STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE VICTORY PORTFOLIOS
FUND NAME
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CLASS A
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CLASS C
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CLASS I
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CLASS R
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Class R6
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CLASS Y
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Balanced Fund
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SBALX
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VBFCX
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VBFIX
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VBFGX
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Diversified Stock Fund
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SRVEX
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VDSCX
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VDSIX
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GRINX
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VDSRX
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VDSYX
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Dividend Growth Fund
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VDGAX
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VDGCX
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VDGIX
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VDGRX
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VDGYX
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Established Value Fund
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VETAX
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VEVIX
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GETGX
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VEVRX
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VEVYX
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Fund for Income
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IPFIX
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VFFCX
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VFFIX
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GGIFX
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VFFYX
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Global Equity Fund
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VPGEX
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VPGCX
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VPGYX
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VGERX
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International Fund
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VIAFX
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VICFX
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VIIFX
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VIRFX
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VRRFX
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VIYFX
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International Select Fund
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VISFX
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VISKX
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VISIX
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VISRX
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VISYX
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Investment Grade Convertible Fund
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SBFCX
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VICIX
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Large Cap Growth Fund
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VFGAX
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VFGCX
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VFGIX
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VFGRX
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VFGYX
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National Municipal Bond Fund
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VNMAX
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VNMYX
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Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
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SOHTX
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Small Company Opportunity Fund
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SSGSX
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VSOIX
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GOGFX
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VSOYX
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Special Value Fund
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SSVSX
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VSVCX
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VSPIX
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VSVGX
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VSVYX
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March
1, 2014 as to the Balanced, Diversified Stock, Fund for Income, Global Equity, International, International Select, Investment Grade Convertible, National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds.
April 11, 2014 as to the Dividend Growth, Established Value, Large Cap Growth, Small Company Opportunity and
Special Value Funds.
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses of the Funds listed above, which are dated March 1, 2014 or April 11, 2014 as noted above, as they may be amended or supplemented from time to time. This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the prospectuses. Copies of the prospectuses may be obtained by writing the Funds at P.O. Box 182593 Columbus, Ohio 43218-2593, or by calling toll free 800-539-FUND (800-539-3863).
The Funds audited financial statements for October 31, 2013 are incorporated in this SAI by reference to the Funds 2013 annual report to shareholders (File No. 811-4852). You may obtain a copy of the Funds most recent annual report at no charge by writing to the address or calling the phone number noted above.
Table of Contents
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Page
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General Information
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1
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Investment Objectives, Policies and Limitations
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1
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Investment Strategies
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5
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Instruments in Which the Funds Can Invest
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6
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Debt Securities
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6
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International and Foreign Investments
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24
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Derivatives
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27
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Other Investments
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34
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Determining Net Asset Value (NAV) and Valuing Portfolio Securities
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37
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Performance
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38
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Additional Purchase, Exchange and Redemption Information
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42
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Dividends and Distributions
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51
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Taxes
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52
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Management of the Trust
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61
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Advisory and Other Contracts
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68
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Additional Information
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88
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Appendix A Description of Security Ratings
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A-1
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GENERAL INFORMATION
.
The Victory Portfolios (the Trust) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust (formerly referred to as a business trust) on December 6, 1995 as a successor to a company of the same name organized as a Massachusetts business trust on February 5, 1986. The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The Trust currently consists of 16 series (each a Fund, and collectively, the Funds) of units of beneficial interest (shares).
This SAI relates to the shares of 14 Funds and their respective classes. Much of the information contained in this SAI expands on subjects discussed in the Funds prospectuses. Capitalized terms not defined herein are used as defined in the prospectuses. No investment in shares of a Fund should be made without first reading that Funds prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
.
Investment Objectives.
Each Funds investment objective is fundamental, meaning it may not be changed without a vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Investment Policies and Limitations of Each Fund.
The investment policies of a Fund may be changed without an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of that Funds outstanding voting securities unless (1) a policy expressly is deemed to be a fundamental policy of the Fund or (2) a policy expressly is deemed to be changeable only by such majority vote. A Fund may, following notice to its shareholders, employ other investment practices that presently are not contemplated for use by the Fund or that currently are not available but that may be developed to the extent such investment practices are both consistent with the Funds investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise, may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described in a Funds prospectus.
A Funds classification and sub-classification is a matter of fundamental policy. Each Fund is classified as an open-end investment company. All Funds are sub-classified as diversified investment companies.
The following policies and limitations supplement the Funds investment policies set forth in the prospectuses. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of a Funds assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the Funds acquisition of such security or other asset except in the case of borrowing (or other activities that may be deemed to result in the issuance of a senior security under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act)). Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with a Funds investment policies and limitations. If the value of a Funds holdings of illiquid securities at any time exceeds the percentage limitation applicable at the time of acquisition due to subsequent fluctuations in value or other reasons, the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board or the Trustees) will consider what actions, if any, are appropriate to maintain adequate liquidity.
Fundamental Investment Policies and Limitations of the Funds.
The following investment limitations are fundamental and may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding shares, as defined under the 1940 Act.
1.
Senior Securities.
None of the Funds may issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.
1
The SEC takes the position that transactions that have the effect of increasing the leverage of the capital structure of a fund are the economic equivalent of borrowing, and they can be viewed as a type of borrowing known as a senior security for purposes of the 1940 Act. Examples of such transactions and trading practices include reverse repurchase agreements; mortgage-dollar-roll transactions; selling securities short (other than selling short against the box); buying and selling certain derivatives contracts, such as futures contracts; writing or selling put and call options; engaging in sale-buybacks; firm commitment and standby commitment agreements; when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions; and other similar transactions. A transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance by a fund of a senior security, as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300 percent minimum asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund maintains an offsetting financial position by segregating liquid assets (as determined by the adviser under the general oversight of the fund board) at least equal to the value of the funds potential economic exposure as measured daily on a mark-to-market basis; or otherwise covers the transaction in accordance with applicable SEC guidance (collectively defined as covers the transaction). In order to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements regarding cover, a fund may be required to buy or sell securities at a disadvantageous time or when the prices then available are deemed disadvantageous. In addition, segregated assets may not be readily available to satisfy redemption requests or for other purposes.
2.
Underwriting.
None of the Funds may underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that a Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in the disposition of restricted securities.
3.
Borrowing.
None of the Funds may borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, or by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.
A funds ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies and limitations, by the 1940 Act, and by applicable exemptions, no action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by regulatory authorities, including the SEC and its staff. Under the 1940 Act, a fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including the proceeds of borrowings, less liabilities excluding borrowings) of not less than 300 percent of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5 percent of the funds total assets made for temporary purposes. Any borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5 percent are subject to the minimum 300 percent asset coverage requirement. If the value of the assets set aside to meet the 300 percent asset coverage were to decline below 300 percent due to market fluctuations or other causes, a fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and comply with the 300 percent minimum asset coverage requirement, even in circumstances where it is considered disadvantageous from an investment perspective to sell securities at that time or at the prices then available.
4.
Real Estate.
None of the Funds may purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of direct ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not prevent any of these Funds from investing in the following: (i) securities or other instruments backed by real estate; (ii) securities of real estate operating companies; or (iii) securities of companies engaged in the real estate business, including real estate investment trusts. This restriction does not preclude any of these Funds from buying securities backed by mortgages on real estate or securities of companies engaged in such activities.
5.
Lending.
None of the Funds may make loans, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.
2
Generally, the 1940 Act prohibits loans if a funds investment policies do not permit loans, and if the loans are made, directly or indirectly, to persons deemed to control or to be under common control with the registered investment company.
6.
Commodities.
