AS FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 27, 2017
File No. 2-66437
File No. 811-2993
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 66 /X/
AND
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 59 /X/
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Federated Investors Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
(412) 288-1900
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)
John W. McGonigle, Esquire
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing become effective (check appropriate box)
/ / Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) | |
/X/ On January 28, 2017 pursuant to paragraph (b) | |
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) | |
/ / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) | |
/ / On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485 |
Prospectus
January 28, 2017
INVESTMENT SHARES (TICKER JNSXX)
RETIREMENT SHARES (TICKER JRSXX)
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Not FDIC Insured + May Lose Value + No Bank Guarantee
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Edward Jones Money Market Fund (the Fund)
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund is a money market fund that seeks to maintain a stable net asset value (NAV) of $1.00 per Share. The Funds investment objective is stability of principal and current income consistent with stability of principal.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold the Funds Investment Shares or Retirement Shares.
Investment
Shares |
Retirement
Shares |
|||||||||||||||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 | ||||||||||||||||
Management Fee |
0.20% | 0.20% | ||||||||||||||
Distribution (12b-1) Fee |
0.25% | 0.25% | ||||||||||||||
Other Expenses |
0.23% | 0.42% | ||||||||||||||
Shareholder Servicing Fees |
0.15% | 0.15% | ||||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
0.08% | 0.27% | ||||||||||||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
0.68% | 0.87% | ||||||||||||||
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Less Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 2 |
None | (0.15%) | ||||||||||||||
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
0.68% | 0.72% |
1 | The expense information in the table has been restated to reflect current fees. |
2 | Passport has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Funds total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, portfolio transaction expenses, interest expense in connection with investment activities, taxes, and extraordinary or non-routine expenses) to an annual rate of 0.72% of the average daily annual net assets of the Funds Investment Shares and Retirement Shares. Any payment made by the Adviser in connection with the Expense Limitation Agreement is subject to recoupment by the Adviser in the three year period following the payment, if (i) requested by the Adviser, and (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by a class of the Fund toward operating expenses (taking into account other recoupments) does not exceed the expense cap (a) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement and (b) at the time of the recoupment. This Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 2018, and may only be changed or eliminated with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the Board) during such period. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods thereafter unless Passport provides the Fund with written notice of its election to not renew the agreement at least 60 days prior to the end of the current one year term. |
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Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Funds Investment Shares and Retirement Shares for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Funds Investment Shares and Retirement Shares operating expenses are as shown in the table above and remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation until June 30, 2018). Although your actual costs and returns may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Share Class | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | ||||||||||||
Investment Shares |
$ | 69 | $ | 218 | $ | 379 | $ | 847 | ||||||||
Retirement Shares |
$ | 74 | $ | 256 | $ | 461 | $ | 1,053 |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE
What are the Funds Main Investment Strategies?
The Fund will operate as a government money market fund, as such term is defined in or interpreted under Rule 2a-7 (Rule 2a-7) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). A government money market fund is required to invest at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, Government Securities (as defined below), repurchase agreements that are collateralized by cash or Government Securities, and/or shares of other government money market funds. Government Securities are obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, including obligations issued by private issuers that are guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Government money market funds are exempt from requirements that permit money market funds to impose a liquidity fee and/or temporary redemption gates. The Fund has not elected to be subject to the liquidity fees and gates requirement at this time.
Certain of the Government Securities in which the Fund invests are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as those issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. These entities are, however, supported through federal subsidies, loans or other benefits. The Fund may also invest in Government Securities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as those issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). Finally, the Fund may invest in Government Securities that are issued by entities whose activities are sponsored by the federal government, but that have no explicit financial support, such as those issued by the Farm Credit Administration and the Financing Corporation.
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Rule 2a-7 governs the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification of money market fund investments. Under these requirements, the Fund will have an average dollar-weighted maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life to maturity of 120 days or less, and will only acquire securities maturing in 397 days (about 13 months) or less and that are determined to present minimal credit risk.
What are the Main Risks of Investing in the Fund?
All mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, even though the Fund is a money market fund that seeks to maintain a stable NAV, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The primary factors that may negatively impact the Funds ability to maintain a stable NAV, delay the payment of redemptions by the Fund, or reduce the Funds daily dividends include:
∎ | Government Securities Risk . Although Government Securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agencys own resources. |
∎ | Interest Rate Risk. Prices of fixed-income securities generally fall when interest rates rise. Interest rate changes have a greater effect on the price of fixed-income securities with longer maturities. |
∎ | Risk Related to the Economy. The value of the Funds portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in one or more markets in which the Fund invests. Economic, political and financial conditions may cause the Fund to experience volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions or other potentially adverse effects. |
∎ | Issuer Credit Risk. It is possible that interest or principal on the Funds investment securities will not be paid when due. Money market funds try to minimize this risk by purchasing higher-quality securities. |
∎ | Counterparty Credit Risk. A party to a transaction involving the Fund may fail to meet its obligations. This could cause the Fund to lose money or to lose the benefit of the transaction or prevent the Fund from selling or buying other securities to implement its investment strategies. |
∎ | Call Risk. The Funds performance may be adversely affected by the possibility that an issuer of a security held by the Fund may redeem the security prior to maturity at a price below its current market value. |
∎ |
Risk Associated with Investing Share Purchase Proceeds. On days during which there are net purchases of Fund Shares, the Fund must invest the proceeds at prevailing market yields or hold cash. If the Fund holds cash, or if the yield of the securities purchased is less than that of the securities already in the portfolio, the Funds yield will likely decrease. Conversely, net purchases on days on which short-term yields rise will likely cause the Funds yield to increase. In the event of significant changes in short-term yields or significant |
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net purchases, the Fund retains the discretion to close to new investments. However, the Fund is not required to close, and no assurance can be given that this will be done in any given circumstance. |
∎ | Regulatory Reform Risk. Changes in the laws and regulations applicable to and governing money market funds, such as Rule 2a-7, can impact the Fund. In 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to amend Rule 2a-7 and other rules and forms related to money market funds. These amendments affected the manner in which the Fund is structured and operated, as well as the Funds expenses and returns. A government money market fund is exempt from a number of the changes required by these amendments. However, as a result of these amendments or future amendments, the Fund may be required to take certain steps that impact the Fund and the precise nature of such steps or impact cannot yet be determined. |
∎ | Risk Associated with use of Amortized Cost. In the unlikely event that the Board were to determine, pursuant to Rule 2a-7 that the extent of the deviation between the Funds amortized cost per Share and its market-based NAV per Share may result in material dilution or other unfair results to shareholders, the Board will cause the Fund to take such action as it deems appropriate to eliminate or reduce to the extent practicable such dilution or unfair results. |
∎ | Additional Factors Affecting Yield. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide a certain level of income or that any such income will exceed the rate of inflation. Further, the Funds yield will vary. |
∎ | Technology Risk. Various technologies are used in managing the Fund, consistent with its investment objective and strategy described in this Prospectus. For example, proprietary and third-party data and systems are utilized to support decision-making for the Fund. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems, which may negatively affect Fund performance. |
You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Funds sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.
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PERFORMANCE: BAR CHART AND TABLE
Risk/Return Bar Chart
The bar chart and performance table below reflect historical performance data for the Fund and are intended to help you analyze the Funds investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the variability of the Funds Investment Shares total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis. The Average Annual Total Return Table shows returns over the stated periods. The Funds performance will fluctuate, and past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Updated performance information for the Fund is available at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket or by calling the Fund at 1-800-441-2357.
Within the periods shown in the bar chart, the Funds Investment Shares highest quarterly return was 1.13% (quarter ended September 30, 2007). Its lowest quarterly return was 0.00% (quarter ended September 30, 2016).
Average Annual Total Return Table
The following table represents the Funds Average Annual Total Returns for the calendar period ended December 31, 2016.
Share Class | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
Investment Shares |
0.01% | 0.01% | 0.62% | |||
Retirement Shares |
0.01% | 0.01% | 0.63% |
The Funds Investment Shares 7-Day Net Yield as of December 31, 2016 was 0.01%. You may call the Fund at 1-800-441-2357 for the current 7-Day Net Yield.
FUND MANAGEMENT
The Funds investment adviser is Passport Research, Ltd. (Adviser). The Funds sub-adviser is Federated Investment Management Company (Sub-Adviser).
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PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
There is no minimum investment amount for the Fund. However, Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones), in its capacity as the Funds transfer agent, may charge you a $3.00 fee for any month in which you fail to maintain a $2,500 average monthly balance for Investment Shares and a $1,500 average monthly balance for Retirement Shares.
You may purchase or redeem Shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. Shares may be purchased or redeemed through your Edward Jones financial advisor.
TAX INFORMATION
The Funds distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gains except when your investment is through a 401(k) plan, an individual retirement account (IRA) or other tax-qualified investment plans, which are generally not subject to current tax. Transactions relating to shares held in such accounts may, however, be taxable at some time in the future. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the rules governing your own tax-deferred arrangement.
PAYMENTS TO EDWARD JONES
The Fund and/or its related companies may pay Edward Jones for the sale of Fund Shares and related services. Edward Jones is also under common control with the Adviser. Accordingly, the parent company of Edward Jones and the Adviser, The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P. (Jones Financial), benefits from payments made by the Fund pursuant to the Investment Management and Administration Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing Edward Jones and your Edward Jones financial advisor to suggest the Fund over another investment. Ask your Edward Jones financial advisor or visit the Edward Jones website (www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket) for more information.
What are the Funds Investment Strategies?
While there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, it endeavors to do so by following the strategies and policies described in this Prospectus.
The Fund will operate as a government money market fund, investing at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, Government Securities, repurchase agreements that are collateralized by cash or Government Securities, and/or shares of other government money market funds.
Government money market funds are exempt from requirements that permit money market funds to impose a liquidity fee and/or temporary redemption gates. The Fund has not elected to be subject to the liquidity fees and gates requirement at this time.
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The Sub-Adviser targets a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity (DWAM) range based upon its interest rate outlook. The Sub-Adviser formulates its interest rate outlook by analyzing a variety of factors, such as:
The Sub-Adviser generally shortens the portfolios DWAM when it expects interest rates to rise and extends the DWAM when it expects interest rates to fall. This strategy seeks to enhance the returns from favorable interest rate changes and reduce the effect of unfavorable changes. The Sub-Adviser selects securities used to shorten or extend the portfolios DWAM by comparing the returns currently offered by such securities to their historical and expected returns.
The Fund will: (1) maintain a DWAM of 60 days or less; and (2) maintain a weighted average life (WAL) of 120 days or less. Certain of the securities in which the Fund invests may pay interest at a rate that is periodically adjusted (Adjustable Rate Securities). For purposes of calculating DWAM, the maturity of an Adjustable Rate Security generally will be the period remaining until its next interest rate adjustment. For purposes of calculating WAL, the maturity of an Adjustable Rate Security will be its stated final maturity, without regard to interest rate adjustments; accordingly, the 120-day WAL limitation could serve to limit the Funds ability to invest in Adjustable Rate Securities. The Fund will only acquire securities maturing in 397 days (about 13 months) or less at the time of purchase and that are determined to present minimal credit risk.
TEMPORARY CASH POSITIONS
The Fund may temporarily depart from its principal investment strategies by holding cash. It may do this in response to unusual circumstances, such as: adverse market, economic or other conditions (for example, during periods when there is a shortage of appropriate securities); to maintain liquidity to meet shareholder redemptions; or to accommodate cash inflows. Such temporary cash positions could affect the Funds investment returns and/or the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective.
What are the Funds Principal Investments?
The following provides general information on the Funds principal investments. The Funds Statement of Additional Information (SAI) provides information about the Funds non-principal investments and may provide additional information about the Funds principal investments.
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FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES
Fixed-income securities pay interest, dividends or distributions at a specified rate. The rate may be a fixed percentage of the principal or may be adjusted periodically. In addition, the issuer of a fixed-income security must repay the principal amount of the security, normally within a specified time. Fixed-income securities provide more regular income than equity securities. However, the returns on fixed-income securities are limited and normally do not increase with the issuers earnings. This limits the potential appreciation of fixed-income securities as compared to equity securities.
A securitys yield measures the annual income earned on a security as a percentage of its price. A securitys yield will increase or decrease depending upon whether it costs less (a discount) or more (a premium) than the principal amount. If the issuer may redeem the security before its scheduled maturity, the price and yield on a discount or premium security may change based upon the probability of an early redemption. Securities with higher risks generally have higher yields. The following describes the fixed-income securities in which the Fund principally invests:
Government Securities (A Fixed-Income Security)
Government Securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or a federal agency or instrumentality acting under federal authority, including obligations issued by private issuers that are guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Some Government Securities, including those issued by Ginnie Mae, are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal. Other Government Securities receive support through federal subsidies, loans or other benefits, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. For example, the U.S. Treasury is authorized to purchase specified amounts of securities issued by (or otherwise make funds available to) the Federal Home Loan Bank System, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Tennessee Valley Authority in support of such obligations.
Some government agency securities have no explicit financial support and are supported only by the credit of the applicable agency, instrumentality or corporation. The U.S. government has provided financial support to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, but there is no assurance that it will support these or other agencies in the future.
Certain Government Securities in which the Fund invests are callable at the option of the issuer. Callable securities are subject to call risk.
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OTHER INVESTMENTS, TRANSACTIONS, TECHNIQUES
Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund buys a security from a dealer or bank and agrees to sell the security back at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price exceeds the sale price, reflecting the Funds return on the transaction. This return is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying security. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with banks and other recognized financial institutions, such as securities dealers, deemed creditworthy by the Sub-Adviser.
The Funds custodian or sub-custodian will take possession of the securities subject to repurchase agreements plus a certain amount of securities in excess of the securities subject to repurchase. The securities held by the Fund serve as collateral for the counterpartys obligations. The Sub-Adviser or sub-custodian will monitor the value of the underlying security each day to ensure that the value of the security always equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
Repurchase agreements are subject to credit risk.
What are the Specific Risks of Investing in the Fund?
The following provides general information on the risks associated with the Funds principal investments. These are the primary factors that may negatively impact the Funds ability to maintain a stable NAV, delay the payment of redemptions by the Fund or reduce the Funds daily dividends. Any additional risks associated with the Funds non-principal investments are described in the Funds SAI. The Funds SAI also may provide additional information about the risks associated with the Funds principal investments.
INTEREST RATE RISK
Prices of fixed-income securities rise and fall in response to changes in the interest rate paid by similar securities. Generally, when interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities fall. However, market factors, such as the demand for particular fixed-income securities, may cause the price of certain fixed-income securities to fall while the prices of other securities rise or remain unchanged.
Interest rate changes have a greater effect on the price of fixed-income securities with longer maturities. Money market funds try to manage this risk by purchasing short-term securities.
RISK RELATED TO THE ECONOMY
The value of the Funds portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in one or more markets in which the Fund invests based on negative developments in the U.S. and global economies. Economic, political and financial conditions may cause volatility, illiquidity or other potentially adverse effects in the financial markets,
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including the fixed-income market. The commencement, continuation or ending of government policies and economic stimulus programs, changes in money policy, increases or decreases in interest rates, or other factors or events that affect the financial markets, including the fixed-income markets, may contribute to the development of or increase in volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and other factors that could negatively impact the Funds performance.
ISSUER CREDIT RISK
It is possible that interest or principal on securities will not be paid when due. Money market funds try to minimize this risk by purchasing higher-quality securities.
Many fixed-income securities receive credit ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) such as Fitch Rating Service, Moodys Investor Services, Inc., and Standard & Poors that assign ratings to securities by assessing the likelihood of an issuer and/or guarantor default. Higher credit ratings correspond to lower perceived credit risk and lower credit ratings correspond to higher perceived credit risk. Credit ratings may be upgraded or downgraded from time to time as an NRSROs assessment of the financial condition of a party obligated to make payments with respect to such securities and credit risk changes. The impact of any credit rating downgrade can be uncertain. Credit rating downgrades may lead to increased interest rates and volatility in financial markets, which in turn could negatively affect the value of the Funds portfolio holdings, its share price and its investment performance. Credit ratings are not a guarantee of quality, and they reflect only the opinion of the NRSRO. Credit ratings may prove to be incorrect in their assessment of credit risk including because they may lag behind the current financial conditions of the issuer and/or guarantor and do not provide assurance against default or other loss of money. Credit ratings do not protect against a decline in the value of a security. If a security has not received a rating, the Fund must rely entirely upon the Sub-Advisers credit assessment. Ratings are just one factor that the Sub-Adviser considers in its credit assessment and analysis.
Fixed-income securities generally compensate for greater credit risk by paying interest at a higher rate. The difference between the yield of a security and the yield of a U.S. Treasury security or other appropriate benchmark with a comparable maturity (the spread) measures the additional interest paid for risk. Spreads may increase generally in response to adverse economic or market conditions. A securitys spread may also increase if the securitys rating is lowered, or the security is perceived to have an increased credit risk. An increase in the spread will cause the price of the security to decline if interest rates remain unchanged.
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COUNTERPARTY CREDIT RISK
A party to a transaction involving the Fund may fail to meet its obligations. This could cause the Fund to lose money or to lose the benefit of the transaction or prevent the Fund from selling or buying other securities to implement its investment strategies.
CALL RISK
Call risk is the possibility that an issuer may redeem a Government Security before maturity (a call) at a price below its current market price. An increase in the likelihood of a call may reduce the securitys price. If a Government Security is called, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in other fixed-income securities with lower interest rates, higher credit risks or other less favorable characteristics.
RISK ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING SHARE PURCHASE PROCEEDS
On days during which there are net purchases of Fund Shares, the Fund must invest the proceeds at prevailing market yields or hold cash. If the Fund holds cash, or if the yield of the securities purchased is less than that of the securities already in the portfolio, the Funds yield will likely decrease. Conversely, net purchases on days on which short-term yields rise will cause the Funds yield to increase. The larger the amount that must be invested or the greater the difference between the yield of the securities purchased and the yield of the existing investments, the greater the impact will be on the yield of the Fund. In the event of significant changes in short-term yields or significant net purchases, the Fund retains the discretion to close to new investments. However, the Fund is not required to close, and no assurance can be given that this will be done in any given circumstance.
RISK ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF AMORTIZED COST
In the unlikely event that the Funds Board were to determine pursuant to Rule 2a-7 that the extent of the deviation between the Funds amortized cost per Share and its market-based NAV per Share may result in material dilution or other unfair results to shareholders, the Board will cause the Fund to take such action as it deems appropriate to eliminate or reduce, to the extent practicable, such dilution or unfair results, including, but not limited to, considering suspending redemption of Shares and liquidating the Fund under Rule 22e-3 under the 1940 Act.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS AFFECTING YIELD
There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide a certain level of income or that any such income will exceed the rate of inflation. Further, the Funds yield will vary. A low interest rate environment may prevent the Fund from providing a positive yield or paying Fund expenses out of current income and could impair the Funds ability to maintain a stable NAV. The Funds yield could also be negatively affected (both in absolute terms and as compared to other money market funds) by
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aspects of its investment program (for example, its investment policies, strategies or limitations) or its operational policies (for example, its cut-off time for purchases and redemptions of Shares).
REGULATORY REFORM RISK
Changes in the laws and regulations applicable to and governing money market funds, such as Rule 2a-7, can impact the Fund. In 2014, the SEC voted to amend Rule 2a-7 and other rules and forms related to money market funds. These amendments affected the manner in which the Fund is structured and operated, as well as the Funds expenses and returns. A government money market fund is exempt from a number of the changes required by these amendments. However, as a result of these amendments or future amendments, the Fund may be required to take certain steps that impact the Fund and the precise nature of such steps or impact cannot yet be determined.
TECHNOLOGY RISK
The Sub-Adviser uses various technologies in managing the Fund, consistent with its investment objective and strategy described in this Prospectus. For example, proprietary and third-party data and systems are utilized to support decision-making for the Fund. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems, which may negatively affect Fund performance.
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund attempts to stabilize the NAV of its Shares at $1.00 by valuing its portfolio securities using the amortized cost method. Under the amortized cost valuation method, an investment is valued initially at its cost as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The Fund then adjusts the amount of interest income accrued each day over the term of the investment to account for any difference between the initial cost of the investment and the amount payable at its maturity. If the amount payable at maturity exceeds the initial cost (a discount), then the daily accrual is increased; if the initial cost exceeds the amount payable at maturity (a premium), then the daily accrual is decreased. The Fund adds the amount of the increase to (in the case of a discount), or subtracts the amount of the decrease from (in the case of a premium), the investments cost each day. In addition, for regulatory purposes, the Fund calculates a market-based NAV per Share on a periodic basis. The Fund cannot guarantee that its NAV will always remain at $1.00 per Share. The Fund does not charge a front-end sales charge.
You can purchase or redeem Shares any day the NYSE is open (a Regular Business Day). You may also be able to purchase and redeem Shares on certain
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days that the NYSE is closed on an unscheduled basis due to unforeseen or emergency circumstances, if the Funds Board determines to allow Fund Share transactions on such days (a Special Trading Day). If the Fund declares a Special Trading Day, information regarding shareholder trading activities for the Special Trading Day (such as when NAV, and entitlement to that days dividend, will be determined) will be posted on the Funds website at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket. The information set forth in this Prospectus regarding times relevant to NAV determination and dividend entitlement applies only to Regular Business Days.
When the Fund receives your transaction request in good order, it is processed at the next determined NAV. Good order means that (i) your transaction request includes complete information, and (ii) sufficient assets are already in your account, or new assets have been received in your account. NAV is determined at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time) and as of the end of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each day the NYSE is open. The times as of when NAV is determined, and when orders must be placed, may be changed as permitted by the SEC.
LINKING A MONEY MARKET FUND TO A BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
Your investment in the Fund will be linked to your Edward Jones account.
The Fund offers two Share classes: Investment Shares and Retirement Shares, each representing interests in a single portfolio of securities. Retirement Shares are eligible to be purchased or held only in retirement accounts. Investment Shares are eligible to be purchased or held only in non-retirement accounts.
The Funds Distributor, Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., markets the Shares described in this Prospectus exclusively through Edward Jones to its customers. The Fund is sold largely as a sweep investment for otherwise uninvested cash in Edward Jones customers brokerage accounts.
The Fund and its affiliated service providers may pay fees as described below to Edward Jones.
RULE 12b-1 FEES
The Board has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan, pursuant to which distribution and/or service fees of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Investment Shares and Retirement Shares of the Fund are paid to Edward Jones for the sale and distribution of Fund shares, and for services provided to Investment Shares and Retirement Shares Shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of the Funds assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
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SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEES
Investment Shares and Retirement Shares may pay Service Fees of up to 0.15% of their average daily net assets to Edward Jones for providing services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts.
After opening an Edward Jones account, you may purchase Shares by contacting your financial advisor. You may pay for the purchase by check, wire, electronic funds transfer, a transfer from another Edward Jones account, or an available cash balance in your Edward Jones account. Such purchases will typically settle and begin earning dividends no later than the following business day after receipt by the Fund. When payment is made by check, the order is considered received after the check is converted into federal funds by Edward Jones. This is normally within three business days of receiving the check. When payment is made by wire with federal funds, by electronic funds transfer or a transfer from another Edward Jones account, the order is considered received within one business day.
Payment should be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. The Fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase Shares.
How to Sell Shares
You may redeem Shares by submitting a request in person to your Edward Jones financial advisor, by telephone, by mail, by check, by debit card or online. Shares may also be redeemed automatically to satisfy any debit balance in your Edward Jones account.
If you call or complete an online transaction before 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time), generally your redemption will be mailed to you or initiated the same day. You will not receive that days dividend.
If you call or complete an online transaction after 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time), generally your redemption will be mailed to you or initiated no later than the following business day. You will receive that days dividend.
Your account will continue to receive the daily dividend declared on the Investment Shares or Retirement Shares being redeemed until your check is presented for payment or your debit card transaction is processed. Any attempt to redeem Shares through checkwriting or debit card before the purchase instrument has cleared will be automatically rejected.
Redemption In-Kind
Although the Fund intends to pay Share redemptions in cash, it reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of the Funds portfolio securities.
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LIMITATIONS ON REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
Redemption proceeds normally are wired or mailed within one business day after a redemption request is received in good order (or the same day if a redemption request is received in good order before 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time)). Payment may be delayed for up to seven days:
In addition, the right of redemption may be suspended, or the payment of proceeds may be delayed for more than seven days, during any period:
Pursuant to rules under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act, while it is unlikely that the Funds weekly liquid assets would fall below 10% given the Funds investment strategy and operation as a government money market fund, the Board, in its discretion, may suspend redemptions in the Fund and approve the liquidation of the Fund if the Funds weekly liquid assets were to fall below 10% and the Board determines it would not be in the best interests of the Fund to continue operating. The Board also may suspend redemptions in the Fund and approve the liquidation of the Fund if the Board determines that the deviation between the Funds amortized cost price per share and its market-based NAV may result in material dilution or other unfair results to investors or existing shareholders. Prior to suspending redemptions, the Fund would be required to notify the SEC of its decision to liquidate and suspend redemptions. If the Fund ceases honoring redemptions and determines to liquidate, the Fund expects that it would notify shareholders on the Funds website or by press release. Distributions to shareholders of liquidation proceeds may occur in one or more disbursements.
You will not accrue interest or dividends on uncashed redemption checks from the Fund if those checks are undeliverable and returned to the Fund.
Share Certificates
The Fund does not issue share certificates.
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ACCOUNT ACTIVITY
You will receive periodic statements reporting all account activity, including dividends and capital gains paid. Your method of payment for the purchase of Shares will determine when your order is received by the Fund and you begin earning dividends. You will earn dividends through the day your redemption request is received, if such request is received after 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time).
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS
The Fund declares any dividends daily and pays them monthly to shareholders.
From time to time, the Fund may realize capital gains or losses. If capital gains or losses were to occur, they could result in an increase or decrease in dividends. The Fund pays any capital gains at least annually and may make such special distributions of dividends and capital gains as may be necessary to meet applicable regulatory requirements. Your dividends and capital gains distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Shares.
ACCOUNTS WITH LOW BALANCES
Due to the high cost of maintaining accounts with low account balances, you must maintain a $2,500 average monthly balance in Investment Shares, or Edward Jones, in its capacity as the Funds transfer agent, may charge you a $3.00 fee for that month. If you own Retirement Shares through an IRA, you must maintain a $1,500 average monthly balance, or the $3.00 fee may apply. Certain accounts may not be subject to the average monthly balance requirement pursuant to Edward Jones policies. Please contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for additional information.
TAX INFORMATION
Edward Jones sends an IRS Form 1099 and an annual statement of your account activity to assist you in completing your federal, state and local tax returns. Fund distributions of dividends and capital gains are taxable to you whether paid in cash or reinvested in the Fund. Dividends are taxable at different rates depending upon the source of dividend income. Distributions of net short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares.
Fund distributions are expected to be primarily dividends. Redemptions are taxable sales.
Please consult your tax adviser regarding your federal, state and local tax liability.
16
FREQUENT TRADING POLICIES
Given the short-term nature of the Funds investments and its use of the amortized cost method for calculating the NAV of Fund Shares, the Fund does not anticipate that in the normal case frequent or short-term trading into and out of the Fund will have significant adverse consequences for the Fund and its shareholders. For this reason and because the Fund is intended to be used as a liquid short-term investment, the Funds Board has not adopted policies or procedures to monitor or discourage frequent or short-term trading of the Funds Shares. Regardless of their frequency or short-term nature, purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares can have adverse effects on the management of the Funds portfolio and its performance.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Information concerning the Funds portfolio holdings is available at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket. A complete listing of the Funds portfolio holdings as of the end of each month is posted on the website five business days after the end of each month and remains posted on the website for six months thereafter. The Funds DWAM and WAL, Shadow Price (market-based value of the Funds portfolio), Daily and Weekly Liquid Assets, and Daily Flows are posted every business day and remain posted on the website for six months thereafter.
The Funds Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, which contain complete listings of the Funds portfolio holdings as of the end of the Funds second and fourth fiscal quarters, also may be accessed at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket. Fiscal quarter information is available in reports filed with the SEC at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. In addition, from time to time (for example, during periods of unusual market conditions), additional information regarding the Funds portfolio holdings and/or composition may be posted to the Edward Jones website. If and when such information is posted, its availability will be noted on, and the information will be accessible at, www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Passport Research, Ltd., an SEC registered investment adviser, with its principal place of business located at 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131, serves as investment adviser and administrator to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Management and Administrative Agreement with the Fund dated January 27, 2017 (the Advisory Agreement). The Adviser was formed as a Pennsylvania limited partnership on May 21, 1981 and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Jones Financial, which is also the parent company of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is a financial services firm with branch offices in the United States and Canada. The Adviser does not manage any accounts other than the Fund.
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As the Adviser, Passport has overall supervisory responsibility for the general management and investment of the Funds securities portfolio, and subject to review and approval by the Board, sets the Funds overall investment strategies. The Adviser is also responsible for the oversight and evaluation of the Sub-Adviser. For its investment and administrative services, the Adviser receives an annual fee of 0.20% of the Funds average daily net assets.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Funds total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, portfolio transaction expenses, interest expense in connection with investment activities, taxes, and extraordinary or non-routine expenses) to an annual rate of 0.72% of the average daily annual net assets of the Funds Investment Shares and Retirement Shares. Any payment made by the Adviser in connection with the Expense Limitation Agreement is subject to recoupment by the Adviser in the three year period following the payment, if (i) requested by the Adviser, and (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by a class of the Fund toward operating expenses (taking into account other recoupments) does not exceed the expense cap (a) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement and (b) at the time of recoupment.
This Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 2018, and may only be changed or eliminated with the approval of the Board during such period. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods thereafter unless Passport provides the Fund with written notice of its election to not renew the agreement at least 60 days prior to the end of the current one year term.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Boards approval of the Funds Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds Annual Report to Shareholders dated February 28, 2017, which will cover the period from March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017.
SUB-ADVISER
Federated Investment Management Company
Pursuant to the terms of a Sub-Advisory and Sub-Administration Agreement dated January 27, 2017 (the Sub-Advisory Agreement), Federated Investment Management Company (FIMCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc. (Federated), located at 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779, manages the Funds assets, including buying and selling portfolio securities, and Federated Administrative Services (FAS), an affiliate of the Sub-Adviser, provides administrative services to the Fund.
For the services provided pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser and FAS receive an annual fee directly from the Fund at an annual rate of 0.04% of the Funds average daily net assets. For the purposes of determining compensation under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund will be deemed to have
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paid the Adviser and the Adviser will be deemed to have received an amount equal to any payment made pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Sub-Adviser and other subsidiaries of Federated advise approximately 124 equity, fixed-income and money market mutual funds as well as a variety of other pooled investment vehicles, private investment companies and customized separately managed accounts (including non-U.S./offshore funds) which totaled approximately $365.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016. Federated was established in 1955 and is one of the largest investment managers in the United States with approximately 1,400 employees. Federated provides investment products to approximately 8,500 investment professionals and institutions.
The Sub-Adviser advises approximately 89 fixed-income and money market mutual funds (including sub-advised funds) and private investment companies, which totaled approximately $213.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Boards approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds Annual Report to Shareholders dated February 28, 2017, which will cover the period from March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017.
Multi-Manager Exemptive Order
An exemptive order has been obtained from the SEC that permits the Adviser, subject to certain conditions, to select new unaffiliated sub-advisers with the approval of the Board but without obtaining shareholder approval. The order also permits the Adviser to change the terms of the agreements with the sub-advisers and to continue the employment of a sub-adviser after an event that would otherwise cause the automatic termination of a sub-advisory agreement. The order also permits the Fund to disclose sub-adviser fees only in the aggregate in its registration statement. This arrangement has been approved by the Board and the Funds shareholders. Shareholders will be notified of the retention of a new sub-adviser within 90 days of the hiring. The Adviser has the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee the sub-advisers and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights will help you understand the Funds financial performance for its past five fiscal years. Some of the information is presented on a per Share basis. Total returns represent the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains.
The information for the six months ended August 31, 2016 has been derived from the Funds unaudited financial statements, which are included in the Semi-Annual Report.
The information for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2012 through February 29, 2016 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds audited financial statements, is included in the Annual Report.
Financial Highlights Investment Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
Year Ended February 28 or 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months
Ended (unaudited) 08/31/2016 |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period |
$ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain on investments |
0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS |
0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Less Distributions: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from net investment income |
(0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | ||||||||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investments |
(0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS |
(0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | ||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Period |
$ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||||||
Total Return 2 |
0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net expenses |
0.41 | % 3 | 0.18 | % | 0.09 | % | 0.11 | % | 0.19 | % | 0.15 | % | ||||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.01 | % 3 | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||
Expense waiver/reimbursement 3 |
0.39 | % 3 | 0.63 | % | 0.72 | % | 0.77 | % | 0.62 | % | 0.66 | % | ||||||||||||
Supplemental Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period
|
$ | 15,003,245 | $ | 11,379,671 | $ | 11,385,586 | $ | 11,486,370 | $ | 11,459,019 | $ | 11,081,114 |
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1 | Represents less than $0.001. |
2 | Based on net asset value. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
3 | Computed on an annualized basis. |
4 | This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. |
Further information about the Funds performance is contained in the Funds Annual Report, dated February 29, 2016, and Semi-Annual Report, dated August 31, 2016, which can be obtained free of charge by calling your Edward Jones financial advisor or by calling the Fund at 1-800-441-2357.
Financial Highlights Retirement Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
Year Ended February 28 or 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months
Ended (unaudited) 08/31/2016 |
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period |
$ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations: |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain on investments |
0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS |
0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | 0.000 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Less Distributions: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from net investment income |
(0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | ||||||||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investments |
(0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS |
(0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | (0.000 | ) 1 | ||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Period |
$ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||||||
Total Return 2 |
0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net expenses |
0.41 | % 3 | 0.18 | % | 0.09 | % | 0.11 | % | 0.19 | % | 0.15 | % | ||||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.01 | % 3 | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||
Expense waiver/reimbursement 3 |
0.49 | % 3 | 0.72 | % | 0.80 | % | 0.77 | % | 0.67 | % | 0.71 | % | ||||||||||||
Supplemental Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ | 4,114,017 | $ | 3,185,729 | $ | 3,088,759 | $ | 3,203,566 | $ | 3,100,526 | $ | 2,798,615 |
1 | Represents less than $0.001. |
2 | Based on net asset value. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
3 | Computed on an annualized basis. |
4 | This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income ratios shown above. |
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Further information about the Funds performance is contained in the Funds Annual Report, dated February 29, 2016, and Semi-Annual Report, dated August 31, 2016, which can be obtained free of charge by calling your Edward Jones financial advisor or by calling the Fund at 1-800-441-2357.
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An SAI dated January 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about the Fund and its investments is contained in the Funds SAI and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders as they become available. The SAI contains a description of the Funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio securities. To obtain the SAI, Annual Report, Semi-Annual Report and other information without charge, and to make inquiries, call your Edward Jones financial advisor or the Fund at 1-800-441-2357.
These documents are also available on the Edward Jones website at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket.
You can obtain information about the Fund (including the SAI) by writing to or visiting the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. You may also access Fund information from the EDGAR Database on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. You can purchase copies of this information by contacting the SEC by email at publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549.
Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the Public Reference Rooms operations and copying fees.
Edward Jones
12555 Manchester Road
Saint Louis, Missouri 63131
1-800-441-2357
www.edwardjones.com
Investment Company Act File No. 811-2993
CUSIP 48019P102
CUSIP 48019P201
How is the Fund Organized?
The Fund is a diversified open-end, management investment company that was established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on January 9, 1980. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has established two classes of shares of the Fund, known as Investment Shares and Retirement Shares (“Shares”). This SAI relates to both classes of Shares. The Fund's investment adviser is Passport Research, Ltd. (“Adviser”).
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund will operate as a “government money market fund,” as such term is defined in or interpreted under Rule 2a-7 (“Rule 2a-7”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). A “government money market fund” is required to invest at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, Government Securities (as defined below), and/or repurchase agreements that are collateralized by cash or Government Securities. “Government Securities” are obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, including obligations issued by private issuers that are guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Government money market funds are exempt from requirements that permit money market funds to impose a liquidity fee and/or temporary redemption gates. The Fund has not elected to be subject to the liquidity fees and gates requirement at this time.
Certain of the Government Securities in which the Fund invests are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as those issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. These entities are, however, supported through federal subsidies, loans or other benefits. The Fund may also invest in Government Securities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as those issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”). Finally, the Fund may invest in Government Securities that are issued by entities whose activities are sponsored by the federal government, but that have no explicit financial support, such as those issued by the Farm Credit Administration and the Financing Corporation.
Rule 2a-7 governs the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification of money market fund investments. Under these requirements, the Fund will have an average dollar-weighted maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life to maturity of 120 days or less, and will only acquire securities maturing 397 days (about 13 months) or less and that are determined to present minimal credit risk.
Securities in Which the Fund Invests
The principal securities or other investments in which the Fund invests are described above. The Fund also may invest in securities or other investments as non-principal investments for any purpose that is consistent with its investment objective.
The following information is either additional information in respect of a principal security or other investment referenced above or information with respect of a non-principal security or other investment (in which case there is no related disclosure above).
SECURITIES DESCRIPTIONS AND TECHNIQUES
Government Securities (A Fixed-Income Security)
Government Securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or a federal agency or instrumentality acting under federal authority, including obligations issued by private issuers that are guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Some government securities, including those issued by Ginnie Mae, are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, and are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal. Other Government Securities receive support through federal subsidies, loans or other benefits, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. For example, the U.S. Treasury is authorized to purchase specified amounts of securities issued by (or otherwise make funds available to) the Federal Home Loan Bank System, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Tennessee Valley Authority in support of such obligations.
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Some government agency securities have no explicit financial support and are supported only by credit of applicable agency, instrumentality or corporation. The U.S. government has provided financial support to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, but there is no assurance that it will support these or other agencies in the future.
Additional Information Related to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The extreme and unprecedented volatility and disruption that impacted the capital and credit markets beginning in 2008 led to market concerns regarding the ability of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to withstand future credit losses associated with securities held in their investment portfolios, and on which they provide guarantees, without the direct support of the federal government. On September 7, 2008, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Under the plan of conservatorship, the FHFA assumed control of, and generally has the power to direct, the operations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and is empowered to exercise all powers collectively held by their respective shareholders, directors and officers, including the power to: (1) take over the assets of and operate Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with all the powers of the shareholders, the directors and the officers of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and conduct all business of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (2) collect all obligations and money due to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (3) perform all functions of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which are consistent with the conservator's appointment; (4) preserve and conserve the assets and property of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and (5) contract for assistance in fulfilling any function, activity, action or duty of the conservator.
In connection with the actions taken by the FHFA, the Treasury has entered into certain preferred stock purchase agreements (SPAs) with each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which establish the Treasury as the holder of a new class of senior preferred stock in each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The senior preferred stock was issued in connection with financial contributions from the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Although the SPAs are subject to amendment from time to time, currently the Treasury is obligated to provide such financial contributions up to an aggregate maximum amount determined by a formula set forth in the SPAs, and until such aggregate maximum amount is reached, there is not a specific end date to the Treasury's obligations.
The future status and role of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Freddie Mac's and Fannie Mae's operations and activities under the SPAs, market responses to developments in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, downgrades or upgrades in the credit ratings assigned to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) or ratings services, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any securities guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
In addition, the future of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and other U.S. government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (GSEs), is in serious question as the U.S. government is considering options ranging from significant reform, nationalization, privatization or consolidation, to outright elimination. The issues that have led to significant U.S. government support for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have sparked serious debate regarding the continued role of the U.S. government in providing mortgage loan liquidity. Congress is considering legislation that would reform the GSEs and possibly wind down their existence, progressively decreasing portfolio limits and increasing guarantee fees, among other issues.
Zero-Coupon Securities (A Fixed-Income Security)
Certain Government Securities in which the Fund invests are zero-coupon securities. Zero-coupon securities do not pay interest or principal until final maturity, unlike debt securities that provide periodic payments of interest (referred to as a coupon payment). Investors buy zero-coupon securities at a price below the amount payable at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the amount paid at maturity represents interest on the zero-coupon security. Investors must wait until maturity to receive interest and principal, which increases the interest rate and credit risk of a zero-coupon security.
Government Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) (A Fixed-Income Security)
A government MBS is a type of pass-through security, which is a pooled debt obligation repackaged as interests that pass principal and interest through an intermediary to investors. In the case of government MBS, the ownership interest is issued by a trust and represents participation interests in pools of adjustable and fixed-rate mortgage loans. Government MBS are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government (or one of its agencies or instrumentalities). Unlike conventional debt obligations, MBS provide monthly payments derived from the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans. Most government MBS make these payments monthly; however, certain MBS are backed by mortgage loans which do not generate monthly payments but rather generate payments less frequently.
2
Investments in government MBS expose the Fund to interest rate, prepayment and credit risks.
OTHER INVESTMENTS, TRANSACTIONS, TECHNIQUES
Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund buys a security from a dealer or bank and agrees to sell the security back at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price exceeds the sale price, reflecting the Fund's return on the transaction. This return is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying security. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with banks and other recognized financial institutions, such as securities dealers, deemed creditworthy by the Sub-Adviser.
