBIT
A
CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
NOTICE
CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM NOTICE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, all financial institutions are required by law to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each individual or entity that opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask you for your name, address, taxpayer or other government identification number and other information, such as date of birth for individuals, that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see identification documents such as a drivers license, passport or documents showing existence of the entity. |
49
Ex-99.h.1.ii
SCHEDULE B
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE
JUNE 1, 2008
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS FAMILY OF FUNDS
1. | Delaware Service Company, Inc. ("DSC") will determine and report to the Fund, at least annually, the compensation for services to be provided to the Fund for DSC's forthcoming fiscal year or period. | |
2. | In determining such compensation, DSC will fix and report a fee to be charged per account for services provided. DSC will bill, and the Fund will pay, such compensation monthly. | |
3. | Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs 4 and 5, the charge consists of an annual per account charge of $25.50 per open account and $10.00 per closed account on DSC's records and each account held on a sub-accounting system maintained by firms that hold accounts on an omnibus basis. | |
These charges will be assessed monthly on a pro rata basis and will be determined using the number of accounts maintained as of the last calendar day of each month. | ||
DSC is the Funds operational interface with a variety of third party administrators, banks, trust companies and other organizations that provide retirement administration, trust or other collective services to the Funds shareholders. Subtransfer agency fees (or similar fees) related to such relationships on a retirement processing system will be passed on to the Fund at cost, without markup. | ||
4. | DSC's compensation for providing services to the Series of Delaware VIP Trust (the "VIP Trust") will be 0.0075% of average daily net assets per Series annually. DSC will bill, and the VIP Trust will pay, such compensation monthly. In addition, in the conduct of the business of DSC and the VIP Trust and in performance of this Agreement, each party will bear its allocable portion of expenses common to each. The VIP Trust will also pay expenses related to services provided by DST Systems, Inc (DST). In addition, DSC shall be entitled to reimbursement of out-of pocket expenses paid on behalf of VIP Trust. | |
5. | DSC's compensation for providing services to the Portfolios of Delaware Pooled Trust (the "DPT Trust") (other than The Real Estate Investment Trust Portfolio) will be 0.0075% of average daily net assets per Portfolio annually. DSC will bill, and the DPT Trust will pay, such compensation monthly. In addition, in the conduct of the business of DSC and the DPT Trust and in performance of this Agreement, each party will bear its allocable portion of expenses common to each. The DPT Trust will also pay expenses related to services provided by DST. In addition, DSC shall be entitled to reimbursement of out-of pocket expenses paid on behalf of DPT Trust. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to the contrary, DSC's compensation for The Real Estate Investment Trust Portfolio will be as set forth in paragraph 3 above. | |
AGREED AND ACCEPTED: | |||||
DELAWARE SERVICE COMPANY, INC. | DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS | ||||
for its series set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement | |||||
By: | /s/ Douglas L. Anderson | By: | /s/ Patrick P. Coyne | ||
Name: | Douglas L. Anderson | Name: | Patrick P. Coyne | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President/Operations | Title: | Chairman/President/Chief Executive Officer |
Ex-99.j
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses and "Financial Statements" in the Statement of Additional Information and to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement (Form N-1A)(Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to File No. 002-75526; Amendment No. 64 to File No. 811-03363) of Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds of our report dated February 18, 2009, included in the 2009 Annual Report to shareholders.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 29, 2009
Ex-99.n.1
The Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
This Multiple Class Plan (the "Plan") has been adopted by a majority of the Board of Trustees of each of the investment companies listed on Appendix A as may be amended from time to time (each individually a "Fund" and, collectively, the "Funds"), including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of each Fund, pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"). The Board of each Fund has determined that the Plan, including the allocation of expenses, is in the best interests of the Fund as a whole, each series of shares offered by such Fund (individually and collectively the "Series") where the Fund offers its shares in multiple series, and each class of shares offered by the Fund or Series, as relevant. The Plan sets forth the provisions relating to the establishment of multiple classes of shares for each Fund and, if relevant, its Series. To the extent that a subject matter set forth in this Plan is covered by a Fund's Agreement and Declaration of Trust or By-Laws, such Agreement and Declaration of Trust or By-Laws will control in the event of any inconsistencies with descriptions contained in this Plan.
The term "Portfolio," when used in this Plan in the context of a Fund that offers only a single series of shares, shall be a reference to the Fund, and when used in the context of a Fund that offers multiple Series of shares, shall be a reference to each Series of such Fund.
CLASSES
1. Appendix A to this Plan describes the classes to be issued by each Portfolio and identifies the names of such classes.
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE
2. Class A shares carry a front-end sales charge as described in the Funds' relevant prospectuses; and Class B, Class C, Class R, Institutional Class, Original Class and Portfolio Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
3. Class A shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), except as described in the Funds' relevant prospectuses.
4. Class B shares are subject to a CDSC as described in the Funds' relevant prospectuses.
5. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC as described in the Funds' relevant prospectuses.
6. As described in the Funds' relevant prospectuses, the CDSC for each class declines to zero over time and is waived in certain circumstances. Shares that are subject to a CDSC age one month at the end of the month in which the shares were purchased, regardless of the specific date during the month that the shares were purchased.
7. Class R, Institutional Class, Original Class and Portfolio Class shares are not subject to a CDSC.
RULE 12b-1 PLANS
8. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 Plan for the Class A shares of each Portfolio, each Fund shall pay to Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor") a monthly fee not to exceed the maximum rate set forth in Appendix A as may be determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time for distribution services. The monthly fee shall be reduced by the aggregate sums paid by or on behalf of such Portfolio to persons other than broker-dealers pursuant to shareholder servicing agreements.
9. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 Plan for the Class B shares of each Portfolio, each Fund shall pay to the Distributor a monthly fee not to exceed the maximum rate set forth in Appendix A as may be determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time for distribution services. In addition to these amounts, the Fund shall pay (i) to the Distributor for payment to dealers or others, or (ii) directly to others, an amount not to exceed the maximum rate set forth in Appendix A for shareholder support services pursuant to dealer or servicing agreements.
10. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 Plan for the Class C shares of each Portfolio, each Fund shall pay to the Distributor a monthly fee not to exceed the maximum rate set forth in Appendix A as may be determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time for distribution services. In addition to these amounts, the Fund shall pay (i) to the Distributor for payment to dealers or others, or (ii) directly to others, an amount not to exceed the maximum rate set forth in Appendix A for shareholder support services pursuant to dealer or servicing agreements.
11. In accordance with the respective Rule 12b-1 Plan for the Class R and Consultant Class shares of each Portfolio, each Fund shall pay to the Distributor a monthly fee not to exceed the maximum rate set forth in Appendix A as may be determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time for distribution and shareholder support services. The monthly fee shall be reduced by the aggregate sums paid by or on behalf of such Portfolio to persons other than broker-dealers pursuant to shareholder servicing agreements.
12. A Rule 12b-1 Plan has not been adopted for the Institutional Class, Original Class and Portfolio Class shares of any Portfolio.
ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES
13. Each Fund shall allocate to each class of shares of a Portfolio any fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with the distribution or servicing of such class of shares under a Rule 12b-1 Plan, if any, adopted for such class. In addition, each Fund reserves the right, subject to approval by the Fund's Board of Trustees, to allocate fees and expenses of the following nature to a particular class of shares of a Portfolio (to the extent that such fees and expenses actually vary among each class of shares or vary by types of services provided to each class of shares of the Portfolio):
A-2
(i) | transfer agency and other recordkeeping costs; | ||
(ii) | Securities and Exchange Commission and blue sky registration or qualification fees; | ||
(iii) | printing and postage expenses related to printing and distributing class-specific materials, such as shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxies to current shareholders of a particular class or to regulatory authorities with respect to such class of shares; | ||
(iv) | audit or accounting fees or expenses relating solely to such class; | ||
(v) | the expenses of administrative personnel and services as required to support the shareholders of such class; | ||
(vi) | litigation or other legal expenses relating solely to such class of shares; | ||
(vii) | Trustees' fees and expenses incurred as a result of issues relating solely to such class of shares; and | ||
(viii) | other expenses subsequently identified and determined to be properly allocated to such class of shares. |
14. (a) Daily Dividend Portfolios . With respect to Portfolios that declare a dividend to shareholders on a daily basis, all expenses incurred by a Portfolio will be allocated to each class of shares of such Portfolio on the basis of "settled shares" (net assets valued in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles but excluding the value of subscriptions receivable) of each class in relation to the net assets of the Portfolio, except for any expenses that are allocated to a particular class as described in paragraph 13 above.
(b) Non-Daily Dividend Portfolios . With respect to Portfolios that do not declare a dividend to shareholders on a daily basis, all expenses incurred by a Portfolio will be allocated to each class of shares of such Portfolio on the basis of the net asset value of each such class in relation to the net asset value of the Portfolio, except for any expenses that are allocated to a particular class as described in paragraph 13 above.
ALLOCATION OF INCOME AND GAINS
15. (a) Daily Dividend Portfolios . With respect to Portfolios that declare a dividend to shareholders on a daily basis, income will be allocated to each class of shares of such Portfolio on the basis of settled shares of each class in relation to the net assets of the Portfolio, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Portfolio will be allocated to each class of shares of such Portfolio on the basis of the net asset value of each such class in relation to the net asset value of the Portfolio.
(b) Non-Daily Dividend Portfolios . With respect to Portfolios that do not declare a dividend to shareholders on a daily basis, income and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of a Portfolio will be allocated to each class of shares of such Portfolio on the basis of the net asset value of each such class in relation to the net asset value of the Portfolio.
A-3
CONVERSIONS
16. (a) Except for shares acquired through a reinvestment of dividends or distributions, Class B shares held for a period of time after purchase specified in Appendix A are eligible for automatic conversion into Class A shares of the same Portfolio in accordance with the terms described in the relevant prospectus. Class B shares acquired through a reinvestment of dividends or distributions will convert into Class A shares of the same Portfolio pro rata with the Class B shares that were not acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
(b) The automatic conversion feature of Class B shares of each Fund shall be suspended at any time that the Board of Trustees of the Fund determines that there is not available a reasonably satisfactory opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the assessment of the higher fee under the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan for Class B does not result in the Fund's dividends or distributions constituting a preferential dividend under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) the conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law. In addition, the Board of Trustees of each Fund may suspend the automatic conversion feature by determining that any other condition to conversion set forth in the relevant prospectus, as amended from time to time, is not satisfied.
(c) The Board of Trustees of each Fund may also suspend the automatic conversion of Class B shares if it determines that suspension is appropriate to comply with the requirements of the Act, or any rule or regulation issued thereunder, relating to voting by Class B shareholders on the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan for Class A or, in the alternative, the Board of Trustees may provide Class B shareholders with alternative conversion or exchange rights.
17. Class A, Class C, Class R, Institutional Class, Original Class and Portfolio Class shares do not have a conversion feature.
EXCHANGES
18. Holders of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R, Institutional Class, Original Class and Portfolio Class shares of a Portfolio shall have such exchange privileges as set forth in the relevant prospectuses. All exchanges are subject to the eligibility and minimum purchase requirements set forth in the Funds' prospectuses. Exchanges cannot be made between open-end and closed-end funds within the Delaware Investments Family of Funds.