None of the Funds may purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent a Fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
7.
Concentration.
None of the Funds may concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as the term concentration is used in the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified from time to time by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction. This restriction shall not prevent any Fund from investing all of its assets in a master fund that has adopted similar investment objectives, policies and restrictions.
Concentration means investing more than 25% of a Funds net assets in a particular industry or a specified group of industries.
When investing in industrial development bonds, each of National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds will look to the source of the underlying payments. None of these Funds will invest 25% or more of its total assets in industrial development bonds with underlying payments derived from similar projects.
Non-Fundamental Investment Policies and Limitations of the Funds
. The following investment restrictions are non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees.
1.
Illiquid Securities.
Illiquid securities are securities that are not readily marketable or cannot be disposed of promptly within seven days and, in the usual course of business, at approximately the price at which a Fund has valued them. Such securities include, but are not limited to, time deposits and repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days. Securities that may be resold under Rule 144A, securities offered pursuant to Section 4(2) of, or securities otherwise subject to restrictions or limitations on resale under the Securities Act shall not be deemed illiquid solely by reason of being unregistered. Victory Capital Management Inc., the Funds investment adviser (the Adviser), under oversight of the Board, determines whether a particular security is deemed to be liquid based on the trading markets for the specific security and other factors.
No Fund may invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
2.
Short Sales and Purchases on Margin.
No Fund may make short sales of securities, other than short sales against the box, or purchase securities on margin except for short-term credits necessary for clearance of portfolio transactions, provided that this restriction will not be applied to limit the use of options, futures contracts and related options, in the manner otherwise permitted by the investment restrictions, policies and investment program of the Fund.
3.
Other Investment Companies.
No Fund may purchase the securities of any registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) or Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, which permits operation as a fund of funds.
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Except as provided in the next paragraph, none of the Funds may: (1) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company; (2) own more than 3% of the securities of any one investment company; or (3) invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies.
Each Fund may purchase and redeem shares issued by a money market fund without limit, provided that either: (1) the acquiring Fund pays no sales charge or service fee (as each of those terms is defined in the FINRA Conduct Rules); or (2) the Adviser waives its advisory fee in an amount necessary to offset any such sales charge or service fee.
For purposes of this investment restriction, a money market fund is either: (1) an open-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act and regulated as a money market fund in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; or (2) a company that is exempt from registration as in investment company under Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and that: (a) limits its investments to those permitted under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; and (b) undertakes to comply with all the other requirements of Rule 2a-7, except that, if the company has no board of directors, the companys investment adviser performs the duties of the board of directors.
4.
Miscellaneous.
a.
Investment grade obligations.
Neither of the National Municipal Bond or Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may hold more than 5% of its total assets in securities that have been downgraded below investment grade.
b.
Concentration.
For purposes of calculating concentration of investments in the utility and finance categories, each Fund will operate as follows: neither finance companies as a group nor utility companies as a group are considered a single industry for purposes of a Funds concentration policy (
i.e.
, finance companies will be considered a part of the industry they finance and utilities will be divided according to the types of services they provide).
c.
Foreign Issuers
.
The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may not invest in excess of 10% of its total assets in the securities of foreign issuers, excluding from such limitation securities listed on any United States securities exchange.
d.
Unseasoned Issuers
.
The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may not invest in excess of 5% of its total assets in securities of issuers which, including predecessors, do not have a record of at least three years operation.
e.
Mortgage, Pledge or Hypothecation of Securities or Assets.
The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may not pledge or hypothecate any of its assets. For the purpose of this limitation, collateral arrangements with respect to stock options or forward transactions are not deemed to be a pledge of assets.
f.
Lending or Borrowing
.
The Fund for Income will not lend any of its portfolio securities.
No Fund intends to borrow money for leveraging purposes.
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INVESTMENT STRATEGIES.
Each Funds principal investment strategies are described in its prospectus. To carry out its investment strategy, a Fund may engage in one or more of the following activities:
Temporary Defensive Measures.
For temporary defensive purposes in response to market conditions, each Fund may hold up to 100% of its assets in cash or high quality, short-term obligations such as domestic and foreign commercial paper (including variable-amount master demand notes), bankers acceptances, CDs and demand and time deposits of domestic and foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks and repurchase agreements. (See International and Foreign Investments for a description of risks associated with investments in foreign securities.) These temporary defensive measures may result in performance that is inconsistent with a Funds investment objective.
Short Sales Against-the-Box.
The Funds will not make short sales of securities, other than short sales against-the-box. In a short sale against-the-box, a Fund sells a security that it owns, or a security equivalent in kind and amount to the security sold short that the Fund has the right to obtain, for delivery at a specified date in the future. A Fund will enter into short sales against-the-box to hedge against unanticipated declines in the market price of portfolio securities. If the value of the securities sold short increases prior to the scheduled delivery date, a Fund loses the opportunity to participate in the gain.
Secondary Investment Strategies
In addition to the investment strategies described in the prospectuses, the Funds may engage in other investment strategies outlined below.
·
The Balanced Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in investment-grade municipal obligations.
·
Each of the Balanced, Fund for Income, National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments.
·
The Diversified Stock Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in preferred stocks, investment grade corporate debt securities, short-term debt obligations and U.S. government obligations; and may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments.
·
The Large Cap Growth Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in preferred stocks, investment grade corporate debt securities, short-term debt obligations and U.S. government obligations.
·
The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in corporate debt securities, common stock, U.S. government securities and high-quality short-term debt obligations, preferred stock and repurchase agreements; and up to 10% of its total assets in foreign debt and equity securities.
·
The Established Value Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in short-term U.S. government obligations, repurchase agreements, short-term debt obligations and investment grade debt securities.
·
The Small Company Opportunity Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in: equity securities of larger companies (those with market capitalizations in the top 20% of the 5,000 largest U.S. companies), investment-grade securities, preferred stocks, short-term debt obligations and repurchase agreements.
·
The Special Value Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in investment-grade debt securities and preferred stocks; and may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments.
·
The equity Funds may invest in futures contracts, options on futures contracts, ETFs and other similar investment vehicles that provide exposure to commodities such as gold or other precious metals, energy or other commodities, regardless of whether such vehicles invest in mines, producers, bullion or futures.
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INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE FUNDS CAN INVEST
.
The following paragraphs provide a brief description of some of the types of securities in which the Funds may invest in accordance with their investment objective, policies and limitations, including certain transactions the Funds may make and strategies they may adopt. The Funds investments in the following securities and other financial instruments are subject to the investment policies and limitations described in the prospectuses and this SAI. The following also contains a brief description of the risk factors related to these securities. The Funds may, following notice to their shareholders, take advantage of other investment practices that presently are not contemplated for use by the Funds or that currently are not available but that may be developed, to the extent such investment practices are both consistent with a Funds investment objective and are legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise, may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described in a Funds prospectus and this SAI.
Debt Securities.
Corporate and Short-Term Obligations.
U.S. Corporate Debt Obligations
include bonds, debentures and notes. Debentures represent unsecured promises to pay, while notes and bonds may be secured by mortgages on real property or security interests in personal property. Bonds include, but are not limited to, debt instruments with maturities of approximately one year or more, debentures, mortgage-related securities, stripped government securities and zero coupon obligations. Bonds, notes and debentures in which the Funds may invest may differ in interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. The market value of a Funds fixed income investments will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding fixed income securities generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such securities generally decline. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the price of longer maturity securities also are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates.
Changes by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) in the rating of any fixed income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal also affect the value of these investments. Except under conditions of default, changes in the value of a Funds securities will not affect cash income derived from these securities but may affect the Funds net asset value per share (NAV).