The Fund's custodian or sub-custodian will take possession of the securities subject to repurchase agreements plus a certain amount of securities in excess of the securities subject to repurchase. The securities held by the Fund serve as collateral for the counterparty’s obligations. The Sub-Adviser or sub-custodian will monitor the value of the underlying security each day to ensure that the value of the security always equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
Repurchase agreements are subject to credit risk.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Reverse repurchase agreements are repurchase agreements in which the Fund is the seller (rather than the buyer) of the securities, and agrees to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price. A reverse repurchase agreement may be viewed as a type of borrowing by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements are subject to credit risks. In addition, reverse repurchase agreements create leverage risks because the Fund must repurchase the underlying security at a higher price, regardless of the market value of the security at the time of repurchase.
Delayed Delivery Transactions
Delayed delivery transactions, including when-issued transactions, are arrangements in which the Fund buys securities for a set price, with payment and delivery of the securities scheduled for a future time. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Fund. The Fund records the transaction when it agrees to buy the securities and reflects their value in determining the price of its shares. Settlement dates may be a month or more after entering into these transactions so that the market values of the securities bought may vary from the purchase prices. Therefore, delayed delivery transactions create interest rate risks for the Fund. Delayed delivery transactions also involve credit risks in the event of a counterparty default.
Asset Segregation
In order to secure its obligations in connection with special transactions, the Fund will either enter into offsetting transactions or set aside readily marketable securities. Unless the Fund has other readily marketable assets to set aside, it cannot trade assets used to secure such obligations without terminating a special transaction. This may cause the Fund to miss favorable trading opportunities or to realize losses on special transactions.
Investing in Securities of Other Investment Companies
The Fund may invest its assets in shares of other investment companies as an efficient means of implementing its investment strategies and/or managing its uninvested cash. These investments may include: shares of an affiliated money market fund; or preferred shares of a closed-end fund that are eligible for purchase by money market funds (generally, because such preferred shares are structured as unconditional demand instruments with a third-party Demand Provider). Other investment companies are managed independently of the Fund and incur additional fees and/or expenses which would, therefore, be borne indirectly by the Fund in connection with any such investment. However, the Sub-Adviser believes that the benefits and efficiencies of this approach should outweigh the potential additional fees and/or expenses.
Investment Risks
There are many risk factors which may affect an investment in the Fund. The Fund's principal risks are described in its Prospectus. The following information is either additional information with respect to a principal risk factor referenced in the Prospectus or information with respect to a non-principal risk factor applicable to the Fund (in which case there is no related disclosure in the Prospectus).
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Leverage Risk
Leverage risk is created when an investment exposes the Fund to a level of risk that exceeds the amount invested. Changes in the value of such an investment magnify the Fund's risk of loss and potential for gain.
Prepayment Risk
Unlike traditional fixed-income securities, which pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity (when the entire principal amount is due) payments on government mortgage-backed securities include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Partial payment of principal may be comprised of scheduled principal payments as well as unscheduled payments from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying loans. These unscheduled prepayments of principal create risks that can adversely affect a fund holding government mortgage-backed securities.
For example, when interest rates decline, the values of government mortgage-backed securities generally rise. However, when interest rates decline, unscheduled prepayments can be expected to accelerate, and the Fund would be required to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments would also limit the potential for capital appreciation on government mortgage-backed securities.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the values of government mortgage-backed securities generally fall. Since rising interest rates typically result in decreased prepayments, this could lengthen the average lives of government mortgage-backed securities, and cause their value to decline more than traditional fixed-income securities.
Generally, government mortgage-backed securities compensate for the increased risk associated with prepayments by paying a higher yield. The additional interest paid for risk is measured by the difference between the yield of a government mortgage-backed security and the yield of a U.S. Treasury security or other appropriate benchmark with a comparable maturity (the “spread”). An increase in the spread will cause the price of the government mortgage-backed security to decline. Spreads generally increase in response to adverse economic or market conditions. Spreads may also increase if the security is perceived to have an increased prepayment risk or is perceived to have less market demand.
Risk Associated with the Investment Activities of Other Accounts
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other accounts managed by the Sub-Adviser and accounts managed by affiliates of the Sub-Adviser. Therefore, it is possible that investment-related actions taken by such other accounts could adversely impact the Fund with respect to, for example, the value of Fund portfolio holdings, and/or prices paid to or received by the Fund on its portfolio transactions, and/or the Fund's ability to obtain or dispose of portfolio securities. Related considerations are discussed elsewhere in this SAI under “Brokerage Transactions and Investment Allocation.”
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund will experience significant net redemptions of Fund Shares at a time when it cannot find willing buyers for its portfolio securities or can only sell its portfolio securities at a material loss. An inability to sell portfolio securities may result from adverse market developments or investor perceptions regarding the portfolio securities. While the Fund endeavors to maintain a high level of liquidity in its portfolio so that it can satisfy redemption requests, the Fund's ability to sell portfolio securities can deteriorate rapidly due to credit events affecting particular issuers or credit enhancement providers, or due to general market conditions and a lack of willing buyers.
Cyber Security Risk
Like other funds and business enterprises, the use of the Internet and other electronic media and technology exposes the Fund, the Fund's shareholders, and the Fund's service providers, and their respective operations, to potential risks from cyber-security attacks or incidents (collectively, “cyber-events”). Cyber-events may include, for example, unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices (such as, for example, through “hacking” activity), infection from or spread of malware, computer viruses or other malicious software code, corruption of data, and attacks which shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website or internet access, functionality or performance. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund and its service providers have experienced, and will continue to experience, cyber-events consistently. Cyber-events have not had a material adverse effect on the Fund's business operations or performance. In addition to intentional cyber-events, unintentional cyber-events can occur, such as, for example, the inadvertent release of
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confidential information. Any cyber-event could adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders and cause the Fund to incur financial loss and expense, as well as face exposure to regulatory penalties, reputational damage and additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures. A cyber-event may cause the Fund, or its service providers, to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, lose operational capacity (such as, for example, the loss of the ability to process transactions, calculate the Fund's net asset value (NAV), or allow shareholders to transact business), and/or fail to comply with applicable privacy and other laws. Among other potentially harmful effects, cyber-events also may result in theft, unauthorized monitoring and failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. In addition, cyber-events affecting issuers in which the Fund invests could cause the Fund's investments to lose value. The Fund's Adviser and Sub-Adviser and its relevant affiliates have established risk management systems reasonably designed to seek to reduce the risks associated with cyber-events, however, there is no guarantee that the efforts of the Adviser and Sub-Adviser or their affiliates, or other service providers, will succeed, either entirely or partially. Among other reasons, the nature of malicious cyber-attacks is becoming increasingly sophisticated and the Fund's Adviser and Sub-Adviser, and their relevant affiliates, cannot control the cyber systems and cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.
Investment Objective (and Policies) and Investment Limitations
The investment objective of the Fund is stability of principal and current income consistent with stability of principal.
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Diversification of Investments
The Fund is a “diversified company” within the meaning of the 1940 Act and is subject to any rules, regulations or interpretations thereunder.
Selling Short and Buying on Margin
The Fund will not purchase any money market instruments on margin or sell any money market instruments short but it may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of money market instruments.
Borrowing Money
The Fund will not borrow money except as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and then only in amounts not in excess of 5% of the value of its total assets. In addition, the Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements and otherwise borrow up to one-third of the value of its total assets, including the amount borrowed, in order to meet redemption requests without immediately selling portfolio instruments. This latter practice is not for investment leverage but solely to facilitate management of the portfolio by enabling the Fund to meet redemption requests when the liquidation of portfolio instruments would be inconvenient or disadvantageous.
Interest paid on borrowed funds will not be available for investment and will reduce net income. The Fund will liquidate any such borrowings as soon as possible. However, during the period any reverse repurchase agreements are outstanding, but only to the extent necessary to assure completion of the reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund will restrict the purchase of portfolio investments to money market instruments maturing on or before the expiration date of the reverse repurchase agreements.
Pledging Assets
The Fund will not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets except to secure permitted borrowings. In those cases, it may mortgage, pledge or hypothecate assets having a market value not exceeding the lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 10% of the value of total assets at the time of the borrowing.
Underwriting
The Fund will not underwrite any issue of securities, except as it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the sale of restricted securities which the Fund may purchase pursuant to its investment objective, policies and limitations.
Lending Cash or Securities
The Fund will not lend any of its assets (except that it may purchase or hold money market instruments, to include repurchase agreements and variable amount demand master notes, permitted by the investment objective and policies).
Issuing Senior Securities
The Fund will not issue senior securities, except as permitted by the investment objective and policies and investment limitations of the Fund.
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Concentration of Investments
The Fund will not purchase money market instruments if, as a result of such purchase, more than 25% of the value of its total assets would be invested in any one industry.
However, investing in bank instruments such as time and demand deposits and certificates of deposit, Government Securities or instruments secured by these money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements, shall not be considered investments in any one industry.
Investing in Commodities or Real Estate
The Fund will not invest in commodities, commodity contracts or real estate, except that it may purchase money market instruments issued by companies that invest in or sponsor interests therein.
The above limitations cannot be changed unless authorized by the Board and by the “vote of a majority of its outstanding voting securities,” as defined by the 1940 Act. The following limitations, however, may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified before any material change in these limitations becomes effective.
Acquiring Securities
The Fund will not acquire the voting securities of any issuer. It will not invest in securities of a company for the purpose of exercising control or management.
Investing in Restricted Securities
The Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities are any securities that are subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities law. The Fund may invest without limitation in restricted securities which are determined to be liquid under criteria established by the Board. To the extent that restricted securities are not determined to be liquid, the Fund will limit their purchase, together with other illiquid securities, to not more than 10% of its net assets.
Additional Information
Except with respect to borrowing money, if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such limitation.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
The Fund may follow non-fundamental operational policies that are more restrictive than its fundamental investment limitations, as set forth in the Prospectus and this SAI, in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the provisions of and regulations under the 1940 Act. In particular, the Fund will comply with the various requirements of Rule 2a-7. The Fund may change these operational policies to reflect changes in the laws and regulations without the approval of its shareholders.
What Do Shares Cost?
DETERMINING MARKET VALUE OF SECURITIES
The Board has decided that the best method for determining the value of portfolio instruments is amortized cost. Under the amortized cost valuation method, an investment is valued initially at its cost as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). The Fund then adjusts the amount of interest income accrued each day over the term of the investment to account for any difference between the initial cost of the investment and the amount payable at its maturity. If the amount payable at maturity exceeds the initial cost (a “discount”), then the daily accrual is increased; if the initial cost exceeds the amount payable at maturity (a “premium”), then the daily accrual is decreased. The Fund adds the amount of the increase to (in the case of a discount), or subtracts the amount of the decrease from (in the case of a premium), the investment's cost each day. The Fund uses this adjusted cost to value the investment.
Accordingly, neither the amount of daily income nor the NAV is affected by any unrealized appreciation or depreciation of the portfolio. In periods of declining interest rates, the indicated daily yield on Shares of the Fund, computed by dividing the annualized daily income on the Fund's portfolio by the NAV, computed as above, may tend to be higher than a similar computation made by using a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates. In periods of rising interest rates, the opposite may be true.
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The Fund's use of the amortized cost method of valuing portfolio instruments depends on its compliance with certain conditions in Rule 2a-7. Under the Rule 2a-7, the Board must establish procedures reasonably designed to stabilize the NAV per Share, as computed for purposes of distribution and redemption, at $1.00 per Share, taking into account current market conditions and the Fund's investment objective. The procedures include monitoring the relationship between the amortized cost value per Share and the NAV per Share based upon available indications of market value. The Board will decide what, if any, steps should be taken if there is a difference of more than 0.5 of 1% between the two values. The Board will take any steps it considers appropriate (such as redemption in-kind or shortening the average portfolio maturity) to minimize any material dilution or other unfair results arising from differences between the two methods of determining NAV.
How is the Fund Sold?
Under the Distributor's contract with the Fund, the Distributor (“Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.”) offers Shares on a continuous, best-efforts basis exclusively through Edward Jones to its customers. The Fund is sold largely as a “sweep” investment for otherwise uninvested cash in Edward Jones’ customers' accounts.
RULE 12B-1 PLAN (Investment Shares and Retirement Shares)
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan with respect to the Investment Shares and Retirement Shares (the "Plan") in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which regulates circumstances under which an investment company may directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of its shares. Continuance of the Plan must be approved annually by a majority of the Trustees and by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan ("Qualified Trustees"). The Plan requires that quarterly written reports of amounts spent under the Plan and the purposes of such expenditures be furnished to and reviewed by the Trustees. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount that may be spent thereunder without approval by a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund. All material amendments of the Plan will require approval by a majority of the Trustees and of the Qualified Trustees.
The Plan provides a method of paying for distribution and shareholder services, which may help the Fund grow or maintain asset levels to provide operational efficiencies and economies of scale.
Under the Plan, the Distributor will receive 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Investment Shares and Retirement Shares as compensation for distribution services and distribution related expenses such as the costs of preparation, printing, mailing or otherwise disseminating sales literature, advertising, and prospectuses (other than those furnished to current shareholders of the Fund), promotional and incentive programs, and such other marketing expenses that the Distributor may incur. The Plan is characterized as a compensation plan since the distribution fee will be paid to the Distributor without regard to the distribution or shareholder service expenses incurred by the Distributor. The Fund intends to operate the Plan in accordance with its terms and with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") rules concerning sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN (Investment Shares and Retirement Shares)
The Fund has adopted a shareholder servicing plan under which a shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of Investment Shares and Retirement Shares of the Fund may be paid to Edward Jones. Under the plan, Edward Jones may perform certain shareholder and administrative services, including: (i) maintaining shareholder accounts; (ii) arranging for bank wires; (iii) responding to shareholder inquiries relating to the services performed by the financial intermediaries; (iv) responding to inquiries from shareholders concerning their investment in the Fund; (v) assisting shareholders in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses; (vi) providing information periodically to shareholders showing their position in the Funds; (vii) forwarding shareholder communications from the Fund such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual dividend and capital gain distribution and tax notices to shareholders; (viii) processing purchase, exchange and redemption requests from shareholders and placing orders with the Fund or their service providers; (ix) providing sub-accounting services; (x) processing dividend and capital gain payments from the Fund on behalf of shareholders; (xi) preparing tax reports; and (xii) providing such other similar non-distribution services as the Fund may reasonably request to the extent that the financial intermediary is permitted to do so under applicable laws or regulations.
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Prior to January 28, 2017 the Fund may have paid service fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Investment Shares and Retirement Shares of the Fund to Edward Jones for providing services to shareholders and maintaining shareholder accounts.
For the fiscal years ended February 28, 2014, February 28, 2015 and February 29, 2016, the Fund paid the following amounts in shareholding servicing fees to Edward Jones:
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
Investment Shares | $80,586 | $0 | $0 |
Retirement Shares | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Redemptions In-Kind
Although the Fund generally intends to pay Share redemptions in cash, it reserves the right, on its own initiative or in response to a shareholder request, to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of the Fund's portfolio securities.
Because the Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund is obligated to pay Share redemptions to any one shareholder in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets represented by such Share class during any 90-day period.
Any Share redemption payment greater than this amount will also be in cash unless the Fund elects to pay all or a portion of the remainder of the redemption in portfolio securities, valued in the same way as the Fund determines its NAV.
Redemption in-kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. Shareholders receiving the portfolio securities could have difficulty selling them, may incur related transaction costs and would be subject to risks of fluctuations in the securities' values prior to sale.
Massachusetts Partnership Law
Under certain circumstances, shareholders may be held personally liable as partners under Massachusetts law for obligations of the Fund. To protect its shareholders, the Fund has filed legal documents with Massachusetts that expressly disclaim the liability of its shareholders for acts or obligations of the Fund.
In the unlikely event a shareholder is held personally liable for the Fund's obligations, the Fund is required by the Declaration of Trust to use its property to protect or compensate the shareholder. On request, the Fund will defend any claim made and pay any judgment against a shareholder for any act or obligation of the Fund. Therefore, financial loss resulting from liability as a shareholder will occur only if the Fund itself cannot meet its obligations to indemnify shareholders and pay judgments against them.
Account and Share Information
VOTING RIGHTS
Each Share of the Fund gives the shareholder one vote in Trustee elections and other matters submitted to shareholders for vote.
All Shares of the Fund have equal voting rights, except in matters affecting only a particular class; in that instance only Shares of that class are entitled to vote.
Trustees may be removed by the Board or by shareholders at a special meeting. A special meeting of shareholders will be called by the Board upon the written request of shareholders who own at least 10% of the Fund's outstanding Shares.
As of December 31, 2016, there were no shareholders who owned of record, beneficially, or both, 5% or more of outstanding Investment Shares or Retirement Shares.
Shareholders owning 25% or more of outstanding Shares may be in control and be able to affect the outcome of certain matters presented for a vote of shareholders.
Tax Information
The following is only a summary of certain additional U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that is intended to supplement the discussion contained in the Fund’s Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Fund’s Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including their state, local, and foreign tax liabilities.
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The following general discussion of certain federal income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”)
The Fund intends to qualify and elects to be treated as a RIC. By following such a policy, the Fund expects to eliminate or reduce to a nominal amount the federal taxes to which it may be subject. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC, it will generally not be subject to federal income taxes on the net investment income and net realized capital gains that it timely distributes to its shareholders.
In order to qualify as a RIC under the Code, the Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income (which, includes dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, less operating expenses) and at least 90% of its net tax exempt interest income, for each tax year, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”) and also must meet certain additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (the “Qualifying Income Test”); and (ii) at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year: (A) at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, Government Securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, including the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership, and (B) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than Government Securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or the securities (other than the securities of another RIC) of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Asset Test”).
Although the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and may distribute its capital gains for any taxable year, the Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed.
If the Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income or Asset Tests in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. If the Fund fails to maintain qualification as a RIC for a tax year, and the relief provisions are not available, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In such case, its shareholders would be taxed as if they received ordinary dividends, although corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends received deduction (subject to certain limitations) and individuals may be able to benefit from the lower tax rates available to qualified dividend income. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.
The Fund may elect to treat part or all of any “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund’s taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A “qualified late year loss” generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as “post-October losses”) and certain other late-year losses.
The treatment of capital loss carryovers for the Fund is similar to the rules that apply to capital loss carryovers of individuals, which provide that such losses are carried over indefinitely. If the Fund has a “net capital loss” (that is, capital losses in excess of capital gains), for a taxable year beginning after December 22, 2010 (a “Post-2010 Loss”), the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year, and the excess (if any) of the Fund’s net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. The Fund’s unused capital loss carryforwards that arose in taxable years that began on or before December 22, 2010 (“Pre-2011 Losses”) are available to be applied against future capital gains, if any, realized by the Fund prior to the expiration of those carryforwards, generally eight years after the year in which they arose. The Fund’s Post-2010 Losses must be fully utilized before the Fund will be permitted to utilize carryforwards of Pre-2011 Losses. In addition, the carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss limitation rules if the Fund experiences an ownership change as defined in the Code.
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Federal Excise Tax
Notwithstanding the Distribution Requirement described above, which generally requires the Fund to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment company taxable income and the excess of its exempt interest income (but does not require any minimum distribution of net capital gain), the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute, by the end of the calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (the excess of short- and long-term capital gains over short- and long-term capital losses) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year (including any retained amount from the prior calendar year on which the Fund paid no federal income tax). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid liability for federal excise tax, but can make no assurances that such tax will be completely eliminated. The Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of the Fund to satisfy the requirement for qualification as a RIC.
Distributions to Shareholders
The Fund receives income generally in the form of interest. This income, plus net short-term capital gains, if any, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund’s net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. Any distributions by the Fund from such income will be taxable to you as ordinary income, even though the distributions are automatically reinvested in additional Shares. Distributions by the Fund of its net short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income. Capital gain distributions consisting of the Fund’s net capital gains will be taxable as long-term capital gains for individual shareholders currently set at a maximum rate of 20% regardless of how long you have held your shares in the Fund.
Dividends declared to shareholders of record in October, November or December and actually paid in January of the following year will be treated as having been received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared. Under this rule, therefore, a shareholder may be taxed in one year on dividends or distributions actually received in January of the following year.
Sales, Exchanges or Redemptions
It is anticipated that the Fund will maintain a constant price per share and that shareholders will not generally realize gain or loss with respect to such shares. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale, exchange, or redemption of shares of the Fund by a shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will generally, for individual shareholders, be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than twelve months and otherwise will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. However, if shares on which a shareholder has received a net capital gain distribution are subsequently sold, exchanged, or redeemed and such shares have been held for six months or less, any loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the net capital gain distribution. In addition, the loss realized on a sale or other disposition of shares will be disallowed to the extent a shareholder repurchases (or enters into a contract or option to repurchase) shares within a period of 61 days (beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares). This loss disallowance rule will apply to shares received through the reinvestment of dividends during the 61-day period.
U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends, and capital gains (including any capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund).
As previously discussed the Fund intends to maintain a constant price per share and shareholders will generally not realize gain or loss with respect to such shares. The Fund (or its administrative agent), however, must report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, and sold on or after that date. In addition to the requirement to report the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, the Fund is also required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of Fund shares the Fund will permit Fund shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average basis method. In the absence of an election, the Fund will use a default cost basis method which has been communicated to you. The cost basis method elected by the Fund shareholder (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of Fund shares may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about cost basis reporting.
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Tax-Exempt Shareholders
Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k)s, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Under current law, the Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of an investment in the Fund where, for example: (i) the Fund invests in residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”), (ii) the Fund invests in a Real Estate Investment Trust that is a taxable mortgage pool (“TMP”) or that has a subsidiary that is a TMP or that invests in the residual interest of a REMIC, or (iii) shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisor. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding these issues.
Backup Withholding
The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold at a 28% withholding rate and remit to the U.S. Treasury the amount withheld on amounts payable to any shareholder who: (i) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all; (ii) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends; (iii) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding; or (iv) has failed to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is a U.S. person (including a resident alien).
Non-U.S. Investors
Any non-U.S. investors in the Fund may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisors prior to investing in the Fund. Foreign shareholders ( i.e. , nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates) are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower tax treaty rate) on distributions derived from taxable ordinary income. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Short-term capital gain dividends received by a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year are not exempt from this 30% withholding tax. Gains realized by foreign shareholders from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless the recipient is an individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year. Foreign shareholders who fail to provide an applicable IRS form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described in this paragraph. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign shareholder is engaged in a trade or business within the United States. In addition, the tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty may be different than those described above.
A U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate is imposed on dividends effective July 1, 2014 (and proceeds of sales in respect of Fund shares (including certain capital gain dividends) received by Fund shareholders beginning after December 31, 2018) for shareholders who own their shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied. The Fund will not pay any additional amounts in respect to any amounts withheld.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations
Under U.S. Treasury regulations, generally, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC such as the Fund are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
State Taxes
Depending upon state and local law, distributions by the Fund to its shareholders and the ownership of such shares may be subject to state and local taxes. Rules of state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from RICs often differ from the rules for federal income taxation described above. It is expected that the Fund will not be liable for any corporate excise, income or franchise tax in Massachusetts if it qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes .
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Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by the Fund. Investment in Ginnie Mae or Fannie Mae securities, banker’s acceptances, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements collateralized by Government Securities do not generally qualify for such tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporate shareholders. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding state and local taxes applicable to an investment in the Fund.
The Fund’s shares held in a tax-qualified retirement account will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distributions from the Fund until a shareholder begins receiving payments from their retirement account. Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, shareholders should consult their tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Fund.
Who Manages and Provides Services to the Fund?
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees is responsible for managing the Fund's business affairs and for exercising all the Fund's powers except those reserved for the shareholders. The following tables give information about each Trustee and the senior officers of the Fund. Where required, the tables separately list Trustees who are “interested persons” of the Fund (i.e., “Interested” Trustees) and those who are not (i.e., “Independent” Trustees). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131. The Fund is the only investment company in the Fund Complex. Unless otherwise noted, each Officer is elected annually. Unless otherwise noted, each Trustee serves for an indefinite term.
As of December 31, 2016, the Fund's Board and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of each class of the Fund's outstanding Shares.
INTERESTED TRUSTEES BACKGROUND QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPENSATION
Name
Birth Date Positions Held with Fund Date Service Began |
Principal Occupation(s) for Past Five Years,
Other Directorships Held and Previous Position(s) |
Estimated Aggregate
Compensation From Fund (current fiscal year) |
David Levenson*
CHAIRMAN AND TRUSTEE
|
Principal Occupations: Principal, Products & Services at Edward Jones
Other Directorships Held: Trustee for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and Chairman of the Board of the Secure Retirement Institute
Previous Positions: President of the wealth management division of The Hartford.
Qualifications: Mr. Levenson has held a variety of leadership roles at Edward Jones and other financial services firms, in which he gained extensive experience with mutual funds and other investment products. He has also served on the boards and committees of various non-profit organizations. |
$0 |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES BACKGROUND, QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPENSATION
Name
Birth Date Positions Held with Fund Date Service Began |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships Held for
Past Five Years, Previous Position(s) and Qualifications |
Estimated Aggregate
Compensation From Fund (current fiscal year) |
David D. Sylvester*
Born: 1950 Trustee Indefinite Term Began serving: January 2017 |
Principal Occupations: Retired; Portfolio Manager at Wells, Fargo & Co. (1979-2015).
Other Directorships Held: None
Qualifications: Mr. Sylvester has managed short-term funds and money market funds for over 40 years. During that time, he was responsible for a large money market fund complex, and played a lead role in the complex’s response to money market fund reform, as well as numerous money market fund acquisitions and mergers. |
$20,000 |
Maureen Leary-Jago*
Born: 1957 Trustee Indefinite Term Began serving: January 2017 |
Principal Occupations: Retired; Senior Global Advisor at MFS (2004-2016).
Other Directorships Held: None
Qualifications: Ms. Leary-Jago has gained experience with multiple aspects of the investment management industry, including operations, risk management and compliance, through various leadership roles at investment management firms and with industry associations. |
$20,000 |
Timothy Jacoby*
Born: 1952 Trustee Indefinite Term Began serving: January 2017 |
Principal Occupations: Retired; Partner at Deloitte & Touche Investment Management. (2000-2014) Other Directorships Held: Independent Director, Exchange Traded Concepts Trust, Exchange Listed Funds Trust Qualifications: Mr. Jacoby has over 35 years of combined public accounting and investment management industry experience, which he has gained through various leadership roles at audit and investment management firms, with industry associations and on the boards of other registered funds. |
$20,000 |
* Joined the Board on January 27, 2017
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OFFICERS*
* | Officers do not receive any compensation from the Fund. |
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
The Role of the Board . The Board oversees the management and operations of the Fund. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day management and operation of the Fund is the responsibility of the various service providers to the Fund, such as the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser, the Distributor and the Custodian, each of which is discussed in greater detail in this SAI. The Board has appointed various senior employees of Edward Jones as officers of the Fund, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Fund’s operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and the service providers. For example, the Treasurer reports as to financial reporting matters.
In addition, the Adviser provides regular reports on the investment strategy and performance of the Fund. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer who administers the Fund’s compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. These reports are provided as part of formal Board Meetings which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent operations. In addition, various members of the Board also meet with management in less formal settings, between formal Board Meetings, to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Fund and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Fund’s investments, operations or activities.
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Board Structure, Leadership . The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to perform its oversight function effectively. It has established two standing committees, a Governance and Nominating Committee and an Audit Committee, which are discussed in greater detail below. Three-quarters (75%) of the Board is comprised of Trustees who are Independent Trustees, which generally are Trustees who are not affiliated with the Adviser, the principal underwriter, or their affiliates. The Chairperson of the Board is an Interested Trustee. The Board has determined not to combine the Chairperson position and the principal executive officer position and has appointed a senior employee of Edward Jones as the President of the Fund. The Board reviews its structure and the structure of its committees annually. The Board has determined that the structure of the Interested Chairperson, the composition of the Board, and the function and composition of its various committees are appropriate means to address any potential conflicts of interest that may arise.
Maureen Leary-Jago, an Independent Trustee, serves as the lead Independent Trustee of the Fund. In her role as lead Independent Trustee, Ms. Leary-Jago, among other things: (i) presides over board meetings in the absence of the Chairperson of the Board; (ii) presides over executive sessions of the Independent Trustees; (iii) along with the Chairperson of the Board, oversees the development of agendas for Board meetings; (iv) facilitates dealings and communications between the Independent Trustees and management, and among the Independent Trustees; and (v) has such other responsibilities as the Board or Independent Trustees determine from time to time.
Timothy Jacoby, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Fund. The Governance and Nominating Committee is comprised of all the Independent Trustees. As set forth in its charter, the Governance and Nominating Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its governance-related responsibilities, including making recommendations regarding the Board’s size, composition, leadership structure, committees, compensation, retirement and self-assessment, among other things. The Governance and Nominating Committee makes recommendations regarding nominations for Independent Trustees and will consider candidates suggested by shareholders sent to the attention of the President of the Fund in writing together with the appropriate biographical information concerning each such proposed candidate. Such submissions by shareholders must comply with the notice provisions set forth in the Fund’s By-Laws. In general, to be considered by the Governance and Nominating Committees, such nominations, together with all required biographical information, any information required to be disclosed about a candidate in a Fund proxy statement or other regulatory filing for the election of Trustees, and any other information requested by the Governance and Nominating Committee that it deems reasonable to its evaluation of the candidate, must be delivered to and received by the President of the Fund at the principal executive offices of the Fund not later than 120 days prior to the shareholder meeting at which any such nominee would be voted on. Submission of a Trustee candidate recommendation by a shareholder does not guarantee such candidate will be nominated as a Trustee.
The Governance and Nominating Committee will identify and screen Independent Trustee candidates for nomination and appointment to the Board and submit final recommendations to the full Board for approval. In doing so, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall take into account such factors as it considers relevant, including without limitation, educational background, strength of character, mature judgment, career specialization, relevant technical skills or financial acumen, diversity of viewpoint, industry knowledge, experience, demonstrated capabilities, independence, commitment, reputation, background, diversity, understanding of the investment business and understanding of the business and financial matters generally. No one factor is controlling, either with respect to the group or any individual. In addition to the above, each candidate must: (i) display the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; (ii) have the ability to exercise sound business judgment; (iii) be highly accomplished in his or her respective field; (iv) have relevant expertise and experience; (v) be able to represent all shareholders and be committed to enhancing long-term shareholder value; and (vi) have sufficient time available to devote to activities of the Board and to enhance his or her knowledge of the Fund’s business.
David Sylvester, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chair of the Audit Committee of the Fund. The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee meets twice a year or more frequently as circumstances dictate. The function of the Audit Committee, with respect to each series of the Fund, is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the accounting and financial reporting policies and practices of the Fund, including by providing independent and objective oversight over the Fund’s accounting policies, financial reporting and internal control system, as well as the work of the independent registered public accounting firm retained by the Fund (the “independent auditors”). The Audit Committee also serves to provide an open avenue of communication among the independent auditors, Fund management and the Board.
Valuation Committee. The Board has delegated day-to-day valuation issues to a Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee includes at least one officer of the Fund and at least one representative of the Adviser, as appointed by the Board. The function of the Valuation Committee is to value securities held by the Fund for which current and reliable market quotations are not readily available. Such securities are valued at their respective fair values as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, acting pursuant to the procedures established by the Board, and the actions of the Valuation Committee are subsequently reviewed by the Board.
Board Oversight of Risk Management . As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (e.g., investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.), the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Treasurer and the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Fund’s financial reporting function. The Board meets quarterly, and otherwise as needed, with the Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance and operational risks and how they are managed. The Board also receives reports from the Adviser as to investment risks of the Fund.
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The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect a Fund can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary for a Fund to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund’s goals and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness.
Information about Each of the Trustee’s Qualification, Experience, Attributes or Skills . The Fund has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of their ability to review and understand information about the Fund provided to them by management, to identify and request other information they may deem relevant to the performance of their duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Fund, and to exercise their business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. The Fund has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on their own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described in the charts above.
In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Fund. Moreover, references to the qualifications, attributes and skills of trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, and do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience.
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PRIOR COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Prior to January 27, 2017, the Board had the following three standing committees:
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee generally exercised all the powers of the full Board in the management and direction of the business and conduct of the affairs of the Fund in such manner as the Executive Committee deemed to be in the best interests of the Fund. However, the Executive Committee could not elect or remove Board members, increase or decrease the number of Trustees, elect or remove any officer of the Fund, declare dividends, issue shares or recommend to shareholders any action requiring shareholder approval. J. Christopher Donahue, Peter E. Madden and John S. Walsh served on the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee held one meeting during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee oversaw the accounting and financial reporting process of the Fund, the Fund's internal control over financial reporting and the quality, integrity and independent audit of the Fund's financial statements. The Committee also oversaw or assisted the Board with the oversight of compliance of legal requirements relating to those matters, approved the engagement and reviewed the qualifications, independence and performance of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, acted as a liaison between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Board and reviewed the Fund's internal audit function. John T. Collins, G. Thomas Hough, Maureen Lally-Green and Thomas M. O'Neill served on the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held eight meetings during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016.
Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee, whose members consisted of all Independent Trustees, selected and nominated persons for election to the Fund's Board when vacancies occured. The Nominating Committee considered candidates recommended by shareholders, Independent Trustees, officers or employees of any of the Fund's agents or service providers and counsel to the Fund. In identifying and evaluating candidates for consideration, the Committee considered such factors as it deemed appropriate. Those factors ordinarily included: integrity, intelligence, collegiality, judgment, diversity, skill, business and other experience, qualification as an Independent Trustee, the existence of material relationships which may have created the appearance of a lack of independence, financial or accounting knowledge and experience and dedication and willingness to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill Board responsibilities. The Nominating Committee held one meeting during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016.
BOARD OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016
Interested Board
Member Name |
Dollar Range of
Shares Owned in Edward Jones Money Market Fund |
David Levenson | Over $100,000 |
Independent Board
Member Name |
|
David D. Sylvester | None |
Maureen Leary-Jago | None |
Timothy Jacoby | None |
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Passport Research, Ltd., an SEC registered investment adviser, with its principal place of business located at 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis Missouri 63131, serves as investment adviser and administrator to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Management and Administrative Agreement with the Fund dated January 27, 2017 (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser was formed as a Pennsylvania limited partnership on May 21, 1981 and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Jones Financial, which is also the parent company of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is a financial services firm with branch offices in the United States and Canada. The Adviser does not manage any accounts other than the Fund.
Advisory Agreement with the Fund
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, Passport has overall supervisory responsibility for the general management and investment of the Fund’s securities portfolio, and subject to review and approval by the Board, sets the Fund’s overall investment strategies. The Adviser is also responsible for the oversight and evaluation of the Sub-Adviser.
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For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee of 0.20%, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.
Each of the Fund and Passport will bear its respective costs and expenses of performing its obligations under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund shall reimburse Passport for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Fund will reimburse Passport for any other reasonable expenses not contemplated by the new Advisory Agreement that Passport may incur on the Fund's behalf, at the Fund's request or with the Fund's consent. With respect to the Fund's operations, Passport will be responsible for (1) providing the personnel, office space and equipment reasonably necessary to perform its obligations under the Advisory Agreement; and (2) the costs of any special Board meeting or shareholder meetings convened for the primary benefit of Passport.
Under the Advisory Agreement, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the obligations and duties on the part of Passport, Passport would not be subject to liability for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Advisory Agreement or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security, including, for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law or any other act or omission by Passport.
The Advisory Agreement may continue from year to year after an initial two year term, if specifically approved at least annually by the Board, or by vote of the holders of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, and by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested trustees” of the Fund who are not parties to the agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Advisory Agreement will, pursuant to its terms, terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and may be terminated (i) by the Fund, by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund at any time without payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days' written notice to Passport; and (ii) by Passport upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the Fund.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Fund's total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, portfolio transaction expenses, interest expense in connection with investment activities, taxes, and extraordinary or non-routine expenses) to an annual rate of 0.72% of the average daily annual net assets of the Fund’s Investment Shares and Retirement Shares. Any payment made by the Adviser in connection with the Expense Limitation Agreement is subject to recoupment by the Adviser in the three year period following the payment, if (i) requested by the Adviser, and (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by a class of the Fund toward operating expenses (taking into account other recoupments) does not exceed the expense cap (a) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement and (b) at the time of recoupment.
This Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 2018, and may only be changed or eliminated with the approval of the Board of Trustees during such period. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods thereafter unless Passport provides the Fund with written notice of its election to not renew the agreement at least 60 days prior to the end of the current one year term.
For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2014, 2015 and 2016 the Fund paid the following advisory fees to the Adviser:
Fund |
Contractual Fees (000’s) | Fees Waived (000’s) | Total Fees Paid (After Waivers) (000’s) | ||||||
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund | $59,711,696 | $58,643,242 | $58,452,178 | $57,656,520 | $58,549,399 | $45,276,789 | $2,055,176 | $93,843 | $13,175,359 |
SUB-ADVISER
Federated Investment Management Company
Pursuant to the terms of a Sub-Advisory and Sub-Administration Agreement dated January 27, 2017 (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Federated Investment Management Company (FIMCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc., located at 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779, manages the Fund’s assets, including buying and selling portfolio securities, and Federated Administrative Services (FAS), an affiliate of the Sub-Adviser, provides administrative services to the Fund.
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Sub-Advisory Agreement . Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser serves as the investment sub-adviser for the Fund, makes investment decisions for the Fund and administers the investment program of the Fund, subject to the supervision of, and policies established by, the Adviser and the Board.
For the sub-advisory and sub-administrative services provided pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser receives an aggregate annual fee directly from the Fund at an annual rate of 0.04%, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund. Under the Advisory Agreement, for the purposes of compensation payable to Passport, the Fund will be deemed to have paid Passport and Passport will be deemed to have received an amount equal to any payment made by the Fund directly to FIMCO/FAS under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Each of the parties will bear its respective costs and expenses of performing its obligations under the Sub-Advisory Agreement. Passport shall reimburse (or cause the Fund to reimburse) FAS as sub-administrator for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Sub-Advisory Agreement. In addition, Passport will reimburse (or cause the Fund to reimburse) FIMCO/FAS for any other reasonable expenses not contemplated by the Sub-Advisory Agreement that FIMCO/FAS may incur on Passport's or the Fund's behalf, or Passport's or the Fund's request, or with Passport's or the Fund's consent.
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the obligations and duties on the part of FIMCO or FAS, neither FIMCO nor FAS will be subject to liability for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security, including, for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law or any other act or omission by FIMCO or FAS.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement may continue from year to year after an initial two year term, if specifically approved at least annually by the Board, or by vote of the holders of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, and by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested trustees” of the Fund who are not parties to the agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement will, pursuant to its terms, terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and may be terminated (i) by FIMCO/FAS upon sixty (60) days' written notice to Passport and the Fund; and (ii) by Passport or the Fund, by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund at any time without payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days' written notice to FIMCO/FAS. However, Edward Jones has agreed, in general, to make certain payments to FIMCO/FAS if, during the initial two-year term of the Sub-Advisory Agreement (i) the Sub-Advisory Agreement is terminated, or (ii) the annual fees paid pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement fall below 0.04% of the average daily net assets of the Fund; provided, in either case, that FIMCO is not disqualified from acting as a sub-adviser to a registered investment company under the 1940 Act, and that FIMCO and FAS have not materially breached the Sub-Advisory Agreement by violating the standard of care described above. While Edward Jones would pay any such fee out of its own resources (and not out of the advisory fee earned by Passport), the agreement between Edward Jones and FIMCO may present a conflict of interest that affects Passport's ability to oversee FIMCO, and, in particular, may disincentivize Passport from recommending the termination of FIMCO, during the initial two-year term of the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Prior to January 28, 2017, FAS provided administrative personnel and services, including certain legal, compliance, recordkeeping and financial reporting services, necessary for the operation of the Fund. FAS provided these services for a fee based upon the rates set forth below paid on the average daily net assets of the Fund. For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” was defined as all of the Federated Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement with FAS. FAS was also entitled to reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing administrative services to the Fund.
Administrative Services Fee Rate | Average Daily Net Assets of the Investment Complex |
0.150 of 1% | on the first $5 billion |
0.125 of 1% | on the next $5 billion |
0.100 of 1% | on the next $10 billion |
0.075 of 1% | on assets over $20 billion |
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For the fiscal years ended February 28, 2014, February 28, 2015 and February 29, 2016, the Fund paid the following amounts in administrative services fees to Edward Jones:
2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
$11,117,456 | $10,934,530 | $10,904,154 |
Multi-Manager Structure
An exemptive order has been obtained from the SEC that permits the Fund to operate under a manager of managers structure that permits the Adviser, with the approval of the Board, to appoint and replace sub-advisers, enter into sub-advisory agreements, and materially amend sub-advisory agreements on behalf of the Fund without shareholder approval (the “Manager of Managers Structure”). Under the Manager of Managers Structure, the Adviser has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight of the Board, for overseeing the Fund’s sub-advisers and recommending to the Board their hiring, termination, or replacement. The SEC order does not apply to any sub-adviser that is affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Fund’s shareholders have approved the adoption of the Manager of Managers Structure by the Fund. The exemptive order provides that amounts payable by the Adviser to the sub-advisers under the Fund’s sub-advisory agreements only need to be disclosed in the aggregate in the Fund’s registration statement.
The Manager of Managers Structure enables the Fund to operate with greater efficiency by not incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approvals for matters relating to sub-advisers or sub-advisory agreements. Operation of the Fund under the Manager of Managers Structure does not permit management fees paid by the Fund to the Adviser to be increased without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified of the retention of a new sub-adviser within 90 days of the hiring.
The Adviser has ultimate responsibility for the investment performance of the Fund due to its responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
The Board has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser, which, in turn, has delegated such responsibility to the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures, which are described below.