OTHER PROVISIONS
19. Each class will vote separately with respect to the Rule 12b-1 Plan related to that class; provided, however, that Class B shares of a Portfolio may vote on any proposal to materially increase the fees to be paid by the Portfolio under the Rule 12b-1 Plan for the Class A shares of the Portfolio.
20. On an ongoing basis, the Trustees, pursuant to their fiduciary responsibilities under the Act and otherwise, will monitor each Portfolio for the existence of any material conflicts between the interests of all the classes of shares offered by such Portfolio. The Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of each Fund, shall take such action as is reasonably necessary to eliminate any such conflict that may develop. The Manager and the Distributor shall be responsible for alerting the Board to any material conflicts that arise.
A-4
21. As described more fully in the Funds' relevant prospectuses, broker-dealers that sell shares of each Portfolio will be compensated differently depending on which class of shares the investor selects.
22. Each Fund reserves the right to increase, decrease or waive the sales charge imposed on any existing or future class of shares of each Portfolio within the ranges permissible under applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), as such rules may be amended or adopted from time to time. Each Fund may in the future alter the terms of the existing classes of each Portfolio or create new classes in compliance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NASD.
23. All material amendments to this Plan must be approved by a majority of the Trustees of each Fund affected by such amendments, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund.
Initially Effective as of November 16,
2000
Amended as of September 19-20, 2001
Amended as of November 1, 2001
Amended as of May, 2003
Amended as of October 31, 2005
Amended as of
August 31, 2006
A-5
Ex-99.n.1.i
APPENDIX A
updated as of November 19, 2008
Maximum Annual | Maximum Annual | ||
Distribution Fee | Shareholder Servicing | Years | |
Fund/Class | (as a percentage of | fee (as a percentage of | To |
average daily net | average daily net | Conversion | |
assets of class) | assets of class) | ||
Delaware Group Equity Funds I | |||
Delaware Balanced Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Mid Cap Value Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group Equity Funds II | |||
Delaware Large Cap Value Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Value Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group Equity Funds III | |||
Delaware American Services Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Small Cap Growth Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Trend Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Maximum Annual | Maximum Annual | ||
Distribution Fee | Shareholder Servicing | Years | |
Fund/Class | (as a percentage of | fee (as a percentage of | To |
average daily net | average daily net | Conversion | |
assets of class) | assets of class) | ||
Delaware Group Equity Funds IV | |||
Delaware Growth Opportunities Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Global Real Estate Securities Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Healthcare Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group Equity Funds V | |||
Delaware Dividend Income Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Small Cap Core Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Small Cap Value Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
A-2
Maximum Annual | Maximum Annual | ||
Distribution Fee | Shareholder Servicing | Years | |
Fund/Class | (as a percentage of | fee (as a percentage of | To |
average daily net | average daily net | Conversion | |
assets of class) | assets of class) | ||
Delaware Group Income Funds | |||
Delaware Corporate Bond Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Delchester Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware High-Yield Opportunities Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group Limited Term Government Funds | |||
Delaware Limited-Term Diversified Income Fund | |||
(Formerly Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund) | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 5 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group Government Fund | |||
Delaware Core Plus Bond Fund | |||
(Formerly Delaware American Government Bond Fund) | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Inflation Protected Bond Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group State Tax-Free Income Trust | |||
Delaware Tax-Free Pennsylvania Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
A-3
Maximum Annual | Maximum Annual | ||
Distribution Fee | Shareholder Servicing | Years | |
Fund/Class | (as a percentage of | fee (as a percentage of | To |
average daily net | average daily net | Conversion | |
assets of class) | assets of class) | ||
Delaware Group Tax Free Fund | |||
Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group Global & International Funds | |||
Delaware Emerging Markets Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware International Value Equity Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Global Value Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Group Adviser Funds | |||
Delaware Diversified Income Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware U.S. Growth Fund | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
A-4
Maximum Annual | Maximum Annual | ||
Distribution Fee | Shareholder Servicing | Years | |
Fund/Class | (as a percentage of | fee (as a percentage of | To |
average daily net | average daily net | Conversion | |
assets of class) | assets of class) | ||
Delaware Group Foundation Funds | |||
Delaware Aggressive Allocation Portfolio | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Conservative Allocation Portfolio | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Moderate Allocation Portfolio | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Pooled Trust | |||
The Real Estate Investment Trust Portfolio | |||
Class A | .30% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio | |||
Class P | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Original Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Voyageur Insured Funds | |||
Delaware Tax-Free Arizona Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Voyageur Intermediate Tax Free Funds | |||
Delaware Tax-Free Minnesota Intermediate Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 5 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
A-5
Maximum Annual | Maximum Annual | ||
Distribution Fee | Shareholder Servicing | Years | |
Fund/Class | (as a percentage of | fee (as a percentage of | To |
average daily net | average daily net | Conversion | |
assets of class) | assets of class) | ||
Voyageur Mutual Funds | |||
Delaware Minnesota High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Tax-Free California Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Delaware Tax-Free Idaho Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Delaware Tax-Free New York Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Voyageur Mutual Funds II | |||
Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Voyageur Mutual Funds III | |||
Delaware Large Cap Core Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Delaware Select Growth Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
Class R | .60% | N/A | N/A |
Institutional Class | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Voyageur Tax-Free Funds | |||
Delaware Tax-Free Minnesota Fund | |||
Class A | .25% | N/A | N/A |
Class B | .75% | .25% | 8 |
Class C | .75% | .25% | N/A |
A-6
Ex-99.p.1
DELAWARE
INVESTMENTS FAMILY OF FUNDS
CODE OF
ETHICS
Definitions
Access
Person |