Convertible and Exchangeable Debt Obligations.
A convertible debt obligation is typically a bond or preferred stock that may be converted at a stated price within a specified period of time into a specified number of shares of common stock of the same or a different issuer. Convertible debt obligations are usually senior to common stock in a corporations capital structure, but usually are subordinate to similar non-convertible debt obligations. While providing a fixed income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from a common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar non-convertible debt obligation), a convertible debt obligation also affords an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the common stock into which it is convertible.
An exchangeable debt obligation is debt that is redeemable in either cash or a specified number of common shares of a company different from the issuing company. Exchangeable debt obligations have characteristics and risks similar to those of convertible debt obligations and behave in the market place the same way as convertible debt obligations.
In general, the market value of a convertible debt obligation is at least the higher of its investment value (
i.e.
, its value as a fixed income security) or its conversion value (
i.e.
, the value of the underlying share of common stock if the security is converted). As a fixed-income security, a convertible debt obligation tends to increase in market value when interest rates decline and tends to decrease in value when interest rates rise. However, the price of a convertible debt obligation also is influenced by the market value of the securitys underlying common stock. Thus, the price of a convertible debt obligation tends to increase as the market value of the underlying stock increases, and tends to decrease as the market value of the underlying stock declines. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible debt obligations generally entail less risk than investments in the common stock of the same issuer.
6
Securities received upon conversion of convertible debt obligations or upon exercise of call options or warrants forming elements of synthetic convertibles (described below) may be retained temporarily to permit orderly disposition or to defer realization of gain or loss for federal tax purposes, and will be included in calculating the amount of the Funds total assets invested in true and synthetic convertibles.
Dividend Growth and Special Value Funds may invest in securities convertible into common stock, such as convertible bonds, convertible notes, and convertible preferred stocks. In making investment decisions involving convertible securities, the Adviser considers the attractiveness of the underlying common stock, the financial condition of the issuer, the effect on portfolio diversification, equity sensitivity or delta, current income or yield, upside/downside analysis (how the Adviser expects the convertible security to perform over a given time period given a change in the underlying common stock), convertible valuation (convertible price relative to its theoretical value), and the liquidity of the security.
Synthetic Convertibles.
The Dividend Growth, Investment Grade Convertible and Special Value Funds also may invest in synthetic convertibles. A synthetic convertible is created by combining separate securities that possess the two principal characteristics of a true convertible security,
i.e.
, fixed income (fixed-income component) and the right to acquire equity securities (convertibility component). The fixed-income component is achieved by investing in non-convertible bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The convertibility component is achieved by investing in warrants or exchange listed call options or stock index call options granting the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of securities within a specified period of time at a specified price or to receive cash in the case of stock index options.
A holder of a synthetic convertible faces the risk of a decline in the price of the stock or the level of the index involved in the convertibility component, causing a decline in the value of the option or warrant. Should the price of the stock fall below the exercise price and remain there throughout the exercise period, the entire amount paid for the call option or warrant would be lost. Since a synthetic convertible includes the fixed-income component as well, the holder of a synthetic convertible also faces the risk that interest rates will rise, causing a decline in the value of the fixed-income instrument.
Short-Term Corporate Obligations
are bonds issued by corporations and other business organizations in order to finance their short-term credit needs. Corporate bonds in which a Fund may invest generally consist of those rated in the two highest rating categories of an NRSRO that possess many favorable investment attributes. In the lower end of this category, credit quality may be more susceptible to potential future changes in circumstances. Each of the Balanced and Special Value may invest up to 35% and 20%, respectively, of its total assets in short-term corporate debt obligations.
Demand Features.
A Fund may acquire securities that are subject to puts and standby commitments (demand features) to purchase the securities at their principal amount (usually with accrued interest) within a fixed period (usually seven days) following a demand by the Fund. The demand feature may be issued by the issuer of the underlying securities, a dealer in the securities or by another third party, and may not be transferred separately from the underlying security. A Fund uses these arrangements to obtain liquidity and not to protect against changes in the market value of the underlying securities. The bankruptcy, receivership or default by the issuer of the demand feature, or a default on the underlying security or other event that terminates the demand feature before its exercise, will adversely affect the liquidity of the underlying security. Demand features that are exercisable even after a payment default on the underlying security may be treated as a form of credit enhancement. The National Municipal Bond Fund and Ohio Municipal Bond Fund may each invest in demand features without limit.
Bankers Acceptances
are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, typically drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are accepted by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Bankers acceptances will be those guaranteed by domestic and foreign banks, if at the time of purchase such banks have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million (as of the date of their most recently published financial statements).
Certificates of Deposit
(CDs) are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank or a savings and loan association for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. A Fund may invest in CDs and demand and time deposits of domestic and foreign banks and savings and loan associations, if (a) at the time of
7
purchase such financial institutions have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million (as of the date of their most recently published financial statements) or (b) the principal amount of the instrument is insured in full by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC) or the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
Eurodollar CDs
are U.S. dollar-denominated CDs issued by branches of foreign and domestic banks located outside the United States. Eurodollar time deposits are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or a foreign bank.
Yankee CDs
are issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank denominated in U.S. dollars and held in the United States.
Canadian Time Deposits
are U.S. dollar-denominated CDs issued by Canadian offices of major Canadian banks.
Commercial Paper
is comprised of unsecured promissory notes, usually issued by corporations. Except as noted below with respect to variable amount master demand notes, issues of commercial paper normally have maturities of less than nine months and fixed rates of return. In addition to corporate issuers, borrowers that issue municipal securities also may issue tax-exempt commercial paper. (see Municipal Securities). The Funds will purchase only commercial paper that meets the definition of Eligible Security. (see Other Investments).
Short-Term Funding Agreements
(sometimes referred to as guaranteed investment contracts or GICs) are issued by insurance companies. Pursuant to such agreements, a Fund makes cash contributions to a deposit fund of the insurance companys general account. The insurance company then credits the Fund, on a monthly basis, guaranteed interest that is based on an index. The short-term funding agreement provides that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum rate. Because the principal amount of a short-term funding agreement may not be received from the insurance company on seven days notice or less, the agreement is considered to be an illiquid investment and subject to the restrictions on investing in illiquid securities. In determining dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity, a short-term funding agreement will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of the guaranteed interest rate.
Variable and Adjustable Rate Debt Securities.
Variable Amount Master Demand Notes
are unsecured demand notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate according to the terms of the instrument. Although there is no secondary market for these notes, a Fund may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any time and may resell the notes at any time to a third party. The absence of an active secondary market, however, could make it difficult for a Fund to dispose of a variable amount master demand note if the issuer defaulted on its payment obligations, and the Fund could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss to the extent of the default. While the notes typically are not rated by credit rating agencies, issuers of variable amount master demand notes must satisfy the same criteria as set forth above for unrated commercial paper, and the Adviser will monitor continuously the issuers financial status and ability to make payments due under the instrument. Where necessary to ensure that a note is of high quality, a Fund will require that the issuers obligation to pay the principal of the note be backed by an unconditional bank letter or line of credit, guarantee or commitment to lend. For purposes of a Funds investment policies, a variable amount master demand note will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the longer of the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of its interest rate or the period of time remaining until the principal amount can be recovered from the issuer through demand. Each of the Balanced and Convertible Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in variable amount master demand notes. Each of the Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Large Cap Growth, National Municipal Bond, Ohio Municipal Bond, and Special Value Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in variable amount master demand notes.
Variable Rate Demand Notes
are tax-exempt obligations containing a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula, together with an unconditional right to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest upon a short notice period, generally not to exceed seven days. The Funds also may invest in participation variable rate demand notes, which provide a Fund with an undivided interest in underlying variable rate demand notes held by major investment banking institutions. Any purchase of variable rate demand notes will meet applicable diversification and concentration requirements.