Proxy Voting Policies
The Sub-Adviser's general policy is to cast proxy votes in favor of management proposals and shareholder proposals that the Sub-Adviser anticipates will enhance the long-term value of the securities being voted. Generally, this will mean voting for proposals that the Sub-Adviser believes will: (a) improve the management of a company; (b) increase the rights or preferences of the voted securities; and/or (c) increase the chance that a premium offer would be made for the company or for the voted securities. This approach to voting proxy proposals will be referred to hereafter as the General Policy.
The following examples illustrate how the General Policy may apply to management proposals and shareholder proposals submitted for approval or ratification by holders of the company's voting securities. However, whether the Sub-Adviser supports or opposes a proposal will always depend on the specific circumstances described in the proxy statement and other available information.
On matters of corporate governance, generally the Sub-Adviser will vote in favor of: (1) a proposal to require a company's audit committee to be comprised entirely of independent directors; (2) shareholder proposals to declassify the board of directors; in favor of shareholder proposals to require a majority voting standard in the election of directors; (3) proposals to grant shareholders the right to call a special meeting if owners of at least 25% of the outstanding stock agree; (4) a proposal to require independent tabulation of proxies and/or confidential voting of shareholders; (5) a proposal to ratify the board's selection of auditors, unless: (a) compensation for non-audit services exceeded 50% of the total compensation received from the company; or (b) the previous auditor was dismissed because of a disagreement with the company; (6) a proposal to repeal a shareholder rights plan (also known as a “poison pill”) and against the adoption of such a plan, unless the plan is designed to facilitate, rather than prevent, unsolicited offers for the company; (7) shareholder proposals to eliminate supermajority requirements in company bylaws; (8) shareholder proposals to separate the roles of chairman of the board and CEO; (9) shareholder proposals to allow shareholders owning at least 3% of the outstanding common stock for at least three years to nominate candidates for election to the board of directors (“Proxy Access”); (10) the full slate of directors nominated in an uncontested election, but against any director who: (a) had not attended at least 75% of the board meetings during the previous year; (b) serves as the company's chief financial officer; (c) has committed himself or herself to service on a large number of boards, such that we deem it unlikely that the director would be able to commit sufficient focus and time to a particular company; (d) is the chair of the nominating or governance committee when the roles of chairman of the board and CEO are combined and there is no lead independent director; (e) served on the compensation committee during a period in which compensation appears excessive relative to performance and peers; or (f) served on a board that did not implement a shareholder proposal that Federated supported and received more than 50% shareholder support the previous year.
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On matters of capital structure, generally the Sub-Adviser will vote against a proposal to authorize or issue shares that are senior in priority or voting rights to the voted securities, and in favor of a proposal to: (1) reduce the amount of shares authorized for issuance (subject to adequate provisions for outstanding convertible securities, options, warrants, rights and other existing obligations to issue shares); (2) grant preemptive rights to the securities being voted and against a proposal to eliminate such preemptive rights; and (3) authorize a stock repurchase program.
On matters relating to management compensation, generally the Sub-Adviser will vote in favor of stock incentive plans (including plans for directors) that align the recipients of stock incentives with the interests of shareholders, without creating undue dilution, and against: (1) the advisory vote on executive compensation plans (“Say On Pay”) when the plan has failed to align executive compensation with corporate performance; (2) proposals that would permit the amendment or replacement of outstanding stock incentives with new stock incentives having more favorable terms (e.g., lower purchase prices or easier vesting requirements); and (3) executive compensation plans that do not disclose the maximum amounts of compensation that may be awarded or the criteria for determining awards.
On matters relating to corporate transactions, the Sub-Adviser will vote proxies consistent with the General Policy. The Sub-Adviser will vote proxies in contested elections of directors based upon its analysis of the opposing slates and their proposed business strategy and the expected impact on the long-term value of the securities being voted. The Sub-Adviser generally votes proxies against proposals submitted by shareholders without the favorable recommendation of a company's board. The Sub-Adviser believes that a company's board should manage its business and policies, and that shareholders who seek specific changes should strive to convince the board of their merits or seek direct representation on the board. However, the Sub-Adviser would vote for shareholder proposals not supported by the company's board that the Sub-Adviser regards as: (a) likely to result in an immediate and favorable improvement in the total return of the voted security; and (b) unlikely to be adopted by the company's board in the absence of shareholder direction.
In addition, the Sub-Adviser will not vote any proxy if it determines that the consequences or costs of voting outweigh the potential benefit of voting. For example, if a foreign market requires shareholders voting proxies to retain the voted shares until the meeting date (thereby rendering the shares “illiquid” for some period of time), the Sub-Adviser will not vote proxies for such shares. In addition, the Sub-Adviser is not obligated to incur any expense to send a representative to a shareholder meeting or to translate proxy materials into English.
Proxy Voting Procedures
The Sub-Adviser has established a Proxy Voting Committee (“Proxy Committee”), to exercise all voting discretion granted to the Sub-Adviser by the Board in accordance with the proxy voting policies. To assist it in carrying out the day-to-day operations related to proxy voting, the Proxy Committee has created the Proxy Voting Management Group (PVMG). The day-to-day operations related to proxy voting are carried out by the Proxy Voting Operations Team (PVOT) and overseen by the PVMG. This work includes, interacting with a proxy voting service on the Proxy Committee's behalf; soliciting voting recommendations from the Sub-Adviser's investment professionals, as necessary; bringing requests to the Proxy Committee from the Sub-Adviser's investment professionals for voting contrary to the Standard Voting Instructions; filing any required proxy voting reports; providing proxy voting reports to clients and investment companies as they are requested from time to time; keeping the Proxy Committee informed of any issues related to proxy voting; and voting client shares as directed by the Proxy Committee.
The Sub-Adviser has hired a proxy voting service to obtain, vote, and record proxies in accordance with the directions of the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee has supplied the proxy voting services with general instructions (the “Standard Voting Instructions”) that represent decisions made by the Proxy Committee in order to vote common proxy proposals. As the Proxy Committee believes that a shareholder vote is equivalent to an investment decision, the Proxy Committee retains the right to modify the Standard Voting Instructions at any time or to vote contrary to them at any time in order to cast proxy votes in a manner that the Proxy Committee believes is: (a) in the best interests of the Sub-Adviser's clients (and shareholders of the funds advised by the Sub-Adviser); and (b) will enhance the long-term value of the securities being voted. The proxy voting service may vote any proxy as directed in the Standard Voting Instructions without further direction from the Proxy Committee. However, if the Standard Voting Instructions require case-by-case direction for a proposal, the PVOT will work with the investment professionals and the proxy voting service to develop a voting recommendation for the Proxy Committee and to communicate the Proxy Committee's final voting decision to the proxy voting service. Further, if the Standard Voting Instructions require the PVOT to analyze a ballot question and make the final voting decision, the PVOT will report such votes to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis for review.
20
Conflicts of Interest
The Sub-Adviser has adopted procedures to address situations where a matter on which a proxy is sought may present a potential conflict between the interests of the Fund (and its shareholders) and those of the Sub-Adviser or Distributor. This may occur where a significant business relationship exists between the Sub-Adviser (or its affiliates) and a company involved with a proxy vote. A company that is a proponent, opponent, or the subject of a proxy vote, and which to the knowledge of the Proxy Committee has this type of significant business relationship, is referred to below as an “Interested Company.”
The Sub-Adviser has implemented the following procedures in order to avoid concerns that the conflicting interests of the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates have influenced proxy votes. Any employee of the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates who is contacted by an Interested Company regarding proxies to be voted by the Sub-Adviser must refer the Interested Company to a member of the Proxy Committee, and must inform the Interested Company that the Proxy Committee has exclusive authority to determine how the proxy will be voted. Any Proxy Committee member contacted by an Interested Company must report it to the full Proxy Committee and provide a written summary of the communication. Under no circumstances will the Proxy Committee or any member of the Proxy Committee make a commitment to an Interested Company regarding the voting of proxies or disclose to an Interested Company how the Proxy Committee has directed such proxies to be voted. If the Standard Voting Instructions already provide specific direction on the proposal in question, the Proxy Committee shall not alter or amend such directions. If the Standard Voting Instructions require the Proxy Committee to provide further direction, the Proxy Committee shall do so in accordance with the proxy voting policies, without regard for the interests of the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Interested Company. If the Proxy Committee provides any direction as to the voting of proxies relating to a proposal affecting an Interested Company, it must disclose annually to the Fund's Board information regarding: the significant business relationship; any material communication with the Interested Company; the matter(s) voted on; and how, and why, the Sub-Adviser voted as it did. Alternatively, the Proxy Committee may seek direction from the Fund's Board on how a proposal concerning an Interested Company shall be voted, and shall follow any such direction provided by the Board. In seeking such direction, the Proxy Committee will disclose the reason such company is considered an Interested Company and may provide a recommendation on how such proposal should be voted and the basis for such recommendation.
In certain circumstances it may be appropriate for the Sub-Adviser to vote in the same proportion as all other shareholders, so as to not affect the outcome beyond helping to establish a quorum at the shareholders' meeting. This is referred to as “proportional voting.” If the Fund owns shares of an affiliated mutual fund, the Sub-Adviser will proportionally vote the client's proxies for that fund or seek direction from the Board or the client on how the proposal should be voted. If the Fund owns shares of an unaffiliated mutual fund, the Sub-Adviser may proportionally vote the Fund's proxies for that fund depending on the size of the position. If the Fund owns shares of an unaffiliated exchange-traded fund, the Sub-Adviser will proportionally vote the Fund's proxies for that fund.
Downstream Affiliates
If the Proxy Committee gives further direction, or seeks to vote contrary to the Standard Voting Instructions, for a proxy relating to a portfolio company in which the Fund owns more than 10% of the portfolio company's outstanding voting securities at the time of the vote (Downstream Affiliate), the Proxy Committee must first receive guidance from counsel to the Proxy Committee as to whether any relationship between the Sub-Adviser and the portfolio company, other than such ownership of the portfolio company's securities, gives rise to an actual conflict of interest. If counsel determines that an actual conflict exists, the Proxy Committee must address any such conflict with the Fund’s Board prior to taking any action on the proxy at issue.
Proxy Advisers' Conflicts of Interest
Proxy advisory firms may have significant business relationships with the subjects of their research and voting recommendations. For example, a proxy voting service client may be a public company with an upcoming shareholders' meeting and the proxy voting service has published a research report with voting recommendations. In another example, a proxy voting service board member also sits on the board of a public company for which the proxy voting service will write a research report. These and similar situations give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
21
In order to avoid concerns that the conflicting interests of the engaged proxy voting service have influenced proxy voting recommendations, the Sub-Adviser will take the following steps:
■ | A due diligence team made up of employees of the Sub-Adviser and/or its affiliates will meet with the proxy voting service on an annual basis and determine through a review of their policies and procedures and through inquiry that the proxy voting service has established a system of internal controls that provide reasonable assurance that their voting recommendations are not influenced by the business relationships they have with the subjects of their research. |
■ | Whenever the standard voting guidelines call for voting a proposal in accordance with the proxy voting service recommendation and the proxy voting service has disclosed that they have a conflict of interest with respect to that issuer, the PVOT will take the following steps: (a) The PVOT will obtain a copy of the research report and recommendations published by another proxy voting service for that issuer; (b) The Head of the PVOT, or his designee, will review both the engaged proxy voting service research report and the research report of the other proxy voting service and determine what vote will be cast. The PVOT will report all proxies voted in this manner to the Proxy Committee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the PVOT may seek direction from the Committee on how the proposal shall be voted. |
Proxy Voting Report
A report on Form N-PX of how the Fund voted any proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings is available at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket. A complete listing of the Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of each month is posted on the website five business days after the end of each month and remains posted on the website for six months thereafter. The Fund’s DWAM and WAL, Shadow Price (market-based value of the Fund’s portfolio), Daily and Weekly Liquid Assets, and Daily Flows are posted every business day and remain posted on the website for six months thereafter.
The Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual reports, which contain complete listings of the Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the Fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters, also may be accessed at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket. Fiscal quarter information is available in reports filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, from time to time (for example, during periods of unusual market conditions), additional information regarding the Fund's portfolio holdings and/or composition may be posted to the Edward Jones website. If and when such information is posted, its availability will be noted on, and the information will be accessible at www.edwardjones.com/moneymarket.
Firms that provide administrative, custody, financial, accounting, legal or other services to the Fund may receive nonpublic information about Fund portfolio holdings for purposes relating to their services. The Fund may also provide portfolio holdings information to publications that rate, rank or otherwise categorize investment companies. Traders or portfolio managers may provide “interest” lists to facilitate portfolio trading if the list reflects only that subset of the portfolio for which the trader or portfolio manager is seeking market interest. A list of service providers, publications and other third parties who may receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information appears in the Appendix to this SAI.
The furnishing of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to any third party (other than authorized governmental or regulatory personnel) requires the prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund. The Chief Compliance Officer will approve the furnishing of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to a third party only if he or she considers the furnishing of such information to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In that regard, and to address possible conflicts between the interests of Fund shareholders and those of the Adviser, Sub-Adviser and their affiliates, the following procedures apply. No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser, any affiliate of the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or any of their employees in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. Before information is furnished, the third party must sign a written agreement that it will safeguard the confidentiality of the information, will use it only for the purposes for which it is furnished and will not use it in connection with the trading of any security. Persons approved to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information will receive it as often as necessary for the purpose for which it is provided. Such information may be furnished as frequently as daily and often with no time lag between the date of the information and the date it is furnished. The Board receives and reviews annually a list of the persons who receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information and the purposes for which it is furnished.
22
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT ALLOCATION
When selecting brokers and dealers to handle the purchase and sale of portfolio instruments, the Sub-Adviser looks for prompt execution of the order at a favorable price. Fixed-income securities are generally traded in an over-the-counter market on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through dealers acting as principal or in transactions directly with the issuer. Dealers derive an undisclosed amount of compensation by offering securities at a higher price than they bid for them. Some fixed-income securities may have only one primary market maker. The Sub-Adviser seeks to use dealers it believes to be actively and effectively trading the security being purchased or sold, but may not always obtain the lowest purchase price or highest sale price with respect to a security. The Sub-Adviser makes decisions on portfolio transactions and selects brokers and dealers subject to review by the Fund's Board.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other accounts managed by the Sub-Adviser and accounts managed by affiliates of the Sub-Adviser. When the Fund and one or more of those accounts invests in, or disposes of, the same security, available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated among the Fund and the account(s) in a manner believed by the Sub-Adviser to be equitable. While the coordination and ability to participate in volume transactions may benefit the Fund, it is possible that this procedure could adversely impact the price paid or received and/or the position obtained or disposed of by the Fund. Investment decisions, and trading, for certain separately managed or wrap-fee accounts, and other accounts, of the Sub-Adviser and/or certain investment adviser affiliates of the Sub-Adviser are generally made, and conducted, independently from the Fund. It is possible that such independent trading activity could adversely impact the prices paid or received and/or positions obtained or disposed of by the Fund.
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, Massachusetts, is custodian for the securities and cash of the Fund. Foreign instruments purchased by the Fund are held by foreign banks participating in a network coordinated by State Street Bank and Trust Company.
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Edward Jones maintains all necessary shareholder records. The Fund pays the transfer agent a fee based on the size, type and number of accounts. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016, Edward Jones voluntarily waived a portion of such fees, and Federated Shareholder Services Company voluntarily reimbursed the remainder of the fees.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, Ernst & Young LLP, conducts its audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), which require it to plan and perform its audits to provide reasonable assurance about whether the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement.
Financial Information
The audited Financial Statements for the Fund for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016, and the unaudited Financial Statements for the six months ended August 31, 2016, are incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report to Shareholders of Edward Jones Money Market Fund dated February 29, 2016, and the Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders of the Edward Jones Money Market Fund dated August 31, 2016, respectively.
23
Addresses
Edward Jones Money Market Fund
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
12555 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Distributor
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
12555 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Investment Adviser and Administrator
Passport Research, Ltd.
12555 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Sub-Adviser
Federated Investment Management Company
1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Sub-Administrator
Federated Administrative Services
1001 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 8600
Boston, MA 02266
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
12555 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
24
Appendix
The following is a list of persons, other than the Adviser and its affiliates, that have been approved to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information concerning the Fund:
CUSTODIAN(S)
State Street Bank and Trust Company
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
LEGAL COUNSEL
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
FINANCIAL PRINTER(S)
RR Donnelley & Sons Company
PROXY VOTING ADMINISTRATOR
Glass Lewis & Co.
SECURITY PRICING SERVICES
Interactive Data Corporation
Markit Group Limited
Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC
Thomson Reuters Corporation
RATINGS AGENCIES
Fitch, Inc.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Other types of service providers that have been approved to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information include service providers offering, for example, trade order management systems, portfolio analytics, or performance and accounting systems, such as:
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Barclays Inc.
Bloomberg L.P.
Citibank, N.A.
Electra Information Systems
Informa Investment Solutions, Inc.
Investortools, Inc.
Morningstar, Inc.
MSCI Inc.
SunGard Data Systems Inc.
The Yield Book, Inc.
Wolters Kluwer N.V.
25
Item 28. Exhibits
(a) | |
1 | Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000314650-01-000002 on April 6, 2001. |
2 | Amendment No. 5, dated May 17, 2000, to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000314650-01-000002 on April 6, 2001. |
3 | Amendment No. 6, dated November 15, 2000, to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000314650-01-000002 on April 6, 2001. |
4 | Amendment No. 7, dated April 5, 2001, to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001318148-05-000178 on April 29, 2005. |
(b) | |
1 | Amended and Restated By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000314650-01-000002 on April 6, 2001. |
2 | Amendment No. 1, effective August 23, 2003, to By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(viii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001056288-03-000312 on May 1, 2003. |
3 | Amendment No. 2, effective August 25, 2003, to the By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(ix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001056288-04-000265 on April 29, 2004. |
4 | Amendment No. 3, effective September 21, 2004, to the By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(x) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001318148-05-000178 on April 29, 2005. |
5 | Amendment Nos. 4 and 5, effective August 18, 2005 and January 1, 2006, respectively, to the By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(v) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001318148-06-000545 on April 28, 2006. |
6 | Amendment No. 6, effective August 17, 2007, to the By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(6) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001318148-08-000651 on April 29, 2008. |
7. | Amendment No. 7, effective June 1, 2013, to the By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999, is filed herewith. |
(c) | See Article III and Article VIII of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, which has been incorporated by reference in Exhibits (a)(1)-(a)(4) to this Registration Statement. |
(d) | |
1 | Investment Management and Administration Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Passport Research, Ltd., is filed herewith. |
2 | Investment Sub-Advisory and Sub-Administration Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between Passport Research, Ltd., Federated Investment Management Company, Federated Administrative Services and the Registrant, is filed herewith. |
3 | Expense Limitation Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Passport Research, Ltd., is filed herewith. |
(e) | Distribution Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., is filed herewith. |
(f) | Not applicable |
(g) | Custodian Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, is filed herewith. |
(h) | |
1 | Shareholder Services Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., is filed herewith. |
2 | Shareholder Services Plan, dated January 27, 2017, is filed herewith. |
3 | Agreement for Transfer Agency Services, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., is filed herewith. |
(i) | Conformed copy of Opinion of Counsel as to legality of shares being registered is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000314650-95-000003 on April 20, 1995. |
(j) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, is filed herewith. |
(k) | Not Applicable |
(l) | Initial Capital Understanding is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b)(13) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 002-66437), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000314650-95-000003 on April 20, 1995. |
(m) | Distribution Plan, dated January 27, 2017, is filed herewith. |
(n) | Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan, dated January 27, 2017, including Schedules and Certificates of Class Designation thereto, is filed herewith. |
(o) | Not applicable. |
(p) | Not applicable. |
(q) | |
1 | Conformed copy of Power of Attorney of the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-66437 and 811-2993), filed with the SEC on April 6, 2001 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 39”). |
2 | Conformed copy of Power of Attorney of William D. Dawson, III, Chief Investment Officer of the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39. |
3 | Conformed copy of Power of Attorney of the President and Trustee and Vice Chairman of the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-66437 and 811-2993), filed with the SEC on May 1, 2003. |
4 | Conformed copy of Power of Attorney of the Treasurer and Trustees of the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-66437 and 811-2993), filed with the SEC on April 28, 2006. |
5 | Conformed copy of the Power of Attorney of Trustee, M. Lally-Green is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-66437 and 811-2993), filed with the SEC on April 26, 2010. |
6 | Conformed copy of the Power of Attorney of the Treasurer of the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-66437 and 811-2993), filed with the SEC on April 24, 2013. |
7 | Conformed copy of the Power of Attorney of Trustee, John T. Collins is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-66437 and 811-2993), filed with the SEC on April 24, 2014 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 55”). |
8 | Conformed copy of the Power of Attorney of Trustee, P. Jerome Richey is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55. |
9 | Conformed copy of the Power of Attorney of Trustee, G. Thomas Hough is herein incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.59 to the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-66437 and 811-2993), filed with the SEC on April 26, 2016. |
10 | Conformed copy of the Power Of Attorney of Trustee, John B. Fisher, dated May 11, 2016, is filed herewith. |
Item 29 Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund: |
None |
Item 30 Indemnification |
The Registrant shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers (including persons who serve at the Registrant's request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Registrant has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person") against all liabilities and expenses, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees reasonably incurred by any Covered Person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, and any appeal therefrom, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which such person may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a Covered Person, except that no Covered Person shall be indemnified against any liability to the Registrant or its Shareholders to which such Covered Person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person's office. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 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 1933 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 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
Item 31 Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser:
Passport Research, Ltd. (“Passport”), the investment adviser of the Fund, is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"). The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of Passport, together with any information as to business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by Passport pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-16217). |
Federated Investment Management Company (“FIMCO”), the investment sub-adviser of the Fund, is an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of FIMCO, together with any information as to business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by FIMCO pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-34612. |
Item 32 Principal Underwriters: | |
(a) Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., the Distributor for shares of the Registrant, acts as principal underwriter for the following open-end investment companies, including the Registrant: | |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund |
(c) Not Applicable |
Item 34 Management Services: Not applicable. |
Item 35 Undertakings: |
Registrant hereby undertakes to comply with the provisions of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to the removal of Trustees and the calling of special shareholder meetings by shareholders. |
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, Edward Jones Money Market Fund, certifies that all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Post-Effective No. 66 to Registration Statement No. 2-66437 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Pittsburgh and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the 27th day of January, 2017. |
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND |
BY: /s/ George F. Magera George F. Magera, Assistant Secretary |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the capacity and on the date indicated: |
NAME | TITLE | DATE |
BY: /s/ George F. Magera
George F. Magera,
|
Attorney In Fact For the Persons Listed Below | January 27, 2017 |
J. Christopher Donahue * | President and Trustee (Principal Executive Officer) | |
John B. Fisher* | Trustee | |
Lori A. Hensler* | Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) | |
John T. Collins* | Trustee | |
G. Thomas Hough* | Trustee | |
Maureen Lally-Green* | Trustee | |
Peter E. Madden* | Trustee | |
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.* | Trustee | |
Thomas O’Neill* | Trustee | |
P. Jerome Richey* | Trustee | |
John S. Walsh* | Trustee | |
*By Power of Attorney |
EXHIBIT INDEX
(b)(7) | Amendment No. 7, effective June 1, 2013, to the By-Laws, effective April 2, 1999. |
(d)(1) | Investment Management and Administration Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Passport Research, Ltd. |
(d)(2) | Investment Sub-Advisory and Sub-Administration Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between Passport Research, Ltd., Federated Investment Management Company, Federated Administrative Services and the Registrant |
(d)(3) | Expense Limitation Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Passport Research, Ltd. |
(e) | Distribution Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. |
(g) | Custodian Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company |
(h)(1) | Shareholder Services Agreement, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. |
(h)(2) | Shareholder Services Plan, dated January 27, 2017 |
(h)(3) | Agreement for Transfer Agency Services, dated January 27, 2017, between the Registrant and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. |
(j) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
(m) | Distribution Plan, dated January 27, 2017 |
(n) | Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan, dated January 27, 2017, including Schedules and Certificates of Class Designation thereto |
(q)(10) | Conformed copy of Power of Attorney of Trustee, John B. Fisher, dated May 11, 2016. |
AMENDMENT #7
TO THE BY-LAWS
OF
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
Effective June 1, 2013
Insert the following into Article VIII, Agreements, Checks, Drafts, Endorsements, etc. and renumber the remaining sections accordingly:
Section 2. Delegation of Authority Relating to Dividends . The Trustees or the Executive Committee may delegate to any Officer or Agent of the Trust the ability to authorize the payment of dividends and the ability to fix the amount and other terms of a dividend regardless of whether or not such dividend has previously been authorized by the Trustees.
The title of Article VIII is deleted and replaced as follows: " Agreements, Certain Delegation, Checks, Drafts, Endorsements, etc."
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
THIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT (“Agreement") is made as of the 27 th day of January, 2017 by and between Edward Jones Money Market Fund, a Massachusetts voluntary association (commonly known as a business trust) (the “Fund”), and Passport Research, Ltd., a Pennsylvania limited partnership (the “Adviser”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS , the Fund is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
WHEREAS , the Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), and engages in the business of providing investment management services;
WHEREAS , the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board” or “Trustees”) has selected the Adviser: (i) to act as investment adviser to perform such investment advisory services to the Fund; and (ii) to provide certain related administrative services to the Fund, in each case as more fully set forth below and to perform such services under the terms and conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS , the Adviser agrees to serve as the investment adviser and administrator for the Fund on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS , the Adviser may retain one or more sub-advisers and/or sub-administrators (each, a “Sub-Adviser” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) to render portfolio management services and administrative services to the Fund pursuant to investment sub-advisory or sub-administration agreements between the Adviser and each such Sub-Adviser (each, a “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISER. The Fund hereby appoints the Adviser, and the Adviser hereby accepts such appointment, to render investment advisory and administrative services to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the Board.
2. DUTIES OF ADVISER.
(a) INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser shall act as investment adviser to the Fund and shall supervise investments of the Fund in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as provided in the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, and in compliance with the requirements applicable to registered investment companies under applicable laws, including, the 1940 Act, the Commodity Exchange Act and the rules of the National Futures Association, and those requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as amended (the “Code”). From time to time, the Fund may provide the Adviser with written copies of other investment policies, guidelines and restrictions applicable to the Adviser's management of the Fund, which shall become effective at such time as agreed upon by both parties. Subject to each of the foregoing sentences above, the Adviser shall have full discretionary authority to manage the investment of the assets of the Fund, including purchasing, holding or selling the securities and other assets of the Fund, selecting brokers, dealers, future commissions merchants and other intermediaries, settling and allocating trades, aggregating trades, and seeking to obtain best execution, in each case, without prior consultation with the Board and in accordance with the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and applicable policies and procedures of the Fund or the Adviser (as applicable) (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) as in effect from time to time.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the Adviser shall:
(i) Furnish the Fund with advice and recommendations with respect to the investment of the Fund’s assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and other investments for the Fund, including the taking of such steps as may be necessary to implement such advice and recommendations ( i.e. , placing the orders);
(ii) Manage and oversee the Fund's investments, subject to the ultimate supervision and direction of the Board;
(iii) | Vote proxies for the Fund (or delegate such responsibility to vote proxies), and, to the extent applicable, file beneficial ownership reports required by Sections 13(d), (f), (g) and (h) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) for the Fund; |
(iv) Maintain records relating to the advisory services provided by the Adviser hereunder required to be prepared and maintained by the Adviser or by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund pursuant to applicable law;
(v) Provide assistance with respect to valuations of Fund assets, economic conditions and other matters related to the investment of the Fund’s assets which the officers of the Fund may reasonably request;
(vi) Render to the Board such periodic and special reports with respect to the Fund’s investment activities as the Board may reasonably request;
(vii) | Submit such reports and information as the Fund may reasonably request to assist the Fund's custodian (the "Custodian") in its determination of the market value of securities held in the Fund; |
(viii) | Provide instructions to the Custodian concerning trade deliveries and settlements; |
(ix) | As soon as practicable after the close of business each day but no later than 11:00 am Eastern time the following business day (or such later time agreed to between the Fund and Adviser) provide the Custodian with electronic copies (or, as applicable, electronic communications) of trade tickets for each transaction effected for the Fund by the Adviser, provide electronic copies (or, as applicable, electronic communications) to the Fund upon reasonable request, and promptly forward to the Custodian electronic copies (or, as applicable, electronic communications) of all brokerage or dealer confirmations received by the Adviser; |
(x) | As soon as practicable following the end of each calendar month (and, in no event, later than any time agreed between the Fund and Adviser), reconcile, to the extent necessary information is in the Adviser’s possession and provided by the Custodian, all transactions effected for the Fund during the month by the Adviser, a summary listing all investments attributable to transactions of the Adviser that are held by the Fund as of the last day of the month, and such other transaction information, and communicate to the Fund and the Custodian any discrepancies identified, as the Fund may reasonably request in connection with any advisory services that the Adviser provides for the Fund; |
(xi) | Provide instructions to Custodian regarding corporate actions; and |
(xii) Have full authority to retain Sub-Advisers to provide certain investment advisory services to the Fund, subject to the approval of the Board and the requirements of the 1940 Act.
In accordance with clause (xii), the Adviser may delegate certain of its duties under this Agreement with respect to the Fund to a Sub-Adviser or Sub-Advisers (including, the rights and obligations set forth in Section 2(c) below) by entering into Sub-Advisory Agreements with one or more Sub-Advisers and, except as otherwise permitted under the terms of any exemptive relief granted to the Fund and Adviser by the SEC, or by rule or regulation, the Adviser may only enter into Sub-Advisory Agreements or materially amend Sub-Advisory Agreements with the approval of the Board and the approval of the shareholders of the affected Fund to the extent required under the 1940 Act. The Adviser shall be responsible for overseeing the performance of the Sub-Advisers and recommending changes in Sub-Advisers as appropriate. The Adviser shall remain fully liable for all of its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) CODE OF ETHICS. The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Code of Ethics”), which it has provided to the Fund. The Adviser shall ensure that it complies in all material respects with the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Fund with a (i) copy of the Adviser’s current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a mutually acceptable certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent its personnel from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Annually, the Adviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Adviser’s Code of Ethics to the Fund’s Board. The Adviser shall respond to reasonable requests for information from the Fund as to violations of the Code of Ethics by personnel and the sanctions imposed by the Adviser. The Adviser shall promptly notify the Fund of any material violation of the Code of Ethics, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(c) BROKERAGE. In connection with the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets, the Adviser is authorized (and can delegate to one or more Sub-Advisers) to select the brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or other intermediaries that will execute purchase and sale transactions for the Fund’s portfolio, to execute for the Fund as its agent and attorney-in-fact standard customer agreements and other documentation in connection with opening trading accounts with such brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, or other intermediaries including, ISDA agreements. The Adviser agrees to use reasonable efforts to seek to obtain best execution consistent with applicable law with respect to all such purchases and sales of portfolio securities for said portfolio. Subject to its obligation to seek best execution, the Adviser may: (A) select brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or other intermediaries that are affiliated persons of the Fund or Adviser, provided that any trade orders placed with any such affiliated person are placed in accordance with the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Fund’s and Adviser’s (and, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser’s) applicable policies and procedures as in effect from time to time; and (B) consider the reliability, integrity and financial condition of a broker, dealer, futures commission merchants, or other intermediary, the size of and difficulty in executing a transaction, the best net price available, the value of the expected contribution of the broker –dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis, and other factors that Adviser deems appropriate and consistent with Adviser’s (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser’s) policies and procedures as in effect from time to time in selecting brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or other intermediaries. The price to the Fund in any transaction may be less favorable than that available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the portfolio execution services offered. The Adviser shall maintain records adequate to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this Section. Such records shall be made available to the Fund upon request.
In evaluating the ability of a broker-dealer to provide best execution with respect to a particular transaction, the Adviser may also consider the brokerage and research services provided (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act). Consistent with any guidelines established by the Board and Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Adviser is authorized to pay to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer -- viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of the overall responsibilities of the Adviser to its discretionary clients, including, the Fund. In addition, the Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for securities to brokers or dealers (including brokers and dealers that are affiliated with the Adviser, any Sub-Adviser or the Fund's principal underwriter) if the Adviser believes that the quality of the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with other qualified firms. In no instance, however, will the Fund’s assets be purchased from or sold to the Adviser, any Sub-Adviser, the Fund's principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of either the Fund, Adviser, any Sub-Adviser or the Fund’s principal underwriter, acting as principal in the transaction, except to the extent permitted by the SEC and the 1940 Act.
The Adviser shall cause all securities and other property purchased or sold for the Fund to be settled at the place of business of the Custodian or as the Custodian shall direct.
At the request of the Adviser, the Fund shall execute a mutually acceptable standalone limited power authority evidencing Adviser’s authority hereunder to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund.
(d) CUSTODY . All securities and other property of the Fund shall remain in the direct or indirect custody of the Custodian except as otherwise authorized by the Board. The Adviser shall have the authority to instruct the Custodian to pay cash for securities and other property delivered to the Custodian for the Fund and deliver securities and other property against payment for the Fund, and such other authority granted by the Fund from time to time. The Adviser shall not have authority to cause the Custodian to deliver securities and other property or pay cash to the Adviser except as expressly provided herein.
(e) PROXY VOTING. The Fund hereby authorizes the Adviser to, and the Adviser will, in the Adviser’s discretion and without prior consultation with the Board, vote (either directly or through a voting service engaged by the Adviser) all proxies and corporate actions of which the Adviser receives timely notice that are solicited by or with respect to issuers of securities or other assets in which the advised assets may be invested from time to time. Such votes shall be made by the Adviser in accordance with the Adviser’s (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser’s) proxy voting policies and procedures as in effect from time to time. Upon written notice to the Adviser, the Board may at any time withdraw the authority granted to the Adviser pursuant to this Section to perform any or all of the proxy voting services contemplated hereby.
(f) AGGREGATION OF ORDERS. The Adviser may (but shall not be obligated to) aggregate purchase or sale orders for the Fund with contemporaneous purchase or sale orders of other clients of the Adviser or its affiliated persons. In such event, allocation of the securities or other investments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Adviser in the manner the Adviser considers to be equitable and consistent with the Adviser’s (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser’s) applicable policies and procedures as in effect from time to time and consistent with applicable law. The Fund hereby acknowledges that such aggregation of orders may not result in a more favorable price or lower brokerage commissions in all instances.
(g) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. Subject to the supervision of the Board and in connection with the operation of the Fund's business and affairs, the Adviser shall be responsible for providing administrative services to the Fund as the Fund’s administrator to that end. The Adviser shall provide facilities, equipment and personnel to carry out the administrative services, set forth on Schedule A attached hereto, as such Schedule A may be amended by agreement of the Fund and the Adviser.
3. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ADVISER. The Adviser represents, warrants and agrees that it:
(a) Has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) Has taken all necessary actions to authorize its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
(c) Is registered as an adviser under the Advisers Act and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation that is reasonably likely to result in the Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Fund of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management operations; and
(d) Has furnished to the Fund the Adviser’s most recent registration statement on Form ADV.
4. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE FUND. The Fund represents, warrants and agrees that it:
(a) Has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) Has taken all necessary actions to authorize its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; and
5. COVENANTS OF THE ADVISER. The Adviser covenants that it shall:
(a) Maintain all licenses and registrations necessary to perform its duties hereunder in good order at all times throughout this Agreement; and
(b) Maintain insurance in the types and in an amount at least equal to that disclosed to the Board in connection with its approval of this Agreement and shall provide prompt notice to the Fund (i) of any material changes in its insurance policies or insurance coverage; or (ii) if any material claims are reasonably expected to be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Fund with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
6. DUTIES OF THE FUND.
(a) The Fund has furnished to the Adviser (to the extent not already in Adviser’s possession) true, correct and complete copies, and will continue to furnish future material amendments, of each of the following documents:
(i) the Fund’s declaration of trust, articles of incorporation, registration statement or similar governing document, and bylaws (each document identified being “Governing Documents”);
(ii) the resolutions of the Board and, as applicable, shareholders approving this Agreement and the Adviser’s appointment as investment adviser for the Fund; and
(iii) any exemptive order relied on by Adviser or the Fund that may affect the performance of Adviser’s (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser’s) services and other obligations under this Agreement or any Sub-Advisory Agreement (including any “manager of managers” exemptive order).
Additionally, the Fund shall provide the Adviser, prior to the effective date of this Agreement and annually after this Agreement becomes effective, with a written list of all affiliated persons of the Fund (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) and Fund shall promptly provide the Adviser with an updated written list whenever the Fund becomes aware of any additional affiliated persons or other changes to the most recently provided list.
(b) The Fund agrees to submit any proposed language in any required filings (“blue-sky” filing or filing with the SEC or applicable state securities regulator, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, collectively, “requirement filings”), or any sales literature, statement, communication or other document relating to the Fund, that mentions the Adviser (other than identifying Adviser as the adviser to the Fund), or that describes the Adviser’s services or other obligations hereunder, to the Adviser as agreed between the parties prior to use for prompt review of such materials by the Adviser within a reasonable and appropriate deadline.
7. IMPLEMENTATION OF CHANGES. The Adviser shall be afforded a reasonable amount of time to implement any change in applicable law, rule or regulation (but in no event (except after obtaining a proper exemptive order or other relief or the Fund’s consent) beyond the mandatory compliance date for any change in applicable law, rule or regulation), any change in the Fund’s Governing Documents, any change in the Adviser’s (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser’s) policies and procedures, and any other change arising out of any other instructions provided by the Board in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall not be responsible for implementing (or failing to implement) any change in the Fund’s Governing Documents, or resulting from any Instruction of the Board, that is not specifically identified in a writing provided to the Adviser. The Adviser will promptly inform the Fund if the Adviser is not able to implement any such change or new Instruction.
8. TIMELY INFORMATION. The Fund or its agent will provide (or cause to be provided) timely information to the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) regarding such matters as inflows to and outflows from the Fund and the cash requirements of, and cash available for investment in, the Fund. The Fund or its agent will timely provide (or cause to be provided) the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) with copies of monthly accounting statements for the Fund, and such other information as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order for the Adviser to perform its responsibilities hereunder (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser to perform its responsibilities under a Sub-Advisory Agreement).
9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Adviser shall, for all purposes herein, be deemed to be an independent contractor, and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided and authorized to do so in this Agreement or another writing by the Fund to the Adviser, have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in any way, or in any way be deemed an agent for the Fund. It is expressly understood and agreed that the services to be rendered by the Adviser to the Fund under the provisions of this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and that the Adviser may give advice, provide administrative services, and take action with respect to other clients, including, affiliates of the Adviser, that may be similar or different from that given or taken on behalf of the Fund.
10. ADVISER’S PERSONNEL. The Adviser, or an affiliate of the Adviser, shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall from time to time determine to be necessary to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
11. EXPENSES.
(a) Except as specifically contemplated in this Agreement, each of the parties to this Agreement shall bear their respective costs and expenses of performing its obligations hereunder.
(b) The Fund shall reimburse the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with this Agreement. All rights of compensation and expense reimbursement under this Agreement for services performed as of the termination date shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
(c) The Fund agrees promptly to reimburse the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) for any other reasonable expenses not contemplated by this Agreement that the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) may incur on the Fund’s behalf or the Fund’s request or with the Fund’s consent.
(d) With respect to the Fund's operations, the Adviser shall be responsible for (i) providing the personnel, office space and equipment reasonably necessary to perform its obligations hereunder; and (ii) the costs of any special Board meetings or shareholder meetings convened for the primary benefit of the Adviser.
(e) The Adviser may, but is not obligated to, enter into a separate agreement pursuant to which the Adviser agrees to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Fund expenses in order to limit the total annual operating expenses of the Fund at a level set forth in such agreement.
(f) Without limiting the foregoing, the Fund is responsible for and has assumed the obligation for payment of all of its expenses, other than as stated in this Section 8, including: fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance, registration and transfer of its shares; brokerage and commission expenses; all expenses of transfer, receipt, safekeeping, servicing and accounting for the cash, securities and other property of the Fund for the benefit of the Fund including all fees and expenses of its custodian, shareholder services agent and accounting services agent; interest charges on any borrowings; costs and expenses of pricing and calculating its daily net asset value (including, any equipment or services obtained for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing the Fund’s assets) and of maintaining its books of account required under the 1940 Act; taxes, if any; expenditures in connection with meetings of the Fund’s shareholders and the Board that are properly payable by the Fund; salaries and expenses of officers of the Fund, including, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, fees of members of the Board or members of any advisory board or committee, and expenses of members of the Board or members of any advisory board or committee; insurance premiums on property or personnel of the Fund which inure to its benefit, including liability and fidelity bond insurance; the cost of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements, prospectuses and statements of additional information of the Fund or other communications for distribution to prospective and existing shareholders; legal, auditing and accounting fees; all or any portion of trade association dues or educational program expenses determined appropriate by the Board; fees and expenses (including, legal fees) of registering and maintaining registration of its shares for sale under applicable securities laws; all expenses of maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts, including, all charges for transfer, shareholder recordkeeping, dividend disbursing, redemption, and other agents for the benefit of the Fund, if any; and all other charges and costs of its operation plus any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses, except as herein otherwise prescribed.
(g) Nothing herein shall prohibit the Board from approving the payment by the Fund of additional compensation to others for consulting services, supplemental research and security and economic analysis.
(h) Other than as herein specifically indicated, the Adviser shall not be responsible for the Fund’s expenses.
12. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FEE.