means (i) a supervised person who has access to nonpublic information regarding clients Securities transactions, is involved in making Securities recommendations to clients, who has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic, or has access to nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of Fund or (ii) any director, officer, general partner or Advisory Person of a Fund or of a Funds investment adviser, or (iii) any director, officer or general partner of a Fund principal underwriter who, in ordinary course of business, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Securities by a Fund or whose functions or duties in the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendation to a Fund regarding the purchase or sale of its Securities. Those persons deemed Access Persons will be notified of this designation. | |
Advisory
Person |
means (i) any director, officer, general partner or employee of a Fund or a Funds investment adviser or any company in a control relationship to a Fund or its investment advisor who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Securities by a Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchase or sales; or (ii) any natural person in a control relationship to a Fund or an investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Securities by a Fund. For purpose of this definition, control has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act. | |
|
||
Affiliated
Person |
means any officer, director, partner, or employee of a Delaware Fund or any subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and any other person so designated by the Compliance Department. | |
Beneficial
ownership |
shall be as defined in Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder. Generally speaking, a person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a Security, is a beneficial owner of the Security. For example, a person is normally regarded as the beneficial owner of Securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household. Additionally, ownership of derivative Securities such as options, warrants or convertible Securities which confer the right to acquire the underlying Security at a fixed price constitutes Beneficial Ownership of the underlying Security itself. | |
Control |
shall mean investment discretion in whole or in part of an account regardless of Beneficial Ownership, such as an account for which a person has power of attorney or authority to effect transactions. |
|
Delaware
|
shall mean all the Delaware Investments Family of Funds except for the Delaware Cash Reserve Fund. |
|
De Minimis
Purchases or Sales |
shall mean purchases or sales by covered persons of up to 500 shares of stock in a company that is in the Standard and Poors 500 Index provided that Delaware has not traded more than 10,000 shares of that same stock during the last two trading days and there are no open orders for that stock on the Trading Desk. | |
High
Quality
Short-Term Debt Instruments |
shall mean any instrument that has a maturity at issuance of less that 366 days and that is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization. |
|
Continued on next page |
Definitions, Continued
Interested
|
means a director or trustee of an investment company who is an interested person within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Act. A Disinterested Director is a director who is not an interested person under Section 2(a)(19) of the Act. | |
Investment
Personnel |
means any employee, of a Fund, an investment adviser or affiliated company, other than a Portfolio Manager who, in connection with his/her regular functions or duties, makes, or participates in the making of, investment decisions affecting an investment company and any control person who obtains information concerning the recommendation of Securities for purchase or sale by a Fund or an account. Investment Personnel also include the staff who support a Portfolio Manager including analysts, administrative assistants, etc. Investment Personnel by definition are Access Persons. |
|
|
||
Managed
|
means an account that is professionally managed through a wrap program. Managed Accounts require pre-approval through the Compliance Department prior to starting up the account. The Compliance Department will consider the facts and circumstances of the account, including the functions and duties of the employees, when approving or denying such accounts. In addition, preclearance is exempt with Managed Accounts, however, all trades still require reporting and duplicate statements and confirmations are required to be sent to the Compliance Department. Preclearance is only exempt for trades initiated by the wrap manager. All trades initiated by the employee require preclearance. | |
Portfolio
Manager |
means any person who, in connection with his/her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in, the making of investment decisions effecting an investment company. Portfolio Manager includes all equity analysts and fixed income research analysts and traders (excluding municipal bond, money market and private placement). Analysts or traders from excluded teams may be included under the definition of Portfolio Manager at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer. Portfolio Managers by definition are Access Persons. | |
Security |
shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Act, except that it shall not include Securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the United States or by any bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, High Quality Short-Term Debt Instruments including repurchase agreements, certain shares of open-end registered investment companies (other than non-money market Funds for which Delaware Investments is the adviser and sub-adviser, see Appendix A for a list of these Funds), and municipal fund Securities (i.e. 529 Plans). In addition, the purchase, sale or exercise of a derivative Security shall constitute the purchase or sale of the underlying Security. Federal agencies (e.g., Fannie Mae and Freddie Mae) instruments are subject to the Code of Ethics preclearance and reporting requirements. Preclearance of all corporate bonds shall be done on an issuer basis instead on a mere cusip basis. However, the purchase or sale of the debt instrument of an issuer which does not give the holder the right to purchase the issuers stock at a fixed price, does not constitute a purchase or sale of the issuers stock. |
|
Security
being
considered for purchase or sale or being purchased or sold |
means when a recommendation to purchase or sell the Security or an option to purchase or sell a Security has been made and communicated to the Trading Desk and with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making, or when such person knows or should know that another person is seriously considering making, such a recommendation. |
|
Continued on next page |
Definitions, Continued
Security held
or to be acquired by a Fund |
means (i) any Security which, within the most recent fifteen days (a) is or has been held by a Fund; or (b) is being, or has been, considered by a Fund or its investment adviser for purchase by the Fund; and (ii) any option to purchase or sell, and any Security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Security. | |
Continued on next page |
Prohibited Activities
I.
Restrictions -
all Affiliated Persons, Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers |
The following restrictions apply to all Affiliated Persons , Access Persons , Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers .
ü
(i) purchases or sales that
are nonvolitional on the part of either the Person or a
Fund;
ü
(ii)
purchases which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment
plan;
ü
(iii)
purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro
rata to all holders of a class of its Securities, to the extent such
rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so
acquired;
ü
(iv) other
purchases and sales specifically approved by the President or Chief
Executive Officer, with the advice of the General Counsel and/ or the
Chief Compliance Officer, and deemed appropriate because of unusual or
unforeseen circumstances. A list of Securities excepted will be maintained
by the Compliance Department.
