As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2014
Registration Nos. 033-05033
811-04642
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
| THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ||
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ¨ | |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 72 | x |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
| Amendment No. 74 | x |
(check appropriate box or boxes)
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Area Code and Telephone Number: (800) 248-7971
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Jennifer Fromm, Esq.
Counsel
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies of All Correspondence to:
Stacy H. Louizos, Esq.
Sullivan&Worcester LLP
1200 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
| ¨ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
| x | on April 30, 2014 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 |
| ¨ | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| ¨ | on or at such later date as the Commission shall order pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| ¨ | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| ¨ | on pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485 |
If appropriate, check the following box:
| ¨ | this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
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The Prospectus describes the Virtus Capital Growth Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment through a
variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable contract,
including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
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|
April 30, 2014
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|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
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Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
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Fund Summary
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Investment Objective
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Fees and Expenses
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Principal Investment Strategies
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Principal Risks
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Performance
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Management
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Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
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Tax Information
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Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
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More About Principal Investment Strategies
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More About Principal Risks
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Management of the Series
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Other Investment Strategies and Risks
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Distribution Plan
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More About the Trust and the Series
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Investing in the Series
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Financial Highlights
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Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
:
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Class A
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Shareholder Fees
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None
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Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):
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Class A
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Management Fees
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0.70%
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Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
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0.25%
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Other Expenses
(1)
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0.24%
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Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
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1.19%
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Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
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(0.16%)
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Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
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1.03%
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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$105
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$362
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$639
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$1,429
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Best Quarter:
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1Q/2012:
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16.59%
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Worst Quarter:
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3Q/2011:
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-20.30%
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Year to date
(3/31/14):
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-1.37%
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Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
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1 Year
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5 Years
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10 Years
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Class A
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29.44%
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15.96%
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4.45%
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||||||||||||
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S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
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32.39%
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17.94%
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7.40%
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Russell 1000
®
Growth Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
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33.48%
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20.39%
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7.83%
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1
st
$250 million
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$250+ million through $500 million
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Over $500 million
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0.70%
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0.65%
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0.60%
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1/1/13 to
12/31/13
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1/1/12 to
12/31/12
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1/1/11 to
12/31/11
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1/1/10 to
12/31/10
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1/1/09 to
12/31/09
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
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$
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15.82
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13.99
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14.67
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12.83
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9.95
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Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
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0.04
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0.11
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0.01
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0.05
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0.09
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Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
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4.61
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1.81
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(0.68
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)
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1.85
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2.89
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Total from Investment Operations
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4.65
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1.92
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(0.67
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)
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1.90
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2.98
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Dividends from Net Investment Income
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(0.06
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)
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(0.09
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)
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(0.01
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)
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(0.06
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)
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(0.10
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)
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Distributions from Net Realized Gains
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—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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Total Distributions
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(0.06
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)
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(0.09
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)
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(0.01
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)
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(0.06
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)
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(0.10
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)
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Change in Net Asset Value
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4.59
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1.83
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(0.68
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)
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1.84
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2.88
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Net Asset Value, End of Period
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$
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20.41
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15.82
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13.99
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14.67
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12.83
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Total Return
(2)
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29.44
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%
|
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13.76
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(4.60
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)
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14.88
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29.93
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Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
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$
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218,264
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189,975
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189,689
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228,109
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236,409
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Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
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1.03
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%
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0.96
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(4)
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0.95
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0.95
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0.95
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Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
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1.14
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%
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1.13
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1.15
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1.05
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1.07
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Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
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0.19
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%
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0.68
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0.04
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0.36
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0.85
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Portfolio Turnover Rate
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30
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%
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16
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127
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166
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107
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||
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Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
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Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
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4-14
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8501
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||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus Capital Growth Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment through a
variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable contract,
including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
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Fund Summary
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
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|
More About Principal Risks
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|
|
Management of the Series
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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|
|
|
|||||
|
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Shareholder Fees
|
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|
None
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|
||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.70%
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|
||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
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|
||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.24%
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|
||||
|
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Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
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1.19%
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||||
|
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Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
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(0.21%)
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||||
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Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
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0.98%
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||||
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
|
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||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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||||||||||||||
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Class A
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$100
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$357
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$634
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$1,425
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||||||||
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Best Quarter:
|
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|
2Q/2009:
|
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17.78%
|
|
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Worst Quarter:
|
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4Q/2008:
|
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|
-20.13%
|
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|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
2.90%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|||||||||||||
|
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Class A
|
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31.81%
|
|
|
15.70%
|
|
|
6.92%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
32.39%
|
|
|
17.94%
|
|
|
7.40%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
1
st
$250 million
|
|
|
$250+ million through $500 million
|
|
|
Over $500 million
|
|
|
|
0.70%
|
|
|
0.65%
|
|
|
0.60%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
1/1/11 to
12/31/11
|
|
|
1/1/10 to
12/31/10
|
|
|
1/1/09 to
12/31/09
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
14.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.45
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
4.39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.30
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
4.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(1.36
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(1.50
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
3.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.31
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
17.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
31.81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.66
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
150,383
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
148,283
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
189,361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.98
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.91
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.94
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.14
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
0.84
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
54
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
|
|
|
4-14
|
|
|
|
8503
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus International Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment through a
variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable contract,
including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Fund Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.74%
|
|
|
0.74%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.24%
|
|
|
0.24%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
|
|
|
1.23%
|
|
|
0.98%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
|
|
|
(0.05%)
|
|
|
(0.05%)
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
|
|
1.18%
|
|
|
0.93%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
$120
|
|
|
$385
|
|
|
$671
|
|
|
$1,484
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
$95
|
|
|
$307
|
|
|
$537
|
|
|
$1,197
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
2Q/2009:
|
|
|
26.08%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
4Q/2008:
|
|
|
-21.56%
|
|
|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
2.96%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
7.78%
|
|
|
13.72%
|
|
|
9.30%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
32.39%
|
|
|
17.94%
|
|
|
7.40%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
MSCI EAFE
®
Index (net) (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
22.78%
|
|
|
12.44%
|
|
|
6.91%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
1
st
$250 million
|
|
|
$250+ million through $500 million
|
|
|
Over $500 million
|
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.70%
|
|
|
0.65%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
1/1/11 to
12/31/11
|
|
|
1/1/10 to
12/31/10
|
|
|
1/1/09 to
12/31/09
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
17.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.31
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
0.97
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
1.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.74
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.43
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.41
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.43
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.41
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
0.93
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.02
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.17
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.91
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
18.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
7.78
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4.57
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39.87
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
317,726
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
341,717
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
335,529
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
403,607
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
421,706
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.18
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.06
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.18
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
1.97
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.91
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.55
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/30/13
(5)
to
12/31/13
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
18.40
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
0.26
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
(0.18
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
18.22
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
1.17
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
104
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.93
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.93
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
1.54
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
|
|
|
4-14
|
|
|
|
8500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment
through a variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable
contract, including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Fund Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.50%
|
|
|
0.50%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.26%
|
|
|
0.26%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
|
|
|
1.01%
|
|
|
0.76%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
|
|
|
(0.07%)
|
|
|
(0.07%)
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
|
|
0.94%
|
|
|
0.69%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
$96
|
|
|
$315
|
|
|
$551
|
|
|
$1,230
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
$70
|
|
|
$236
|
|
|
$415
|
|
|
$936
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
2Q/2009:
|
|
|
15.10%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
4Q/2008:
|
|
|
-11.35%
|
|
|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
2.62%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
2.25%
|
|
|
14.12%
|
|
|
6.71%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
-2.02%
|
|
|
4.44%
|
|
|
4.55%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
1
st
$250 million
|
|
|
$250+ million through $500 million
|
|
|
Over $500 million
|
|
|
|
0.50%
|
|
|
0.45%
|
|
|
0.40%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
1/1/11 to
12/31/11
|
|
|
1/1/10 to
12/31/10
|
|
|
1/1/09 to
12/31/09
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.88
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.57
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
(0.30
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.34
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
0.21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.55
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.62
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.66
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.60
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.55
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.62
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.66
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.60
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
(0.34
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.57
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.88
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.98
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
171,995
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
203,775
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
197,016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
227,860
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
206,107
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.94
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.78
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.96
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.94
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.97
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
5.23
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.94
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
56
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/30/13
(5)
to
12/31/13
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
(0.44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.58
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.58
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
(0.66
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
(0.89
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
124
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.69
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.71
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
5.54
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
56
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
|
|
|
4-14
|
|
|
|
8504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus Premium AlphaSector
®
Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment
through a variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable
contract, including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Fund Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment.)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
1.10%
|
|
|
1.10%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.49%
|
|
|
0.49%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
0.17%
|
|
|
0.17%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
|
|
|
2.01%
|
|
|
1.76%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
|
|
|
(0.14%)
|
|
|
(0.14%)
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
|
|
1.87%
|
|
|
1.62%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
$190
|
|
|
$617
|
|
|
$1,070
|
|
|
$2,326
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
$165
|
|
|
$541
|
|
|
$941
|
|
|
$2,062
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
1Q/2013:
|
|
|
10.37%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
2Q/2012:
|
|
|
-1.07%
|
|
|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
1.43%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
Since Inception (02/14/11)
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
28.71%
|
|
|
11.30%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
32.39%
|
|
|
14.50%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
2/14/11
(4)
to
12/31/11
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
2.92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.52
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
2.98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.44
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
2.89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.51
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
13.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
28.71
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4.47
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
18,710
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,958
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.70
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and
reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.79
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.31
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
0.52
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.98
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
108
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
249
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/30/13
(4)
to
12/31/13
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
11.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
1.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
1.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
1.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
13.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
14.64
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
140
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.45
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
0.89
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
108
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
|
|
|
4-14
|
|
|
|
8510
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus Real Estate Securities Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment through
a variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable contract,
including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Fund Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment.)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.27%
|
|
|
0.27%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
|
|
|
1.27%
|
|
|
1.02%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
|
|
|
(0.11%)
|
|
|
(0.11%)
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
|
|
1.16%
|
|
|
0.91%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
$118
|
|
|
$392
|
|
|
$686
|
|
|
$1,524
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
$93
|
|
|
$314
|
|
|
$553
|
|
|
$1,238
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
3Q/2009:
|
|
|
33.37%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
4Q/2008:
|
|
|
-38.56%
|
|
|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
10.93%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
0.90%
|
|
|
16.47%
|
|
|
9.25%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
32.39%
|
|
|
17.94%
|
|
|
7.40%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
2.47%
|
|
|
16.50%
|
|
|
8.42%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
1
st
$1 billion
|
|
|
$1+ billion through $2 billion
|
|
|
Over $2 billion
|
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.70%
|
|
|
0.65%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
1/1/11 to
12/31/11
|
|
|
1/1/10 to
12/31/10
|
|
|
1/1/09 to
12/31/09
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
27.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.26
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.44
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
0.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.56
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.43
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.19
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.57
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(4.31
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.51
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.55
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(4.74
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.80
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.74
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.45
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.57
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
(4.45
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
23.33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
0.90
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.87
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
90,794
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,399
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103,114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,769
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.16
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.11
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.22
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.80
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/30/13
(5)
to
12/31/13
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
30.96
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
(3.08
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
(2.85
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.50
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(4.31
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(4.81
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
(7.66
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
23.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
(10.45
|
%)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
102
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.91
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.98
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
1.23
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
|
|
|
4-14
|
|
|
|
8502
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment through a
variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable contract,
including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Fund Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment.)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.85%
|
|
|
0.85%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.28%
|
|
|
0.28%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
|
|
|
1.38%
|
|
|
1.13%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
|
|
|
(0.19%)
|
|
|
(0.19%)
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
|
|
1.19%
|
|
|
0.94%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
$121
|
|
|
$418
|
|
|
$737
|
|
|
$1,641
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Class I
|
|
|
$96
|
|
|
$340
|
|
|
$604
|
|
|
$1,358
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
2Q/2009
|
|
|
16.58%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
4Q/2008:
|
|
|
-25.51%
|
|
|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
-4.88%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
40.20%
|
|
|
20.49%
|
|
|
8.64%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
32.39%
|
|
|
17.94%
|
|
|
7.40%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Russell 2000
®
Growth Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
43.30%
|
|
|
22.58%
|
|
|
9.41%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
1st $1 billion
|
|
|
Over $1 billion
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
0.85%
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
1/1/11 to
12/31/11
|
|
|
1/1/10 to
12/31/10
|
|
|
1/1/09 to
12/31/09
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
15.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
6.39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.21
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
6.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.42
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.42
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
6.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
21.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
40.20
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.39
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
70,948
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,898
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,868
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,463
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,310
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.19
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.07
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.33
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
(0.63
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.44
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.15
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.55
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.83
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
28
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/30/13
(5)
to
12/31/13
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
17.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
4.70
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
4.67
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.21
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
4.46
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
21.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
26.28
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
137
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.94
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.07
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
(0.23
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
28
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
|
|
|
4-14
|
|
|
|
8505
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus Small-Cap Value Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment through a
variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable contract,
including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Fund Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment.)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.90%
|
|
||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
||||
|
|
Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
|
|
|
1.40%
|
|
||||
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
|
|
|
(0.20%)
|
|
||||
|
|
Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
|
|
1.20%
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
$122
|
|
|
$423
|
|
|
$747
|
|
|
$1,662
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
2Q/2009:
|
|
|
17.68%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
4Q/2008:
|
|
|
-29.64%
|
|
|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
-4.23%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
40.77%
|
|
|
17.70%
|
|
|
7.77%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
32.39%
|
|
|
17.94%
|
|
|
7.40%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Russell 2000
®
Value Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
34.52%
|
|
|
17.64%
|
|
|
8.61%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
1st $400 million
|
|
|
$400+ million to $1 billion
|
|
|
Over $1 billion
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
0.90%
|
|
|
0.85%
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
1/1/11 to
12/31/11
|
|
|
1/1/10 to
12/31/10
|
|
|
1/1/09 to
12/31/09
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
12.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
5.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.67
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.81
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
5.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.82
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.84
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.94
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
5.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.67
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.34
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
17.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.55
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
40.77
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
135,352
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118,741
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,281
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,421
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.29
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before waivers and reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.35
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
153
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
|
|
|
4-14
|
|
|
|
8506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
The Prospectus describes the Virtus Stragic Allocation Series (the
“
Series
”
), which is available as an underlying investment through a
variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract
(a
"variable
contract
”
). For information about your variable contract,
including information about insurance-related expenses, see the prospectus for your variable contract.
|
|
|
April 30, 2014
|
|
|
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Please carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Series before investing. For this and other information about any Virtus Variable Insurance Trust series, call 800-367-5877 or visit virtus.com for a prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest.
|
|
|
Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
May Lose Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Fund Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase and Sale of Series Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to Insurance Companies and Other Financial Intermediaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About Principal Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management of the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Strategies and Risks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More About the Trust and the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing in the Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment):
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
||||
|
|
Annual Series Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment.)
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
|
0.60%
|
|
||||
|
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
||||
|
|
Other Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
0.26%
|
|
||||
|
|
Total Annual Series Operating Expenses
|
|
|
1.11%
|
|
||||
|
|
Less: Expense Reimbursements
(2)
|
|
|
(0.13%)
|
|
||||
|
|
Net Annual Series Operating Expenses
(2)
|
|
|
0.98%
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
$100
|
|
|
$340
|
|
|
$599
|
|
|
$1,340
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
|
2Q/2009:
|
|
|
13.28%
|
|
|
Worst Quarter:
|
|
|
4Q/2008:
|
|
|
-14.29%
|
|
|
Year to date
(3/31/14):
|
|
|
2.57%
|
|
|
|
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended
12/31/13)
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
17.99%
|
|
|
13.96%
|
|
|
6.47%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
S&P 500
®
Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
32.39%
|
|
|
17.94%
|
|
|
7.40%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (does not reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
-2.02%
|
|
|
4.44%
|
|
|
4.55%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Composite: 60% S&P 500
®
Index/40% Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (does not
reflect fees or expenses)
|
|
|
17.56%
|
|
|
12.71%
|
|
|
6.54%
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
1
st
$250 million
|
|
|
$250+ million through $500 million
|
|
|
Over $500 million
|
|
|
|
0.60%
|
|
|
0.55%
|
|
|
0.50%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/1/13 to
12/31/13
|
|
|
1/1/12 to
12/31/12
|
|
|
1/1/11 to
12/31/11
|
|
|
1/1/10 to
12/31/10
|
|
|
1/1/09 to
12/31/09
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
13.48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
0.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
2.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.94
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
|
|
|
|
2.40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.62
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.44
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.23
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
|
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.31
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.33
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
|
|
|
|
(1.18
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
(1.47
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.31
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.33
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
0.93
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
|
|
|
$
|
14.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.11
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
17.99
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.91
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
$
|
137,453
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135,046
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138,124
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
158,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
170,247
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
0.98
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.87
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.85
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
(before Waivers and Reimbursements)
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
1.06
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
1.88
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.98
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
|
|
|
|
49
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
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89
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Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT)
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Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642
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4-14
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8507
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SERIES
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Virtus Capital Growth Series
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Virtus Growth & Income Series
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Virtus International Series
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Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
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Virtus Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
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Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series
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Virtus Small-Cap Value Series
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Virtus Real Estate Securities Series
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Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
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Page
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Glossary
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General Information and History
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More Information About Fund Investment Strategies & Related Risks
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Investment Limitations
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Management of the Trust
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Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities
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Investment Advisory and Other Services
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Distribution Plan
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Portfolio Managers
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Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices
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Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
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Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
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Performance Information
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Financial Statements
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Appendix A
—
Description of Ratings
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Appendix B
—
Control Persons and
Principal Shareholders
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1933 Act
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The Securities Act of 1933, as amended
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1940 Act
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The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
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AAMI
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Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., subadviser to the International Series
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ACH
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Automated Clearing House, a nationwide electronic money transfer system that provides for the inter-bank clearing of credit and debit transactions and for the exchange of information among participating financial institutions
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ADRs
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American Depositary Receipts
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ADSs
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American Depositary Shares
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Aberdeen
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Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, the parent company of AAMI
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Administrator
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The Trust
’
s administrative agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC
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Adviser
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The investment adviser to the Series, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.
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BNY Mellon
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BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., the subadministrative and accounting agent for the Series as well as the transfer agent for the Series
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CCO
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Chief Compliance Officer
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CDRs
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Continental Depositary Receipts (another name for EDRs)
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CDSC
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Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
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CEA
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Commodity Exchange Act, which is the U.S. law governing trading in commodity futures
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CFTC
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Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is the U.S. regulator governing trading in commodity futures
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Capital Growth Series
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Virtus Capital Growth Series
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Class
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A class of shares of a Series of the Trust discussed in this SAI
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Code
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The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is the law governing U.S. federal taxes
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Custodian
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The custodian of the Series
’
assets, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
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Distributor
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The principal underwriter of shares of the Series, VP Distributors, LLC
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EDRs
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European Depositary Receipts (another name for CDRs)
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ETFs
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Exchange-traded Funds
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Duff & Phelps
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Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., subadviser to the Real Estate Securities Series
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Euclid
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Euclid Advisors LLC, subadviser to the Growth & Income Series, Premium AlphaSector
®
Series and Strategic Allocation Series (equity portion)
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FHFA
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Federal Housing Finance Agency, an independent Federal agency that regulates FNMA, FDMC and the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks
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FHLMC
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Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as
“
Freddie Mac
”
,
which is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders
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FINRA
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Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a self-regulatory organization with authority over registered broker-dealers operating in the United States, including VP Distributors
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FNMA
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Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as
“
Fannie Mae
”
, which
is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders and subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
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F-Squared
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F-Squared Institutional Advisors, LLC, subadviser to the Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
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Fund Complex
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The group of funds sponsored by Virtus and managed by VIA, including the Series, the Virtus Mutual Funds and certain other closed-end funds
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GDRs
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Global Depositary Receipts
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Series
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Investment
Objective(s)
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Capital Growth Series
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To provide long-term growth of capital.
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Growth & Income Series
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To provide capital appreciation and current income.
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International Series
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To provide high total return consistent with reasonable risk.
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Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
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To provide long-term total return.
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Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
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To provide long-term capital appreciation.
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Real Estate Securities Series
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To provide capital appreciation and income with approximately equal emphasis.
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Small-Cap Growth Series
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To provide long-term capital growth.
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Small-Cap Value Series
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To provide long-term capital appreciation.
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Strategic Allocation Series
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To provide high total return over an extended period of time consistent with prudent investment risk.
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Type of Service Provider
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Name of Service Provider
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Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information
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Adviser
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Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.
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Daily with no delay
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Subadvisers
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Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.
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Daily with no delay
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Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.
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Daily with no delay
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Euclid Advisors, LLC
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Daily with no delay
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F-Squared Institutional Advisors, LLC
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Daily with no delay
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Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC
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Daily with no delay
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Newfleet Asset Management, LLC
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Daily with no delay
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Administrator
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Virtus Fund Services, LLC
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Daily, with no delay
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Distributor
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VP Distributors, LLC
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Daily, with no delay
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Custodian
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JPMorgan
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Daily, with no delay
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Sub-financial Agent
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BNY Mellon
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Daily, with no delay
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
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Annual Reporting
Period,
within
5
business days of
the
end of reporting
period
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Performance Analytics Firm
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FactSet Research Systems, Inc.
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Daily, with no delay
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Typesetting and Printing Firm for Financial Reports
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RR Donnelley Financial
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Quarterly, within 15 days of end of reporting period
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Proxy Voting Service
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ISS
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Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly depending on subadviser
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Class Action Provider
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Battea-Class Action Services, LLC
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Daily, with no delay
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Type of Service Provider
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Name of Service Provider
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Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information
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Rating Agencies
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Lipper Inc. and Morningstar
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Various frequencies depending on
the series, which includes, but is not limited to: Monthly
with 30-day delay
or
fiscal quarter with a 15-,30-, or
60-day delay.
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Portfolio Redistribution Firms
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Bloomberg, Standard & Poor
’
s and
Thompson Reuters
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Various frequencies depending on
the series, which includes, but is not limited to: Monthly
with 30-day delay
or
fiscal quarter with a 15-,30-, or
60-day delay.
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Investment Technique
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|
Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Debt Investing
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Each Series may invest in debt, or fixed income, securities. Debt, or fixed income, securities (which include corporate bonds, commercial paper, debentures, notes, government securities, municipal obligations, state- or state
agency-issued
obligations, obligations of
foreign issuers, asset-or mortgage-backed securities, and other obligations) are used by issuers to borrow money and thus are debt obligations of the issuer. Holders of debt securities are creditors of the issuer, normally ranking ahead of holders of both common and preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest and must repay the amount borrowed at the security
’
s maturity. Some debt securities,
such as
zero coupon
securities (discussed below), do not pay interest
but are sold at a deep discount from their face value.
Yields on debt securities depend on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money, bond, and note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity date of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in market conditions than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in interest rates generally will reduce the market value of portfolio debt securities, while a decline in interest rates generally will increase the value of the same securities. The achievement of a Series
’
investment objective depends in part on the
continuing ability of the issuers of the debt securities in which the Series invests to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Obligations of issuers of debt securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, sovereign immunity, and other laws that affect the rights and remedies of creditors. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of an issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may be materially affected.
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Convertible Securities
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|
A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, or other security that
entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities
of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a
specific price or formula. It generally entitles the holder to receive
interest paid or accrued until the security matures or is redeemed,
converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities have several unique
investment characteristics such as (1) higher yields than common
stocks, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities,
(2) a lesser degree of fluctuation in value then the underlying stock
since they have fixed income characteristics and (3) the potential for
capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common
stock increases.
Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar
to nonconvertible debt securities. Convertible securities rank senior to
common stock in a corporation
’
s capital structure and, therefore,
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A Series
’
investments
in convertible securities that are rated below investment grade will be limited to 5% of the Series
’
total assets.
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Investment Technique
|
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|
Description and Risks
|
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|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
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generally entail less risk than the corporation
’
s common stock,
although the extent to which this is true depends in large measure on the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. However, because convertible securities are usually viewed by the issuer as future common stock, they are generally subordinated to other senior securities and therefore are rated one category lower than the issuer
’
s non-convertible debt
obligations or preferred stock.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption or conversion at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by the Series is called for redemption, the Series could be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to the underlying common stock. The Series generally would invest in convertible securities for their favorable price characteristics and total return potential, and would normally not exercise an option to convert. The Series might be more willing to convert such securities to common stock.
A Series
’
subadviser will select only those convertible securities for
which it believes (a) the underlying common stock is a suitable investment for the Series and (b) a greater potential for total return exists by purchasing the convertible security because of its higher yield and/or favorable market valuation. However, the Series may invest in convertible debt securities rated less than investment grade. Debt securities rated less than investment grade are commonly referred to as
“
junk bonds.
”
(For information about debt securities
rated less than investment grade, see
“
High-Yield/High-Risk
(Junk
Bonds) Securities
”
under
“
Debt Investing
”
in this section of the SAI; for
additional information about ratings on debt obligations, see Appendix A to this SAI.)
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Corporate Debt Securities
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|
Each Series may invest in debt securities issued by corporations, limited partnerships and other similar entities. A Series
’
investments in
debt securities of domestic or foreign corporate issuers include bonds, debentures, notes and other similar corporate debt instruments, including convertible securities that meet the Series
’
minimum ratings
criteria or if unrated are, in the Series
’
subadviser
’
s opinion,
comparable in quality to corporate debt securities that meet those criteria. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies or to the value of commodities, such as gold.
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Dollar-denominated Foreign Debt Securities (
“
Yankee
Bonds
”
)
|
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|
Each Series may invest in
“
Yankee bonds
”
, which are
dollar-
denominated
instruments issued in the U.S. market by foreign
branches of U.S. banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks. Since these instruments are dollar-denominated, they are not affected by variations in currency exchange rates. They are influenced primarily by interest rate levels in the United States and by the financial condition of the issuer, or of the issuer
’
s foreign parent. However,
investing in these instruments may present a greater degree of risk than investing in domestic securities, due to less publicly available information, less securities regulation, war or expropriation. Special considerations may include higher brokerage costs and thinner trading markets. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by other factors including extended settlement periods. (See
“
Foreign
Investing
”
in this section of the SAI for additional information about
investing in foreign countries.)
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Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Duration
|
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|
Duration is a time measure of a bond
’
s interest-rate sensitivity, based
on the weighted average of the time periods over which a bond
’
s cash
flows accrue to the bondholder. Time periods are weighted by multiplying by the present value of its cash flow divided by the bond
’
s
price. (A bond
’
s cash flows consist of coupon payments and
repayment of capital.) A bond
’
s duration will almost always be shorter
than its maturity, with the exception of
zero coupon
bonds, for which
maturity and duration are equal.
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High-Yield/High-Risk
Fixed Income Securities
|
|
|
Investments in securities rated
“
BB
”
or below by S&P or
“
Ba
”
or below
by Moody
’
s generally provide greater income (leading to the name
“
high-yield
”
securities) and opportunity for capital appreciation than
investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail
greater price volatility, liquidity, and principal and income risk. These
securities are regarded as predominantly speculative as to the
issuer
’
s continuing ability to meet principal and interest payment
obligations. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality
debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher-
quality debt securities.
Interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when
interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The
market values of low-rated securities tend to reflect individual
corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. Low-rated securities also tend to be more sensitive to
economic conditions than higher-rated securities. As a result, they
generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated
categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of low-rated securities
may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues
to meet their payment obligations. The issuer
’
s ability to service its
debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate
developments, the issuer
’
s inability to meet specific projected
business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The
risk of loss due to default by an issuer of low-rated securities is
significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because
such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to
other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a low-rated security defaulted,
the applicable Series might incur additional expenses in seeking
recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes would also
generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of low-rated
securities and thus in the applicable Series
’
NAV.
Low-rated securities typically contain redemption, call or prepayment
provisions which permit the issuer of the securities containing such
provisions to, at its discretion, redeem the securities. During periods
of falling interest rates, issuers of low-rated securities are likely to
redeem or prepay the securities and refinance them with debt
securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer is able to
refinance the securities or otherwise redeem them, the applicable
Series may have to replace the securities with a lower yielding
security which would result in lower returns for the Series.
A Series may have difficulty disposing of certain low-rated securities
because there may be a thin trading market for such securities.
Because not all dealers maintain markets in all low-rated securities,
there is no established retail secondary market for many of these
securities. The Series anticipate that such securities could be sold
|
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The Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series will limit its investments in below-investment grade securities to no more than 50% of its net assets; the Strategic Allocation Series will limit such investments to no more than 10% of its net assets.
|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
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|
|
only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of the security, and accordingly, the NAV of a particular Series and its ability to dispose of particular securities when necessary to meet its liquidity needs, or in response to a specific economic event, or an event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Series to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its respective portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many low-rated issues only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low-rated securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. If a Series experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited liquidity of low-rated securities, the Series may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would reduce the Series
’
asset base over which expenses
could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of return for the Series.
|
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|
|
|
Inverse Floating Rate Obligations
|
|
|
Certain variable rate securities pay interest at a rate that varies inversely to prevailing short-term interest rates (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters). For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security may go down when the underlying index has risen. During periods when short-term interest rates are relatively low as compared to long-term interest rates, the Series may attempt to enhance its yield by purchasing inverse floaters. Certain inverse floaters may have an interest rate reset mechanism that multiplies the effects of changes in the underlying index. While this form of leverage may increase the security
’
s yield, it may also increase the volatility of
the security
’
s market value.
Similar to other variable and floating rate obligations, effective use of inverse floaters requires skills different from those needed to select most portfolio securities. If movements in interest rates are incorrectly anticipated, a Series holding these instruments could lose money and its NAV could decline.
|
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|
Letters of Credit
|
|
|
Debt obligations, including municipal obligations, certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations, may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit of a bank that assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only banks that, in the opinion of the relevant Series
’
subadviser, are of investment quality comparable to other permitted investments of the Series may be used for Letter of Credit-backed investments.
|
|
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|
|
Loan and Debt Participations and Assignments
|
|
|
A loan participation agreement involves the purchase of a share of a
loan made by a bank to a company in return for a corresponding
share of the borrower
’
s principal and interest payments. Loan
participations of the type in which the Series may invest include
interests in both secured and unsecured corporate loans. When a
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|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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Series purchases loan assignments from lenders, it will acquire direct
rights against the borrower, but these rights and the Series
’
obligations may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by
the assignment lender. The principal credit risk associated with
acquiring loan participation and assignment interests is the credit risk
associated with the underlying corporate borrower. There is also a risk
that there may not be a readily available market for participation loan
interests and, in some cases, this could result in the Series disposing
of such securities at a substantial discount from face value or holding
such securities until maturity.
In the event that a corporate borrower failed to pay its scheduled
interest or principal payments on participations held by the Series, the
market value of the affected participation would decline, resulting in a
loss of value of such investment to the Series. Accordingly, such
participations are speculative and may result in the income level and
net assets of the Series being reduced. Moreover, loan participation
agreements generally limit the right of a participant to resell its interest
in the loan to a third party and, as a result, loan participations may be
deemed by the Series to be illiquid investments. A Series will invest
only in participations with respect to borrowers whose
creditworthiness is, or is determined by the Series
’
subadviser to be,
substantially equivalent to that of issuers whose senior
unsubordinated debt securities are rated B or higher by Moody
’
s or
S&P. For the purposes of diversification and/or concentration
calculations, both the borrower and issuer will be considered an
“
issuer.
”
The Series may purchase from banks participation interests in all or
part of specific holdings of debt obligations. Each participation interest
is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling
bank that the relevant Series
’
subadviser has determined meets the
prescribed quality standards of the Series. Thus, even if the credit of
the issuer of the debt obligation does not meet the quality standards
of the Series, the credit of the selling bank will.
Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid and therefore
subject to the Series
’
limitations on investments in illiquid securities.
(See
“
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
”
in this section of the SAI.)
|
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Municipal Securities and Related Investments
|
|
|
Tax-exempt municipal securities are debt obligations issued by the
various states and their subdivisions (
e.g.
, cities, counties, towns, and
school districts) to raise funds, generally for various public
improvements requiring
long-term
capital investment. Purposes for
which tax-exempt bonds are issued include flood control, airports,
bridges and highways, housing, medical facilities, schools, mass
transportation and power, water or sewage plants, as well as others.
Tax-exempt bonds also are occasionally issued to retire outstanding
obligations, to obtain funds for operating expenses or to loan to other
public or, in some cases, private sector organizations or to individuals.
Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors,
including the general conditions of the money market and the
municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of
the obligations and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with
longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally
subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation
than obligations with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market
prices of municipal securities usually vary, depending upon available
yields. An increase in interest rates will generally reduce the value of
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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portfolio investments, and a decline in interest rates will generally
increase the value of portfolio investments. The ability of the Series to
achieve its investment objective is also dependent on the continuing
ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Series invests
to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal when
due. The ratings of Moody
’
s and S&P
’
s represent their opinions as to
the quality of municipal securities which they undertake to rate.
Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently,
municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon, and rating may
have different yields. There are variations in municipal securities, both
within a particular classification and between classifications,
depending on numerous factors. It should also be pointed out that,
unlike other types of investments, municipal securities have
traditionally not been subject to regulation by, or registration with, the
SEC, although there have been proposals which would provide for
such regulation in the future.
The federal bankruptcy statutes relating to the debts of political
subdivisions and authorities of states of the United States provide that,
in certain circumstances, such subdivisions or authorities may be
authorized to initiate bankruptcy proceedings without prior notice to or
consent of creditors, which proceedings could result in material and
adverse changes in the rights of holders of their obligations.
Lawsuits challenging the validity under state constitutions of present
systems of financing public education have been initiated or adjusted
in a number of states, and legislation has been introduced to effect
changes in public school financing in some states. In other instances
there have been lawsuits challenging the issuance of pollution control
revenue bonds or the validity of their issuance under state or federal
law which could ultimately affect the validity of those municipal
securities or the tax-free nature of the interest thereon.
Descriptions of some of the municipal securities and related
investment types most commonly acquired by the Series are provided
below. In addition to those shown, other types of municipal
investments are, or may become, available for investment by the
Series. For the purpose of each Series
’
investment restrictions set
forth in this SAI, the identification of the
“
issuer
”
of a municipal security
which is not a general obligation bond is made by the applicable
Series
’
subadviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation,
the most significant of which is the source of funds for the payment of
principal and interest on such security.
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Municipal Bonds
|
|
|
Municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Another type of municipal bond is referred to as an industrial development bond.
|
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|
General Obligation
Bonds
|
|
|
Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The basic security behind general obligation bonds is the issuer
’
s pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the
payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.
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Investment Technique
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|
Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
|
Industrial
Development Bonds
|
|
|
Industrial development bonds, which are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid is exempt from federal income tax, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports arenas and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility
’
s user to meet its
financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment.
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|
Revenue Bonds
|
|
|
The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer
’
s obligations. Housing finance
authorities have a wide range of security; including partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state
’
s ability
(without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
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|
Municipal Leases
|
|
|
The Series may acquire participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called
“
lease obligations
”
) of municipal authorities or entities. Although
lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality
’
s taxing power is pledged, a
lease obligation may be backed by the municipality
’
s covenant to
budget for, appropriate, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain
“
non-
appropriation
”
clauses which provide that the municipality has no
obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In addition to the
“
non-appropriation
”
risk, these securities
represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet developed the depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds. In the case of a
“
non-appropriation
”
lease, the Series
’
ability to
recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property in the event foreclosure might prove difficult. The Series
’
subadviser will
evaluate the credit quality of a municipal lease and whether it will be considered liquid. (See
“
Illiquid and Restricted Investments
”
in this
section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of these investments being considered illiquid.)
|
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Municipal Notes
|
|
|
Municipal notes generally are used to provide for short-term working capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include bond anticipation notes, construction loan notes, revenue anticipation notes and tax anticipation notes.
|
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Bond Anticipation
Notes
|
|
|
Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the money for the repayment of the notes.
|
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Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
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Construction Loan
Notes
|
|
|
Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing through FNMA or GNMA.
|
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|
Revenue Anticipation
Notes
|
|
|
Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue, such as federal revenues available under federal revenue sharing programs.
|
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|
|
|
|
Tax Anticipation Notes
|
|
|
Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenue, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes.
|
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|
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper
|
|
|
Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term financing.
|
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Participation on Creditors
’
Committees
|
|
|
While the Series do not invest in securities to exercise control over the securities
’
issuers, each Series may from time to time participate on
committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Series. Such participation may subject the relevant Series to expenses such as legal fees and may make the Series an
“
insider
”
of the issuer for
purposes of the federal securities laws, and therefore may restrict the Series
’
ability to purchase or sell a particular security when it might
otherwise desire to do so. Participation by a Series on such committees also may expose the Series to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. A Series will participate on such committees only when the Series
’
subadviser believes that such participation is
necessary or desirable to enforce the Series
’
rights as a creditor or to
protect the value of securities held by the Series.
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Payable in Kind (
“
PIK
”
) Bonds
|
|
|
PIK bonds are obligations which provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or
“
in kind
”
, which
means in the form of additional debt securities. Such securities benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash. The Series will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the Series
’
distribution obligations. The market prices of PIK
bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically, and they are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than would otherwise similar bonds on which regular cash payments of interest are being made.
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Ratings
|
|
|
The rating or quality of a debt security refers to the issuer
’
s
creditworthiness,
i.e.
, its ability to pay principal and interest when due.
Higher ratings indicate better credit quality, as rated by independent
rating organizations such as Moody
’
s, S&P or Fitch, which publish
their ratings on a regular basis. Appendix A provides a description of
the various ratings provided for bonds (including convertible bonds),
municipal bonds, and commercial paper.
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Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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After a Series
purchases
a debt security, the rating of that security
may be reduced below the minimum rating acceptable for purchase by the Series. A subsequent downgrade does not require the sale of the security, but the Series
’
subadviser will consider such an event in
determining whether to continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that ratings established by Moody
’
s or S&P may change as a result of
changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a Series will invest in securities which are deemed by the Series
’
subadviser to be
of comparable quality to securities whose current ratings render them eligible for purchase by the Series.
Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market-value risk of
low-rated
securities and
therefore may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
|
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Sovereign Debt
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in
“
sovereign debt,
”
which is issued or
guaranteed by foreign governments (including countries, provinces and municipalities) or their agencies and instrumentalities. Sovereign debt may trade at a substantial discount from face value. The Series may hold and trade sovereign debt of foreign countries in appropriate circumstances to participate in debt conversion programs. Emerging-market country sovereign debt involves a high degree of risk, is generally lower-quality debt, and is considered speculative in nature due, in part, to the extreme and volatile nature of debt burdens in such countries and because emerging market governments can be relatively unstable. The issuer or governmental authorities that control sovereign-debt repayment (
“
sovereign debtors
”
) may be unable or
unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of the debt. A sovereign debtor
’
s willingness or ability to
repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash-flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor
’
s policy towards the
IMF, and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearage on their debt. The commitment of these third parties to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the sovereign debtor
’
s implementation of
economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of the debtor
’
s obligations. The sovereign debtor
’
s failure to meet these
conditions may cause these third parties to cancel their commitments to provide funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair the debtor
’
s ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In certain
instances, the Series may invest in sovereign debt that is in default as to payments of principal or interest. In the event that the Series hold
non-performing
sovereign debt, the Series may incur additional
expenses in connection with any restructuring of the issuer
’
s
obligations or in otherwise enforcing their rights thereunder.
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
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|
|
Brady Bonds
|
|
|
Each Series may invest a portion of its assets in certain sovereign debt obligations known as
“
Brady Bonds.