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Variable and Floating Rate Notes.
A variable rate note is one whose terms provide for the readjustment of its interest rate on set dates and that, upon such readjustment, reasonably can be expected to have a market value that approximates its par value. A floating rate note is one whose terms provide for the readjustment of its interest rate whenever a specified interest rate changes and that, at any time, reasonably can be expected to have a market value that approximates its par value. Such notes frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies; however, unrated variable and floating rate notes purchased by the Fund will only be those determined by the Adviser, pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trustees, to pose minimal credit risks and to be of comparable quality, at the time of purchase, to rated instruments eligible for purchase under the Funds investment policies. In making such determinations, the Adviser will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuers of such notes (such issuers include financial, merchandising, bank holding and other companies) and will continuously monitor their financial condition. Although there may be no active secondary market with respect to a particular variable or floating rate note purchased by a Fund, the Fund may resell the note at any time to a third party. The absence of an active secondary market, however, could make it difficult for a Fund to dispose of a variable or floating rate note in the event that the issuer of the note defaulted on its payment obligations and a Fund could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss to the extent of the default. Bank letters of credit may secure variable or floating rate notes.
The maturities of variable or floating rate notes are determined as follows:
1. A variable or floating rate note that is issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any agency thereof and that has a variable rate of interest readjusted no less frequently than annually will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate.
2. A variable or floating rate note, the principal amount of which is scheduled on the face of the instrument to be paid in one year or less, will be deemed by the Fund to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate.
3. A variable or floating rate note that is subject to a demand feature scheduled to be paid in one year or more will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the longer of the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate or the period remaining until the principal amount can be recovered through demand.
4. A variable or floating rate note that is subject to a demand feature will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the principal amount can be recovered through demand.
As used above, a note is subject to a demand feature where a Fund is entitled to receive the principal amount of the note either at any time on no more than 30 days notice or at specified intervals not exceeding one year and upon no more than 30 days notice.
The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in variable and floating rate notes and the Established Value Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in these securities. The Fund for Income may invest up to 35% of its total assets in variable and floating rate U.S. government securities.
Extendible Debt Securities
are securities that can be retired at the option of a Fund at various dates prior to maturity. In calculating average portfolio maturity, a Fund may treat extendible debt securities as maturing on the next optional retirement date.
Receipts and Zero Coupon Bonds.
Receipts
are separately traded interest and principal component parts of bills, notes, and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury that are transferable through the federal book entry system, known as separately traded registered interest and principal securities (STRIPS) and coupon under book entry safekeeping (CUBES). These instruments are issued by banks and brokerage firms and are created by depositing Treasury notes and Treasury bonds into a special account at a custodian bank; the custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the
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certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. Receipts include Treasury receipts (TRs), Treasury investment growth receipts (TIGRs), and certificates of accrual on Treasury securities (CATS).
Fund for Income may invest up to 20% of its total assets in U.S. government security receipts. Each of the Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Established Value, Large Cap Growth, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in receipts. The Balanced Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in these securities.
Zero Coupon Bonds
are purchased at a discount from the face amount because the buyer receives only the right to a fixed payment on a certain date in the future and does not receive any periodic interest payments. The effect of owning instruments that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to reinvest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yields on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holders ability to reinvest at higher rates. For this reason, zero coupon bonds are subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities that pay interest currently. This fluctuation increases in accordance with the length of the period to maturity.
The National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond may invest in zero coupon bonds without limit, provided that these Funds satisfy the maturity requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. Fund for Income may invest up to 20% of its total assets in zero coupon U.S. government securities.
Investment Grade and High Quality Securities.
The Funds may invest in investment grade obligations, which are those that are rated at the time of purchase within the four highest rating categories assigned by an NRSRO or, if unrated, are obligations that the Adviser determines to be of comparable quality. The applicable securities ratings are described in Appendix A to this SAI. High-quality short-term obligations are those obligations that, at the time of purchase, (1) possess a rating in one of the two highest ratings categories from at least one NRSRO (for example, commercial paper rated A-1 or A-2 by Standard & Poors (S&P) or P-1 or P-2 by Moodys Investors Service (Moodys)) or (2) are unrated by an NRSRO but are determined by the Adviser to present minimal credit risks and to be of comparable quality to rated instruments eligible for purchase by the Funds under guidelines adopted by the Board.
High-Yield Debt Securities.
High-yield debt securities are below-investment grade debt securities, commonly referred to as junk bonds (those rated Ba to C by Moodys or BB to C by S&P), that have poor protection with respect to the payment of interest and repayment of principal, or may be in default. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuers capacity to pay. The market prices of high-yield debt securities may fluctuate more than those of higher-rated debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates.
An economic downturn could disrupt the high yield debt market and impair the ability of issuers to repay principal and interest. Also, an increase in interest rates would have a greater adverse impact on the value of such obligations than on higher quality debt securities. During an economic downturn or period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issues may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations. Prices and yields of high yield securities will fluctuate over time and, during periods of economic uncertainty, volatility of high yield securities may adversely affect a Funds net asset value.
While the market for high-yield debt securities has been in existence for many years and has weathered previous economic downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in the use of such securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and restructurings. Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of future performance of the high yield bond market, especially during periods of economic recession.
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The market for high-yield debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-rated debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. If market quotations are not available, high-yield debt securities will be valued in accordance with procedures established by the Board, including the use of outside pricing services.
Judgment plays a greater role in valuing high-yield debt securities than is the case for securities for which more external sources for quotations and last-sale information are available. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the ability of outside pricing services to value high-yield debt securities and a Funds ability to sell these securities.
Credit quality in the high-yield securities market can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and even recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security. For these reasons, it is the policy of the Adviser not to rely exclusively on ratings issued by established credit rating agencies, but to supplement such ratings with its own independent and on-going review of credit quality. The achievement of a Funds investment objective by investment in such securities may be more dependent on the Advisers credit analysis than is the case for higher quality bonds. Should the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded, the Adviser will determine whether it is in the best interests of the Fund to retain or dispose of such security.
Since the risk of default is higher for high-yield debt securities, the Advisers research and credit analysis are an especially important part of managing securities of this type held by a Fund. In considering investments for a Fund, the Adviser will attempt to identify those issuers of high-yielding debt securities whose financial conditions are adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future. Analysis by the Adviser focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
Prices for high-yield debt securities may also be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. For example, new federal rules require savings and loan institutions to gradually reduce their holdings of this type of security. Congress has from time to time considered legislation which would restrict or eliminate the corporate tax deduction for interest payments in these securities and regulate corporate restructurings. Such legislation may significantly depress the prices of outstanding securities of this type.
A Fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise exercise its rights as security holder to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of the Funds shareholders.
The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may invest up to 20% in securities that are either not rated or rated below investment grade. The Balanced Fund may invest in high yield securities that are rated B or higher by an NRSRO, or by more than one NRSRO (dual rated securities) provided that each NRSRO has rated the security B or higher, or, if unrated, of equivalent credit quality. The Balanced , Dividend Growth and Special Value Funds may invest up to 5% of its net assets in such high yield securities. Included within this limit are credit derivatives that are considered high yield instruments.
Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments.
Loans and other direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to another party. They may represent amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to other parties. Direct debt instruments involve a risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less legal protection to a Fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. In addition, loan participations involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other financial intermediary. Direct debt instruments also may include standby financing commitments that obligate a Fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in loan participations.
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U.S. Government Obligations.