ü
(v) purchases
or sales made by a wrap manager in an Affiliated Persons or Access
Persons Managed Account provided that such purchases or sales do not
reflect a pattern of conflict.
|
|
Continued on next page |
Prohibited Activities, Continued
Prohibited Activities, Continued
Required Reports
All
Affiliated
Persons, Access Persons, Investment Personnel, and Portfolio Managers |
The following reports are required to be made by all Affiliated Persons , Access Persons , Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers .
|
|
Reporting
Requirements |
Every report will contain the following information:
|
|
Continued on next page |
Required Reports (continued)
Additional
Reporting - all Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers (other than Disinterested Directors) |
In addition to the above reporting requirements, all Access Persons , Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers (other than Disinterested Directors) must:
ü
(i) the title, type,
exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, if applicable, the number of
shares and the principal amount of each Security;
ü
(ii)
the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom such person maintains an
account in which any Securities were held for the direct or indirect
benefit of such person as of the date of the commencement of employment,
and;
ü
(iii)
the date that the report was submitted to the Compliance
Department.
ü
This report must be
current as of a date no more than 45 days before the commencement of
employment.
ü
(i) the title, type,
exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, if applicable, the number of
shares and the principal amount of each Security;
ü
(ii)
the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom such person maintains an
account in which any Securities were held for the direct or indirect
benefit of such person and;
ü
(iii)
the date that the report was submitted to the Compliance
Department.
|
|
III.
Access
Persons to a Funds Investment Adviser |
|
|
Sanctions /
Violations |
|
|
Continued on next page |
Administrative Procedures
Compliance
Reporting to the Board of Trustees/ Directors |
|
|
Continued on next page |
Record Keeping
|
||
|
Appendix A - Mutual Funds Subject to the Code
List of
Mutual
Funds subject to the Code of Ethics |
|
|
Continued on next page |
Appendix A - Mutual Funds Subject to the Code (Continued)
List of
Mutual
Funds subject to the Code of Ethics (Continued) |
|
|
|
Ex-99.p.2
DELAWARE INVESTMENTS
CODE OF ETHICS
CREDO
It is the duty of all Delaware Investments employees, officers and
directors to conduct themselves with integrity, and at all times to place the
interests of Fund shareholders and account holders first. In the interest of
this credo, all personal Securities transactions will be conducted consistent
with the Code of Ethics and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential
conflict of interest or any abuse of an individuals position of trust and
responsibility. The fundamental standard of this Code is that personnel should
not take any inappropriate advantage of their positions.
It is unlawful for certain persons, including any employee, officer or director of any Fund, investment adviser or principal underwriter, in connection with the purchase or sale by such person of a Security held or to be acquired by a Fund or an account:
(1) |
To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a Fund or an account; |
|
(2) |
To make any untrue statement of a material fact to a Fund or an account or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to a Fund or an account, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading; |
|
(3) |
To engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a Fund or an account; or |
|
(4) |
To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a Fund or an account. |
Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 also requires that each Fund (listed on Appendix A), Delaware Investments Adviser, sub-adviser, and principal underwriter adopt a written code of ethics containing provisions reasonably necessary to prevent certain persons from engaging in acts in violation of the above standard and shall use reasonable diligence and institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent violations of the Code.
This Code of Ethics is being adopted by the following Delaware Investment companies (collectively Delaware) in compliance with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, to effect the purpose of the Credo set forth above and to comply with the recommendations of the Investment Company Institutes Advisory Group on Personal Investing:
As of August XX, 2008
DELAWARE MANAGEMENT BUSINESS TRUST | |
DELAWARE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT | |
DELAWARE MANAGEMENT COMPANY | |
DELAWARE INVESTMENT ADVISERS | |
DELAWARE LINCOLN CASH MANAGEMENT | |
DELAWARE ASSET ADVISERS | |
DELAWARE DISTRIBUTORS, L.P. | |
RETIREMENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. | |
DELAWARE SERVICE COMPANY, INC. | |
DELAWARE MANAGEMENT TRUST COMPANY |
DEFINITIONS:
Access Person means (i) a supervised person who has access to nonpublic information regarding clients Securities transactions, is involved in making Securities recommendations to clients, who has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic, or who has access to nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of affiliated Funds (see Appendix A); (ii) any director, officer, general partner or Advisory Person of a Fund or of a Funds investment adviser; or (iii) any director, officer or general partner of a Funds principal underwriter who, in the ordinary course of business, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of Securities by a Fund, or whose functions or duties in the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendation to a Fund regarding the purchase or sale of its Securities. Those persons deemed Access Persons will be notified of this designation.
Advisory Person means (i) any director, officer, general partner or employee of a Fund or investment adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or an investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Securities by a Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchase or sales, or (ii) any natural person in a control relationship to a Fund or an investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Securities by a Fund. For purposes of this definition, control has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Affiliated Person means any officer, director, partner, or employee of a Delaware Fund or any subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and any other person so designated by the Compliance Department.
Beneficial ownership shall be as defined in Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder. Generally speaking, a person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a Security, is a beneficial owner of the Security. For example, a person is normally regarded as the beneficial owner of Securities held by members of his or her immediate family sharing the same household. Additionally, ownership of derivative Securities such as options, warrants or convertible Securities which confer the right to acquire the underlying Security at a fixed price constitutes Beneficial Ownership of the underlying Security itself.
As of August XX, 2008
Control shall mean investment discretion in whole or in part of an account regardless of Beneficial Ownership, such as an account for which a person has power of attorney or authority to effect transactions.
De Minimis Purchases or Sales shall mean purchases or sales by covered persons of up to 500 shares of stock in a company that is in the Standard and Poors 500 Index provided that Delaware has not traded more than 10,000 shares of that same stock during the last two trading days and there are no open orders for that stock on the Trading Desk.
Delaware Mutual Funds shall mean all the Delaware Investments Family of Funds except for the Delaware Cash Reserve Fund
Director shall mean any person who serves as a director or trustee of any Fund (listed on Appendix A) that is advised by Delaware.
High Quality Short-Term Debt Instruments shall mean any instrument that has a maturity at issuance of less that 366 days and that is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.