”
Brady Bonds are issued
under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness. The Brady Plan contemplates, among other things, the debtor nation
’
s adoption of certain economic reforms and the
exchange of commercial bank debt for newly issued bonds. In restructuring its external debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor nation negotiates with its existing bank lenders as well as the World Bank or the IMF. The World Bank or IMF supports the restructuring by providing funds pursuant to loan agreements or other arrangements that enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady Bonds or to replenish reserves used to reduce outstanding bank debt. Under these loan agreements or other arrangements with the World Bank or IMF, debtor nations have been required to agree to implement certain domestic monetary and fiscal reforms. The Brady Plan sets forth only general guiding principles for economic reform and debt reduction, emphasizing that solutions must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis between debtor nations and their creditors.
Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the
“
residual risk
”
). In light of the residual risk of Brady
Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds can be viewed as speculative.
|
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Stand-by Commitments
|
|
|
Each Series may purchase securities together with the right to resell them to the seller or a third party at an agreed-upon price or yield within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a stand-by commitment, and the aggregate price which a Series pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may increase the cost, and thereby reduce the yield, of the security. The primary purpose of this practice is to permit the Series to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities while preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet unanticipated redemptions. Stand-by commitments acquired by a Series are valued at zero in determining the Series
’
NAV. Stand-by
commitments involve certain expenses and risks, including the inability of the issuer of the commitment to pay for the securities at the time the commitment is exercised, non-marketability of the commitment, and differences between the maturity of the underlying security and the maturity of the commitment.
|
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Strip Bonds
|
|
|
Strip bonds are debt securities that are stripped of their interest (usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued. The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities of comparable maturity.
|
|
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|
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|
|
Tender Option Bonds
|
|
|
Tender option bonds are relatively long-term bonds that are coupled with the option to tender the securities to a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and receive the face
|
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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value of the bond. This investment structure is commonly used as a means of enhancing a security
’
s liquidity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable and Floating Rate Obligations
|
|
|
Each Series may purchase securities having a floating or variable rate
of interest. These securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted
periodically according to a specific formula, usually with reference to
some interest rate index or market interest rate (the
“
underlying
index
”
). The floating rate tends to decrease the security
’
s price
sensitivity to changes in interest rates. These types of securities are
relatively long-term instruments that often carry demand features
permitting the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at
specified intervals prior to maturity. Accordingly, as interest rates
decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or
depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations.
In order to most effectively use these investments, a Series
’
subadviser must correctly assess probable movements in interest
rates. This involves different skills than those used to select most
portfolio securities. If the Series
’
subadviser incorrectly forecasts such
movements, the Series could be adversely affected by the use of
variable or floating rate obligations.
The floating and variable rate obligations that the Series may
purchase include variable rate demand securities. Variable rate
demand securities are variable rate securities that have demand
features entitling the purchaser to resell the securities to the issuer at
an amount approximately equal to amortized cost or the principal
amount thereof plus accrued interest, which may be more or less than
the price that the Series paid for them. The interest rate on variable
rate demand securities also varies either according to some objective
standard, such as an index of short-term, tax-exempt rates, or
according to rates set by or on behalf of the issuer.
When a Series purchases a floating or variable rate demand
instrument, the Series
’
subadviser will monitor, on an ongoing basis,
the ability of the issuer to pay principal and interest on demand. The
Series
’
right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could
be affected by events occurring between the date the Series elects to
demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the
ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment when due,
except when such demand instrument permits same day settlement.
To facilitate settlement, these same day demand instruments may be
held in book entry form at a bank other than the Series
’
custodian
subject to a sub-custodian agreement between the bank and the
Series
’
custodian.
The floating and variable rate obligations that the Series may
purchase also include certificates of participation in such obligations
purchased from banks. A certificate of participation gives the Series
an undivided interest in the underlying obligations in the proportion
that the Series
’
interest bears to the total principal amount of the
obligation. Certain certificates of participation may carry a demand
feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer
prior to maturity.
The income received on certificates of participation in
tax-exempt
municipal obligations constitutes interest from
tax-exempt
obligations.
Each Series will limit its purchases of floating and variable rate
obligations to those of the same quality as it otherwise is allowed to
purchase. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and floating
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in prevailing market interest rates or changes in the issuer
’
s
creditworthiness.
A floating or variable rate instrument may be subject to a Series
’
percentage limitation on illiquid securities if there is no reliable trading market for the instrument or if the Series may not demand payment of the principal amount within seven days. (See
“
Illiquid and Restricted
Securities
”
in this section of the SAI.)
|
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|
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|
|
Zero and Deferred Coupon Debt Securities
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in debt obligations that do not make any
interest payments for a specified period of time prior to maturity
(
“
deferred coupon
”
bonds) or until maturity (
“
zero coupon
”
bonds).
The nonpayment of interest on a current basis may result from the
bond
’
s having no stated interest rate, in which case the bond pays
only principal at maturity and is initially issued at a discount from face
value. Alternatively, the bond may provide for a stated rate of interest,
but provide that such interest is not payable until maturity, in which
case the bond may initially be issued at par. The value to the investor
of these types of bonds is represented by the economic accretion
either of the difference between the purchase price and the nominal
principal amount (if no interest is stated to accrue) or of accrued,
unpaid interest during the bond
’
s life or payment deferral period.
Because deferred and zero coupon bonds do not make interest
payments for a certain period of time, they are generally purchased by
a Series at a deep discount and their value fluctuates more in
response to interest rate changes than does the value of debt
obligations that make current interest payments. The degree of
fluctuation with interest rate changes is greater when the deferred
period is longer. Therefore, when a Series invests in zero or deferred
coupon bonds there is a risk that the value of the Series
’
shares may
decline more as a result of an increase in interest rates than would be
the case if the Series did not invest in such bonds.
Even though zero and deferred coupon bonds may not pay current
interest in cash, each Series is required to accrue interest income on
such investments and to distribute such amounts to shareholders.
Thus, a Series would not be able to purchase income-producing
securities to the extent cash is used to pay such distributions, and,
therefore, the Series
’
current income could be less than it otherwise
would have been. Instead of using cash, the Series might liquidate
investments in order to satisfy these distribution requirements.
|
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Derivative Investments
|
|
|
The Series may invest in various types of derivatives, which may at
times result in significant derivative exposure. A derivative is a
financial instrument whose performance is derived from the
performance of another asset. The Series may invest in derivative
instruments including, but not limited to: futures contracts, put options,
call options, options on future contracts, options on foreign
currencies, swaps, forward contracts, structured investments, and
other
equity-linked
derivatives.
The Series may use derivative instruments for hedging (to offset risks
associated with an investment, currency exposure, or market
conditions) or for speculative (to seek to enhance returns) purposes.
When the Series invests in a derivative for speculative purposes, the
Series will be fully exposed to the risks of loss of that derivative, which
may sometimes be greater than the derivative
’
s cost. The Series may
not use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or
class of assets
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
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|
|||
|
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that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly. The Series
’
ability to use derivative instruments
may also be limited by tax considerations. (See
“
Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes
”
in this SAI.)
Investments in derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Investments in derivatives may not directly correlate with the price movements of the underlying instrument. As a result, the use of derivatives may expose the Series to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than otherwise would be the case.
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Commodity Interests
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Certain of the derivative investment types permitted for the Series may be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA and regulations approved by the CFTC. However, each Series intends to limit the use of such investment types as required to qualify for exclusion or exemption from being considered a
“
commodity pool
”
or
otherwise as a vehicle for trading in commodity interests under such regulations. As a result, each Series has filed a notice of exclusion under CFTC Regulation 4.5 or exemption under CFTC Regulation 4.13(a)(3).
The CFTC recently adopted amendments to its rules that may affect the Series
’
ability to continue to claim exclusion or exemption from
regulation. If a Series
’
use of these techniques would cause the
Series to be considered a
“
commodity pool
”
under the CEA, then the
Adviser would be subject to registration and regulation as the Series
’
commodity pool operator, and the Series
’
subadviser may be subject
to registration and regulation as the Series
’
commodity trading
advisor. A Series may incur additional expense as a result of the CFTC
’
s registration and regulation obligations, and the Series
’
use of
these techniques and other instruments may be limited or restricted.
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Credit-linked Notes
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Credit-linked notes are derivative instruments used to transfer credit risk. The performance of the notes is linked to the performance of the underlying reference obligation or reference portfolio (
“
reference
entities
”
). The notes are usually issued by a special purpose vehicle
that sells credit protection through a credit default swap agreement in return for a premium and an obligation to pay the transaction sponsor should a reference entity experience a credit event, such as bankruptcy. The special purpose vehicle invests the proceeds from the notes to cover its contingent obligation. Revenue from the investments and the money received as premium are used to pay interest to note holders. The main risk of credit linked notes is the risk of default to the reference obligation of the credit default swap. Should a default occur, the special purpose vehicle would have to pay the transaction sponsor, subordinating payments to the note holders. Credit linked notes also may not be liquid and may be subject to currency and interest rate risks as well.
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Eurodollar Instruments
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The Series may invest in Eurodollar instruments. Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options thereon which are linked to the 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. A Series might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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hedge against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments are linked.
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Equity-linked Derivatives
|
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|
Each Series may invest in equity-linked derivative products designed to replicate the composition and performance of particular indices. Examples of such products include Standard & Poor
’
s Depositary
Receipts (SPDRs), World Equity Benchmark Series (WEBs), NASDAQ 100 tracking shares (QQQs), Dow Jones Industrial Average Instruments (DIAMONDS) and Optimized Portfolios as Listed Securities (OPALS). Investments in equity-linked derivatives involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the types of securities included in the indices such products are designed to track. There can be no assurance that the trading price of the equity-linked derivatives will equal the underlying value of the basket of securities purchased to replicate a particular index or that such basket will replicate the index.
Investments in equity-linked derivatives may constitute investments in other investment companies. (See
“
Mutual Fund Investing
”
in this
section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of a Series investing in other investment companies.)
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Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options
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Each Series may engage in certain derivative foreign currency
exchange and option transactions involving investment risks and
transaction costs to which the Series would not be subject absent the
use of these strategies. If a Series
’
subadviser
’
s predictions of
movements in the direction of securities prices or currency exchange
rates are inaccurate, the adverse consequences to the Series may
leave the Series in a worse position than if it had not used such
strategies. Risks inherent in the use of option and foreign currency
forward and futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Series
’
subadviser
’
s ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of
securities prices and currency exchange rates; (2) imperfect
correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and
movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged;
(3) the fact that the skills needed to use these strategies are different
from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the possible
absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at
any time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out certain
hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. The Series
’
ability to enter into futures contracts is also limited by the
requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment
company. (See the
“
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
”
section of
this SAI.)
A Series may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect
against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates. In
addition, a Series may write covered put and call options on foreign
currencies for the purpose of increasing its return.
Generally, a Series may engage in both
“
transaction hedging
”
and
“
position hedging.
”
When it engages in transaction hedging, a Series
enters into foreign currency transactions with respect to specific
receivables or payables, generally arising in connection with the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities. A Series will engage in
transaction hedging when it desires to
“
lock in
”
the U.S. dollar price of
a security it has agreed to purchase or sell, or the U.S. dollar
equivalent of a dividend or interest payment in a foreign currency. By
transaction hedging, the Series will attempt to protect itself against a
possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the exchange rate
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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between the U.S. dollar and the applicable 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.
A Series may enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies at a future date (
“
forward contracts
”
) and purchase and sell
foreign currency futures contracts. For transaction hedging purposes,
the Series may also purchase exchange-listed and over-the-counter
put and call options on foreign currency futures contracts and on
foreign currencies. A put option on a futures contract gives the Series
the right to assume a short position in the futures contract until the
expiration of the option. A put option on a currency gives the Series
the right to sell the currency at an exercise price until the expiration of
the option. A call option on a futures contract gives the Series the right
to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of
the option. A call option on a currency gives the Series the right to
purchase the currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the
option.
When engaging in position hedging, a Series enters into foreign
currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the
values of the foreign currencies in which its portfolio securities are
denominated (or an increase in the values of currency for securities
which the Series expects to purchase, when the Series holds cash or
short-term investments). In connection with position hedging, the
Series may purchase put or call options on foreign currency and on
foreign currency futures contracts and buy or sell forward contracts
and foreign currency futures contracts. (A Series may also purchase
or sell foreign currency on a spot basis, as discussed in
“
Foreign
Currency Transactions
”
under
“
Foreign Investing
”
in this section of the
SAI.)
The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange
transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not
generally be 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 dates the
currency exchange transactions are entered into and the dates they
mature. It is also impossible to forecast with precision the market
value of portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or
futures contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Series to
purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the
expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or
securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency
the Series is obligated to deliver and a decision is made to sell the
security or securities 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 or
securities if the market value of such security or securities exceeds
the amount of foreign currency the Series is obligated to deliver.
Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the
underlying prices of the securities which a Series owns or intends to
purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange which one
can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, although these
techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the
value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain
which might result from the increase in value of such currency.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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A Series may seek to increase its return or to offset some of the costs
of hedging against fluctuations in currency exchange rates by writing
covered put options and covered call options on foreign currencies. In
that case, the Series receives a premium from writing a put or call
option, which increases the Series
’
current return if the option expires
unexercised or is closed out at a net profit. A Series may terminate an
option that it has written prior to its expiration by entering into a closing
purchase transaction in which it purchases an option having the same
terms as the option written.
A Series
’
currency hedging transactions may call for the delivery of
one foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency and
may at times not involve currencies in which its portfolio securities are
then denominated. A Series
’
subadviser will engage in such
“
cross
hedging
”
activities when it believes that such transactions provide
significant hedging opportunities for the Series. Cross hedging
transactions by a Series involve the risk of imperfect correlation
between changes in the values of the currencies to which such
transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other
asset or liability which is the subject of the hedge.
Foreign currency forward contracts, futures and options may be
traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated
as effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not
involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and are
subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the
prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be
adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of
data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the relevant
Series
’
ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign
markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the
imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures
and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser
trading volume.
The types of derivative foreign currency exchange transactions most
commonly employed by the Series are discussed below, although
each Series is also permitted to engage in other similar transactions
to the extent consistent with the Series
’
investment limitations and
restrictions.
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Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
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A foreign currency forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (
“
term
”
) from the date of the contract agreed upon by
the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
A Series will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and
non-investment-grade
debt so
long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily in an amount not less than the value of the Series
’
total assets
committed to forward foreign currency exchange contracts entered into for the purchase of a foreign currency. If the value of the securities specifically designated declines, additional cash or securities will be added so that the specifically designated amount is not less than the amount of the Series
’
commitments with respect to
such contracts.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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Foreign Currency Futures Transactions
|
|
|
Each Series may use foreign currency futures contracts and options
on such futures contracts. Through the purchase or sale of such
contracts, a Series may be able to achieve many of the same
objectives attainable through the use of foreign currency forward
contracts, but more effectively and possibly at a lower cost.
Unlike forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency
futures contracts and options on foreign currency futures contracts
are standardized as to amount and delivery period and are traded on
boards of trade and commodities exchanges. It is anticipated that
such contracts may provide greater liquidity and lower cost than
forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency futures contracts are
subject to the same risks that apply to the buying and selling of futures
generally. In addition, there are risks associated with foreign currency
futures contracts similar to those associated with options on foreign
currencies. (See
“
Foreign Currency Options
”
and
“
Futures Contracts
and Options on Futures Contracts
”
, each in this sub-section of the
SAI.) The Series must accept or make delivery of the underlying
foreign currency, through banking arrangements, in accordance with
any U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations regarding the
maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and
may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with
such delivery which are assessed in the issuing country.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC- 10666,
when entering into a futures contract or an option transaction, a
Series will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset,
including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as
the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to
the prescribed amount.
Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are
designated
“
contracts markets
”
by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade
on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock
trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their
clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. As of
the date of this SAI, the Series may invest in futures contracts under
specified conditions without being regulated as commodity pools.
However, under recently amended CFTC rules the Series
’
ability to
maintain the exclusions/exemptions from the definition of commodity
pool may be limited. (See
“
Commodity Interests
”
in this section of the
SAI.)
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Foreign Currency Options
|
|
|
A foreign currency option provides the option buyer with the right to
buy or sell a stated amount of foreign currency at the exercise price at
a specified date or during the option period. A call option gives its
owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy the currency, while a put
option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell the
currency. The option seller (writer) is obligated to fulfill the terms of the
option sold if it is exercised. However, either seller or buyer may close
its position during the option period for such options any time prior to
expiration.
A call rises in value if the underlying currency appreciates.
Conversely, a put rises in value if the underlying currency depreciates.
While purchasing a foreign currency option can protect a Series
against an adverse movement in the value of a foreign currency, it
does not limit the gain which might result from a favorable movement
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in the value of such currency. For example, if the Series were holding
securities denominated in an appreciating foreign currency and had
purchased a foreign currency put to hedge against a decline in the
value of the currency, it would not have to exercise its put. Similarly, if
the Series had entered into a contract to purchase a security
denominated in a foreign currency and had purchased a foreign
currency call to hedge against a rise in the value of the currency but
instead the currency had depreciated in value between the date of
purchase and the settlement date, the Series would not have to
exercise its call but could acquire in the spot market the amount of
foreign currency needed for settlement.
The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the
underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the price of
the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or
both currencies and have no relationship to the investment merits of a
foreign security, including foreign securities held in a
“
hedged
”
investment portfolio. 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, the
Series 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.
As in the case of other kinds of options, the use of foreign currency
options constitutes only a partial hedge, and a Series could be
required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous
exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option
on a foreign currency may not necessarily constitute an effective
hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the event of rate
movements adverse to the Series
’
position, the Series may forfeit the
entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
Options on foreign currencies written or purchased by a Series may
be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or over the counter. There is
no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies
traded over the counter or any regulatory requirement that quotations
available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised
on a timely basis. Quotation information available is generally
representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and
thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (
i.e.
, 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 are not
reflected in the options market.
For additional information about options transactions, see
“
Options
”
under
“
Derivative Investments
”
in this section of the SAI.
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Foreign Currency Warrants
|
|
|
Foreign currency warrants such as currency exchange warrants are
warrants that entitle the holder to receive from the issuer an amount of
cash (generally, for warrants issued in the United States, in U.S.
dollars) that is calculated pursuant to a predetermined formula and
based on the exchange rate between a specified foreign currency and
the U.S. dollar as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency
warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as
of a specified date and time. Foreign currency warrants have been
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Investment Technique
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issued in connection with U.S. dollar-denominated debt offerings by
major corporate issuers in an attempt to reduce the foreign currency
exchange risk that, from the point of view of prospective purchasers of
the securities, is inherent in the international fixed income
marketplace.
Foreign currency warrants may be used to reduce the foreign
exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security by, for example,
providing for a supplemental payment in the event the U.S. dollar
depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the
Japanese Yen or Euro. The formula used to determine the amount
payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the
warrant worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange
rate moves in a particular direction (
e.g.
, unless the U.S. dollar
appreciates or depreciates against the particular foreign currency to
which the warrant is linked or indexed).
Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations
with which they may be offered, and may be listed on exchanges.
Foreign currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain
minimum amounts, and an investor wishing to exercise warrants who
possesses less than the minimum number required for exercise may
be required either to sell the warrants or to purchase additional
warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. Upon
exercise of warrants, there may be a delay between the time the
holder gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate
relating to exercise is determined, thereby affecting both the market
and cash settlement values of the warrants being exercised. The
expiration date of the warrants may be accelerated if the warrants
should be delisted from an exchange or if their trading should be
suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any
remaining
“
time value
”
of the warrants (
i.e.
, the difference between the
current market value and the exercise value of the warrants), and, if
the warrants were
“
out-of-the-money,
”
in a total loss of the purchase
price of the warrants.
Warrants are generally unsecured obligations of their issuers and are
not standardized foreign currency options issued by the OCC. Unlike
foreign currency options issued by OCC, the terms of foreign
exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of
governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the
event of the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the
international currency markets. The initial public offering price of
foreign currency warrants is generally considerably in excess of the
price that a commercial user of foreign currencies might pay in the
interbank market for a comparable option involving significantly larger
amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants are subject
to significant foreign exchange risk, including risks arising from
complex political or economic factors.
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Performance Indexed Paper
|
|
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Performance indexed paper is U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain foreign exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on performance indexed paper is established at maturity as a function of spot exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a designated currency as of or about the time (generally, the index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum rate of return that is above, market yields on U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper,
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange rate two business days prior to maturity.
|
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Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities (
“
PERLS
”
)
|
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PERLS are debt obligations the principal on which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a particular foreign currency at or about that time. The return on
“
standard
”
principal exchange rate linked
securities is enhanced if the foreign currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the U.S. dollar, and is adversely affected by increases in the foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar, “
reverse
”
PERLS are like the
“
standard
”
securities, except that their
return is enhanced by increases in the value of the U.S. dollar and adversely impacted by increases in the value of foreign currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made in U.S. dollars at rates that reflect the degree of foreign currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (
i.e.
, at relatively higher
interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the foreign exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has assumed some of the foreign exchange risk, based on the expectations of the current market). PERLS may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities), which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be made at maturity.
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Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
|
|
|
Each Series may use interest rate, foreign currency or index futures
contracts. An interest rate, foreign currency or index futures contract
provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another
party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency
or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures
contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties
agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the
difference between the value of the index at the close of the last
trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract
was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a
function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical
delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures
contracts covering several indexes as well as a number of financial
instruments and foreign currencies, and it is expected that other
futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Interest
rate futures contracts currently are traded in the United States
primarily on the floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the
International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
Interest rate futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as the
London International Financial Futures Exchange and the Singapore
International Monetary Exchange.
A Series may purchase and write call and put options on futures.
Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options
on securities and indexes discussed above. A futures option gives the
holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long
position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified
exercise price at any time during the period of option. Upon exercise
of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures
contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the
case of a put option, the opposite is true.
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No Series will purchase or sell any financial futures contract or related option for non-bona fide hedging purposes if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the cash or U.S. Treasury bills committed with respect to its existing futures and related options positions and the premiums paid for related options would exceed 5% of the market value of its total assets.
No Series may enter into a futures contract for the delivery of a security if, immediately thereafter, the value of the securities called for by all of such Series
’
outstanding
futures contracts (for both receipt and delivery) would exceed 10% of the
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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The Series will limit their use of futures contracts and futures options
to hedging transactions
in an attempt to increase total return, in
accordance with federal regulations. The costs of, and possible losses
incurred from, futures contracts and options thereon may reduce the
Series
’
current income and involve a loss of principal. Any incremental
return earned by the Series resulting from these transactions would
be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion thereof.
The Series will only enter into futures contracts and futures options
which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange,
board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation
system.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Series,
the Series is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally
permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities
(
“
initial margin
”
). The margin required for a futures contract is set by
the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified
during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a
performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which
is returned to the Series upon termination of the contract, assuming all
contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Series expect to earn
interest income on their initial margin deposits. A futures contract held
by a Series is valued daily at the official settlement price of the
exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Series pays or receives
cash, called
“
variation margin,
”
equal to the daily change in value of
the futures contract. This process is known as
“
marking to market.
”
Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Series
but is instead a settlement between the Series and the broker of the
amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In
computing daily NAV, the Series will mark to market its open futures
positions.
The Series are also required to deposit and maintain margin with
respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by them.
Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the
underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin
requirements), the current market value of the option, and other
futures positions held by the relevant Series.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC- 10666,
when entering into a futures contract or an option on a futures
contract, a Series will specifically designate on its accounting records
any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt
so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market
daily equal to the prescribed amount.
Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are
designated
“
contracts markets
”
by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade
on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock
trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their
clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. As of
the date of this SAI, each Series may invest in futures contracts under
specified conditions without registering as a commodity pool with the
CFTC. However, under the recent rule amendments the Series
’
ability
to claim the exclusion/exemption from the definition of a commodity
pool may be limited. (See
“
Commodity Interests
”
in this SAI.)
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market value of such Series
’
total assets.
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The requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated
investment company also may limit the extent to which a Series may
enter into futures, futures options or forward contracts. (See the
“
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
”
section of this SAI.)
Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of
the underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out
prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures
contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery
month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale
price, the Series realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Series
realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sales price is more
than the original purchase price, the Series realizes a capital gain, or
if it is less, the Series realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs
must also be included in these calculations.
Positions in futures contracts and related options may be closed out
only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for such
contracts or options. The Series will enter into an option or futures
position only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market
will exist for any particular option or futures contract at any specific
time. Thus, it may not be possible to close out a futures or related
option position. In the case of a futures position, in the event of
adverse price movements the Series would continue to be required to
make daily margin payments. In this situation, if the Series has
insufficient cash to meet daily margin requirements it may have to sell
portfolio securities to meet its margin obligations at a time when it may
be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Series may be required
to take or make delivery of the securities underlying the futures
contracts it holds. The inability to close out futures positions also
could have an adverse impact on the Series
’
ability to hedge its
portfolio effectively.
There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts
as a hedging device. While hedging can provide protection against an
adverse movement in market prices, it can also limit a hedger
’
s
opportunity to benefit fully from a favorable market movement. In
addition, investing in futures contracts and options on futures
contracts will cause the Series to incur additional brokerage
commissions and may cause an increase in the Series
’
portfolio
turnover rate.
The successful use of futures contracts and related options also
depends on the ability of the relevant Series
’
subadviser to forecast
correctly the direction and extent of market movements, interest rates
and other market factors within a given time frame. To the extent
market prices remain stable during the period a futures contract or
option is held by a Series or such prices move in a direction opposite
to that anticipated, the Series may realize a loss on the transaction
which is not offset by an increase in the value of its portfolio securities.
Options and futures may also fail as a hedging technique in cases
where the movements of the securities underlying the options and
futures do not follow the price movements of the hedged portfolio
securities. As a result, the Series
’
total return for the period may be
less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction. The loss
from investing in futures transactions is potentially unlimited.
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Utilization of futures contracts by a Series involves the risk of
imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts
and movements in the price of the securities which are being hedged.
If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of
the securities being hedged, the Series will experience a gain or loss
which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the
securities. It is possible that, where a Series has sold futures
contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the
market may advance and the value of securities held in the Series
’
portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Series would lose money on
the futures contract and would also experience a decline in value in its
portfolio securities. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a
possible increase in the prices of securities before the Series is able
to invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in securities (or options) in an
orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Series
then determines not to invest in securities (or options) at that time
because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other
reasons, the Series will realize a loss on the futures that would not be
offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
The market prices of futures contracts may be affected if participants
in the futures market elect to close out their contracts through off-
setting transactions rather than to meet margin deposit requirements.
In such case, distortions in the normal relationship between the cash
and futures markets could result. Price distortions could also result if
investors in futures contracts opt to make or take delivery of the
underlying securities rather than to engage in closing transactions
because such action would reduce the liquidity of the futures market.
In addition, from the point of view of speculators, because the deposit
requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin
requirements in the cash market, increased participation by
speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price
distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the futures
market and because of the imperfect correlation between movements
in the prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures
contracts, a correct forecast of market trends may still not result in a
successful hedging transaction.
Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase
of put or call options on futures contracts involves less potential risk
for the Series because the maximum amount at risk is the premium
paid for the options plus transaction costs. However, there may be
circumstances when the purchase of an option on a futures contract
would result in a loss to the Series while the purchase or sale of the
futures contract would not have resulted in a loss, such as when there
is no movement in the price of the underlying securities.
For additional information about options transactions, see
“
Options
”
under
“
Derivative Investments
”
in this section of the SAI.
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Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities
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Each Series may purchase mortgage-related and other asset-backed
securities, which collectively are securities backed by mortgages,
installment contracts, credit card receivables or other financial assets.
Asset-backed securities represent interests in
“
pools
”
of assets in
which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are
made periodically, thus in effect
“
passing through
”
such payments
made by the individual borrowers on the assets that underlie the
securities, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the
securities. The average life of asset-backed securities varies with the
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maturities of the underlying instruments, and the average life of a
mortgage-backed instrument, in particular, is likely to be substantially
less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the
securities as a result of mortgage prepayments. For this and other
reasons, an asset-backed security
’
s stated maturity may be
shortened, and the security
’
s total return may be difficult to predict
precisely.
If an asset-backed security is purchased at a premium, a prepayment
rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a
prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite
effect of increasing yield to maturity. Conversely, if an asset-backed
security is purchased at a discount, faster than expected prepayments
will increase yield to maturity, while slower than expected
prepayments will decrease yield to maturity.
Prepayments of principal of mortgage-related securities by
mortgagors or mortgage foreclosures affect the average life of the
mortgage-related securities in the Series
’
portfolio. Mortgage
prepayments are affected by the level of interest rates and other
factors, including general economic conditions and the underlying
location and age of the mortgage. In periods of rising interest rates,
the prepayment rate tends to decrease, lengthening the average life of
a pool of mortgage-related securities. The longer the remaining
maturity of a security the greater the effect of interest rate changes will
be. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest
and principal and in the market
’
s perception of its creditworthiness
also affect the market value of that issuer
’
s debt securities.
In periods of falling interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to
increase, shortening the average life of a pool. Because prepayments
of principal generally occur when interest rates are declining, it is likely
that the Series, to the extent that it retains the same percentage of
debt securities, may have to reinvest the proceeds of prepayments at
lower interest rates than those of its previous investments. If this
occurs, that Series
’
yield will correspondingly decline. Thus,
mortgage-related
securities may have less potential for capital
appreciation in periods of falling interest rates than other fixed income
securities of comparable duration, although they may have a
comparable risk of decline in market value in periods of rising interest
rates. To the extent that the Series purchases mortgage-related
securities at a premium, unscheduled prepayments, which are made
at par, result in a loss equal to any unamortized premium.
Duration is one of the fundamental tools used by the adviser in
managing interest rate risks including prepayment risks. Traditionally,
a debt security
’
s
“
term to maturity
”
characterizes a security
’
s
sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
“
Term to maturity,
”
however,
measures only the time until a debt security provides its final payment,
taking no account of prematurity payments. Most debt securities
provide interest (
“
coupon
”
) payments in addition to a final (
“
par
”
)
payment at maturity, and some securities have call provisions
allowing the issuer to repay the instrument in full before maturity date,
each of which affect the security
’
s response to interest rate changes.
“
Duration
”
is considered a more precise measure of interest rate risk
than
“
term to maturity.
”
Determining duration may involve the
adviser
’
s estimates of future economic parameters, which may vary
from actual future values. Fixed income securities with effective
durations of three years are more responsive to interest rate
fluctuations than those with effective durations of one year. For
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example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the value of securities having an effective duration of three years will generally decrease by approximately 3%.
Descriptions of some of the different types of
mortgage-related
and
other asset-backed securities most commonly acquired by the Series are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of mortgage-related and
asset-backed
investments are, or may become,
available for investment by the Series.
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Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (
“
CMOs
”
)
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CMOs are hybrid instruments with characteristics of both mortgage-
backed and mortgage pass-through securities. Similar to a bond,
interest and prepaid principal on a CMO are paid, in most cases,
semiannually. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans
but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-
through securities guaranteed by entities such as GNMA, FHLMC, or
FNMA, and their income streams.
CMOs are typically structured in multiple classes, each bearing a
different stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend
upon the prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a
modified form of call protection through a de facto breakdown of the
underlying pool of mortgages according to how quickly the loans are
repaid. Monthly payment of principal received from the pool of
underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to
investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the
longer maturity classes typically receive principal only after the first
class has been retired. An investor may be partially guarded against a
sooner than desired return of principal because of the sequential
payments.
FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple
classes having different maturity dates and are secured by the pledge
of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC.
Unlike FHLMC Participation Certificates, payments of principal and
interest on the CMOs are made semiannually rather than monthly.
The amount of principal payable on each semiannual payment date is
determined in accordance with FHLMC
’
s mandatory sinking fund
schedule. Sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the
retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated
maturities. Payments of principal on the mortgage loans in the
collateral pool in excess of the amount of FHLMC
’
s minimum sinking
fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the
CMOs as additional sinking-fund payments. Because of the
“
pass-
through
”
nature of all principal payments received on the collateral
pool in excess of FHLMC
’
s minimum sinking fund requirement, the
rate at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be
such that each class of bonds will be retired in advance of its
scheduled maturity date. If collection of principal (including
prepayments) on the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment
period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC
’
s minimum sinking fund
obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to
make up the deficiency from its general funds.
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CMO Residuals
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CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. As described above, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of
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the issuer. The
“
residual
”
in a CMO structure generally represents the
interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and, in particular, the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. In certain circumstances a Series may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. CMO residuals may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Series
’
limitations
on investment in illiquid securities. (See
“
Illiquid and Restricted
Securities
”
in this section of the SAI.)
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Mortgage Pass-through Securities
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Mortgage pass-through securities are interests in pools of mortgage
loans, assembled and issued by various governmental, government-
related, and private organizations. Unlike other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in
fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call
dates, these securities provide a monthly payment consisting of both
interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a
“
pass-through
”
of the monthly payments made by the individual
borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of
any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional
payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the
sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees
or costs.
“
Modified pass-through
”
securities (such as securities issued
by GNMA) entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal
payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the
scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor
actually makes the payment.
The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage-related securities
is GNMA. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and
credit of the United States Government, the timely payment of
principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by
GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and
mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing
Administration insured or Veterans Administration guaranteed
mortgages. Government-related guarantors whose obligations are not
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government
include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA purchases conventional (
i.e.
, not
insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential
mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state
and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings
banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers.
FHLMC issues Participation Certificates that represent interests in
conventional mortgages from FHLMC
’
s national portfolio. FNMA and
FHLMC guarantee the timely payment of interest and ultimate
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collection of principal on securities they issue, but the securities they
issue are neither issued nor guaranteed by the United States
Government.
Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage
insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market
issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential
mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/
or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the
guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such
non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than
government and government-related pools because there are no
direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments for
such securities. However, timely payment of interest and principal of
these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or
guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance
and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by
governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.
Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the
issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a
mortgage-
related
security meets the Series
’
investment quality standards. There
can be no assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet
their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee
arrangements. A Series may buy mortgage-related securities without
insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan
experience and practices of the originator/servicers and poolers, the
Series
’
subadviser determines that the securities meet the Series
’
quality standards. Securities issued by certain private organizations
may not be readily marketable and may therefore be subject to the
Series
’
limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See
“
Illiquid
and Restricted Securities
”
in this section of the SAI.)
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to the
Series
’
industry concentration restrictions set forth in the
“
Investment
Restrictions
”
section of this SAI by virtue of the exclusion from the test
available to all U.S. Government securities. The Series will take the
position that privately-issued, mortgage-related securities do not
represent interests in any particular
“
industry
”
or group of industries.
The assets underlying such securities may be represented by a
portfolio of first lien residential mortgages (including both whole
mortgage loans and mortgage participation interests) or portfolios of
mortgage pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA,
FNMA or FHLMC. Mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-related
security may in turn be insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing
Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. In the case of
private issue mortgage-related securities whose underlying assets are
neither U.S. Government securities nor U.S. Government-insured
mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such assets
may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be
subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in
the event of adverse economic, political or business developments
that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential
homeowners to make payments of principal and interest on the
underlying mortgages.
It is possible that the availability and the marketability (that is, liquidity)
of the securities discussed in this section could be adversely affected
by the actions of the U.S. Government to tighten the availability of its
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credit. On September 7, 2008, the FHFA, an agency of the U.S. Government, placed FNMA and FHLMC into conservatorship, a statutory process with the objective of returning the entities to normal business operations. FHFA will act as the conservator to operate FNMA and FHLMC until they are stabilized. The conservatorship is still in effect as of the date of this SAI and has no specified termination date. There can be no assurance as to when or how the conservatorship will be terminated or whether FNMA or FHLMC will continue to exist following the conservatorship or what their respective business structures will be during or following the conservatorship. FHFA, as conservator, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by FNMA or FHLMC prior to its appointment if it determines that performance of the contract is burdensome and repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of FNMA
’
s or FHLMC
’
s affairs. Furthermore, FHFA has the right to
transfer or sell any asset or liability of FNMA or FHLMC without any approval, assignment or consent. If FHFA were to transfer any such guarantee obligation to another party, holders of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guarantee obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
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Other Asset-Backed Securities
|
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Through trusts and other special purpose entities, various types of securities based on financial assets other than mortgage loans are increasingly available, in both
pass-through
structures similar to
mortgage pass-through securities described above and in other structures more like CMOs. As with mortgage-related securities, these
asset-backed
securities are often backed by a pool of financial assets
representing the obligations of a number of different parties. They often include credit-enhancement features similar to mortgage-related securities.
Financial assets on which these securities are based include automobile receivables; credit card receivables; loans to finance boats, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes; computer, copier, railcar, and medical equipment leases; and trade, healthcare, and franchise receivables. In general, the obligations supporting these asset-backed securities are of shorter maturities than mortgage loans and are less likely to experience substantial prepayments. However, obligations such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the obligors are often entitled to protection under a number of state and federal consumer credit laws granting, among other things, rights to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thus reducing the balance due. Other obligations that are secured, such as automobile receivables, may present issuers with difficulties in perfecting and executing on the security interests, particularly where the issuer allows the servicers of the receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations, thus increasing the risk that recoveries on defaulted obligations may not be adequate to support payments on the securities.
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Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities (
“
SMBS
”
)
|
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SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. They may be
issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by
private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. SMBS 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 SMBS 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
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remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or
“
IO
”
class), while the
other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or
“
PO
”
class). The yield to maturity on an IO class security is extremely sensitive 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 a Series
’
yield to
maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Series may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories. The market value of the PO class generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates.
Although SMBS 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 developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Series
’
limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See
“
Illiquid and
Restricted Securities
”
in this section of the SAI.)
Each Series may invest in other mortgage-related securities with features similar to those described above, to the extent consistent with the relevant Series
’
investment objectives and policies.
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Options
|
|
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Each Series may purchase or sell put and call options on securities,
indices and other financial instruments. Options may relate to
particular securities, foreign and domestic securities indices, financial
instruments, foreign currencies or the yield differential between two
securities. Such options may or may not be listed on a domestic or
foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the
OCC.
A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option
the right to buy, and a writer the obligation to sell, the underlying
security at the stated exercise price before the expiration of the option,
regardless of the market price of the security. A premium is paid to the
writer by the purchaser in consideration for undertaking the obligation
under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives
the purchaser the right to sell and a writer the obligation to buy the
security at the stated exercise price before the expiration date of the
option, regardless of the market price of the security.
Options written by a Series will be covered and will remain covered as
long as the Series is obligated as a writer. A call option is
“
covered
”
if
the Series owns the underlying security or its equivalent covered by
the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security
without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash
consideration if such cash is segregated) upon conversion or
exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also
covered if the Series holds on a share-for-share or equal principal
amount basis a call on the same security as the call written where the
exercise price of the call held is equal to or less than the exercise
price of the call written or greater than the exercise price of the call
written if appropriate liquid assets representing the difference are
segregated by the Series. A put option is
“
covered
”
if the Series
maintains appropriate liquid securities with a value equal to the
exercise price, or owns on a share-for-share or equal principal
amount basis a put on the same security as the put written where the
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Each Series may
invest up to an
aggregate of 5% of its
total assets in
exchange-traded or
over-the-counter call
and put options on
securities, securities
indices and foreign
currencies.
No Series may write
options on more than
50% of its total assets.
Immediately after
entering into an
opening option
position, the total
value of all open
option positions based
on exercise price will
not exceed 10% of the
Strategic Allocation
Series
’
total assets.
The Multi-Sector Fixed
Income Series may
only purchase a call
option to terminate a
previously written call
option.
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exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise
price of the put written.