(a) The Fund shall pay to the Adviser, and the Adviser agrees to accept, as full compensation for all services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, an aggregate annual fee at the rate set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement. Provided that for the purposes of compensation payable to the Adviser under this Agreement, the Fund will be deemed to have paid the Adviser and the Adviser will be deemed to have received an amount equal to any payment made by the Fund directly to a Sub-Adviser of the Fund.
(b) The fee shall be computed daily at an annual rate based on the average daily net assets of the Fund. Such fee shall be accrued daily and paid to the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) on the first business day of the succeeding month. The method of determining average daily net assets for purposes of this Agreement shall be the same as the method of determining net asset value for purposes of establishing the offering and redemption price of the shares of the Fund as described in the Prospectus of the Fund.
(c) The initial fee under this Agreement shall be payable on the first business day of the first month following the effective date of this Agreement and shall be prorated as set forth below. If this Agreement is terminated prior to the end of any month, the fee to the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) shall be prorated for the portion of any month in which this Agreement is in effect, and shall be payable within 10 days after the date of termination.
(d) Subject to Section 11(e) above, the fee payable to the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) under this Agreement will be reduced as may be agreed upon by the parties under any expense limitation agreement between the parties.
13. CONFLICTS WITH FUND’S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND APPLICABLE LAWS. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Fund to take any action contrary to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Fund, as amended from time to time, the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Fund, or any applicable statute or regulation, or to relieve or deprive the Board of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Fund. For purposes of this Agreement, the Adviser acknowledges that the Board retains ultimate plenary authority over the Fund and may take any and all actions necessary and reasonable to protect the interests of shareholders.
14. REPORTS AND ACCESS. To the extent not otherwise identified in this Agreement, the parties agree to: (i) furnish upon request to each other such further information and documentation; (ii) execute and deliver to each other such other documents; and (iii) do such other acts and things, all as the other party may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Agreement and the documents referred to in this Agreement.
15. ADVISER’S LIABILITIES; STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Adviser shall comply, in all material respects, with all applicable laws and regulations in the discharge of its duties under this Agreement; and it shall comply with the investment policies, guidelines and restrictions of the Fund to the extent required to do so under this Agreement.
(b) The Adviser shall not be obligated to perform any service not described in this Agreement, and shall not be deemed by virtue of this Agreement to have made any representation or warranty that any level of investment performance or level of investment results will be achieved.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser), Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser) will not be subject to liability for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder (or, as applicable an in the case of a Sub-Adviser, under a Sub-Advisory Agreement) or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security, including for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law, or any other act or omission by Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Adviser). Notwithstanding the foregoing, federal securities laws and certain state laws impose liabilities under certain circumstances on persons who have acted in good faith, and, therefore, nothing in this Agreement (or, as applicable, in a Sub-Advisory Agreement) will in any way constitute a waiver or limitation of any rights which the Fund may have under any federal securities law or state law that cannot be waived by contract.
(d) The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney's fees and other reasonable related expenses) resulting from the Adviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in connection with the performance of the Adviser's obligations under this Agreement, or from the Adviser's reckless disregard or material breach of its obligations and duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser's obligation under this Section 15(d) shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability or damage experienced by the Fund, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to the Fund’s (or another service provider’s) own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard or material breach of its duties under this Agreement or other agreement with the Fund.
(e) The Adviser, shall be responsible for any reasonable expenses incurred by the Fund or in responding to a legal, administrative, judicial or regulatory action, claim, or suit involving the Adviser to which the Fund is not a party.
(f) The Fund shall be responsible for any reasonable expenses incurred by the Adviser or in responding to a legal, administrative, judicial or regulatory action, claim or suit involving the Fund to which the Adviser, as applicable, is not a party.
(g) The Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney's fees and other reasonable related expenses) resulting from the Fund's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in connection with the performance of the Fund's obligations under this Agreement, or from the Fund’s reckless disregard or material breach of its obligations and duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Fund's obligation under this Section 15(g) shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability or damage experienced by the Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to the Adviser's own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard or material breach of its duties under this Agreement or other agreement with the Adviser.
(h) Neither the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Advisor) nor the Fund shall be liable for special, consequential or incidental damages.
(i) No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to protect any Trustee or officer of the Fund, or officer of the Adviser (or, as applicable, a Sub-Advisor), from liability in violation of Sections 17(h) and (i) of the 1940 Act.
16. EXCLUSIVITY; TRADING FOR ADVISER’S OWN ACCOUNT. The services of the Adviser to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Adviser may act as investment adviser or administrator for any other person, and shall not in any way be limited or restricted from buying, selling or trading any securities for its own accounts or the accounts of others for whom it may be acting, provided, however, that the Adviser expressly agrees that it will undertake no activities which, in its reasonable judgment, will adversely affect, in any material respect, the performance of its obligations to the Fund under this Agreement. The Adviser may give advice and take action in the performance of its duties with respect to any of its other clients which may differ from advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to the Fund. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require the Adviser, its principals, affiliates, agents or employees to purchase or sell for the Fund any security which it or they may purchase or sell for its or their own account or for the account of any other client.
17. TERM. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall remain in full force and effect for a period of two (2) years, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. This Agreement shall continue in effect thereafter for additional periods not exceeding one year so long as such continuation is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board of Trustees or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement nor interested persons thereof, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval and such shareholders fail to approve the Agreement as provided herein, the Sub-Adviser may continue to serve hereunder in the manner and to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder. The terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities” and “interested persons” shall have the meanings set forth in the 1940 Act, and the foregoing requirement that continuance of this Agreement be “specifically approved at least annually” shall be construed in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
18. RIGHT TO USE NAME. The names “Edward Jones Money Market Fund” and "Passport Research, Ltd." or any reasonable derivation of the same, and all rights to the use of the names “Edward Jones Money Market Fund” and “Passport Research, Ltd.” belong to the Adviser and its affiliates, and the Adviser and its affiliates have the right to license such names to the Fund. In that regard, the Adviser has consented to the use by the Fund of the identifying words “Edward Jones Money Market Fund” and has granted to the Fund a non-exclusive license to use the name “Edward Jones Money Market Fund” as part of the name of the Fund. In the event that the Adviser or one of its affiliates is not appointed as investment adviser of the Fund or ceases to be the investment adviser of the Fund, the non-exclusive license granted herein may be revoked by the Adviser and, if so revoked, the Fund shall cease using the name “Edward Jones Money Market Fund” as part of its name, unless otherwise consented to by the Adviser or any successor to its interests in such names. For the avoidance of doubt, the Adviser (and, as applicable, each Sub-Advisor) has the right to use the name “Edward Jones Money Market Fund” in connection with its services to the Fund. Further, nothing in this Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, as preventing the Adviser or its affiliates (and, as applicable, each Sub-Advisor and its affiliates) from using the Fund’s name in any response to a request for information/proposal, and the Adviser or its affiliates (and, as applicable, each Sub-Advisor and its affiliates) are expressly authorized to include the name of the Fund on representative client lists.
19. TERMINATION; ASSIGNMENT.
(a) This Agreement may be terminated: (i) by the Fund, by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund at any time without payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser ; and (ii) by the Adviser upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Fund. In the event of a termination of all or either the advisory services or administrative services under this Agreement, the Adviser shall cooperate in the orderly transfer of the Fund’s affairs and, at the request of the Fund, transfer, at the Fund’s expense, any and all books and records of the Fund maintained by the Adviser, as applicable, on behalf of the Fund.
(b) This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The term “assignment” shall have the meaning set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exceptions as may be granted by the SEC under the 1940 Act.
(c) In the event of a termination, the Adviser shall cease all activity on behalf of the Fund, except as expressly directed by the Fund, and, as applicable, except for the settlement of securities transactions already entered into for the account of the Fund.
(d) Termination of this Agreement (in whole or in part) shall not relieve Adviser or Fund of any liability incurred hereunder for acts or omissions taken or made prior to termination.
(e) Sections 15 and 21 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
20. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund copies of any of such records upon the Fund’s request, provided, however, that Adviser may retain copies of any records to the extent required for it to comply with applicable laws. Any such records maintained will be bound by the confidentiality obligations within Section 21 for as long as records are maintained. The Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records relating to its activities hereunder required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve the records relating to its activities hereunder required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act for the period specified in said Rule.
21. CONFIDENTIALITY; NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION. The Adviser and Fund each agree to keep confidential any nonpublic information concerning the other party and will not use or disclose such information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, unless the non-disclosing party has authorized such disclosure, or if such disclosure is compelled by subpoena or is expressly required or requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities. Nonpublic information shall not include information a party to this Agreement can clearly establish was (a) known to the party prior to this Agreement; (b) rightfully acquired by the party from third parties whom the party reasonably believes are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the other party to this Agreement; (c) placed in the public domain without fault of the party or its affiliates; or (d) independently developed by the party without reference or reliance upon the nonpublic information.
Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Adviser agrees on behalf of itself and its managers, members, officers, and employees to (1) treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund (a) all records and other information relative to the Fund’s prior, present, or potential shareholders (and clients of said shareholders) and (b) in accordance with SEC Regulation S-P ("Regulation S-P"), any nonpublic personal information, promulgated under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “G-L-B Act”); and (2) except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, or as otherwise permitted by Regulation S-P or the G-L-B Act. Such written approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Fund and may not be withheld where the Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt or other proceedings for failure to comply after being requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities.
22. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE. The Adviser acknowledges that, in compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended, the USA PATRIOT Act, and any implementing regulations thereunder (together, “AML Laws”), the Fund has adopted an Anti-Money Laundering Policy. The Adviser agrees to comply with the Fund’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy and the AML Laws, as the same may apply to the Adviser, now and in the future; provided, however, that the Adviser shall not be liable in respect of any failure by it to comply with changes to the Fund’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy of which it has not been notified in writing by the Fund a reasonable time in advance of the effectiveness of such changes. The Adviser further agrees to provide to the Fund, such reports, certifications and contractual assurances as may be reasonably requested by the Fund and mutually agreed to by the parties. The Fund may disclose information regarding the Adviser to governmental and/or regulatory or self-regulatory authorities to the extent required by applicable law or regulation and may file reports with such authorities as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
23. CERTIFICATIONS; DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. The Adviser acknowledges that, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), and the implementing regulations promulgated thereunder, the Fund is required to make certain certifications and have adopted disclosure controls and procedures. To the extent reasonably requested by the Fund, the Adviser agrees to use its reasonable efforts to assist the Fund in complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and implementing the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures. The Adviser agrees to inform the Fund of any material development related to the Fund that the Adviser reasonably believes is relevant to the Fund’s certification obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
24. COOPERATION WITH REGULATORY AUTHORITIES OR OTHER ACTIONS. The parties to this Agreement each agree to cooperate in a reasonable manner with each other in the event that any of them should become involved in a legal, administrative, judicial or regulatory action, claim, or suit as a result of performing its obligations under this Agreement.
25. NOTIFICATION. The Adviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Fund about material changes in the employment status of key investment management personnel involved in the management of the Fund, material changes in the investment process used to manage the Fund, any changes in senior management, operations, financial condition or ownership of the Adviser’s firm and the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
26. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) NOTICES. Notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing, shall be deemed to be effectively delivered when actually received, and may be delivered by US mail (first class, postage prepaid), by hand or by commercial overnight delivery service, addressed as follows:
ADVISER: | Passport Research, Ltd. |
12555 Manchester Road | |
St. Louis, MO 63131 | |
Attn: General Counsel |
FUND: | Edward Jones Money Market Fund |
12555 Manchester Road | |
St. Louis, MO 63131 | |
Attn: Secretary |
(b) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. It is understood that (i) directors/trustees, officers, agents and shareholders of the Fund are or may be interested in the Adviser or its affiliated persons as directors/trustees, officers, stockholders or otherwise, (ii) directors/trustees, officers, agents and shareholders of the Adviser or its affiliated persons are or may be interested in the Fund as directors/trustees, officers, shareholders or otherwise, and (ii) the existence of any such dual interests shall not affect the validity of this Agreement or of any transactions or performance under this Agreement except as specifically provided in (A) the Fund’s declaration of trust, by laws or similar Governing Document, (B) the Adviser’s declaration of trust, bylaws, or similar Governing Document, or (C) provisions of applicable laws, rules or regulations.
(c) SEVERABILITY AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to this Agreement's subject matter. In the event that this Agreement is made applicable to any additional classes or funds by way of a schedule executed subsequent to the date first indicated above, provisions of such schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement as it relates to such class or fund so that, for example, the execution date for purposes of Section 17 of this Agreement with respect to such class or fund shall be the execution date of the relevant schedule. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to waive, discharge, supersede, limit or affect any other agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, or any affiliates of any of them.
(d) ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS; NO-THIRD PARTY RIGHTS; SERVICE PROVIDERS. No party may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior consent of the other party. Subject to the preceding sentence, and Section 19 of this Agreement, this Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects upon, and inure to the benefit of the permitted successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any person or entity other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their permitted successors and permitted assigns.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Adviser may enter into arrangements with its affiliates and other third party contractors (such as, for example, proxy voting services) in connection with the performance of the Adviser’s services and other obligations under this Agreement, including for the provision of certain personnel, services and facilities to the Adviser, provided that such arrangements comply with the 1940 Act (including, if applicable the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act). The Adviser agrees, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, that the Adviser will remain responsible for any actions or omissions of such affiliates or other third-party contractors to the same extent as if the Adviser had taken such action or made such omission under this Agreement.
(e) AMENDMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, or discharged orally, but may be changed, waived or discharged only by an instrument in writing signed by all parties and only in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege.
(f) 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.
(g) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 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 law, regulation or rule, including, the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(h) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously 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. Signatures on this Agreement may be communicated by electronic transmission (which shall include facsimile or email) and shall be binding upon the parties so transmitting their signatures.
(i) CONSTRUCTION . Unless otherwise expressly provided: (i) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” do not limit the preceding words or terms, and shall be construed to be followed by “without limitation”; (ii) the word “or” in this Agreement is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive (and should be construed, accordingly, as “and/or”); and (iii) any reference to “days” shall mean calendar days. This Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision in this Agreement. The following terms have the meanings given to such terms under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder: “interested persons”; “affiliated person”; “assign” or “assignment”, and “federal securities laws.”
(j) MISCELLANEOUS. Where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is altered by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers, all on the day and year first above written.
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND |
PASSPORT RESEARCH, LTD. (By its General Partner, Passport Holdings LLC) |
|
By: /s/ Ryan Robson | By: /s/ Michael Besmer | |
Name: Ryan Robson | Name: Michael Besmer | |
Title: President | Title: Treasurer |
SCHEDULE A
Fund Management Services:
· | Prepare, file and maintain the Fund's governing documents and any amendments thereto, including, the charter documents and the by-laws; |
· | Negotiate and secure for the Fund and its Trustees and officers: (i) a fidelity bond in an amount that is at least adequate to satisfy the requirements of the 1940 Act, (ii) Trustees' and officers' coverage and (iii) professional liability or errors and omissions coverages, in each case, under terms that are acceptable to the Board; |
· | Provide individuals reasonably acceptable to the Board for nomination, appointment, or election as the following officers of the Fund, who will be responsible for the management of certain of the Fund's affairs as specified in the Fund's charter documents and by-laws, subject to direction by the Board: (i) the president and principal executive officer, (ii) the treasurer and principal financial and accounting officer, (iii) the chief compliance officer, (iv) the secretary, and (v) such other officers as are mutually agreeable; |
· | Provide office space, telephone, office equipment and supplies for the Fund; |
· | Manage internal audits of business processes and controls; and |
· | Implement and maintain, together with affiliated companies, a business continuation and disaster recovery program for the Fund. |
Shareholder and Financial Reporting Services:
· | Provide tax reporting oversight; |
· | Prepare, and/or oversee the preparation of, and file the Fund's tax returns; |
· | Coordinate the layout, printing and electronic delivery of publicly disseminated prospectuses and shareholder reports, make recommendations to improve their effectiveness or reduce expenses; |
· | Coordinate the layout, printing and delivery of marketing and other collateral materials relating to the Fund, including, Fund fact sheets; |
· | Provide treasury oversight, including, net asset value, yield, total return and dividend information; |
· | Provide portfolio valuation oversight, including, pricing service selection and oversight; |
· | Compare the portfolio accountant’s calculation of dividend and capital gains recommendations with previous recommendations for reasonableness of changes; consult with portfolio managers concerning fixed dividend recommendations; |
· | Perform a monthly comparison of the portfolio accountant's performance calculations and projected annual Fund expenses with previous calculations and projections for reasonableness of changes; |
· | Review Fund expense reports prepared by the portfolio accountant; and |
· | Review the portfolio accountant's calculation of year-end shareholder tax reports (AUM income calculation, state income percentages and government income percentages). |
Service Provider Oversight Services:
· | Prepare and administer contracts on behalf of the Fund and supervise relationships with, among others, the Fund's Sub-Advisers, portfolio accountants, custodians, transfer agents, distributors and other service providers, subject to any terms and conditions established by the Board and the requirements of the 1940 Act; |
· | Evaluate and obtain custody services from a financial institution that meets the requirements of the 1940 Act; |
· | Review and recommend changes to the transfer agent's policies and procedures to mitigate fraud, enhance shareholder services or reduce expenses and support and monitor the transfer agent's cost-basis reporting obligations; |
· | Evaluate and recommend the pricing services used by the Fund; participate in the fair valuation of portfolio securities as required by the Fund's fair valuation procedures; review and recommend changes to the Fund's fair valuation procedures; |
· | Select and perform due diligence regarding proposed new owners of omnibus accounts as proposed recordkeeping agents for the Fund; enter into agreements as agent for the Fund, substantially in the form most recently approved by the Board, with the registered owners of omnibus accounts for the provision of services necessary for the recordkeeping or sub-accounting of share positions held in underlying sub-accounts (the "Recordkeeping Agreements"), together with such changes thereto as may be agreed to by the Fund so long as such changes do not (i) increase the fees payable by the Fund under the Recordkeeping Agreements, (ii) alter the indemnity obligations of the Fund owing to or from the Fund thereunder or (iii) otherwise materially alter the obligations of the Fund under the Recordkeeping Agreements; agree, on behalf of the Fund, to make payments for services rendered under Recordkeeping Agreements out of the assets of the Fund in amounts not to exceed the amounts determined from time to time by the Board; and give instructions to the transfer agent of the Fund, for and on behalf of the Fund as proper instructions of the Fund under and pursuant to the agreement for transfer agency services with the transfer agent, to perform the services of the Fund under each such Recordkeeping Agreement, excepting only the indemnity obligations owing from the Fund thereunder; and |
· | Maintain and deliver authorized signers' lists to the Fund's custodian |
Fund Administration Services:
· | Prepare and file, and/or oversee the preparation of and filing, with the SEC and the appropriate state securities authorities: (i) the registration statements for the Fund and the Fund's shares and all amendments thereto, (ii) shareholder reports and other applicable regulatory reports and communications, including reports on Form N-CSR, Form N-PX, Form N-Q, Form N-SAR, Form N-MFP, Form N-CR and annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, (iii) proxy materials, (iv) notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2, and (v) such other documents as may be necessary to enable the Fund to continuously offer its shares; |
· | Subject to the Board's direction, coordinate meetings of the Board (and its committees), including: (i) the creation of notices, agendas, legal memoranda and administrative reports, and (ii) the review and compilation of other materials prepared by the Fund's distributor, any Sub-Adviser, portfolio accountant, custodian, transfer agent, auditor, independent counsel or other service providers to support the Board's discussions and actions taken; |
· | Prepare and maintain minutes of meetings of the Board, Board committees and shareholders; |
· | Review and recommend changes to policies and procedures designed to reduce Fund expenses; |
· | Monitor changes in applicable regulations and make corresponding changes in, or develop new, policies and procedures for the Fund or for any applicable service provider; |
· | Arrange for and oversee the preparation and posting of money market fund daily website disclosures including, percentage of daily and weekly assets, shareholder net flows, net asset values and required historical information; |
· | Compare the portfolio accountant's calculations of the Fund's distribution pool balances with the portfolio accountant's previous calculations for reasonableness of changes; |
· | Provide portfolio accountant expense calculation oversight and payment authorization; |
· | Prepare, review and negotiate standard forms of indentures, guarantees, agreements, certificates, confirmations and other documentation relating to the legal terms of securities eligible for purchase by money market funds, provided that the Adviser shall not have any obligation to: (i) provide any written legal opinions regarding such securities or (ii) prepare, review or negotiate any document for which a standard form has not been developed and accepted for use by the investment company industry; |
· | Respond to all inquiries or other communications from shareholders and other parties or, if the inquiry is more properly responded to by another of the Fund's service providers, referring the individual making the inquiry to the appropriate person; |
· | Compare, as applicable, the portfolio accountant's calculation of the Fund's net asset value, yield, average maturity, dividends, Fund total return and performance and total assets with the portfolio accountant's previous calculations and with changes in the relevant securities market on a daily basis for reasonableness of changes; |
· | Perform a weekly and month-end comparison, as applicable, of the portfolio accountant's amortized cost monitor with the previous amortized cost monitor for reasonableness of changes to the net asset value calculation; notify designated parties, as necessary, of deviations in compliance with the Fund's Rule 2a-7 procedures, if any; and |
· | Perform the following "blue sky" services, either itself or through one or more affiliated or unaffiliated service providers: (1) provide a system to monitor the total number of shares of the Fund (and/or class) sold in each state, (2) monitor the total number of shares of the Fund (and/or class) sold in each state and, where appropriate, increase the number of shares registered in such state, (3) with respect to shareholders of the Fund whose shareholdings are fully disclosed on the transfer agent's recordkeeping system, (a) identify those transactions and assets to be treated as exempt from blue sky reporting for each state and (b) verify the classification of transactions for each state on the transfer agent's recordkeeping system, and (4) with respect to shareholders of the Fund whose shareholdings are not fully disclosed on the transfer agent's recordkeeping system, rely upon information provided by the relevant financial intermediary transacting for such holder of shares in performing the obligations set forth in subsection (2) above. |
Compliance Services:
· | Monitor enterprise level risks associated with the services provided herein; |
· | Monitor the Fund's status as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) as amended; |
· | Provide compliance services, as directed by the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, which includes monitoring the Fund's compliance with its policies and procedures, and with applicable federal, state and foreign securities laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable; |
· | Administer the Fund's Code of Ethics; |
· | Monitor the Fund's compliance with its investment policies, objectives and restrictions as set forth in its currently effective registration statement; |
· | Provide a quarterly report regarding the Fund’s compliance with its investment objectives and policies, applicable law, including, the 1940 Act and Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund’s policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement; |
· | Assist the Fund in regulatory examinations, audits, inspections or investigations of the Fund; |
· | Furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be requested for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed amendments thereto for the purposes of approving this Agreement, the renewal thereof or any amendment thereto; |
· | Monitor and provide oversight of key service providers' and sub-advisors' compliance policies and procedures; |
· | Provide oversight of distribution and service fee payments; |
· | Promptly complete and return to the Fund any compliance questionnaires or other inquiries submitted to Federated in writing and provide such other compliance services as may be requested by the Adviser or the Fund's chief compliance officer; and |
· | Notify the Fund in the event the Adviser is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the affairs of the Fund (excluding class action suits in which the Fund is a member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund’s ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Adviser with the federal or state securities laws. |
SCHEDULE B
Edward Jones Money Market Fund
Annual Fee Rate as a Percentage of
Average Daily Net Assets
0.20%
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
SUB-ADVISORY AND SUB-ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
THIS SUB-ADVISORY AND SUB-ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT (“Agreement") is made as of the 27th day of January, 2017, by and among Passport Research, Ltd., a Pennsylvania limited partnership (the “Adviser”), Federated Investment Management Company, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Sub-Adviser”), Federated Administrative Services (“Sub-Administrator”) (Sub-Adviser and Sub-Administrator, severally and not jointly, shall be referred to, as applicable, as “Federated”) and Edward Jones Money Market Fund, a Massachusetts voluntary association (commonly known as a business trust) (the “Fund”), solely for the purposes of compensation paid pursuant Paragraph 16 of this Agreement.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS , the Fund is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
WHEREAS , the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are each registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), and engages in the business of providing investment management services;
WHEREAS , the Adviser and Fund have entered into an Investment Management and Administration Agreement dated January 27, 2017 (the “Investment Management and Administration Agreement”), pursuant to which the Adviser may retain one or more sub-advisers (including, sub-administrators) to render portfolio management and administrative services to the Fund pursuant to agreements between the Adviser and each such sub-adviser;
WHEREAS , the Adviser, with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), has selected: (i) the Sub-Adviser to act as investment sub-adviser to perform such investment sub-advisory services to the Fund under the terms and conditions as set forth herein; and (ii) the Sub-Administrator to provide certain related sub-administrative services, as more fully set forth below, and to perform such services under the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS , both the Sub-Adviser and Sub-Administrator agree to serve as the investment sub-adviser and sub-administrator, respectively, for the Fund on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF SUB-ADVISER AND SUB-ADMINISTRATOR. The Adviser hereby appoints the Sub-Adviser and Sub-Administrator, and the Sub-Adviser and Sub-Administrator hereby accept such appointment, to render investment advisory and administrative services, respectively, to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the Adviser and the Board.
2. DUTIES OF SUB-ADVISER.
(a) INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. Subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board, the Sub-Adviser shall act as investment sub-adviser to the Fund and shall supervise investments of the Fund in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as provided in the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, and in compliance with the requirements applicable to registered investment companies under applicable laws, including, the 1940 Act, the Commodity Exchange Act and the rules of the National Futures Association, and those requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as amended (the “Code”). From time to time, the Adviser or the Fund may provide the Sub-Adviser with written copies of other investment policies, guidelines and restrictions applicable to the Sub-Adviser's management of the Fund, which shall become effective at such time as agreed upon by both parties. Subject to each of the foregoing sentences above, the Sub-Adviser shall have full discretionary authority to manage the investment of the assets of the Fund, including purchasing, holding or selling the securities and other assets of the Fund, selecting brokers, dealers, future commissions merchants and other intermediaries, settling and allocating trades, aggregating trades, and seeking to obtain best execution, in each case, without prior consultation with the Adviser or Board and in accordance with the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and applicable policies and procedures of the Fund or Sub-Adviser as in effect from time to time.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall, at its own expense:
i. | Furnish the Fund with advice and recommendations with respect to the investment of the Fund’s assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and other investments for the Fund, including the taking of such steps as may be necessary to implement such advice and recommendations ( i.e. , placing the orders); |
ii. | Manage and oversee the Fund's investments, subject to the ultimate supervision and direction of the Adviser and the Board; |
iii. | Vote proxies for the Fund (or delegate such responsibility to vote proxies).To the extent applicable, the Sub-Adviser may file beneficial ownership reports required by Sections 13(d), (f), (g) and (h) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) for the Fund; |
iv. | Maintain records relating to the advisory services provided by the Sub-Adviser hereunder required to be prepared and maintained by the Sub-Adviser or by the Sub-Adviser on behalf of the Fund pursuant to applicable law; |
v. | Provide reasonable assistance with respect to valuations of Fund assets, economic conditions and other matters related to the investment of the Fund’s assets which the Adviser or the officers of the Fund may reasonably request; |
vi. | Render to the Adviser and the Board such periodic and special reports with respect to the Fund’s investment activities as the Adviser or the Board may reasonably request; |
vii. | Submit such reports and information as the Adviser or the Fund may reasonably request to assist the Fund's custodian (the "Custodian") in its determination of the market value of securities held in the Fund; |
viii. | Provide instructions to the Custodian concerning trade deliveries and settlements; |
ix. | As soon as practicable after the close of business each day but no later than 11:00 am Eastern time the following business day (or such later time agreed to between Adviser and Sub-Adviser) provide the Custodian with electronic copies (or, as applicable, electronic communications) of trade tickets for each transaction effected for the Fund by the Sub-Adviser, provide electronic copies (or, as applicable, electronic communications) to the Adviser and the Fund upon reasonable request, and promptly forward to the Custodian electronic copies (or, as applicable, electronic communications) of all brokerage or dealer confirmations received by the Sub-Adviser; |
x. | As soon as practicable following the end of each calendar month (and, in no event, later than any time agreed between Adviser and Sub-Adviser), reconcile, to the extent necessary information is in Sub-Adviser’s possession and provided by the Custodian, all transactions effected for the Fund during the month by the Sub-Adviser, and such other transaction information, and communicate to the Adviser any material discrepancies identified, as the Adviser or the Fund may reasonably request in connection with any advisory services that the Sub-Adviser provides for the Fund; and |
xi. | Provide instructions to Custodian regarding corporate actions. |
(b) CODE OF ETHICS. The Sub-Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Code of Ethics”), which it has provided to the Adviser and the Fund. The Sub-Adviser shall ensure that it complies in all material respects with the Sub-Adviser’s Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Sub-Adviser shall provide the Adviser and the Fund with a (i) copy of the Sub-Adviser’s current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) a mutually acceptable certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent its personnel from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Sub-Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Annually, the Sub-Adviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Sub-Adviser’s Code of Ethics to the Adviser and the Board. The Sub-Adviser shall respond to reasonable requests for information from the Adviser and the Fund as to violations of the Code of Ethics by personnel and the sanctions imposed by the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall promptly notify the Adviser and the Fund of any material violation of the Code of Ethics, whether or not such violation relates to a security held by the Fund.
(c) BROKERAGE. In connection with the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to select the brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, or other intermediaries that will execute purchase and sale transactions for the Fund’s portfolio, to execute for the Fund as its agent and attorney-in-fact standard customer agreements and other documentation in connection with opening trading accounts with such brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, or other intermediaries including, ISDA agreements. Sub-Adviser agrees to use reasonable efforts to seek to obtain the best execution consistent with applicable law with respect to all such purchases and sales of portfolio securities for said portfolio. Subject to its obligation to seek best execution, Sub-Adviser may: (A) select brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or other intermediaries that are affiliated persons of the Fund, Adviser or Sub-Adviser, provided that any trade orders placed with any such affiliated person are placed in accordance with the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Fund’s and Sub-Adviser’s applicable policies and procedures as in effect from time to time; and (B) consider the reliability, integrity and financial condition of a broker, dealer, futures commission merchants, or other intermediary, the size of and difficulty in executing a transaction, the best net price available, the value of the expected contribution of the broker–dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis, and other factors that Sub-Adviser deems appropriate and consistent with Sub-Adviser’s policies and procedures as in effect from time to time in selecting brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or other intermediaries. The price to the Fund in any transaction may be less favorable than that available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the portfolio execution services offered. The Sub-Adviser shall maintain records adequate to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this Section. Such records shall be made available to the Adviser and the Fund upon request.
In evaluating the ability of a broker-dealer to provide best execution with respect to a particular transaction, the Sub-Adviser may also consider the brokerage and research services provided (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act). Consistent with any guidelines established by the Adviser or the Board and Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer -- viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of the overall responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser to its discretionary clients, including the Fund. In addition, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for securities to brokers or dealers (including brokers and dealers that are affiliated with the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser or the Fund's principal underwriter) if the Sub-Adviser believes that the quality of the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with other qualified firms. In no instance, however, will the Fund’s assets be purchased from or sold to the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser, the Fund's principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of either the Fund, the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser or the Fund’s principal underwriter, acting as principal in the transaction, except to the extent permitted by the SEC and the 1940 Act.
The Sub-Adviser shall cause all securities and other property purchased or sold for the Fund to be settled at the place of business of the Custodian or as the Custodian shall direct.
At the request of the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser shall (or shall cause the Fund to) execute a mutually acceptable standalone limited power of attorney evidencing the Sub-Adviser’s authority to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund.
(d) CUSTODY . All securities and other property of the Fund shall remain in the direct or indirect custody of the Custodian except as otherwise authorized by the Board. The Sub-Adviser shall have the authority to instruct the Custodian to pay cash for securities and other property delivered to the Custodian for the Fund and deliver securities and other property against payment for the Fund, and such other authority granted by the Fund from time to time. The Sub-Adviser shall not have authority to cause the Custodian to deliver securities and other property or pay cash to the Sub-Adviser except as expressly provided herein.
(e) PROXY VOTING . Adviser hereby authorizes Sub-Adviser to, and Sub-Adviser will, in Sub-Adviser’s discretion and without prior consultation with Adviser or the Board, vote (either directly or through a voting service engaged by Sub-Adviser) all proxies and corporate actions of which Sub-Adviser receives timely notice that are solicited by or with respect to issuers of securities or other assets in which the sub-advised assets may be invested from time to time. Such votes shall be made by Sub-Adviser in accordance with Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures as in effect from time to time. Upon written notice to Sub-Adviser, the Board may at any time withdraw the authority granted to Sub-Adviser pursuant to this Section to perform any or all of the proxy voting services contemplated hereby. While Sub-Adviser will reasonably cooperate with Adviser in providing information to Adviser to allow Adviser to prepare (or cause to be prepared) Form N-PX filings, Federated shall not be responsible for making any Form N-PX filings.
(f) AGGREGATION OF ORDERS. Sub-Adviser may (but shall not be obligated to) aggregate purchase or sale orders for the Fund with contemporaneous purchase or sale orders of other clients of Sub-Adviser or its affiliated persons. In such event, allocation of the securities or other investments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by Sub-Adviser in the manner Sub-Adviser considers to be equitable and consistent with Sub-Adviser’s applicable policies and procedures as in effect from time to time and consistent with applicable law. Adviser hereby acknowledges that such aggregation of orders may not result in a more favorable price or lower brokerage commissions in all instances.
3. DUTIES OF SUB-ADMINISTRATOR. Subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in connection with the operation of the Fund's business and affairs, the Sub-Administrator shall provide facilities, equipment and personnel to carry out the sub-administrative services agreed to between Adviser and Sub-Administrator from time to time. Adviser and Sub-Administrator agree that, initially, the sub-administrative services to be provided by Sub-Administrator are set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.
4. REPRESENTATIONS OF FEDERATED. Each of Sub-Adviser and Sub-Administrator, as applicable, represents, warrants and agrees with respect to itself that:
(a) Federated has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) Federated has taken all necessary actions to authorize its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
(c) Sub-Adviser is registered as an adviser under the Advisers Act and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Sub-Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation that is reasonably likely to result in the Sub-Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser and the Fund of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Sub-Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to an investment company. The Sub-Adviser is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management operations; and
(d) Sub-Adviser has furnished to the Adviser and the Fund, the Sub-Adviser’s most recent registration statement on Form ADV.
5. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ADVISER. The Adviser represents, warrants and agrees that:
(a) Adviser has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Investment Management and Administration Agreement;
(b) Adviser has taken all necessary actions to authorize its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Investment Management and Administration Agreement;
(c) Adviser has the authority under the Investment Management and Administration Agreement to appoint Federated to perform the services contemplated in this Agreement; and
(d) Adviser is registered as an adviser under the Advisers Act and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation that is reasonably likely to result in the Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Adviser and the Fund of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management operations.
6. COVENANTS OF THE SUB-ADVISER. The Sub-Adviser covenants that it shall:
(a) Maintain all licenses and registrations necessary to perform its duties hereunder in good order at all times throughout this Agreement; and
(b) Maintain insurance in the types and in an amount at least equal to that disclosed to the Board in connection with its approval of this Agreement and shall provide prompt notice to the Adviser and the Fund (i) of any material changes in its insurance policies or insurance coverage; or (ii) if any material claims are reasonably expected to be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the Sub-Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide the Adviser and the Fund with any information they may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.
7. DUTIES OF ADVISER.
(a) Adviser has furnished to the Sub-Adviser (to the extent not already in Sub-Adviser’s possession) true, correct and complete copies, and will continue to furnish future material amendments, of each of the following documents:
i. | the Fund’s declaration of trust, articles of incorporation, registration statement or similar governing document, and bylaws (each document identified being “Governing Documents”); |
ii. | the resolutions of the Board and, as applicable, shareholders approving the Investment Management and Administration Agreement and this Agreement and Adviser’s appointment as investment adviser for the Fund under the Investment Management and Administrative Agreement, and Federated’s appointment as sub-adviser and sub-administrator (as applicable) for the Fund under this Agreement; |
iii. | the Investment Management and Administration Agreement; and |
iv. | any exemptive order relied on by Adviser or the Fund that may affect the performance of Sub-Adviser’s services and other obligations under this Agreement (including any “manager of managers” exemptive order). |
Additionally, the Adviser shall provide Sub-Adviser, prior to the effective date of this Agreement and annually after this Agreement becomes effective, with a written list of all affiliated persons of the Fund (and any affiliated person of such an affiliated person) and Adviser shall promptly provide Sub-Adviser with an updated written list whenever Adviser becomes aware of any additional affiliated persons or other changes to the most recently provided list.
(b) Adviser agrees to (or to cause the Fund to) submit any proposed language in any required filings (“blue-sky” filing or filing with the SEC or applicable state securities regulator, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, collectively, “requirement filings”), or any sales literature, statement, communication or other document relating to the Adviser or the Fund, that mentions Federated (other than identifying Federated as sub-adviser or sub-administrator to the Fund), or that describes Federated’s services or other obligations hereunder, to Federated as agreed between the parties prior to use for prompt review of such materials by Federated within a reasonable and appropriate deadline. Adviser acknowledges and agrees that Federated is not responsible for ensuring that any required filings, or any sales literature, statement, communication or other document relating to the Adviser or the Fund is in compliance with all disclosure and other requirements under applicable laws, rules or regulations, and that Federated shall have no liability in connection therewith, except to the extent arising out of a material inaccuracy in, or material omission from, information furnished in writing by Federated to Adviser or the Fund for inclusion in any required filings, or Sub-Administrator’s breach of the standard of care found in Section 19(c) in connection with the performance of the Sub-Administrator’s sub-administrative services under this Agreement, that causes any such required filings to (i) fail to be accurate and complete in all material respects with respect to Federated or its services, or (ii) omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements may therein with respect to Federated or its services, in light of the circumstances under which there were made not misleading.
8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. The Adviser will be responsible for all class actions and lawsuits involving the Fund or securities held, or formerly held, in the Fund. Federated is not required to take any action or to render investment-related advice or administrative services with respect to lawsuits involving the Fund, including those involving securities presently or formerly held in the Fund, or the issuers thereof, including actions involving bankruptcy. In the case of notices of class action suits received by Federated involving issuers presently or formerly held in the Fund, Federated shall promptly forward such notices to the Adviser and, with the consent of the Adviser, may provide information about the Fund to third parties for purposes of participating in any settlements relating to such class actions.
9. VALUATION. Subject to Federated’s obligation to provide reasonable assistance with respect to valuation of the Fund as contemplated in Section 2(a)(v) of this Agreement, Federated is not a pricing agent and is not responsible for valuing or pricing the securities and other assets invested in, held by or sold by the Fund, and Adviser, the Fund, and Federated will rely on one or more pricing agents chosen by the Board for prices of the securities and other assets of the Fund for all purposes.
10. COMPLIANCE TESTING. Federated is not the compliance agent for the Fund or Adviser, may not have access to all of the books and records of the Fund necessary to perform certain compliance testing, and will not be obligated to request any books and records of the Fund not in Federated’s possession for purposes of compliance testing. To the extent that Federated has agreed to perform the services specified in this Agreement in accordance with applicable laws, rules or regulations (for example, the 1940 Act), the Fund’s Governing Documents, Adviser’s, the Fund’s or Federated’s policies, or written instructions, Federated shall perform such services based upon its books and records with respect to the Fund (or the portion of the Fund to which Federated is responsible for providing services hereunder), which may comprise only a portion of the Fund’s books and records, and shall not be held responsible under this Agreement so long as it performs such services in accordance with this Agreement based upon such books and records.
11. IMPLEMENTATION OF CHANGES. Federated shall be afforded a reasonable amount of time to implement any change in applicable law, rule or regulation (but in no event (except after obtaining a proper exemptive order or other relief or Adviser’s consent) beyond the mandatory compliance date for any change in applicable law, rule or regulation), any change in the Fund’s Governing Documents, any change in the Fund’s or Adviser’s policies and procedures, any change in Federated’s policies and procedures, and any other change arising out of any other instructions provided by the Board or Adviser in writing to Federated. Federated shall not be responsible for implementing (or failing to implement) any change in the Fund’s Governing Documents, or resulting from any instruction of the Board or Adviser, that is not specifically identified in a writing provided to Federated. Federated will promptly inform Adviser if Federated is not able to implement any such change or new instruction. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Federated shall not be responsible for complying with any policy, procedure or instruction of the Adviser or the Fund, except to the extent (a) compliance with such policy, procedure or instruction is contemplated by this Agreement, (b) such policy, procedure or instruction is provided reasonably in advance in writing to Federated, and (c) Federated confirms to the Adviser that it can comply with such policy, procedure or instruction.
12. TIMELY INFORMATION. The Adviser or its agent will provide timely information to Federated regarding such matters as inflows to and outflows from the Fund and the cash requirements of, and cash available for investment in, the Fund. The Adviser or its agent will timely provide (or cause to be provided) Federated with copies of monthly accounting statements for the Fund, and such other information as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order for Federated to perform its responsibilities hereunder.
13. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Federated shall, for all purposes herein, be deemed to be an independent contractor, and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided and authorized to do so in this Agreement or another writing by the Adviser or the Fund to Federated, have no authority to act for or represent the Adviser or the Fund in any way, or in any way be deemed an agent for the Adviser or the Fund. It is expressly understood and agreed that the services to be rendered by Federated to the Adviser and the Fund under the provisions of this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and that Federated may give investment advice, provide administrative services, and take action with respect to other clients, including affiliates of Federated, that may be similar or different from that given or taken on behalf of the Adviser and the Fund.