Investment Personnel means any employee of a Fund, an investment adviser or affiliated company, other than a Portfolio Manager who, in connection with his/her regular functions or duties, makes, or participates in the making of, investment decisions affecting an investment company, and any control person who obtains information concerning the recommendation of Securities for purchase or sale by a Fund or an account. Investment Personnel also include the staff who support a Portfolio Manager including analysts, administrative assistants, etc. Investment Personnel by definition are Access Persons.
Managed Accounts means an account that is professionally managed through a wrap program. Managed Accounts require pre-approval through the Compliance Department prior to starting up the account. The Compliance Department will consider the facts and circumstances of the account, including the functions and duties of the employees, when approving or denying such accounts. In addition, preclearance is exempt with Managed Accounts, however, all trades still require reporting and duplicate statements and confirmations are required to be sent to the Compliance Department. Preclearance is only exempt for trades initiated by the wrap manager. All trades initiated by the employee require preclearance.
Portfolio Manager means any person who, in connection with his/her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in, the making of investment decisions effecting an investment company. Portfolio Manager includes all equity analysts and fixed income research analysts and traders (excluding municipal bond, money market and private placement). Analysts or traders from excluded teams may be included under the definition of Portfolio Manager at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer. Portfolio Managers by definition are Access Persons.
As of August XX, 2008
Security shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, except that it shall not include Securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the United States or by any , bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, High Quality Short-Term Debt Instruments including repurchase agreements, shares of open-end registered investment companies (other than non-money market Funds for which Delaware Investments is the adviser and sub-adviser, see Appendix A for a list of these Funds), and municipal fund Securities (i.e. 529 Plans). In addition, the purchase, sale or exercise of a derivative Security shall constitute the purchase or sale of the underlying Security. Federal agencies (e.g., Fannie Mae and Freddie Mae) instruments are subject to the Code of Ethics preclearance and reporting requirements. Preclearance of all Corporate Bonds shall be done on an issuer basis instead of on a mere cusip basis. However, the purchase or sale of the debt instrument of an issuer which does not give the holder the right to purchase the issuers stock at a fixed price, does not constitute a purchase or sale of the issuers stock.
Security being considered for purchase or sale or being purchased or sold means when a recommendation to purchase or sell the Security or an option to purchase or sell a Security has been made and communicated to the Trading Desk and with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making, or when such person knows or should know that another person is seriously considering making, such a recommendation.
Security held or to be acquired by an account means (i) any Security which, within the most recent fifteen days (a) is or has been held by the Fund or account; or (b) is being, or has been, considered by the account or its investment adviser for purchase by the Fund or account; and (ii) any option to purchase or sell, and any Security convertible into or exchangeable for a Security.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
I. |
The following restrictions apply to all Affiliated Persons, Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers. |
(a) No Affiliated Person, Access Person, Investment Personnel or Portfolio Manager shall engage in any act, practice or course of conduct, which would violate the provisions of Rule 17j-1 set forth above, or any other applicable federal securities laws.
(b) No Affiliated Person, Access Person, Investment Personnel or Portfolio Manager shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any Security which to his/her knowledge is being actively considered for purchase or sale by Delaware; except that this prohibition shall not apply to:
(A)
purchases or sales that are nonvolitional on the part of either the Person or
the Account;
(B) purchases which are part of an automatic dividend
reinvestment plan;
(C) purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued
by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its Securities, to the extent
such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so
acquired;
(D) other purchases and sales specifically approved by the
President or Chief Executive Officer, with the advice of the General Counsel
and/or the Compliance Director, and deemed appropriate because of unusual or
unforeseen circumstances. A list of Securities excepted will be maintained by
the Compliance Department.
(E) purchases or sales made by a wrap manager in
an Affiliated Persons or Access Persons Managed Account, provided that such
purchases or sales do not reflect a pattern of conflict.
As of August XX, 2008
(c) Except for trades that meet the definition of de minimis, no Affiliated Person, Access Person, Investment Personnel or Portfolio Manager may execute a buy or sell order for an account in which he or she has Beneficial Ownership or Control until the third trading day following the execution of a Delaware buy or sell order in that same Security. All trades that meet the definition of de minimus , however, must first be precleared by the Compliance Department in accordance with Section I(g) below.
(d) No Affiliated Person or Access Person may purchase an initial public offering (IPO) without first receiving preclearance.
(e) No Affiliated Person, Access Person, Investment Personnel or Portfolio Manager may purchase any private placement without express PRIOR written consent by the Compliance Department. This prior approval will take into account, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for a Fund or an account and whether the opportunity is being offered to a person by virtue of his or her position with Delaware. All private placement holdings are subject to disclosure to the Compliance Department. Any Affiliated Person, Access Person, Investment Personnel or Portfolio Manager that holds a private placement must receive permission from the Compliance or Legal Departments prior to any participation by such person in Delawares consideration of an investment in the same issuer. In such circumstances, Delawares decision to purchase securities of the issuer will be subject to an independent review by Investment Personnel with no personal interest in the issuer.
(f) Despite any fault or impropriety, any Affiliated Person, Access Person, Investment Personnel or Portfolio Manager who executes a buy or sell for an account in which he/she has Beneficial Ownership or Control either (i) before the third trading day following the execution of a Delaware order in the same Security, or (ii) when there are pending orders for a Delaware transaction as reflected on the open order blotter, shall forfeit any profits made (in the event of purchases) or loss avoided (in the event of sales), whether realized or unrealized, in the period from the date of the personal transaction to the end of the proscribed trading period. Payment of the amount forfeited shall be made by check or in cash to a charity of the persons choice and a copy of the check or receipt must be forwarded to the Compliance Department.