A Series
’
obligation to sell an instrument subject to a covered call
option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a secured
put option written by it, may be terminated before the expiration of the
option by the Series
’
execution of a closing purchase transaction. This
means that a Series buys on an exchange an option of the same
series (
i.e.
, same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration
date) as the option previously written. Such a purchase does not
result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction
will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option,
to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the
sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new
option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The
cost of such a closing purchase plus related transaction costs may be
greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which
event the Series will experience a loss. There is no assurance that a
liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. A Series
that has written an option and is unable to effect a closing purchase
transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument (in the
case of a covered call option) or liquidate the segregated assets (in
the case of a secured put option) until the option expires or the
optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. The Series will be
subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument
during such period.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC- 10666,
when entering into an option transaction, a Series will specifically
designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity
securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is
liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the
prescribed amount.
Options purchased are recorded as an asset and written options are
recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums paid or received. The
amount of this asset or liability will be subsequently marked-to-market
to reflect the current value of the option purchased or written. The
current value of the traded option is the last sale price or, in the
absence of a sale, the current bid price. If an option purchased by a
Series expires unexercised, the Series will realize a loss equal to the
premium paid. If a Series enters into a closing sale transaction on an
option purchased by it, the Series will realize a gain if the premium
received by the Series on the closing transaction is more than the
premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option
written by a Series expires on the stipulated expiration date or if a
Series enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain
(or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net
premium received when the option is sold), and the liability related to
such option will be eliminated. If an option written by a Series is
exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net
premium originally received and the Series will realize a gain or loss.
Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than
ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the
underlying instruments and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an
investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an
investment in the underlying instruments themselves.
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There are several other risks associated with options. For example, there are significant differences among the securities, currency and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons that include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the OCC may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that options not traded on registered domestic securities exchanges and the assets used to cover the amount of the Series
’
obligation pursuant to such
options are illiquid, and are therefore subject to each Series
’
limitation
on investments in illiquid securities. However, for options written with “
primary dealers
”
in U.S. Government securities pursuant to an
agreement requiring a closing transaction at the formula price, the amount considered to be illiquid may be calculated by reference to a formula price. (See
“
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
”
in this section
of the SAI.)
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Options on Indexes and
“
Yield Curve
”
Options
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Each Series may enter into options on indexes or options
on
the
“
spread,
”
or yield differential, between two fixed income securities, in
transactions referred to as
“
yield curve
”
options. Options on indexes
and yield curve options provide the holder with the right to make or
receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option. With respect to
options on indexes, the amount of the settlement will equal the
difference between the closing price of the index at the time of
exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars,
times a specified multiple. With respect to yield curve options, the
amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the yields
of designated securities.
With respect to yield curve options, a call or put option is covered if a
Series holds another call or put, respectively, on the spread between
the same two securities and maintains in a segregated account liquid
assets sufficient to cover the Series
’
net liability under the two options.
Therefore, the Series
’
liability for such a covered option is generally
limited to the difference between the amount of the Series
’
liability
under the option it wrote less the value of the option it holds. A Series
may also cover yield curve options in such other manner as may be in
accordance with the requirements of the counterparty with which the
option is traded and applicable laws and regulations.
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The trading of these types of options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, however, yield curve options present risk of loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
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Reset Options
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|
In certain instances, a Series may purchase or write options on U.S. Treasury securities, which provide for periodic adjustment of the strike price and may also provide for the periodic adjustment of the premium during the term of each such option. Like other types of options, these transactions, which may be referred to as
“
reset
”
options or
“
adjustable strike
”
options grant the purchaser the right to purchase
(in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put), a specified type of U.S. Treasury security at any time up to a stated expiration date (or, in certain instances, on such date). In contrast to other types of options, however, the price at which the underlying security may be purchased or sold under a
“
reset
”
option is determined at various intervals during
the term of the option, and such price fluctuates from interval to interval based on changes in the market value of the underlying security. As a result, the strike price of a
“
reset
”
option, at the time of
exercise, may be less advantageous than if the strike price had been fixed at the initiation of the option. In addition, the premium paid for the purchase of the option may be determined at the termination, rather than the initiation, of the option. If the premium for a reset option written by a Series is paid at termination, the Series assumes the risk that (i) the premium may be less than the premium which would otherwise have been received at the initiation of the option because of such factors as the volatility in yield of the underlying Treasury security over the term of the option and adjustments made to the strike price of the option, and (ii) the option purchaser may default on its obligation to pay the premium at the termination of the option. Conversely, where a Series purchases a reset option, it could be required to pay a higher premium than would have been the case at the initiation of the option.
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Swap Agreements
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Each Series may enter into interest rate, index and currency
exchange rate swap agreements in attempts to obtain a particular
desired return at a lower cost to the Series than if the Series had
invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return.
Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by
institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more
than one year. In a standard
“
swap
”
transaction, two parties agree to
exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or
realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The
gross returns to be exchanged or
“
swapped
”
between the parties are
calculated with respect to a
“
notional amount,
”
i.e.
, the return on or
increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular
interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a
“
basket
”
of
securities representing a particular index. The
“
notional amount
”
of
the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the
obligations the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to
exchange. A Series
’
obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement
will generally be equal only to the amount to be paid or received under
the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by
each party to the agreement (the
“
net amount
”
). A Series
’
obligations
under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any
amounts owing to the Series) and any accrued but unpaid net
amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by specifically
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designating on the accounting records of the Series liquid assets to
avoid leveraging of the Series
’
portfolio.
Because swap agreements are two-party contracts and may have
terms of greater than seven days, they may be considered to be
illiquid and therefore subject to the Series
’
limitations on investment in
illiquid securities. (See
“
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
”
in this
section of the SAI.) Moreover, the Series bears the risk of loss of the
amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event
of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. A
Series
’
subadviser will cause the Series to enter into swap
agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for
consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the
Series
’
repurchase agreement guidelines. (See
“
Repurchase
Agreements
”
in this section of the SAI.) Certain restrictions imposed
on the Series by the Code may limit the Series
’
ability to use swap
agreements. (See the
“
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
”
section of
this SAI.) The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely
unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market,
including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a
Series
’
ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize
amounts to be received under such agreements.
Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the
CEA and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option
transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations of the CFTC. To
qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by
eligible participants and must meet certain conditions (each pursuant
to the CEA and regulations of the CFTC). However, recent CFTC rule
amendments dictate that certain swap agreements be considered
commodity interests for purposes of the CEA. (See
“
Commodity
Interests
”
in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding
the implications of investments being considered commodity interests
under the CEA.)
Recently, the SEC and the CFTC have developed and finalized rules
under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act to create a new, comprehensive regulatory framework for swap
transactions, and as of the date of this SAI they are continuing to
develop and finalize additional rules. Under the new regulations,
certain swap transactions will be required to be executed on a
regulated trading platform and cleared through a derivatives clearing
organization. Additionally, the new regulations will impose other
requirements on the parties entering into swap transactions, including
requirements relating to posting margin, and reporting and
documenting swap transactions. A Series engaging in swap
transactions may incur additional expenses as a result of these new
regulatory requirements. The Adviser is continuing to monitor the
finalization and implementation of the new regulations and to assess
their impact on the Series.
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Credit Default Swap Agreements
|
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Each Series may enter into credit default swap agreements. The
“
buyer
”
in a credit default contract is obligated to pay the
“
seller
”
a
periodic, stream of payments over the term of the contract provided
no event of default has occurred. In the event of default, the seller
must pay the buyer the
“
par value
”
(full notional value) of the
reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation (typically
emerging market debt). A Series may be either the buyer or seller in
the transaction. If a Series is a buyer and no event of default occurs,
the Series loses its investment and recovers nothing; however, if an
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event of default occurs, the Series receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.
As a seller, a Series receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between six months and three years, provided there is no default event; if an event of default occurs, the Series must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation. The value of the reference obligation received by the Series as a seller, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value the Series pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Series.
Credit default swaps involve greater risks than if the fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. In addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Series will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties deemed creditworthy by the Series
’
subadviser.
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Equity Securities
|
|
|
The Series may invest in equity securities. Equity securities include
common stocks, preferred stocks and preference stocks; securities
such as bonds, warrants or rights that are convertible into stocks; and
depositary receipts for those securities.
Common stockholders are the owners of the company issuing the
stock and, accordingly, usually have the right to vote on various
corporate governance matters such as mergers. They are not
creditors of the company, but rather, in the event of liquidation of the
company, would be entitled to their pro rata shares of the company
’
s
assets after creditors (including fixed income security holders) and, if
applicable, preferred stockholders are paid. Preferred stock is a class
of stock having a preference over common stock as to dividends or
upon liquidation. A preferred stockholder is a shareholder in the
company and not a creditor of the company as is a holder of the
company
’
s fixed income securities. Dividends paid to common and
preferred stockholders are distributions of the earnings or other
surplus of the company and not interest payments, which are
expenses of the company. Equity securities owned by the Series may
be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a securities exchange
and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of securities
traded on a major U.S. national securities exchange. As a result,
disposition by the Series of a portfolio security to meet redemptions by
shareholders or otherwise may require the Series to sell the security
at less than the reported value of the security, to sell during periods
when disposition is not desirable, or to make many small sales over a
lengthy period of time. The market value of all securities, including
equity securities, is based upon the market
’
s perception of value and
not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measure
of a company
’
s worth.
Stock values may fluctuate in response to the activities of an
individual company or in response to general market and/or economic
conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-
term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than other
types of securities. Smaller or newer issuers may be more likely to
realize more substantial growth or suffer more significant losses.
Investments in these companies can be both more volatile and more
speculative. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a
Series invests will cause the NAV of the Series to fluctuate.
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Securities of Small and Mid Capitalization Companies
|
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|
While small and medium-sized issuers in which a Series invests
may
offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger market capitalization issuers, investments in such companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. For example, smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In addition, many small and mid-capitalization company stocks trade less frequently and in smaller volume, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements, than stocks of larger companies. The securities of small and mid-capitalization companies may also be more sensitive to market changes than the securities of larger companies. When a Series invests in small or mid-capitalization companies, these factors may result in above-average fluctuations in the NAV of the Series
’
shares. Therefore, a Series
investing in such securities should be considered as a long-term investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Similarly, an investment in a Series investing in such securities should not be considered a complete investment program.
Market capitalizations of companies in which the Series invest are determined at the time of purchase.
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Unseasoned Companies
|
|
|
As a matter of operating policy, each Series may invest to a limited extent in securities of unseasoned companies and new issues. The Adviser regards a company as unseasoned when, for example, it is relatively new to, or not yet well established in, its primary line of business. Such companies generally are smaller and younger than companies whose shares are traded on the major stock exchanges. Accordingly, their shares are often traded over-the-counter and their share prices may be more volatile than those of larger, exchange-listed companies.
Generally,
the Series will not invest more than 5%
of its total assets in securities of any one company with a record of fewer than three years
’
continuous operation (including that of
predecessors).
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Foreign Investing
|
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The Series may invest in a broad range of securities of foreign
issuers, including equity, debt and convertible securities and foreign
government securities. The Series may purchase the securities of
issuers from various countries, including countries commonly referred
to as
“
emerging markets.
”
The Series may also invest in domestic
securities denominated in foreign currencies.
Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks
and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S.
companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards, generally higher commission rates on
foreign portfolio transactions, the possibility of expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange
control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S.
investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions on the flow
of international capital. Additionally, dividends payable on foreign
securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld prior to
distribution. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and
volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater
price volatility. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value
of those securities which are denominated or quoted in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. Many of the foreign securities held by a
Series will not be registered with, nor will the issuers thereof be
subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly, there
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may be less publicly available information about the securities and
about the foreign company or government issuing them than is
available about a domestic company or government entity. Moreover,
individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the United States economy in such respects as growth of Gross
National Product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-
sufficiency and balance of payment positions. Finally, the Series may
encounter difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against
issuers of foreign securities.
Securities of U.S. issuers denominated in foreign currencies may be
less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities issued by
domestic issuers and denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition,
investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies often entails
costs not associated with investment in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities of U.S. issuers, such as the cost of converting foreign
currency to U.S. dollars, higher brokerage commissions, custodial
expenses and other fees. Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities may
be subject to certain withholding and other taxes of the relevant
jurisdiction, which may reduce the yield on the securities to the Series
and which may not be recoverable by the Series or their investors.
The Trust may use a foreign custodian in connection with its
purchases of foreign securities and may maintain cash and cash
equivalents in the care of a foreign custodian. The amount of cash or
cash equivalents maintained in the care of eligible foreign custodians
will be limited to an amount reasonably necessary to effect the Trust
’
s
foreign securities transactions. The use of a foreign custodian invokes
considerations which are not ordinarily associated with domestic
custodians. These considerations include the possibility of
expropriations, restricted access to books and records of the foreign
custodian, inability to recover assets that are lost while under the
control of the foreign custodian, and the impact of political, social or
diplomatic developments.
Settlement procedures relating to the Series
’
investments in foreign
securities and to the Series
’
foreign currency exchange transactions
may be more complex than settlements with respect to investments in
debt or equity securities of U.S. issuers, and may involve certain risks
not present in the Series
’
domestic investments. For example,
settlement of transactions involving foreign securities or foreign
currency may occur within a foreign country, and a Series may be
required to accept or make delivery of the underlying securities or
currency in conformity with any applicable U.S. or foreign restrictions
or regulations, and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges
associated with such delivery. Such investments may also involve the
risk that an entity involved in the settlement may not meet its
obligations. Settlement procedures in many foreign countries are less
established than those in the United States, and some foreign country
settlement periods can be significantly longer than those in the United
States.
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Depositary Receipts
|
|
|
Each Series permitted to hold foreign securities may also hold ADRs,
ADSs, GDRs and EDRs. ADRs and ADSs typically are issued by an
American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of
underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which
are sometimes referred to as CDRs, are issued in Europe typically by
foreign banks and trust companies and evidence ownership of either
foreign or domestic securities. GDRs are similar to EDRs and are
designed for use in several international financial markets. Generally,
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|
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ADRs and ADSs in registered form are designed for use in United States securities markets and EDRs in bearer form are designed for use in European securities markets. For purposes of a Series
’
investment policies, its investments in ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs will be deemed to be investments in the underlying foreign securities.
Depositary Receipts may be issued pursuant to sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of Depositary Receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less information available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored programs and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. For purposes of the Series
’
investment policies, investments in Depositary
Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a Depositary Receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock.
Depositary receipts are generally subject to the same sort of risks as direct investments in a foreign country, such as currency risk, political and economic risk, and market risk, because their values depend on the performance of a foreign security denominated in its home currency. (The risks of foreign investing are addressed above in this section of the SAI under the heading
“
Foreign Investing.
”
) In addition
to risks associated with the underlying portfolio of securities, receipt holders also must consider credit standings of the custodians and broker/dealer sponsors. The receipts are not registered with the SEC and qualify as Rule 144A securities which may make them more difficult and costly to sell. (For information about Rule 144A securities, see
“
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
”
in this section of the SAI.)
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Emerging Market Securities
|
|
|
The Series may invest in countries or regions with relatively low gross
national product per capita compared to the world
’
s major economies,
and in countries or regions with the potential for rapid economic
growth (emerging markets). Emerging markets will include any
country: (i) having an
“
emerging stock market
”
as defined by the
International Finance Corporation; (ii) with low-to-middle-income
economies according to the World Bank; (iii) listed in World Bank
publications as developing; or (iv) determined by the adviser to be an
emerging market as defined above.
Certain emerging market countries are either comparatively
underdeveloped or are in the process of becoming developed and
may consequently be economically dependent on a relatively few or
closely interdependent industries. A high proportion of the securities
of many emerging market issuers may also be held by a limited
number of large investors trading significant blocks of securities.
While a Series
’
subadviser will strive to be sensitive to publicized
reversals of economic conditions, political unrest and adverse
changes in trading status, unanticipated political and social
developments may affect the values of the Series
’
investments in
such countries and the availability of additional investments in such
countries.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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The risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the
case of investments in emerging markets. Securities of many issuers
in emerging markets may be less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable domestic issuers. Emerging markets also
have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain
markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to
keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it
difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result
in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Series is
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Series to
make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could
cause the Series to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability
to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could
result either in losses to the Series due to subsequent declines in
value of portfolio securities or, if a Series has entered into a contract
to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. Securities
prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than in
the more developed nations of the world, reflecting the greater
uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies.
In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively
unstable governments, present the risk of nationalization of
businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or prohibitions of
repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights
than more developed countries.
Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of
securities by foreign investors. In addition, a country could impose
temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances, whether
because deterioration occurs in an emerging market
’
s balance of
payments or for other reasons. The Series could be adversely
affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental
approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the
Series of any restrictions on investments.
Investments in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations may
be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or
controls may at times preclude investment in certain foreign emerging
market debt obligations and increase the expenses of the Series.
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Foreign Currency Transactions
|
|
|
When investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the
Series will be subject to the additional risk of currency fluctuations. An
adverse change in the value of a particular foreign currency as
against the U.S. dollar, to the extent that such change is not offset by
a gain in other foreign currencies, will result in a decrease in the
Series
’
assets. Any such change may also have the effect of
decreasing or limiting the income available for distribution. Foreign
currencies may be affected by revaluation, adverse political and
economic developments, and governmental restrictions. Although the
Series will invest only in securities denominated in foreign currencies
that are fully convertible into U.S. dollars without legal restriction at
the time of investment, no assurance can be given that currency
exchange controls will not be imposed on any particular currency at a
later date.
As a result of its investments in foreign securities, a Series may
receive interest or dividend payments, or the proceeds of the sale or
redemption of such securities, in the foreign currencies in which such
securities are denominated. In that event, the Series may convert
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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such currencies into dollars at the then current exchange rate. Under
certain circumstances, however, such as where the Series
’
subadviser believes that the applicable rate is unfavorable at the time
the currencies are received or the Series
’
subadviser anticipates, for
any other reason, that the exchange rate will improve, the Series may
hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.
In addition, a Series may be required to receive delivery of the foreign
currency underlying forward foreign currency contracts it has entered
into. This could occur, for example, if an option written by the Series is
exercised or the Series is unable to close out a forward contract. A
Series may hold foreign currency in anticipation of purchasing foreign
securities.
A Series may also elect to take delivery of the currencies
’
underlying
options or forward contracts if, in the judgment of the Series
’
subadviser, it is in the best interest of the Series to do so. In such
instances as well, the Series may convert the foreign currencies to
dollars at the then current exchange rate, or may hold such currencies
for an indefinite period of time.
While the holding of currencies will permit a Series to take advantage
of favorable movements in the applicable exchange rate, it also
exposes the Series to risk of loss if such rates move in a direction
adverse to the Series
’
position. Such losses could reduce any profits
or increase any losses sustained by the Series from the sale or
redemption of securities, and could reduce the dollar value of interest
or dividend payments received. In addition, the holding of currencies
could adversely affect the Series
’
profit or loss on currency options or
forward contracts, as well as its hedging strategies.
When a Series effects foreign currency exchange transactions on a
spot (
i.e.
, cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign
exchange market, the Series incurs expenses in converting assets
from one currency to another. A Series may also effect other types of
foreign currency exchange transactions, which have their own risks
and costs. For information about such transactions, please see
“
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options
”
under
“
Derivatives
”
in this section of the SAI.
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Foreign Investment Companies
|
|
|
Some of the countries in which the Series may invest, may not permit, or may place economic restrictions on, direct investment by outside investors. Investments in such countries may be permitted only through foreign
government-approved
or -authorized investment
vehicles, which may include other investment companies. These funds may also invest in other investment companies that invest in foreign securities. Investing through such vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be subject to limitation under the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Series would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company
’
s expenses,
including advisory fees. Those expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Series bears directly in connection with its own operations. For additional information, see “
Mutual Fund Investing
”
in this section of the SAI.
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Privatizations
|
|
|
The governments of some foreign countries have been engaged in programs of selling part or all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises (
“
privatizations
”
). Privatizations may offer
opportunities for significant capital appreciation. In certain foreign
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
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Fund-Specific Limitations
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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countries, the ability of foreign entities such as the Series to participate in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the terms on which a Series may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those for local investors. There can be no assurance that foreign governments will continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization programs will be successful.
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|
Funding Agreements
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in funding agreements, which are insurance contracts between an investor and the issuing insurance company. For the issuer, they represent senior obligations under an insurance product. For the investor, and from a regulatory perspective, these agreements are treated as securities. These agreements, like other insurance products, are backed by claims on the general assets of the issuing entity and rank on the same priority level as other policy holder claims. Funding agreements typically are issued with a one-year final maturity and a variable interest rate, which may adjust weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Some agreements carry a seven-day put feature. A funding agreement without this feature is considered illiquid and will therefore be subject to the Series
’
limitations on investments
in illiquid securities. (See
“
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
”
in this
section of the SAI.) Funding agreements are regulated by the state insurance board of the state where they are executed.
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|
Guaranteed Investment Contracts
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in GICs issued by U.S. and Canadian insurance companies. A GIC requires the investor to make cash contributions to a deposit fund of an insurance company
’
s general
account. The insurance company then makes payments to the investor based on negotiated, floating or fixed interest rates. A GIC is a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. The purchase price paid for a GIC becomes part of the general assets of the insurance company, and the contract is paid from the insurance company
’
s general assets. Generally, a GIC is not
assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance company, and an active secondary market in GICs does not currently exist. Therefore, these investments may be deemed to be illiquid, in which case they will be subject to the Series
’
limitations
on investments in illiquid securities. (See
“
Illiquid and Restricted
Securities
”
in this section of the SAI.)
|
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Illiquid and Restricted Securities
|
|
|
Each Series may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities that
are considered illiquid. Historically, illiquid securities have included
securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act (
“
restricted
securities
”
), securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, such
as over-the-counter options, and repurchase agreements not entitling
the holder to payment of principal in seven days. Such securities may
offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities, and
they also may incur higher risks.
Repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and time
deposits that do not provide for payment to the Series within seven
days after notice or which have a term greater than seven days are
deemed illiquid securities for this purpose unless such securities are
variable amount master demand notes with maturities of nine months
or less or unless the Series
’
subadviser has determined that an
adequate trading market exists for such securities or that market
quotations are readily available.
|
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|
Investment Technique
|
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|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
The Series may purchase Rule 144A securities sold to institutional
investors without registration under the 1933 Act and commercial
paper issued in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(2) of the
1933 Act, for which an institutional market has developed. Institutional
investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the
unregistered security can be readily resold or on the issuer
’
s ability to
honor a demand for repayment of the unregistered security.
Although the securities described in this section generally will be
considered illiquid, a security
’
s contractual or legal restrictions on
resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be
indicative of the liquidity of the security and therefore these securities
may be determined to be liquid in accordance with guidelines
established by the Trust
’
s Board of Trustees. The Trustees have
delegated to each Series
’
subadviser the day-to-day determination of
the liquidity of such securities in the respective Series
’
portfolio,
although they have retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for
such determinations. Although no definite quality criteria are used, the
Trustees have directed the subadvisers to consider such factors as (i)
the nature of the market for a security (including the institutional
private resale markets); (ii) the terms of these securities or other
instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer
thereof (
e.g.
certain repurchase obligations and demand instruments);
(iii) and availability of market quotations; and (iv) other permissible
factors. The Trustees monitor implementation of the guidelines on a
periodic basis.
If illiquid securities exceed 15% of a Series
’
net assets after the time
of purchase, the Series will take steps to reduce in an orderly fashion
its holdings of illiquid securities. Because illiquid securities may not be
readily marketable, the relevant Series
’
subadviser may not be able to
dispose of them in a timely manner. As a result, the Series may be
forced to hold illiquid securities while their price depreciates.
Depreciation in the price of illiquid securities may cause the NAV of
the Series holding them to decline. A security that is determined by a
Series
’
subadviser to be liquid may subsequently revert to being
illiquid if not enough buyer interest exists.
Restricted securities ordinarily can be sold by the Series in secondary
market transactions to certain qualified investors pursuant to rules
established by the SEC, in privately negotiated transactions to a
limited number of purchasers or in a public offering made pursuant to
an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. When
registration is required, the Series may be obligated to pay all or part
of the registration expenses and a considerable time may elapse
between the decision to sell and the sale date. If, during such period,
adverse market conditions were to develop, the Series might obtain a
less favorable price than the price which prevailed when it decided to
sell.
Restricted securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good
faith by the Trustees or their delegate.
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Leverage
|
|
|
Each Series may employ investment techniques that create leverage,
either by using borrowed capital to increase the amount invested, or
investing in instruments, including derivatives, where the investment
loss can exceed the original amount invested. Certain investments or
trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly
exceed the amount originally invested.
|
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
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|
The SEC takes the position that transactions that have a leveraging effect on the capital structure of a mutual fund or are economically equivalent to borrowing can be viewed as constituting a form of borrowing by the fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. These transactions can include buying and selling certain derivatives (such as futures contracts); selling (or writing) put and call options; engaging in sale-buybacks; entering into firm-commitment and stand-by commitment agreements; engaging in when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment transactions; and other similar trading practices (additional discussion about a number of these transactions can be found throughout this section of the SAI). As a result, when a Series enters into such transactions the transactions may be subject to the same requirements and restrictions as borrowing. (See “
Borrowing
”
below for additional information.)
The following are some of the Series
’
permitted investment
techniques that are generally viewed as creating leverage for the Series.
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Borrowing
|
|
|
A Series
’
ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies
and limitations, by the 1940 Act, and by applicable exemptions, no-action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by the SEC and its staff or any other regulatory authority with jurisdiction. Under the 1940 Act, a Series is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Series
’
total assets made for temporary or emergency purposes. Any
borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5% of the Series
’
total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or for other reasons, a Series may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.
Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Series
’
portfolio. Money
borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. A Series also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
|
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No Series may borrow money, except (i) in amounts not to exceed one-third of the value of the Series
’
total
assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks, and (ii) up to an additional 5% of its total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. For purposes of this restriction, (a) investment techniques such as margin purchases, short sales, forward commitments, and roll transactions, (b) investments in instruments such as futures contracts, swaps, and options, and (c) short-term credits extended in connection with trade clearances and settlement shall not constitute borrowing.
The Growth & Income Series may not borrow money except from banks for temporary purposes.
|
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
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|
|
Mortgage
“
Dollar-
Roll
”
Transactions
|
|
|
Each Series may enter into mortgage
“
dollar-roll
”
transactions
pursuant to which it sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the future and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Series foregoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Series is compensated for the lost interest by the difference between the current sales price and the lower price for the future purchase (often referred to as the
“
drop
”
) as well as by the
interest earned on, and gains from, the investment of the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Series may also be compensated by receipt of a commitment fee. If the income and capital gains from the Series
’
investment of the cash from the initial sale do not exceed the
income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Series compared with what the performance would have been without the use of the dollar roll.
Dollar-roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Series is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker/dealer to whom the Series sells securities becomes insolvent, the Series
’
right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted. Successful use of dollar rolls may depend upon the Series
’
subadviser
’
s ability to correctly predict interest rates and
prepayments. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed.
|
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|
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|
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
|
|
|
Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Series
sells a security and simultaneously commits to repurchase that
security from the buyer, such as a bank or broker-dealer, at an agreed
upon price on an agreed upon future date. The resale price in a
reverse repurchase agreement reflects a market rate of interest that is
not related to the coupon rate or maturity of the sold security. For
certain demand agreements, there is no agreed upon repurchase
date and interest payments are calculated daily, often based upon the
prevailing overnight repurchase rate.
Generally, a reverse repurchase agreement enables the Series to
recover for the term of the reverse repurchase agreement all or most
of the cash invested in the portfolio securities sold and to keep the
interest income associated with those portfolio securities. Such
transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the Series of
the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining
the cash otherwise. In addition, interest costs on the money received
in a reverse repurchase agreement may exceed the return received
on the investments made by the Series with those monies. Using
reverse repurchase agreements to earn additional income involves
the risk that the interest earned on the invested proceeds is less than
the expense of the reverse repurchase agreement transaction.
While a reverse repurchase agreement is outstanding, the Series will
maintain cash and appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its obligation under the agreement. A Series will
enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties that the
Series
’
subadviser deems creditworthy.
|
|
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|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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|
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|
|
Money Market Instruments
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in money market instruments, which are high-quality short-term investments. The types of money market instruments most commonly acquired by the Series are discussed below, although each Series is also permitted to invest in other types of money market instruments to the extent consistent with the Series
’
investment limitations and restrictions.
|
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Bankers
’
Acceptances
|
|
|
A bankers
’
acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial bank by
a borrower usually in connection with an international commercial transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods). The borrower, as well as the bank, is liable for payment, and the bank unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less and are traded in secondary markets prior to maturity.
|
|
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|
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|
|
Certificates of Deposit
|
|
|
Certificates of deposit are generally short-term, interest-bearing negotiable certificates issued by banks or savings and loan associations against funds deposited in the issuing institution. They generally may be withdrawn on demand but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which could reduce the Series
’
yield. Deposits
subject to early withdrawal penalties or that mature in more than seven days are treated as illiquid securities if there is no readily available market for the securities.
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Commercial Paper
|
|
|
Commercial paper refers to short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months.
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Obligations of Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks
|
|
|
The money market instruments in which the Series may invest include negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers
’
acceptances and time
deposits of foreign branches of U.S. banks, foreign banks and their non-U.S. branches (Eurodollars), U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (Yankee dollars), and wholly-owned banking-related subsidiaries of foreign banks. For the purposes of each Series
’
investment policies with respect to money market instruments, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks are obligations of the issuing bank and may be general obligations of the parent bank. Such obligations, however, may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by government regulation. As with investment in non-U.S. securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject a Series to investment risks that are different in some respects from those of investments in obligations of domestic issuers.
Although a Series typically will acquire obligations issued and supported by the credit of U.S. or foreign banks having total assets at the time of purchase of $1 billion or more, this $1 billion figure is not an investment policy or restriction of any Series. For the purposes of calculation with respect to the $1 billion figure, the
assets
of a bank
will be deemed to include the assets of its U.S. and non-U.S. branches.
|
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Time Deposits
|
|
|
Time deposits are deposits in a bank or other financial institution for a specified period of time at a fixed interest rate for which a negotiable certificate is not received.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Government Obligations
|
|
|
Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government include a variety of Treasury securities, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of
|
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Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
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issuance. Treasury bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years.
Agencies of the United States Government which issue or guarantee obligations include, among others, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, GNMA, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. Obligations of instrumentalities of the United States Government include securities issued or guaranteed by, among others, FNMA, Federal Home Loan Banks, FHLMC, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Banks for Cooperatives, and the U.S. Postal Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, now or in the future, if it is not obligated to do so by law. Accordingly, although these securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity, they may involve more risk than securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government because the Series must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the securities for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment.
|
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|
Mutual Fund Investing
|
|
|
Each Series is authorized to invest in the securities of other
investment companies subject to the limitations contained in the 1940
Act.
Investment companies in which the Series may invest may include
ETFs. An ETF is an investment company classified as an open-end
investment company or unit investment trust that is traded similarly to
a publicly traded company. Most ETFs seek to achieve the same
return as a particular market index. That type of ETF is similar to an
index fund in that it will primarily invest in the securities of companies
that are included in a selected market index. An index-based ETF will
invest in either all of the securities or a representative sample of the
securities included in the index. Other types of ETFs include
leveraged or inverse ETFs, which are ETFs that seek to achieve a
daily return that is a multiple or an inverse multiple of the daily return
of a securities index. An important characteristic of these ETFs is that
they seek to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis, and their
performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from
the multiple or inverse multiple of the index performance over those
longer periods of time. ETFs also include actively managed ETFs that
pursue active management strategies and publish their portfolio
holdings on a daily basis.
In connection with the management of its daily cash positions, each
Series may invest in securities issued by investment companies that
invest in short-term debt securities (which may include municipal
obligations that are exempt from federal income taxes) and that seek
to maintain a $1.00 NAV per share.
In certain countries, investments by the Series may only be made
through investments in other investment companies that, in turn, are
authorized to invest in the securities that are issued in such countries.
|
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Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
(See
“
Foreign Investment Companies
”
under
“
Foreign Investing
”
in
this section of the SAI.)
Under the 1940 Act, a Series may not own more than 3% of the
outstanding voting stock of an investment company, invest more than
5% of its total assets in any one investment company, or invest more
than 10% of its total assets in the securities of investment companies.
In some instances, a Series may invest in an investment company in
excess of these limits; for instance, with respect to investments in
money market funds or investments made pursuant to an exemptive
order granted by the SEC. Many ETFs have obtained exemptive relief
from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF
’
s shares
beyond the statutory limitations discussed above, subject to certain
conditions. The Series may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in
unaffiliated ETFs. In addition to this, the Trust has obtained exemptive
relief permitting the Series to exceed the limitations with respect to
investments in affiliated and unaffiliated funds that are not themselves
funds of funds, subject to certain conditions.
The risks associated with investing in other investment companies
generally reflect the risks of owning shares of the underlying securities
in which those investment companies invest, although lack of liquidity
in an investment company could result in its value being more volatile
than the underlying portfolio of securities. For purposes of complying
with investment policies requiring a Series to invest a percentage of
its assets in a certain type of investments (e.g., stocks of small
capitalization companies), the Series generally will look through an
investment company in which it invests, to categorize the investment
company in accordance with the types of investments the investment
company holds.
Certain investment companies in which the Series may invest may be
considered commodity pools under the CEA and applicable CFTC
regulations. If a Series invests in such an investment company, the
Series will be required to treat some or all of its holding of the
investment company
’
s shares as a commodity interest for the
purposes of determining whether the Series is qualified to claim
exclusion or exemption from regulation by the CFTC. (See
“
Commodity Interests
”
in this section of the SAI for additional
information regarding the implications to the Series of investing in
commodity interests.)
Investors in each Series should recognize that when a Series invests
in another investment company, the Series will bear its pro rata
portion of the other investment company
’
s expenses, including
advisory fees, in addition to the expenses the Series bears directly in
connection with its own operations.
|
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|
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in REITs. REITs pool investors
’
funds for
investment primarily in income producing commercial real estate or
real estate related loans. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to
shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its
organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it
distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other
than net capital gains) for each taxable year.
REITs can generally be classified as follows:
•
Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in
real property and derive their income primarily from rents. Equity
REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that
have appreciated in value.
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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•
Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real
estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest
payments.
•
Hybrid REITs, which combine the characteristics of both equity
REITs and mortgage REITs.
REITs are like closed-end investment companies in that they are
essentially holding companies. An investor should realize that by
investing in REITs indirectly through the Series, he will bear not only
his proportionate share of the expenses of the Series, but also,
indirectly, similar expenses of the underlying REITs. (See
“
Mutual
Fund Investing
”
in this section of the SAI.)
Selecting REITs requires an evaluation of the merits of each type of
asset a particular REIT owns, as well as regional and local
economics. Due to the proliferation of REITs in recent years and the
relative lack of sophistication of certain REIT managers, the quality of
REIT assets has varied significantly. The risks associated with REITs
are similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate.
These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to
general and local economic conditions, dependence on management
skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term
mortgage funds, over-building, extended vacancies of properties,
decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in
property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood
values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in
interest rates.
Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the
underlying properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be
affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and
mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and
generally are not diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also
subject to potential defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the
possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the
Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In the
event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience
delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur
substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In
addition, investment in REITs could cause the Series to possibly fail to
qualify as a regulated investment company. (See the
“
Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes
”
section of the SAI.)
|
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|
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
|
Each Series may enter into repurchase agreements by which the
Series purchases portfolio securities subject to the seller
’
s agreement
to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The
repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the
difference being income to the Series, or the purchase and
repurchase price may be the same, with interest payable to the Series
at a stated rate together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In
either case, the income to the Series is unrelated to the interest rate
on the security.
A repurchase agreement must be collateralized by obligations that
could otherwise be purchased by the Series (except with respect to
maturity), and these must be maintained by the seller in a segregated
account for the Series. The value of such collateral will be monitored
throughout the term of the repurchase agreement in an attempt to
ensure that the market value of the collateral always equals or
exceeds the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the value
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
of the collateral dips below such repurchase price, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full collateralization.
Repurchase agreements will be entered into with commercial banks, brokers and dealers considered by the relevant Series
’
subadviser to
be creditworthy. However, the use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks such as default by, or insolvency of, the other party to the transaction. The Series also might incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the underlying securities or enforcing its rights.
Typically, repurchase agreements are in effect for one week or less, but they may be in effect for longer periods of time. Repurchase agreements of more than seven days
’
duration are subject to each
Series
’
limitation on investments in illiquid securities, which means
that no more than 15% of the market value of a Series
’
total assets
may be invested in repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days and in other illiquid securities.
|
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Securities Lending
|
|
|
Subject to certain investment restrictions, each Series may, subject to
the Trustees
’
and Trust Treasurer
’
s approval, lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions deemed
creditworthy and receive, as collateral, cash or cash equivalents
which at all times while the loan is outstanding will be maintained in
amounts equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the
loaned securities. Any cash collateral will be invested in short-term
securities that will increase the current income of the Series lending its
securities. A Series will have the right to regain record ownership of
loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights
and subscription rights. While a securities loan is outstanding, the
Series is to receive an amount equal to any dividends, interest or
other distributions with respect to the loaned securities. A Series may
pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Trust for services
in arranging such loans.
Even though securities lending usually does not impose market risks
on the lending Series, as with any extension of credit, there are risks
of delay in recovery of the loaned securities and in some cases loss of
rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. In addition, the value of the collateral taken as security for
the securities loaned may decline in value or may be difficult to
convert to cash in the event that a Series must rely on the collateral to
recover the value of the securities. Moreover, if the borrower of the
securities is insolvent, under current bankruptcy law, the Series could
be ordered by a court not to liquidate the collateral for an
indeterminate period of time. If the borrower is the subject of
insolvency proceedings and the collateral held might not be liquidated,
the result could be a material adverse impact on the liquidity of the
lending Series.
No Series will lend securities having a value in excess of 33 1/3% of
its assets, including collateral received for loaned securities (valued at
the time of any loan).
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Short Sales
|
|
|
Each Series may sell securities short as part of its overall portfolio
management strategies involving the use of derivative instruments
and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A
short sale is a transaction in which a Series sells a security it does not
own or have the right to acquire, or that it owns but does not wish to
|
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|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
deliver, in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. A short sale is
“
against the box
”
to the extent the Series
contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. All other short sales are commonly referred to as
“
naked
”
short sales.
When a Series makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Series is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Series may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Series covers its short position, the Series will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Series will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
If a Series sells securities short against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If a Series engages in naked short sales, the Series
’
risk of loss could be as much as the maximum attainable
price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price paid by the Series for the security at the time it was borrowed.
|
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|
Special Situations
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in special situations that the Series
’
subadviser believes present opportunities for capital growth. Such situations most typically include corporate restructurings, mergers, and tender offers.
A special situation arises when, in the opinion of the Series
’
subadviser, the securities of a particular company will, within a reasonably estimable period of time, be accorded market recognition at an appreciated value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to that company and regardless of general business conditions or movements of the market as a whole. Developments creating special situations might include, among others, the following: liquidations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, mergers, or tender offers; material litigation or resolution thereof; technological breakthroughs; and new management or management policies. Although large and well-known companies may be involved, special situations often involve much greater risk than is inherent in ordinary investment securities.
|
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|
|
|
|
Temporary Investments
|
|
|
When business or financial conditions warrant, each Series may assume a temporary defensive position by investing in money-market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of foreign sovereigns, other debt securities, commercial paper including bank obligations, certificates of deposit (including Eurodollar certificates of deposit) and repurchase agreements. (See
“
Money Market Instruments
”
in this
section of the SAI for more information about these types of investments.)