U.S. Government Securities
are obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities. Obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agencys obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law. The Balanced Fund may invest up to 60% of its total assets in U.S. government securities. The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in these securities. Each of the Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Established Value, Large Cap Growth, National Municipal Bond, Ohio Municipal Bond, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in U.S. government securities.
Wholly-Owned Government Corporations
include: (A) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (B) the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; (C) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (D) the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation; (E) Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated; (F) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (G) the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA); (H) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (I) the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; (J) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (K) the Rural Telephone Bank until the ownership, control and operation of the Bank are converted under section 410(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950(a)); (L) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; (M) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development when carrying out duties and powers related to the Federal Housing Administration Fund; (N) the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA); (O) the Panama Canal Commission; and (P) the Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization Corporation.
The Tennessee Valley Authority
, a federal corporation and the nations largest public power company, issues a number of different power bonds, quarterly income debt securities (QUIDs) and discount notes to provide capital for its power program. TVA bonds include: global and domestic power bonds, valley inflation-indexed power securities, which are indexed to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index; and put-able automatic rate reset securities, which are 30-year non-callable securities. QUIDs pay interest quarterly, are callable after five years and are due at different times. TVA discount notes are available in various amounts and with maturity dates less than one year from the date of issue. Although TVA is a federal corporation, the U.S. government does not guarantee its securities, although TVA may borrow under a line of credit from the U.S. Treasury.
Municipal Securities.
Municipal securities are obligations, typically bonds and notes, issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, the interest on which, in the opinion of the issuers bond counsel at the time of issuance, is both exempt from federal income tax and not treated as a preference item for individuals for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax.
Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations are debt obligations (a type of municipal security) issued by or on behalf of the State of Ohio and its political subdivisions, the interest on which is, in the opinion of the issuers bond counsel at the time of issuance, excluded from gross income for purposes of both regular federal income taxation and Ohio personal income tax.
Generally, municipal securities are issued by governmental entities to obtain funds for various public purposes, such as the construction of a wide range of public facilities, the refunding of outstanding obligations, the payment of general operating expenses and the extension of loans to other public institutions and facilities. Municipal securities may include fixed, variable, or floating rate obligations. Municipal securities may be purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis (including refunding contracts). Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may invest in refunding contracts without limit.
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The two principal categories of municipal securities are general obligation issues and revenue issues. Other categories of municipal securities are moral obligation issues, private activity bonds and industrial development bonds.
The prices and yields on municipal securities are subject to change from time to time and depend upon a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer (or other entities whose financial resources are supporting the municipal security), general conditions in the market for tax-exempt obligations, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating(s) of the issue. There are variations in the quality of municipal securities, both within a particular category of municipal securities and between categories. Current information about the financial condition of an issuer of tax-exempt bonds or notes usually is not as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.
The term municipal securities, as used in this SAI, includes private activity bonds issued and industrial development bonds by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately-operated facilities if the interest paid thereon is both exempt from federal income tax and not treated as a preference item for individuals for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. The term municipal securities also includes short-term instruments issued in anticipation of the receipt of tax funds, the proceeds of bond placements, or other revenues, such as short-term general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, construction loan notes and other forms of short-term tax-exempt loans. Additionally, the term municipal securities includes project notes, which are issued by a state or local housing agency and are sold by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
An issuers obligations under its municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the federal bankruptcy code. Congress or state legislatures may enact laws extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon the enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Litigation or other conditions may materially adversely affect the power or ability of an issuer to meet its obligations for the payment of interest on and principal of its municipal securities. There also is the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of certain issuers to meet their obligations to pay interest on and principal of their tax-exempt bonds or notes may be materially impaired or their obligations may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Such litigation or conditions may, from time to time, have the effect of introducing uncertainties in the market for tax-exempt obligations or certain segments thereof, or may materially affect the credit risk with respect to particular bonds or notes. Adverse economic, business, legal, or political developments might affect all or a substantial portion of the Funds tax-exempt bonds and notes in the same manner.
From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on tax-exempt bonds, and similar proposals may be introduced in the future. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that Congress has the constitutional authority to enact such legislation. It is not possible to determine what effect the adoption of such proposals could have on the availability of tax-exempt bonds for investment by the Fund and the value of its portfolio. Proposals also may be introduced before state legislatures that would affect the state tax treatment of municipal securities. If such proposals were enacted, the availability of municipal securities and their value would be affected.
The Code imposes certain continuing requirements on issuers of tax-exempt bonds regarding the use, expenditure and investment of bond proceeds and the payment of rebate to the United States of America. Failure by the issuer to comply with certain of these requirements subsequent to the issuance of tax-exempt bonds could cause interest on the bonds to become includable in gross income retroactive to the date of issuance.
General obligation issues are backed by the full taxing power of a state or municipality and are payable from the issuers general unrestricted revenues and not from any particular fund or source. The characteristics and method of enforcement of general obligation bonds vary according to the law applicable to the particular issuer. Revenue issues or special obligation issues are backed only by the revenues from a specific tax, project, or facility. Moral obligation issues are normally issued by special purpose authorities.
Private activity bonds and industrial development bonds generally are revenue bonds and not payable from the resources or unrestricted revenues of the issuer. The credit and quality of industrial development revenue bonds is
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usually directly related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of principal of and interest on industrial development revenue bonds is the responsibility of the corporate user (and any guarantor). Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may invest in revenue bonds and resource recovery bonds without limit.
Private activity bonds, as discussed above, may constitute municipal securities depending on their tax treatment. The source of payment and security for such bonds is the financial resources of the private entity involved; the full faith and credit and the taxing power of the issuer normally will not be pledged. The payment obligations of the private entity also will be subject to bankruptcy as well as other exceptions similar to those described above. Certain debt obligations known as industrial development bonds under prior federal tax law may have been issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide certain privately operated housing facilities, sports facilities, industrial parks, convention or trade show facilities, airport, mass transit, port or parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, sewage or solid waste disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply or other heating or cooling facilities. Other private activity bonds and industrial development bonds issued to fund the construction, improvement or equipment of privately-operated industrial, distribution, research or commercial facilities also may be municipal securities, but the size of such issues is limited under current and prior federal tax law. The aggregate amount of most private activity bonds and industrial development bonds is limited (except in the case of certain types of facilities) under federal tax law by an annual volume cap. The volume cap limits the annual aggregate principal amount of such obligations issued by or on behalf of all government instrumentalities in the state. Such obligations are included within the term municipal securities if the interest paid thereon is, in the opinion of bond counsel, at the time of issuance, excluded from gross income for purposes of both federal income taxation (including any alternative minimum tax) and state personal income tax. Funds that invest in private activity bonds may not be a desirable investment for substantial users of facilities financed by private activity bonds or industrial development bonds or for related persons of substantial users.
Project notes are secured by the full faith and credit of the United States through agreements with the issuing authority that provide that, if required, the U.S. government will lend the issuer an amount equal to the principal of and interest on the project notes, although the issuing agency has the primary obligation with respect to its project notes.
Some municipal securities are insured by private insurance companies, while others may be supported by letters of credit furnished by domestic or foreign banks. Insured investments are covered by an insurance policy applicable to a specific security, either obtained by the issuer of the security or by a third party from a private insurer. Insurance premiums for the municipal bonds are paid in advance by the issuer or the third party obtaining such insurance. Such policies are non-cancelable and continue in force as long as the municipal bonds are outstanding and the respective insurers remain in business.