(g) Except for Managed Accounts meeting the provisions of Section I(b)(E) above, each Affiliated Person or Access Persons personal transactions, including transactions that may be considered de minimus, must be precleared by using the Personal Transaction System. The information must be submitted prior to entering any orders for personal transactions. Preclearance is only valid for the day the request is submitted. If the order is not executed the same day, the preclearance request must be resubmitted. Regardless of preclearance, all transactions remain subject to the provisions of (f) above. PRECLEARANCE OF FIXED INCOME SECURITIES MUST BE RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM A COMPLIANCE OFFICER. (Systematic preclearance is not available for fixed income securities.)
(h) All Mutual Funds including the Delaware Mutual Funds that are now subject to the Code of Ethics will be required to be held for a minimum of 60 days before selling the Fund at a profit. Closing positions at a loss is not prohibited.
As of August XX, 2008
II. |
In addition to the requirements noted in Section I, the following additional restrictions apply to all Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers . |
(a) All Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers are prohibited from purchasing any initial public offering (IPO).
(b) Short term trading resulting in a profit is prohibited. All opening positions must be held for a period of 60 days, in the aggregate, before they can be closed at a profit. Any short term trading profits are subject to the disgorgement procedures outlined above and at the maximum level of profit obtained. The closing of positions at a loss is not prohibited. Stock Options are also included in the 60 day holding period.
(c) All Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers are prohibited from receiving anything of more than a de minimis value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of any account or client. Things of value may include, but not be limited to, travel expenses, special deals or incentives.
(d) All Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers require PRIOR written approval from the Legal or Compliance Department before they may serve on the board of directors of any public company.
III. |
In addition to the requirements noted in Sections I and II, the following additional restrictions apply to all Portfolio Managers . |
(a) No Portfolio Manager may execute a buy or sell order for an account for which he/she has Beneficial Ownership within seven calendar days before or after an investment company or separate account that he/she manages trades in that Security.
(b) Despite any fault or impropriety, any Portfolio Manager who executes a personal transaction within seven calendar days before or after an investment company or separate account that he/she manages trades in that Security, shall forfeit any profits made (in the event of purchases) or loss avoided (in the event of sales), whether realized or unrealized, in the period from the date of the personal transaction to the end of the prescribed trading period. Payment of the amount forfeited shall be made by check or in cash to a charity of the persons choice and a copy of the check or receipt must be forwarded to the Compliance Department.
As of August XX, 2008
REQUIRED REPORTS
I. |
The following reports are required to be made by all Affiliated Persons, Access Persons, Investment Personnel, Portfolio Managers. |
(a) Disclose brokerage relationships at employment and at the time of opening any new account.
(b) Direct their brokers to supply to the Compliance Department, on a timely basis, duplicate copies of all confirmations and statements for all Securities accounts and Managed Accounts. Where possible, such confirmations and statements should be forwarded electronically to the Compliance Department. The Compliance Department, from time to time, will compare such confirmations and statements against precleared transactions in the Personal Transaction System to monitor compliance with the Code.
(c) All Delaware Investments Mutual Funds and Optimum Fund Trust accounts will be required to be held in-house.
(d) Each quarter, no later than 20 days after the end of the calendar quarter, submit to the Compliance Department a personal transaction summary showing all transactions in Securities and Delaware Mutual Funds in accounts which such person has or acquires any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership. Any transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan, however, need not be reported. Each Director who is not an interested person shall submit the quarterly reports only for transactions where at the time of the transaction the Director knew, or in the ordinary course of fulfilling his official duties as a Director should have known, that during the fifteen day period immediately before or after the date of the transaction by the Director, such Security was purchased or sold by a Fund or its investment adviser or was being considered for purchase or sale by a Fund or its investment adviser.
Every report will contain the following information:
(i) the date of the transaction, the title and type of the Security, the
exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, if applicable, the interest rate and
maturity date, if applicable, and the number of shares and the principal amount
of each Security involved;
(ii) the nature of the transaction (i.e.,
purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(iii) the
price at which the transaction was effected;
(iv) the name of the broker,
dealer or bank effecting the transaction;
(v) for any account established by
such person in which any Securities were held during the quarter for the direct
or indirect benefit of such person, the name of the broker, dealer or bank with
whom the account was established and the date the account was established;
and
(vi) the date that the report is submitted to the Compliance
Department.
(e) All Affiliated Persons, Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers must, initially upon receipt of this Code, upon receipt of any and all amendments to this Code, and annually, certify that they have received, read, understand and complied with this Code of Ethics and all disclosure and reporting requirements contained therein.
As of August XX, 2008
II. |
In addition to the above reporting requirements, all Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers (other than Directors who are not Interested Persons) must: |
|
(a) |
Provide an initial holdings report no later than 10 days upon commencement of employment that discloses information regarding all personal Securities holdings, including (i) the title, type, exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, if applicable, the number of shares and the principal amount of each Security; (ii) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom such person maintains an account in which any Securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of such person as of the date of the commencement of employment, and (iii) the date that the report was submitted to the Compliance Department. This report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the commencement of employment. |
|
(b) |
Provide an annual holdings report containing information regarding all personal Securities holdings, including (i) the title, type, exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, if applicable, the number of shares and the principal amount of each Security; (ii) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom such person maintains an account in which any Securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of such person, and (iii) the date that the report was submitted to the Compliance Department. This report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted and must be submitted at least annually. |
SANCTIONS/VIOLATIONS
Strict compliance with the provisions of the Code of Ethics is considered to be a basic provision of your employment. Any violation of the Code of Ethics by an employee will be considered serious and may result in disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to unwinding of trades, disgorgement of profits, warning, monetary fine or censure, suspension of personal trading privileges, and suspension or termination of employment. Repeated offenses will likely be subject to additional sanctions of increasing severity.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
(a) The Compliance Department of Delaware will identify all Affiliated Persons, Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers and will notify them of this classification and their obligations under this Code. The Compliance Department will ensure that all such persons initially receive a copy of the Code of Ethics and any and all subsequent amendments thereto. The Compliance Department will also maintain procedures regarding the review of all notifications and reports required to be made pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or this Code and the Compliance Department will review all notifications and reports, such as portfolio holdings and Securities transaction reports.