For temporary defensive purposes, during periods in which a Series
’
subadviser believes adverse changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable, the Series may reduce its
|
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
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|
|
holdings in equity and other securities and may invest up to 100% of its assets in certain short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to maturity) debt securities and in cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, or multicurrency units). The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which a Series may invest for temporary defensive purposes will be those that the Series
’
subadviser believes to be of high quality (i.e
.
,
subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal). If rated, these securities will be rated in one of the three highest rating categories by rating services such as Moody
’
s or S&P (i.e
.
, rated at
least A).
|
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|
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|
|
Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities
|
|
|
Each Series may invest in or acquire warrants or rights to purchase
equity or fixed income securities at a specified price during a specific
period of time. A Series will make such investments only if the
underlying securities are deemed appropriate by the Series
’
subadviser for inclusion in the Series
’
portfolio. Included are warrants
and rights whose underlying securities are not traded on principal
domestic or foreign exchanges. Warrants and stock rights are almost
identical to call options in their nature, use and effect except that they
are issued by the issuer of the underlying security, rather than an
option writer, and they generally have longer expiration dates than call
options. (See
“
Options
”
in this section of the SAI for information about
call options.)
Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have
many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to
some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock.
However, unlike convertible securities and preferred stocks, warrants
do not pay a fixed dividend. Bonds also may be issued with warrants
attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same
coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Series holding
such warrants to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell
the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would
generally expire with no value.
A Series may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values
vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified
securities indices (
“
index warrants
”
). Index warrants are generally
issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the
right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon
exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the
value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the
value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the
index warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a
cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference
between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if
the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will
be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise
based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and
the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to
any payments from the issuer at any time when, in the case of a call
warrant, the exercise price is greater than the value of the underlying
index or, in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than
the value of the underlying index. If a Series were not to exercise an
index warrant prior to its expiration, then the Series would lose the
amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant.
|
|
|
Each of the Growth & Income Series and the International Series may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights, but no more than 2% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights not listed on the NYSE.
|
|
|
|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
A Series will normally use index warrants in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices. The risks of the Series
’
use of
index warrants are generally similar to those relating to its use of index options. (See
“
Options
”
in this section of the SAI for information
about index options.) Unlike most index options, however, index warrants are issued in limited amounts and are not obligations of a regulated clearing agency, but are backed only by the credit of the bank or other institution which issues the warrant. Also, index warrants generally have longer terms than index options. Although a Series will normally invest only in exchange-listed warrants, index warrants are not likely to be as liquid as certain index options backed by a recognized clearing agency. In addition, the terms of index warrants may limit a Series
’
ability to exercise the warrants at such
time, or in such quantities, as the Series would otherwise wish to do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
|
|
|
Each Series may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis. These transactions are also known as delayed
delivery transactions. (The phrase
“
delayed delivery
”
is not intended
to include purchases where a delay in delivery involves only a brief
period required by the selling party solely to locate appropriate
certificates and prepare them for submission for clearance and
settlement in the customary way.) Delayed delivery transactions
involve a commitment by the Series to purchase or sell securities at a
future date (ordinarily up to 90 days later). The price of the underlying
securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the
securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed
at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and
forward commitments are negotiated directly with the selling party.
When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Series
to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a
particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in
interest rates. For example, in periods of rising interest rates and
falling bond prices, the Series might sell debt securities it owns on a
forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In
periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Series might sell
securities it owns and purchase the same or similar securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the
benefit of currently higher yields. The Series will not enter into such
transactions for the purpose of leverage.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value will
be reflected in the Series
’
NAV starting on the first business day after
the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. The Series will
be subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on the
agreement date. However, the Series will not earn interest on
securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and
received. A seller
’
s failure to deliver securities to the Series could
prevent the Series from realizing a price or yield considered to be
advantageous and could cause the Series to incur expenses
associated with unwinding the transaction.
When a Series makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns,
the proceeds to be received upon settlement will be included in the
Series
’
assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying
securities will not be reflected in the Series
’
NAV as long as the
commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued
purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes
|
|
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|
Investment Technique
|
|
|
Description and Risks
|
|
|
Fund-Specific Limitations
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
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|
|
place up to 90 days after the date of the transaction, but the Series may agree to a longer settlement period.
The Series will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Series may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. A Series also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Series on the settlement date. The Series may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.
When a Series purchases securities on a when-issued or forward-commitment basis, the Series will specifically designate on its accounting records securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Series
’
purchase commitments.
These procedures are designed to ensure that each Series will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
The Series may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights, but no more than 2% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights not listed on the NYSE. (See “
Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities
”
in the
“
More Information About Series
Investment Strategies and Related Risks
”
section of this SAI.)
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
The Series may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights, but no
more than 2% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights not listed on the NYSE. (See
“
Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities
”
in the
“
More Information About Series
Investment Strategies and Related Risks
”
section of this SAI.)
The Series also may hedge its foreign currency exchange rate risk by engaging in
currency financial futures and options transactions. (See
“
Foreign Currency Forward
Contracts, Futures and Options
”
under
“
Derivatives
”
and
“
Foreign Currency
Transactions
”
under
“
Foreign Investing
”
in the
“
More Information About Series
Investment Strategies and Related Risks
”
section of this SAI.)
The Series may invest in nonconvertible fixed income securities of non-U.S. issuers
when the Series
’
subadviser believes that such securities are appropriate for the
achievement of the Series
’
investment objective. The nonconvertible fixed income
securities may consist of: corporate notes, bonds, debentures and other securities (such
as Euro-currency instruments) of non-U.S. issuers that are rated within the three highest
rating categories of rating services or, if unrated, are deemed by the adviser to be of
comparable credit quality; and securities issued by foreign governments and
supranational agencies (such as the World Bank). (See
“
Debt Investing
”
in the
“
More
Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks
”
section of this SAI.)
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
The Series may only purchase a call option to terminate a previously written call option. (See
“
Options
”
under
“
Derivative Investments
”
in the
“
More Information About Series
Investment Strategies and Related Risks
”
section of this SAI.)
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
The Series will not invest in real estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies. (See
“
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
”
in the
“
More Information About
Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks
”
section of this SAI.) However, the
portfolio may be subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate because of its policy of concentrating in the securities of companies in the real estate industry. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage trusts, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.
|
|
|
|
Name and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Thomas J. Brown
YOB: 1945
|
|
|
Served since 2011.
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
Retired.
|
|
|
Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (48 portfolios); and
Director (since 2010),
D
’
Youville Senior Care Center.
|
|
|
|
Roger A. Gelfenbien
YOB: 1943
|
|
|
Served since 2000.
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
Retired.
|
|
|
Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust
(41
portfolios);
and
Director (2003 to 2009), Webster Bank.
|
|
|
|
Eunice S. Groark
YOB: 1938
|
|
|
Served since 1999.
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
Retired.
|
|
|
Director
(2007 to 2012),
Peoples
’
United Financial
Inc.;
and Director (1995 to 2007), People
’
s
United Bank.
|
|
|
|
John R. Mallin
YOB: 1950
|
|
|
Served since 1999.
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP
Real
Property Practice Group
|
|
|
None.
|
|
|
|
Name and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Hassell H. McClellan
YOB: 1945
|
|
|
Served since 2008.
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
Retired.
|
|
|
Professor (1984 to 2013),
Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College; Trustee,
(since 2005), John
Hancock
Fund Complex
(collectively, 234 portfolios);
and
Director (since 2010),
Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company).
|
|
|
|
Philip R. McLoughlin
YOB: 1946
|
|
|
Served since 2003.
|
|
|
67
|
|
|
Partner
(2006 to 2012),
Cross
Pond Partners, LLC (strategy consulting firm); Managing Director (2009 to 2010), SeaCap Asset Management Fund I, L.P. and SeaCap Partners, LLC
(investment
management).
|
|
|
Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), World Trust Fund; Chairman (since 2002) and Trustee (since 1989), Virtus Mutual Funds
(49
funds); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 portfolios); Trustee
and Chairman
(since
2011), Virtus
Closed-End
Funds
(2 portfolios); Director (1985 to 2009), Argo Group International Holdings Inc. and its predecessor, PXRE Corporation
(insurance); and
Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Funds (3 portfolios).
|
|
|
|
Name and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
George R. Aylward
**
YOB: 1964
|
|
|
President since 2010; Trustee since 2012.
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries;
and
various
senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005).
|
|
|
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig
Closed-End
Funds
(2 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (2 portfolios);
Trustee (since
2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex
(49 portfolios);
Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Funds (3 portfolios).
|
|
|
|
Name, Address and Year of Birth
|
|
|
Position(s) Held with the Trust and Length of Time Served
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
W. Patrick Bradley
YOB: 1972
|
|
|
Senior Vice President
(since 2013), Vice President (2011-2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, since 2004.
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, Fund Services (since 2010), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates;
Senior
Vice President (since
2013), Vice President (2011 to 2013),
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex;
Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice
President (2011 to 2013),
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(since 2011), Virtus
Closed-End Funds; Senior Vice President
(since 2013), Vice President (2012 to 2013)
and Treasurer (Chief
Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig
Closed-End Funds;
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund
Inc.; Director (since 2013),
Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Funds.
|
|
|
|
Jennifer Fromm
YOB:
1973
|
|
|
Vice President, Chief Legal
Officer
and
Secretary, since
2013.
|
|
|
Assistant Secretary of various Virtus-affiliated open-end funds
(since 2008); and Senior Counsel, Legal,
Virtus Investment
Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its
subsidiaries (since 2007); and
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer,
and Secretary (since
2013),
Virtus Alternative Solutions Funds.
|
|
|
|
Nancy J. Engberg
YOB: 1956
|
|
|
Vice President, since 2010; Chief Compliance Officer, since 2011.
|
|
|
Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus
Closed-End Funds;
Vice
President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig
Closed-End Funds; and Vice President and Chief Compliance
Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Funds.
|
|
|
|
Francis G. Waltman
YOB: 1962
|
|
|
Executive Vice
President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013)
|
|
|
Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013),
Senior Vice President
(2008 to 2013),
Virtus Mutual Fund Complex;
Executive Vice
President (since 2013),
Senior Vice President
(2011 to 2013),
Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013) Virtus Alternative Solutions Funds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Compensation from Trust
|
|
|
Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Independent Trustees
|
|
||||||
|
|
Thomas J. Brown
|
|
|
$71,000
|
|
|
$71,000
(9 funds)
|
|
|
|
Roger A. Gelfenbien
|
|
|
$61,000
|
|
|
$61,000
(9 funds)
|
|
|
|
Eunice S. Groark
|
|
|
$68,000
|
|
|
$68,000
(9 funds)
|
|
|
|
John R. Mallin
|
|
|
$65,000
|
|
|
$65,000
(9 funds)
|
|
|
|
Hassell H. McClellan
|
|
|
$71,000
|
|
|
$71,000
(9 funds)
|
|
|
|
Philip R. McLoughlin
|
|
|
$94,000
|
|
|
$556,500 (64
funds)
|
|
|
|
Interested Trustee
|
|
||||||
|
|
George R. Aylward
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
1.10%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First $250 million
|
|
|
Next $250 million
|
|
|
Over $500 million
|
|
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
0.70%
|
|
|
0.65%
|
|
|
0.60%
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
0.70%
|
|
|
0.65%
|
|
|
0.60%
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.70%
|
|
|
0.65%
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
0.50%
|
|
|
0.45%
|
|
|
0.40%
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
0.60%
|
|
|
0.55%
|
|
|
0.50%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First $1 billion
|
|
|
Next $1 billion
|
|
|
Over $2 billion
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
0.75%
|
|
|
0.70%
|
|
|
0.65%
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
First $1 billion
|
|
|
$1+ billion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
0.85%
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First $400 million
|
|
|
$400 million to $1 billion
|
|
|
Over $1 billion
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
0.90%
|
|
|
0.85%
|
|
|
0.80%
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Class
|
|
|
Expense Cap
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Virtus Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
1.03%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
0.98%
|
|
|
|
Virtus International Series
|
|
|
Class A
Class I
|
|
|
1.18%
0.93%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
Class A
Class I
|
|
|
0.94%
0.69%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
Class A
Class I
|
|
|
1.70%
1.45%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
Class A
Class I
|
|
|
1.16%
0.91%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
Class A
Class I
|
|
|
1.19%
0.94%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
1.20%
|
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
0.98%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Advisory Fee ($)
|
|
|
Advisory Fee Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed
($)
|
|
|
Net Advisory Fee ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Fund
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
1,497,428
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,387,103
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,408,754
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(422,960)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(334,433)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(211,169)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,074,468
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,052,670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,197,585
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
1,207,111
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,035,970
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,004,985
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(448,905)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(335,164)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(231,101)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
758,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
700,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
773,884
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
|
|
2,737,511
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,489,381
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,434,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(613,384)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(406,589)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,124,127
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,082,792
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,434,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
1,076,071
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
997,774
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
929,737
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(465,829)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(327,079)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34,069)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
610,242
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
670,695
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
895,668
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
|
|
9,518
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,445
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116,363
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(48,500)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,173)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,957)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(38,982)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,272
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,406
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
|
|
806,853
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
796,491
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
754,275
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(133,500)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(95,315)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(56,791)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
673,353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
701,176
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
697,484
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
581,453
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
530,961
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
557,037
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(205,285)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(154,620)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(88,454)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
376,168
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
376,341
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
468,583
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
|
|
1,296,689
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,121,604
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,144,445
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(90,941)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(69,021)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(193,522)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,205,748
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,052,583
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
950,923
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
|
|
903,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
842,574
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
816,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(330,063)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(252,918)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(111,867)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
573,205
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
589,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
704,183
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Subadvisory Fee
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
0.25%
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Subadvisory Fee
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
50% of
the
net advisory fee
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
20% of the net advisory fee
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
50% of the net advisory fee (equity assets only)
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Subadvisory Fee
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
50% of the net advisory fee
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
50% of
the
gross advisory fee
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
50% of
the
gross advisory fee
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Subadvisory Fee (%)
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
50%
of
the
net
advisory fee
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
50%
of
the
net
advisory fee
(fixed income
assets
only)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subadvisory Fee ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
710,940
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
526,335
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
598,663
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
88,502
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,403
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
386,857
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
|
|
933,040
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
844,422
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
824,953
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subadvisory Fee ($)
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
385,993
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
391,626
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
364,922
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
|
|
1,580
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
|
|
403,426
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
398,246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
377,138
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
290,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
265,481
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
278,518
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
|
|
648,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
561,765
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
572,223
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series (fixed income portion)
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
64,713
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
126,043
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series (equity portion)
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
125,317
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
253,602
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
245,433
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
First $5 billion
|
|
|
0.09%
|
|
|
|
$5 billion to $15 billion
|
|
|
0.08%
|
|
|
|
Greater than $15 billion
|
|
|
0.07%
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
$177,150
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$156,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$153,067
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
$142,775
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$116,810
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$109,201
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
|
|
$307,320
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$266,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$251,021
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
$176,990
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$157,439
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$141,474
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
|
|
$
711
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
1,748
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
8,037
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
|
|
$
88,361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
83,808
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
76,507
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
$
56,264
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
49,303
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
49,841
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
|
|
$119,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
98,539
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
96,715
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
|
|
$131,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$120,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$111,858
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
First $15 billion
|
|
|
0.0325%
|
|
|
|
$15+ billion to $30 billion
|
|
|
0.0225%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$30+ billion to $50 billion
|
|
|
0.0075%
|
|
|
|
Greater than $50 billion
|
|
|
0.005%
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid ($)
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
503,126
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
358,923
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
|
|
824,788
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
464,678
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
|
|
26,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
|
|
251,253
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
163,645
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
|
|
317,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
|
|
340,021
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager(s)
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
Doug Foreman
Gregory Toppe
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
David Dickerson
Carlton Neel
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
Jamie Cumming
Stephen Docherty
Samantha Fitzpatrick
Stewart Methven
Bruce Stout
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
Howard Present
Amy Robinson
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
Todd Beiley
Jon Christensen
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
Julie Kutasov
Robert A. Schwarzkopf
Craig Stone
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
Geoffrey P. Dybas
Frank J. Haggerty, Jr.
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
David L. Albrycht
David Dickerson
Carlton Neel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs)
|
|
|
Other Accounts
|
|
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
David L. Albrycht
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
$10.8
billion
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$120 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Todd Beiley
(2)
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$730
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
379
|
|
|
$2.4
billion
|
|
|
|
Jon Christensen
(2)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$735
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
343
|
|
|
$2.5
billion
|
|
|
|
Jamie Cumming
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$2.8
billion
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
$20.9
billion
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
$28.8
billion
|
|
|
|
David Dickerson
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
$1.7
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Stephen Docherty
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$2.8
billion
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
$20.9
billion
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
$28.8
billion
|
|
|
|
Geoffrey P. Dybas
(1)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$4.8
billion
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$36.1
million
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$514.6
million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs)
|
|
|
Other Accounts
|
|
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
Samantha Fitzpatrick
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$2.8
billion
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
$20.9
billion
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
$28.8
billion
|
|
|
|
Doug Foreman
(2)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$830
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
$64
million
|
|
|
|
Frank J. Haggerty, Jr.
(1)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$4.8
billion
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$36.1
million
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
$514.6
million
|
|
|
|
Julie Kutasov
(2)
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
$558
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
318
|
|
|
$2.2
billion
|
|
|
|
Stewart Methven
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$2.8
million
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
$20.9
billion
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
$28.8
billion
|
|
|
|
Carlton Neel
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
$1.7
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Howard Present
(3)
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
$8.9
billion
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$813.2
million
|
|
|
5884
|
|
|
$11.3
billion
|
|
|
|
Amy Robinson
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
$11
billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Craig Stone
(2)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$563
million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
$2.3
billion
|
|
|
|
Bruce Stout
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
$28.3
billion
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
$20.9
billion
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
$28.8
billion
|
|
|
|
Gregory Toppe
(2)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
$830 million
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
$64
million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs)
|
|
|
Other Accounts
|
|
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
Jamie Cumming
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$2.4 billion
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$76.9
million
|
|
|
|
Stephen Docherty
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$2.4 billion
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$76.9
million
|
|
|
|
Samantha Fitzpatrick
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$2.4 billion
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$76.9
million
|
|
|
|
Stewart Methven
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$2.4 billion
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$76.9
million
|
|
|
|
Howard Present
(1)
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$2.3 billion
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
$25.6
million
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$51.2
million
|
|
|
|
Amy Robinson
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$2.3 billion
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Bruce Stout
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$2.4 billion
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$76.9
million
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
|
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in Each Series Managed
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
David L. Albrycht
*
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series:
$10,001
—
$50,000
Strategic Allocation Series: $10,001
—
$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions ($)
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
354,615
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,364
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,895
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
165,778
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
115,628
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Series
|
|
|
|
|
210,220
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142,432
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,449
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
804
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
|
|
1,504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,355
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,406
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
|
|
33,976
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,345
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,152
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
|
|
71,114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,241
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
|
|
91,209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,425
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,529
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
|
|
93,379
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96,110
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,420
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Broker/Dealer
|
|
|
Value ($)
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs & Co.
|
|
|
|
|
2,659
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
|
|
|
|
|
2,807
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector
Fixed Income Series
|
|
|
Credit Suisse (USA) Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
814
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citicorp Securities Services Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
762
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co
|
|
|
|
|
7,144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank of America LLC
|
|
|
|
|
1,384
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barclays Bank Plc
|
|
|
|
|
2,071
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
873
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs & Co.
|
|
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wells Fargo & Co.
|
|
|
|
|
3,150
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jefferies & Co., Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
Barclays Bank Plc
|
|
|
|
|
866
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Broker/Dealer
|
|
|
Value ($)
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs & Co.
|
|
|
|
|
2,184
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank of America LLC
|
|
|
|
|
1,109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
|
|
|
|
|
6,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citicorp Securities Services Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
946
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
1,180
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Suisse First Boston Corp.
|
|
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wells Fargo & Co.
|
|
|
|
|
1,130
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jefferies & Co., Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
170
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Research Commission Transactions
($)
|
|
|
Research Commissions
($)
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Capital Growth Series
|
|
|
79,998,033
|
|
|
|
|
64,720
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growth & Income Series
|
|
|
14,609,409
|
|
|
|
|
17,708
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
|
|
|
24,848,629
|
|
|
|
|
29,884
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Securities Series
|
|
|
11,489,179
|
|
|
|
|
1,533
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Growth Series
|
|
|
73,771,771
|
|
|
|
|
86,072
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small-Cap Value Series
|
|
|
42,087,890
|
|
|
|
|
48,896
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
|
|
11,901,369
|
|
|
|
|
15,497
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address
|
|
|
Name of Fund
|
|
|
Percentage of Class Outstanding (%)
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Jefferson National Life Insurance Co
|
|
|
Virtus
Premium AlphaSector
®
Series
- Class A
|
|
|
88.66%
|
|
|
|
C/O Carla Higgs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10350 Ormsby Park Place, Suite 600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Louisville, KY 40223
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PHL Variable Insurance Co
|
|
|
Virtus
Capital Growth Series
- Class A
|
|
|
17.16%
|
|
|
|
PHLVIC C/O Peter Hosner
|
|
|
Virtus Growth & Income Series - Class A
|
|
|
49.48%
|
|
|
|
31 Tech Valley Drive
|
|
|
Virtus International Series - Class A
|
|
|
72.05%
|
|
|
|
East Greenbush, NY 12061-4134
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series - Class A
|
|
|
63.82%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series - Class A
|
|
|
64.97%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series - Class A
|
|
|
40.62%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Value Series - Class A
|
|
|
67.01%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series - Class A
|
|
|
18.76%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phoenix Life Insurance Co
|
|
|
Virtus Capital Growth Series - Class A
|
|
|
82.78%
|
|
|
|
PLIC C/O Peter Hosner
|
|
|
Virtus Growth & Income Series - Class A
|
|
|
50.20%
|
|
|
|
31 Tech Valley Drive
|
|
|
Virtus International Series - Class A
|
|
|
27.24%
|
|
|
|
East Greenbush, NY 12061-4134
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series - Class A
|
|
|
34.05%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series - Class A
|
|
|
31.55%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series - Class A
|
|
|
59.32%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Value Series - Class A
|
|
|
32.85%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series - Class A
|
|
|
81.23%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Security Benefit Life
|
|
|
Virtus Premium AlphaSector
®
Series - Class A
|
|
|
11.26%
|
|
|
|
Variable Annuity Account XIV
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5801 SW 6th Avenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Topeka, KS 66636-1001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Symetra
Life Insurance
Co.
|
|
|
Virtus
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
-
Class I
|
|
|
20.13%
|
|
|
|
Attn: Elizabeth Davis
|
|
|
Virtus Premium AlphaSector Series -Class I
|
|
|
12.53%
|
|
|
|
777 108th Ave NE, Suite 1200
|
|
|
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series - Class I
|
|
|
12.13%
|
|
|
|
Bellevue, WA 98004-5135
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series - Class I
|
|
|
48.68%
|
|
|
|
Name and Address
|
|
|
Name of Fund
|
|
|
Percentage of Class Outstanding (%)
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Partners Inc.
|
|
|
Virtus International Series - Class I
|
|
|
96.30%
|
|
|
|
Attn: David G. Hanley
|
|
|
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series - Class I
|
|
|
79.87%
|
|
|
|
100 Pearl Street, 8th Floor
|
|
|
Virtus Premium AlphaSector Series - Class I
|
|
|
87.47%
|
|
|
|
Hartford, CT 06103-4500
|
|
|
Virtus Real
Estate Securities Series - Class I
|
|
|
87.87%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series - Class I
|
|
|
51.32%
|
|
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
PART C—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
| (a) | Agreement and Declaration of Trust (establishing the Delaware statutory trust into which the Registrant reorganized effective February 14, 2011) dated January 3, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit a.26) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 (File No. 033-05033) on February 14, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| (b) | Bylaws of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, adopted January 3, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit b) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 (File No. 033-05033) on February 14, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| (c) | See Articles III and V of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust; and Article II of the Bylaws. |
| (d) | Investment Advisory Contracts. |
| 1. | Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) dated November 5, 2010, on behalf of Capital Growth Series, Growth & Income Series, International Series, Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series, Real Estate Securities Series, Small-Cap Growth Series, Small-Cap Value Series and Strategic Allocation Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.1) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| a) | First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and VIA effective as of February 14, 2011, on behalf of Premium AlphaSector Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.1.a) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| b) | * Second Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and VIA effective as of January 1, 2014, filed herewith. |
| 2. | Subadvisory Agreement between Newfleet Asset Management, LLC (“Newfleet”) and VIA dated June 17, 2011, on behalf of the Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series and Strategic Allocation Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.2.a) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| a) | * First Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between Newfleet and VIA dated January 1, 2014, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| 3. | Subadvisory Agreement between Aberdeen Asset Management, Inc. (“Aberdeen”) and VIA dated November 5, 2010, on behalf of the International Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.3) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 4. | Subadvisory Agreement between Euclid Advisors, LLC (“Euclid”) and VIA dated September 30, 2011, on behalf of the Growth & Income Series, Premium AlphaSector Series and Strategic Allocation Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.4) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 5. | Subadvisory Agreement between Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“DPIM”) and VIA dated November 5, 2010, on behalf of the Real Estate Securities Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.5) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| a) | * First Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between DPIM and VIA dated January 1, 2014, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| 6. | Subadvisory Agreement between Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC (“Kayne”) and VIA dated November 5, 2010, on behalf of the Small-Cap Growth Series and the Small-Cap Value Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.6) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| a) | ( Corrected ) First Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between Kayne and VIA dated September 30, 2011, on behalf of the Capital Growth Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.6.a) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| C- 1 |
| 7. | Subadvisory Agreement between F-Squared Institutional Advisors, LLC (“F-Squared”) and VIA effective as of February 14, 2011, on behalf of the Premium AlphaSector Series, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit d.7) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| (e) |
| 1. | Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and VP Distributors, Inc. (now known as VP Distributors, LLC, “VP Distributors”) dated November 5, 2010, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.1) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| a) | Amendment to Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and VP Distributors, effective as of February 14, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.1.a) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 2. | Distribution and Administrative Services Agreement among VIA, VP Distributors, Phoenix Life Insurance Company, PHL Variable Insurance Company and Phoenix Life and Annuity Company and 1851 Securities, Inc., effective as of November 5, 2010, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.2) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
a) *Amendment to Distribution and Administrative Services Agreement among VIA, VP Distributors, Phoenix Life Insurance Company, PHL Variable Insurance Company and Phoenix Life and Annuity Company and 1851 Securities, Inc., effective as of January 1, 2013, filed via EDGAR herewith.
| 3. | Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement between VP Distributors and Jefferson National Life Insurance Company dated November 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.3) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 4. | *Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement between VP Distributors and Symetra Life Insurance Company, effective as of April 25, 2013, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
a) *Amendment to Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement by and between VP Distributors, Symetra Life Insurance Company and Symetra Securities, Inc., effective as of July 1, 2013, filed via EDGAR herewith.
| 5. | *Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement between VP Distributors and The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc., effective as of May 23, 2013, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| (f) | Amended and Restated Virtus Variable Insurance Trust Deferred Compensation Program, effective February 25, 2014 , filed via EDGAR herewith . |
| (g) | Master Global Custody Agreement between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. dated March 1, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit g) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| (h) | Other Material Contracts. |
| 1. | Transfer Agency Services Agreement between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (formerly, PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) (“BNY Mellon”) dated November 1, 2008, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.1) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| a) | First Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement between Registrant and BNY Mellon effective as of February 14, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.1.a) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 2. | * Amended and Restated Administration Agreement between Registrant and Virtus Fund Services dated January 1, 2014, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| 3. | * Third Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and VIA, effective as of January 1, 2014, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| 4. | Form of Indemnification Agreement with each trustee of Registrant, effective as of February 14, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 5. | Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors, Phoenix Life Insurance Company, PHL Variable Insurance Company, Phoenix Life and Annuity Company, and 1851 Securities, Inc. dated as of November 5, 2010, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| C- 2 |
| 6. | Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors, and Jefferson National Life Insurance Company dated as of November 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 7. | Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors and Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, dated as of April 7, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.7) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 8. | Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors and First Security Benefit Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York, dated as of April 7, 2013, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.8) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 9. | * Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors and Symetra Life Insurance Company , dated as of April 2013, filed via EDGAR herewith . |
| 10. | *Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors and The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc., dated as of May 23, 2013, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| (i) | Legal Opinion. |
| 1. | Opinion and Consent of Counsel covering shares of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust dated February 14, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit i) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 (File No. 033-05033) on February 14, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| (j) | Other Opinions. |
| 1. | * Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| (k) | Not applicable. |
| (l) | Not applicable. |
| (m) | Rule 12b-1 Plan, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 (File No. 033-05033) on December 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| 1. | First Amendment to Rule 12b-1 Plan dated February 14, 2011, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m.1) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 (File No. 033-05033) on April 24, 201 2 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| (n) | Multi-Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit n) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference . |
| (o) | Reserved. |
| (p) | Code of Ethics. |
| 1. | Amended and Restated Code of Ethics of the Registrant and other Virtus Funds dated March 25, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.1) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (File No. 333-191940) on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 2. | Amended and Restated Code of Ethics of VIA, VP Distributors and other Virtus Affiliates dated March 15, 2014, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.2) with Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (File No. 333-191940) on March 28, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.. |
| 3. | Code of Ethics of Aberdeen effective as of March 1, 2012, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit p.3) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013. |
| 4. | * Code of Ethics of F-Squared filed via EDGAR herewith. |
| (q) | Powers of Attorney for Roger A. Gelfenbien, Eunice S. Groark, John R. Mallin, Hassell H. McClellan, Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas J. Brown, Trustees, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit q) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 (File No. 033-05033) on April 21, 2011. |
| Item 29. | Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with Registrant |
None.
| C- 3 |
Item 30. Indemnification
The indemnification of Registrant’s principal underwriter against certain losses is provided for in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit E.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement . Indemnification of Registrant’s Custodian is provided for in section 7 of the Master Global Custody Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit G of the Registrant’s Registration Statement . The indemnification of Registrant’s Transfer Agent is provided for in Section 11 of the Transfer Agency Services Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit H.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement . The Trust has entered into Indemnification Agreements with each trustee dated February 14, 2011, the form of which is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit H.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement , whereby the Registrant shall indemnify the trustee for expenses incurred in any proceeding in connection with the trustee’s service to the Registrant.
In addition, Article VII sections 2 and 3 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A of the Registrant’s Registration Statement , provides in relevant part as follows:
“A Trustee, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any Person, other than the Trust or a Shareholder to the extent provided in this Article VII, for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust, of such Trustee or of any other Trustee. The Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee, Manager or Principal Underwriter of the Trust. The Trust (i) may indemnify an agent of the Trust or any Person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as an agent of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise and (ii) shall indemnify each Person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust and any Person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as a director, officer, trustee, or employee of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise, in the case of (i) and (ii), to the fullest extent consistent with the 1940 Act and in the manner provided in the By-Laws; provided that such indemnification shall not be available to any of the foregoing Persons in connection with a claim, suit or other proceeding by any such Person against the Trust or a Series (or Class) thereof.
All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or the Trustees shall look only to the assets of the appropriate Series (or Class thereof if the Trustees have included a Class limitation on liability in the agreement with such person as provided below), or, if the Trustees have yet to establish Series, of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Trustees nor the Shareholders, nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or thing whatsoever executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees by any of them in connection with the Trust shall conclusively be deemed to have been executed or done only in or with respect to his or their capacity as Trustee or Trustees, and such Trustee or Trustees shall not be personally liable thereon. …
… A Trustee shall be liable to the Trust and to any Shareholder solely for her or his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust, and shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice nor for failing to follow such advice.”
In addition, Article III section 7 of such Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for the indemnification of shareholders of the Registrant as follows: “If any Shareholder or former Shareholder shall be exposed to liability by reason of a claim or demand relating to such Person being or having been a Shareholder, and not because of such Person's acts or omissions, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or such Person's heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives or in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled to be held harmless from and indemnified out of the assets of the Trust against all cost and expense reasonably incurred in connection with such claim or demand, but only out of the assets held with respect to the particular Series of Shares of which such Person is or was a Shareholder and from or in relation to which such liability arose. The Trust may, at its option and shall, upon request by the Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets held with respect to the particular series.”
Article VI Section 2 of the Registrant’s Bylaws incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B of the Registrant’s Registration Statement , provides in relevant part, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, “every agent shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against all liabilities and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been an agent.” Such indemnification would not apply in the case of any liability to which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person’s duties. The Investment Advisory Agreement, Subadvisory Agreements, Master Global Custody Agreement, Sub-Administration Agreement and Sub-Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, each as amended, respectively provide that the
| C- 4 |
Registrant will indemnify the other party (or parties, as the case may be) to the agreement for certain losses. Similar indemnities to those listed above may appear in other agreements to which the Registrant is a party.
The Registrant, in conjunction with VIA, the Registrant’s Trustees, and other registered investment management companies managed by VIA, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Registrant, or who is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by him or arising out of his position. However, in no event will Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which the Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser and Subadvisers
See “Management” in the Prospectus and “The Investment Adviser, Subadvisers and Portfolio Managers” and “Management of the Trust” in the Statement of Additional Information for information which is included in this Post-Effective Amendment regarding the business of the Adviser and Subadvisers. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of the directors and officers of the Adviser and Subadvisers, in the last two years, reference is made to the Adviser’s and Subadvisers’ current Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, incorporated herein by reference.
| Adviser | SEC File No.: | |
| VIA | 801-5995 | |
| Aberdeen | 801-49966 | |
| Duff & Phelps | 801-14813 | |
| Euclid | 801-54263 | |
| F-Squared | 801-71753 | |
| Kayne | 801-24241 | |
| Newfleet | 801-51559 |
Item 32. Principal Underwriter
VP Distributors also serves as the principal underwriter for the following registrants: Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust and Virtus Opportunities Trust.
| (b) | Directors and executive officers of VP Distributors, 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103 are as follows: |
|
Name and Principal
Business Address |
Positions and Offices with Distributor |
Positions and Offices
with Registrant |
||
| George R. Aylward | Executive Vice President | President and Trustee | ||
| Kevin J. Carr | Vice President, Counsel and Secretary | Assistant Secretary | ||
| Jennifer S. Fromm | Securities Counsel and Assistant Secretary | Vice President, Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary | ||
| Nancy J. Engberg | Vice President and Assistant Secretary | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | ||
| David Hanley | Vice President and Treasurer | None | ||
| Barry Mandinach | President | None |
| C- 5 |
| (c) | To the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, no commissions or other compensation was received by any principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant or an affiliated person of such affiliated person, directly or indirectly, from the Registrant during the Registrant’s last fiscal year. |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder include:
Secretary of the Trust:
Jennifer Fromm , Esq.
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Investment Adviser:
Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Subadviser to International Series:
Aberdeen Asset Management, Inc.
1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Subadviser for Real Estate Securities Series:
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.
200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60606
Subadviser for Growth & Income Series, Premium AlphaSector ® Series and Strategic Allocation Series:
Euclid Advisors, LLC
| C- 6 |
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Subadviser for Premium AlphaSector SM Series:
F-Squared Institutional Advisors, LLC
80 William Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Subadviser to Capital Growth Series, Small-Cap Growth Series and Small-Cap Value Series:
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC
1800 Avenue of the Stars
Second Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Subadviser to Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series:
Newfleet Asset Management, LLC
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Principal Underwriter:
VP Distributors, LLC
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Custodian:
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 19 th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Administrator:
Virtus Fund Services, LLC
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant, Subadministrator and Dividend Dispersing Agent:
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
301 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
Item 34. Management Services
None.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not applicable.
| C- 7 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness for this registration statement under Rule 485(b) of the Securities Act and has duly caused this amendment to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut on the 28 th day of April, 2014.
| Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | ||
| By: | /s/ George R. Aylward | |
| George R. Aylward | ||
| President | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the 28 th day of April, 2014.
|
Signature |
Title |
|
|
/s/ W. Patrick Bradley |
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | |
| W. Patrick Bradley | ||
| Trustee | ||
| Roger A. Gelfenbien* | ||
| Trustee | ||
| Eunice S. Groark* | ||
| Trustee | ||
| John R. Mallin* | ||
| Trustee | ||
| Hassell H. McClellan* | ||
| Trustee | ||
| Thomas J. Brown* | ||
| Trustee and Chairman | ||
| Philip R. McLoughlin* | ||
|
/s/ George R. Aylward |
President and Trustee | |
| George R. Aylward |
| By: | /s/ George R. Aylward |
* George R. Aylward, pursuant to Powers of Attorney.
| S- 1 |
Exhibit Index
| Exhibit | Description | |
| d.1. b | Second Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and VIA effective as of January 1, 2014. | |
| d.2.a | First Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between Newfleet and VIA dated January 1, 2014. | |
| d.5.a | First Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between DPIM and VIA dated January 1, 2014. | |
| e.2.a | Amendment to Distribution and Administrative Services Agreement among VIA, VP Distributors, Phoenix Life Insurance Company, PHL Variable Insurance Company and Phoenix Life and Annuity Company and 1851 Securities, Inc., effective as of January 1, 2013. | |
| e.4 | Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement by and between VP Distributors, Symetra Life Insurance Company and Symetra Securities, Inc., effective as of April 25, 2013 | |
| e.4.a | Amendment to Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement by and between VP Distributors, Symetra Life Insurance Company and Symetra Securities, Inc., effective as of July 1, 2013. | |
| e.5 | Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement between VP Distributors and The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc., effective as of May 23, 2013. | |
| f | Amended and Restated Virtus Variable Insurance Trust Deferred Compensation Program, effective February 25, 2014. | |
| h.2 | Amended and Restated Administration Agreement between Registrant and Virtus Fund Services dated January 1, 2014. | |
| h.3 | Third Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and VIA, effective as of January 1, 2014. | |
| h.9 | Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors and Symetra Life Insurance Company, dated as of April 2013. | |
| h.10 | Participation Agreement among Registrant, VP Distributors and The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc., dated as of May 23, 2013. | |
| j.1 | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. | |
| p.4 | Code of Ethics of F-Squared. |
Exhibit d.1.b
SECOND AMENDMENT TO
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT effective as of the 1 st day of January, 2014, amends that certain Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and between Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), and Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Adviser”), as follows:
| 1. | The investment advisory fee for each Series are hereby is set forth on Schedule A to the Agreement, which is hereby replaced with Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof. |
| 2. | Except as expressly amended hereby, all provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are unchanged in all other respects. All initial capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have such meanings as ascribed thereto in the Agreement, as amended. |
| 3. | This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures. |
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto intending to be legally bound have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers or other representatives.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | ||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: W. Patrick Bradley | ||
|
Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer &
Treasurer |
||
| VIRTUS INVESTEMENT ADVISERS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Francis G. Waltman | |
| Name: Francis G. Waltman | ||
| Title: Executive Vice President | ||
SCHEDULE A
| Series | Annual Investment Advisory Fee | |||||||||||
| Virtus Premium AlphaSector Series | 1.10% | |||||||||||
|
1
st
$250 Million |
Next
$250 Million |
Over
$500 Million |
||||||||||
| Virtus Capital Growth Series | 0.70 | % | 0.65 | % | 0.60 | % | ||||||
| Virtus Growth & Income Series | 0.70 | % | 0.65 | % | 0.60 | % | ||||||
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | 0.50 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.40 | % | ||||||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | 0.60 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.50 | % | ||||||
| Virtus International Series | 0.75 | % | 0.70 | % | 0.65 | % | ||||||
|
1
st
$1 Billion |
Next
$1 Billion |
Over
$2 Billion |
||||||||||
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | 0.75 | % | 0.70 | % | 0.65 | % | ||||||
|
1
st
$1 Billion |
$1+ Billion |
|||||||||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series | 0.85 | % | 0.80 | % | ||||||||
|
1
st
$400 Million |
$400
Million
to $1 Billion |
Over
$1 Billion |
||||||||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Value Series | 0.90 | % | 0.85 | % | 0.80 | % | ||||||
Exhibit d.2.a
Execution Copy
FIRST AMENDMENT
TO SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT effective as of the 1 st day of January, 2014 amends that certain Subadvisory Agreement effective June 17, 2011 (the “Agreement”) among Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (the “Fund”), an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) on behalf of its series Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series and Virtus Strategic Allocation Series (the “Series”), Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Adviser”) and Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Subadviser”) as follows:
| 1. | The subadvisory fee for each Series is hereby set forth on Schedule C to the Agreement, Schedule C is hereby deleted and Schedule C attached hereto is substituted in its place to reflect such addition. |
| 2. | Except as expressly amended hereby, all provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are unchanged in all other respects. All initial capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have such meanings as ascribed thereto in the Agreement. |
| 3. | This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures. |
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto intending to be legally bound have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | ||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: W. Patrick Bradley | ||
|
Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer &
Treasurer |
||
| VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Francis G. Waltman | |
| Name: Francis G. Waltman | ||
| Title: Executive Vice President | ||
| ACCEPTED: | ||
| NEWFLEET ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ George R. Aylward | |
| Name: George R. Aylward | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
SCHEDULE C
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fee shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of each Designated Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b)
| Name of Series |
Proposed Subadvisory Fee
to be Paid by VIA |
|
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | 50% of the net advisory fee |
For this purpose, the “net advisory fee” means the advisory fee paid to the Adviser after accounting for any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement, which shall not include reimbursement of the Adviser for any expenses or recapture of prior waivers. In the event that the Adviser waives its entire fee and also assumes expenses of the Fund pursuant to an applicable expense limitation agreement, the Subadviser will similarly waive its entire fee and will share in the expense assumption by contributing 50% of the assumed amount. However, because the Subadviser shares the fee waiver and/or expense assumption equally with the Adviser, if during the term of this Agreement the Adviser later recaptures some or all of the fees so waived or expenses so assumed by the Adviser and the Subadviser together, the Adviser shall pay to the Subadviser 50% of the amount recaptured.