The insurer generally unconditionally guarantees the timely payment of the principal of and interest on the insured municipal bonds when and as such payments become due but shall not be paid by the issuer, except that in the event of any acceleration of the due date of the principal by reason of mandatory or optional redemption (other than acceleration by reason of a mandatory sinking fund payment), default, or otherwise, the payments guaranteed will be made in such amounts and at such times as payments of principal would have been due had there not been such acceleration. The insurer will be responsible for such payments less any amounts received by the bondholder from any trustee for the municipal bond issuers or from any other source. The insurance does not guarantee the payment of any redemption premium, the value of the shares of a Fund, or payments of any tender purchase price upon the tender of the municipal bonds. With respect to small issue industrial development municipal bonds and pollution control revenue municipal bonds, the insurer guarantees the full and complete payments required to be made by or on behalf of an issuer of such municipal bonds if there occurs any change in the tax-exempt status of interest on such municipal bonds, including principal, interest, or premium payments, if any, as and when required to be made by or on behalf of the issuer pursuant to the terms of such municipal bonds. This insurance is intended to reduce financial risk, but the cost thereof will reduce the yield available to shareholders of a Fund.
The ratings of NRSROs represent their opinions as to the quality of municipal securities. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the ratings of any NRSRO are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and municipal securities with the same maturity, interest rate and rating may have different yields, while municipal securities of the same maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same yield. Subsequent to purchase by a Fund,
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an issue of municipal securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum rating required for purchase by the Fund. The Adviser will consider such an event in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the obligation.
The Adviser believes that it is likely that sufficient municipal securities will be available to satisfy the investment objective and policies of each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds. In meeting its investment policies, such a Fund may invest part of its total assets in municipal securities that are private activity bonds. Moreover, although no such Fund currently intends to do so on a regular basis, each such Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in municipal securities that are related in such a way that an economic, business or political development or change affecting one such security would likewise affect the other municipal securities. Examples of such securities are obligations, the repayment of which is dependent upon similar types of projects or projects located in the same state. Such investments would be made only if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Adviser.
Risk Factors Associated with Certain Issuers of Municipal Securities.
A number of factors could impair a municipal issuers ability to service its debt.
General Obligation.
The following may negatively affect a general obligation issuers debt service ability: reduced voter support for taxes; statutory tax limits; a reduction in state and/or federal support; adverse economic, demographic and social trends; and loss of a significant taxpayer, such as the closing of a major manufacturing plant in a municipality that is heavily dependent on that facility.
Hospital and Health Care Facilities.
The following may negatively affect hospital and health care facilities that issue municipal securities: changes in federal and state statutes, regulations and policies affecting the health care industry; changes in policies and practices of major managed care providers, private insurers, third party payors and private purchasers of health care services; reductions in federal Medicare and Medicaid payments; insufficient occupancy; and large malpractice lawsuits.
Housing.
The following may diminish these issuers ability to service debt: accelerated prepayment of underlying mortgages; insufficient mortgage origination due to inadequate supply of housing or qualified buyers; higher than expected default rates on the underlying mortgages; and losses from receiving less interest from escrowed new project funds than is payable to bondholders
Utilities.
The following may impair the debt service ability of utilities: deregulation; environmental regulations; and adverse population trends, weather conditions and economic developments.
Mass Transportation.
The following could negatively affect airport facilities: a sharp rise in fuel prices; reduced air traffic; closing of smaller, money-losing airports; adverse local economic and social trends; and changes in environmental, Federal Aviation Administration and other regulations. The following could affect ports: natural hazards, such as drought and flood conditions; reliance on a limited number of products or trading partners; and changes in federal policies on trade, currency and agriculture. The debt service ability of toll roads is affected by: changes in traffic demand resulting from adverse economic and employment trends, fuel shortages and sharp fuel price increases; dependence on tourist-oriented economies; and declines in motor fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, license fees and penalties and fines.
Higher Education.
The following could diminish a higher education issuers debt service ability: legislative or regulatory actions; local economic conditions; reduced enrollment; increased competition with other universities or colleges; reductions in state financial support and the level of private grants.
Banking.
In addition, there are certain risks associated with the concentration of investments in the banking industry when municipal securities are credit enhanced by bank letters of credit. or guaranteed by banks. These investments may be susceptible to adverse events affecting the banking industry.
Municipal Lease Obligations
and participation interests therein, which may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sale contract, are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land and
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a wide variety of equipment and facilities. Generally, a Fund will not hold such obligations directly as a lessor of the property, but will purchase a participation interest in a municipal obligation from a bank or other third party. A participation interest gives a Fund a specified, undivided interest in the obligation in proportion to its purchased interest in the total amount of the obligation.
Municipal leases frequently have risks distinct from those associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet to incur debt. These may include voter referenda, interest rate limits, or public sale requirements. Leases, installment purchases, or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting their constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Many leases and contracts include non-appropriation clauses providing that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purposes by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Non-appropriation clauses free the issuer from debt issuance limitations. Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may invest up to 30% of its total assets in municipal lease obligations.
Below-Investment Grade Municipal Securities.
While the market for municipal securities is considered to be substantial, adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the ability of outside pricing services used by the Fund to value portfolio securities, and the Funds ability to dispose of below-investment grade securities. Outside pricing services are consistently monitored to assure that securities are valued by a method that the Board believes accurately reflects fair value. The impact of changing investor perceptions may be especially pronounced in markets where municipal securities are thinly traded. A Fund may choose, at its expense, or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation seeking to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of shareholders.
Neither the National Municipal Bond Fund nor the Ohio Municipal Bond Fund currently intends to invest in below-investment grade municipal securities. However, each of these Funds may hold up to 5% of its assets in municipal securities that have been downgraded below investment grade.
Federally Taxable Obligations.
No Tax-Exempt Fixed Income Fund intends to invest in securities whose interest is federally taxable; however, from time to time, such a Fund may invest a portion of its assets on a temporary basis in fixed-income obligations whose interest is subject to federal income tax. For example, such a Fund may invest in obligations whose interest is federally taxable pending the investment or reinvestment in municipal securities of proceeds from the sale of its shares of portfolio securities. Each such Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in taxable obligations.
Should a Tax-Exempt Fixed Income Fund invest in federally taxable obligations, it would purchase securities that in the Advisers judgment are of high quality. This would include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; obligations of domestic banks; and repurchase agreements. These Funds standards for high quality taxable obligations are essentially the same as those described by Moodys in rating corporate obligations within its two highest ratings of Prime-1 and Prime-2, and those described by S&P in rating corporate obligations within its two highest ratings of A-1 and A-2. In making high quality determinations such a Fund also may consider the comparable ratings of other NRSROs. The Supreme Court has held that Congress may subject the interest on municipal obligations to federal income tax. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal obligations are introduced before Congress from time to time.
The Tax-Exempt Fixed Income Funds anticipate being as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities; however, there may be occasions when, as a result of maturities of portfolio securities, sales of Fund shares, or in order to meet redemption requests, such a Fund may hold cash that is not earning income. In addition, there may be occasions when, in order to raise cash to meet redemptions, such a Fund may be required to sell securities at a loss.
Refunded Municipal Bonds.
In determining whether a Fund is diversified or non-diversified under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not limited in the percentage of its assets invested in U.S. government obligations. Investments by a Fund in refunded municipal bonds that are secured by escrowed obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities are considered to be investments in U.S. government obligations for
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purposes of the diversification requirements to which the Fund is subject under the 1940 Act. As a result, a Fund may invest in such refunded bonds issued by a particular municipal issuer without limit. The escrowed securities securing such refunded municipal bonds will consist exclusively of U.S. government obligations, and will be held by an independent escrow agent or be subject to an irrevocable pledge of the escrow account to the debt service on the original bonds.
Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations.