14. FEDERATED’S PERSONNEL. Federated, or an affiliate of Federated, shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall from time to time determine to be necessary to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
15. EXPENSES.
(a) Nothing in this Agreement shall alter the allocation of expenses and costs agreed upon between the Fund and the Adviser in the Investment Management and Administration Agreement to which they are parties, unless otherwise specifically provided herein.
(b) Except as specifically contemplated in this Agreement, each of the parties to this Agreement shall bear their respective costs and expenses of performing its obligations hereunder.
(c) The Adviser shall reimburse (or cause the Fund to reimburse) the Sub-Administrator for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with this Agreement. All rights of compensation and expense reimbursement under this Agreement for services performed as of the termination date shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
(d) The Adviser agrees promptly to reimburse (or cause the Fund to reimburse) Federated for any other reasonable expenses not contemplated by this Agreement that Federated may incur on the Adviser’s or the Fund’s behalf or the Adviser’s or the Fund’s request or with the Adviser’s or the Fund’s consent.
(e) With respect to the Fund's operations, Federated shall be responsible for (i) providing the personnel, office space and equipment reasonably necessary to perform its obligations hereunder; and (ii) the costs of any special Board meetings or shareholder meetings convened for the primary benefit of the Sub-Adviser.
(f) Federated, may, but is not obligated to, enter into a separate agreement pursuant to which Federated agrees to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Fund expenses in order to limit the total annual operating expenses of the Fund at a level set forth in such agreement.
(g) Other than as herein specifically indicated, Federated shall not be responsible for the Adviser’s or the Fund’s expenses.
16. SUB-ADVISORY AND SUB-ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FEE.
(a) The Fund shall pay Federated, and Federated agrees to accept, as full compensation for all services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, an aggregate annual fee at the rate set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement.
(b) The fee shall be computed daily at an annual rate based on the average daily net assets of the Fund. Such fee shall be accrued daily and paid to the Sub-Adviser on the first business day of the succeeding month. The method of determining average daily net assets for purposes of this Agreement shall be the same as the method of determining net asset value for purposes of establishing the offering and redemption price of the shares of the Fund as described in the Prospectus of the Fund.
(c) The initial fee under this Agreement shall be payable on the first business day of the first month following the effective date of this Agreement and shall be prorated as set forth below. If this Agreement is terminated prior to the end of any month, the fee to Federated shall be prorated for the portion of any month in which this Agreement is in effect, and shall be payable within 10 days after the date of termination.
(d) Subject to Section 15(f) above, the fee payable to Federated under this Agreement will be reduced as may be agreed upon by the parties under any expense limitation agreement between the parties.
17. CONFLICTS WITH FUND’S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND APPLICABLE LAWS. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Fund to take any action contrary to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Fund, as amended from time to time, the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Fund, or any applicable statute or regulation, or to relieve or deprive the Board of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Fund. For purposes of this Agreement, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser acknowledge that the Board retains ultimate plenary authority over the Fund and may take any and all actions necessary and reasonable to protect the interests of shareholders.
18. REPORTS AND ACCESS. To the extent not otherwise identified in this Agreement, the parties agree to: (i) furnish upon request to each other such further information and documentation; (ii) execute and deliver to each other such other documents; and (iii) do such other acts and things, all as the other party may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Agreement and the documents referred to in this Agreement.
19. FEDERATED’S LIABILITIES; STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Federated shall comply, in all material respects, with all applicable laws and regulations in the discharge of its duties under this Agreement; and it shall comply with the investment policies, guidelines and restrictions of the Fund or Sub-Adviser (as applicable) to the extent required to do so under this Agreement.
(b) Federated shall not be obligated to perform any service not described in this Agreement, and shall not be deemed by virtue of this Agreement to have made any representation or warranty that any level of investment performance or level of investment results will be achieved.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the obligations or duties hereunder on the part of Federated, Federated will not be subject to liability for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security, including, for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law, or any other act or omission by Federated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, federal securities laws and certain state laws impose liabilities under certain circumstances on persons who have acted in good faith, and, therefore, nothing in this Agreement will in any way constitute a waiver or limitation of any rights which Adviser (or the Fund) may have under any federal securities law or state law that cannot be waived by contract.
(d) The Sub-Adviser and Sub-Administrator, severally and not jointly, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser and the Fund from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney's fees and other reasonable related expenses) resulting from its willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or from its reckless disregard or material breach of its obligations and duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Sub-Adviser's obligation under this Section 19(d) shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability or damage experienced by the Adviser or the Fund, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to the Adviser’s or the Fund’s (or another service provider’s (other than Federated’s)) own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard or material breach of its duties under this Agreement, the Investment Management and Administration Agreement or other agreement with the Adviser or the Fund.
(e) The Sub-Adviser and Sub-Administrator, severally and not jointly, shall be responsible for any reasonable expenses incurred by the Fund or the Adviser in responding to a legal, administrative, judicial or regulatory action, claim, or suit involving the Sub-Adviser or Sub-Administrator, respectively, to which neither the Fund nor the Adviser is a party.
(f) Adviser shall be responsible for any reasonable expenses incurred by the Sub-Adviser or Sub-Administrator, as applicable, in responding to a legal, administrative, judicial or regulatory action, claim or suit involving the Adviser or the Fund to which Sub-Adviser or Sub-Administrator, as applicable, is not a party.
(g) The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless Federated from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney's fees and other reasonable related expenses) resulting from the Adviser's or the Fund’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in connection with the performance of the Adviser's or the Fund’s obligations under this Agreement or the Investment Management and Administration Agreement, or from the Adviser’s or Fund’s reckless disregard or material breach of its obligations and duties under this Agreement or the Investment Management and Administration Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser's obligation under this Section 19(g) shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability or damage experienced by Federated, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to Federated’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard or material breach of its duties under this Agreement.
(h) Neither Federated nor the Adviser shall be liable for special, consequential or incidental damages.
(i) No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to protect any Trustee or officer of the Fund or officer of the Adviser or Federated, from liability in violation of Sections 17(h) and (i) of the 1940 Act.
20. EXCLUSIVITY; TRADING FOR SUB-ADVISER’S OWN ACCOUNT. The services of Federated to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, and Federated may act as investment adviser or administrator for any other person, and shall not in any way be limited or restricted from buying, selling or trading any securities for its own accounts or the accounts of others for whom it may be acting, provided, however, that Federated expressly agrees that it will undertake no activities which, in its reasonable judgment, will adversely affect, in any material respect, the performance of its obligations to the Fund under this Agreement. Federated may give advice and take action in the performance of its duties with respect to any of its other clients which may differ from advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to the Fund. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require Federated, its principals, affiliates, agents or employees to purchase or sell for the Fund any security which it or they may purchase or sell for its or their own account or for the account of any other client.
21. TERM. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall remain in full force and effect for a period of two (2) years, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
This Agreement shall continue in effect thereafter for additional periods not exceeding one year so long as such continuation is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board of Trustees or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement nor interested persons thereof, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval and such shareholders fail to approve the Agreement as provided herein, the Sub-Adviser may continue to serve hereunder in the manner and to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder. The terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities” and “interested persons” shall have the meanings set forth in the 1940 Act, and the foregoing requirement that continuance of this Agreement be “specifically approved at least annually” shall be construed in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
22. RIGHT TO USE NAME. Federated has the right to use the name “Edward Jones Money Market Fund” in connection with its services to the Fund. Further, nothing in this Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, as preventing Federated or its affiliates from using Adviser’s or the Fund’s name in any response to a request for information/proposal, and Federated and its affiliates are expressly authorized to include the name of the Adviser and the Fund on representative client lists.
23. TERMINATION; ASSIGNMENT.
(a) This Agreement may be terminated with respect to Sub-Adviser, Sub-Administrator, or both: (i) by the Adviser or the Fund, by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund at any time without payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to Federated; and (ii) by Federated upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Fund. In the event of a termination of all or either the sub-advisory services or sub-administrative services under this Agreement, Federated shall cooperate in the orderly transfer of the Fund’s affairs and, at the request of the Adviser or the Fund, transfer, at the Adviser’s expense , any and all books and records of the Fund maintained by the Sub-Adviser and/or Sub-Administrator, as applicable, on behalf of the Fund.
(b) This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment or in the event of a termination of the Investment Management and Administration Agreement. The term “assignment” shall have the meaning set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exceptions as may be granted by the SEC under the 1940 Act.
(c) In the event of a termination, Sub-Adviser or Sub-Administrator (as applicable) shall cease all activity on behalf of the Fund, except as expressly directed by Adviser in connection with the completion or transition of services, and, as applicable, except for the settlement of securities transactions already entered into for the account of the Fund.
(d) Termination of this Agreement (in whole or in part) shall not relieve Adviser or Federated of any liability incurred hereunder for acts or omissions taken or made prior to termination.
(e) Sections 19 and 25 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
24. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, Federated hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund copies of any of such records upon the Fund’s request, provided, however, that Federated may retain copies of any records to the extent required for it to comply with applicable laws. Any such records maintained will be bound by the confidentiality obligations within Section 25 of this Agreement for as long as the records are maintained. Federated further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records relating to its activities hereunder required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve the records relating to its activities hereunder required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act for the period specified in said Rule.
25. CONFIDENTIALITY; NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION. Adviser and Federated each agree to keep confidential any nonpublic information concerning the other party and will not use or disclose such information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, unless the non-disclosing party has authorized such disclosure or if such disclosure is compelled by subpoena or is expressly required or requested by applicable federal or state regulatory authorities. Nonpublic information shall not include information a party to this Agreement can clearly establish was (a) known to the party prior to this Agreement; (b) rightfully acquired by the party from third parties whom the party reasonably believes are not under an obligation of confidentiality to the other party to this Agreement; (c) placed in the public domain without fault of the party or its affiliates; or (d) independently developed by the party without reference or reliance upon the nonpublic information.
Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, Federated agrees on behalf of itself and its managers, members, officers, and employees to (1) treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund (a) all records and other information relative to the Fund’s prior, present, or potential shareholders (and clients of said shareholders) and (b) in accordance with SEC Regulation S-P ("Regulation S-P"), any nonpublic personal information, promulgated under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “G-L-B Act”); and (2) except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, or as otherwise permitted by Regulation S-P or the G-L-B Act. Such written approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Fund and may not be withheld where Federated may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt or other proceedings for failure to comply after being requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities.
26. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE. Federated acknowledges that, in compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended, the USA PATRIOT Act, and any implementing regulations thereunder (together, “AML Laws”), the Fund has adopted an Anti-Money Laundering Policy. Federated agrees to comply with the Fund’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy and the AML Laws, as the same may apply to Federated, now and in the future; provided, however, that Federated shall not be liable in respect of any failure by it to comply with changes to the Fund’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy of which it has not been notified in writing by the Fund a reasonable time in advance of the effectiveness of such changes. Federated further agrees to provide to the Fund and/or the administrator such reports, certifications and contractual assurances as may be reasonably requested by the Fund and mutually agreed to by the parties. The Fund may disclose information regarding Federated to governmental and/or regulatory or self-regulatory authorities to the extent required by applicable law or regulation and may file reports with such authorities as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
27. CERTIFICATIONS; DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. Federated acknowledges that, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), and the implementing regulations promulgated thereunder, the Fund is required to make certain certifications and have adopted disclosure controls and procedures. To the extent reasonably requested by the Fund, Federated agrees to use its reasonable efforts to assist the Fund in complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and implementing the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures. Federated agrees to inform the Fund of any material development related to the Fund that Federated reasonably believes is relevant to the Fund’s certification obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
28. COOPERATION WITH REGULATORY AUTHORITIES OR OTHER ACTIONS. The parties to this Agreement each agree to cooperate in a reasonable manner with each other in the event that any of them should become involved in a legal, administrative, judicial or regulatory action, claim, or suit as a result of performing its obligations under this Agreement.
29. NOTIFICATION. The Sub-Adviser agrees that it will provide prompt notice to the Adviser and the Fund about material changes in the employment status of key investment management personnel involved in the management of the Fund, material changes in the investment process used to manage the Fund, any changes in senior management, operations, financial condition or ownership of the Sub-Adviser’s firm and the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Sub-Adviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
30. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) NOTICES. Notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing, shall be deemed to be effectively delivered when actually received, and may be delivered by US mail (first class, postage prepaid), by hand or by commercial overnight delivery service, addressed as follows:
FEDERATED: |
Federated Investment Management Company c/o Federated Investors, Inc. Federated Investors Tower 1001 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779 Attn: George Polatas
|
ADVISER : | Passport Research, Ltd. |
12555 Manchester Road | |
St. Louis, MO 63131 | |
Attn: General Counsel |
FUND: | Edward Jones Money Market Fund |
12555 Manchester Road | |
St. Louis, MO 63131 | |
Attn: Secretary |
(b) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. It is understood that (i) directors/trustees, officers, agents and shareholders of the Adviser are or may be interested in Federated or its affiliated persons as directors/trustees, officers, stockholders or otherwise, (ii) directors/trustees, officers, agents and shareholders of Federated or its affiliated persons are or may be interested in the Adviser or the Fund as directors/trustees, officers, shareholders or otherwise, (iii) Federated may be interested in the Adviser or the Fund, and (iv) the existence of any such dual interests shall not affect the validity of this Agreement or of any transactions or performance under this Agreement except as specifically provided in (A) Adviser’s declaration of trust, by laws or similar Governing Document, (B) Federated’s declaration of trust, bylaws, or similar Governing Document, or (C) provisions of applicable laws, rules or regulations.
(c) SEVERABILITY AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to this Agreement's subject matter. In the event that this Agreement is made applicable to any additional classes or funds by way of a schedule executed subsequent to the date first indicated above, provisions of such schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement as it relates to such class or fund so that, for example, the execution date for purposes of Section 21 of this Agreement with respect to such class or fund shall be the execution date of the relevant schedule. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to waive, discharge, supercede, limit or affect any other agreement between the Adviser and Federated, or any affiliates of any of them.
(d) ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS; NO-THIRD PARTY RIGHTS; SERVICE PROVIDERS. No party may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, and Section 23 of this Agreement, this Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects upon, and inure to the benefit of the permitted successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any person or entity other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their permitted successors and permitted assigns.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, Federated may enter into arrangements with its affiliates (such as, for example, Federated Advisory Services Company) and other third party contractors (such as, for example, proxy voting services) in connection with the performance of Federated’s services and other obligations under this Agreement, including for the provision of certain personnel, services and facilities to Federated, and disclose confidential/nonpublic information to such affiliates and third parties in connection with the performance of services, provided that such arrangements comply with the 1940 Act (including, if applicable the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act) and applicable privacy laws, including Regulation S-P.. Federated agrees, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, that Federated will remain responsible for any actions or omissions of such affiliates or other third-party contractors to the same extent as if Federated had taken such action or made such omission under this Agreement.
(e) AMENDMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, or discharged orally, but may be changed, waived or discharged only by an instrument in writing signed by all parties and only in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege.
(f) 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.
(g) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 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 law, regulation or rule, including the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(h) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously 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. Signatures on this Agreement may be communicated by electronic transmission (which shall include facsimile or email) and shall be binding upon the parties so transmitting their signatures.
(i) CONSTRUCTION . Unless otherwise expressly provided: (i) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” do not limit the preceding words or terms, and shall be construed to be followed by “without limitation”; (ii) the word “or” in this Agreement is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive (and should be construed, accordingly, as “and/or”); and (iii) any reference to “days” shall mean calendar days. This Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision in this Agreement. The following terms have the meanings given to such terms under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder: “interested persons”; “affiliated person”; “assign” or “assignment”, and “federal securities laws.”
(j) MISCELLANEOUS. Where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is altered by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers, all on the day and year first above written.
PASSPORT RESEARCH, LTD. | FEDERATED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY | |
By: /s/ Michael Besmer | By: /s/ John B. Fisher | |
Name: Michael Besmer | Name: John B. Fisher | |
Title: Treasurer | Title: President & Chief Executive Officer |
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND | FEDERATED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES | |
By: /s/ Ryan Robson | By: /s/ Peter J. Germain | |
Name: Ryan Robson | Name: Peter J. Germain | |
Title: President | Title: President |
SCHEDULE A
Administrative Services
Fund Management Services:
· | Manage internal audits of business processes and controls; and |
· | Implement and maintain, together with affiliated companies, a business continuation and disaster recovery program, which covers the Fund. |
Shareholder and Financial Reporting Services:
· | To the extent relevant information has been provided to Sub-Administrator by the Custodian (or is otherwise in Federated’s possession), review, as mutually agreed upon by the parties, daily dividends, monthly distributions, and any capital gains for reasonableness; and |
· | To the extent relevant information has been provided to Sub-Administrator by the Custodian (or is otherwise in Federated's possession), confirm, at the request of the Adviser or the Fund, the statement of investments is accurate according to such records on a monthly basis. |
Service Provider Oversight Services:
· | Provide reasonable information in Federated’s possession, as reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Fund, regarding portfolio valuation oversight, including pricing service selection, pricing procedures and oversight. |
Fund Administration Services:
· | Maintain and deliver Federated’s authorized signers' lists to the Adviser or the Fund for delivery to the Custodian. |
· | To the extent relevant information has been provided to Sub-Administrator by the Custodian (or is otherwise in Federated’s possession), review, as mutually agreed upon by the parties, but not prepare or file, with respect to the preparation of and filing with the SEC and the appropriate state securities authorities: (i) the registration statements for the Fund and the Fund's shares and all amendments thereto, (ii) shareholder reports and other applicable regulatory reports and communications (or relevant portions thereof), including, reports on Form N-CSR, Form N-PX, Form N-Q, Form N-MFP, Form N-CR and annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, (iii) proxy materials, (iv) notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2, and (v) such other documents as may be necessary to enable the Fund to continuously offer its shares; |
· | Provide, as requested by the Adviser or the Fund, reasonable information in Federated’s possession to the Adviser or the Fund for provision to the Custodian for the preparation, but not the filing, of Form N-SAR ; |
· | To the extent relevant information has been provided to Sub-Administrator by the Custodian (or is otherwise in Federated’s possession), as reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Fund, initially provide reasonable information necessary for the preparation and posting of money market fund daily website disclosures, including percentage of daily and weekly assets, shareholder net flows, net asset values, shadow net asset values and required historical information, or, thereafter, provide reasonable information necessary for the preparation and posting of money market fund daily website disclosures, including percentages of daily and weekly assets; |
· | To the extent relevant information has been provided to Sub-Administrator by the Custodian (or is otherwise in Federated’s possession), compare, as applicable, as reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Fund, the Fund's net asset value, shadow net asset value, yield, average maturity, dividends, Fund total return and performance and total assets for reasonableness; and |
· | To the extent relevant information has been provided to Sub-Administrator by the Custodian (or is otherwise in Federated’s possession), perform, as reasonably requested by the Adviser or the Fund, a review of the Fund portfolio’s shadow net asset value, and, as applicable, Rule 2a-7 amortized cost calculation, for reasonableness; notify designated parties, as necessary, of identified deviations in compliance with the Fund's procedures, if any. |
Compliance Services:
· | Monitor enterprise level risks at Sub-Adviser associated with the services provided herein; |
· | Monitor the Fund's compliance with its investment policies, objectives and restrictions as set forth in its currently effective registration statement; |
· | Provide by a deadline mutually acceptable to Adviser and Sub-Administrator a quarterly report regarding the Fund’s compliance with its investment objectives and policies, applicable law, including, the 1940 Act and, to the extent applicable to the management of the Fund’s portfolio, the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund’s policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to Federated’s obligations under this Agreement (it being understood that Sub-Adviser is not responsible for compliance tests with respect to the applicable requirements of Subchapter M); |
· | Reasonably assist the Fund in regulatory examinations, audits, inspections or investigations of the Fund; |
· | Furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be requested for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed amendments thereto for the purposes of approving this Agreement, the renewal thereof or any amendment thereto; |
· | Promptly complete and return to the Adviser or the Fund any compliance questionnaires or other inquiries submitted to Federated in writing and provide such other compliance services as may be reasonably requested and mutually agreed to by the Adviser or the Fund's chief compliance officer and Federated; and |
· | To the extent not prohibited, under applicable law, notify the Fund in the event Federated is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the affairs of the Fund (excluding class action suits in which the Fund is a member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund’s ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by Federated with the federal or state securities laws with respect to the Fund. |
SCHEDULE B
Edward Jones Money Market Fund
Annual Fee Rate as a Percentage of
Average Daily Net Assets
0.04%
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
OPER A TING EXPENSES LIMITATION AGREEMENT
THIS OPER A TING EXPENSES LIMITATION AGREEMENT (the " Agreement") , effective January 27, 2017, by and between Edward Jones Money Market Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the " Fund "), and the investment adviser of the Fund, Passport Research, Ltd. (the "Adviser").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Adviser renders advice and services to the Fund pursuant to the terms and provisions of an Investment Management and Administration Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser dated January 27, 2017 (the "Investment Management Agreement ");
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund is responsible for, and has assumed the obligation for, payment of all expenses that have not been specifically assumed by the Adviser thereunder; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to limit the Operating Expenses (as that term is defined in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement) of each class of the Fund (a “Class”) pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and the Fund desires to allow the Adviser to implement those limits.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises he r einafter set forth, the parties, intended to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1. | Limit o n Operating Expenses . |
The Adviser hereby agrees to limit during the Expense Limitation Period (as that term is defined in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement) the Operating Expenses of each Class to an annual rate, expressed as a percentage of the Class's average annual net assets, as provided under Schedule A (the "Annual Limit") by (i) waiving all or a portion of the Adviser 's investment advisory fee payable pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement and (ii) to the extent such fee waiver by itself is insufficient or would cause a Class to pay a different share of the Adviser’s investment advisory fees, reimbursing the Class the portion of such Operating Expenses that is in excess of the Annual Limit for such fiscal year. To the extent that the Operating Expenses of a Class, as accrued each m o nth, exceeds its Annual Limit accrued for such month, the Adviser will waive its investment advisory fees and, if that is insufficient or would cause the Class to pay a different share of the Adviser’s investment advisory fees, pay the Class, on a monthly basis, the amount of the accrued Operating Expenses in excess of the accrued Annual Limit within 30 days of being notified that any excess Operating Expenses payment is due.
2. | Definition . |
For purposes of this Agreement:
a. | The term "Operating Expenses" means the expenses of the Class that are appropriately reflected in the Class's "Ratio of Expenses to Average Annual Net Assets" in the Fund's prospectus pursuant to Item 13(a) "Financial Highlights"' of Form N-1A in accordance with Instructions 4.a and 4.b thereto, as each such Item and Instruction (including the provisions of Regulation S-X referred to in such instructions) is in effect as of the date hereof, including expenses such as, but not limited to, advisory, custodial, transfer agent and administrative fees, expense reimbursements, audit expenses, the Fund's Board of Trustees meeting costs, legal costs for ordinary operations, costs of preparing and filing post effective amendments, annual and semiannual reports to shareholders, and any proxy materials, and printing and distributing prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports and any proxy materials for current shareholders, and other expenses that would be part of the expenses borne by a registered investment company in the ordinary course of business including any Rule 12b-1 fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees and other expenses described in the Investment Management Agreement or as determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees, but does not include any "Acquired Fund" fees and expenses (within the meaning of Item 3 of Form N-lA in effect on the date hereof), front-end or contingent deferred loads, redemption fees, taxes, interest expense in connection with investment activities, dividend and interest expense on securities sold short, brokerage fees (including commissions, mark-ups and mark-downs), annual account fees for margin accounts, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary or non-routine expenses such as litigation. |
b. | The term "Expense Limitation Period" is defined as the period of time commencing on the date first written above through the Initial Expiration Date reflected on Schedule A, and each subsequent one year period for which this Agreement automatically is renewed pursuant to Paragraph 4 hereof. |
3. | Reimbursement of Fees and Expenses . |
The Adviser retains its right to receive reimbursement of any fee waivers or excess expense payments paid by it pursuant to this Agreement under the following terms and conditions:
a. | Any reductions made by the Adviser in its fees or payment of expenses which are the Fund's obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Fund to the Adviser, if so requested by the Adviser, in the three year period following such fee waiver and/or expense payment if, taking into account the reimbursement, the aggregate amount actually paid by a Class toward the Operating Expenses, as accrued each month, does not exceed the Annual Limit on the Operating Expenses accrued for such month (i) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense payment and (ii) at the time of the reimbursement. |
b. | The Fund shall provide to the Board a quarterly report of any reimbursements paid to the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement. Such reimbursement may not be paid prior to the Class’s payment of current ordinary operating expenses. |
c. | The Adviser may agree not to require payment of any portion of the reimbursement of expenses otherwise due to it pursuant to this Agreement. Any such agreement shall be applicable only with respect to the specific items covered thereby and shall not constitute an agreement not to require payment of any future reimbursement due to the Adviser hereunder. |
4. | Term . |
This Agreement shall become effective on the date first written above and shall remain in effect through the end of the Expense Limitation Period, and shall automatically renew for an additional one year period following the end of an Expense Limitation Period, unless sooner terminated as provided in Paragraph 5 of this Agreement.
5. | Termination . |
This Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Fund upon 60 days' written notice to the Adviser. This Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without the consent of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, except that the Adviser at its election may terminate this Agreement without payment or penalty or consent effective upon the end of an Expense Limitation Period upon at least 60 days' written notice prior to the end of the Expense Limitation Period. This Agreement will automatically terminate if the Investment Management Agreement is terminated, with such termination effective upon the effective date of the Investment Management Agreement's termination. The termination of this Agreement shall not affect any obligation of a party that has accrued or is outstanding prior to such termination.
6. | Amendment . |
Any amendment to this Agreement must be approved by mutual written consent of the parties, including the consent of the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
7. | No Shareholder Vote . |
For purposes of clarity, the parties acknowledge that a vote of the shareholders of the Fund is not required to amend or terminate this Agreement.
8. | Assignment . |
This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party.
9. | Interpretation . |
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Fund to take any action contrary to the Fund's Declaration of Trust or Bylaws, each as in effect from time to time, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement, including without limitation any requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Fund's Board of Trustees of its responsibility for or control of the conduct of the affairs of the Fund.
10. | Definitions . |
Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Investment Management Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to the Investment Management Agreement.
11. | Severability . |
If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. | Governing Law . |
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 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 law, regulation or rule, including the 1940 Act, as amended, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
13. | Entire Agreement . |
This Agreement, including its appendices and schedules (each of which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof by these references), represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto, and shall supersede any prior agreements.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed
and attested by their duly authorized officers, all on the day and year first above written.
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND PASSPORT RESEARCH, LTD.
(by its General Partner, Passport Holdings LLC)
By: /s/ Ryan Robson By: /s/ Michael Besmer
Print Name: Ryan Robson Print Name: Michael Besmer
Title: President Title: Treasurer
Signature Page to Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement
SCHE D U LE A
Fund & Share Class |
Expense Caps |
Initial Expiration Dates |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund Investment Share Class
|
0.72% |
June 30, 2018 |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund Retirement Share Class
|
0.72% |
June 30, 2018 |
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of this 27 th day of January, 2017 by and between Edward Jones Money Market Fund (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust, and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (the “Distributor”) a Missouri limited partnership.
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an investment company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and its shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) are registered with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Distributor 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 of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”); and
WHEREAS, the Trust wishes to retain the Distributor to serve as distributor of each portfolio of the Trust (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and for such additional Funds that the Trust may create, on the terms and conditions set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT
1.1 Principal Underwriter . The Trust hereby appoints Distributor as its principal underwriter and distributor of Shares of the Funds and to provide such other services in accordance with the terms set forth in this Agreement. Distributor accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish certain related services as set forth in this Agreement.
1.2 Direct Sales . Notwithstanding Distributor’s appointment as principal underwriter and distributor of Shares of the Funds, the Trust and each Fund reserve the right to make direct sales of Shares without sales charges consistent with the terms of the then current Prospectus, and to engage in other legally authorized transactions in its Shares which do not involve the sale of Shares to the general public. As used in this Agreement, the term, “Prospectus” means any prospectus, registration statement, statement of additional information, proxy solicitation, annual or other periodic report of the Trust or any Fund of the Trust or any advertising, marketing, shareholder communication, or promotional material generated by the Trust or its investment adviser or sub-adviser from time to time, as appropriate, including all amendments or supplements thereto and applicable law. Such other transactions may include, without limitation, transactions between the Trust or any Fund or class and its shareholders only; transactions involving the reorganization of the Trust or any Fund; and transactions involving the merger or combination of the Trust or any Fund with another corporation or trust.
SECTION 2. SOLICITATION OF SALES AND OTHER SERVICES
2.1 Solicitation of Sales . The Trust grants to Distributor the right to sell its Shares authorized for issue, at the net asset value per Share, plus any applicable sales charges, in accordance with the Prospectus, as agent and on behalf of the Trust, during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, the rules and regulations of the SEC and the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states (“Blue Sky Laws”). Distributor will have the right, as agent, to sell shares of a Fund indirectly to the public through broker-dealers which are members of FINRA and which are acting as introducing brokers pursuant to clearing agreements with Distributor; to broker-dealers which are members of FINRA and who have entered into selling agreements with Distributor; or through other financial intermediaries, in each case against orders therefore. In consideration of these rights granted to the Distributor, the Distributor agrees to use all reasonable efforts to secure purchasers for shares of the Trust; provided, however, that the Distributor will not be prevented from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. The provisions of this paragraph do not obligate the Distributor to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction or laws of any foreign jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered or obligate the Distributor to sell any particular number of Shares. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Trust for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling Fund Shares. The Trust reserves the right to refuse at any time or times to sell any of its Shares for any reason deemed adequate by it. All orders through the Distributor will be subject to acceptance and confirmation by the Trust.
2.2 Other Services . Without limiting the foregoing, the Distributor will perform or supervise the performance by others of the additional services set forth herein, including those set forth in Schedule A, attached hereto.
SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
3.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Trust . The Trust represents, warrants and covenants that:
(a) it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation, and has all requisite power under the laws of such state and applicable federal law to conduct its business as now being conducted and to perform its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) this Agreement has been duly authorized by the board of trustees of the Trust, including by unanimous affirmative vote of all of the independent Trustees of the Trust: and when executed and delivered by the Trust, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust in accordance with its terms;
(c) it shall timely perform all obligations identified in this Agreement as obligations of the Trust, including, without limitation, providing the Distributor with all marketing materials reasonably requested by the Distributor and giving all necessary consents or approvals in good faith and within a timely manner;
(d) it is not a party to any, and there are no, pending or threatened legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations or inquiries (collectively, “Actions”) of any nature against it, its advisor or its properties or assets which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect upon its business or financial condition, and there is no injunction, order, judgment, decree, or regulatory restriction imposed upon it or any of its properties or assets;
(e) it is an investment company that is duly registered under all applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation the 1940 Act, and each Fund is a separate portfolio of the Trust;
(f) it is and will continue to be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations aimed at the prevention and detection of money laundering and/or the financing of terrorism activities including Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by USA PATRIOT Act, U.S. Treasury Department, including the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”), Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) and the SEC;
(g) it has an anti-money laundering program (“AML Program”), that at minimum includes, (i) an AML compliance officer designated to administer and oversee the AML Program, (ii) ongoing training for appropriate personnel, (iii) internal controls and procedures reasonably designed to prevent and detect suspicious activity monitoring and terrorist financing activities; (iv) procedures to comply with know your customer requirements and to verify the identity of all customers; and (v) appropriate record keeping procedures;
(h) each Prospectus has been prepared in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and, at the time such Prospectus was filed with the SEC and became effective, no Prospectus will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact that is required to be stated therein so as to make the statements contained in such Prospectus not misleading;
(i) it will notify the Distributor as soon as reasonably practical in advance of any matter which could materially affect the Distributor’s performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, including any amendment to the Prospectus;
(j) it will provide the Distributor with a copy of each Prospectus as soon as reasonably possible prior to or contemporaneously with filing the same with an applicable regulatory body;
(k) it shall fully cooperate with requests from government regulators and the Distributor for information relating to customers and/or transactions involving the Shares, as permitted by law, in order for the Distributor to comply with its regulatory obligations; and
(l) in the event it determines that it is in the interest of the Trust to suspend or terminate the sale of any Shares, the Trust shall promptly notify the Distributor of such fact in advance and in writing prior to the date on which the Trust desires to cease offering the Shares.
3.2 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Distributor . Distributor hereby represents, warrants and covenants as follows:
(a) it has full power, right and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly approved by all requisite actions on its part, and no other proceedings on its part are necessary to approve this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it; this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms;
(b) it is not a party to any, and there are no, pending or threatened Actions of any nature against it or its properties or assets which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect upon its business or financial condition, and there is no injunction, order, judgment, decree, or regulatory restriction imposed specifically upon it or any of its properties or assets;
(c) it is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the 1934 Act and is a member of FINRA;
(d) it shall not give any information or make any representations other than those contained in the current Prospectus filed with the SEC or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Trust for the Distributor’s use; and
(e) it may prepare and distribute sales literature and other material as it may deem appropriate, provided that such literature and materials have been prepared in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
SECTION 4. REGISTRATION OF SHARES
The Trust agrees that it will take all action necessary to register Shares under the federal and state securities laws so that there will be available for sale the number of Shares the Distributor (and each financial intermediary, as applicable) may reasonably be expected to sell and to pay all fees associated with said registration. The Trust will make available to the Distributor such number of copies of its Prospectus as the Distributor may reasonably request. The Trust will furnish to the Distributor copies of all information, financial statements and other papers, which the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares of the Trust.
SECTION 5. AGREEMENTS WITH FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Distributor will have the right to enter into agreements with financial intermediaries of its choice for the sale of Shares and to fix therein the portion of the sales charge, if any, that may be allocated to the financial intermediaries on such terms and conditions as the Distributor will deem necessary or appropriate. Shares sold to financial intermediaries will be for resale by such intermediaries only at the public offering price set forth in the applicable Prospectus or as otherwise permissible under the federal and state securities laws. With respect to financial intermediaries who are acting as brokers or dealers within the United States, the Distributor will offer and sell Shares, as agent for the Trust, only to such financial intermediaries who are members in good standing of FINRA. The Trust acknowledges that the Distributor may act as the Trust’s agent for transmitting, or arranging for transmission of, distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees to be paid to financial intermediaries in accordance with arrangements between the Trust and such financial intermediaries.
SECTION 6. EXPENSES
6.1 Trust Expenses . The Trust will pay all fees and expenses (i) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any Prospectus under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its Shares; (ii) in connection with the registration and qualification of Shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Trust will determine advisable to qualify such Shares for sale (iii) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Trust in their capacity as such; and (iv) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any Prospectus sent to existing shareholders.
6.2 Distributor Expenses . Distributor will pay all of its costs and expenses (other than expenses and costs deemed payable by the Funds and other than expenses which one or more dealers may bear pursuant to any agreement with Distributor) incurred by it in connection with the performance of its distribution duties hereunder.
SECTION 7. COMPENSATION
7.1 Compensation to Distributor . As compensation for providing the services under this Agreement, the Distributor will receive from the Trust:
(a) all distribution and service fees, as applicable, at the rate and under the terms and conditions set forth in each Fund’s distribution plan established pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (each, a “Distribution Plan”) and/or shareholder services and similar plans applicable to the appropriate class of shares of each Fund, as such plans may be amended from time to time, and subject to any further limitations on such fees as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may impose;
(b) all front-end sales charges, if any, on purchases of Shares of each Fund sold subject to such charges as described in the Trust’s Prospectus, as amended from time to time. The Distributor, or brokers, dealers and other financial institutions and intermediaries that have entered into sub-distribution agreements with the Distributor, may collect the gross proceeds derived from the sale of such Shares, remit the net asset value thereof to the Trust upon receipt of the proceeds and retain the applicable sales charge; and
(c) all contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”), if any, applied on redemptions of Shares subject to such charges on the terms and subject to such waivers as are described in the Trust’s Prospectus, or as otherwise required pursuant to applicable law.
7.2 Payments to Financial Intermediaries . The Distributor may re-allow any or all of the distribution or service fees, front-end sales charges and CDSCs that it is paid by the Trust to such brokers, dealers and other financial institutions and intermediaries as the Distributor may from time to time determine.
7.3 Commissions . Distributor may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or “spreads” for transactions in portfolio securities of the Trust that are bought or sold through Distributor.
SECTION 8. INDEMNIFICATION; CONTRIBUTION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
8.1 Indemnification of Distributor . The Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless, the Distributor, each of its directors, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Distributor Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, whatsoever (including any investigation, legal or other expenses incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted) to which the Distributor Indemnified Parties may become subject, (i) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus or any document incorporated by reference therein or filed as an exhibit thereto, or any marketing literature or materials distributed on behalf of the Trust with respect to the securities covered by the Prospectus (the “Covered Documents”) or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (ii) caused by the Trust’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, and will reimburse the Distributor for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Distributor in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Trust shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Covered Documents about the Distributor in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust by the Distributor expressly for use therein. In no case is the indemnity of the Trust to be deemed to protect the Distributor against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Distributor otherwise would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8.2 Indemnification of the Trust . Distributor will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, each of its directors, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Trust Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, whatsoever (including any investigation, legal or other expenses incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted) to which the Trust Indemnified Parties may become subject, to the extent, and only to such extent, that such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) arise out of an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated in the Covered Documents or necessary to make the statements in the Covered Documents not misleading, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust by the Distributor about the Distributor expressly for use therein, or (ii) are caused by the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. In no case is the indemnity of the Distributor in favor of the Trust or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Trust or any other person against any liability to which the Trust or such other person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
8.3 Indemnification Procedures .
(a) If any action or claim shall be brought against any Distributor Indemnified Party or Trust Indemnified Party (any such party, an “Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”), in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the other party hereto, such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the indemnifying party in writing, and the indemnifying party shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel and payment of all fees and expenses; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party except to the extent such indemnifying party has been materially prejudiced by such failure.
(b) Any Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless (i) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii) the indemnifying party has failed to assume the defense and employ counsel, or (iii) the named parties to any such action (including any impleaded party) included such Indemnified Party and the indemnifying party and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party or which may also result in a conflict of interest (in which case if such Indemnified Party notifies the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party, it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys for all such Indemnified Parties.
(c) No indemnifying party shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.
(d) The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action effected without its written consent, but if such action is settled with the written consent of the indemnifying party, or if there shall be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action and the time for filing all appeals has expired, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Indemnified Party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.
(e) The obligations of the indemnifying party under this Section 8 shall be in addition to any liability that the indemnifying party may otherwise have.
8.4 Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is insufficient or unavailable to any Indemnified Party under this Section 8 in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Trust on the one hand and the Distributor on the other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the Indemnified Party failed to give the notice required under Section 8.3(a), above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Trust on the one hand and the Distributor on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Trust on the one hand and the Distributor on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the amount of gross proceeds received by the Trust from the offering of the Shares under this Agreement (expressed in dollars) bears to the net profits received by the Distributor under this Agreement. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Trust on the one hand or the Distributor on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Trust and the Distributor agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 8.4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
8.5 Consequential Damages . In no event and under no circumstances will either party to this Agreement be liable to anyone, including, without limitation, the other party, for consequential damages for any act or failure to act under any provision of this Agreement.
8.6 Limitation of Liability . A copy of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust is on file in the Office of the Secretary of Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of the Trustees of the Trust as Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust individually but binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust.
SECTION 9. TERM AND TERMINATION
This Agreement will be effective upon its execution, and, unless terminated as provided, will continue in force for two years and thereafter from year to year, provided that such annual continuance is approved by either (i) the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust and (ii) the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or the Trust’s distribution plan(s) or interested persons of any such party (“Qualified Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty by a vote of the Trustees; by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust; or by the Distributor upon not less than sixty days prior written notice to the other party; and shall automatically terminate upon its assignment. As used in this paragraph the terms, “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “assignment” and “interested person” will have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act. In the event the Trust gives notice of termination, all expenses associated with the movement (or duplication) of records and materials and conversion thereof to a successor service provider, and all trailing expenses incurred by Distributor, will be borne by the Trust.
SECTION 10. MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Records . The books and records pertaining to the Trust, which are in the possession or under the control of Distributor, will be the property of the Trust. Such books and records will be prepared and maintained as required under the 1940 Act and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations. The Trust and its authorized persons will have access to such books and records at all times during the Distributor’s normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, the Distributor will provide copies of such books and records to the Trust or its authorized persons, at the Trust’s expense.
10.2 Independent Contractor . The Distributor will undertake and discharge its obligations hereunder as an independent contractor. Neither Distributor nor any of its officers, directors, employees or representatives is or will be an employee of a Fund in connection with the performance of Distributor’s duties hereunder. Distributor will be responsible for its own conduct and the employment, control, compensation and conduct of its agents and employees, and for any injury to such agents or employees or to others through its agents and employees. Any obligations of Distributor hereunder may be performed by one or more third parties or affiliates of Distributor.
10.3 Notices . All notices provided for or permitted under this Agreement will be deemed effective upon receipt, and will be in writing and (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by commercial overnight courier with written verification of receipt, or (c) sent by certified or registered U.S. mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, to the party to be notified, at the address for such party set forth below. Notices to the Distributor will be sent to the attention of: General Counsel, Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. , 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63131. Notices to the Trust will be sent to the attention of: General Counsel, Edward Jones Money Market Fund, 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.
10.4 Dispute Resolution . Whenever either party desires to institute legal proceedings against the other party concerning this Agreement, it will provide written notice to that effect to such other party. The party providing such notice will refrain from instituting said legal proceedings for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of provision of such notice. During such period, the parties will attempt in good faith to amicably resolve their dispute by negotiation among their executive officers.