Exhibit d.5.a
Execution Copy
FIRST AMENDMENT
TO SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT effective as of the 1 st day of January, 2014 amends that certain Subadvisory Agreement effective November 5, 2010 (the “Agreement”) among Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (the “Fund”), an open-end investment company of the series type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) on behalf of its series Virtus Real Estate Securities Series (the “Series”), Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Adviser”) and Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., an Illinois corporation (the “Subadviser”) as follows:
| 1. | The subadvisory fee for the Series is hereby set forth on Schedule C to the Agreement, Schedule C is hereby deleted and Schedule C attached hereto is substituted in its place to reflect such addition. |
| 2. | Except as expressly amended hereby, all provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are unchanged in all other respects. All initial capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have such meanings as ascribed thereto in the Agreement. |
| 3. | This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including executed counterparts delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission) with the same effect as if all signing parties had originally signed the same document, and all counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute the same instrument. For all purposes, signatures delivered and exchanged by facsimile transmission shall be binding and effective to the same extent as original signatures. |
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto intending to be legally bound have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | ||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Title: | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer | |
| VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Francis G. Waltman | |
| Name: | Francis G. Waltman | |
| Title: | Executive Vice President | |
| ACCEPTED: | ||
| DUFF & PHELPS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO. | ||
| By: | /s/ Nathan Partain | |
| Name: | Nathan Partain | |
| Title: | President and Chief Investment Officer | |
SCHEDULE C
(a) For services provided to the Fund, the Adviser will pay to the Subadviser a fee, payable monthly in arrears, at the annual rate stated below. The fee shall be prorated for any month during which this Agreement is in effect for only a portion of the month. In computing the fee to be paid to the Subadviser, the net asset value of each Designated Series shall be valued as set forth in the then current registration statement of the Fund.
(b)
| Name of Series |
Proposed Subadvisory Fee to be Paid by VIA |
|
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | 50% of the net advisory fee |
For this purpose, the “net advisory fee” means the advisory fee paid to the Adviser after accounting for any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation agreement, which shall not include reimbursement of the Adviser for any expenses or recapture of prior waivers. In the event that the Adviser waives its entire fee and also assumes expenses of the Fund pursuant to an applicable expense limitation agreement, the Subadviser will similarly waive its entire fee and will share in the expense assumption by contributing 50% of the assumed amount. However, because the Subadviser shares the fee waiver and/or expense assumption equally with the Adviser, if during the term of this Agreement the Adviser later recaptures some or all of the fees so waived or expenses so assumed by the Adviser and the Subadviser together, the Adviser shall pay to the Subadviser 50% of the amount recaptured.
Exhibit e.2.a
AMENDMENT TO DISTRIBUTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment is entered into as of January 1, 2013 (the “Effective Date”) by and among Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“Virtus”), VP Distributors, LLC (formerly known as VP Distributors, Inc.), Phoenix Life Insurance Company, PHL Variable Insurance Company, and Phoenix Life and Annuity Company (each a “Company” and collectively, the “Company”) and 1851 Securities, Inc.
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have previously entered into a Distribution and Administrative Services Agreement, dated November 5, 2010 (the “Agreement”), which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that Virtus shall pay certain fees to the Company (or a person designed by the Company) for its services under the Agreement, as listed in Attachment A of the Agreement (the “Schedule of Fees”); and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Schedule of Fees; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. The Agreement is amended to provide that those fees set forth on Attachment A which is attached hereto, shall be the “Fees” under the Agreement, and such Attachment A shall amend and replace the Schedule of Fees in the Agreement.
2. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
3. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized officers as of the Effective Date set forth above.
| Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. | |||
| By: | /s/ Francis Waltman | ||
| Name: | Francis Waltman | ||
| Title: | E.V.P. | ||
| VP Distributors, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Matthew Hamel | ||
| Name: | Matthew Hamel | ||
| Title: | Sr. V.P. | ||
| Phoenix Life Insurance Company | |||
| By: | /s/ John H. Beers | ||
| Name: | John H. Beers | ||
| Title: | Vice President | ||
| PHL Variable Insurance Company | |||
| By: | /s/ John H. Beers | ||
| Name: | John H. Beers | ||
| Title: | Vice President | ||
| Phoenix Life and Annuity Company | |||
| By: | /s/ John H. Beers | ||
| Name: | John H. Beers | ||
| Title: | Vice President | ||
| 1851 Securities, Inc. | |||
| By: | /s/ John H. Beers | ||
| Name: | John H. Beers | ||
| Title: | President | ||
Attachment A
Distribution and Administrative Service Fees
| Portfolio | Fee (%) | |
| Virtus International Series | 0.375 | |
| Virtus Capital Growth Series | 0.400 | |
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | 0.300 | |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | 0.375 | |
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | 0.400 | |
| Virtus Growth & Income Series | 0.400 | |
| Virtus Small-Cap Value Series | 0.400 | |
| Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series | 0.400 |
Exhibit e.4.a
AMENDMENT TO MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment is entered into as of July 1, 2013 (the "Effective Date") by and between Symetra Life Insurance Company ("Firm"), Symetra Securities, Inc. ("Broker-Dealer") and VP Distributors, LLC ("Distributor'').
WHEREAS, Firm and Distributor have previously entered into a Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement, dated April 25, 2013 (the "Agreement"), which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that Distributor shall pay certain fees to Firm for its services under the Agreement, as listed in Schedule A of the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to permit Distributor to pay certain fees to a third party broker-dealer for Firm's services under the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update Schedule A of the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Section II, paragraph B of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
The Distributor shall calculate the fee set forth in Schedule A at the end of each calendar quarter and will make such payment to Firm or, in the case of any portion of such fee paid pursuant to the Trust's Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ("Rule 12b-1 Fee"), the Broker-Dealer, without demand or notice by Firm or such Broker-Dealer, within 45 days thereafter, in a manner mutually agreed by the Parties from time to time.
Distributor will direct all future Rule 12b-1 Fees payable under the Agreement to Broker Dealer, provided that Firm ensures that Broker-Dealer is listed at all times when this Amendment is in effect as the sole broker-dealer/underwriter for the accounts holding shares of the Portfolios on behalf of the Separate Accounts. Until such time as Firm or Broker-Dealer notifies Distributor in writing to the contrary, such payments shall be made as follows:
| By check to: | By wire to: |
| Symetra Securities Incorporated | N/A |
| Attn: SC-11 | |
| 777 108 th Ave NE, Suite 1200 | |
| Bellevue, WA 98004 |
Whether sending a check or wire, Distributor shall provide information that will enable Broker-Dealer to properly account for the money received (including, company name, fund name, CUSIP, period covered, and average net assets for period covered).
2. The Agreement is amended to provide that those fees set forth on Schedule A which is attached hereto, shall be the "fee" under the Agreement, and such Schedule A shall amend and replace the Schedule A attached to the Agreement.
3. With respect to Section II (A), for the avoidance of doubt, Distributor acknowledges and agrees that Firm maintains separate records for each Contract owner reflecting the units purchased by each such Contract owner that corresponds to the sub-accounts that invest in the Portfolios. Individual share balances of the Portfolios are not maintained at the Contract owner level.
4. Broker Dealer agrees to be bound to the Agreement only to the extent of receiving Rule 12b-1 Fees and shall not be bound to any other term of the Agreement unless Broker Dealer expressly agrees to in writing.
5. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
6. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized officers as of the Effective Date set forth above.
VP Distributors, LLC
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: Heidi Griswold | ||
| Title: VP, Mutual Fund Services | ||
| Symetra Life Insurance Company | ||
| By: | /s/ Daniel R. Guilbert | |
| Name: Daniel R. Guilbert | ||
| Title: Executive Vice President | ||
| Symetra Securities Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Andrew M. Farrell | |
| Name: Andrew M. Farrell | ||
| Title: President | ||
Schedule A
Marketing and Administrative Services Fees
| Fee | ||||||||
| Portfolio |
Share
Class |
Rule 12b-1 Fees | Other | Total | ||||
| Virtus Capital Growth Series | A | 25 bps | 15 bps | 40 bps | ||||
| Virtus Capital Growth Series | I | 0 bps | 15 bps | 15 bps | ||||
| Virtus Growth & Income Series | A | 25 bps | 15 bps | 40 bps | ||||
| Virtus Growth & Income Series | I | 0 bps | 15 bps | 15 bps | ||||
| Virtus International Series | A | 25 bps | 10 bps | 35 bps | ||||
| Virtus International Series | I | 0 bps | 10 bps | 10 bps | ||||
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | A | 25 bps | 10 bps | 35 bps | ||||
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | I | 0 bps | 10 bps | 10 bps | ||||
| Virtus Premium AlphaSector SM Series | A | 25 bps | 10 bps | 35 bps | ||||
| Virtus Premium AlphaSector SM Series | I | 0 bps | 10 bps | 10 bps | ||||
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | A | 25 bps | 15 bps | 40 bps | ||||
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | I | 0 bps | 15 bps | 15 bps | ||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Value Series | A | 25 bps | 15 bps | 40 bps | ||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Value Series | I | 0 bps | 15 bps | 15 bps | ||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series | A | 25 bps | 15 bps | 40 bps | ||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series | I | 0 bps | 15 bps | 15 bps | ||||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | A | 25 bps | 15 bps | 40 bps | ||||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | I | 0 bps | 15 bps | 15 bps | ||||
Exhibit e.4
MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENT
Symetra Life Insurance Company (“Firm”) and VP Distributors, LLC (“Distributor”) mutually agree to the arrangements set forth in this Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of April 25, 2013. Firm and the Distributor are referred to collectively herein as the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, Firm is the issuer of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the “Contracts”);
WHEREAS, Firm has entered into a Participation Agreement, dated as of April_, 2013 (the “Participation Agreement”), with Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”) and Distributor, pursuant to which the Trust agreed to make shares of certain of its series, listed in Schedule A hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (the “Portfolios”), available for purchase by one or more of Firm’s separate accounts or divisions thereof (each, a “Separate Account”) for Contract owners to allocate Contract value;
WHEREAS, Firm desires to provide for the marketing of the Portfolios and provide certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the “Services”) to Contract owners in connection with their allocation of Contract value and purchase payments to the Portfolios; and
WHEREAS, Distributor desires to compensate Firm in recognition of its provision of the Services;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
Section I - Representations and Warranties
.(A) Firm represents and warrants that it is an insurance company licensed under the laws of the State of Washington.
(B) Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Portfolios in the form of commissions on brokerage transactions directed to it by a Portfolio.
(C) Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Portfolios in the form of commissions directed to it by any Portfolio from any broker or dealer which has executed portfolio securities transactions for that Portfolio.
(D) Firm represents and warrants that it has not entered into any agreement with any Portfolio or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates pursuant to which that Portfolio or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates is expected to direct brokerage commissions to it to compensate it for promoting or selling any Portfolio’s shares.
Section II - Services; Payments
(A) Firm shall perform or provide for the performance of all Services with respect to Contract owner values and Firm’s assets from which investments in shares of the Portfolios are made, including, without limitation, the following services:
( 1) Maintaining. separate records for each Contract owner, which shall reflect the Portfolio shares purchased and redeemed with respect to and Portfolio share balances attributable to such Contract owners. Firm will maintain an omnibus account with each Portfolio on behalf of Contract owners, and such accounts shall be in the name of Firm (or its nominee) as the record owner of Portfolio shares attributable to such Contract owners.
(2) Disbursing to or crediting to the benefit of Contract owners all proceeds of redemptions of shares of the Portfolios in relation to Contract owner requests to redeem their Contract value and processing all dividends and other distributions reinvested in shares of the Portfolios.
.(3) Preparing and transmitting to Contract owners, as required by law, periodic statements showing allocations to sub-accounts investing in the Portfolios, purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares· and dividends and other distributions paid in relation to Contract owner transaction requests, and such other information as may be required, from time to time, by Contract owners.
( 4) Generating written confirmations to Contract owners with respect to transactions relating to the Portfolios, to the extent required by law.
( 5) Administering the distribution to existing Contract owners of Portfolio prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials that the Portfolios provide to their shareholders.
( 6) Aggregating and transmitting purchase and redemption orders to the Portfolios on behalf of, or with respect to, Contract owners.
(7) Providing marketing assistance.
(8) Maintaining and preserving all records required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the foregoing Services.
(B) The Distributor shall calculate the fee set forth in Schedule A at the end of each calendar quarter and will make such payment to Firm, without demand or notice by Firm, within 45 days thereafter, in a manner mutually agreed by the Parties from time to time.
(C) Firm will furnish to Distributor or its designees such information as Distributor or its delegates may reasonably request, and will otherwise cooperate with Distributor in the preparation of reports concerning this Agreement, as well as any other reports or filing that may be required by law.
Section III - Nature of Payments for Services
The Parties to this Agreement recognize and agree that Distributor’s payments to Firm are for marketing and administrative services only and do not constitute payment in any manner for investment advisory services. The amount of the marketing and administrative expense payments made by Distributor to Firm pursuant to this Agreement are not intended to be, and shall not be deemed to be, indicative of Distributor’s or its affiliates’ bona fide profits or of the actual costs to Firm of providing marketing and administrative services to Distributor. To the extent that there is a Rule 12b-1 Plan currently in effect (a “Plan”) under the 1940 Act, with respect to the shares of any of the Portfolios, a portion of the service fee hereunder with respect to such shares of such Portfolio may be paid under the Plan, as determined by Distributor and to the extent permissible under applicable law.
Section IV - Disclosure
Consistent with any current legal requirements or legal requirements as may become effective, including without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules thereunder and the applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization, in effect at any time during the term of this Agreement, or as requested by Contract owners, Firm agrees to provide written point of sale disclosure to its Contract owners describing the Services provided by it pursuant to this Agreement, the payments made by Distributor pursuant to this Agreement and any other matters required under applicable law, rule or regulation.
Section V- Maintenance of Records
Each party shall maintain and preserve all records as required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the services described herein. Upon the reasonable request of Distributor, Firm will provide Distributor or its representative, copies of all such records.
Section VI - Term and Termination
(A) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the date hereof and shall be automatically renewed thereafter for successive one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated.
(B) This Agreement may be terminated with respect to any Portfolio by Distributor or by Firm without penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other party.
(C) This Agreement will automatically terminate on the date of termination of the Participation Agreement.
Section VII - Amendment; Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Services and no modification, amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be
effective unless made in writing specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the Parties hereto.
Section VIII - Notices
All notices and other communications to either Firm or Distributor will be duly given if mailed, or copied to the address set forth below, or at such other address as either party may provide in writing to the other party.
Insurance Company:
Symetra Life Insurance Company
777 108th Ave NE, Suite 1200
Bellevue, W A 98004
Attn: Legal Counsel
Distributor:
VP Distributors, LLC
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
Section IX - Miscellaneous
(A) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and their transferees, successors and permitted assigns. The benefits of and the right to enforce this Agreement shall accrue to the Parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. No party may assign, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other party. The Company shall promptly notify the Fund and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company.
(B) Intended Beneficiaries . Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person or entity other than the Parties, any legal or equitable claim, right or remedy. Rather, this Agreement is intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties.
(C) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
(D) Applicable Law . To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
(E) Severability . This Agreement shall be severable as it applies to each Portfolio, and action on any matter shall be taken separately for each Portfolio affected by the matter. If any portion of this Agreement shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or tribunal or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, but shall have the same force and effect as if the invalid or unenforceable portion had not been inserted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of April_, 2013.
| Symetra Life Insurance Company | |||
| By: | /s/ Daniel R. Guillbert | ||
| Daniel R. Guillbert | |||
| Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
| Date: | 4/25/13 | ||
| VP Distributors, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Jeffrey Cerutti | ||
| Jeffrey Cerutti | |||
| Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
| Date: | 4/29/13 | ||
SCHEDULE A
| Portfolio | Fee | |
| Virtus Capital Growth Series | 15bps | |
| Virtus Growth & Income Series | 15bps | |
| Virtus International Series | 10bps | |
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | 10bps | |
| Virtus Premium AlphaSector SM Series | 10bps | |
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | 15bps | |
| Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series | 15bps | |
| Virtus Small-Cap Value Series | 15 bps | |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | 15bps |
Exhibit e.5
MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. ("Firm") and VP Distributors, LLC ("Distributor") mutually agree to the arrangements set forth in this Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement (the "Agreement") effective as of May 23, 2013. Firm and the Distributor are referred to collectively herein as the "Parties”.
WHEREAS, Firm is the issuer of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the "Contracts");
WHEREAS, Firm has entered into a Participation Agreement, dated as of_______, 2013 (the "Participation Agreement"), with Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust") and Distributor, pursuant to which the Trust agreed to make shares of certain of its series, listed in Schedule A hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (the "Portfolios"), available for purchase by one or more of Firm's separate accounts or divisions thereof (each, a "Separate Account") for Contract owners to allocate Contract value;
WHEREAS, Firm desires to provide for the marketing of the Portfolios and provide certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the "Services") to Contract owners in connection with their allocation of Contract value and purchase payments to the Portfolios; and
WHEREAS, Distributor desires to compensate Firm in recognition of its provision of the Services;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Patties agree as follows:
Section I- Representations and Warranties
(A) Firm represents and warrants that it is an insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.
(B) Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Portfolios in the form of commissions on brokerage transactions directed to it by a Portfolio.
(C) Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Portfolios in the form of commissions directed to it by any Portfolio from any broker or dealer which has executed portfolio securities transactions for that Portfolio.
(D) Firm represents and warrants that it has not entered into any agreement with any Portfolio or Distributor or any of Distributor's affiliates pursuant to which that Portfolio or Distributor or any of Distributor's affiliates is expected to direct brokerage commissions to it to compensate it for promoting or selling any Portfolio's shares.
Section II- Services; Payments
(A) Firm shall perform or provide for the performance of all Services with respect to Contract owner values and Firm’s assets from which investments in shares of the Portfolios are made, including, without limitation, the following services:
(1) Maintaining separate records for each Contract owner, which shall reflect the Portfolio shares purchased and redeemed with respect to and Portfolio share balances attributable to such Contract owners. Firm will maintain an omnibus account with each Portfolio on behalf of Contract owners, and such accounts shall be in the name of Firm (or its nominee) as the record owner of Portfolio shares attributable to such Contract owners.
(2) Disbursing to or crediting to the benefit of Contract owners all proceeds of redemptions of shares of the Portfolios in relation to Contract owner requests to redeem their Contract value and processing all dividends and other distributions reinvested in shares of the Portfolios.
(3) Preparing and transmitting to Contract owners, as required by law, periodic statements showing allocations to sub-accounts investing in the Portfolios, purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares and dividends and other distributions paid in relation to Contract owner transaction requests and such other information as may be required, from time to time, by Contract owners.
(4) Generating written confirmations to Contract owners with respect to transactions relating to the Portfolios, to the extent required by law.
(5) Administering the distribution to existing Contract owners of Portfolio prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials that the Portfolios provide to their shareholders.
(6) Aggregating and transmitting purchase and redemption orders to the Portfolios on behalf of, or with respect to, Contract owners.
(7) Providing marketing assistance.
(8) Maintaining and preserving all records required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the foregoing Services.
(B) The Distributor shall calculate the fee set forth in Schedule A at the end of each calendar quarter and will make such payment to Firm, without demand or notice by Firm, within 30 days thereafter, in a manner mutually agreed by the Patties from time to time.
(C) Firm will furnish to Distributor or its designees such information as Distributor or its delegates may reasonably request, and will otherwise cooperate with Distributor in the preparation of reports concerning this Agreement, as well as any other reports or filing that may be required by law.
Section III- Nature of Payments for Services
The Parties to this Agreement recognize and agree that Distributor's payments to Firm are for marketing and administrative services only and do not constitute payment in any manner for investment advisory services. The amount of the marketing and administrative expense payments made by Distributor to Firm pursuant to this Agreement are not intended to be, and shall not be deemed to be, indicative of Distributor's or its affiliates' bona fide profits or of the actual costs to Firm of providing marketing and administrative services to Distributor. To the extent that there is a Rule 12b-1 Plan currently in effect (a "Plan") under the 1940 Act, with respect to the shares of any of the Portfolios, a portion of the service fee hereunder with respect to such shares of such Portfolio may be paid under the Plan, as determined by Distributor and to the extent permissible under applicable law.
Section IV- Disclosure
Consistent with any current legal requirements or legal requirements as may become effective, including without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules thereunder and the applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization, in effect at any time during the term of this Agreement, or as requested by Contract owners, Firm agrees to provide written point of sale disclosure to its Contract owners describing the Services provided by it pursuant to this Agreement, the payments made by Distributor pursuant to this Agreement and any other matters required under applicable law, rule or regulation.
Section V- Maintenance of Records
Each party shall maintain and preserve all records as required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the services described herein. Upon the reasonable request of Distributor, Firm will provide Distributor or its representative, copies of all such records.
Section VI- Term and Termination
(A) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the date hereof and shall be automatically renewed thereafter for successive one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated.
(B) This Agreement may be terminated with respect to any Portfolio by Distributor or by Firm without penalty, upon sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other patty.
(C) This Agreement will automatically terminate on the date of termination of the Participation Agreement.
Section VII - Amendment; Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Patties with respect to the Services and no modification, amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be
effective unless made in writing specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the Parties hereto.
Section VIII - Notices
All notices and other communications to either Firm or Distributor will be duly given if mailed, or copied to the address set forth below, or at such other address as either patty may provide in writing to the other party.
Insurance Company:
The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.
7 Hanover Square H-23G
New York, NY 10004
Attention: Equity Counsel
Distributor:
VP Distributors, LLC
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
Section IX- Miscellaneous
(A) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the Patties and their transferees, successors and permitted assigns. The benefits of and the right to enforce this Agreement shall accrue to the Parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. No patty may assign, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other patty. The Company shall promptly notify the Fund and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company.
(B) Intended Beneficiaries . Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person or entity other than the Patties, any legal or equitable claim, right or remedy. Rather, this Agreement is intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties.
(C) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
(D) Applicable Law . To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
(E) Severability . This Agreement shall be severable as it applies to each Portfolio, and action on any matter shall be taken separately for each Portfolio affected by the matter. If any portion of this Agreement shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or tribunal or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, but shall have the same force and effect as if the invalid or unenforceable portion had not been inserted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of , 2013.
| The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Douglas Dubitsky | |
| Title: | Douglas Dubitsky | |
| Date: | VP | |
| VP Distributors, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Matthew Hamel | |
| Title: | Senior VP | |
| Date: | 5/23/13 | |
SCHEDULE A
| Portfolio | Share Class | Fee | ||
| Virtus Capital Growth Series | ||||
| Virtus Growth & Income Series | ||||
| Virtus International Series | ||||
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | ||||
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | A | 25 bpts | ||
| Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series | ||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Value Series | ||||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series |
Exhibit f
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM
As amended and restated effective as of February 25, 2014
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE
| 1.01. | Purpose . The Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (the “Fund”) Deferred Compensation Program (the “Program”) is intended to provide current, duly-elected non-employee (independent) members of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust with a program to defer all or a portion of the Trustees’ Compensation. It is the desire to have the benefit of the Trustees’ continued loyalty, service and counsel and also to assist the trustees in planning for retirement and certain other contingencies. The Program is intended to be an unfunded program under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. |
| 1.02. | Effective Date . The Program is amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2013. |
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
Wherever used in this Program, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
| 2.01. | “Beneficiary” means the person(s) or entity, including one or more trusts, last designated by a Participant on a form or electronic media and accepted by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper or its duly authorized representative as a beneficiary, co-beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary to receive benefits payable under the Plan in the event of the death of the Participant. In the absence of any such designation, the Beneficiary shall be (i) the Participant’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, (ii) if there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner, the Participant’s children (including stepchildren and adopted children) per stirpes, or (iii) if there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner and/or children per stirpes, the Participant’s estate. |
| 2.02. | “Benefit” means the amount determined in accordance with the provisions of Article IV of this Plan. |
| 2.03. | “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. |
| 2.04. | “Compensation” means the annual and other retainers/fees payable by the Funds to the Participant by reason of such Participant’s membership on the Board of Trustees of the Fund and/or any fees payable for such Participant’s participation on committees of the Board of Trustees. |
| 2.05. | “Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper” means the Fidelity Management Trust Company or its affiliated designee, designated to administer and manage the Program and its deemed investments. |
| 2.06. | “Deferred Compensation Credit” means the amount determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02 of this Plan. |
| 2.07. | “Deferred Compensation Election” means a Participant’s election to defer all or a portion of Compensation as set forth in Section 4.03. |
| 2.08. | “Deferred Compensation Investment Account” means the book account established on behalf of a Participant under Article VI of this Plan. |
| 2.09. | “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. |
| 2.10. | “Fund Board” or “Governing Body” means the Fund’s Board of Trustees, or any committee designated to act in such capacity by the Board of Trustee. |
| 2.11. | “Fund” means Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a regulated investment company whose Board of Trustees has determined to participate in this Plan. |
| 2.12. | “Investment Funds” means the funds, which are available notional or “deemed” investment options under the Plan. |
| 2.13. | “Participant” means a Trustee who meets the eligibility requirements of Article III and elects to participate in the Plan. |
| 2.14. | “Permanent Disability” means the total inability as a result of injury or sickness, to perform the duties of any gainful occupation for which the Participant is fitted by training, education or experience. Such determination shall be made by the Fund’s Governing Body based on examination of all applicable facts and circumstances. |
| 2.15. | “Plan” means The Fund Board Deferred Compensation Program as is set forth in this document as it may be amended from time to time. |
| 2.16. | “Plan Year” means the calendar year. |
| 2.17. | “Separation from Service” shall have the meaning set forth and described in the final regulations promulgated under Code section 409A. |
| 2.18. | “Specified Employee” means, for a non-employee Trustee who becomes an officer of a Fund, a Trustee who, as of the date of the Trustee’s Separation from Service, is a key employee of the Fund whose stock is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise. A Trustee is a key employee if the Trustee meets the requirements of Code section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Code section 416(i)(5)) at any time during the 12-month period ending on a Specified Employee identification date. If a Trustee is a key employee as of a Specified Employee identification date, the Trustee is treated as a key employee (and therefore a Specified Employee) for the entire 12-month period beginning on the Specified Employee effective date. The Specified Employee identification date is December 31 of the preceding calendar year, and the Specified Employee effective date is April 1 of the current calendar year. |
| 2.19. | “Trustee” means a duly-elected non-employee (independent) member of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. |
ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATION
| 3.01. | Eligibility . With respect to any Plan Year, an individual who has been elected or appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Fund shall be eligible to participate in this Plan. |
| 3.02. | Commencement of Participation . Each eligible Trustee shall become a Participant in the Plan as of the date he or she meets the above requirement and completes a Deferred Compensation Plan Election as described in Section 4.03. |
| 3.03. | Termination of Participation . A Trustee shall cease to be a Participant as of the date such Trustee ceases to meet all of the requirements of Section 3.01 above; provided, however, that benefits accrued by the Trustee as of such date shall not be reduced and shall be paid as provided herein. |
ARTICLE IV
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
| 4.01. | Deferred Compensation Benefit. A Participant’s Benefit shall be equal to any amounts deferred by the Participant and credited to a Deferred Compensation Investment Account established for such Participant, as adjusted in accordance with Article VI. |
| 4.02. | Deferred Compensation Credit . A Participant’s Deferred Compensation Credits for any Plan Year shall consist of an amount the Participant elected to defer pursuant to Section 4.03. |
| 4.03. | Deferred Compensation Election . Prior to the beginning of a Plan Year in which Compensation would otherwise be paid, each Participant may make an irrevocable election to defer between one percent (1%) and one-hundred percent (100%) of such Participant’s Compensation for such Plan Year. |
ARTICLE V
ELECTION TO DEFER AND ELECTION AS TO TIME AND FORM OF PAYMENT
| 5.01. | Elections to Defer Under Section 4.03 |
| (a) | Deferral elections for a Plan Year must be made by the end of the Participant’s taxable year immediately preceding the Plan Year. All such deferral elections become irrevocable with respect to a Plan Year as of the last day of the taxable year immediately preceding the Plan Year. |
A Trustee who becomes eligible to participate in the Plan during a Plan Year may make a deferral election within 30 days after becoming eligible to participate in the Plan. Such election applies only to Compensation earned on and after the election date, and shall be effective for the remaining portion of the Plan Year in which such
Trustee is elected. All such deferral elections become irrevocable as of the date of election.
| (b) | Deferral elections made with respect to a Plan Year will remain in effect with respect to future Plan Years unless the Participant makes an affirmative election otherwise prior to the beginning of such subsequent Plan Year. |
| 5.02. | Elections – Time and Form of Payment The Participant must elect pursuant to the procedure established by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper within the time frames set forth in Section 5.01, the form of payment of the Benefit hereunder. |
| (a) | Time of Payment – subject to Section 5.03, distribution of the Benefit will always commence upon the Participant’s Separation from Service, including a Separation from Service after the Participant has incurred a Permanent Disability. |
| (b) | Form of Payment – the Participant may elect, as set forth above in this Article V, to receive his or her Benefit in one of the following forms of payment: |
| (i) | lump sum; or |
| (ii) | annual installments over a period not exceeding five (5) years for deferral elections made before February 25, 2014 or ten (10) years for deferral elections made on or after February 25, 2014. |
A Participant who fails to make an election as to the form of payment of the Benefit shall be deemed to have elected a lump sum distribution of the Participant’s Benefit. Any lump sum payment will be paid within 90 days of the Separation from Service. Any installment payments will be made on a fixed schedule as specified in the Participant’s election, with the first installment to be paid within 90 days of the Participant’s Separation from Service.
| (c) | One-Time Changes to Distribution Elections - notwithstanding Section 5.02(b), a Participant may make a one-time election to change his or her Benefit distribution election, provided that: |
| (i) | the Participant’s subsequent Benefit distribution election pursuant to this Section 5.02(c) election must not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which such subsequent Benefit distribution election is made; and |
| (ii) | the payment of the Participant’s Benefit is deferred for a period of not less than five years from the date such payment would otherwise have been made. |
| 5.03. | Deferred Compensation Investment Account Distribution Provisions . |
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Plan, for a Trustee who is a Specified Employee, the commencement date of any payment from the Deferred Compensation
Investment Account that would otherwise have occurred prior to the six month anniversary of the Trustee’s Separation from Service shall be postponed until the earlier to occur of (i) such six month anniversary and (ii) the first day of the month following the Trustee’s death. Upon the expiration of the six-month period, all payments delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a lump sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum, and any remaining payments due under this Plan shall be paid in accordance with Section 5.02.
| 5.04. | Death Benefit . Upon the death of a Participant, the single-sum cash value of the Participant’s Benefit, determined as of the date of distribution, shall be distributed to the Participant’s Beneficiary in a lump sum on the 90th day following the Participant’s death. |
| 5.05. | Mandatory Distributions of Small Account Balances . The Participant shall receive a lump sum payment of his or her account balances within 90 days after his or her Separation from Service (“Cash-Out Payment”) if the Cash-Out Payment results in the termination and liquidation of the entirety of the Participant’s interest under the Plan (including all plans with which the Plan is required to be aggregated pursuant to Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(c)(2)) and the Cash-Out Payment is not greater than the lesser of (a) $17,000 or (b) the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code. |
| 5.06. | Suspension of Benefits Upon Re-Election . Upon re-election, the benefits payable under this Plan cannot be suspended pursuant to Code section 409A, the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder. |
ARTICLE VI
DEEMED INVESTMENT OF THE ACCOUNTS
| 6.01. | Investment Accounts . All Deferred Compensation Credits under Section 4.02 shall be made to the Participant’s Deferred Compensation Investment Account on the date that the Compensation would have otherwise been received by the Participant. Such Deferred Compensation Credits shall be deemed to be invested in the Investment Funds in such manner as may be specified by the Fund Board. Each Participant’s Deferred Compensation Investment Account will be adjusted by an amount equal to the amount of any adjustment that would have been made had the Participant’s credits been allocated and invested as herein provided; reduced, however, at the Fund Board’s discretion, by an amount equal to the estimated income taxes, if any, payable by the Fund on such adjustment, based on the Fund’s highest tax rate on its net taxable income for the Plan Year in which such adjustment is made. The Fund Board reserves the right to reduce the interest or earnings on deferred compensation amounts for any federal or state taxes which it may incur as a result of interest or earnings on amounts held under this Plan. |
| 6.02. | Fund Retain Control of Deemed Investments . The Fund Board shall have the right at any time to add new deemed investment options, cease to offer any or all of the deemed investment options, and alter or adjust the basis or method of calculating any interest or earnings for any of the investment options. The Fund Board shall be under no obligation to actually make any investment as described above. Reference to any such investment shall be solely for the purpose of aiding the Fund Board in measuring the Fund’s liabilities under |
the terms of this Plan. In any event, if any investments are made, the Fund shall be named the sole owner and shall have all of the rights and privileges conferred by any instrument evidencing such investments. Such investments shall not be segregated, set aside or held in trust or escrow and shall at all times remain the unrestricted assets of the Fund subject to the claim of its general creditors.
| 6.03. | Value of Benefit . The value of any benefit under this Plan at any point in time shall be equal to the single-sum cash value of such benefit as of the date of determination. |
ARTICLE VII
FUNDING
| 7.01. | Funding . No special or separate fund shall be established by the Fund or the Fund Board and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure the payment of benefits under the Plan. No Participant shall have any right, title, or interest whatsoever in any specific asset of the Fund. Nothing contained in this Plan and no action taken pursuant to its provisions shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship, between the Fund Board and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Funds. |
ARTICLE VIII
CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS
| 8.01. | Claims Procedure . Claims for benefits under the Plan may be filed with the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper on forms supplied by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper. Written or electronic notice of the disposition of a claim shall be furnished to the claimant within ninety (90) days after the application is filed (or within one hundred eighty (180) days if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim and if written notice of such extension and circumstances are communicated to the claimant within the initial ninety (90) day period). In the event the claim is wholly or partially denied, the reasons for the denial shall be specifically set forth in the notice in language calculated to be understood by the claimant, pertinent provisions of the Plan on which the decision is based shall be cited, and, where appropriate, a description of any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, will be provided. In addition, the claimant shall be furnished with an explanation of the Plan’s claims review procedure and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review. A claimant must request a review of a denied claim in accordance with Section 8.02 and exhaust all remedies under the Plan before the claimant is permitted to bring a civil action for benefits. |
| 8.02. | Claims Review Procedure . Any Trustee, former Trustee, or authorized representative or Beneficiary of either, who has been denied either in whole or in part a benefit by a decision of the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper pursuant to Section 8.01 shall be entitled to request the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper to give further consideration to his or |
her claim by filing with the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper (on a form which may be obtained from the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper) a request for review. Such request, together with a written statement of the reasons why the claimant believes his or her claim should be allowed, shall be filed with the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper no later than sixty (60) days after receipt of the notification provided for in Section 8.01. If such request is so filed, the claimant or an authorized representative may submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim to the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notification provided for in Section 8.01. The claim for review shall be given a full and fair review that takes into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted that relates to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. The Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper shall provide the claimant or an authorized representative with written or electronic notice of the final decision as to the allowance of the claim within sixty (60) days of receipt of the request for review (or within one hundred twenty (120) days if special circumstances requires an extension of time for processing the request and if written notice of such extension and circumstances is given to the claimant or an authorized representative within the initial sixty (60) day period). Such communication shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and shall include specific reasons for the decision, specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision is based, a statement of the claimant or an authorized representative’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) and a statement that the claimant or his or her Beneficiary is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim for benefits. A document is relevant to the claim for benefits if it was relied upon in making the determination, was submitted, considered or generated in the course of making the determination or demonstrates that benefit determinations are made in accordance with the Plan and that Plan provisions have been applied consistently with respect to similarly situated claimants.
| 8.03. | Lost or Unknown Participants . If any benefits payable under this Plan to a Participant, or to such Participant’s legal representative or Beneficiary, cannot be paid by reason that such person cannot be located by the later of (i) the last day of the calendar year in which the payment was due and (ii) the 15th day of the third calendar month following the date specified under the Plan, after reasonable efforts have been made to locate such person, such benefits shall be forfeited and returned to the Funds. |
ARTICLE IX
ADMINISTRATIVE OF THE PLAN
| 9.01. | Powers and Duties of the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper . The Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper shall be responsible for the administration of the Plan (including but not limited to complying with reporting and disclosure requirements, and establishing and maintaining Plan records). Any authority exercised by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper under the Plan shall be exercised by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper in its sole and absolute discretion. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper is authorized to determine all questions arising |
in connection with the Plan, to interpret the provisions of the Plan and to construe all of its terms, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan, and to make all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the Plan or to carry out its provisions and purposes. In the exercise of its sole and absolute discretion, the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper shall interpret the Plan’s provisions and determine the eligibility of individuals for benefits. Determinations, interpretations or other actions made or taken by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons.
| 9.02. | Agents . The Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper may engage such legal counsel, certified public accountants and other advisers and service providers, who may be advisers or service providers for the Funds or an affiliate, and make use of such agents and clerical or other personnel, as it shall require or may deem advisable for purposes of the Plan. The Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper may rely upon the written opinion of any legal counsel or accountants engaged by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper, and may delegate to any such agent its authority to perform any act hereunder, including, without limitation, those matters involving the exercise of discretion, provided that such delegation shall be subject to revocation at any time at the discretion of the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper. |
| 9.03. | Reports to Governing Body . The Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper shall report to the Governing Body or to a committee of the Governing Body designated for that purpose, as frequently as the Governing Body or such committee shall specify, with regard to the matters for which the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper is responsible under the Plan. |
| 9.04. | Instructions for Payments . All requests of or directions for payment, disbursement or settlement shall be signed by the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper or such other person(s) as the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper may from time to time designate in writing. This person shall cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of payments, disbursements and settlements under the Plan. |
| 9.05. | Hold Harmless . To the maximum extent permitted by law, no person serving as the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper shall be personally liable by reason of any contract or other instrument executed by such person or on such person’s behalf in such person’s capacity as the Deferral Account Agent/Recordkeeper nor for any mistake of judgment made in good faith, and the Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless, each such person and each other officer, employee, or director to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or liability arising out of any act or omission to act in connection with the Plan unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith. |
| 9.06. | Service of Process . The person designated by the Governing Body shall be the agent for service of process under the Plan. |
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
| 10.01. | Amendment and Termination . |
| (a) |
The Plan may be amended, modified or terminated at any time by the Governing Body for the Participants associated with the
terminating Fund, at their sole discretion, subject to Section 10.01(b) below and except that, without the consent of any Participant
or Beneficiary, if applicable, no such amendment, modification or termination shall affect, reduce or diminish any rights or Benefits
of any Participant accrued or in pay status as of the date of such amendment, modification or termination. However no amendment,
modification or termination shall result or cause an acceleration of payments or benefits under the Plan, unless the termination
satisfies
|
| (b) | Plan Termination under Code section 409A. The Fund Board may terminate and liquidate this Plan at any time, provided that it complies with Code section 409A and the regulations thereunder, as they may be amended from time to time, including the requirements that: |
| (i) | the termination and liquidation does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Fund; |
| (ii) | the Fund Board terminates and liquidates all plans with which the Plan is required to be aggregated pursuant to Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(c)(2) if any Participant had deferrals of compensation under all of the plans that are terminated and liquidated; |
| (iii) | no payments in liquidation of the Plan are made within 12 months of the date the Fund Board takes all necessary action to irrevocably terminate and liquidate the Plan (other than payments that would be payable under the terms of the Plan if the action to terminate and liquidate the Plan had not occurred); |
| (iv) | all payments are made within 24 months of the date by which the Fund Board has taken all necessary action to irrevocably terminate and liquidate the Plan; and |
| (v) | the Fund does not adopt a new plan that would be aggregated with any terminated and liquidated Plan under Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(c) if any Participant participated in both plans at any time within three years following the date by which the Fund Board has taken all necessary action to irrevocably terminate and liquidate the Plan. |
| 10.02. | Nonassignability . The benefits payable under this Plan shall not be subject to alienation, assignment, garnishment, execution or levy of any kind and any attempt to cause any |
benefits to be so subjected shall not be recognized, except to the extent required by applicable law; provided, however, that at the sole discretion of the Fund, a Participant or Beneficiary may assign his or her entire interest in his or her Benefit to the Participant’s or Beneficiary’s spouse or former spouse, as the case may be, under a divorce or separation instrument described in subparagraph (A) of Code section 71(b)(2). Furthermore, except by will or the laws of descent or distribution, the Participant and any Beneficiary may not anticipate the benefits provided hereunder by assignment, pledge, sale or similar act.
| 10.03. | Other Rights . This Plan creates no rights in the Participant to continue the Participant’s affiliation with the Fund, if any, for any length of time, nor does it create any rights in the Participant or obligations in the part of the Fund other than those set forth herein. |
| 10.04. | Interpretation Consistent with Code Section 409A . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Plan comply with Code section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Plan shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. If any provision of this Plan would cause the Trustee to incur any additional tax or interest under Code section 409A, the Fund, to the extent feasible, shall reform such provision to try to comply with Code section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified to comply with Code section 409A, such modification shall, to the extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code section 409A. |
| 10.05. | Successor Governing Body . In the event of the dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Fund, provision may be made by which a successor to all or a major portion of the Fund’s property or business shall continue the Plan, and the successor shall have all of the power, duties and responsibilities of the Funds under the Plan. |
| 10.06. | Governing Law . This Plan shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Connecticut, without giving effect to the conflict of law provisions thereof. |
| 10.07. | Tax Withholding . The Fund may withhold from a payment any federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments and such sums as the Funds may reasonably estimate are necessary to cover taxes for which the Fund may be liable and which may be assessed with regard to such payment. |
| 10.08. | Illegality of Particular Provision . The illegality of any particular provision of this Plan document shall not affect the other provisions and the Plan document shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid provision were omitted. |
Exhibit h.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Administration Agreement is effective as of the 1 st day of January, 2014, by and between Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (the “Fund”) including the series listed under the Fund (each, a “Series” and together the “Series”) on Schedule A, and Virtus Fund Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Administrator”).