(b) All Affiliated Persons, Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers shall report any apparent violations of the prohibitions or reporting requirements contained in this Code of Ethics promptly to the Legal or Compliance Department. The Legal or Compliance Department shall report any such apparent violations to the Chief Compliance Officer and the President or Chief Executive Officer. Such Chief Executive Officer or President, or both, will review the reports made and determine whether or not the Code of Ethics has been violated and shall determine what sanctions, if any, should be imposed in addition to any that may already have been imposed. On a quarterly basis, a summary report of material violations of the Code and the sanctions imposed will be made to the Board of Directors or Committee of Directors created for that purpose. In reviewing this report, the Board will consider whether the appropriate sanctions were imposed. When the Legal Department finds that a transaction otherwise reportable above could not reasonably be found to have resulted in a fraud, deceit or manipulative practice in violation of Rule 17j-1(b), it may, in its discretion, lodge a written memorandum of such finding in lieu of reporting the transaction.
As of August XX, 2008
(c) All material purchases and sales specifically approved by the President or Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Section (I)(b)(D) of Prohibited Activities, as described herein, shall be reported to the Board at its next regular meeting.
(d) The Board of Directors, including a majority of independent Directors, must approve the Funds Code, as well as the Code of any adviser and principal underwriter. If an adviser or underwriter makes a material changes to its Code, the Board must approve the material change within six months after the adoption of such change. The Board must base its approval of a Code of ethics, or a material change to a Code, upon a determination that the Code contains provisions reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the anti-fraud provisions of the Rule 17j-1.
(e) At least once a year, the Board must be provided a written report from each Rule 17j-1 organization that describes issues that arose during the previous year under the Code or procedures applicable to the Rule 17j-1 organization, including, but not limited to, a summary of the existing procedures and any changes during the past year, information about material Code or procedure violations and sanctions imposed in response to those material violations, and any recommended changes to the Code based on past experience, evolving industry practice or developments in applicable laws or regulations. In addition, annually and before the Board approves a material change to the Code, the Board must be provided with a written report from each Rule 17j-1 organization that certifies to the Funds Board that the Rule 17j-1 organization has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent its Access Persons from violating its Code of Ethics.
RECORDKEEPING
Please see Procedures Regarding Books and Records To be Kept and Maintained for Code of Ethics recordkeeping requirements.
As of August XX, 2008
Appendix A List of Mutual Funds/Collective Investment Vehicles subject to the Code of Ethics
· | All Optimum Fund Trust Funds | |
· | AssetMark Tax-Exempt Fixed Income Fund | |
· | AST Capital Trust Company Delaware International Equity Trust | |
· | Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds Large Capitalization Growth Equity Investments | |
· | Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds Small Capitalization Value Equity Investments | |
· | First Mercantile Trust Preferred Trust Fund | |
· | Lincoln Variable Insurance Product Trusts LVIP Delaware Bond Fund | |
· | Lincoln Variable Insurance Product Trusts LVIP Delaware Growth & Income Fund | |
· | Lincoln Variable Insurance Product Trusts LVIP Delaware Managed Fund | |
· | Lincoln Variable Insurance Product Trusts LVIP Money Market Fund | |
· | Lincoln Variable Insurance Product Trusts LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Fund | |
· | Lincoln Variable Insurance Product Trusts LVIP Delaware Special Opportunities Fund | |
· | MassMutual Select Funds MassMutual Select Aggressive Growth Fund | |
· | MassMutual Select Funds MassMutual Select Emerging Growth Fund | |
· | MML Series Investment Fund MML Emerging Growth Fund | |
· | MLIG Roszel/Delaware Small Cap Portfolio | |
· | MLIG Roszel/Delaware Trend Portfolio | |
· | Northern Equity Funds Multi-Manager Large Cap Fund | |
· | PMC Funds PMC Small Cap Core Fund | |
· | PNC Capital Opportunities Fund (formerly Mercantile Capital Opportunities Fund) | |
· | Russell Investment Company Select Growth Fund | |
· | Russell Investment Company Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | |
· | Russell Trust Company Russell Common Trust International Equity Fund | |
· | Russell Trust Company Russell Concentrated Aggressive Portfolio Fund | |
· | Russell Trust Company Russell Growth Fund | |
· | Russell Trust Company Russell International Fund | |
· | Russell Trust Company United Airlines Pilot Directed Account Plan Small Cap Equity Fund | |
· | Russell Company Limited Integritas Mutli-Manager Fund plc U.S. Equity Fund | |
· | SEI Global Investments Fund plc - US Large Cap Growth Fund | |
· | SEI Global Managed Fund plc High Yield Fund | |
· | SEI Institutional Investment Trust High Yield Fund | |
· | SEI Institutional Investments Trust Large Cap Fund | |
· | SEI Institutional Investments Trust Large Cap Diversified Alpha Fund | |
· | SEI Institutional Managed Trust High Yield Fund | |
· | SEI Institutional Managed Trust Large Cap Diversified Alpha Fund | |
· | SEI Institutional Managed Trust Large Cap Growth Fund | |
· | SEI Institutional Managed Trust Tax Managed Large Cap Fund | |
· | SEI Investments Group of Funds U.S. Large Company Equity Fund | |
· | SEI Tax-Exempt Trust Institutional Tax-Free Fund | |
· | UBS PACE Select Advisors Trust UBS PACE Large Cap Growth Equity Investments |
As of August XX, 2008