As used in the prospectuses and this SAI, the term Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations refers to debt obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Ohio and its political subdivisions, the interest on which is, in the opinion of the issuers bond counsel, rendered on the date of issuance, excluded from gross income for purposes of both federal income taxation and Ohio personal income tax (as used herein the terms income tax and taxation do not include any possible incidence of any alternative minimum tax). Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations are issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities such as bridges, highways, roads, schools, water and sewer works and other utilities. Other public purposes for which Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations may be issued include refunding outstanding obligations and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and facilities. In addition, certain debt obligations known as private activity bonds may be issued by or on behalf of municipalities and public authorities to obtain funds to provide certain water, sewage and solid waste facilities, qualified residential rental projects, certain local electric, gas and other heating or cooling facilities, qualified hazardous waste disposal facilities, high-speed inter-city rail facilities, government-owned airports, docks and wharves and mass commuting facilities, certain qualified mortgages, student loan and redevelopment bonds and bonds used for certain organizations exempt from federal income taxation. Certain debt obligations known as industrial development bonds under prior federal tax law may have been issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide certain privately operated housing facilities, sports facilities, industrial parks, convention or trade show facilities, airport, mass transit, port or parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, sewage or solid waste disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply or other heating or cooling facilities. Other private activity bonds and industrial development bonds issued to fund the construction, improvement or equipment of privately-operated industrial, distribution, research or commercial facilities also may be Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations, but the size of such issues is limited under current and prior federal tax law. The aggregate amount of most private activity bonds and industrial development bonds is limited (except in the case of certain types of facilities) under federal tax law by an annual volume cap. The volume cap limits the annual aggregate principal amount of such obligations issued by or on behalf of all government instrumentalities in the state. Such obligations are included within the term Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations if the interest paid thereon is, in the opinion of bond counsel, rendered on the date of issuance, excluded from gross income for purposes of both federal income taxation (including, in certain cases, any alternative minimum tax) and Ohio personal income tax. A Fund that invests in Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations may not be a desirable investment for substantial users of facilities financed by private activity bonds or industrial development bonds or for related persons of substantial users. (see Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes in the prospectuses.)
Prices and yields on Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations are dependent on a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer, general conditions in the market for tax-exempt obligations, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and ratings of particular issues, and are subject to change from time to time. Current information about the financial condition of an issuer of tax-exempt bonds or notes is usually not as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.
Obligations of subdivision issuers of tax-exempt bonds and notes may be subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005, as amended, affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Congress or state legislatures may seek to extend the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or to impose other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. There also is the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of certain issuers to meet their obligations to pay premium and interest on and principal of their tax-exempt bonds or notes may be materially impaired or their obligations may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Such litigation or conditions may, from time to time, have the effect of introducing uncertainties in the market for tax-exempt obligations or certain segments thereof, or may materially affect the credit risk with respect to particular bonds or notes. Adverse economic, business, legal or political developments might affect all or a substantial portion of the Funds tax-exempt bonds and notes in the same manner.
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From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on tax-exempt bonds, and similar proposals may be introduced in the future. A 1988 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court held that Congress has the constitutional authority to enact such legislation. It is not possible to determine what effect the adoption of such proposals could have on the availability of tax-exempt bonds for investment by a Fund and the value of its portfolio.
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) imposes certain continuing requirements on issuers of tax-exempt bonds regarding the use, expenditure and investment of bond proceeds and the payment of rebate to the United States of America. Failure by the issuer to comply subsequent to the issuance of tax-exempt bonds with certain of these requirements could cause interest on the bonds to become includable in gross income, including retroactively to the date of issuance.
A Fund may invest in Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations either by purchasing them directly or by purchasing certificates of accrual or similar instruments evidencing direct ownership of interest payments or principal payments, or both, on Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations, provided that, in the opinion of counsel to the initial seller of each such certificate or instrument, any original issue discount accruing on such certificate or instrument that is purchased at a yield not greater than the coupon rate of interest on the related Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations will be exempt from federal income tax and Ohio personal income tax to the same extent as interest on such Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations. A Fund also may invest in Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations by purchasing from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations. Such participations may be backed in whole or in part by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling bank. The selling bank may receive a fee from the Fund in connection with the arrangement. A Fund will not purchase participation interests unless it receives an opinion of counsel or a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) that interest earned by it on Ohio Tax-Exempt Obligations in which it holds such a participation interest is exempt from federal income tax and Ohio personal income tax.
Additional Information Concerning Ohio Issuers.
The Ohio Municipal Bond Fund will invest most of its net assets in securities issued by or on behalf of (or in certificates of participation in lease-purchase obligations of) the State of Ohio, political subdivisions of the State, or agencies or instrumentalities of the State or its political subdivisions (Ohio Obligations). The Ohio Municipal Bond Fund is therefore susceptible to general or particular economic, political or regulatory factors that may affect issuers of Ohio Obligations. The following information constitutes only a brief summary of some of the many complex factors that may have an effect. The information does not apply to conduit obligations on which the public issuer itself has no financial responsibility.
Generally, the creditworthiness of Ohio Obligations of local issuers is unrelated to that of obligations of the State itself, and the State has no responsibility to make payments on those local obligations.
There may be specific factors that at particular times apply in connection with investment in particular Ohio Obligations or in those obligations of particular Ohio issuers. It is possible that the investment may be in particular Ohio Obligations, or in those of particular issuers, as to which those factors apply. However, the information below is intended only as a general summary, and is not intended as a discussion of any specific factors that may affect any particular obligation or issuer.
State specific mutual funds invest almost exclusively in debt obligations of issuers in their state. Thus, state specific funds are more vulnerable to events unique in their state because they do not have the geographic diversification typically found in national municipal funds that buy municipal securities from issuers around the entire nation. Tax policies, the political environment, economic activity, demographics and population trends can vary significantly among the states. Also, the general business climate can vary between states. The cost of doing business can differ around the country relating to a states minimum wage, union penetration and the costs of generating electricity in different regions of the country, for example.
Because the Ohio Municipal Bond Fund invests almost exclusively in securities of issuers in the state of Ohio, the Fund is vulnerable to unfavorable economic conditions in Ohio that can impact the credit quality of all issuers in the state. Adverse economic events that impact the Ohio economy can have an impact on the financial wherewithal of all issuers of municipal securities in the state. Manufacturing, including auto-related manufacturing, remains a
18
significant component of Ohios economy, but less important than in the past. In general, any economic event or trend that negatively impacts manufacturing will have a greater negative impact on Ohio relative to other states that do not have as large a manufacturing component. Favorably, in recent years, Ohios economy has become more diversified as the greatest growth has occurred in Ohios non-manufacturing sectors, including services. Ohios health care sector has expanded and its high technology sector has grown too, partially as a result of state initiatives specifically targeting that area. International trade and agriculture are other important segments of the Ohio economy. International trade can be negatively impacted by adverse changes in the value of the dollar, while agriculture can be negatively impacted by weather, for example. Any event that negatively impacts these segments of the economy in Ohio could negatively impact municipal finances in the state.
An aging and falling population in Ohio could negatively impact municipal finances over time. Population could be negatively impacted if a high number of retirees decide to move to other states, for example. A falling population could negatively impact municipalities as they lose their taxpayers. Income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes as well as miscellaneous fees such as motor vehicle license fees could be negatively impacted as people move away and stop paying those taxes and fees in the State of Ohio.
Many Ohio political subdivisions, particularly school districts, get a large portion of their funding from the State of Ohio. Thus, any event that negatively impacts the State of Ohios finances can carry over to other issuers of Ohio Obligations. As part of the biennial budget law that took effect on July 1, 2011, the State of Ohio cut its funding of its political subdivisions to relieve its own financial pressures, and the State did not restore this funding as part of the biennial budget law that took effect on July 1, 2013. This reduction in funding could reverberate through to many issuers of Ohio Obligations and their payment of debt service on such Obligations.