10.5 Entire Agreement: Amendments . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement, draft or agreement or proposal with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement or any part hereof may be amended or waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such amendment or waiver is sought.
10.6 Non-Solicitation . During the term of this Agreement and for a period of one (1) year afterward, the Trust will not recruit, solicit, employ or engage, for the Trust or any other person, any of the Distributor’s employees.
10.7 Governing Law . This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri without giving effect to any conflict of laws or choice of laws rules or principles thereof. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Missouri, or any of the provisions of this Agreement, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter will control.
10.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which will constitute one and the same instrument. Each such counterpart will be deemed an original, and it will not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart. This Agreement will be deemed executed by both parties when any one or more counterparts hereof or thereof, individually or taken together, bears the original, scanned or facsimile signatures of each of the parties.
10.9 Force Majeure . No breach of any obligation of a party to this Agreement (other than obligations to pay amounts owed) will constitute an event of default or breach to the extent it arises out of a cause, existing or future, that is beyond the control and without negligence of the party otherwise chargeable with breach or default, including without limitation: work action or strike; lockout or other labor dispute; flood; war; riot; theft; act of terrorism, earthquake or natural disaster. Either party desiring to rely upon any of the foregoing as an excuse for default or breach will, when the cause arises, give to the other party prompt notice of the facts which constitute such cause; and, when the cause ceases to exist, give prompt notice thereof to the other party.
10.10 Severability . Any provision of this Agreement that is determined to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction will be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability in such jurisdiction, without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making such determination will have the power to reduce the scope, duration, or area of the provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace the provision with a provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the original intention of the parties, and this Agreement will be enforceable as so modified.
10.11 Confidential Information .
(a) The Distributor and the Trust (in such capacity, the “Receiving Party”) acknowledge and agree to maintain the confidentiality of Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined) provided by the Distributor and the Trust (in such capacity, the “Disclosing Party”) in connection with this Agreement. The Receiving Party will not disclose or disseminate the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information to any Person other than (a) those employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees of the Receiving Party, or (b) with respect to the Distributor as a Receiving Party, to those employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees of any agent or affiliate, who have a need to know it in order to assist the Receiving Party in performing its obligations, or to permit the Receiving Party to exercise its rights under this Agreement. In addition, the Receiving Party (a) will take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, and (b) will not use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, or authorize other Persons to use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, for any purposes other than in connection with performing its obligations or exercising its rights hereunder. As used herein, “reasonable steps” means steps that a party takes to protect its own, similarly confidential or proprietary information of a similar nature, which steps will in no event be less than a reasonable standard of care.
(b) The term “Confidential Information,” as used herein, will mean all business strategies, plans and procedures, proprietary information, methodologies, data and trade secrets, and other confidential information and materials (including, without limitation, any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P) of the Disclosing Party, its affiliates, their respective clients or suppliers, or other Persons with whom they do business, that may be obtained by the Receiving Party from any source or that may be developed as a result of this Agreement.
(c) The provisions of this Section 10.11 respecting Confidential Information will not apply to the extent, but only to the extent, that such Confidential Information is: (a) already known to the Receiving Party free of any restriction at the time it is obtained from the Disclosing Party, (b) subsequently learned from an independent third party free of any restriction and without breach of this Agreement; (c) or becomes publicly available through no wrongful act of the Receiving Party or any third party; (d) independently developed by or for the Receiving Party without reference to or use of any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party; or (e) required to be disclosed pursuant to an applicable law, rule, regulation, government requirement or court order, or the rules of any stock exchange (provided, however, that the Receiving Party will advise the Disclosing Party of such required disclosure promptly upon learning thereof in order to afford the Disclosing Party a reasonable opportunity to contest, limit and/or assist the Receiving Party in crafting such disclosure).
(d) The Receiving Party will advise its employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees, and will require its agents and affiliates to advise their employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees, of the Receiving Party’s obligations of confidentiality and non-use under this Section 10.11 , and will be responsible for ensuring compliance by its and its affiliates’ employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees with such obligations. In addition, the Receiving Party will require all persons that are provided access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, other than the Receiving Party’s accountants and legal counsel, to execute confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements containing provisions substantially similar to those set forth in this Section 10.11 . The Receiving Party will promptly notify the Disclosing Party in writing upon learning of any unauthorized disclosure or use of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information by such persons.
(e) Upon the Disclosing Party’s written request following the termination of this Agreement, the Receiving Party promptly will return to the Disclosing Party, or destroy, all Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party provided under or in connection with this Agreement, including all copies, portions and summaries thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, (a) the Receiving Party may retain one copy of each item of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information for purposes of identifying and establishing its rights and obligations under this Agreement, for archival or audit purposes and/or to the extent required by applicable law, and (b) the Distributor will have no obligation to return or destroy Confidential Information of the Trust that resides in save tapes of Distributor; provided, however, that in either case all such Confidential Information retained by the Receiving Party will remain subject to the provisions of Section 10.11 for so long as it is so retained. If requested by the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party will certify in writing its compliance with the provisions of this paragraph.
10.12 Use of Name .
(a) The Trust will not use the name of the Distributor, or any of its affiliates, in any Prospectus, sales literature, and other material relating to the Trust in any manner without the prior written consent of the Distributor (which will not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that the Distributor hereby approves all lawful uses of the names of the Distributor and its affiliates in the Prospectus of the Trust and in all other materials which merely refer in accurate terms to their appointment hereunder or which are required by applicable law, regulations or otherwise by the SEC, FINRA, or any state securities authority.
(b) Neither the Distributor nor any of its affiliates will use the name of the Trust in any publicly disseminated materials, including sales literature, in any manner without the prior written consent of the Trust (which will not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that the Trust and each Fund hereby approves all lawful uses of its name in any required regulatory filings of the Distributor which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Distributor hereunder, or which are required by applicable law, regulations or otherwise by the SEC, FINRA, or any state securities authority.
10.13 Insurance . The Distributor agrees to maintain liability insurance coverage which is, in scope and amount, consistent with coverage customary in the industry for distribution activities similar to the distribution activities provided to the Trust hereunder. The Distributor will notify the Trust upon receipt of any notice of material, adverse change in the terms or provisions of its insurance coverage that may materially and adversely affect the Trust’s rights hereunder. Such notification will include the date of change and the reason or reasons therefore. The Distributor will notify the Trust of any material claims against it, whether or not covered by insurance that may materially and adversely affect the Trust’s rights hereunder.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust and Distributor have each duly executed this Agreement, as of the day and year above written.
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. (by its General Partner, EDJ Holding Company, Inc.)
By: /s/ Ryan Robson By: /s/ Kevin D. Bastien
Name: Ryan Robson Name: Kevin D. Bastien
Title: President Title: Treasurer
Signature Page to Distribution Agreement
SCHEDULE A
List of Services
Distribution Services, Shareholder Services, Administrative Services
· | Provide distribution services under the terms and conditions set forth in each Fund’s Distribution Plan as applicable to the appropriate class of shares of each Fund, as such plans may be amended from time to time |
· | Provide shareholder or administrative services under the terms and conditions set forth in each Fund’s plan as applicable to the appropriate class of shares of each Fund, as such plans may be amended from time to time |
· | Provide reports or other information as requested to the Board that include the activities of the Distributor, including but not limited to, metrics on 12b-1 payments, distribution plan expenditures, sales and advertising reviewed and filed with FINRA and details pertaining to any new or revised dealer agreements |
Industry Agreement Services
· | Negotiate and execute distribution, sub-distribution agreements and selling agreements with broker/dealers and/or other financial intermediaries on behalf of Funds |
· | Coordinate and execute operational agreements (networking agreements, NSCC redemption agreements, etc.) |
· | Coordinate and execute 401(k) agreements and shareholder service agreements with various record-holders and other financial intermediaries |
FINRA Review
· | Review and approve all collateral fund marketing materials to ensure compliance with SEC & FINRA advertising rules |
· | Conduct FINRA filing of materials |
· | Respond to FINRA comments on marketing materials |
· | Review and file Internet sites according to FINRA policies |
Execution Copy
C US T OD IA N AGREEME N T
This Agree m ent (this “ Agreeme n t ”) is made as of January 27, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), Edward Jones Money Market Fund (the “ Fun d ”) and S TATE S T R EET BAN K A N D TRUS T CO M PA NY , a Massachusetts trust co m p a ny (the “ Custodian ”).
W I T NES S E TH:
W HE R EA S , the Fund desires for the Custodian to provide certain custodial services relating to securities and other asset s o f th e Fund ; and
W HE R EA S , t he Custodian is willing to provide t h e services upon the terms contained in this Agree m ent;
S E C TION 1. D EFINITIONS . In addition to ter m s defined els e wh e re in this Agree m ent, (a) ter m s de f ined in t h e UCC have the sa m e m eanings herein as therein a n d (b) the f o llowing other ter m s have the following m eanings for purposes of this Agree m ent:
“ 194 0 Ac t ” m eans the Invest m ent Company Act of 1940, as a m ended from ti m e to ti m e.
“ Boar d ” m e ans, in r e lation to the Fu n d, the b o ard of directors, trust ee s o r othe r governing body of the Fund.
“ Client Publications ” means the general client publications of State Street Bank and Trust Company available from time to time to clients and their investment managers
“ Deposit Account Agreemen t ” m eans the Deposit Account A g ree m ent and Disclosure, as may be amended from time to time, issued by the Custodian and available on the Custodian’s internet customer portal, “my.statestreet.com” .
“ Domestic s ecuritie s ” m eans sec u rities held within the United States.
“ Foreign securities ” means securities held primarily outside the United States.
“ Governmental Authority ” means any governmental, legislative, judicial, administrative or regulatory authority, agency, commission, board, body, court or entity or any instrumentality, thereof, whether foreign, federal, state, provincial or local or any arbitral body or panel, including any quasi-governmental entity with competent jurisdiction, including any self-regulatory organization.
“ Held outside of the United States ” means not held within the United States.
“ Held w ithin the Unit e d State s ” means ( a ) in rel a tion to a secu r ity o r other f ina n cial asset, the se curity or o t her f inancial asset (i) is a ce r ti f ic a t e d secu r ity r egistered in the na m e of the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or no m i n ee or is endorsed to t h e Custodian or its sub- custodian, agent or nominee or in blank and the s ecurity ce r ti f icate is lo c ated within the United States, (ii) is an uncertificated s e c u rity o r oth e r f inanci a l asset regi s t e red in the n a m e of the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or no m inee at an office located in t h e United States, or (iii) has given rise to a sec u rity entitlement of w h i c h the Cust o dian or its sub-custodian , agen t or no m inee is the entitle m ent hold e r against a U.S. Securities Sy s tem or another securities int e r m ediary f or which the secu r ities int e r m ediary’s j u ris d iction is wit h in the United States, and in relation to cash, the cash is m aintained in a deposit account deno m i nate d i n U.S . dollars with the banking depart m ent of t h e Custodia n o r wit h anothe r b a n k o r trus t co m p any’ s office located in t h e United St a tes.
“ Investmen t Adviso r ” m eans, in relation to a Port fo lio, the investment m anager or invest m e n t adviso r o f th e Portfolio.
“ On book currency ” m eans (a) U. S . dollars o r (b) a for e ign curre n cy that, when cre d ited to a deposit account of a custo m er maintained in the banking depar t m ent of the Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the Custodian m aintains on its books as an a m ount owing as a lia b ility by the Custodi a n to the c u sto m er.
“ Portf o li o ” m eans a series of the Fund, which is a series organization .
“ Portf o lio Interest s ” m eans beneficial i n terests in a Portfoli o .
“ Proper Instruction s ” m eans instructions in a ccordance with Secti o n 9 rec e ived by the Custodian from the Board, the Fund, the Fund’s Invest m ent Adv i sor, or an individual or organization duly authorized by the Board, the Fund or the Invest m ent Advi s or. The term includes standing instructions.
“ SEC ” m e a ns the U.S. Securities and Exchange Com m ission.
“ S e rie s org a nization ” m ean s a n organ i zatio n that , pursuan t t o t h e statut e unde r whic h the organizatio n i s organized , ha s th e foll o win g charac t eristics : (a ) th e organi c r e cor d o f th e o r ganization provide s f o r creatio n b y t he organizatio n o f on e o r m o r e serie s (howeve r d en o m inated ) wit h respect t o specifie d proper t y o f t he organization , an d pr o v ide s fo r rec o rd s t o b e m aintaine d fo r e ac h series tha t identif y th e proper t y o f o r associate d wit h th e series , (b ) de b t incurre d o r existin g wit h respec t to th e activitie s of , o r propert y o f o r associate d wit h a particula r serie s i s enforceabl e agains t the proper t y o f o r associate d wit h th e ser i e s on l y , an d no t agains t th e proper t y o f o r associate d wit h the organizatio n o r o f othe r serie s o f th e organization , an d (c ) deb t i n curre d o r e x istin g wit h r e spec t to th e activitie s o r proper t y o f th e organizatio n i s enforceabl e agains t th e proper t y o f th e organization onl y , a n d no t agains t th e proper t y o f o r associate d wit h an y serie s o f th e orga n ization.
“ UC C ” m ean s th e Unifor m C o m m ercia l Cod e o f t h e Com m onwealt h o f Massachusett s a s in effect from ti m e to ti m e.
“ Underlying Portfolios ” m eans a group of invest m ent co m p a nies as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.
“ Underlying Shares” m e ans shares or other securit i es, issued by a U.S. issuer, of Underlying Portfolios and other reg i stered “invest m ent companies” (as defined in S ection 3(a)(1) of the 1940 Act), whether or not in the sa m e “ g roup of invest m ent co m p anies” (as defined in Sectio n 12(d)(1)(G)(ii ) o f th e 194 0 Act).
“ Underlying Transfer A gent ” m eans State Street Bank and T rust Co m pany or such other organization which m ay from t i m e to ti m e be app o inted by the Fund to act as a transfer agent for the Underlying Portfolios and with respect to which the Custodian is provided with Proper Instructions.
“ U.S. Securities Syste m ” m eans a securities d e p ository o r b o ok-entry sy s tem authorized by the U.S. Depart m ent of the Treasury or a “cl e aring corporation” as defined in Section 8-102 o f th e UCC.
S E C TION 2. E M PLOY M E N T OF C USTODIAN .
S E C TION 2.1 G ENE R AL . The Fund hereby e m ploys the Cu stodia n a s a custodia n o f (a) s ecurities a n d cash owned by or in the possession of the Fund ; and (b) other as s ets of the Fund that the Custodian agrees to treat as financial assets. The Fund, on beh al f o f eac h o f it s Portfolios, agrees to d e liv e r to the Custodian (i) all s e curities and cash of the Port f olios, ( ii) a ll other ass e ts of each Portfolio that t h e Fund desires the Custodian, and the Custodian is willing, to treat as a f inancial as s et; and (iii) a ll c ash and other proceeds of the s ecuriti e s an d financia l a s s e t s hel d in custody under this Agree m ent. The holding of confir m ation statements that identify Underlying Shares as being recorded in the Custodian’s na m e on behalf of the Portfolios will be custody for purposes of this Section 2.1. This Agreement does not require the Custodian to accept an asset for custody hereunder or to treat any asset that is not a security as a financial asset.
S E C TION 2.2 SUB -CUSTODIANS . Upon recei p t of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall on behalf of the Fund appoint one or m ore b a nks, trust co m panies or other entities located i n the United States and designated in the Proper I n structio n s to act as a sub-cust o dian for the purposes of effecting such transactions as m a y be designated by the Fund in the Proper Instr u ctions. A n entity a cting in the capacity of Underlying Transfer Agent is not an agent o r s ub -custodia n o f th e Custodia n for purposes of this Agree m ent.
S E C TION 2.3 R ELATIONSHIP . W ith respect to securities and other financial assets, the Custodian is a securities inter m ediary and the Por t f olio is the entitle m ent holder. W ith respect to cash m aintained in a deposit account and deno m i nate d i n a n “o n book ” c u rrency , th e Custodian is a bank and the Portfolio is t h e bank’s custo m er. If cash is m aintained in a deposit account with a bank other than the Custodian and the c a sh is deno m inated in an “on book” currency, the Custodian is that bank’s custo m er. The Custod i an agrees to treat t h e claim to the cash as a f inancial as s et f or the b e ne f it of the Port f oli o . T he Custodian does not otherwise agree to treat cash as a f in a ncial ass e t. The duties o f the Custod i an as s e curities int e r m ediary and b a nk set f o rt h in the UCC are va r ied b y the ter m s of this Agree m ent to the extent t h at the duties m ay be varied by agree m ent under the UCC.
S E C TION 3. A CTIVITIES OF THE CU S TODIAN W I TH R ESPECT TO PROP E R TY H ELD IN THE U NITED S TATE S .
S E C TION 3.1 H OLDING S ECURITIES . T he Custodian may deposit and m aintain securities or other financial assets of a Port f olio in a U.S. Securiti e s System in co m pliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of a Portfolio , th e Custodian shall e s t a blish and m ai n tain a s egre g ated accoun t o r account s fo r an d on behalf of t h e Portfolio and into which account or accounts may be trans f erred cash o r sec u rities and other financial assets, including securities and financial assets m aintained in a U. S . Securities Syste m . The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for th e accoun t o f each Portfolio all securities and other financial ass e ts held by the Custodi a n in the United St a tes, including all do m estic securities of the Portfolio, other than (a) securities or other financial assets m aintained in a U.S. Securiti e s System and (b) Underl y i ng Shares m aintained pursuant to Section 3.6 in an acco u nt of an Underl y ing Trans f er Agent. The Cust o dian m ay at any ti m e or ti m es in its discretion appoint an y othe r ban k o r trus t co m pa ny , qualifie d unde r th e 194 0 Ac t to act as a c u stodian, as the Custodian’s agent to carry out such of the provis ion s o f thi s Sectio n as the Custodian m ay from ti m e to ti m e direct. The appoint m ent of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its duties and obligations hereunder. The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion remove the b a nk or trust co m pany as the Custodian’s agent.
The Custodian shall maintain records of all receipts, deliveries and locations of such securities, together with a current inventory thereof, and shall conduct periodic physical inspections of certificates representing stocks, bonds and other securities held by it under this Agreement in such a manner as the Custodian shall reasonably determine from time to time to be advisable in order to verify the accuracy of such inventory. With respect to securities held by any agent appointed pursuant to this Section above, and with respect to securities held by any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1 above, the Custodian may rely upon certificates from such agent as to the holdings of such agent and from such sub-custodian as to the holdings of such sub-custodian, it being understood that such reliance in no way relieves the Custodian of its responsibilities under this Agreement. The Custodian will promptly report to the Board the results of such inspections, indicating any shortages or discrepancies uncovered thereby, and take appropriate action to remedy any such shortages or discrepancies.
S E C TION 3.2 R EGISTRATION OF S ECURITIES . Domestic s e cu ri t ies o r o t h er f i n a n c i al assets h eld by the Custodian and t h at are not bearer securities shall be registered in the na m e of the applicable Portfolio or i n th e na m e o f an y no m i ne e o f the Fun d o n behal f o f th e Portfoli o o r of an y no m ine e o f th e Custodian , o r i n th e na m e or no m inee na m e of any agent or any sub- custodian per m itted hereby. All s ecurities acce p ted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the ter m s of this Agree m ent shall be in “street na m e” or other good delivery for m . However, if the Fund directs the Custodian to m a intain securities or other f inan c ial as s ets in “street na m e,” the Custodian shall utilize reaso n able e ff orts only to ti m ely colle c t in c o m e due the Fund on the securities and other financial assets a nd shall notify the Fund upon becoming aware of r e levant issuer actions inclu d ing, without li m itation, pende n cy of call s , m aturities, tender or exchange offers.
S E C TION 3.3 BANK A C C O UN TS . The Custodian shall open and m aintain, upon the ter m s of a Deposit Account Agree m ent, a separate d epo s it acco u nt or accou n ts in the United States in the na m e of the Fund, subject o nly to draft or order by the Custodian acting p u rsuant to the ter m s of this Agree m ent. The Cust o dian shall credit to the d eposit acc ou nt o r accou n ts , su b j ect t o th e provision s hereof , al l ca s h received by the Custo d ian from or for the account of the Fund, other than ca s h m aintained by the Portfolio in a d eposit acco u nt established and used in acc o rda n ce with Rule 17f-3 under the 1940 Act. Funds held by t h e Custodian for the Fund m ay b e deposite d b y th e Custodia n to its c redit as Cu s todi a n in th e bankin g depart m e n t o f the Custodian or in such other banks or trust co m panies as it m ay in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, ho w ever, that (a) every such ban k o r trus t co m p an y shal l b e qualifie d t o act a s a custo d ia n unde r t h e 194 0 Ac t an d (b ) eac h suc h ban k o r trus t co m p an y an d th e fund s t o be deposited with each such bank or trust co m pany s h all on be h alf of each applica b le Portfolio of the Fund be approved by vote of a m ajority of the F und’ s Board . Th e fund s shal l b e deposite d by the Custo d ian in its ca p acity as Cu s todian and s h all b e wit h drawable by th e Custodia n onl y in that capacit y . If requested by the Board, the Custodian shall furnish the Board, not later than twenty (20) days after the last business day of each month, an internal reconciliation of the closing balance as of that day in all accounts described in this section to the balance shown of the daily cash report for that day rendered to the Board.
S E C TION 3.4 C OLLE C TION OF I NC O ME . Subject to the do m estic s ecurities or other financial assets held in the United States b e ing registered as provided in Section 3.2, the Custodian s hall collect on a ti m e ly basis all inco m e and other p ay m ents with re s pect to the securities and other fin a ncial ass e ts and to whi c h a Port f ol i o shall be e ntitled e ith e r by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business. The Custodian shall collect on a ti m ely basis all inco m e and other pay m ents with respect to bearer do m estic securities i f , on the date of pay m ent by the issuer, the securities are held by the Custod i an or its agent. The Custodian s hall pre s ent for pay m ent all inco m e ite m s requiring presentation as and when they beco m e due and shall collect interest when d u e o n securities an d othe r financia l asse ts held hereunder. The Custodian shall cre d it inco m e to the Portfolio as such inco m e is received o r in acc o rda n ce with the Custodian’s then current payable date inco m e schedule. Any credit to the Portfolio in advance of rec e ipt m ay be revers e d when the Custodian deter m ines that pay m ent will not o c cur in due course, and the Portfolio m ay be charged at the Custodian’s applicable r ate f or ti m e credited. The Custodian shall notify the Board as promptly as reasonably practicable whenever income due on securities is not collected in due course and will provide the Board with monthly reports of the status of past due income unless the parties otherwise agree.
S E C TION 3.5 D ELIVE R Y OU T . The Custodian shall re leas e an d delive r ou t do m e s tic securities and other financial ass e ts of a Portfolio held in a U.S. Securities System, or in an account at the Underlying Transfer Agent , in connection with a transaction for which the applicable Portfolio receives consideration (or has an expectation of receiving later consideration), onl y upo n receip t o f Prop e r Instructions on behalf of the applica b le Port f olio, speci f ying the securities o r f inanci a l a ssets h e ld in the United State s t o b e delivere d ou t a nd the person or persons to whom delivery is to be m ade. The Custodian s hall pay out cash of a Portfolio up o n r ecei p t of Proper Instru c tions on b ehalf of the applicable P ortfolio, specifying the a m ount of t h e pay m ent and the person or persons to whom the pay m ent is to be m ade.
S E C TION 3.6 D EPOSIT OF FU N D A SSETS W ITH TH E U N D E R L Y I N G TRANSFER AGE N T .
Underlying Shares of the Fund, on b e half of a Po r tfolio, shall be deposited and held in an accou n t or accounts m aintained with an Underlying Transfer Agent. The Custodian’s only responsibilities with respect to the U nderlying Shares shall be li m ited to the following:
1) | Upon recei p t of a confir m ation or state m ent from an Unde r lying Tra n sfer Agent that the Un d erl y ing Tra n sfer Agent is ho ldin g o r m a intainin g Underlyin g Shares in the n a m e of the Cust o dian ( o r a n o m i n ee of the Custodian) for the benefit of a Portfolio, the Custodian sha l l identify by book-entry that th e Underlyin g Shares are being held by it as custodian for the benefit of the Portfolio. |
2) | Upon recei p t of Proper Instructions to pu r chase Underlying Shares for t h e accou n t o f a Portfolio , th e Custodia n shal l pa y ou t cash of the Port f olio a s so directed to purchase the Underlying Shares and rec o rd the pay m ent from the account of the Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records. |
3) | Upon receipt of Proper Instructi o ns for the sale or redemption of Underlying Shares for the accou n t of a Portfolio, the Custodia n shal l transfe r th e Underlying Shares as so directed to sell or re d eem the Unde r lying Share s , record the transfer from the account of the Portfolio on t h e Custodian’s books and records and, upon the Custodian’s recei p t of the proceeds of the sale or rede m ption, record the receipt of t h e proceeds for the acco u nt of such P ortfolio on the Custodian’s books and rec o rds. |
S E C TION 3.7 PR O XI ES . The Custodian shall cause to be pro m ptly executed by the regi s tered h older of d om estic sec ur ities or oth e r f inancial a ssets h eld in the United States of a Port f olio, if the sec u riti e s or oth e r fi nanci a l ass e ts are re g istered ot h erwise than in the na m e of the Portfolio or a no m in e e of the Por t folio, all p r o xies, witho u t indic a tion of the m anner in which the proxies are to be voted, and shall pro m ptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soli c iting mate r ials and all n o tic e s r e lating to t h e securities or ot he r financia l assets.
S E C TION 3.8 C O M M UN IC A TI ON S . T h e Custodia n shall trans m it promptly to the Fund for each Portfoli o al l writte n information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other f inan c i a l ass e ts bei n g held f or t h e Port f olio. The Custodian shall tra n s m it pro m ptly to the Fund all written info r m ation received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other financial assets whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party or its agent m aking th e tende r o r exchang e offer . Th e Custodian shall also trans m it promptly to the Fund for e ach P o rtfolio all written info r m ation rec e ived by the Custo d ian re g ardi n g any cla s s action o r o ther c o ll e ctive litig a tion rel a ting to Port f olio s e curities or other f inan c ial as s ets i s sued in the United States and then held, or previously held, during the releva n t clas s -a c tion period du r i n g the term of this Agree m ent by the Custodian for the acc o unt of the Fund for the Portfolio, i n cluding, but not li m ited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim fo r m s. The Custodian does not support class-action participation by the Fund beyond such forwarding of written i nformatio n receive d b y th e Custodian.
S E C TION 4. Performance Goals.
The Custodian and the Fund may from time to time agree to document the manner in which they expect to deliver and receive the services contemplated by this Agreement. The parties agree that such document (s) (hereinafter referred to as “Service Level Document(s)”) reflect performance goals and any failure to perform in accordance with the provisions thereof shall not in and of itself be considered a breach of contract that gives rise to contractual or other remedies. It is the intention of the parties that the sole remedy for failure to perform in accordance with the provisions of a Service Level Document, or any dispute relating to performance goals set forth in a Service Level Document, will be a meeting of the parties to resolve the failure pursuant to the consultation procedure described below and in accordance with the escalation process set forth in the Service Level Document. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereby acknowledge that any party's failure (or lack thereof) to meet the provisions of the Service Level Document(s), while not in and of itself a breach of contract giving rise to contractual or other remedies, may factor into the Fund’s reasonably determined belief regarding the standard of care exercised by Custodian hereunder.
If a party to this Agreement is consistently unable to meet the provisions of a Service Level Document, or in the event that a dispute arises relating to performance goals set forth in a Service Level Document, any party to this Agreement shall address any concerns it may have by requiring a consultation with the other party. The purpose of the consultation procedure is to endeavor to resolve a consistent failure to meet the provisions of a Service Level Document. If a consultation occurs pursuant to this Section 8, all parties must negotiate in good faith to endeavor to:
(a) | implement changes which will enable the Service Level Document provisions to be more regularly met; |
(b) | agree to alternative Service Level Document provisions which meet the parties’ respective business requirements; or |
(c) | otherwise find a solution such that within 30 days after the consultation, the inability to meet the Service Level Document provisions may be less likely to occur in the future. |
Section 5. Activities of the Custodian with Respect to Property Held Outside the United States .
The Parties acknowledge that the Fund and its Portfolios do not own any foreign securities or other financial assets held outside of the United States. In the event that the Fund provides written notice of its intention to purchase any such assets, the Parties agree to amend the Agreement accordingly..
Section 5A. Foreign Exchange .
Section 5A.1. Generally . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which for purposes of this section may also include security trade advices, the Custodian shall facilitate the processing and settlement of foreign exchange transactions. Such foreign exchange transactions do not constitute part of the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement.
Section 5A.2. Fund Elections . The Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) may elect to enter into and execute foreign exchange transactions with third parties that are not affiliated with the Custodian, with State Street Global Markets, which is the foreign exchange division of State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliated companies (“ SSGM ”), or with a sub-custodian. Where the Fund or its Investment Advisor gives Proper Instructions for the execution of a foreign exchange transaction using an indirect foreign exchange service described in the Client Publications, the Fund (or its Investment Advisor) instructs the Custodian, on behalf of the Fund, to direct the execution of such foreign exchange transaction to SSGM or, when the relevant currency is not traded by SSGM, to the applicable sub-custodian. The Custodian shall not have any agency (except as contemplated in preceding sentence), trust or fiduciary obligation to the Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other person in connection with the execution of any foreign exchange transaction. The Custodian shall have no responsibility under this Agreement for the selection of the counterparty to, or the method of execution of, any foreign exchange transaction entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) or the reasonableness of the execution rate on any such transaction.
Section 5A.3. Fund Acknowledgement The Fund acknowledges that in connection with all foreign exchange transactions entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) with SSGM or any sub-custodian, SSGM and each such sub-custodian:
(i) | shall be acting in a principal capacity and not as broker, agent or fiduciary to the Fund or its Investment Advisor; |
(ii) | shall seek to profit from such foreign exchange transactions, and are entitled to retain and not disclose any such profit to the Fund or its Investment Advisor; and |
(iii) | shall enter into such foreign exchange transactions pursuant to the terms and conditions, including pricing or pricing methodology, (a) agreed with the Fund or its Investment Advisor from time to time or (b) in the case of an indirect foreign exchange service, (i) as established by SSGM and set forth in the Client Publications with respect to the particular foreign exchange execution services selected by the Fund or the Investment Advisor or (ii) as established by the sub-custodian from time to time. |
Section 5A.4. Transactions by State Street . The Custodian or its affiliates, including SSGM, may trade based upon information that is not available to the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf), and may enter into transactions for its own account or the account of clients in the same or opposite direction to the transactions entered into with the Fund (or its Investment Manager), and shall have no obligation, under this Agreement, to share such information with or consider the interests of their respective counterparties, including, where applicable, the Fund or the Investment Advisor.
S E C TION 6. C ONTRACT U AL S ETT L E M ENT S E R VICES ( PURCH A SE/ S ALE S ).
S E C TION 6.1 G ENE R AL . The Custodian shall, in accor d a n ce with the ter m s set out in this Section 6, debit o r cre d it the appropriate d eposit acco u nt of each P ortfolio on a contract u al settle m ent basis in connection w i th the purc h a s e of securities or ot h er f inancial as s ets f or the Portfolio or the receipt o f the proceeds of the sale or rede m p tion of securities or ot h er financial assets.
S E C TION 6.2 P R O VISION OF S ERVI C E S . Th e service s describe d i n Sectio n 6. 1 (the “ Contractua l Settlemen t Services ”) shall be provided for the sec u riti e s and other f ina n c ial a ssets and in such m arkets as the Custodian m ay a dvise f rom ti m e to ti m e. The Custodian m ay ter m inate or suspend any part of the provision of the Contractual Settl e m ent Services at its s o le discretion immediately upon notice to the Fund on behalf of each Portfolio, including, without li m itation, in the event of forc e m a jeur e event s affectin g settle m ent , an y disorde r in m arkets, or other changed external business c i rcu m stances affecting the m arkets or the Fund.
S E C TION 6.3 P URCH A SE C ONSID E R ATION . Th e consideratio n payabl e i n connection with a purc h ase tra n saction shall be debited fr o m the appropriate deposit accou n t of the Port f olio as of the ti m e and date that funds would ordinar i ly be required to sett l e the transaction in the applicable m arket. The Custodian shall prom p tly recredit the a m ount at the ti m e that the Portfolio or the Fund notifies the Custodia n b y Prope r Instructio n tha t th e transactio n ha s been canceled.
S E C TION 6.4 S ALES AND R EDE M PTIONS . A provisional credit of an a m ount equal to the net sale p r i c e f or a sale or rede m ption of securities or other f inancial a ss ets shall be m ade to the account of the Portfolio as if the a m ount had been received as of the close of business on the date on which good funds would ordinarily be i m m ediately available in the applicable market. The provisio n al credit will be m ade conditional upon the Custodian having received Pr o per Instr u ctions with resp e ct to, or r e asonable n o tice o f , the transa c tio n , as applic a ble; and t h e Custodia n o r it s agen t havin g po ssession of the securiti e s o f othe r financia l asset s (excluding financial assets subject to any thir d part y lendin g arrange m e nt ente r ed i n to by a Port f olio) associated with the transaction in good deliverable form and not bein g awar e o f an y fact s which would lead the Custodian or its a g ent to b e li e ve that the transa c tion will not settle in the ti m e period ordinarily applicable to such tra n sactions in the applicable m arket.
S E C TION 6.5. R EVE R SALS OF P ROVIS I ONAL C RED I TS OR D E B ITS . The Custodian s h all have the right to reverse any provisional credit or debit given in connection with the Contractual Settle m ent Services at any ti m e when the Custod i an believes, in its reasonable judg m ent, that such tran s action will n o t settle in accordance w i th its ter m s or a m ounts due pursuant thereto, will not be c o llectable or w h ere t h e Custodian has not been provided Proper Instructions with respect thereto, as applicable. The Por t folio shall be responsible f or a n y cost s o r liabil i tie s resulting from such reversal. Upon such reversal, a sum equal to the credited or debited amount shall beco m e i m m ediately payable by the Portfolio to th e Custodia n an d m ay b e debite d fro m any deposit or other account held f o r benefit of the Portfolio.
S E C TION 7 . Tax Services .
S E C TION 7.1 G ENE R AL . Subject to and to the extent of receipt by the Custodian of relevant and necessary docu m entation and infor m ation with respect to the Fund and Portfolios that the Custodian h as requested, t h e Custodian shall p e r f orm the f oll o wing ser v i c es: (a) f ile clai m s for e xe m ptions, reductions in withholding t a xes, or refunds of any tax with respect to withheld foreign (non- U . S.) taxes in instances in which such clai m s are appropriate; (b) withhold appropriate a m ounts as required by U . S. tax laws with respect to a m oun t s received on behalf of nonresiden t aliens ; an d (c ) provi de to the Fund such info r m ati o n actuall y receive d b y the Custodia n tha t could , i n th e Cus t odian’ s reasonabl e belie f an d s o l e discretion , assis t the Fund in its sub m ission of any reports or ret u rns with respect to tax e s. It shall be the responsi b ility of the Fund to notify the Custodian of the obligations i m posed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian by the tax law of countries, states and political subdivisions thereof, includin g responsibilit y fo r wi thholding and other taxes, assessments or other govern m ental charges, certifications and govern m ental reporting. The sole respon s ibility of the Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonab l e efforts to assist the Fun d wit h respec t t o any claim for exe m ption or refund under the tax law of countries for which the Fund has provided sufficient info r m ation and docu m entation.
SECTION 7.2 O W N E R S H IP C E R TIFI C A TES FOR TAX P U R P O SES. The Custodian shall execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to domestic securities or other financial assets held within the United States of each Portfolio held by the Custodian and in connection with transfers of securities and other financial assets.
S E C TION 7.3 A UTHO R IZATIONS . The Custodian is authorized to deduct from any cash received or credited to the account of a Portfolio any taxes or levies required by any tax or other govern m ental authority having jurisdiction in respect of such Portfolio’s transactions and to disclose any infor m ation required by any such tax or other govern m ental a uthorit y i n relatio n to processing any claim for exe m ption from or reduct io n o r refun d o f an y taxe s relatin g t o Portfolio transactions and holdings.
S E C TION 7.4 S E R VI C ES FU R THER L I M ITE D . Other than the ser v icin g responsibilities provided herein, the Custodian sha l l have no res p onsibility o r liabil i ty for any obligations now or hereafte r i m pose d o n the Fund , an y Po rtfolio or the Custodian as c ustodia n o f th e asset s o f the Fun d o r th e Portfoli o b y th e ta x la w o f an y countr y o r o f a ny state or political subdivision thereof. The Custodian shall not be considered the Fund’s tax advisor or tax counsel.
S E C TION 8. P A Y MENTS FOR S ALES OR R EDEMPT I ONS OF P ORTFOLIO INT ER EST S .
S E C TION 8.1 PA Y MENT FOR P O R TF O L IO INTE R ES T S ISSUE D . The Custodian shall receive from the d i stributor of Portfolio Interests of the Fund or from the Fund’s transfer agent (the “ Transfer Agent ”) and deposit into the account of the Portfolio such p a y m ents as are received for Portfolio Interests is s ued or sold from t i m e to ti m e by the Fund. The Custodian will pro v ide ti m ely notification to the Fund on b e half of the Portfolio and the T r ansfer Agent of any recei p t of the pay m ents by the Custodian.
S E C TION 8.2 PA Y MENT FOR P O R TFOLIO INTE RE STS R EDEE M E D . Upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, the Custodian shall set aside funds of a Portfolio to the extent available for payment to holders of Portfolio Interests who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption of their Portfolio Interests. The Custodian is authorized upon receipt of such instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming interest holders. If the Custodian furnishes a check to a holder in payment for the redemption of the holder’s Portfolio Interests and the check is drawn on the Custodian, the Custodian shall honor the check so long as the check is presented to the Custodian in accordance with the Deposit Account Agreement and such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the Custodian.
S E C TION 9. PROP E R INSTRUCTIONS .
S E C TION 9. 1 FORM A N D SE C U R ITY PR OC E D U R ES . Proper In s t r uctions shall be in writing signed by the individual or individuals as the Board shall have from time to time authorized or in a tested communication or in a communication utilizing access codes effected between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or by such other means and utilizing such intermediary systems and utilities as may be agreed to in writing from time to time by the Custodian and the authorized individual or organization giving the instruction, provided that the Fund has followed any securit y pro cedures agreed to from ti m e to ti m e in writing by the Fund and the Custodian including, but not li m it e d to, the security procedures selected by the Fund by reference to the form of Funds Transfer Addendum hereto, the ter m s of which are part of t h is Agree m ent. The Custodian m ay agree to accept oral instr u ctions, and in such case oral i n stru c tions w ill be con s i d ered Proper Instr u ctions if (i) the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a person previously authorized in Proper Instructions to give such instructions with respect to the transaction involved, and (b) the Fund promptly causes such oral instructions to be confirmed in writing, but the Fund’s failure to do so shall not affect the Custodian’s authority to rely on the oral instructions so long as the Custodian complies with its standard of care hereunder.
Section 9.2 R ELIAN C E ON O FFICE R ’S C E R TIFI CA TE . Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and fr o m ti m e to ti m e thereafter, as appro p riate, the F und shall d e liver to t h e Custodian a n o ff icer’s c erti f icate setting f orth t h e na m es, titles, sign a tur e s and scope of authority of all individuals authorized to giv e Prope r Instruction s o r an y othe r notice , request , direction, instr u ction, certificate o r instru m ent on behalf of the Fund. The certificate m ay be accepted a n d conclusively relied upon by the Custodian and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until rec e ipt by the Custodian of a si m ilar certi fi ca t e to the c ontrary and the Custodi a n has had a reasona b le ti m e to act thereon.
Section 9.3 U NTI M ELY PROP E R INSTRUCTIONS . If the Custodian i s no t provide d with reasona b le ti m e to execute a Pro p er Instruction (including any Proper Ins t ru c tion n o t to exec u te, or any other m odification to, a prior Proper Instruction), t h e Custodia n will provide notice to the party providing the Proper Instructions of the time issue and us e goo d faith efforts to e x ecute the Proper Ins t ructio n bu t wil l no t b e responsibl e o r liab le if the Custodian’s efforts are not successf u l (includ i ng any inability to change any actions that the Custodian had taken pursuant to the prior Proper Instruction). The inclusi o n of a state m e n t of pu r pose or intent (or any si m ilar notatio n ) in a Proper Instr u ct i on shall n o t impose any a d ditio n al obligations on the Custodian or condition or qu a lify its authority to effect the Proper Instruction. The Custodian will not as s u m e a duty to ensure t h at the stated purpose or inte n t is f ul f illed and will have n o responsi b ility or liability when it follows the Pr o per In s truction without regard to such purpose or intent.
S E C TION 10. AC T IONS P E RM ITTED W I THOUT E XPRESS A UTHORIT Y .
Th e Custodia n m ay i n it s discretion , withou t e xpress authority from t h e Fun d on behalf of each Portfoli o :
1) | Make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling securities or other financial assets relating to its duties under this Agreement; provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio; |
2) | Surrender securities or other financial assets in te m porary fo r m for securities or other f inan c ial ass e ts in d e f initi v e f or m ; |
3) | Endorse for collection, in the na m e of the Portfolio, checks, drafts and other negotiable instru m ents; and |
4) | In general, attend to all non-discret i onary details in conn e ction with the sale, exchange, s ubstit u tion, purchase, t r ans f er and other d e ali n gs w ith t h e securities and other financial assets of the Portf o lio except as otherwise directed by the applicable B oard. |
S E C TION 11. D UTIES OF C USTODIAN WITH R ESPE C T TO THE BOOKS OF A C C O UN T A ND C ALCULAT I ON OF N ET A SSET V ALUE AND N ET INC O M E .