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end diversified management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to continue to retain the Administrator to render or otherwise provide for the provision of administrative services to the Fund in the manner and on the amended terms and conditions hereafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Administrator desires to be so retained on said terms and conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, the Fund and the Administrator agree as follows:
1. Appointment and Acceptance. The Fund hereby appoints the Administrator to act as Administrator of the Series, subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, as hereinafter set forth. The Administrator hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish or cause to be furnished the services contemplated by this Agreement.
2. Duties of the Administrator.
(a) The Administrator shall perform or arrange for the performance of the administrative and clerical services listed on Schedule B to this Agreement. The Fund agrees to cause the portfolio management agent to deliver to the Administrator, on a timely basis, such information as may be necessary or appropriate for the Administrator's performance of its duties and responsibilities hereunder, including but not limited to, shareholder reports, records of transactions, valuations of investments (which may be based on information provided by a pricing service) and records of expenses borne by each Series, and the Administrator shall be entitled to rely on the accuracy and completeness of such information in performing its duties hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, the Fund, and not the Administrator, shall be responsible for and bear the costs of other service providers such as the custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, shareholder servicing agents, legal counsel, independent auditors, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, printers, banks and such other persons as may be necessary for the proper operation of the Series.
(b) In providing for any or all of the services listed on Schedule B to this Agreement, and in satisfaction of its obligations to provide such services, the Administrator may, at its discretion and subject to approval by the Board of Trustees of the Fund for any delegations that the Fund and the Administrator reasonably agree are material, enter into agreements with
| 1 |
one or more other persons or entities, such as a sub-administrator, to provide such services to the Fund provided that the Administrator shall be as fully responsible to the Series for the acts and omissions of any such service providers as it would be for its own acts or omissions hereunder and provided that the Administrator shall be responsible for the payment of such services, with the exception of out-of-pocket expenses which shall be billed to the Series. In the alternative, the Fund may enter into agreements with one or more persons or entities, either jointly with the Administrator or otherwise, for such persons or entities to provide certain services to the Fund which would otherwise be performed by the Administrator pursuant to this Agreement (each such agreement, an “Outside Service Agreement”). In the event that the Fund enters into such an Outside Service Agreement, the Fund and the Series shall look to the counterparty directly for the performance of the contracted services (subject to any supervision responsibilities of the Administrator hereunder) and shall also be responsible for the payment of applicable fees and expenses. In the event that the Fund obtains services otherwise required of the Administrator hereunder pursuant to any such Outside Service Agreements, the Administrator’s fees shall be adjusted in accordance with the Compensation section hereof. However, as of the date hereof the parties agree that the Administrator shall not be required to adjust its fees hereunder with respect to any Outside Service Agreements among the Fund, the Administrator and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
(c) All activities of the Administrator shall be conducted in accordance with the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, By-laws and registration statement, under the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees, and in conformity with the 1940 Act and other applicable federal and state securities laws and regulations.
3. Expenses of the Administrator. The Administrator assumes the expenses of and shall pay for maintaining the staff and personnel necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement, and shall at its own expense provide office space, facilities, equipment and the necessary personnel which it is obligated to provide under section 2 hereof, except that the Fund shall pay the expenses of its other service providers such as the custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, shareholder servicing agents, legal counsel, independent auditors, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, printers, banks and such other persons as may be necessary for the proper operation of the Series and expenses of Fund officers attending Board meetings as required and such other appropriate out of pocket expenses as approved by the Board. The Fund shall pay or cause to be paid all other expenses of the Series referenced in this Agreement.
4. Compensation of the Administrator.
(a) For the services provided to the Fund and each Series by the Administrator pursuant to this Agreement, each Series shall pay the Administrator monthly for its services, fees at the annual rate of 0.10% of net assets based on the combined aggregate average daily net assets across each Series listed on Schedule A plus out of pocket expenses (including out of pocket expenses of any sub-administrator to the Fund hired by the Administrator and not the Fund).
(b) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 2(b) of this Agreement, in the event that the Fund obtains any of the services otherwise required of the Administrator pursuant to this
| 2 |
Agreement from another person or entity pursuant to an Outside Service Agreement, the Administrator shall reduce its fees as listed above to the extent of the fees (but not out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund pursuant to the Outside Service Agreement; provided, however, that prior to agreeing to such fees the Fund shall have obtained the agreement of the Administrator that such fees are reasonable. In the event that the Fund has not first obtained the agreement of the Administrator that such fees are reasonable and the Administrator does not consent to waive its fees to the extent of the fees paid by the Fund pursuant to such Outside Service Agreement, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to determine the amount of the Administrator’s fees to be waived.
5. Limitation of Liability of the Administrator; Indemnification. The Administrator shall not be liable to the Fund or any Series for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any act or omission by the Administrator, or any persons engaged pursuant to section 2(b) hereof, including officers, agents and employees of the Administrator and its affiliates, in the performance of its duties hereunder. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to protect the Administrator against any liability to the Fund, a Series, or shareholders to which the Administrator shall otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or negligence in the performance of its duties, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder, except (i) for any liability to the Fund, a Series , or shareholders for the preparation and filing of class action settlement claims, which liability is limited to the fees for a six-month period paid to the Administrator, and (ii) the Administrator shall not be liable for any consequential, special or indirect losses or damages, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was known by the Administrator.
6. Activities of the Administrator. The services of the Administrator under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Administrator and any person controlled by or under common control with the Administrator shall be free to render similar services to others and services to the Fund in other capacities.
7. Duration and Termination of this Agreement.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective January 1, 2014 and shall continue in effect with respect to each Series until December 31, 2014, and thereafter from year to year so long as such continuation is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act and who have no direct or indirect interest in this Agreement; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated at any time on not less than 150 days written notice to the other party, without the payment of any penalty, on behalf of any or all of the Series, by the Fund, by the Board or, with respect to any Series, by “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of that Series, or by the Administrator.
(b) The Administrator hereby agrees that the books and records prepared hereunder with respect to the Fund are the property of the Fund and further agrees that upon the termination of this Agreement or otherwise upon request the Administrator will surrender promptly to the Fund copies of the books and records maintained or required to be maintained
| 3 |
hereunder, including in such machine-readable form as agreed upon by the parties, in accordance with industry practice, where applicable.
8. Amendments of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto only if such amendment is specifically approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund and such amendment is set forth in a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto.
9. Limitation of Liability. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Fund hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Fund personally, but bind only the Fund property of the Fund, as provided in the Declaration of Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees or the shareholders of the Fund and this Agreement has been signed by an authorized officer of the Fund, acting as such, and neither such authorization by such Trustees and shareholders nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or be binding upon or impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the Fund property as provided in its Declaration of Trust.
10. Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut as at the time in effect and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable law of the State of Connecticut, or any provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in counterparts and if so executed, the separate instruments shall constitute one agreement.
12. Notices. All notices or other communications hereunder to either party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be received on the earlier date of the date actually received or on the fourth day after the postmark if such notice is mailed first class postage prepaid. Notice shall be addressed: (a) if to the Administrator, to the attention of: Virtus Fund Services, LLC, 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103 or (b) if to the Fund, to the attention of: President, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, c/o Secretary, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, 100 Pearl Stret, Hartford, CT 06103, or at such other address as either party may designate by written notice to the other. Notice shall also be deemed sufficient if given by telecopier, telegram or similar means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein).
13. Separate Series. This Agreement shall be construed to be made by the Fund as a separate agreement with respect to each Series, and under no circumstances shall the rights, obligations or remedies with respect to a particular Series be deemed to constitute a right, obligation or remedy applicable to any other Series.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior arrangements, agreements or understandings.
| 4 |
[signature page follows]
| 5 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers designated below on the date and year first written above.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | ||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Title: | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | |
| VIRTUS FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ David G. Hanley | |
| Name: | David G. Hanley | |
| Title: | Vice President & Assistant Treasurer | |
| 6 |
SCHEDULE A
(Dated: November 11, 2013)
THE FUND AND ITS SERIES
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Virtus Capital Growth Series
Virtus Growth & Income Series
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series
Virtus Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Virtus International Series
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus Premium AlphaSector Series
| 7 |
SCHEDULE B
(Dated: November 15, 2008)
ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLERICAL SERVICES
| (i) | Maintain and preserve such books and records, including financial and corporate records, of the Fund as required by law or otherwise coincident with the Administrator’s duties under this Agreement; |
| (ii) | Prepare and, subject to approval by the Fund, file registration statements, notices, reports, class action settlement claims, tax returns and other documents required by U.S. Federal, state and other applicable laws and regulations (other than state “blue sky” laws), including proxy materials and periodic reports to Fund shareholders required under the federal securities laws; |
| (iii) | Calculate and publish the net asset value of each Series’ shares; |
| (iv) | Calculate dividends and distributions and performance data, and prepare other financial information regarding each Series; |
| (v) | Oversee and assist in the coordination of, and, as the Board may reasonably request or deem appropriate, make reports and recommendations to the Board on, the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Series by others, including, but not limited to, the annual Section 15(c) review of the investment advisor(s), the custodian, registrar, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, shareholder servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; |
| (vi) | Furnish corporate secretarial services to the Fund, including, without limitation, preparation of materials necessary in connection with meetings of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, including minutes, notices of meetings, agendas and other Board materials; |
| (vii) | Provide the Fund with the services of an adequate number of persons competent to perform the administrative and clerical functions described herein; |
| (viii) | Provide the Fund with administrative office and data processing facilities; |
| (ix) | Arrange for payment of each Series’ expenses; |
| (x) | Provide routine accounting services to the Series, and consult with the Fund’s officers, independent accountants, legal counsel, custodian, accounting agent and transfer and dividend disbursing agent in establishing the accounting policies of the Fund; |
| (xi) | Prepare such financial information and reports as may be required by any banks from which the Fund borrows funds; |
| (xii) | Arrange for the services of persons who may be appointed as the Fund’s officers, including the President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, Secretary and one or more assistant officers; |
| (xiii) | Prepare and file appropriate class action securities litigation claims on behalf of the Series; |
| (xiv) | Provide such reports to the Board as are reasonably requested; |
| (xv) | Attendance at four regularly scheduled quarterly and two telephonic Board meetings as reasonably requested by the Fund; |
| 8 |
| (xvi) | Provide such assistance to the investment adviser, the custodian, other Fund service providers and the Fund counsel and auditors as generally may be required to carry on properly the business and operations of the Fund; |
| (xvii) | Participate in the Fund’s Valuation Committee process; |
| (xviii) | Provide daily review of agreed upon compliance tests as it relates to legal and regulatory requirements and with the Series’ investment policies and restrictions as set forth in the Funds currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information filed under the securities Act of 1933, as amended; |
| (xix) | Provide notification to the Chief Compliance Officer of the investment advisor of potential violations identified through the quantitative secondary compliance tests performed for each Portfolio, following the receipt of accurate and complete trade information by the advisor and subadvisor; |
| (xx) | Submit to the Chief Compliance Officer of the investment advisor on a monthly basis a copy of the compliance test as of the last business day of the month for all the Portfolios; |
| (xxi) | Monitor and review trade activity for excessive trading and/or market timing; |
| (xxii) | Set up and monitor on an ongoing basis insurance company relationships (e.g., trade questions, complaint reporting, high-dollar activity); and |
| (xxiii) | Oversee third party transfer agency service provider. |
| 9 |
Exhibit h.3
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
This Third Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of January 1, 2014, amends and restates that Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement effective as of May 1, 2013, by and between Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Registrant”), on behalf of each series of the Registrant listed in Appendix A (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the Adviser of each of the Funds, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Adviser renders advice and services to the Funds pursuant to the terms and provisions of one or more Investment Advisory Agreements entered into between the Registrant and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to maintain the expenses of each Fund at a level below the level to which each such Fund might otherwise be subject; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser understands and intends that the Registrant will rely on this Agreement in accruing the expenses of the Registrant for purposes of calculating net asset value and for other purposes, and expressly permits the Registrant to do so.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
| 1. | Limit on Fund Expenses. The Adviser hereby agrees to limit the Expenses of each class of each Fund to the respective rate of Total Fund Operating Expenses (“Expense Limit”) specified for that class in Appendix A of this Agreement for the time period indicated. |
| 2. |
Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Total Fund Operating Expenses” with respect to a Fund is
defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Fund including the Adviser’s investment
advisory or management fee under the Advisory Agreement and other expenses described in the Advisory Agreement that the Fund is
responsible for and have not been assumed by the Adviser, but excludes front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, interest,
brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses (such as litigation)
or acquired fund fees and expenses.
|
| 3. | Recoupment and Recapture of Fees and Expenses. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Adviser and/or certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Virtus”) out of assets belonging to the relevant class of the Fund for any Total Fund Operating Expenses of the relevant class of the Fund in excess of the Expense Limit paid, waived or assumed by Virtus for that Fund, provided that Virtus would not be entitled to reimbursement for any amount that would cause Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the Expense Limit or, if the Expense Limit has been removed, then the previous Expense Limit, at the time that the reimbursement would be made, and provided further that no amount would be reimbursed by the Fund more than three years after the fiscal year in which it was incurred or waived by Virtus. |
| 4. | Term, Termination and Modification. This Agreement shall become effective on the date specified herein and shall remain in effect with respect to each Fund subject to a Contractual Expense Limitation for the time period indicated on Appendix A, unless sooner terminated as provided below in this Paragraph. Subsequent to the initial term |
indicated on Appendix A, the amount of the Expense Limit and term applicable to each Fund shall be as disclosed in the then current prospectus of that Fund. This Agreement shall remain in effect with respect to each Fund subject to a Voluntary Expense Limitation until such time as specified in a notice of its termination provided by one party to the other party. This Agreement also may be terminated by the Registrant on behalf of any one or more of the Funds at any time without payment of any penalty or by the Board of Trustees of the Registrant upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Adviser. In addition, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to a Fund upon termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect to such Fund.
| 5. |
Assignment. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the
other party.
|
| 6. |
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall
otherwise be rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
|
| 7. |
Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of
the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
|
| 8. |
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Delaware without giving effect
to the conflict of laws principles thereof; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with,
any Federal securities law, regulation or rule, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
|
| 9. | Computation. If the fiscal year-to-date Total Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund at the end of any month during which this Agreement is in effect exceed the Expense Limit for that Fund (the “Excess Amount”), the Adviser shall (at its option) waive or reduce its fee under the Advisory Agreement and/or remit to that Fund an amount that is sufficient to pay the Excess Amount computed on the last day of the month. |
| 10. | Liability. Virtus agrees that it shall look only to the assets of the relevant class of each respective relevant Fund for performance of this Agreement and for payment of any claim Virtus may have hereunder, and neither any other series (including the other series of the Registrant) or class of the Fund, nor any of the Registrant’s trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | |||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | By: | /s/ Francis G. Waltman | |
| W. Patrick Bradley | Francis G. Waltman | |||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | Executive Vice President | |||
| and Treasurer | ||||
APPENDIX A
Contractual Expense Limitations
| Fund |
Total Fund
Operating Expense Limit |
Term | ||||
| Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series | ||||||
| Class A | 1.19 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Class I | 0.94 | % | May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus Small-Cap Value Series | ||||||
| Class A | 1.20 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus Capital Growth Series | ||||||
| Class A | 1.03 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus Growth & Income Series | ||||||
| Class A | 0.98 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | ||||||
| Class A | 0.94 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Class I | 0.69 | % | May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | ||||||
| Class A | 0.98 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus International Series | ||||||
| Class A | 1.18 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Class I | 0.93 | % | May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | ||||||
| Class A | 1.16 | % | November 6, 2012 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Class I | 0.91 | % | May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Virtus Premium AlphaSectorTM Series | ||||||
| Class A | 1.70 | % | May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2015 | |||
| Class I | 1.45 | % | May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2015 | |||
Voluntary Expense Limitations*
| Fund |
Total Fund Operating
Expense Limit |
Effective Date | ||||
| N/A | ||||||
* Voluntary expense limitations are terminable at any time upon notice.
Exhibit h.9
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Among
SYMETRA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
and
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the [___] day of April 2013, by and among Symetra Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), a Washington life insurance company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”), VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust, and VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, the Fund engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is available to act as the investment vehicle for separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the “Variable Insurance Products”) to be offered by insurance companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Fund and Distributor (“Participating Insurance Companies”);
WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund are divided into several separate series of shares, each representing the interest in a particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets (each, a “Portfolio”);
WHEREAS, the Fund may rely on an order ( The Phoenix Edge Series Fund, et al. , Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 25687 (Jul. 26, 2002) (Notice) and 25703 (Aug. 20, 2002)(Order)) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which, among other relief, grants Participating Insurance Companies and variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the provisions of Sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and 6e-3(T)(b)(15) thereunder, if and to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Fund to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies (the “Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order”);
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and shares of the Portfolios are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”);
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WHEREAS, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), which serves as investment adviser to the Fund and each Portfolio, is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Company has issued or will issue certain variable life insurance and/or variable annuity contracts supported wholly or partially by the Account (the “Contracts”) and has registered or will register such Contracts under the 1933 Act if required, and said Contracts are listed in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company has registered or will register each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act, if required;
WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated asset account, duly established by the Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts;
WHEREAS, the Distributor, which serves as distributor to the Fund, is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and is a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”);
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Portfolios as set forth in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement (the “Designated Portfolios”) on behalf of the Account to fund the aforesaid Contracts, and the Distributor is authorized to sell such shares to the Account at their net asset value; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall be deemed to create a separate participation agreement on the terms hereof with respect to each Designated Portfolio, as if the parties hereto had executed a separate, identical form of participation agreement with respect to each Designated Portfolio, such that no liability or loss that might apply to one Portfolio hereunder shall affect any other Portfolio;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company, the Fund and the Distributor agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
Sale of Fund Shares
1.1. The Fund has granted to the Distributor exclusive authority to distribute the Fund’s shares, and has agreed to instruct, and has so instructed, the Distributor to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account shares of beneficial interest in the Designated Portfolios. Pursuant to such authority and instructions, and subject to Article IX hereof, the Distributor agrees to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the
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Account, shares of those Designated Portfolios, such purchases to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) may refused to sell shares of any Designated Portfolio to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of Fund shares of any Designated Portfolio or class thereof, or liquidate any Designated Portfolio or class thereof, if such action is required by law or regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith, such action is deemed necessary or appropriate in the best interests of the shareholders of such Designated Portfolio.
1.2. The Fund shall redeem, at the Company’s request, any full or fractional Designated Portfolio shares held by the Company on behalf of the Account, such redemptions to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Company shall not redeem Fund shares attributable to Contract owners except in the circumstances permitted in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, and (ii) the Fund may delay redemption of Fund shares of any Designated Portfolio to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, and any rules, regulations or orders thereunder.
1.3. Purchase and Redemption Procedures
(a) The Fund hereby appoints the Company as an agent of the Fund for the sole and limited purpose of receiving purchase and redemption requests on behalf of the Account (but not with respect to any Fund shares that may be held in the general account of the Company) for shares of those Designated Portfolios made available hereunder, based on allocations of amounts to the Account or subaccounts thereof under the Contracts and other transactions relating to the Contracts or the Account. Receipt by the Company, or its designated agent, as such limited agent of the fund of any such request (or relevant transactional information therefor) that is in good order on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Fund calculates the net asset value per share of the Designated Portfolios pursuant to the rules of the SEC (a “Business Day”) prior to the time that the Fund calculates such net asset values per share as described from time to time in the Fund’s statutory prospectus, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act (which as of the date of execution of this Agreement is ordinarily as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange, or 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time)(the “Valuation Time”) shall constitute receipt by the Fund on that same Business Day, provided that the Fund or its designated agent receives notice of such request by 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the next following Business Day.
(b) The Company, or its designated agent, shall pay for shares of each Designated Portfolio on the same day that it notifies the Fund of a purchase request for such shares. Payment for purchased Designated Portfolio shares shall be made in federal funds transmitted to the Fund by wire to be received by the Fund by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Business Day the Fund is notified of the purchase request for Designated Portfolio shares (which request may be net of redemptions of such shares). If federal funds are not received on time, such funds will be invested, and Designated Portfolio shares purchased thereby will be issued, as soon as practicable and the Company shall promptly, upon the Fund’s request, reimburse the Fund for any charges, costs, fees, interest or other expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with any advances to, or borrowing or overdrafts by, the Fund, or any similar expenses incurred
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by the Fund, as a result of portfolio transactions effected by the Fund based upon such purchase request. Upon receipt of federal funds so wired, such funds shall cease to be the responsibility of the Company and shall become the responsibility of the Fund.
(c) Payment for Designated Portfolio shares redeemed by the Account or the Company shall be made in federal funds transmitted by wire to the Company or any other person duly designated by the Company no later than the next Business Day after the Fund is properly notified of the redemption order of such shares (which order may be net of any purchase orders) except that the Fund reserves the right to redeem Designated Portfolio shares in assets other than cash and to delay payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act and the Rule or Rules thereunder, and in accordance with the procedures and policies of the Fund as described in the then current statutory prospectus and/or statement of additional information (“SAI”). The Fund shall not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the proper disbursement or crediting of redemption proceeds by the Company; the Company alone shall be responsible for such action.
(d) Any purchase or redemption request for Designated Portfolio shares held or to be held in the Company’s general account shall be effected at the net asset value per share next determined after the Fund’s receipt of such request in good order, provided that, in the case of a purchase request, payment for Fund shares so requested is received by the Fund in federal funds prior to close of business on the applicable Business Day for determination of such value, as defined from time to time in the Fund’s statutory prospectus.
(e) The Company shall not redeem shares of the Designated Portfolios attributable to the Contracts (as opposed to shares of the Designated Portfolios attributable to the Company’s assets held in the Account) except (i) as necessary to implement Contract owner initiated or approved transactions, (ii) as required by state and/or federal laws or regulations or judicial or other legal precedent of general application (hereinafter referred to as a “Legally Required Redemption”), (iii) as permitted by an order of the SEC pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act, but only if a substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Portfolios is consistent with the terms of the Contracts, or (iv) as otherwise permitted under the terms of the Contracts. Upon request, the Company will promptly furnish to the Fund reasonable assurance that any redemption pursuant to clause (ii) above is a Legally Required Redemption. Furthermore, except in cases where permitted under the terms of the Contracts, the Company shall not prevent Contract owners from allocating payments to a Designated Portfolio that was otherwise available under the Contracts without first giving the Fund 45 days notice of its intention to do so.
The Fund shall use its best efforts to make the net asset value per share for each Designated Portfolio (or class thereof) available to the Company by 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time each Business Day, and in any event, as soon as reasonably practicable after the net asset value per share for such Designated Portfolio or class thereof is calculated, and shall calculate such net asset value in accordance with the Fund’s statutory prospectus. None of the Fund, any Designated Portfolio, the Distributor, or any of their affiliates shall be liable for any information provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement which information is based on incorrect
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information supplied by the Company or any other Participating Insurance Company to the Fund or the Distributor.
(f) In the event that the parties’ trades are placed through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”), the terms of the Networking Agreement between the Company and the Distributor shall govern such trades. To the extent that such Networking Agreement or applicable rules and procedures of the NSCC incorporated therein (collectively, the “NSCC Terms”), conflict with the terms of this Section 1.3, such NSCC Terms shall prevail.
1.4. The Fund shall furnish notice (by wire or telephone followed by written confirmation) to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than ex date of any income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on any Designated Portfolio shares. The Company, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, hereby elects to receive all such dividends and distributions as are payable on any Designated Portfolio shares in the form of additional shares of that Designated Portfolio. The Company reserves the right, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, to revoke this election and to receive all such dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Fund shall notify the Company promptly of the number of Designated Portfolio shares so issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.
1.5. Issuance and transfer of Fund shares shall be by book entry only. The Fund will not issue share certificates to the Company or the Account. Purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares shall be recorded in an appropriate ledger for the Account or the appropriate subaccount of the Account.
1.6. (a) The parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by this Agreement is not exclusive. The Fund may offer and sell shares of its Portfolios to other insurance companies. Similarly, the cash value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.
(b) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Fund (unless otherwise required by applicable law), take any action to operate the Account as a management investment company under the 1940 Act.
(c) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Fund (unless otherwise required by applicable law), induce or encourage Contract owners to change or modify the Fund or remove or otherwise change the Fund’s distributor or investment adviser.
(d) The Company shall provide prior written notice to the Fund if it determines that it will induce or encourage Contract owners to vote on any matter submitted for consideration by the shareholders of the Fund in a manner other than as recommended by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
1.7. The Company acknowledges that, pursuant to Form 24F-2, the Fund is not required to pay fees to the SEC for registration of its shares under the 1933 Act with respect to its shares issued to an Account that is a unit investment trust that offers interests that are registered under the 1933 Act and on which a registration fee has been or will be paid to the
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SEC (a “Registered Account”). The Company agrees to provide the Fund or its agent each year within 60 days of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, or when reasonably requested by the Fund, information as to the number of shares purchased by a Registered Account and any other Account the interests of which are not registered under the 1933 Act. The Company acknowledges that the Fund intends to rely on the information so provided.
ARTICLE II.
Representations and Warranties
2.1. The Fund represents and warrants that (i) the Fund is lawfully organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) the Fund is and shall use its best efforts to remain registered under the 1940 Act during the term of this Agreement, (iii) Designated Portfolio shares sold pursuant to this Agreement are registered under the 1933 Act (to the extent required by that Act) and are duly authorized for issuance, (iv) the Fund shall amend the registration statement for the shares of the Designated Portfolios under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of such shares, and (v) the Board has elected for each Designated Portfolio to be taxed as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Fund makes no representations or warranties as to whether any aspect of the Designated Portfolios’ operations, including, but not limited to, investment policies, fees and expenses, complies with the insurance laws and other applicable laws of the various states. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Fund of any investment restrictions imposed by state insurance law applicable to the Fund or a Designated Portfolio. The Fund shall not be responsible, and the Company shall take full responsibility, for determining any jurisdiction in which any qualification or registration of Fund shares or the Fund by the Fund may be required in connection with the sale of the Contracts or the indirect interest of any Contract in any shares of the Fund and shall advise the Fund at such time and in such manner as is necessary to permit the Fund to comply.
2.2. The Distributor represents and warrants that shares of the Designated Portfolios (i) shall be offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable federal securities laws, (ii) are offered and sold only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and to persons or plans that communicate to the Fund that they qualify to purchase shares of the Designated Portfolios under Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder without impairing the ability of the Account to consider the portfolio investments of the Designated Portfolios as constituting investments of the Account for the purpose of satisfying the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) (“Qualified Persons”), and (iii) are registered and qualified for sale in accordance with the laws of the various states to the extent required by applicable law.
2.3. Subject to Company’s representations and warranties in Sections 2.5 and 2.6, the Fund represents and warrants that it will invest the assets of each Designated Portfolio in such a manner as to assure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity or life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Code and the regulations issued thereunder (or any successor provisions). Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Fund represents and
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warrants that each Designated Portfolio has complied and will continue to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof, relating to the diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or life insurance contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor provisions to such Section or Regulation. The Fund will make every reasonable effort (a) to notify the Company immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a breach of this Section 2.3 has occurred, and (b) in the event of such a breach, to adequately diversify the Designated Portfolio so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Treasury Regulation §1.817-5.
2.4. The Fund represents and warrants that each Designated Portfolio is or will be qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, that the Fund will make every reasonable effort to maintain such qualification (under Subchapter M or any successor or similar provisions) and that the Fund will notify the Company promptly upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Designated Portfolio has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.
2.5. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts (a) are, or prior to issuance will be, registered under the 1933 Act, or (b) are not registered because they are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be offered exclusively in transactions that are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Company also represents and warrants that it is an insurance company duly organized and in good standing under applicable law, that it has legally and validly established the Account prior to any issuance or sale thereof as a segregated asset account under relevant state insurance laws, and that it (a) has registered or, prior to any issuance or sale of the Contracts, will register the Account as a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to serve as a segregated investment account for the Contracts, or alternatively (b) has not registered the Account in proper reliance upon an exclusion from registration under the 1940 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that (i) the Contracts will be issued and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal securities and state securities and insurance laws, (ii) the sale of the Contracts shall comply in all material respects with state insurance and other applicable suitability requirements; (iii) the information provided pursuant to Section 1.7 shall be accurate in all material respects; and (iv) it and the Account are Qualified Persons. The Company shall register and qualify the Contracts or interests therein as securities in accordance with the laws of the various states if and to the extent required by applicable law. If the Fund elects to adopt use of the summary prospectus, as defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, and the Company elects to make use of such summary prospectuses in connection with satisfying prospectus delivery requirements under the 1933 Act, the Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with the requirements of Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder in connection with the delivery of the Fund’s summary prospectuses and any other duties assumed by the Company in this Agreement. The Company represents and warrants that it has reasonable policies and procedures in place to ensure that it can appropriately meet its obligations under this Agreement.
2.6. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are currently, and at the time of issuance shall be, treated as life insurance or annuity contracts, under applicable
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provisions of the Code, that it will make every reasonable effort to maintain such treatment, and that it will notify the Fund and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that each of its Accounts is a “segregated asset account” and that interests in the Accounts are offered exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a “variable contract” within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Company will use every reasonable effort to continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify the Fund and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.
2.7. The Distributor represents and warrants that it is a member in good standing of the FINRA and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC.
2.8. The Fund and the Distributor represent and warrant that all of their trustees/directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund are and shall continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Fund in an amount not less than the minimum coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable bonding company.
2.9. The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors, officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed or controlled by the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Account are covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Account, in an amount not less than $5 million. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees to hold for the benefit of the Fund and to pay to the Fund any amounts lost from larceny, embezzlement or other events covered by the aforesaid bond to the extent such amounts properly belong to the Fund pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see that this bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect, and agrees to notify the Fund and the Distributor in the event that such coverage no longer applies.
2.10. The Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with any applicable privacy and notice provisions of 15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827 and any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (including but not limited to 17 C.F.R. Part 248), and any other applicable federal and state privacy law, as they may be amended from time to time. The Company represents and warrants that it has implemented and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement appropriate security measures for personal information that comply with all applicable law and regulation.
2.11. The Company represents and warrants that it has in place an anti-money laundering program (“AML program”) that does now and will continue at all times during the term of this Agreement to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the relevant provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-56 (2001)) and the regulations issued
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thereunder (the “Patriot Act”). The Company hereby certifies that it has established and maintains an AML program that includes written policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to identify its Contract owners and has undertaken appropriate due diligence efforts to “know its customers” in accordance with all applicable anti-money laundering regulations in its jurisdiction including, where applicable, the Patriot Act. The Company further confirms that it will monitor for suspicious activity in accordance with the requirements of the Patriot Act. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that it has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Company agrees to provide the Distributor with such information as it may reasonably request, including but not limited to the filling out of questionnaires, attestations and other documents, to enable the Distributor to fulfill its obligations under applicable law, and, upon its request, to file a notice pursuant to Section 314 of the Patriot Act and the implementing regulations related thereto to permit the voluntary sharing of information between the parties hereto. Upon filing such a notice, the Company agrees to forward a copy to the Distributor, and further agrees to comply with all requirements under the Patriot Act and implementing regulations concerning the use, disclosure, and security of any information that is shared.
2.12. The Company represents and warrants that (a) the Company has, and will maintain, policies and procedures reasonably designed to monitor and prevent market timing or excessive trading activity by its customers and (b) the Company will provide the Fund or its agent with assurances regarding the compliance of its handling of orders with respect to shares of the Designated Portfolios with the requirements of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, regulatory interpretations thereof, and the Fund’s market timing and excessive trading policies upon reasonable request. Additionally, the Company shall comply with the requirements of applicable provisions of the summary prospectus and statutory prospectus (collectively, the “Prospectus”) and SAI of the Fund, and with applicable federal and state securities laws. Among other things, and without limitation of the foregoing, the Company shall be responsible for reasonably assuring that: (a) only orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Portfolio shares received by the Company or any Indirect Intermediary (as defined below) prior to the Valuation Time shall be submitted directly or indirectly by the Company to the Fund or its transfer agent or other applicable agent for receipt of a price based on the net asset value per share calculated for that day in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act (orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Portfolio shares received by the Company subsequent to the Valuation Time on any given Business Day or on a day that is not a Business Day shall receive a price based on the applicable net asset value per share next determined by the Fund in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act); and (b) the Company shall cause to be imposed and/or waived applicable redemption fees, if any, only in accordance with the Portfolio’s then current Prospectus or SAI and/or as instructed by the Distributor. The Company further agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Fund and its service providers (including but not limited to the Distributor) to detect, prevent and report market timing or excessive short-term trading of Portfolio shares. To the extent the Company has actual knowledge of violations of Fund policies (as set forth in the then current Prospectus or SAI) regarding (i) the timing of purchase, redemption or exchange orders and pricing of Portfolio shares, (ii) market timing or excessive short-term trading, or
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(iii) the imposition of redemption fees, if any, the Company agrees promptly to report such known violations to the Distributor.
2.13. The Fund represents and warrants that its summary prospectuses and the hosting of such documents prepared by the Fund that, pursuant to Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, will be publicly accessible, free of charge, at the website address specified on the cover page or at the beginning of the summary prospectus, and will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of Rule 498. The Fund and Distributor agree that the website used for hosting the Fund’s summary prospectuses will lead Contract owners directly to the current Fund documents required to be posted in compliance with Rule 498, and no other content or links will appear on the website.[ Comment : We should talk about the expectations as to the use of summary prospectuses. The Fund does have summary prospectuses available on the Virtus web site, and the address printed on the covers of the summary prospectuses goes to a page on the Virtus web site where only the Fund’s documents are provided.]
ARTICLE III.
Prospectuses and Proxy Statements; Voting
3.1. Subject to Section 6.1 and the Fund’s determination to use summary prospectuses, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, the Distributor shall provide the Company with as many copies of the Fund’s current Prospectuses as the Company may reasonably request. The Company shall bear the expenses of printing copies of the Fund’s Prospectuses: (i) if requested by Contract owners, for the Contracts that will be distributed to existing Contract owners and (ii) that are used in connection with offering the Contracts issued by the Company. If requested by the Company in lieu thereof or if required by applicable law or applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Fund shall provide such documentation (including a final copy of the Fund’s summary and/or statutory prospectus in electronic format at the Fund’s expense) and other assistance as is reasonably necessary in order for the Company once each year (or more frequently if the summary prospectus for the Fund is amended) to have the prospectus for the Contracts and the Fund’s summary prospectus bound together in one document in accordance with applicable law and regulation, including but not limited to, Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff (such printing to be at the Company’s expense). As required by, and in accordance with, Rule 498 and all other applicable laws and guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Company represents and warrants that it shall: (1) deliver the Fund’s summary prospectus, if used, to existing Contract owners and potential investors in a manner that satisfies all applicable legal requirements, and (2) adhere to any applicable binding requirements regarding the summary prospectus.
3.2. The Distributor (or the Fund), at its expense and upon request of the Company, shall provide an electronic copy of the current SAI for the Fund free of charge to the Company for itself and so that the Company can print and deliver the SAI to any owner of a Contract who requests such SAI.
3.3. Within three (3) Business Days of receiving a request for a paper copy or an electronic copy of a Fund statutory and/or summary prospectus, including any supplements,
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SAI, including any supplements, and most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders under Rule 30e-1 of the 1940 Act (“Fund Documents”), the Company shall send a paper copy or electronic copy, respectively, of any requested Fund Document to any person requesting such copy at no cost to the Contract owner and by U.S. first class mail or other reasonably prompt means or by email for electronic requests. The Company shall deliver the most current version of the Fund Document that it has received from the Fund pursuant to Section 3.1 above.
3.4. The Fund shall provide the Company with information regarding the Fund’s expenses, which information may include a table of fees and related narrative disclosure for use in any prospectus or other descriptive document relating to a Contract. The Company agrees that it will use such information in the form provided. The Company shall provide prior written notice of any proposed modification of such information, which notice will describe in detail the manner in which the Company proposes to modify the information, and agrees that it may not modify such information in any way without the prior consent of the Fund.
3.5. The Fund hereby grants to the Company a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license for the duration of the Agreement to create a hyperlink from the Company's website to the Fund's website. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund shall be and remain solely responsible for ensuring that the statutory prospectuses, the summary prospectuses and other documents for the Designated Portfolios, comply with Rule 498 and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder.
3.6. The Fund, at its expense, or at the expense of its designee, shall provide the Company with copies of its proxy material, reports to shareholders, and other communications to shareholders in such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require for distributing to Contract owners. The Company shall deliver such documents to Contract owners in accordance with applicable laws.
3.7. The Company shall:
(i) solicit voting instructions from Contract owners eligible to vote on a matter;
(ii) vote the Fund shares in accordance with instructions received from such Contract owners; and
(iii) vote Fund shares of Contract owners eligible to vote for which no instructions have been received in the same proportion as Fund shares of Contract owners eligible to vote on such matter for which instructions have been received,
so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act and/or relief and interpretations thereunder to require pass-through voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the extent otherwise required by law.
3.8. Participating Insurance Companies shall be responsible for assuring that each of their separate accounts participating in a Designated Portfolio calculates voting privileges as
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required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order and consistent with any reasonable standards that the Fund may adopt and provide in writing.
ARTICLE IV.
Sales Material and Information
4.1. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Fund or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that the Company or its affiliates develop and in which the Fund (or a Designated Portfolio thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Fund or its designee, and the Fund will use its best efforts for it or its designee to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. Any approval on sales literature or other promotional material that the Company develops or uses shall be in effect for one year so long as the content of such sales literature or promotional material remains consistent with the Fund’s current prospectus. The Company shall furnish to the Fund or its designee any sales material or other promotional material with differing disclosure for approval. In addition, Company may prepare such materials, based on performance information supplied by third party information providers (e.g., Lipper, Morningstar). The Company shall be responsible for any required regulatory filings of sales literature or promotional material it produces. The Fund or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Fund (or a Designated Portfolio thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named, and no such material shall be used if the Fund or its designee so object.
4.2. The Company shall not give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of the Fund or concerning the Fund, a Designated Portfolio, the Adviser or the Distributor in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in the registration statement or applicable Prospectus or applicable SAI for the Fund shares, as such registration statement and Prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for the Fund, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Fund or its designee or by the Distributor for use with the public, except with the written permission of the Fund or the Distributor or the designee of either. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, including Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, when composing, compiling and delivering sales literature or other promotional material. The Fund shall be entitled to review Company’s placement of sales materials with the summary prospectus in order to review Company’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
4.3. The Fund and the Distributor, or their designee, shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Company, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that it develops and in which the Company, and/or its Account, is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Company, and the Company will use its best efforts to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. Any approval on sales literature or other promotional material that the Fund and the Distributor, or their designee, develops or uses shall be in effect for one year so long as such disclosure regarding
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the Company is the same as used in the approved piece. The Fund and Distributor shall furnish to the Company any sales material or other promotional material with differing disclosure for approval. The Distributor shall be responsible for any required regulatory filings of sales material it produces. The Company reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Company and/or its Account is named, and no such material shall be used if the Company so objects.
4.4. The Fund and the Distributor shall not give any information or make any representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Account, or the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in a registration statement, prospectus (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts, as such registration statement, prospectus, or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the public domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its designee, except with the written permission of the Company.
4.5. Upon request, except as provided under Article III, the Fund will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of all summary and/or statutory prospectuses, reports, proxy statements, applications for exemptions to the extent material to the Company, requests for no-action letters to the extent material to the Company, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Fund or its shares promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Fund shall provide copies of registration statements and SAIs upon request of Company. The Company shall not alter any of such documents provided by the Fund without the prior written consent of the Fund or Distributor.
4.6. Upon request, the Company will provide to the Fund at least one complete copy of all prospectuses (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), SAIs, reports, solicitations for voting instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account and to the extent material to the Fund, Adviser or Distributor, promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Company shall provide to the Fund and the Distributor any complaints received from the Contract owners pertaining to the Fund or the Designated Portfolios.
4.7. For purposes of this Article IV, the phrase “sales literature and other promotional materials” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that refer to the Fund or any affiliate of the Fund: advertisements (such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports,
| - 13 - |
proxy materials, and any other communications distributed or made generally available with regard to the Fund.
ARTICLE V.
Fees and Expenses
5.1. Except as otherwise provided herein or in a separate agreement entered into by some or all the parties hereto, no party to this Agreement shall pay any fee or other compensation to any other party to this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, all expenses incident to performance by a party under this Agreement shall be paid by such party.
5.2. The Fund shall see to it that all its shares are registered and authorized for issuance in accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to the extent deemed advisable by the Fund, in accordance with applicable state laws prior to their sale. The Fund shall bear the expenses for the cost of registration and qualification of the Fund’s shares, preparation and filing of the Fund’s Prospectuses and registration statement, proxy materials and reports, setting the Prospectuses in type, setting in type and printing the proxy materials and reports to shareholders, the preparation of all statements and notices required by any federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Fund’s shares.
5.3. The Fund shall bear the expenses of distributing the Fund’s Prospectuses to owners of Contracts issued by the Company and of distributing the Fund’s proxy materials and reports to such Contract owners.
ARTICLE
VI.
Potential Conflicts
6.1. The parties to this Agreement agree that the conditions or undertakings required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order that may be imposed on the Company, the Fund and/or the Distributor by virtue of such order by the SEC, including those relating to material irreconcilable conflicts, apply to the activities contemplated in this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference as terms of this Agreement at all times that the Company, the Fund and/or the Distributor rely on the relief provided by such order. At all times the conditions and undertaking apply as set forth above, each of the parties agree to comply with such conditions and undertakings to the extent applicable to such party, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement otherwise to the contrary. The parties hereto agree that each shall assume that it is relying upon the relief provided by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order when acting in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Fund or Distributor provides a written notification to each party that the parties are not acting in reliance on the relief provided by such order.
6.2. If and to the extent that Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or Rule 6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940 Act or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as defined in the Mixed and
| - 14 - |
Shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different from those contained in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order, then (a) the parties to this Agreement shall take such steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable; and (b) Sections 3.7 and 3.8 of this Agreement shall continue in effect only to the extent that terms and conditions substantially identical to such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so amended or adopted.
ARTICLE VII.
Indemnification
7.1. Indemnification By the Company
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Adviser and the Distributor and each of its trustees/directors and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Fund or Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Distributor (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statements of any material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus (which shall include a written description of a Contract that is not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts or contained in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Fund for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund not supplied by the Company or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Company or its agents or persons under the Company’s authorization or control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Fund Shares; or
| - 15 - |
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Fund by or on behalf of the Company; or
(iv) arise as a result of any material failure by the Company to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the qualification requirements specified in Section 2.6 of this Agreement); or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.1(b) and 7.1(c) hereof.
(b) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under this Agreement.
(c) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Company to such party of the Company’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
| - 16 - |
(d) The Indemnified Parties will promptly notify the Company of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection with the issuance or sale of the Fund shares or the Contracts or the operation of the Fund.
7.2. Indemnification by the Distributor
(a) The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.2) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Distributor) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement or prospectus or SAI or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Distributor or Fund by or on behalf of the Company for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Fund or in sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts not supplied by the Distributor or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Fund or Distributor or persons under their control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material covering the Contracts, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement or statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Fund or the Distributor; or
| - 17 - |
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by the Distributor to provide the services and furnish the materials it is required to provide and furnish under the terms of this Agreement; or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Distributor in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Distributor;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.2(b) and 7.2(c) hereof.
(b) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Distributor in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Distributor of any such claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Party, the Distributor will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Distributor also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Distributor to such party of the Distributor’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Distributor will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts or the operation of the Account.
7.3. Indemnification By the Fund
(a) The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.3) against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Fund) or litigation (including
| - 18 - |
reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be required to pay or may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the operations of the Fund and:
(i) arise as a result of any failure by the Fund to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the diversification and other qualification requirements specified in Section 2.3 and 2.4 of this Agreement); or
(ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Fund in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Fund;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.3(b) and 7.3(c) hereof. The parties acknowledge that the Fund’s indemnification obligations under this Section 7.3 are subject to applicable law.
(b) The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company, the Fund, the Distributor or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Fund in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any such claim shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Parties, the Fund will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Fund also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Fund to such party of the Fund’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Fund will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company and the Distributor agree promptly to notify the Fund of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any of its respective officers or
| - 19 - |
directors in connection with the Agreement, the issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or acquisition of shares of the Fund.
ARTICLE VIII.
Applicable Law
8.1. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
8.2. This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933, 1934 and 1940 Acts, as amended, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant (including, but not limited to, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith. If, in the future, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order should no longer be necessary under applicable law, then Article VI shall no longer apply.
ARTICLE IX.
Termination
9.1. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to occur of:
(a) termination by any party, for any reason with respect to some or all Designated Portfolios, by six (6) months advance written notice delivered to the other parties; or
(b) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor based upon the Company’s determination that shares of a Portfolio are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, provided, however, that such termination shall apply only to those Portfolios the shares of which are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, and in such event notice of its election to terminate for such cause shall be furnished by the Company promptly; or
(c) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor in the event any of the Designated Portfolios’ shares are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or such law precludes the use of such shares as the underlying investment media of the Contracts issued or to be issued by the Company; or
(d) termination by the Fund or Distributor in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Company by FINRA, the SEC, the Insurance Commissioner or like official of any state or any other regulatory body regarding the Company’s duties under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of any Account, or the purchase of the Fund’s shares; provided, however, that the Fund or Distributor determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative
| - 20 - |
proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(e) termination by the Company in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Fund or Distributor by FINRA, the SEC, or any state securities or insurance department or any other regulatory body; provided, however, that the Company determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Fund or Distributor to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor with respect to any Designated Portfolio in the event that such Portfolio ceases to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M or fails to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements specified in Section 2.4 hereof, or if the Company reasonably believes that such Portfolio may fail to so qualify or comply; or
(g) termination by the Fund or Distributor by written notice to the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to meet the qualifications specified in Section 2.6 hereof; or
(h) termination by either the Fund or the Distributor by written notice to the Company, if either one or both of the Fund or the Distributor respectively, shall determine, in their sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Company has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition, or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(i) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor, if the Company shall determine, in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Fund, Adviser, or the Distributor has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(j) termination by the Company upon any substitution of the shares of another investment company or series thereof for shares of a Designated Portfolio of the Fund in accordance with the terms of the Contracts, provided that the Company has given at least 90 days prior written notice to the Fund and Distributor of the date of substitution; or
(k) termination by the Fund if the Board has decided to (i) refuse to sell shares of any Designated Portfolio to the Company and/or any of its Accounts; (ii) suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any Designated Portfolio; or (iii) dissolve, reorganize, liquidate, merge or sell all assets of the Fund or any Designated Portfolio, subject to the provisions of Section 1.1; or
(l) termination by any party in the event that the Fund’s Board of Trustees determines that a material irreconcilable conflict exists as provided in Article VI.
9.2. (a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, and except as provided in Section 9.2(b), the Fund and the Distributor shall, at the option of the Company, continue,
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until the one year anniversary from the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter if deemed appropriate by the Fund and the Distributor, to make available additional shares of the Designated Portfolios pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Existing Contracts”). Specifically, based on instructions from the owners of the Existing Contracts, the Accounts shall be permitted to reallocate investments in the Designated Portfolios of the Fund and redeem investments in the Designated Portfolios, and shall be permitted to invest in the Designated Portfolios in the event that owners of the Existing Contracts make additional premium payments under the Existing Contracts.
The Company agrees, promptly after any termination of this Agreement, to take all steps necessary to redeem the investment of the Accounts in the Designated Portfolios within one year from the date of termination of the Agreement as provided in Article IX. Such steps shall include, but not be limited to, obtaining an order pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act to permit the substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Portfolios. The Fund may, in its discretion, permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Portfolios beyond such one year anniversary for an additional year beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter; provided that the Fund agrees in writing to permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Portfolios at the beginning of any such year.
(b) In the event (i) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 9.1(g) or 9.1(l), at the option of the Fund or the Distributor; or (ii) the one year anniversary of the termination of the Agreement is reached or, after waiver as provided in Section 9.2(a), such subsequent anniversary is reached (each of (i) and (ii) referred to as a “triggering event” and the date of termination as provided in (i) or the date of such anniversary as provided in (ii) referred to as the “request date”), the parties agree that such triggering event shall be considered as a request for immediate redemption of shares of the Designated Portfolios held by the Accounts, received by the Fund and its agents as of the request date, and the Fund agrees to process such redemption request in accordance with the 1940 Act and the regulations thereunder and the Fund’s registration statement.
(c) The parties agree that this Section 9.2 shall not apply to any terminations under Article VI and the effect of such Article VI terminations shall be governed by Article VI of this Agreement. The parties further agree that, to the extent that all or a portion of the assets of the Accounts continue to be invested in the Fund or any Designated Portfolio of the Fund, Articles I, II, III, VI, VII and VIII will remain in effect after termination.
9.3. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party’s obligation under Article VII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.
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ARTICLE X.
Notices
Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service to the other party at the address of such party set forth below or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party.
| If to the Fund: |
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust c/o Virtus Investment Partners 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel
|
| If to the Company: |
Symetra Life Insurance Company Attn: Legal Counsel, SC-11 777 108 th Ave NE, Suite 1200 Bellevue, WA 98004
|
| If to Distributor: |
VP Distributors, LLC c/o Virtus Investment Partners 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel |
ARTICLE XI.
Miscellaneous
11.1. All persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of the applicable Designated Portfolio, as appropriate, set forth on Schedule A hereto as though each such Designated Portfolio had separately contracted with the Company and the Distributor for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund. The parties agree that none of the Board, officers, agents or shareholders of the Fund assume any personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on behalf of the Fund.
11.2. Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory authority, each party hereto shall treat as confidential the names and addresses of the owners of the Contracts and all information reasonably identified as confidential in writing by any other party hereto and, except as permitted by this Agreement, shall not disclose, disseminate or utilize such names and addresses and other confidential information without the express written consent of the affected party until such time as such information has come into the public domain.
11.3. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
11.4. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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11.5. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11.6. Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, FINRA, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto further agrees to furnish the applicable Insurance Commissioner with any information or reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement which such Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable insurance contract operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent with the applicable variable insurance contract laws and regulations and any other applicable law or regulations.
11.7. The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and federal laws.
11.8. This Agreement may be amended only by the mutual written consent of the parties.
11.9. This Agreement or any of the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, by any party without the prior written consent of all parties hereto. The Company shall promptly notify the Fund and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company.
11.10. Upon request, the Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Fund or its designee copies of the following reports:
(a) the Company’s annual statement (prepared under statutory accounting principles) and annual report (prepared under generally accepted accounting principles) filed with any state or federal regulatory body or otherwise made available to the public, as soon as practicable and in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year; and
(b) any registration statement (without exhibits) and financial reports of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state insurance regulatory, as soon as practicable after the filing thereof.
ARTICLE XII.
Rule 22-2 Compliance
12.1. The Company agrees to provide promptly to the Distributor, upon written request, the taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”), or other government-issued identifier (“GII”) and the Contract owner number or participant account number, if known, of any or all Contractholder(s) of the
| - 24 - |
account, the name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Contractholder(s) or account (if known), and the amount, date and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of shares held through an account maintained by the Company during the period covered by the request. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the Distributor, the Company shall only be required to provide information relating to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions.
(a) Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, normally not to exceed 90 days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Distributor may request transaction information older than 90 days from the date of the request as it deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established or utilized by the Fund or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Portfolio. If requested by the Distributor, the Company will provide the information specified in this Section 12.1 for each trading day.
(b) Form and Timing of Response. The Company agrees to provide, promptly upon request of the Distributor, the requested information specified in this Section 12.1. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom it has received the identification and transaction information specified in this Section 12.1 is itself a “financial intermediary,” as that term is defined in Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act (an “Indirect Intermediary”) and, upon request of the Distributor, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information set forth in this Section 12.1 for those Contractholders who hold an account with an Indirect Intermediary or (ii) restrict or prohibit the Indirect Intermediary from purchasing shares in nominee name on behalf of other persons. The Company additionally agrees to inform the Distributor whether it plans to perform (i) or (ii) above. Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties. To the extent practicable, the format for any Contractholder and transaction information provided to the Distributor should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.
(c) Limitations on Use of Information. The Distributor agrees not to use the information received under this Section 12.1 for marketing or any other similar purpose without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not limit the use of publicly available information, information already in the possession of the Distributor, the Fund or their affiliates at the time the information is received pursuant to this Section 12.1 or information which comes into the possession of the Distributor, the Fund or their affiliates from a third party.
(d) Agreement to Restrict Trading. The Company agrees to execute written instructions from the Distributor to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Portfolio shares by a Contractholder that has been identified by the Distributor as having engaged in transactions in Portfolio shares (directly or indirectly through the Company’s account) that violate policies established or utilized by the Fund or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Portfolio. Unless otherwise directed by the Distributor, any such restrictions or prohibitions
| - 25 - |
shall only apply to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions that are effected directly or indirectly through the Company.
(e) Form of Instructions. Instructions must include the TIN, ITIN or GII and the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, GII or the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Contractholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates.
(f) Timing of Response. The Company agrees to execute instructions from the Distributor as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after receipt of the instructions by the Company.
(g) Confirmation by the Company. The Company must provide written confirmation to the Distributor that the Distributor’s instructions to restrict or prohibit trading have been executed. The Company agrees to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after the instructions have been executed.
(h) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 12.1, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
(i) The term “Contractholder” means the holder of interests in a Contract or a participant in an employee benefit plan with a beneficial interest in a Contract.
(ii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchase” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Portfolio, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollment such as a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Portfolio as a result of “dollar cost averaging” programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs, or automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iii) as a result of a one-time step-up in Contract value pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iv) as a result of an allocation of assets to a Portfolio through a Contract as a result of payments such as loan repayments, scheduled contributions, retirement plan salary reduction contributions, or planned premium payments to the Contract; or (v) pre-arranged transfers at the conclusion of a required “free look” period.
(iii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemption” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract out of a Portfolio, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollments such as transfers of assets within a Contract out of a
| - 26 - |
Portfolio as a result of annuity payouts, loans, systematic withdrawal programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs and automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) as a result of any deduction of charges or fees under a Contract; (iii) within a Contract out of a Portfolio as a result of scheduled withdrawals or surrenders from a Contract; or (iv) as a result of payment of a death benefit from a Contract.
(iv) The term “Portfolios” shall mean the constituent series of the Fund, but for purposes of this Section 12.1 shall not include Portfolios excepted from the requirements of paragraph (a) of Rule 22c-2 by paragraph (b) of Rule 22c-2.
(v) The term “promptly” shall mean as soon as practicable but in no event later than five (5) business days from the Company’s receipt of the request for information from the Distributor.
(vi) The term “written” includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.
(vii) In addition, for purposes of this Section 12.1, the term “purchase” does not include the automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
| - 27 - |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first listed above.
SYMETRA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
| By its authorized officer | |||
| By: | /s/ Daniel R. Guilbert | ||
| Name: | Daniel R. Guilbert | ||
| Title: | Executive Vice President | ||
| Date: | 4/25/13 | ||
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
| By its authorized officer | |||
| By: | /s/ Francis Waltman | ||
| Name: | Francis Waltman | ||
| Title: | Sr. Vice President | ||
| Date: | 4/29/13 | ||
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
| By its authorized officer | |||
| By: | /s/ Jeffrey Cerutti | ||
| Name: | Jeffrey Cerutti | ||
| Title: | President | ||
| Date: | 4/29/13 | ||
| - 28 - |
Schedule A
The term “Designated Portfolio” of the Fund will include any Portfolio of the Fund (as listed below) as well as any Portfolio of the Fund or any share class of any Portfolio (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust:
Virtus Capital Growth Series
Virtus Growth & Income Series
Virtus International Series
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
Virtus Premium AlphaSector SM Series
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series
Virtus Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Symetra Resource Variable Account B
Symetra Separate Account VL (unregistered)
Contracts:
Symetra True Variable Annuity
Symetra Variable Corporate Owned Life Insurance
| - 29 - |
Exhibit h.10
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Among
THE GUARDIAN INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY, INC.
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
and
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the [ 23rd ] day of [ May ] 2013, by and among THE GUARDIAN INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY, INC. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”), VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust, and VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, the Fund engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is available to act as the investment vehicle for separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the “Variable Insurance Products”) to be offered by insurance companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Fund and Distributor (“Participating Insurance Companies”);
WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund are divided into several separate series of shares, each representing the interest in a particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets (each, a “Portfolio”);
WHEREAS, the Fund may rely on an order ( The Phoenix Edge Series Fund, et al. , Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 25687 (Jul. 26, 2002) (Notice) and 25703 (Aug. 20, 2002)(Order)) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which, among other relief, grants Participating Insurance Companies and variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the provisions of Sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and 6e-3(T)(b)(15) thereunder, if and to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Fund to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies (the “Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order”);
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and shares of the Portfolios are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”);
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WHEREAS, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), which serves as investment adviser to the Fund and each Portfolio, (i) is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and (ii) is and shall remain duly registered as a commodity pool operator as required by Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended, or is not so registered in proper reliance on an exemption therefrom;
WHEREAS, the Company has issued or will issue certain variable life insurance and/or variable annuity contracts supported wholly or partially by the Account (the “Contracts”) and has registered or will register such Contracts under the 1933 Act if required, and said Contracts are listed in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company has registered or will register each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act, if required;
WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated asset account, duly established by the Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts;
WHEREAS, the Distributor, which serves as distributor to the Fund, is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and is a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”);
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Portfolios as set forth in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement (the “Designated Portfolios”) on behalf of the Account to fund the aforesaid Contracts, and the Distributor is authorized to sell such shares to the Account at their net asset value; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall be deemed to create a separate participation agreement on the terms hereof with respect to each Designated Portfolio, as if the parties hereto had executed a separate, identical form of participation agreement with respect to each Designated Portfolio, such that no liability or loss that might apply to one Portfolio hereunder shall affect any other Portfolio;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company, the Fund and the Distributor agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
Sale of Fund Shares
1.1. The Fund has granted to the Distributor exclusive authority to distribute the Fund’s shares, and has agreed to instruct, and has so instructed, the Distributor to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account shares of beneficial interest in
| - 2 - |
the Designated Portfolios. Pursuant to such authority and instructions, and subject to Article IX hereof, the Distributor agrees to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account, shares of those Designated Portfolios, such purchases to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) may refused to sell shares of any Designated Portfolio to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of Fund shares of any Designated Portfolio or class thereof, or liquidate any Designated Portfolio or class thereof, if such action is required by law or regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith, such action is deemed necessary or appropriate in the best interests of the shareholders of such Designated Portfolio.
1.2. The Fund shall redeem, at the Company’s request, any full or fractional Designated Portfolio shares held by the Company on behalf of the Account, such redemptions to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Company shall not redeem Fund shares attributable to Contract owners except in the circumstances permitted in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, and (ii) the Fund may delay redemption of Fund shares of any Designated Portfolio to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, and any rules, regulations or orders thereunder.
1.3. Purchase and Redemption Procedures
(a) The Fund hereby appoints the Company as an agent of the Fund for the sole and limited purpose of receiving purchase and redemption requests on behalf of the Account (but not with respect to any Fund shares that may be held in the general account of the Company) for shares of those Designated Portfolios made available hereunder, based on allocations of amounts to the Account or subaccounts thereof under the Contracts and other transactions relating to the Contracts or the Account. Receipt by the Company as such limited agent of the fund of any such request (or relevant transactional information therefor) that is in good order on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Fund calculates the net asset value per share of the Designated Portfolios pursuant to the rules of the SEC (a “Business Day”) prior to the time that the Fund calculates such net asset values per share as described from time to time in the Fund’s statutory prospectus, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act (which as of the date of execution of this Agreement is ordinarily as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange, or 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time)(the “Valuation Time”) shall constitute receipt by the Fund on that same Business Day, provided that the Fund or its designated agent receives notice of such request by 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the next following Business Day.
(b) The Company shall pay for shares of each Designated Portfolio on the same day that it notifies the Fund of a purchase request for such shares. Payment for purchased Designated Portfolio shares shall be made in federal funds transmitted to the Fund by wire to be received by the Fund by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Business Day the Fund is notified of the purchase request for Designated Portfolio shares (which request may be net of redemptions of such shares). If federal funds are not received on time, such funds will be invested, and Designated Portfolio shares purchased thereby will be issued, as soon as practicable and the Company shall promptly, upon the Fund’s request, reimburse the Fund for any charges, costs,
| - 3 - |
fees, interest or other expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with any advances to, or borrowing or overdrafts by, the Fund, or any similar expenses incurred by the Fund, as a result of portfolio transactions effected by the Fund based upon such purchase request. Upon receipt of federal funds so wired, such funds shall cease to be the responsibility of the Company and shall become the responsibility of the Fund.
(c) Payment for Designated Portfolio shares redeemed by the Account or the Company shall be made in federal funds transmitted by wire to the Company or any other person duly designated by the Company on the next Business Day after the Fund is properly notified of the redemption order of such shares (which order may be net of any purchase orders) except that the Fund reserves the right to redeem Designated Portfolio shares in assets other than cash and to delay payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act and the Rule or Rules thereunder, and in accordance with the procedures and policies of the Fund as described in the then current statutory prospectus and/or statement of additional information (“SAI”). The Fund shall not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the proper disbursement or crediting of redemption proceeds by the Company; the Company alone shall be responsible for such action.
(d) Any purchase or redemption request for Designated Portfolio shares held or to be held in the Company’s general account shall be effected at the net asset value per share next determined after the Fund’s receipt of such request in good order, provided that, in the case of a purchase request, payment for Fund shares so requested is received by the Fund in federal funds prior to close of business on the applicable Business Day for determination of such value, as defined from time to time in the Fund’s statutory prospectus.
(e) The Company shall not redeem shares of the Designated Portfolios attributable to the Contracts (as opposed to shares of the Designated Portfolios attributable to the Company’s assets held in the Account) except (i) as necessary to implement Contract owner initiated or approved transactions, (ii) as required by state and/or federal laws or regulations or judicial or other legal precedent of general application (hereinafter referred to as a “Legally Required Redemption”), (iii) as permitted by an order of the SEC pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act, but only if a substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Portfolios is consistent with the terms of the Contracts, or (iv) as otherwise permitted under the terms of the Contracts. Upon request, the Company will promptly furnish to the Fund reasonable assurance that any redemption pursuant to clause (ii) above is a Legally Required Redemption. Furthermore, except in cases where permitted under the terms of the Contracts, the Company shall not prevent Contract owners from allocating payments to a Designated Portfolio that was otherwise available under the Contracts without first giving the Fund 45 days notice of its intention to do so.
The Fund shall use its best efforts to make the net asset value per share for each Designated Portfolio (or class thereof) available to the Company by 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time each Business Day, and in any event, as soon as reasonably practicable after the net asset value per share for such Designated Portfolio or class thereof is calculated, and shall calculate such net asset value in accordance with the Fund’s statutory prospectus. None of the Fund, any Designated Portfolio, the Distributor, or any of their affiliates shall be liable for any information
| - 4 - |
provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement which information is based on incorrect information supplied by the Company or any other Participating Insurance Company to the Fund or the Distributor . In the event of an error in the computation of a Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”) or any dividend or capital gain distribution (each, a “pricing error”), the Adviser or the Fund shall notify the Company as soon as possible after discovery of the error. Such notification may be oral, but shall be confirmed promptly in writing. A pricing error shall be corrected in accordance with the Fund’s policies and procedures, which comply in all material respects with applicable law. However, if the pricing error results in a difference between the erroneous NAV and the correct NAV equal to or greater than (a) $0.01 or (b) 1/2 of 1% of the Fund’s NAV at the time of the error, then the Adviser shall reimburse the Portfolio for any loss (without taking into consideration any positive effect of such error) and shall reimburse the Company for the costs of adjustments made to correct Contract owner accounts. If an adjustment is necessary to correct a material error (as described below) which has caused Contract owners to receive less than the amount to which they are entitled, the number of shares of the applicable sub-account of such Contract owners will be adjusted and the amount of any underpayments shall be credited by the Adviser to the Company for crediting of such amounts to the applicable sub-accounts of such Contract owners. Upon notification by the Adviser of any overpayment due to a material error, the Company shall promptly remit to the Adviser any overpayment that has not been paid to Contract owners. In no event shall the Company be liable to Contract owners for any such adjustments or underpayment amounts. A pricing error within categories (a) or (b) above shall be deemed to be “materially incorrect” or constitute a “material error” for purposes of this Agreement. The standards set forth in this Section 1.3 are based on the parties’ understanding of the views expressed by the staff of the SEC as of the date of this Agreement. In the event the views of the SEC staff are later modified or superseded by SEC or judicial interpretation, the parties shall amend the foregoing provisions of this Agreement to comport with the then-currently acceptable standards, on terms mutually satisfactory to all parties.
1.4. The Fund shall furnish notice (by wire or telephone followed by written confirmation) to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable of any income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on any Designated Portfolio shares. The Company, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, hereby elects to receive all such dividends and distributions as are payable on any Designated Portfolio shares in the form of additional shares of that Designated Portfolio. The Company reserves the right, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, to revoke this election and to receive all such dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Fund shall notify the Company promptly of the number of Designated Portfolio shares so issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.
1.5. Issuance and transfer of Fund shares shall be by book entry only. The Fund will not issue share certificates to the Company or the Account. Purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares shall be recorded in an appropriate ledger for the Account or the appropriate subaccount of the Account.
1.6. (a) The parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by this Agreement is not exclusive. The Fund may offer and sell shares of its Portfolios to other
| - 5 - |
insurance companies. Similarly, the cash value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.
(b) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Fund (unless otherwise required by applicable law), take any action to operate the Account as a management investment company under the 1940 Act.
(c) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Fund (unless otherwise required by applicable law), induce or encourage Contract owners to change or modify the Fund or remove or otherwise change the Fund’s distributor or investment adviser.
(d) The Company shall provide prior written notice to the Fund if it determines that it will induce or encourage Contract owners to vote on any matter submitted for consideration by the shareholders of the Fund in a manner other than as recommended by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
1.7. The Company acknowledges that, pursuant to Form 24F-2, the Fund is not required to pay fees to the SEC for registration of its shares under the 1933 Act with respect to its shares issued to an Account that is a unit investment trust that offers interests that are registered under the 1933 Act and on which a registration fee has been or will be paid to the SEC (a “Registered Account”). The Company agrees (i) as of the date of this Agreement it intends to purchase shares of the Fund only on behalf of holders of Contracts registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) in the event that it purchases shares of the Fund on behalf of any Contracts that are not registered under the 1933 Act, it will promptly notify the Fund or the Distributor as to the number of such shares.
ARTICLE II.
Representations and Warranties
2.1. The Fund represents and warrants that (i) the Fund is lawfully organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) the Fund is and shall use its best efforts to remain registered under the 1940 Act during the term of this Agreement, (iii) Designated Portfolio shares sold pursuant to this Agreement are registered under the 1933 Act (to the extent required by that Act) and are duly authorized for issuance, (iv) the Fund shall amend the registration statement for the shares of the Designated Portfolios under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of such shares, and (v) the Board has elected for each Designated Portfolio to be taxed as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Fund makes no representations or warranties as to whether any aspect of the Designated Portfolios’ operations, including, but not limited to, investment policies, fees and expenses, complies with the insurance laws and other applicable laws of the various states. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Fund of any investment restrictions imposed by state insurance law applicable to the Fund or a Designated Portfolio. The Fund shall not be responsible, and the Company shall take full responsibility, for determining any jurisdiction in which any qualification or registration of Fund shares or the Fund by the Fund may be required
| - 6 - |
in connection with the sale of the Contracts or the indirect interest of any Contract in any shares of the Fund and shall advise the Fund at such time and in such manner as is necessary to permit the Fund to comply.
2.2. The Distributor represents and warrants that shares of the Designated Portfolios (i) shall be offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable federal securities laws, (ii) are offered and sold only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and to persons or plans that communicate to the Fund that they qualify to purchase shares of the Designated Portfolios under Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder without impairing the ability of the Account to consider the portfolio investments of the Designated Portfolios as constituting investments of the Account for the purpose of satisfying the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) (“Qualified Persons”), and (iii) are registered and qualified for sale in accordance with the laws of the various states to the extent required by applicable law.
2.3. Subject to Company’s representations and warranties in Sections 2.5 and 2.6, the Fund represents and warrants that it will invest the assets of each Designated Portfolio in such a manner as to assure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity or life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Code and the regulations issued thereunder (or any successor provisions). Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Fund represents and warrants that each Designated Portfolio has complied and will continue to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof, relating to the diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or life insurance contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor provisions to such Section or Regulation. The Fund will make every reasonable effort (a) to notify the Company immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a breach of this Section 2.3 has occurred, and (b) in the event of such a breach, to adequately diversify the Designated Portfolio so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Treasury Regulation §1.817-5.
2.4. The Fund represents and warrants that each Designated Portfolio is or will be qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, that the Fund will make every reasonable effort to maintain such qualification (under Subchapter M or any successor or similar provisions) and that the Fund will notify the Company promptly upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Designated Portfolio has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.
2.5. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts (a) are, or prior to issuance will be, registered under the 1933 Act, or (b) are not registered because they are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be offered exclusively in transactions that are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Company also represents and warrants that it is an insurance company duly organized and in good standing under applicable law, that it has legally and validly established the Account prior to any issuance or sale thereof as a segregated asset account under relevant state insurance laws, and that it (a) has registered or, prior to any issuance or sale of the Contracts, will register the Account as a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to serve as a segregated investment account for the Contracts, or alternatively (b) has not registered the
| - 7 - |
Account in proper reliance upon an exclusion from registration under the 1940 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that (i) the Contracts will be issued and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal securities and state securities and insurance laws, (ii) the sale of the Contracts shall comply in all material respects with state insurance and other applicable suitability requirements; (iii) the information provided pursuant to Section 1.7 shall be accurate in all material respects; and (iv) it and the Account are Qualified Persons. The Company shall register and qualify the Contracts or interests therein as securities in accordance with the laws of the various states if and to the extent required by applicable law. If the Fund elects to adopt use of the summary prospectus, as defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, and the Company elects to make use of such summary prospectuses in connection with satisfying prospectus delivery requirements under the 1933 Act, the Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with the requirements of Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder in connection with the delivery of the Fund’s summary prospectuses and any other duties assumed by the Company in this Agreement. The Company represents and warrants that it has reasonable policies and procedures in place to ensure that it can appropriately meet its obligations under this Agreement.
2.6. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are currently, and at the time of issuance shall be, treated as life insurance or annuity contracts, under applicable provisions of the Code, that it will make every reasonable effort to maintain such treatment, and that it will notify the Fund and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that each of its Accounts is a “segregated asset account” and that interests in the Accounts are offered exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a “variable contract” within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Company will use every reasonable effort to continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify the Fund and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.
2.7. The Distributor represents and warrants that it is a member in good standing of the FINRA and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC.
2.8. The Fund and the Distributor represent and warrant that all of their trustees/directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund are and shall continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Fund in an amount not less than the minimum coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable bonding company.
2.9. The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors, officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed or controlled by the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Account are covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Account, in an amount deemed appropriate by the Company.
| - 8 - |
The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees to hold for the benefit of the Fund and to pay to the Fund any amounts lost from larceny, embezzlement or other events covered by the aforesaid bond to the extent such amounts properly belong to the Fund pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see that this bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect, and agrees to notify the Fund and the Distributor in the event that such coverage no longer applies.
2.10. The Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with any applicable privacy and notice provisions of 15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827 and any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (including but not limited to 17 C.F.R. Part 248), and any other applicable federal and state privacy law, as they may be amended from time to time. The Company represents and warrants that it has implemented and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement appropriate security measures for personal information that comply with all applicable law and regulation.
2.11. The Company represents and warrants that it has in place an anti-money laundering program (“AML program”) that does now and will continue at all times during the term of this Agreement to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the relevant provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-56 (2001)) and the regulations issued thereunder (the “Patriot Act”). The Company hereby certifies that it has established and maintains an AML program that includes written policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to identify its Contract owners and has undertaken appropriate due diligence efforts to “know its customers” in accordance with all applicable anti-money laundering regulations in its jurisdiction including, where applicable, the Patriot Act. The Company further confirms that it will monitor for suspicious activity in accordance with the requirements of the Patriot Act. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that it has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Company agrees to provide the Distributor with such information as it may reasonably request, including but not limited to the filling out of questionnaires, attestations and other documents, to enable the Distributor to fulfill its obligations under applicable law, and, upon its request, to file a notice pursuant to Section 314 of the Patriot Act and the implementing regulations related thereto to permit the voluntary sharing of information between the parties hereto. Upon filing such a notice, the Company agrees to forward a copy to the Distributor, and further agrees to comply with all requirements under the Patriot Act and implementing regulations concerning the use, disclosure, and security of any information that is shared.
2.12. The Company represents and warrants that (a) the Company has, and will maintain, policies and procedures reasonably designed to monitor and prevent market timing or excessive trading activity by its customers and (b) the Company will provide the Fund or its agent with assurances regarding the compliance of its handling of orders with respect to shares of the Designated Portfolios with the requirements of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, regulatory interpretations thereof, and the Fund’s market timing and excessive trading policies upon reasonable request. Additionally, the Company shall comply with the requirements of
| - 9 - |
applicable provisions of the summary prospectus and statutory prospectus (collectively, the “Prospectus”) and SAI of the Fund, and with applicable federal and state securities laws. Among other things, and without limitation of the foregoing, the Company shall be responsible for reasonably assuring that: (a) only orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Portfolio shares received by the Company or any Indirect Intermediary (as defined below) prior to the Valuation Time shall be submitted directly or indirectly by the Company to the Fund or its transfer agent or other applicable agent for receipt of a price based on the net asset value per share calculated for that day in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act (orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Portfolio shares received by the Company subsequent to the Valuation Time on any given Business Day or on a day that is not a Business Day shall receive a price based on the applicable net asset value per share next determined by the Fund in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act); and (b) the Company shall cause to be imposed and/or waived applicable redemption fees, if any, only in accordance with the Portfolio’s then current Prospectus or SAI and/or as instructed by the Distributor. The Company further agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Fund and its service providers (including but not limited to the Distributor) to detect, prevent and report market timing or excessive short-term trading of Portfolio shares. To the extent the Company has actual knowledge of violations of Fund policies (as set forth in the then current Prospectus or SAI) regarding (i) the timing of purchase, redemption or exchange orders and pricing of Portfolio shares, (ii) market timing or excessive short-term trading, or (iii) the imposition of redemption fees, if any, the Company agrees promptly to report such known violations to the Distributor.