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary infor m ation to any organizati o n appointed b y the Fund to keep the books of account of the Portfolio a n d co m pute the net ass e t v alue per P o rt f olio I n t er est of the o utstan d ing Port f olio I n terests or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of account and co m pute such net asset value per Portfolio Interest. If and as so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate d a ily the net inco m e o f th e Portfoli o a s describe d i n th e Fund’s curre n tly effecti v e pros p ectus ( “ Prospectu s ”) and shall advise the F und and the Transfer Agent daily of the total a m ounts o f suc h ne t inco m e and , i f instructe d i n writin g b y a n office r o f the Fund to do so, shall advise the T r ansfe r Agen t periodicall y o f th e divisio n o f suc h ne t inco m e a m ong its various components. The Fund a c knowledges and agrees that, with respect to invest m ents m aintained with the Underl y ing Tra n sfer Agent, the Underl y ing Tra n sfer Agent is the sole source of infor m ation on the nu m ber of Port f olio Inte r ests h eld by it on behalf of a Portfolio a n d that the Custodian has the right to rely on holdings infor m ation furn i shed by the Underlying Transfer Agent to the Custodian in perfor m ing its duties under this Agree m ent, including without li m itation, the duties set forth in this Section 11 and i n Section 12; provided, however, t h at the Cust o dian shall be obligated to reconcile info r m ation as to purchases and sales of Underlying Shares contained in trade instructions and confi r m a tions received by the Custodian and to report pro m ptly any discrepancies t o th e Underlyin g Transfe r Agent . I f an d as so dire c ted, the calcul a tions of the net ass e t value per Portfolio Interest and the daily inco m e of each Portfolio shall be m ade at the ti m e or ti m es d e scribed from t i m e to ti m e in the Prospect u s.
S E C TION 12. R E C O R DS .
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio cre a te a n d m aintain all rec o rds relating to its activities and obligations under this Agree m ent in such m anner as will m eet the obligations of the Fund under the 1 9 40 Act, with partic u lar a tte n tion to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a - 1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all ti m es during the regular business hours of the Custo d ian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers , employee s o r agent s o f th e Fun d an d employee s an d agent s o f th e SEC . In the event of termination of this Contract, the Custodian will deliver all such records to the Trust, to a successor Custodian, or to such other person as the Trust may direct. In addition to the Services provided by the Custodian hereunder, th e Custodian shall, at the Fund’s request, suppl y th e Fun d wit h an a tabulation of sec uritie s owne d b y each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, wh e n requeste d t o d o s o b y th e Fun d an d fo r such co m pensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodi a n , includ e certificate nu m bers in such tab u lations. In t h e event that the Custodian is requested or authorized by the Fund , o r require d b y subpoena , a d m inistrative order, court ord e r o r othe r lega l process, applicable law or regulation, or required in connection with a ny investigation, exa m ination or inspe c tion o f the Fund by state or fe deral r egul a t ory agenc i e s , to produce the rec o rds of the Fund or the Custodian’s personnel as witnesses, t h e Fund agrees to pay the Custodian for the Custodian’s ti m e and expenses, as well as the f ee s an d expense s o f th e Custodian’ s counsel, incurred in responding to such request, order or require m ent.
S E C TION 13. FUND ’S IN D EPENDENT A CCOUNT A N T S ; R EPO R TS .
S E C TION 13.1 O PINIONS . The Custodian shall take all reasonabl e action , a s the Fun d with respe c t to a Port f olio m ay f rom ti m e to ti m e r e quest, to obtain from y ear to y e ar favorable opinions fr o m the Fund’s indepen d ent accou n tants with respect to its acti v ities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund’s F orm N-1A or Form N-2, as applicable, and Form N-SA R o r othe r annua l report s t o th e SE C an d w i th respect to any other require m ents thereof.
S E C TION 13.2 R EPO R TS . Upon reasonable request of the Fund , th e Custodia n shal l provide the Fund with a copy of the Custodian’s Service Organizational Control (SOC) 1 reports prepared in accorda n ce with the re q uire m ents of AT secti o n 801, Reporting on Controls at a Servic e Organizatio n ( f or m erly State m ent on Standards for Attestation Engage m ents (SSAE) No. 16). The Custodian shall use commercially r easonable efforts to provide the Fund with such reports as the Fund m ay reasonab l y request or otherwise reasonab l y require to fulfill its duties under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act or si m ilar legal and regulatory require m ents.
S E C TION 14. C USTODI A N’S S TAND A RD OF CAR E; E XCULPATI ON .
SECTION 14.1 S TANDARD OF CAR E . In carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, the Custodian shall act in good faith and without ne g ligence and agrees to exercise the reasonable level of skill, care and diligence expected of a professional provider of custody services in carrying out all of its duties and obligation under this Agreement..
SECTION 14.2 R ELIANCE ON P ROP E R INST R U C TION S . Th e Custodia n shal l b e entitled conclusively to rely and act upon Proper Instru c tions until the Custodian has recei v ed notice of any change from the Fund and h a s had a reasonable ti m e to act thereon. The Custodian m ay act o n a Prope r Instructio n i f i t rea s onabl y believe s tha t i t contain s sufficien t infor m atio n an d m a y re f rain f rom acting on a ny Proper I nstru c tions until s u ch ti m e that is has determined, in its sole discretion, that is has received such require d clarificatio n o r authe ntication of Proper Instr u ctions. In the event the Custodian decides to refrain from acting on any Proper Instructions is shall promptly notify the Fund and request any additional clarification or authentication that it reasonably requires. The Custodian m ay rely upon and shall be prote c ted in acting upon any Proper Instruction or any other instruction, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instru m ent or paper believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of t he Fund.
SECTION 14.3 O THER R EL I AN C E . T h e C ust o d ia n i s au t hor i ze d an d i ns t ru ct e d t o re l y up o n t h e info r m atio n tha t th e Cus t odia n rece i ve s fro m t h e Fun d o r an y thi r d part y o n beha l f o f th e Fund, it being understood that such reliance in no way relieves the Custodian of its responsibilities under this Contract. Th e Custodia n shal l hav e n o respon sibilit y t o review , con f ir m o r otherwis e ass u m e an y dut y with respec t t o th e accurac y o r complet e nes s o f a n y i n fo r m a tio n s up p lie d t o i t b y o r o n b e ha l f o f the F u n d . Th e C ustodian s h al l hav e n o liabilit y i n r e spec t o f an y loss , cos t o r expens e incurre d or sustaine d b y th e Fun d ar i sin g fro m t h e pe r f o r ma n c e o f th e C u stodian ’ s dutie s hereunde r i n reliance upo n record s tha t wer e maintaine d fo r th e Fun d b y an y individua l o r organization , o t he r tha n the Custodian , prio r t o th e Custodian’ s a ppoin t men t a s custodia n hereunder . T he C ustod i an shall be entitle d t o rel y o n an d ma y ac t upo n advic e o f co unsel (who m ay be counsel for the Fund) on all m atters and shall be without lia b ility for any action reasonably taken o r o m itted pursuant to the advice.
SECTION 14.4 reserved .
SECTION 14.5 reserved
SECTION 14.6 F ORCE MAJEURE AND T HIRD P A R TY A CTIONS . The Custodian shall be without responsibility or liability to the Fund or Portfolio for: (a) events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian, including, without limitation, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the closure of any currency or securities market or system, power or other mechanical or technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications disruptions, work stoppages, natural disasters, acts of war, revolution, riots or terrorism or other similar force majeure events or acts; (b) errors by the Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other duly authorized person in their instructions to the Custodian; (c) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a U.S. Securities System, Underlying Transfer Agent or domestic sub-custodian designated pursuant to Section 2.2; (d) the failure of the Fund, its Investment Advisor, Portfolio or any duly authorized individual or organization to adhere to the Custodian’s operational policies and procedures; (e) any delay or failure of any broker, agent, securities intermediary or other intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian’s sub-custodian or agent securities or other financial assets purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with securities or other financial assets sold; (f) any delay or failure of any organization in charge of registering or transferring securities or other financial assets in the name of the Custodian, the Fund, any Portfolio, the Custodian’s sub-custodians, nominees or agents including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits; (g) delays or inability to perform its dutie s du e t o an y disorde r i n m a rk et in f rastruct u re with r e s p ect to any p articul a r s e c urity, other financia l asset , or U.S . Securitie s System; a n d (h) the effect of any provision of any law or regulation or order of the United States of A m erica, or any state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivisio n thereo f o r o f an y court of compete n t jurisdiction. The Custodian shall notify the Fund of such force majeure event or third party action as soon as is reasonably practicable and describe in reasonable detail the nature of the event or action.
SECTION 14.7 INDIRECT/ S PECIAL/ C ON S EQUENTIAL D A M AGES . In no e v ent shall t h e Custodian or the Fund be liable for any spe c i a l , i nd ir ec t , incidental , punitiv e o r consequ e n t ia l d a m age s o f an y k i n d whatso e ve r (includ i ng , without l i m itation , los t profits ) w i t h respec t t o th e service s provid e d pu r suan t t o thi s Agre e m e nt , regardle s s o f whethe r eithe r part y ha s bee n adv ise d o f th e possibilit y o f suc h da m a ges.
SECTION 14.8 D ELIVE R Y OF P ROPE R T Y . The Custodian shall not be responsible for any securities or other assets of a Portfolio which are not rec e ived by the Custodian o r which are delivered o u t in accorda n ce with Proper Instructions. The Cus t odian s h all not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any sec ur ities or oth e r ass e ts or e v idence of title th e reto re c eived by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agree m ent.
SECTION 14.9 N O INVEST M ENT ADV I C E . The Custodian has no responsibility to monitor or oversee the invest m ent activity undertaken by the Fund or its Invest m ent Advisor or by an Portfolio. The Custodian has no duty to ensure or to inquire whether an Invest m ent Advisor co m plies with any invest m ent objectives or r e strictions agreed upon between the Fund and the Invest m ent Advisor or whether the Invest m ent Advisor complies with its legal obl i gations under appli c able s ecuriti e s l a ws or other laws, incl ud ing laws intended to prote c t the int e rests of invest o rs. The Custodian sha l l neither asse s s nor ta k e a n y r e spon s ibility or lia b ility for the suitability or appropriateness of the invest m ents m a de by the Fund or a Portfolio or on its behalf.
SECTION 14.10 C O M M UN IC A TI ON S . The Custodian shall not be li ab le for a n y unti m ely exerci s e of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with securities or other financial assets of a Port f olio a t any ti m e held by the C u stodian u n less (a) the Cus t odian o r the Eligi b le Foreign Cu s todian is in act u al possessio n o f suc h securitie s o r other financial assets, (b) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with re g ard to the exerci s e of the right or p o wer, and (c) both of the conditions referred to in th e foregoin g clause s (a ) an d (b ) hav e bee n satisfie d a t least three busi n e ss days pri o r to the d ate on which t h e C ustodia n i s t o tak e act i o n t o exercis e th e right o r power. However, to the extent Custodian is able, it shall nevertheless use commercially reasonable efforts to take such action in the event that notification is received three business days or less prior to the date on which action is required. Without limitation of Custodian’s obligations pursuant to the foregoing sentence, the Custodian shall be protected and without liability for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with securities or other financial assets of a Portfolio in the event that notification is received three business days or less prior to the date on which action is required
SECTION 14.11 L OANED S E C URITIES . Inco m e due to each Portfolio on s ec u rities o r ot h e r financial asset s loane d shal l b e the responsibility of th e Fund . Th e C u stodia n wil l hav e n o duty or responsibility in connection with loaned sec u rities or other financial assets, other than to provide t h e Fund with such infor m ation or data as m ay be necessary to assist the Fund i n arran g ing f or the ti m ely delivery to the Custodian of the inco m e to which the Port f olio is entitled.
SECTION 14.12 TRADE C OU N TE R P AR TIES . The Fund’s receipt of securit ie s o r othe r financia l assets from a counterparty in connection w ith any of i t s purchase transactions a nd its receipt of cash from a counterparty in connection with any sale o r rede m p tio n o f securitie s o r othe r financial assets will b e at the Fu n d’s sole r is k , and the Custodian shall not be obligated to m ake de m ands o n th e Fund’ s behal f i f th e Fund’ s counterpart y defaults . I f the Fund ’s counterpart y f a il s t o deliver securities, o ther fi n ancial as s ets or cash, the Cu st odian will, as its s o le responsibilit y , notify the Fund’s Invest m ent Advisor of the fail u re wit h in a reaso n able ti m e after the Cust o dian beca m e aware of the failure.
S E C TION 15. C O M PENSA T ION AND IN D EMNIFICAT I ON OF C US T O DIAN; S ECURITY INTE R EST .
S E C TION. 15.1 C O M PENSA T ION . Th e Custodia n shal l b e entitle d t o reasonable co m pensation for its ser v ices and ex p enses as agreed upon from ti m e to ti m e between the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Cu s todian.
S E C TION 15.2 INDEMNIFICATION . The Fund agrees to i n de m ni f y the Custodian and to hold the Custodian har m less from and against any losses, costs damages, liabilities, claims, or out of pocket expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), sustained or incurred by the Custodian in acting or omitting to act under or in respect of this Agreement in good faith and without negligence, inclu d ing, without limitation, (a) the Custodian’s co m pliance with Proper Instructions and (b) in connection with t h e provision of services to the Fund pursuant to Section 7, any obligations, inclu d ing taxes, withholding and repo r ting require m ents, clai m s for exe m ption and refund, additions for late payment, interest , penaltie s a n d othe r expenses , that m ay be assessed against the Fund, the Portfolio or t h e Custodia n a s custodia n o f th e asset s o f the Fund or the Portfolio. If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio instructs the Custodian to take any action with respect to s e curities or other financial assets, a n d the action involves the pay m ent of money or may, in the opinion of the Custodian, r e sult in the Custodian o r its no m inee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable therefo r , the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to the Custodian taking the action, s h all provide to the Custodian at the Custodian’s reques t suc h furthe r indemnif ication in an a m ount and form satisfactory to the Custodian.
S E C TION 15.3 S E C U R ITY I NTE R EST . The Fund hereby grants to the Custodian, to secure the pay m ent and perfor m ance of the Fund’s obligations under this Agree m ent, whether continge n t o r oth e rwise, a secu r ity i n tere s t in an d righ t o f recoup m e n t and setoff agains t al l cash and all securities and other financial assets at any ti m e held for the account of a Portfolio by or through the Custodian. The obligations include, without li m itation, the Fund’s obligations to rei m burse t h e Custodian if the Cust o dian or any of its a ff ili a tes, subsi d ia r ies or agents advances cash or securities or other fin a ncial assets to the Fund for any purpose (including but not li m ited to settle m ents of securities or other financi a l assets, foreign exchange contracts a n d assu m ed settle m ent), or in the ev e nt that the C ustodian or its no m inee shall inc u r or be assessed any taxes, charges, ex p enses, asse s s m ents, clai m s or liabil i ties in c on n ection with the per f ormance of this Agree m ent, except s u ch as m ay arise from its or its no m inee’s own negligen c e, as well as the Fund’s obligation to co m pensate the Custodian pursuant to Section 15.1 or inde m nify the Custodia n pursuan t t o Sectio n 15.2 . Shoul d th e Fund fail to rei m burse o r otherwis e pa y the Custodian any obligation under this Agree m ent pro m ptly, the Custod i an shall have th e right s and re m edies of a secured party under this Agree m e n t, the UCC and other applicable la w , including the right to utilize av a ilable cash an d t o sel l o r otherwis e dispos e of t h e Port f oli o ’s assets to the extent necessary to obtain pay m ent or rei m burse me nt. The Custodian may at any time decline to follow Proper Instructions to deliver out cash, securities or other financial assets if the Custodian determines in its reasonable discretion that, after giving effect to the Proper Instructions, the cash, securities or other financial assets remaining will not have sufficient value fully to secure the Fund's payment or reimbursement obligations, whether contingent or otherwise.
S E C TION 15.4 portfolio by portfolio basis . This Agreement is executed by the Fund with respect to each of its Portfolios and the obligations hereunder are not binding upon any of the directors, officers or shareholders of the Fund individually. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, each and every obligation, liability or undertaking of a particular Portfolio under this Agreement shall constitute solely an obligation, liability or undertaking of, and be binding upon, such particular Portfolio and shall be payable solely from the available assets of such particular Portfolio and shall not be binding upon or affect any assets of any other Portfolio.
S E C TION 16. E FFECTIVE P ERIOD AND T E RM INATION .
S E C TION 16.1 T E RM . This Agree m ent shall re m ain in f ull f or c e and e ff ect f or an initial term ending January 26, 2019. After the expiration of the Initial Ter m , this Agree m ent shall auto m atically renew for successive one (1) year te r m s unles s a writte n n o tic e o f no n -renewa l is delivered by the non-renewing party no later than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any ren e wal ter m , as the case m ay be. A written notice of non-renewal m ay be give n a s t o the Fun d o r a Portfolio.
S E C TION 16.2 T E RM INATION . The Fund m ay te r m inate this Agree m ent in t h e e v ent of the Custodian’s m aterial breach of a material provision of this Agreement that the Custodian has either failed to cure, or failed to establish a remedial plan to cure that is reasonably acceptable to the Fund, within 60 days’ written notice being given by the Fund of the breach. Custodian may terminate this Agreement (a) in the event that any undisputed amounts owed to Custodian under this Agreement are thirty (30) or more days past due, and the Fund fails to cure such default within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice from Custodian of such default, or (b) in t h e e v ent of the Fund's m aterial breach of a material provision of this Agreement that materially damages the Custodian and that the Fund has either failed to cure, or failed to establish a remedial plan to cure that is reasonably acceptable to the Custodian, within 60 days’ written notice being given by the Custodian of the breach. Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the other party, the commencement by or against the other party of a bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding, or upon the happening of a like event to the other party at the direction of an appropriate agency or court of competen t jurisdiction, provided, however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Declaration of Trust/Articles of Incorporation, and further provided, that the Trust may by action of its Board substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as described above in Section 16.1 to the Custodian.
S E C TION 16.3 P A Y MENTS O W ING TO THE C US T O DIAN . Upon ter m ination of this Agree m ent pursuant to Section 16.1 or 16.2 with respect to the F und or Portfolio, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian any co m pensat i on then due and shall rei m burse the Custodian for its other fees, expenses and charges. In the event of: (a) the Fund's termination of this Agreement with respect to the Fund or a Portfolio of the Fund for any reason other than as set forth in Section 16.1 or 16.2 or (b) a transaction not in the ordinary course of business pursuant to which the Custodian is not retained to continue providing services hereunder to the Fund or Portfolio (or its respective successor), the Fund shall pay to the Custodian any compensation due through the end of the then-current term (based upon the average monthly compensation previously earned by the Custodian with respect to the Fund or Portfolio) and shall reimburse the Custodian for its other fees, expenses and charges.
section 16.4 Exclusions . No payment will be required pursuant to clause (b) of Section 16.3 in the event of any transaction consisting of (a) the liquidation or dissolution of the Fund or a Portfolio and distribution of the Fund’s or Portfolio’s assets as a result of the Board’s determination in its reasonable business judgment that the Fund or Portfolio is no longer viable, (b) a merger of the Fund or Portfolio into, or the consolidation of the Fund or Portfolio with, another organization or series, or (c) the sale by the Fund or Portfolio of all or substantially all of its assets to another organization or series and, in the case of a transaction referred to in the foregoing clause (b) or (c) the Custodian is retained to continue providing services to the Fund or Portfolio (or its respective successor) on substantially the same terms as this Agreement.
S E C TION 16.5 E FFECT OF T E RM INATION . Ter m ination of t h is Agree m ent with r e spe c t to any one particular Fund or Portfolio shall in n o wa y affec t th e r i ght s an d dutie s unde r this Agree m ent with respect to any other Fund or Por t folio. Following ter m ination with respect to the Fund or Portfolio, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility to forward info r m ation unde r Sectio n 3. 8 o r 5.8. Th e p r o visi o n s of S e c ti o n s 7 , 1 4 , 1 5 a n d 17 of t hi s Ag re em e nt s h a l l survive termination of t h is A g reeme n t.
S E C TION 17. SU C C E SS O R C USTODI A N .
S E C TION 17.1 SU C C E SS O R A PPOINTE D . If a s u cces s or cu s todian shall be a p pointed for a Portfolio by its Board, the Custodian shall, up o n ter m inati o n of this Agree m ent and recei p t of Proper Instructions, deliver to the successor c u stodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for trans f er , al l cas h an d al l securitie s a n d othe r financia l asset s o f the Portfolio then held by the Cus t odian hereunder and shall transfe r t o a n accoun t o f th e successor custodian all of the sec u rities and other f inanci a l assets of t h e Port fo lio h eld in a U.S. Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent.
S E C TION 17.2 N O S U CC E S S OR A PPOINTE D . If no such successor cust o dian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like m anner, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer the cash and t h e securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio in accorda n ce with the Pr o per In s tructions.
S E C TION 17.3 N O S UCCE S SOR A PPOINTED AND N O PROP E R T Y I NSTRUC T I ON S . If no successor custodian has been appointed and no Proper Instructions have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a “bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, or New York, New York, of its own selection, all cash and all securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio then held by the Custodian hereunder, and to transfer to an account of the bank or trust company that is of at least comparable financial strength to Custodian all of the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio held in any U.S. Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. The transfer will be on such terms as are contained in this Agreement or as the Custodian may otherwise reasonably negotiate with the bank or trust company. Any compensation payable to the bank or trust company, and any cost or expense incurred by the Custodian, in connection with the transfer shall be for the account of the Portfolio.
S E C TION 17.4 R EMAINI N G PROP E R T Y . If any ca s h or any securities or other financial assets of the Portfolio held by the Custodian hereunde r re m a i n hel d b y th e Custodia n afte r the ter m ination of this Agree m ent owing to the f a ilure of the Fund to provide Proper Instr u ctions, the Custodian shall be entitled to fair co m pensation for its services during such period as the Custodian holds the cas h o r th e securitie s o r othe r f i n an c ial ass e ts (the exi s ting agree d -to c o mpensation at the ti m e of ter min ation sh a ll be one indicator of what is considered fair co m pensation). The provisions of this Agree m ent relati n g to the duties, exc u lpation and inde m nification of the Custodian shall apply in favor of the Custodian during such period.
S E C TION 17.5 R ESE R VE S . Notwithstandin g th e foregoin g p r ovision s o f thi s Sectio n 17, the Custodian m ay retain cash or securities or other financial assets o f th e Fun d o r Portfoli o a s a reserve reasonably established by the Custodian to secure the pay m ent or perfo r mance of any obligations of the Fund or Portfolio secured by a security interest or right of recoupment or setoff in favor of the Custodian.
S E C TION 18. R EMOTE A CC E SS S E RV I C ES A D D E N DU M . The Custodian a n d the Fund agree to b e bound by the ter m s of the Re m ote Access Ser v ices Addendum hereto.
S E C TION 19. LOAN S E R VI C ES A DDE N DU M . If the Fund dire c ts t h e Custodi a n in writi n g to perform loan services, the Custodian and t h e Fund will b e bound by the ter m s of the Loan Services Addendum attached hereto. The Fund shall reimburse Custodian for its fees and expenses related thereto as agreed upon from ti m e to ti m e in writing by the Fund and the Custodian.
S E C TION 20. G ENE R AL .
S E C TION 20.1 G O VERN I NG L A W . An y an d al l m a tter s i n disput e betwee n th e parties hereto, whether arising f rom or relating to this A gree m ent, shall be governed by and construed in accorda n ce with laws o f the State of New York, wit h out gi v ing effect to a n y conflic t o f law s rules . Likewis e, t h e law ap p li c able to a ll issues in Article 2( 1 ) of the Hague Conventio n o n th e La w Applicabl e t o Certai n R i ghts in respect of Securities Held with an Inter m edia r y is the law in f orce in t h e State of New York.
S E C TION 20.2 [R ESE R VE D ]
S E C TION 20.3 PRIOR AG R EE M ENT S ; AM E N DM E N TS . This Agree m ent supersedes all p rior agree m ents between the Fund on behalf of e a c h o f th e F und’ s Portfolio s an d th e Custodian relating to the custody of the F und’s assets. T his Agree m ent m ay be a m ended at any ti m e in writing by mutual agree m ent of the parties hereto.
S E C TION 20.4 A SSIGNMEN T . This Agree m ent m ay not be assigned by (a) the F und without the written consent of t h e Custodian which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or (b) the Custodian without the written consent of the Fund which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstandin g the for e going , th e C ustodi a n m a y e m p l oy , eng a ge , associat e o r contrac t wi t h suc h perso n o r person s , including , withou t l i m it a tion , affilia t e s an d subs i diarie s o f th e C ustodian, a s th e C us t odian m a y de e m desir a bl e t o assist it i n perfo r m i n g certain of its non-custodial oblig a tions unde r this Agre e m e n t withou t th e consen t o f the Fund ; p r ovided , however , tha t t h e compensa t i o n o f s uch perso n o r person s shal l b e pai d b y th e C ustodian an d tha t th e C ustodian shal l b e a s ful l y respons i bl e t o th e Fun d fo r th e act s a n d omiss i on s o f an y su c h perso n o r person s a s i t i s fo r it s own act s an d om i ssion s unde r thi s Agre e m ent.
S E C TION 20.5 Reserved .
S E C TION 20.6 Reserved .
S E C TION 20.7 Reserved .
20.7.1 FUND R EPRESENTATIONS AND W A RRANTIES . The Fund hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is duly or ganize d an d validl y existin g i n goo d standin g i n it s jurisdictio n of organization; (b) it has the req u isite power and authority under applicabl e la w an d it s organic record to e n ter i n to and p erform this Agree m ent; (c) all req u i s ite p rocee d ings have been taken to autho r ize it to enter into and p e r f orm this Ag r ee m ent; (d) no legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would m a terially impair the Fun d’ s abilit y t o perfor m its duties a nd obligations und e r t h i s A gr e e men t ; and (e) its e n tering i n to this Agreement shall n o t cause a m aterial breach or be in m aterial con f li c t with any o ther a g ree m ent or obli g ation of the Fun d o r an y la w o r regul a tion applicable to it.
20.7.2 C USTODI A N R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARR A NTIES . The Custodian hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is a trust company, duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (b) it has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) no legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would materially impair the Custodian’s ability to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and (e) its entering into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Custodian or any law or regulation applicable to it.
S E C TION 20.8 N OTICE S . Any notice, instruction or o t her com m unication required to be given here u nder will, u n less oth e rwise provided in this Agr e e m ent, be in writing and m ay be sent by hand or overnigh t deliver y b y a ny recognize d deliver y service, to the p a rti e s at t h e f oll o wing addre s ses or such other ad d re s ses as m ay be notified by any party f rom ti m e to ti m e.
To the Fund: c/o Edward Jones Money Market Fund
12555 Manchester Road
St. Louis Missouri 63131
Attention: General Counsel's Office
Man 4 th Floor
T o th e Custodian : S TATE S T R EET BAN K A N D TRUS T C O M PA N Y
Channel Center
1 Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
Attention: Shawn Alarie
Telephone: 617-662-4145
with a copy to:
S TATE S T R EET BAN K A N D TRUS T C O M PA N Y
Lega l Divis i o n – G l oba l Service s Americas
On e Lin c ol n Street
Boston , M A 02111
Attention : Senio r Vic e Presi d en t an d Senio r Man a gin g Couns e l
S E C TION 20.9 C OUNTERPARTS . This Agree m ent m ay be executed in s ev e ral cou n ter p arts, each of which shall be dee m ed to be an origi n a l , and all s u ch counter p arts taken t o gether s h all constitute o ne and the sa m e Agree m en t . Counterp a rts m ay be exec u ted in eit h er origi n al o r electronically trans m itted fo r m (e.g., faxes or e m ailed portable docu m ent for m at (PDF) fo r m ), and the parties hereby adopt as original any s i gnatures received in electro n ically trans m itted fo r m .
S E C TION 20.10 S EVE R A B ILIT Y ; N O W AIVE R . If any provision of this Agree m ent shall be held to be invalid, u n lawful or unenforceable, the validity, lega l ity a n d enforcea b ility of the re m aining provisions shall not in a n y way be affected or i m paired. The f ailure of a party hereto to insist up o n strict ad h e rence to any term of this Agree m ent on any occasion or the failure of a party hereto to exercise or any delay in exe r cising any right or re m edy under this Agree m ent shall not c o nstit u te a waiver of any the ter m , right or re m edy or a waiver of any other r ights o r re m e dies , an d n o singl e o r par tial exercise of any right or re m edy under t h is Agree m ent shall prevent any further exercise of t h e right or re m edy or the exercise o f an y othe r r ight or re m edy.
S E C TION 20.11 C ONFIDENTIALITY .
All information provided under this Agreement by a party (the “Disclosing Party”) to the other party (the “Receiving Party”) regarding the Disclosing Party’s business and operations shall be treated as confidential. Subject to Section 20.12 below, all confidential information provided under this Agreement by Disclosing Party shall be used, including disclosure to third parties, by the Receiving Party, or its agents or service providers, solely for the purpose of performing or receiving the services and discharging the Receiving Party’s other obligations under the Agreement or managing the business of the Receiving Party and its affiliates, including financial and operational management and reporting, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance and client service management. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information (a) that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Agreement, (b) that is independently derived by the Receiving Party without the use of any information provided by the Disclosing Party in connection with this Agreement, (c) that is disclosed to comply with any legal or regulatory proceeding, investigation, audit, examination, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other similar process, (d) that is disclosed as required by operation of law or regulation or as required to comply with the requirements of any market infrastructure that the Disclosing Party or its agents direct the Custodian or its affiliates to employ (or which is required in connection with the holding or settlement of instruments included in the assets subject to this Agreement), or (e) where the party seeking to disclose has received the prior written consent of the party providing the information, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Upon termination of the Agreement, all Confidential Information, together with any copies thereof, in whatever form, shall, upon the Disclosing Party’s written request, be returned to Disclosing Party or destroyed, at the Receiving Party’s election; provided, that the Receiving Party shall be permitted to retain all or any portion of the Confidential Information, in accordance with the confidentiality obligations specified in this Agreement, to the extent required by applicable law or regulatory authority or to the extent required by the Receiving Party’s internal policies and in accordance with its customary practices for backup and storage.
S E C TION 20.12 RESERVED .
S E C TION 20.13 D ATA PRIV A C Y. The Custodian will i mplement and maintain a written information security program that contains appropriate security measures to safeguard the personal information of the Fund’s shareholders, employees, directors and officers that the Custodian receives, stores, maintains, processes or otherwise accesses in connection with the provision of services hereunder. The term, “ personal information ”, as used in this Section, means (a) an individual’s name (first initial and last name or first name and last name), address or telephone number plus (i) Social Security number, (ii) driver’s license number, (iii) state identification card number, (iv) debit or credit card number, (v) financial account number or (vi) personal identification number or password that would permit access to a person’s account, or (b) any combination of any of the foregoing that would allow a person to log onto or access an individual’s account. The term does not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.
S E C TION 20.14 R EP RODUC T ION OF D OC U M EN T S . This Agree m ent and all sc h e d ules, addenda, exhibits, appendices, attach m ents and a m end m ents hereto m ay be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, m icrofilm, m icro-ca r d, m iniature photographic or other si m ilar process. Any such reproduction shall be admissib l e in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or ad m inistrati v e procee d i n g, whether or not the original is in existe n ce and whether or not such reproduction was m ade b y a part y i n th e regula r cours e o f business , an d any enlarge m ent, facsi m ile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be ad m issible in evide n ce.
S E C TION 20.15 R EGULATION GG. The Fund represents and warrants that it does not engage in an “Internet gambling business,” as s u ch term is d e fined in Section 233.2(r) of Federal Reserv e Regulatio n G G (1 2 CF R 233 ) an d covenant s tha t i t shal l no t engag e i n a n Internet ga m bling business. In accordance with Regula t ion GG, the Fund is hereby n otified t h at “restricted transactions,” as such term is def i ned in Section 233.2(y) of Regulation GG, are prohibited in any dealings with the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise between or a m ong any party hereto.
S E C TION 20.16 S HA R EHOLDER C O M MUN I CATIO N S E LE C TION . SE C Rul e 14b- 2 requires banks that hold securities, as t h at term is used in federal securities laws, for the account of custo m ers to respond to requests b y issuer s o f securitie s fo r th e na m es, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of s e curities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this infor m ation. In order to co m p l y wit h th e rule , a s m ay be applicable, the Custodian needs the Fund to i ndicate whether it authori z e s th e Custodia n to provide the Fund’s na m e, address, and share p osition to requesting c o mpanies whose sec u rities the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian “no,” the Custodian will not provide t h is infor m ation to requesting co m panies. If the F und tells the Custodian “y es ” o r doe s no t check either “yes” or “no” below, the Custodian is required by the rule, as applicable, to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this info r m ation for all securities owned b y th e Fun d o r an y funds or accounts established by the Fund. For the Fund’s protection, the Rule, as applicable, prohibits the requesting co m pany from using the Fund’s na m e and address for any purpose other than corporate com m unications. Plea s e indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking o n e of the alternatives bel o w.
S E C TION 20.17 Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity . The Custodian shall take reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions in the event of equipment failure, work stoppage, governmental action, communication disruption or other impossibility of performance beyond the Custodian’s control. The Custodian shall enter into and shall maintain in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable provision for (i) periodic back-up of the computer files and data with respect to the Fund and (ii) emergency use of electronic data processing equipment as necessary to provide services under this Agreement. Upon reasonable request, the Custodian shall discuss with the Fund any business continuity/disaster recovery plan of the Custodian and/or provide a high-level presentation summarizing such plan.
Section 20.18 Reports . Upon reasonable request of the Fund, the Custodian shall provide the Fund with a copy of the Custodian’s Service Organizational Control (SOC) 1 reports prepared in accordance with the requirements of AT section 801, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization (formerly Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16). The Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Fund with such other reports as the Fund may reasonably request or otherwise reasonably require to fulfill its duties under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act or similar legal and regulatory requirements. Upon reasonable request to the Fund, the Custodian shall also provide to the Fund sub-certifications in connection with Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certification requirements.
YES [ ] | The Custodian is authorized to release the F und’s na m e , address, and share positio n s. |
NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positio n s.
SI GN A T U RE P AGE
IN W I T NES S W HE R EO F , each of the parties has caused t h is Agree m ent to be executed in its na m e and behalf by its duly authorized represe n tative under seal as of the date first above- written.
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
By: /s/ Ryan Robson
N a m e: Ryan Robson
Titl e : President
STAT E STREET BANK AN D TRUS T COMPANY
By: /s/ Andrew Erickson
N a m e: Andrew Erickson
Titl e : Executive V ice Pre s ide n t
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Shareholder Services Agreement is made as of January 27, 2017 between Edward Jones Money Market Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the“Trust”), on behalf of each series set forth on Schedule A hereto, as amended from time to time (each, a “ Fund ”), and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., a Missouri limited partnership (“EDJones”).
WHEREAS , the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”);
WHEREAS , the Trust issues shares of beneficial interest (“shares”) in separate series, each such series may be further divided into one or more classes of shares (“Classes”), with each series (including each Fund) representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets with separate liabilities;
WHEREAS , certain beneficial owners of the Funds’ shares (“shareholders”) may require certain shareholder services, and the provisions of such services to those shareholders may benefit them and facilitate their ability to invest in the Fund;
WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and EDJones have entered into a Transfer Agency Agreement and Distribution Agreement, pursuant to which EDJones provides transfer agency services and distribution services to the Funds; and
WHEREAS , the Trust desires that EDJones serve, and EDJones wishes to serve, as the Trust’s shareholder servicing agent, to provide shareholders of the Funds with the shareholder services described in Schedule B hereto (“ Services ”), as such Schedule may be amended from time to time;
NOW, THEREFORE, The Trust and EDJones agree as follows:
1. Appointment. The Trust hereby authorizes EDJones, and EDJones hereby agrees, to provide any or all of the Services to the Funds and/or shareholders of the Funds, as appropriate.
2. | Services to be Performed. |
2.1 Services; Standard of Care. For the duration of this Agreement, EDJones agrees to use its reasonable best efforts, subject to applicable legal and contractual restrictions and in compliance with the procedures described in the then-current prospectuses(es) and Statement(s) of Additional Information of the Funds (collectively, “Prospectuses”), to provide one or more of the Services. Except as otherwise provided herein, EDJones shall not be liable for any costs, expenses, damages, liabilities or claims (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and accountants’ fees) incurred by a Fund, except those costs, expenses, damages, liabilities or claims arising out of EDJones’ or EDJones’ affiliates own fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct, or by reason of the reckless disregard by EDJones or EDJones’ affiliates obligations and duties hereunder. Under no circumstances shall either party hereto be liable to the other for special, punitive or consequential damages arising under or in connection with this Agreement, even if the party is previously informed of the possibility of such damages.
2.2. Office Space and Equipment; Information and Support to the Trust. EDJones shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities, and personnel (which may be any part of the space, equipment, and facilities currently used in EDJones’ business, or any personnel employed by EDJones) as may be reasonably necessary or beneficial in order to provide or arrange for the provision of the Services. EDJones shall (i) furnish such information to the Trust, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) or their designees as they may reasonably request including, without limitation, periodic information regarding the Services provided, and (ii) otherwise cooperate with the Trust, the Board and their designees (including, without limitation, any auditors or counsel designated by the Trust or its Trustees) concerning this Agreement and the monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant hereto, as well as any other reports or filings that may be required by law.
3. Fees.
3.1 Fees paid to EDJones. As full compensation to EDJones for its performance under this Agreement and the expenses EDJones incurs in connection therewith, the Trust shall compensate EDJones for the Services it performs with respect to each Class of a Fund in an amount up to the amount set forth in Schedule A with respect to the Class.
3.2 Calculation and Amount of Fees. EDJones’ fee shall be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears or at such other intervals as Board or EDJones and the Trust may agree in writing.
4. Information Pertaining to the Shares. EDJones acknowledges that no person is authorized to make any representations concerning the Trust or any Fund except those representations contained in the applicable Fund’s then-current Prospectus(es) and in such printed information as the Trust or the principal underwriter for the Trust may prepare or approve in writing.
5. Representations of the Parties. Each party to this Agreement represents and warrants to the other that (i) it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and has taken all necessary action to authorize such execution, delivery and performance; (ii) the person signing this Agreement on its behalf is duly authorized to do so; (iii) it has obtained all authorizations of any governmental body required in connection with this Agreement and such authorizations are in full force and effect; and (iv) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not violate any law, ordinance, charter, by-law or rule applicable to it or any agreement by which it is bound or by which any of its assets are affected.
6. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations. EDJones represents and warrants that it shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and the provisions of its organizational documents and any and all material contractual obligations in providing the Services.
7. | Indemnification. |
7.1 Indemnification of EDJones. The Trust will indemnify EDJones against and hold EDJones harmless from all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) arising out of: (i) the material breach by the Trust of any of its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) the willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence of the Trust, its officers, employees or agents (other than EDJones, to the extent EDJones could be deemed an agent of the Trust) in the performance of the Trust’s duties or obligations under this Agreement; or (iii) the reckless disregard by the Trust, its officers, employees, or agents (other than EDJones, to the extent EDJones could be deemed an agent of the Trust) of the Trust’s duties and obligations under this Agreement.
7.2. Indemnification of the Trust . EDJones shall indemnify the Trust against and hold the Trust harmless from all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) arising out of: (i) the material breach by EDJones of any of its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) the willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence of EDJones, its officers, employees or agents in the performance of EDJones’ duties or obligations under this Agreement; or (iii) the reckless disregard by EDJones, its officers, employees, or agents of EDJones’ duties and obligations under this Agreement.
7.3 Procedure for Indemnification . In any case in which a party may be asked to indemnify or hold the other party harmless, the indemnifying party shall be advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question and the indemnified party shall use reasonable care to identify and notify the indemnifying party promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present a claim for indemnification by the indemnifying party. The indemnifying party shall have the option to defend the indemnified party against any claim which may be the subject of indemnification under this Section 7. In the event that the indemnifying party elects to defend against the claim, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by indemnifying party and reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. The indemnified party may retain additional counsel at own its expense. Except with the prior written consent of indemnifying party, the indemnified party shall not confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which indemnifying party is asked to indemnify the indemnified party.
7.4 Survival of Indemnities . The indemnities granted by the parties in this Section 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
8. Term and Termination. This Agreement shall not take effect with respect to any Class of any Fund until it has been approved by votes of a majority of both: (i) the Trustees and (ii) the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Agreement or in any related agreements (“Independent Trustees”). Unless sooner terminated, this Agreement will continue in effect with respect to each Class of each Fund for one year from effectiveness of the Agreement for that Class and thereafter for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by votes of a majority of both: (i) the Board and (ii) the Independent Trustees. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to a Class of a Fund or a Fund in its entirety, at any time without the payment of any penalty by votes of a majority of both (i) the Trustees and (ii) the Independent Trustees on not more than 90 days written notice, and EDJones may terminate this Agreement on 90 days’ written notice. The Agreement shall terminate in its entirety when terminated as to all Classes of all Funds. The termination of this Agreement with respect to one Class or Fund shall not result in the termination of this Agreement with respect to any other Class or Fund. This Agreement shall also terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities”, “interested persons” and “assignment” shall have the same meanings as ascribed to such terms in the 1940 Act.) The parties hereto shall update Schedule A hereto from time to time as necessary to reflect changes in the Classes and Funds to which this Agreement applies.