2.13. The Fund represents and warrants that its summary prospectuses and the hosting of such documents prepared by the Fund that, pursuant to Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, will be publicly accessible, free of charge, at the website address specified on the cover page or at the beginning of the summary prospectus, and will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of Rule 498. The Fund and Distributor agree that the website used for hosting the Fund’s summary prospectuses will lead Contract owners directly to the current Fund documents required to be posted in compliance with Rule 498, and no other content or links will appear on the website.
ARTICLE III.
Prospectuses and Proxy Statements; Voting
3.1. Subject to Section 6.1 and the Fund’s determination to use summary prospectuses, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, the Distributor shall provide the Company with as many copies of the Fund’s current Prospectuses as the Company may reasonably request. The Company shall bear the expenses of printing copies of the Fund’s Prospectuses: (i) if requested by Contract owners, for the Contracts that will be distributed to existing Contract owners and (ii) that are used in connection with offering the Contracts issued by the Company. If requested by the Company in lieu thereof or if required by applicable law or applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Fund shall provide such documentation (including a final copy of the Fund’s summary and/or statutory prospectus in electronic format at the Fund’s expense) and other assistance as is reasonably necessary in order for the Company once each year (or more frequently if the summary prospectus for the Fund is amended) to have
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the prospectus for the Contracts and the Fund’s summary prospectus bound together in one document in accordance with applicable law and regulation, including but not limited to, Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff (such printing to be at the Company’s expense). As required by, and in accordance with, Rule 498 and all other applicable laws and guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Company represents and warrants that it shall: (1) deliver the Fund’s summary prospectus, if used, to existing Contract owners and potential investors in a manner that satisfies all applicable legal requirements, and (2) adhere to any applicable binding requirements regarding the summary prospectus.
3.2. The Distributor (or the Fund), at its expense and upon request of the Company, shall provide an electronic copy of the current SAI for the Fund free of charge to the Company for itself and so that the Company can print and deliver the SAI to any owner of a Contract who requests such SAI.
3.3. Within three (3) Business Days of receiving a request for a paper copy or an electronic copy of a Fund statutory and/or summary prospectus, including any supplements, SAI, including any supplements, and most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders under Rule 30e-1 of the 1940 Act (“Fund Documents”), the Company shall send a paper copy or electronic copy, respectively, of any requested Fund Document to any person requesting such copy at no cost to the Contract owner and by U.S. first class mail or other reasonably prompt means or by email for electronic requests. The Company shall deliver the most current version of the Fund Document that it has received from the Fund pursuant to Section 3.1 above.
3.4. The Fund shall provide the Company with information regarding the Fund’s expenses, which information may include a table of fees and related narrative disclosure for use in any prospectus or other descriptive document relating to a Contract. The Company agrees that it will use such information in the form provided. The Company shall provide prior written notice of any proposed modification of such information, which notice will describe in detail the manner in which the Company proposes to modify the information, and agrees that it may not modify such information in any way without the prior consent of the Fund.
3.5. The Fund hereby grants to the Company a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license for the duration of the Agreement to create a hyperlink from the Company's website to the Fund's website. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund shall be and remain solely responsible for ensuring that the statutory prospectuses, the summary prospectuses and other documents for the Designated Portfolios, comply with Rule 498 and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder.
3.6. The Fund, at its expense, or at the expense of its designee, shall provide the Company with copies of its proxy material, reports to shareholders, and other communications to shareholders in such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require for distributing to Contract owners. The Company shall deliver such documents to Contract owners in accordance with applicable laws.
3.7. The Company shall:
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(i) solicit voting instructions from Contract owners eligible to vote on a matter;
(ii) vote the Fund shares in accordance with instructions received from such Contract owners; and
(iii) vote Fund shares of Contract owners eligible to vote for which no instructions have been received in the same proportion as Fund shares of Contract owners eligible to vote on such matter for which instructions have been received,
so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act and/or relief and interpretations thereunder to require pass-through voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the extent otherwise required by law.
3.8. Participating Insurance Companies shall be responsible for assuring that each of their separate accounts participating in a Designated Portfolio calculates voting privileges as required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order.
ARTICLE IV.
Sales Material and Information
4.1. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Fund or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that the Company or its affiliates develop and in which the Fund (or a Designated Portfolio thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Fund or its designee, and the Fund will use its best efforts for it or its designee to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Fund or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Fund (or a Designated Portfolio thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named, and no such material shall be used if the Fund or its designee so object.
4.2. The Company shall not give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of the Fund or concerning the Fund, a Designated Portfolio, the Adviser or the Distributor in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in the registration statement or applicable Prospectus or applicable SAI for the Fund shares, as such registration statement and Prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for the Fund, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Fund or its designee or by the Distributor for use with the public, except with the written permission of the Fund or the Distributor or the designee of either. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, including Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, when composing, compiling and delivering sales literature or other promotional material. The Fund shall be entitled to review Company’s placement of sales materials with the summary prospectus in order to review Company’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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4.3. The Fund and the Distributor, or their designee, shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Company, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that it develops and in which the Company, and/or its Account, is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Company, and the Company will use its best efforts to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Company reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Company and/or its Account is named, and no such material shall be used if the Company so objects.
4.4. The Fund and the Distributor shall not give any information or make any representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Account, or the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in a registration statement, prospectus (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts, as such registration statement, prospectus, or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the public domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its designee, except with the written permission of the Company.
4.5. The Fund will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of all summary and/or statutory prospectuses, reports, proxy statements, applications for exemptions to the extent material to the Company, requests for no-action letters to the extent material to the Company, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Fund or its shares promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Fund shall provide copies of registration statements and SAIs upon request of Company. The Company shall not alter any of such documents provided by the Fund without the prior written consent of the Fund or Distributor.
4.6. The Company will provide to the Fund at least one complete copy of all prospectuses (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), SAIs, reports, solicitations for voting instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account and to the extent material to the Fund, Adviser or Distributor, promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Company shall provide to the Fund and the Distributor any complaints received from the Contract owners pertaining to the Fund or the Designated Portfolios.
4.7. For purposes of this Article IV, the phrase “sales literature and other promotional materials” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that refer to the Fund or any affiliate of the Fund: advertisements (such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational
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or training materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports, proxy materials, and any other communications distributed or made generally available with regard to the Fund.
ARTICLE V.
Fees and Expenses
5.1. Except as otherwise provided herein or in a separate agreement entered into by some or all the parties hereto, no party to this Agreement shall pay any fee or other compensation to any other party to this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, all expenses incident to performance by a party under this Agreement shall be paid by such party.
5.2. The Fund shall see to it that all its shares are registered and authorized for issuance in accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to the extent deemed advisable by the Fund, in accordance with applicable state laws prior to their sale. The Fund shall bear the expenses for the cost of registration and qualification of the Fund’s shares, preparation and filing of the Fund’s Prospectuses and registration statement, proxy materials and reports, setting the Prospectuses in type, setting in type and printing the proxy materials and reports to shareholders, the preparation of all statements and notices required by any federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Fund’s shares.
5.3. The Company shall bear the expenses of distributing the Fund’s Prospectuses to owners of Contracts issued by the Company and of distributing the Fund’s proxy materials and reports to such Contract owners.
ARTICLE VI.
Potential Conflicts
6.1. The parties to this Agreement agree that the conditions or undertakings required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order that may be imposed on the Company, the Fund and/or the Distributor by virtue of such order by the SEC, including those relating to material irreconcilable conflicts, apply to the activities contemplated in this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference as terms of this Agreement at all times that the Company, the Fund and/or the Distributor rely on the relief provided by such order. At all times the conditions and undertaking apply as set forth above, each of the parties agree to comply with such conditions and undertakings to the extent applicable to such party, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement otherwise to the contrary. The parties hereto agree that each shall assume that it is relying upon the relief provided by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order when acting in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Fund or Distributor provides a written notification to each party that the parties are not acting in reliance on the relief provided by such order.
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6.2. If and to the extent that Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or Rule 6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940 Act or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as defined in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different from those contained in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order, then (a) the parties to this Agreement shall take such steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable; and (b) Sections 3.7 and 3.8 of this Agreement shall continue in effect only to the extent that terms and conditions substantially identical to such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so amended or adopted.
ARTICLE VII.
Indemnification
7.1. Indemnification By the Company
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Adviser and the Distributor and each of its trustees/directors and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Fund or Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Distributor (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statements of any material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus (which shall include a written description of a Contract that is not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts or contained in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Fund for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund not supplied by the Company or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the
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Company or its agents or persons under the Company’s authorization or control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Fund Shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Fund by or on behalf of the Company; or
(iv) arise as a result of any material failure by the Company to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the qualification requirements specified in Section 2.6 of this Agreement); or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.1(b) and 7.1(c) hereof.
(b) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under this Agreement.
(c) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Company to such party of the Company’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
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(d) The Indemnified Parties will promptly notify the Company of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection with the issuance or sale of the Fund shares or the Contracts or the operation of the Fund.
7.2. Indemnification by the Distributor
(a) The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.2) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Distributor) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement or prospectus or SAI or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Distributor or Fund by or on behalf of the Company for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Fund or in sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts not supplied by the Distributor or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Fund or Distributor or persons under their control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material covering the Contracts, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement or statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Fund or the Distributor; or
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(iv) arise as a result of any failure by the Distributor to provide the services and furnish the materials it is required to provide and furnish under the terms of this Agreement; or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Distributor in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Distributor;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.2(b) and 7.2(c) hereof.
(b) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Distributor in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Distributor of any such claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Party, the Distributor will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Distributor also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Distributor to such party of the Distributor’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Distributor will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts or the operation of the Account.
7.3. Indemnification By the Fund
(a) The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.3) against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Fund) or litigation (including
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reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be required to pay or may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the operations of the Fund and:
(i) arise as a result of any failure by the Fund to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the diversification and other qualification requirements specified in Section 2.3 and 2.4 of this Agreement); or
(ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Fund in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Fund;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.3(b) and 7.3(c) hereof. The parties acknowledge that the Fund’s indemnification obligations under this Section 7.3 are subject to applicable law.
(b) The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company, the Fund, the Distributor or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Fund in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any such claim shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Parties, the Fund will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Fund also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Fund to such party of the Fund’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Fund will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company and the Distributor agree promptly to notify the Fund of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any of its respective officers or
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directors in connection with the Agreement, the issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or acquisition of shares of the Fund.
ARTICLE VIII.
Applicable Law
8.1. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
8.2. This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933, 1934 and 1940 Acts, as amended, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant (including, but not limited to, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith. If, in the future, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order should no longer be necessary under applicable law, then Article VI shall no longer apply.
ARTICLE IX.
Termination
9.1. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to occur of:
(a) termination by any party, for any reason with respect to some or all Designated Portfolios, by six (6) months advance written notice delivered to the other parties; or
(b) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor based upon the Company’s determination that shares of a Portfolio are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, provided, however, that such termination shall apply only to those Portfolios the shares of which are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, and in such event notice of its election to terminate for such cause shall be furnished by the Company promptly; or
(c) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor in the event any of the Designated Portfolios’ shares are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or such law precludes the use of such shares as the underlying investment media of the Contracts issued or to be issued by the Company; or
(d) termination by the Fund or Distributor in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Company by FINRA, the SEC, the Insurance Commissioner or like official of any state or any other regulatory body regarding the Company’s duties under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of any Account, or the purchase of the Fund’s shares; provided, however, that the Fund or Distributor determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative
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proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(e) termination by the Company in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Fund or Distributor by FINRA, the SEC, or any state securities or insurance department or any other regulatory body; provided, however, that the Company determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Fund or Distributor to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor with respect to any Designated Portfolio in the event that such Portfolio ceases to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M or fails to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements specified in Section 2.4 hereof, or if the Company reasonably believes that such Portfolio may fail to so qualify or comply; or
(g) termination by the Fund or Distributor by written notice to the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to meet the qualifications specified in Section 2.6 hereof; or
(h) termination by either the Fund or the Distributor by written notice to the Company, if either one or both of the Fund or the Distributor respectively, shall determine, in their sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Company has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition, or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(i) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor, if the Company shall determine, in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Fund, Adviser, or the Distributor has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(j) termination by the Company upon any substitution of the shares of another investment company or series thereof for shares of a Designated Portfolio of the Fund in accordance with the terms of the Contracts, provided that the Company has given at least 90 days prior written notice to the Fund and Distributor of the date of substitution; or
(k) termination by the Fund if the Board has decided to (i) refuse to sell shares of any Designated Portfolio to the Company and/or any of its Accounts; (ii) suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any Designated Portfolio; or (iii) dissolve, reorganize, liquidate, merge or sell all assets of the Fund or any Designated Portfolio, subject to the provisions of Section 1.1; or
(l) termination by any party in the event that the Fund’s Board of Trustees determines that a material irreconcilable conflict exists as provided in Article VI.
9.2. (a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, and except as provided in Section 9.2(b), the Fund and the Distributor shall, at the option of the Company, continue,
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until the one year anniversary from the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter if deemed appropriate by the Fund and the Distributor, to make available additional shares of the Designated Portfolios pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Existing Contracts”). Specifically, based on instructions from the owners of the Existing Contracts, the Accounts shall be permitted to reallocate investments in the Designated Portfolios of the Fund and redeem investments in the Designated Portfolios, and shall be permitted to invest in the Designated Portfolios in the event that owners of the Existing Contracts make additional premium payments under the Existing Contracts.
The Company agrees, promptly after any termination of this Agreement, to take all steps necessary to redeem the investment of the Accounts in the Designated Portfolios within one year from the date of termination of the Agreement as provided in Article IX. Such steps shall include, but not be limited to, obtaining an order pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act to permit the substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Portfolios. The Fund may, in its discretion, permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Portfolios beyond such one year anniversary for an additional year beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter; provided that the Fund agrees in writing to permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Portfolios at the beginning of any such year.
(b) In the event (i) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 9.1(g) or 9.1(l), at the option of the Fund or the Distributor; or (ii) the one year anniversary of the termination of the Agreement is reached or, after waiver as provided in Section 9.2(a), such subsequent anniversary is reached (each of (i) and (ii) referred to as a “triggering event” and the date of termination as provided in (i) or the date of such anniversary as provided in (ii) referred to as the “request date”), the parties agree that such triggering event shall be considered as a request for immediate redemption of shares of the Designated Portfolios held by the Accounts, received by the Fund and its agents as of the request date, and the Fund agrees to process such redemption request in accordance with the 1940 Act and the regulations thereunder and the Fund’s registration statement.
(c) The parties agree that this Section 9.2 shall not apply to any terminations under Article VI and the effect of such Article VI terminations shall be governed by Article VI of this Agreement. The parties further agree that, to the extent that all or a portion of the assets of the Accounts continue to be invested in the Fund or any Designated Portfolio of the Fund, Articles I, II, III, VI, VII and VIII will remain in effect after termination.
9.3. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party’s obligation under Article VII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.
| - 22 - |
ARTICLE X.
Notices
Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service to the other party at the address of such party set forth below or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party.
| If to the Fund: |
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust c/o Virtus Investment Partners 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel
|
| If to the Company: |
The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.
7 Hanover Square, H-23G New York, NY 10004 Attention: Equity Counsel |
| If to Distributor: |
VP Distributors, LLC c/o Virtus Investment Partners 100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel |
ARTICLE XI.
Miscellaneous
11.1. All persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of the applicable Designated Portfolio, as appropriate, set forth on Schedule A hereto as though each such Designated Portfolio had separately contracted with the Company and the Distributor for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund. The parties agree that none of the Board, officers, agents or shareholders of the Fund assume any personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on behalf of the Fund.
11.2. Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory authority, each party hereto shall treat as confidential the names and addresses of the owners of the Contracts and all information reasonably identified as confidential in writing by any other party hereto and, except as permitted by this Agreement, shall not disclose, disseminate or utilize such names and addresses and other confidential information without the express written consent of the affected party until such time as such information has come into the public domain.
11.3. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
11.4. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
| - 23 - |
11.5. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11.6. Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, FINRA, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto further agrees to furnish the applicable Insurance Commissioner with any information or reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement which such Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable insurance contract operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent with the applicable variable insurance contract laws and regulations and any other applicable law or regulations.
11.7. The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and federal laws.
11.8. This Agreement may be amended only by the mutual written consent of the parties.
11.9. This Agreement or any of the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, by any party without the prior written consent of all parties hereto. The Company shall promptly notify the Fund and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company.
11.10. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Fund or its designee copies of the following reports:
(a) the Company’s annual statement (prepared under statutory accounting principles) and annual report (prepared under generally accepted accounting principles) filed with any state or federal regulatory body or otherwise made available to the public, as soon as practicable and in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year; and
(b) any registration statement (without exhibits) and financial reports of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state insurance regulatory, as soon as practicable after the filing thereof.
ARTICLE XII.
Rule 22-2 Compliance
12.1. The Company agrees to provide promptly to the Distributor, upon written request, the taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”), or other government-issued identifier (“GII”) and the Contract owner number or participant account number, if known, of any or all Contractholder(s) of the
| - 24 - |
account, the name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Contractholder(s) or account (if known), and the amount, date and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of shares held through an account maintained by the Company during the period covered by the request. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the Distributor, the Company shall only be required to provide information relating to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions.
(a) Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, normally not to exceed 90 days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Distributor may request transaction information older than 90 days from the date of the request as it deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established or utilized by the Fund or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Portfolio. If requested by the Distributor, the Company will provide the information specified in this Section 12.1 for each trading day. Requests normally will not be made more frequently than quarterly, except as the Fund or the Distributor deems necessary for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Portfolio (including without limitation efforts to prevent or detect market timing).
(b) Form and Timing of Response. The Company agrees to provide, promptly upon request of the Distributor, the requested information specified in this Section 12.1. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom it has received the identification and transaction information specified in this Section 12.1 is itself a “financial intermediary,” as that term is defined in Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act (an “Indirect Intermediary”) and, upon request of the Distributor, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information set forth in this Section 12.1 for those Contractholders who hold an account with an Indirect Intermediary or (ii) restrict or prohibit the Indirect Intermediary from purchasing shares in nominee name on behalf of other persons. The Company additionally agrees to inform the Distributor whether it plans to perform (i) or (ii) above. Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties. To the extent practicable, the format for any Contractholder and transaction information provided to the Distributor should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.
(c) Limitations on Use of Information. The Distributor agrees not to use the information received under this Section 12.1 for marketing or any other similar purpose without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not limit the use of publicly available information, information already in the possession of the Distributor, the Fund or their affiliates at the time the information is received pursuant to this Section 12.1 or information which comes into the possession of the Distributor, the Fund or their affiliates from a third party.
(d) Agreement to Restrict Trading. The Company agrees to execute written instructions from the Distributor to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Portfolio shares by a Contractholder that has been identified by the Distributor as having
| - 25 - |
engaged in transactions in Portfolio shares (directly or indirectly through the Company’s account) that violate policies established or utilized by the Fund or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Portfolio. Unless otherwise directed by the Distributor, any such restrictions or prohibitions shall only apply to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions that are effected directly or indirectly through the Company.
(e) Form of Instructions. Instructions must include the TIN, ITIN or GII and the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, GII or the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Contractholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates.
(f) Timing of Response. The Company agrees to execute instructions from the Distributor as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after receipt of the instructions by the Company.
(g) Confirmation by the Company. The Company must provide written confirmation to the Distributor that the Distributor’s instructions to restrict or prohibit trading have been executed. The Company agrees to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after the instructions have been executed.
(h) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 12.1, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
(i) The term “Contractholder” means the holder of interests in a Contract or a participant in an employee benefit plan with a beneficial interest in a Contract.
(ii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchase” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Portfolio, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollment such as a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Portfolio as a result of “dollar cost averaging” programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs, or automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iii) as a result of a one-time step-up in Contract value pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iv) as a result of an allocation of assets to a Portfolio through a Contract as a result of payments such as loan repayments, scheduled contributions, retirement plan salary reduction contributions, or planned premium payments to the Contract; or (v) pre-arranged transfers at the conclusion of a required “free look” period.
| - 26 - |
(iii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemption” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract out of a Portfolio, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollments such as transfers of assets within a Contract out of a Portfolio as a result of annuity payouts, loans, systematic withdrawal programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs and automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) as a result of any deduction of charges or fees under a Contract; (iii) within a Contract out of a Portfolio as a result of scheduled withdrawals or surrenders from a Contract; or (iv) as a result of payment of a death benefit from a Contract.
(iv) The term “Portfolios” shall mean the constituent series of the Fund, but for purposes of this Section 12.1 shall not include Portfolios excepted from the requirements of paragraph (a) of Rule 22c-2 by paragraph (b) of Rule 22c-2.
(v) The term “promptly” shall mean as soon as practicable but in no event later than five (5) business days from the Company’s receipt of the request for information from the Distributor.
(vi) The term “written” includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.
(vii) In addition, for purposes of this Section 12.1, the term “purchase” does not include the automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
| - 27 - |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first listed above.
THE GUARDIAN INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY, INC.
| By its authorized officer | |||
| By: | /s/ Douglas Dubitsky | ||
| Name: | Douglas Dubitsky | ||
| Title: | VP | ||
| Date: | 5/20/13 | ||
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
| By its authorized officer | |||
| By: | /s/ Kevin J. Carr | ||
| Name: | Kevin J. Carr | ||
| Title: | VP & Sec. | ||
| Date: | 5/23/13 | ||
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
| By its authorized officer | |||
| By: | /s/ Matthew Hamel | ||
| Name: | Matthew Hamel | ||
| Title: | Senior VP | ||
| Date: | 5/23/13 | ||
| - 28 - |
Schedule A
The term “Designated Portfolio” of the Fund will include any Portfolio of the Fund (as listed below) as well as any Portfolio of the Fund or any share class of any Portfolio (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust:
Virtus Capital Growth Series
Virtus Growth & Income Series
Virtus International Series
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
Virtus Premium AlphaSector SM Series
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus Small-Cap Growth Series
Virtus Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Separate Account R
Contracts:
| Guardian Investor ProFreedom Variable Annuity SM (B Share) |
| Guardian Investor ProFreedom Variable Annuity SM (C Share) |
| Guardian Investor ProFreedom Variable Annuity SM (I Share) |
| - 29 - |
Exhibit j
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated February 20, 2014 relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appear in the December 31, 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, which is also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights”, "Non-Public Portfolio Holdings Information", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Financial Statements" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 28, 2014
Exhibit p.4
Code of Ethics
F - S Q U A RE D INVESTMENTS, INC.
F-SQUARED RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC
F-SQUARED INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS, LLC
F-SQUARED ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS, LLC
F-SQUARED CAPITAL, LLC
| I. | INTRODUCTION |
This Code of Ethics (the “Code”) sets forth the standards of conduct expected of any officer, director (or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or an employee of F-Squared (the “Adviser”), or other person who provides investment advice on behalf of the Adviser and is subject to the supervision and control of the Adviser (an “ Employee ”) and addresses conflicts of interest that arise from person trading by certain Employees. The Code is designed to comply with the requirements of Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
The Adviser is required to provide all Employees with a copy of this Code and any amendments hereto. Each Employee is required to provide the Chief Compliance Officer with a written acknowledgement of his or her receipt of the Code and any amendments hereto.
Unless defined in the following sections, key terms and phrases have the meanings defined in Section VIII. Each defined word or phrase is identified in bold-faced type the first time it is used below.
| II. | REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS |
If an Employee becomes aware of any violation(s) or potential violation(s) of any of the provisions of this Code of Ethics, such Employee must report such violation(s) or potential violation(s) promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer. Failure to report, in a prompt manner, any violation(s) of this Code that an Employee is are aware of, will be considered itself a violation of the Code and subject to remedial action.
| III. | REMEDIAL ACTIONS |
If you violate this Code, you are subject to remedial actions, to be imposed by the Chief Compliance Officer, which may include, but are not limited to, disgorgement of profits, imposition of a substantial fine, demotion, suspension or termination.
| IV. | STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT |
A. Fiduciary Duty
This Code is based on the principle that the Adviser and you, as our Employee, owe a fiduciary duty to the Advisory Clients for which the Adviser serves as an adviser. Accordingly, you must avoid activities, interests and relationships that might interfere or appear to interfere with making decisions in the best interests of our Advisory Clients. The Code seeks to place the interests of Advisory Clients over the interests of the Adviser and any Employee, and to comply with the applicable Federal Securities Laws and other applicable law.
At all times, you must place the interests of our Advisory Clients first. In other words, as a fiduciary you must scrupulously avoid serving your own personal interests ahead of the interests of our Advisory Clients. Employees must also conduct all personal securities
transactions in full compliance with this Code. You must not take any action in connection with your personal investments that could cause even the appearance of unfairness or impropriety. Accordingly, you must comply with the policies and procedures set forth in this Code. Avoid taking inappropriate advantage of your position. The receipt of investment opportunities, gifts or gratuities from persons seeking business with the Adviser directly or on behalf of an Advisory Client could call into question the independence of your business judgment. Accordingly, you must comply with the policies and procedures set forth in this Code under the heading Fiduciary Duties .
B. Legal compliance
Employees must obey all laws and regulations applicable to the Adviser’s business, including but not limited to, the applicable Federal Securities Laws.
C. Insider Trading
You shall not engage in transactions in any Securities while in possession of material, nonpublic information regarding the Securities. Nor shall you communicate material, nonpublic information to any person who might use the information to purchase or sell Securities.
Material Information . Generally speaking, information is “material” where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor could consider the information important in deciding whether to buy or sell the Securities in question, or where the information, if disclosed, could be viewed by a reasonable investor as having significantly altered the “total mix” of information available. Common, but by no means exclusive, examples of “material” information include information concerning a company’s sales, earnings, dividends, significant acquisitions or mergers and major litigation. Because materiality determinations are often challenged with the benefit of hindsight, if an Employee has any doubt whether certain information is “material,” he or she should address the question with the Chief Compliance Officer immediately.
Nonpublic information . Information is “nonpublic” until it has been made available to investors generally. In this respect, one must be able to point to some fact to show that the information is generally public, such as inclusion in reports filed with the SEC or press releases issued by the issuer of the Securities, or reference to this information in publications of general circulation.
Advisory Information . Information concerning (i) what Securities are being followed; (ii) specific recommendations made to Advisory Clients; (iii) prospective Securities transactions of its Advisory Clients; or (iv) Advisory Clients’ current holdings is strictly confidential. Under some circumstances, Advisory Information may be material and nonpublic.
D. Handling of Confidential information
Employees should observe the confidentiality of information that they acquire by virtue of their employment at the Adviser, except where disclosure is approved by the Adviser or otherwise legally mandated.
| V. | PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS – ACCESS PERSONS |
A. Trading in General
An Access Person must not engage, and must not permit any other person or entity to engage in any purchase or sale of a Covered Security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of the transaction will acquire, any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership , unless (i) the transaction is an Exempt Transaction (as set forth below) or (ii) he/she has complied with the provisions set forth below.
B. Pre-clearance
Access Persons must seek to obtain pre-clearance trading approval from the Chief Compliance Officer to purchase or sell any Covered Security placed on either the Adviser Restricted List or Pre-Clearance List for which the person has or will have by reason of the trade a Beneficial Ownership. The Adviser’s Restricted List will be monitored and amended on an as-needed basis by the Investment Committee and Chief Compliance Officer.
Finally, Access Persons must seek to obtain pre-clearance trading approval from the Adviser before directly or indirectly acquiring Beneficial Ownership in any Security in an Initial Public Offering or in a Limited Offering .
C. Beneficial Ownership
To determine whether a person has “Beneficial Ownership,” Access Persons are considered to have Beneficial Ownership of Securities if such Access Person, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise have or share a direct or indirect “pecuniary interest” in such Securities.
An Access Person has a pecuniary interest in the Securities if such Access Person has the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the Securities.
D. Exempt Securities
Access Persons are required to report all transactions in Covered Securities. The following are not considered Covered Securities:
1. Direct obligations of the Government of the United States;
2. Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
3. Shares issued by money market Funds;
4. Shares issued by open-end Funds except Reportable Funds.
E. Initial Public Offerings
Access Persons must obtain prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer to acquire direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership of any Security in an Initial Public Offering.
F. Limited Offerings
Access Persons must obtain prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer to acquire direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership of any Security in a Limited Offerings .
G. Use of Broker-Dealers and Confirmations
Every Access Person may direct each broker, dealer or bank who maintains an account for Covered Securities of which such Access Person has direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, to supply to the Chief Compliance Officer, duplicate copies of confirmations of all transactions in the account and copies of periodic statements for the account. Alternatively, Access Persons may provide the Chief Compliance Officer with such statements and confirmations directly.
H. Reporting
The Chief Compliance Officer shall identify all Access Persons who are under the duty to complete and provide the reports described below and shall inform such persons of such duty. The Chief Compliance Officer will review the account statements and the reports required pursuant to this Reporting section.
All reports and account statements received by the Adviser shall be kept confidential except to the extent that disclosure may be required by regulatory authorities and that disclosure, on a confidential basis, may be made for an audit of compliance procedures.
I. Initial Holdings Reports
If you are an Access Person, you must report no later than ten (10) days after becoming an Access Person to the Chief Compliance Officer the following information, and such report must be current as of a date no more than forty five (45) days prior to the date you become an Access Person:
(a) the title and type of security, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number (as applicable), number of shares, and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership as of the date the person became an Access Person;
(b) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any Securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the date the person became an Access Person 1 ; and
(c) the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.
Access Persons may comply with this requirement by providing statements from each of their applicable accounts to the Chief Compliance Officer in the stated time frame.
The Access Person must submit annually thereafter an annual holdings report setting forth the above-specified information as mentioned below. Access Persons may comply with this requirement by providing statements from each of their applicable accounts to the Chief Compliance Officer in the stated time frame.
J. Quarterly Reports
Every Access Person must report to the Chief Compliance Officer no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the calendar quarter, the following information:
(a) With respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access Person had or acquired any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership:
(1) The date of the transaction, the title, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number (as applicable), the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each Covered Security involved;
(2) The nature of the transaction ( i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(3) The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected;
(4) The name broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and
(5) The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.
The foregoing includes reporting securities acquired through a gift or inheritance.
1 Please note the report requires disclosure of the name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the Access Person has an account in which “any Securities” are held for his direct or indirect benefit and not just accounts holding Covered Securities.
(b) With respect to any account established by the Access Person in which any Securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person 2 :
(1) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person established the account;
(2) The date the account was established; and
(3) The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(c) If an Access Person instructs all brokers, dealers or banks that hold Securities in which such Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership, to provide duplicate broker-trade confirmations and account statements required under the above sub-section G. entitled “Use of Broker-Dealers and Confirmations” to the Chief Compliance Officer within the time period required for a Quarterly Transaction Report (i.e., within thirty (30) days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter) and provides the information required in part (b) above, then such Access Person need only represent on the Quarterly Transaction Report:
(1) that he/she has directed all broker, dealers or banks who hold any Securities in which such Access Person has Beneficial Ownership to send duplicate confirmations and account statements to the Chief Compliance Officer;
(2) the form of such confirmations, account statements or records provide to the Adviser contain all the information required in a Quarterly Transaction Report; and
(3) with respect to any account established during the applicable quarter in which the Access Person has Beneficial Ownership in Securities, the information provided in accordance with part (b) is true and accurate.
It is the obligation of each Access Person relying on part (c) to ensure compliance with its requirements.
K. Annual Holdings Reports
If you are an Access Person, you must report no later than thirty (30) days after the calendar year end, the following information:
2 Please note the report requires disclosure of the name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the Access Person has an account in which “any Securities” are held for his direct or indirect benefit and not just accounts holding Covered Securities.
(a) the title and type of Security, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number (as applicable), number of shares, and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership;
(b) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any Securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person 3 ; and
(c) the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.
The above information is required to be updated annually. More specifically, each Access Person must submit annually a holdings report setting forth the above-specified information that must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the report is submitted. The Form used to report personal holdings is set forth in Appendix I.
L. Exceptions to Reporting Requirements
(a) An Access Person need not make a report to the Chief Compliance Officer under the Reporting Section above with respect to transactions effected for, and Covered Securities held in, any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.
(b) As noted above, an Access Person need not report securities transactions during a calendar quarter on the Quarterly Transaction Report to the Chief Compliance Officer if all the information in the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements that the Adviser holds in its records so long as the Adviser receives the confirmations or statements no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.
(c) Access Persons are not required to report securities transactions in Covered Securities purchased pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan on the Quarterly Transaction Report.
VI. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS – All Employees
In addition to Access Persons the Adviser has implemented a policy whereby all employees must seek to obtain pre-clearance trading approval from the Chief Compliance Officer to purchase or sell any Covered Security placed on the Adviser Pre-clearance List for which the person has or will have by reason of the trade a Beneficial Ownership. The Adviser Pre-clearance List will be monitored and amended on an as needed basis by the Investment Committee and Chief Compliance Officer.
3 Please note the report requires disclosure of the name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the Access Person has an account in which “any Securities” are held for his direct or indirect benefit and not just accounts holding Covered Securities.
VII. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATIONS
A. Certificate of Receipt
Employees are required to acknowledge receipt of your copy of this Code and any amendment hereto.
B. Annual Certificate of Compliance
You are required to certify upon commencement of your employment or the effective date of this Code, whichever occurs later, and annually thereafter, that you have read and understand this Code and recognize that you are subject to this Code. Each annual certificate will also state that you have complied with the requirements of this Code during the prior year, and if you are an Access Person that you have disclosed, reported, or caused to be reported all transactions during the prior year in Covered Securities of which you had or acquired Beneficial Ownership.
VIII. ADMINISTRATION
Please refer any questions regarding the applicability, meaning or administration of this Code to the Chief Compliance Officer in advance of any contemplated transaction. Exemptions from certain provisions of this Code may be granted by the Chief Compliance Officer if it is determined that the fundamental obligations of the person involved are not and will not be compromised.
The Chief Compliance Officer will annually review the adequacy of the Code and the effectiveness of its implementation.
IX. DEFINITIONS
A. “Access Person” means any Employee of the Adviser who:
(i) has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holding of any Reportable Fund, or
(ii) is involved in making securities recommendations to clients or has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic, or
(iii) is a director, executive officer, (or other person holding a similar position or performing similar functions) of the Adviser.
B. “Advisory Client” means a client for whom the Adviser provides investment advisory services for compensation.
C. “Automatic Investment Plan” means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a pre-determined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.
D. “Beneficial Ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act” ) in determining whether a person has beneficial ownership of a security for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. In this regard, beneficial ownership will be deemed to exist if a person, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise has or shares, a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the securities ( i.e ., an opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the securities). Under this definition, an indirect pecuniary interest in securities generally includes, but is not limited to, securities held by members of a person’s immediate family sharing the same household provided, however, this presumption of beneficiary ownership may be rebutted, a person’s interests in securities held in certain trusts, a general partner’s proportionate interest in the portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership, a person’s right to receive dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities (otherwise a right to receive dividends alone shall not represent a pecuniary interest) and a person’s right to acquire securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security whether or not presently exercisable. A person will not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of portfolio securities held by a corporation or similar entity in which the person owns securities if the shareholder is not a controlling shareholder of the entity and does not have or share investment control over the entity’s portfolio. See the Section “Personal Securities Transactions — Beneficial Ownership” for a further discussion of determining Beneficial Ownership.
E. “Control” shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
F. “Covered Security” shall mean a Security as defined in item N below (in effect, all securities) except that it shall not include direct obligations of the Government of the United States; bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; money market fund shares and shares issued by registered open-end investment companies other than Reportable Funds.
G. “ Employee ” means any partner, officer, director (or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or employee of the Adviser, or other person who provides investment advice on behalf of the Adviser and is subject to the supervision and control of the Adviser.
H. “ Federal Securities Laws ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, Title V of Gramm-Leach-Bliley act, any rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment
advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Department of the Treasury.
I. “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
J. “Fund” means an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
K. “Limited Offering” shall mean an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505 or Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.
L. “Purchase or Sale of a Covered Security” includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Covered Security.
M. “Reportable Fund” means:
(i) Any Fund for which the Adviser serves as investment adviser as defined in section 2(a)(20) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ( i.e. , the fund’s board approves the Adviser to serve in such capacity), or
(ii) Any Fund whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls the Adviser, is controlled by the Adviser, or is under common control with the Adviser.
N. “Security” shall mean any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre-organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security”, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any security of the foregoing.
The term “Security” includes any option or derivative instrument on that Security and any other Security that is convertible into or exchangeable for that Security.
X. GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT POLICY
No Firm employee shall use their position with the Firm to inappropriately obtain anything of value. In order to address conflicts of interest that may arise when an employs receives or gives a gift or participates in business entertainment, the Firm places the following restrictions on such practices.
Non-cash gifts of $250 or less and usual and customary business entertainment involving both parties are allowed. Gifts and business entertainment exceeding these parameters must receive pre-approval from Compliance.
A. Gifts
Employees must receive pre-approval from Compliance when giving or receiving anything of value that the employee reasonably believes exceeds $250. The $250 limitation applies to a single gift or gifts from the same individual or entity, which when aggregated over a 12-month period exceed $250. Compliance may require that gifts exceeding $250 or otherwise deemed to be inappropriate be returned to the provider.
It is customary for the Firm to receive gift baskets or food from time to time. Such gift baskets and food delivered to the Firm’s office do not require pre-approval.
Reasonable gifts given or received due to a personal relationship with a party that may do business with the Firm, such as for a wedding or birth of a child, do not require pre-approval.
No employee may give or receive cash or cash equivalents from a party that does business with the Firm. Gift card may be appropriate if approved by a supervisor or Compliance.
B. Entertainment
Employees may not participate in lavish or excessive entertainment with any party that does business with the Firm.
Employees may provide or accept reasonable business entertainment, such as meals or sporting event attendance, if the following criteria are met:
1. The employee has a business relationship with the person providing or receiving the entertainment,
2. Both sides are present during the business entertainment (i.e., a representatives from each of the Firm and the entity providing or receiving the business entertainment are present), and
3. Participation in the business entertainment would enhance the business relationship.
All entertainment that exceeds these standards must be approved by Compliance.
C. Government Officials and ERISA Plans
Employees must receive Compliance pre-approval for any business gifts or business entertainment involving a government official or ERISA plan. In accordance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, no gifts, payments, offers or promises of payments or gifts may be knowingly given to any foreign official with the intent of securing an improper business advantage or influencing any act or decision of government. For the purposes of this law, a foreign official encompasses any employee or official of any foreign government, agency, state-owned business, public international organization, or anyone acting on behalf of a foreign government in any official capacity. Payments through non-official intermediaries or third-parties with the intent of influencing an official are also prohibited.
XI. OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Employees may not serve on the board of directors for an outside entity, whether commercial or non-profit, without receiving pre-approval from Compliance. In addition, employees may not have an active role in the management of an outside entity without Compliance approval. Employees must disclose all outside business activities to Compliance.
XII. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Pursuant to the SEC’s Pay-to-Play Rule, employees intending to make a political contribution to an official running for or holding a state or local office must receive Compliance pre-approval. Violations of this policy may prohibit the Firm from providing advisory services for compensation for 2 years to associated government entities (including public pension funds, public university endowments and other collective government funds).
The Pay-to-Play Rule allows for a de minimis exemption permitting a covered associate from making contributions of up to $350 per election per candidate if the covered associate is entitled to vote for such candidate, and $150 if the covered associate is not entitled to vote for such candidate. Such de minimis exemptions shall be determined by Compliance and employees must pre-clear all affected contributions.
Neither the Firm nor its employees may use indirect contributions to indirectly make a political contribution. Thus, employees must also pre-clear any political contributions being made by a spouse or familial household member.
Compliance shall keep all required records of pre-cleared political contributions.