9. Privacy. EDJones acknowledges and agrees on behalf of itself and its officers, employees and agents that it may receive from shareholders or the Trust non-public personal information, or access to non-public personal information, about shareholders who are “customers” or “consumers” as such terms are defined under Regulation S-P (collectively, “Shareholder Information”). All information, including Shareholder Information, obtained in the course of providing the Services pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered confidential information. EDJones shall not disclose such confidential information to any other person or entity or use such confidential information other than to carry out the purposes of this Agreement. EDJones further agrees to safeguard and maintain the confidentiality and security of Shareholder Information which is obtained pursuant to this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Trust hereby agrees that EDJones, its officers, employees or agents may provide confidential information, including Shareholder Information, to any of its affiliates, agents, advisers, service providers or Subcontractors engaged by EDJones, to extent that such party needs to know such information in connection with performance by EDJones of its duties and obligations under the terms of this Agreement.
10. Changes; Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only by the mutual written consent of the parties hereto.
11. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed to EDJones or the Trust, as appropriate, at 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.
12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to agreements fully executed and to be performed therein, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
13. Limitation on Liability. The obligations of the Trust (or the Funds or Classes thereof) entered into in the name or on behalf thereof by any Trustee, representative or agent of the Trust (or particular Fund or Class thereof) are made not individually, but in such capacities, and are not binding upon any Trustee, shareholder, representative or agent of the Trust (or particular Fund or Class thereof) personally, but bind only the assets of the Trust (or particular Fund or Class thereof), and all persons dealing with any Fund and/or Class of the Trust must look solely to the assets of the Trust belonging to such Fund and/or Class for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust (or particular Fund or Class thereof).
14. Complete Agreement. This Agreement, including the Schedules hereto, contains the full and complete understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior representations, promises, statements, arrangements, agreements, warranties and understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether oral or written, express or implied.
15. Counterparts. This Agreement 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 Agreement.
16. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed this Agreement by their duly authorized officers as of the date and year first written above.
Edward Jones Money Market Fund
|
||
By: |
/s/ Ryan Robson |
|
Name: Ryan Robson | ||
Title: President | ||
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (by its General Partner, EDJ Holding Company, Inc.) |
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By: |
/s/ Kevin D. Bastien |
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Name: Kevin D. Bastien | ||
Title: Treasurer |
Signature Page to Shareholder Services Agreement
SCHEDULE A
TO
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
Fund | Class | Maximum Fees for the Services |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund | Investment Shares | 0.15% |
Retirement Shares | 0.15% |
Effective: January 27, 2017
SCHEDULE B
TO
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
LIST OF SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Services comprise:
1. | Providing information and services to Fund shareholders, including professional and informative reporting, access to analysis and explanations of Fund reports, and information about shareholder positions in Fund shares. |
2. | Managing delivery process of shareholder communications to shareholders, including but not limited to proxies and proxy solicitation materials, shareholder reports, annual reports, dividend and capital gain distribution and tax notices to shareholders, and updated Prospectuses. |
3. | Responding to inquiries from shareholders concerning their investment in shares of the Classes of the Funds. |
4. | Providing the necessary personnel and facilities to perform the Services. |
5. | Overhead and other expenses related to all Service activities, including but not limited to, telephone and other communications expenses, and website maintenance expenses (including developing and maintaining the Trust’s website) | |
6. | Providing sweep administration services, including the automated purchase and sale of fund shares within client accounts. |
7. |
Providing banking administrative services including checking, ACH and debit card, as available. Providing such other similar services as may be reasonably requested to the extent permitted under applicable statutes, rules and regulations |
In no event will any portion of the fee provided for herein be paid for services or elements of services that would be deemed to be primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares for purposes of Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act.
Effective: January 27, 2017
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
January 27, 2017
WHEREAS, Edward Jones Money Market Fund (the “Trust”) is engaged in business as an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), and the Trust offers for sale shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (“Shares”) that are designated and classified into one or more distinct series of the Trust, and Shares of such series may be further divided into one or more classes;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to compensate service providers who provide the services described herein (“Service Providers”) to their clients who from time to time beneficially own Shares of each of the classes of the series of the Trust listed on Exhibit A attached hereto, as it may be amended from time to time (such clients, “Shareholders,” and each such class, a “Class” and, collectively, the “Classes,” and each such series, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”);
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) desires to adopt a plan under which the Service Providers will provide to Shareholders some or all of the shareholder and/or administrative service activities stated in Section 2 herein; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that this Shareholder Services Plan (the “Plan”) will benefit the Trust and the Shareholders of each of the Classes and Funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board hereby adopts the following Plan.
Section 1. The Board has adopted this Plan to enable the Trust to directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the provision of certain shareholder and/or administrative service activities or similar non-distribution services to the Shareholders of certain Classes of the Funds.
Section 2. With respect to such Class or Classes designated by the Board, the Trust may pay each Service Provider, including affiliates of the Trust, a fee up to the amount set forth in Exhibit A for shareholder and/or administrative services or similar non-distribution services. Services for which this fee may be paid include, but are not limited to: (i) maintaining accounts relating to Shareholders that invest in Shares of Classes of the Funds; (ii) arranging for bank wires; (iii) responding to Shareholder inquiries relating to the services performed by Service Providers; (iv) responding to inquiries from Shareholders concerning their investment in Shares of Classes of the Funds; (v) assisting Shareholders in changing distribution options, account designations and addresses; (vi) providing information periodically to Shareholders showing their position in Shares of Classes of the Funds; (vii) forwarding shareholder communications from the Funds such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual reports, and dividend and capital gain distribution and tax notices to Shareholders; (viii) processing purchase, exchange and redemption requests from Shareholders and placing orders with the Funds or their service providers; (ix) providing sub-accounting with respect to Shares beneficially owned by Shareholders; (x) processing dividend and capital gain distribution payments from the Funds on behalf of Shareholders; (xi) preparing tax reports; (xii) providing sweep administration services; and (xiii) providing such other similar non-distribution services as the Fund may reasonably request to the extent that the Service Provider is permitted to do so under applicable laws or regulations. Service Providers may use this fee for (a) compensation for their provision of such services as are described herein; or (b) payments to financial institutions and intermediaries such as banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies and investment counselors, broker-dealers, mutual fund supermarkets and the Service Providers’ affiliates and subsidiaries as compensation for such services as are described herein.
Section 3. The amount of the fees in Exhibit A shall be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as (i) the Board shall determine; or (ii) may be provided for in any agreement related to this Plan, and such fees are based on the average daily net asset value of the Shares of the relevant Class owned by the Shareholders holding Shares through such Service Providers.
Section 4. This Plan shall not take effect with respect to any Class of Shares of a Fund until it has been approved, together with any related agreements, by votes of the majority of both (i) the Trustees of the Trust and (ii) the Qualified Trustees (as defined in Section 10 herein) at a meeting of the Board or in a manner otherwise provided by the Trust’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust.
Section 5. With respect to each Class of a Fund for which this Plan is in effect, this Plan shall continue in effect for a term of one year. Thereafter, this Plan shall continue in effect for such Class of a Fund for so long as its continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided in Section 4 for the initial approval of this Plan.
Section 6. With respect to each Class of Shares of a Fund for which this Plan is in effect, this Plan may be terminated at any time by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees.
Section 7. All agreements with any person relating to the implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan shall provide that such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees on not more than 90 days written notice to any other party to the agreement.
Section 8. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board, provided that any material amendment of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in Section 4 for the initial approval of this Plan.
Section 9. During the existence of this Plan, any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made with respect to each Fund, and shall furnish the Board with such other information as the Board may reasonably request in connection with payments made under the Plan.
Section 10. As used in this Plan, (a) the term “Qualified Trustees” shall mean those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and (b) the term “interested person” shall have the meaning specified in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Section 11. This Plan shall not obligate the Trust or any other party to enter into an agreement with any particular person.
Section 12. If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
Exhibit A
Dated January 27, 2017
to
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
Shareholder Services Plan
Dated January 27, 2017
Shareholder Service Fees
Fund | Class of Shares | Maximum Shareholder Service Fee |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund | Investment Shares | 0.15% |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund | Retirement Shares | 0.15% |
AGREEMENT
for
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 27 th day of January, 2017, by and between Edward Jones Money Market Fund, having its principal office and place of business at 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131-3729 (the “Fund”), and Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. a Missouri limited partnership, having its principal office and place of business at 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131-3729 (the “Company”).
WHEREAS , the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), with authorized and issued shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”);
WHEREAS , the Fund desires to appoint the Company as its transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent to provide it with transfer agency services (as herein defined) and agent in connection with certain other activities, and the Company desires to accept such appointment;
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1. Terms of Appointment .
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Fund hereby appoints the Company to act as, and the Company agrees to act as, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund's Shares, and agent in connection with any accumulation, open-account or similar plans provided to the shareholders of the Fund (the “Shareholder(s)”), including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program.
Article 2. Duties of the Company .
The Company shall perform, or cause to be performed, the following services in accordance with Proper Instructions (hereinafter defined) as may be provided from time to time by the Fund:
A. Purchases
(1) The Company shall receive orders and payment for the purchase of Shares and promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation therefore to the custodian of the Fund, (the “Custodian”). The Company shall notify the Fund and the Custodian on a daily basis of the total amount of orders and payments so delivered.
(2) Pursuant to purchase orders and in accordance with the Fund's current Prospectus, the Company shall compute and issue the appropriate number of Shares of the Fund and/or Class and hold such Shares in the appropriate Shareholder accounts.
(3) In the event that any check or other order for the purchase of Shares of the Fund and/or Class is returned unpaid for any reason, the Company shall debit the Share account of the Shareholder by the number of Shares that had been credited to its account upon receipt of the check or other order and notify the shareholder. In the event that the amount paid for such Shares exceeds the proceeds of the redemption of such Shares plus the amount of any dividends paid with respect to such Shares, the Fund and/or Class or its distributor will reimburse the Company on the amount of such excess.
B. Distribution
(1) Upon notification by the Fund of the declaration of any distribution to Shareholders, the Company shall act as the dividend disbursing agent for the Fund in accordance with the provisions of its governing document and the then-current Prospectus of the Fund. The Company shall prepare and mail or credit income, capital gain, or any other payments to Shareholders. As the dividend disbursing agent, the Company shall, on or before the payment date of any such distribution, notify the Custodian of the estimated amount required to pay any portion of said distribution which is payable in cash and request that the Custodian make available sufficient funds for the cash amount to be paid out. The Company shall reconcile the amounts so requested and the amounts actually received with the Custodian on a daily basis. If a Shareholder is entitled to receive additional Shares by virtue of any such distribution or dividend, appropriate credits shall be made to the Shareholder's account; and
(2) The Company shall maintain records of account for the Fund and Class and advise the Fund, the Class and its Shareholders as to the foregoing.
C. Redemptions and Transfers
(1) The Company shall receive redemption requests and redemption directions and, if such redemption requests comply with the procedures as may be described in the Fund’s Prospectus or set forth in Proper Instructions, deliver the appropriate instructions therefor to the Custodian. The Company shall notify the Fund on a daily basis of the total amount of redemption requests processed and monies paid to the Company by the Custodian for redemptions.
(2) Upon receiving redemption proceeds from the Custodian with respect to any redemption, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid the redemption proceeds in the manner instructed by the redeeming Shareholders, pursuant to procedures described in the then-current Prospectus of the Fund.
(3) The Company shall effect transfers of Shares by the registered owners thereof.
(4) The Company shall identify and process abandoned accounts for state escheatment requirements on an annual basis and report such actions to the Fund.
D. Recordkeeping
(1) The Company shall record the issuance of Shares of the Fund, and/or Class, and maintain pursuant to applicable rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a record of the total number of Shares of the Fund and/or Class which are authorized, based upon data provided to it by the Fund, and issued and outstanding. The Company shall also provide the Fund on a regular basis or upon reasonable request with the total number of Shares which are authorized, issued and outstanding, but shall have no obligation when recording the issuance of Shares, except as otherwise set forth herein, to monitor the issuance of such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund.
(2) The Company shall establish and maintain records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Fund, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder and the applicable rules of the SEC. These records should include a record for each Shareholder's account of the following:
(a) Name, address and tax identification number (and whether such number has been certified);
(b) Number of Shares held;
(c) Historical information regarding the account, including dividends paid and date and price for all transactions;
(d) Any freeze, stop-transfer or restraining order placed against the account;
(e) Information with respect to withholding in the case of a foreign account or an account for which withholding is required by the Internal Revenue Code;
(f) Any dividend reinvestment order, plan application, dividend address and correspondence relating to the current maintenance of the account;
(g) Any information required in order for the Company to perform the calculations contemplated or required by this Agreement.
(3) The Company shall preserve any records required to be maintained pursuant to the rules of the SEC for the periods prescribed in said rules, including Rule 17Ad-7 under the 1934 Act (the “Required Records”). Such Required Record retention shall be at the expense of the Company, and such Required Records may be inspected by the Fund at reasonable times.
(4) The Company may, at its option at any time, and shall forthwith upon the Fund's demand, turn over to the Fund and cease to retain in the Company's files, records and documents created and maintained by the Company pursuant to this Agreement, which: (i) are no longer needed by the Company in the performance of its services or for its protection, and (ii) are no longer required to maintained as a Required Record.
(5) The Company agrees that any such records prepared or maintained by Company relating to the services to be performed by the Company hereunder are the property of the Fund and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such laws applicable to the Fund, including without limitation, Section 31 of the 1940 Act, and will be promptly surrendered to the Fund or its designee on and in accordance with its request.
E. Confirmations/Reports
(1) The Company shall make available upon request the following information:
(a) A copy of the transaction register;
(b) Dividend and reinvestment blotters;
(c) The total number of Shares issued and outstanding in each state for “blue sky” purposes as determined according to Proper Instructions delivered from time to time by the Fund to the Company;
(d) Shareholder lists and statistical information; and
(e) Such other information as may be agreed upon from time to time.
(2) The Company shall prepare in the appropriate form, file with the Internal Revenue Service and appropriate state agencies, and, if required, mail to Shareholders, such notices for reporting dividends and distributions paid as are required to be so filed and mailed and shall withhold such sums as are required to be withheld under applicable federal and state income tax laws, rules and regulations.
(3) In addition to and not in lieu of the services set forth above, the Company shall:
(a) Perform all of the customary services of a transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, agent in connection with accumulation, open-account or similar plans (including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program), including but not limited to: maintaining all Shareholder accounts, mailing Shareholder reports and Prospectuses to current Shareholders, withholding taxes on accounts subject to back-up or other withholding (including non-resident alien accounts), preparing and filing reports on U.S. Treasury Department Form 1099 and other appropriate forms required with respect to dividends and distributions by federal authorities for all Shareholders, , preparing and mailing activity statements for Shareholders, and providing Shareholder account information; and
(b) provide a system which will enable the Fund to monitor the total number of Shares of the Fund and/or Class sold in each state (“blue sky reporting”). The Fund shall by Proper Instructions (i) identify to the Company those transactions and assets to be treated as exempt from the blue sky reporting for each state and (ii) verify the classification of transactions for each state on the system prior to activation and thereafter monitor the daily activity for each state. The responsibility of the Company for the Fund's and/or Class's state blue sky registration status is limited solely to the recording of the initial classification of transactions or accounts with regard to blue sky compliance and the reporting of such transactions and accounts to the Fund as provided above.
F. Other Duties
(1) The Company shall answer correspondence from Shareholders relating to their Share accounts and such other correspondence as may from time to time be addressed to the Company in accordance with all applicable laws, including Rule 17Ad-5 of the 1934 Act;
(2) The Company shall prepare Shareholder meeting lists for the Fund in connection with proxies and Shareholder meetings;
(3) The Company shall perform such services as are required in order to comply with Rule 17Ad-17 of the 1934 Act;
(4) The Company shall require proper forms of instructions, signatures and signature guarantees and any necessary documents supporting the opening of shareholder accounts, transfers, redemptions and other shareholder account transactions, all in conformance with the Company’s established procedures pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the 1934 Act.
The foregoing, along with any additional services that the Company shall agree in writing to perform for the Fund under this Article Two, shall hereafter be referred to as “Transfer Agency Services.” The Company is obligated to operate in accordance with all applicable laws in the performance of its Transfer Agency Services. As such, the Company shall maintain policies and procedures relating to the Transfer Agency Services it provides to the Fund that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Federal Securities Laws (as defined in the 1940 Act) and shall employ personnel to administer the policies and procedures who have the requisite level of skill and competence required to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
Article 3. Duties of the Fund .
A. Compliance
The Fund shall assume full responsibility for the preparation, contents and distribution of their own and/or their Classes' Prospectus and for complying with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the 1940 Act and any laws, rules and regulations of government authorities having jurisdiction.
B. Distributions
The Fund shall promptly inform the Company of the declaration of any dividend or distribution on account of any Fund Shares.
Article 4. Compensation and Expenses .
A. Annual Fee
For performance by the Company pursuant to this Agreement, the Fund agrees to pay the Company an annual maintenance fee for each Shareholder account as set forth in Schedule A hereto, and as may be added to or amended from time to time in writing by the Fund and the Company. Pursuant to information in the Fund Prospectus or other information or instructions from the Fund, the Company may sub-divide the Fund into Classes or other sub-components for recordkeeping purposes.
B. Reimbursements
In addition to the fee paid under Article 4A above, the Fund agrees to reimburse the Company for out-of-pocket expenses or advances incurred by the Company for the items agreed upon between the parties, as may be added to or amended from time to time. In addition, any other expenses incurred by the Company at the request or with the consent of the Fund, will be reimbursed by the Fund.
C. Payment
The compensation and out-of-pocket expenses shall be accrued by the Fund and shall be paid to the Company no less frequently than monthly, and shall be paid daily upon request of the Company. The Company will maintain detailed information about the compensation and out-of-pocket expenses by Class.
D. Any schedule of compensation agreed to hereunder, as may be adjusted from time to time, shall be dated and signed by a duly authorized officer of the Fund and a duly authorized officer of the Company.
Article 5. Proper Instructions .
As used throughout this Agreement, a “Proper Instruction” means a writing signed or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the specific transaction or type of transaction involved. Oral instructions will be deemed to be Proper Instructions if (a) the Company reasonably believes them to have been given by a person previously authorized in Proper Instructions to give such instructions with respect to the transaction involved, and (b) the Fund, and the Company promptly cause such oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. Proper Instructions may include electronic communications, such as email, if the Company is satisfied that such procedures afford adequate safeguards for the Fund's assets. Proper Instructions may only be amended in writing.
Article 6. Assignment .
Except as provided below, neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
Article 7. Documents .
A. In connection with the appointment of the Company under this Agreement, the Fund shall file with the Company the following documents:
(1) A copy of the Charter and By-Laws of the Fund and all amendments thereto;
(2) A copy of the resolution of the Board authorizing this Agreement; and
(3) A copy of the current Prospectus for the Fund.
B. The Fund will also furnish from time to time the following documents:
(1) The resolution of the Board authorizing the original issuance of the Fund's, and/or Class's Shares;
(2) The Registration Statement filed with the SEC and amendments thereof and orders relating thereto in effect with respect to the sale of Shares of the Fund, and/or any Class;
(3) A certified copy of each amendment to the governing document and the By-Laws of the Fund;
(4) Certified copies of each vote of the Board authorizing officers to give Proper Instructions to the Custodian and agents for fund accounting, custody services procurement, and Shareholder recordkeeping or transfer agency services;
(5) Such other certifications, documents or opinions which the Company may, in its discretion, deem necessary or appropriate in the proper performance of its duties; and
(6) Revisions to the Fund's Prospectus.
C. The Company will provide copies of all insurance policies related to carrying out the duties of the Company, and amendments thereto, all internal reviews performed on the transfer agency and notification/copies of regulatory inspections/correspondence and will furnish annually the following documents:
(1) its annual filing with the SEC on Form TA-2, and/or any other annual, quarterly or periodic filings or reports that may be required by the SEC, and, to the extent performed in any given year, a report completed by independent public accountants in conformance with Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements #16;
(2) the Annual Study and Evaluation of Internal Accounting Control required under Rule 17Ad-13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”); and
(3) its audited financial statements.
Article 8. Representations and Warranties .
A. Representations and Warranties of the Company
The Company represents and warrants to the Fund that:
(1) it is a limited partnership duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Missouri;
(2) it is duly qualified to carry on its business in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business requires such qualification, and in the State of Missouri;
(3) it is empowered under applicable laws and by its Partnership Agreement and By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement;
(4) it is registered as a transfer agent to the extent required under the 1934 Act.
(5) all requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(6) it has and will continue to have access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement;
(7) it shall maintain appropriate insurance coverage in commercially reasonable amounts insuring against such risks as are appropriate in light of its obligations hereunder. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to relieve an insurer of any obligation to pay claims to the Fund or the Company or other insured parties which would otherwise be a covered claim in the absence of any provision of this Agreement;
(8) it is in compliance with SEC regulations and is not subject to restrictions under Rule 17Ad-3, as amended, adopted under the 1934 Act; and
(9) copies of the Company’s Rule 17Ad-13 reports will be provided to the Fund annually as and to the extent required under Rule 17Ad-13 under the 1934 Act.
B. Representations and Warranties of the Fund
The Fund represents and warrants to the Company that:
(1) It is an investment company duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization;
(2) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Declaration of Trust and By-Laws to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(3) All corporate proceedings required by said Declaration of Trust and By-Laws have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(4) The Fund is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act; and
(5) A registration statement under the 1933 Act will be effective, and appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale.
Article 9. Standard of Care and Indemnification .
A. Standard of Care
The Company shall be held to a standard of good faith and to exercise commercially reasonable care and diligence in carrying out the provisions of this Agreement. The advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice, provided that such action is not in violation of applicable federal or state laws or regulations, and is in good faith and without negligence.
B. Indemnification by Fund
The Company shall not be responsible for and the Fund shall indemnify and hold the Company, including its officers, directors, Shareholders and their agents, employees and affiliates, harmless against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments,
expenses and liabilities arising out of or attributable to:
(1) The acts or omissions of any Custodian, adviser, sub-adviser or other party contracted by or approved by the Fund,
(2) The reliance on or use by the Company or its agents or subcontractors of information, records and documents in proper form which:
(a) are received by the Company or its agents or subcontractors and furnished to it by or on behalf of the Fund, its Shareholders or investors regarding the purchase, redemption or transfer of Shares and Shareholder account information;
(b) are received by the Company from independent pricing services or sources for use in valuing the assets of the Fund;
(c) are received by the Company or its agents or subcontractors from advisers, sub-advisers or other third parties contracted by or approved by the Fund for use in the performance of services under this Agreement; or
(d) have been prepared and/or maintained by the Fund or its affiliates or any other person or firm on behalf of the Fund.
(3) The reliance on, or the carrying out by the Company or its agents or subcontractors of Proper Instructions of the Fund.
(4) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of any requirement under the federal securities laws or regulations or the securities laws or regulations of any state that such Shares be registered in such state or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal agency or any state with respect to the offer or sale of such Shares in such state, except to the extent that the Company fails to properly execute its duties to report shares sold.
The Company, however, shall not be protected by this Article 9.B. from liability for any act or omission resulting from the Company's willful misfeasance, material breach, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties or failure to meet the standard of care set forth in 9.A. above.
C. Indemnification by Company
The Fund shall not be responsible for and the Company shall indemnify and hold the Fund, including its officers, directors, Shareholders and their agents, employees and affiliates, harmless against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liabilities arising out of or attributable to the Company's willful misfeasance, material breach, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties or failure to meet the standard of care set forth in 9.A. above.
D. Reliance
At any time the Company may apply to any officer of the Fund for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed by the Company under this Agreement, and the Company and its agents or subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Fund for any action reasonably taken or omitted by it in reliance upon such instructions or upon the opinion of such counsel provided such action is not in violation of applicable federal or state laws or regulations.
E. Notification
In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party's prior written consent.
Article 10. Term and Termination of Agreement .
The Agreement can be terminated by either party upon ninety days’ notice. In the event, however, of willful misfeasance, material breach, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties by the Company, the Fund has the right to terminate the Agreement upon 60 days' written notice, if the Company has not cured such willful misfeasance, material breach, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties within 60 days. Investment companies that merge or dissolve during the Term shall cease to be a party on the effective date of such merger or dissolution.
Should the Fund exercise its rights to terminate, all out-of-pocket expenses associated with the movement of records and materials will be borne by the Fund. Additionally, the Company reserves the right to charge for any other reasonable expenses associated with such termination. The provisions of Article 9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
Article 11. Confidential Information.
The Company agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund, all records and other information relative to the Fund and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Fund (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed and may not be withheld, conditioned or delayed where the Company may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities approved by the Fund, or (iii) when so requested by the Fund. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Company or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of the Company prior to receipt thereof from the Fund or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
Further, the Company will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Fund pursuant to Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as may be modified from time to time. In addition, the Company will comply with any other limitations or restrictions on disclosure of portfolio holdings or other information of the Fund set forth in the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. In this regard, the Company shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Fund and its Shareholders.
Article 12. Inspection of Records .
Upon the request of the Fund or its representatives, the Company shall provide copies of all records relating to the Fund as may reasonably be requested to enable the Fund or its representatives to (i) respond to the directors/trustees requests for information; (ii) monitor and review the services provided under this agreement; or (iii) comply with any request of a governmental body or self-regulatory organization. The Company agrees that it will provide the Fund or its representatives assurance from an independent auditor, upon request, that the fees are being charged in accordance with this agreement. The Company will provide the Fund or its representatives with access to the books and records in its possession relating to the Shareholder accounts upon reasonable notice during normal business hours.
Article 13. Anti-Money Laundering Program .
A. The Fund hereby delegates to the Company, and the Company hereby accepts, responsibility to perform certain services in connection with the Fund's Anti-Money Laundering Program (the "Fund AML Program"), as further set out in the Fund AML Program, including provisions relating to: (i) customer identification program, (ii) suspicious activity monitoring and reporting; (iii) cash transaction reporting; (iv) recordkeeping; and (v) employee training (as it relates to the Company employees) (collectively, the "AML Services"). The Company agrees to cooperate with the Fund's AML Compliance Officer in the performance of the AML Services as set forth in the Fund AML Program.
B. The Company represents and warrants that:
(1) The Company undertakes to perform all delegated responsibilities under the Fund AML Program; and
(2) The Company has adopted and will maintain a written anti-money laundering program ("Company AML Program") that includes policies and procedures that enable it to perform its responsibilities under this Agreement.
C. The Fund represents and warrants that the Fund will promptly provide the Company any amendment(s) to the Fund AML Program, which will be subject to the terms of this Agreement, upon delivery to the Company.
D. The Company:
(1) agrees to provide, upon request by federal examiners, information and records maintained by the Company relating to the Company's AML Program, which includes accounts participating in the Fund;
(2) agrees to provide, upon request by the Fund, information and records maintained by the Company relating to the AML Services and the Company AML Program as it applies to the AML Services;
(3) agrees to cooperate with the Fund's AML Compliance Officer with respect to any request for information by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act and the regulations thereunder; and
(4) consents to the inspection of the Company by federal examiners for purposes of the Fund's AML Program.
E. The Company agrees to furnish to the Fund the following:
(1) a copy of the Company AML Program as in effect on the date hereof, and any material amendment thereto promptly after the adoption of any such amendment;
(2) upon reasonable request of the Fund’s AML Compliance Officer and in any event, no less frequently than annually, a report on the Company AML Program that includes a certification to the Fund concerning the Company's implementation of, and ongoing compliance with, the Company AML Program and a summary of any audit report prepared with respect to the Company AML Program as it pertains to the AML Services;
(3) interim reports with respect to any material issues that arise with respect to the AML Services or the Company AML Program as they relate to the Fund; and
(4) periodic reports concerning the Company's compliance with the Company AML Program and/or the AML Services at such times as may be reasonably requested by the Board or AML Compliance Officer.
Article 14. Amendment .
This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written agreement executed by both parties.
Article 15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions .
In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Company and the Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of the Charter. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.
Article 16. Governing Law .
This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri.
Article 17. Notices .
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Notices and other writings delivered or mailed postage prepaid to the Fund at 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131-3729, or to the Company at 12555 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131-3729, or to such other address as the Fund or the Company may hereafter specify, shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given hereunder to the respective address.
Article 18. Counterparts .
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
Article 19. Merger of Agreement .
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject hereof whether oral or written.
Article 20. Successor Agent .
If a successor agent for the Fund shall be appointed by the Fund, the Company shall upon termination of this Agreement deliver to such successor agent at the office of the Company all properties of the Fund held by it hereunder. If no such successor agent shall be appointed, the Company shall at its office upon receipt of Proper Instructions deliver such properties in accordance with such instructions.
In the event that no written order designating a successor agent or Proper Instructions shall have been delivered to the Company on or before the date when such termination shall become effective, then the Company shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a “bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, of its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than $200,000,000, all properties held by the Company under this Agreement. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Company under this Agreement.
Article 21. Severability .
In the event any provision of this Agreement is held illegal, void or unenforceable, the balance shall remain in effect.
Article 22. Limitations of Liability of Trustees and Shareholders of the Fund .
The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Board of the Fund and signed by an authorized officer of the Fund, acting as such, and neither such authorization by the Board nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, and the obligations of this Agreement are not binding upon any member of the Board or Shareholders of the Fund, but bind only the property of the Fund, or Class, as provided in the Declaration of Trust.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf under their seals by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
By: /s/ Ryan Robson
Name: Ryan Robson
Title: President
EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P.
(by its General Partner, EDJ Holding Company, Inc.)
By: /s/ Kevin D. Bastien
Name: Kevin D. Bastien
Title: Treasurer
Schedule A
Fee Schedule
Annual $12 fee per account with balance, and annual $1.20 fee per zero balance account, both to be billed on a monthly basis.
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the references to our firm under the caption “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectus and under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information in Post-Effective Amendment Number 66 to the Registration Statement (Form N-1A, No. 2-66437) of Edward Jones Money Market Fund, and to the incorporation by reference of our report, dated April 25, 2016, on Edward Jones Money Market Fund included in the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 26, 2017
EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
January 27, 2017
WHEREAS, Edward Jones Money Market Fund (the “Trust”) is engaged in business as an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
WHEREAS, Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (the “Distributor”) serves as distributor to the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Trust have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the following Distribution Plan will benefit the Trust and the owners of units of beneficial interest (the “shares”) in the Trust (the “Shareholders”);
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees of the Trust hereby adopt this Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Section 1. The Trust has adopted this Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) to enable the Trust to directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of certain of the classes of shares of certain of the series of the Trust (each, a “Fund”) as may, from time to time, be added to the Plan and listed on the Schedules attached hereto (collectively, the “Schedules”).
Section 2. The Trust will pay the distributor of each such class of shares a fee at the annual rate specified on Schedule A. The distributor may retain all or a part of this fee as compensation for distribution or shareholder services it provides or it may use such fees for the compensation of broker/dealers and other financial institutions and intermediaries that provide distribution or shareholder services as specified by the distributor. The actual fee to be paid by the distributor to broker/dealers and financial institutions and intermediaries will be negotiated based on the extent and quality of services provided.
Section 3. This Plan shall not take effect as to a Fund (or class of shares of a Fund) until it has been approved (a) by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund or class, if adopted after any public offering of the shares or the sale of such shares to persons who are not affiliated persons of the Fund, affiliated persons of such persons, promoters of the Fund or affiliated persons of such promoters; and (b) together with any related agreements, by votes of the majority of both (i) the Trustees of the Trust and (ii) the Qualified Trustees (as defined herein), cast in person at a Board of Trustees meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreement.
Section 4. This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of one year after it takes effect and may be continued thereafter for additional one year periods only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided in Section 3(b) herein for the approval of this Plan.
Section 5. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
Section 6. This Plan may be terminated at any time by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or, with respect to any such class of shares of a Fund, by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the class. Termination by the Shareholders of any class of a Fund will not affect the validity of this Plan with respect to the shares of any other class of the Fund or any other Fund.
Section 7. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan shall provide (a) that such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or with respect to shares of any class of a Fund, by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, on not more than 60 days written notice to any other party to the agreement; and (b) that such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Section 8. This Plan may be amended in the manner provided in Section 3(b) herein for the approval of this Plan; provided, however, that the Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution expenses permitted pursuant to Section 2 hereof with respect to the shares of any class of a Fund without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class (if any) as contemplated under Section 3(a).
Section 9. While this Plan is in effect, (i) a majority of the Trustees of the Trust shall not be interested persons of the Trust; (ii) the selection and nomination of any disinterested Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees then in office who are not interested persons of the Trust; and (iii) any person who acts as legal counsel to the disinterested Trustees is an independent legal counsel, as such term is defined in Rule 0-1(a)(6) of the 1940 Act.
Section 10. As used in this Plan, (a) the term “Qualified Trustees” shall mean those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and (b) the terms “assignment” and “interested person” shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and interpretations thereof, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Section 11. This Plan shall not obligate the Trust or any other party to enter into an agreement with any particular person.
SCHEDULE A
DATED January 27, 2017
TO THE EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
DATED January 27, 2017
Pursuant to Section 1 of the Plan and subject to any limitations imposed by Rule 2830 of the NASD's Conduct Rules, distribution fees for the following Fund(s), and/or classes thereof, shall not exceed the amounts listed below:
Fund | Class of Shares |
Fee
|
Edward Jones Money Market Fund | Investment | 0.25% |
Edward Jones Money Market Fund | Retirement | 0.25% |
Edward Jones Money Market fund
Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan (the “Plan”)
January 27, 2017
Edward Jones Money Market Fund (the “Trust”), a registered investment company that may consist of one or more separate series, has elected to rely on Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), in offering multiple classes of shares of the Trust (or of a series) listed on Schedule A attached hereto (each such series, a “Fund,” and together, the “Funds”).
A. | Attributes of Share Classes |
1. | The rights of each class of shares of the Funds shall be as set forth in the respective Certificate of Class Designation for each class (each, a “Certificate”) as each such Certificate is attached as an Exhibit hereto. |
2. | With respect to each class of shares created hereunder, each share of a Fund will represent an equal pro rata interest in the Fund and will have identical terms and conditions, except that: (i) each class will have a different class name (or other designation) that identifies the class as separate from any other class; (ii) each class will be offered and sold only to investors meeting the qualifications set forth in the Certificate and disclosed in the Trust’s prospectus(es) relating to such shares; (iii) each class will separately bear any distribution fees that are payable in connection with a distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (a “Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan”), and separately bear any service fees that are payable under any service plan entered into with respect to that class which are not contemplated by or within the scope of a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan (a “Shareholder Service Plan”); (iv) each class may bear, consistent with rulings and other published statements of position by the Internal Revenue Service, the expenses of the Fund’s operations which are directly attributable to such class (“Class Expenses”); and (v) shareholders of each class will have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to such class (such as a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan or Shareholder Service Plan relating to such class), and will have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of that class differ materially from the interests of any other class. |
B. Expense Allocations
1. | With respect to each Fund, the expenses of each class shall be allocated as follows: (i) any Rule 12b-1 fees relating to a particular class of shares associated with a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan or service fees relating to a particular class of shares associated with a Shareholder Service Plan are (or will be) borne exclusively by that class; (ii) any and all transfer agency expenses are considered “class-specific” expenses and are (or will be) borne exclusively by that class; and (iii) any and all other expenses relating to a particular class that are actually incurred in a different amount by that class (excluding economies of scale discounts) or for which that class receives services of a different kind or to a different degree than other classes are considered “class-specific” expenses and are (or will be) borne exclusively by that class. |
2. | Expenses that are not incurred in different amounts by class and for which share classes do not receive services of a different kind or to a different degree than other classes are considered “non-class specific” expenses and shall be allocated in accordance with Rule 18f-3(c)(1)(i). |
C. Amendment of Plan; Periodic Review
1. | This Plan must be amended, as necessary, to properly describe (through additional Exhibits and Certificates hereto) any new class of shares approved by the Board of Trustees. |
2. | The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act, must approve any material amendment of the Plan as it relates to any class covered by the Plan. In approving any material amendment to the Plan, the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, must find that the amendment is in the best interests of each class individually and the Trust as a whole. |
Schedule A
dated January 27, 2017
to
Edward Jones Money Market Fund
Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan
dated January 27, 2017
Fund |
Class of Shares
|
Edward Jones Money Market Fund |
Investment Retirement |
EXHIBIT A.1
EDWARD JONES FUNDS
CERTIFICATE OF CLASS DESIGNATION
Investment Shares
1. Class-Specific Distribution Arrangements, Other Expenses
Investment Shares are sold without a load or sales charge but are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee and a service fee that is payable under a Shareholder Service Plan.
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, will make monthly payments to the Distributor under the Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan approved by shareholders and the Board of Trustees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Investment Shares. The Distributor will use the Rule 12b-1 fees for expenses associated with the promotion and sale of the Fund’s Investment Shares including, without limitation, travel and communication expenses and expenses for the compensation of and benefits for sales personnel.
Under the terms of the Shareholder Service Plan, each Fund is permitted to compensate, out of the Investment Shares assets, in an annual amount up to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Investment Shares, Service Providers (as defined in the Shareholder Service Plan) that have established a shareholder servicing relationship with the Fund on behalf of its customers who are Investment Shares shareholders, as described in the Fund’s prospectus(es).
2. | Eligibility of Purchasers |
Investment Shares are available to taxable investors and does not require a minimum initial investment, as described in each Fund’s prospectus(es), however, investors may be charged a $3.00 fee for any month in which the investor fails to maintain a $2,500 average monthly balance.
3. | Voting Rights |
Each shareholder of Investment Shares will have one vote for each full Investment Share held and a fractional vote for each fractional Investment Share held. Shareholders of Investment Shares will have: (i) exclusive voting rights regarding any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to Investment Shares (such as the Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan relating to Investment Shares); (ii) separate voting rights on any other matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of the shareholders of Investment Shares differ from the interests of holders of any other Class; and (iii) in all other respects the same rights and obligations as any other Class.
4. Exchange Rights
Exchange rights are not offered.
5. Conversion Rights
a. Conversion at the Option of a Shareholder
Conversion at the option of a shareholder is not offered.
b. Conversion at the Option of a Fund
An Edward Jones Fund may, in its discretion, elect to convert such shareholder’s Investment Shares into a Class of Shares for which such shareholder does meet the eligibility requirements.
6. | Limitation on Conversion and Exchange Rights |
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Class Designation, conversion and exchange rights may not be available with respect to shares purchased through a financial intermediary who (i) has made arrangements with the Trust or the principal underwriter for an Edward Jones Fund to make available for investment only certain Classes of shares or shares of certain Edward Jones Funds, or (ii) has made arrangements with a shareholder to purchase a specific Class or Classes of shares on behalf of such shareholder.
EXHIBIT A.2
EDWARD JONES FUNDS
CERTIFICATE OF CLASS DESIGNATION
Retirement Shares
1. Class-Specific Distribution Arrangements, Other Expenses
Retirement Shares are sold without a load or sales charge but are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee and a service fee that is payable under a Shareholder Service Plan.
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, will make monthly payments to the Distributor under the Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan approved by the Board of Trustees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Retirement Shares. The Distributor will use the Rule 12b-1 fees for expenses associated with the promotion and sale of the Fund’s Retirement Shares including, without limitation, travel and communication expenses and expenses for the compensation of and benefits for sales personnel.
Under the terms of the Shareholder Service Plan, each Fund is permitted to compensate, out of the Retirement Shares assets, in an annual amount up to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Retirement Shares, Service Providers (as defined in the Shareholder Service Plan) that have established a shareholder servicing relationship with the Fund on behalf of its customers who are Investment Shares shareholders, as described in the Fund’s prospectus(es).
2. | Eligibility of Purchasers |
Retirement Shares are available to non-taxable investors and does not require a minimum initial investment, as described in each Fund’s prospectus(es), however, investors may be charged a $3.00 fee for any month in which the investor fails to maintain a $1,500 average monthly balance.
3. | Voting Rights |
Each shareholder of Retirement Shares will have one vote for each full Retirement Share held and a fractional vote for each fractional Retirement Share held. Shareholders of Retirement Shares will have: (i) exclusive voting rights regarding any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to Retirement Shares (such as the Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan relating to Retirement Shares); (ii) separate voting rights on any other matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of the shareholders of Retirement Shares differ from the interests of holders of any other Class; and (iii) in all other respects the same rights and obligations as any other Class.
4. Exchange Rights
Exchange rights are not offered.
5. Conversion Rights
a. Conversion at the Option of a Shareholder
Conversion at the option of a shareholder is not offered.
b. Conversion at the Option of a Fund
An Edward Jones Fund may, in its discretion, elect to convert such shareholder’s Retirement Shares into a Class of Shares for which such shareholder does meet the eligibility requirements.
6. | Limitation on Conversion and Exchange Rights |
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Class Designation, conversion and exchange rights may not be available with respect to shares purchased through a financial intermediary who (i) has made arrangements with the Trust or the principal underwriter for an Edward Jones Fund to make available for investment only certain Classes of shares or shares of certain Edward Jones Funds, or (ii) has made arrangements with a shareholder to purchase a specific Class or Classes of shares on behalf of such shareholder.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries of EDWARD JONES MONEY MARKET FUND and each of them, their true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for them and in their names, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, by means of the Securities and Exchange Commission's electronic disclosure system known as EDGAR; and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to sign and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as each of them might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
SIGNATURES | TITLE | DATE |
/s/ John B. Fisher | Trustee/Director | May 11, 2016 |
John B. Fisher |