There can be no assurance that Ohio political subdivisions will not be impacted by events that can negatively affect the prices of their securities or their abilities to make principal and interest payments on their debt.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
are backed by mortgage obligations including, among others, conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgage obligations, graduated payment mortgage obligations, 15-year mortgage obligations and adjustable-rate mortgage obligations. All of these mortgage obligations can be used to create pass-through securities. A pass-through security is created when mortgage obligations are pooled together and undivided interests in the pool or pools are sold. The cash flow from the mortgage obligations is passed through to the holders of the securities in the form of periodic payments of interest, principal, and prepayments (net of a service fee).
Prepayments occur when the holder of an individual mortgage obligation prepays the remaining principal before the mortgage obligations scheduled maturity date. As a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying securities, mortgage-backed securities are often subject to more rapid prepayment of principal than their stated maturity indicates. Because the prepayment characteristics of the underlying mortgage obligations vary, it is not possible to predict accurately the realized yield or average life of a particular issue of pass-through certificates. Prepayment rates are important because of their effect on the yield and price of the securities.
Accelerated prepayments have an adverse impact on yields for pass-throughs purchased at a premium (
i.e.
, a price in excess of principal amount) and may involve additional risk of loss of principal because the premium may not have been fully amortized at the time the obligation is repaid. The opposite is true for pass-throughs purchased at a discount. A Fund may purchase mortgage-backed securities at a premium or at a discount. Among the U.S. government securities in which a Fund may invest are government mortgage-backed securities (or government guaranteed mortgage-related securities). Such guarantees do not extend to the value of yield of the mortgage-backed securities themselves or of the Funds shares.
The Balanced Fund may invest up to 40% of its total assets in mortgage-backed securities. Each of the Investment Grade Convertible, National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may invest up to 35% of its total assets in tax-exempt mortgage-backed securities. The Diversified Stock Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in these securities.
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Federal Farm Credit Bank Securities
. A U.S. government-sponsored institution, the Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB) consolidates the financing activities of the component banks of the Federal Farm Credit System, established by the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide credit to farmers and farm-related enterprises. The FFCB sells short-term discount notes maturing in 1 to 365 days, short-term bonds with three- and six-month maturities and adjustable rate securities through a national syndicate of securities dealers. Several dealers also maintain an active secondary market in these securities. FFCB securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. government and no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to this instrumentality.
Federal Home Loan Bank Securities.
Similar to the role played by the Federal Reserve System with respect to U.S. commercial banks, the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), created in 1932, supplies credit reserves to savings and loans, cooperative banks and other mortgage lenders. FHLB sells short-term discount notes maturing in one to 360 days and variable rate securities, and lends the money to mortgage lenders based on the amount of collateral provided by the institution. FHLB securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. government, although FHLB may borrow under a line of credit from the U.S. Treasury.
U.S. Government Mortgage-Backed Securities.
Certain obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are mortgage-backed securities. Some such obligations, such as those issued by GNMA, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agencys obligations; still others, such as those of FFCB or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law.
GNMA is the principal governmental (
i.e.
, backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government) guarantor of mortgage-backed securities. GNMA is a wholly-owned U.S. government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages. Government-related (
i.e.
, not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government) guarantors include FNMA and FHLMC, which are government-sponsored corporations owned entirely by private stockholders. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA and FHLMC are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
GNMA Certificates
are mortgage-backed securities that evidence an undivided interest in a pool or pools of mortgages. GNMA Certificates that a Fund may purchase are the modified pass-through type, which entitle the holder to receive timely payment of all interest and principal payments due on the mortgage pool, net of fees paid to the issuer and GNMA, regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
The National Housing Act authorizes GNMA to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on securities backed by a pool of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA). The GNMA guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. GNMA also is empowered to borrow without limitation from the U.S. Treasury if necessary to make any payments required under its guarantee.
The estimated average life of a GNMA Certificate is likely to be substantially shorter than the original maturity of the underlying mortgages. Prepayments of principal by mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures usually will result in the return of the greater part of principal investment long before the maturity of the mortgages in the pool. Foreclosures impose no risk to principal investment because of the GNMA guarantee, except to the extent that a Fund has purchased the certificates above par in the secondary market.
A Fund may purchase construction loan securities, a form of GNMA certificate, that are issued to finance building costs. The funds are paid by a Fund and disbursed as needed or in accordance with a prearranged plan over a period as long as three years. The securities provide for the timely payment to the registered holder of interest at the specified rate plus scheduled installments of principal. Upon completion of the construction phase, the construction loan securities are terminated and project loan securities are issued. It is the Funds policy to record these GNMA
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certificates on the day after trade date and to segregate assets to cover its commitments on the day after trade date as well. When a Fund sells a construction loan security, the settlement of the trade is not completed as to any additional funds that are scheduled to be paid by the owner of the security until those payments are made, which may be as long as three years. During this period of time prior to settlement of the trade, the Funds segregation of assets continues in the amount of the additional funds scheduled to be paid by the owner of the security. If the security fails to settle at any time during this period because the current owner fails to make a required additional payment of funds, the Fund could be subject to a loss similar to the loss that a seller normally is subject to upon the failed settlement of a security.
FHLMC Securities.
FHLMC was created in 1970 to promote development of a nationwide secondary market in conventional residential mortgages. FHLMC issues two types of mortgage pass-through securities (FHLMC Certificates), mortgage participation certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). Participation Certificates resemble GNMA Certificates in that each Participation Certificate represents a pro rata share of all interest and principal payments made and owed on the underlying pool. FHLMC guarantees timely monthly payment of interest on Participation Certificates and the ultimate payment of principal. FHLMC Gold Participation Certificates guarantee the timely payment of
both
principal and interest.
FHLMC CMOs are backed by pools of agency mortgage-backed securities and the timely payment of principal and interest of each tranche is guaranteed by the FHLMC. Although the FHLMC guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, FHLMC may borrow under a line of credit from the U.S. Treasury.
FNMA Securities.
FNMA was established in 1938 to create a secondary market in mortgages insured by the FHA, but has expanded its activity to the secondary market for conventional residential mortgages. FNMA primarily issues two types of mortgage-backed securities, guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates (FNMA Certificates) and CMOs. FNMA Certificates resemble GNMA Certificates in that each FNMA Certificate represents a pro rata share of all interest and principal payments made and owed on the underlying pool. FNMA guarantees timely payment of interest and principal on FNMA Certificates and CMOs. Although the FNMA guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, FNMA may borrow under a line of credit from the U.S. Treasury.
SLMA Securities
. Established by federal decree in 1972 to increase the availability of education loans to college and university students, the Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA) is a publicly traded corporation that guarantees student loans traded in the secondary market. SLMA purchases student loans from participating financial institutions that originate these loans and provides financing to state education loan agencies. SLMA issues short- and medium-term notes and floating rate securities. SLMA securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. government, although SLMA may borrow under a line of credit from the U.S. Treasury.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.
Mortgage-backed securities also may include CMOs. CMOs are securities backed by a pool of mortgages in which the principal and interest cash flows of the pool are channeled on a prioritized basis into two or more classes, or tranches, of bonds. The Balanced Fund may invest up to 40% of its total assets in CMOs. The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in CMOs. Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may invest up to 25% of its total assets in CMOs. The Diversified Stock Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in these securities.
Non-Government Mortgage-Backed Securities.
A Fund may invest in mortgage-related securities issued by non-government entities. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers also may be the originators of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-government issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are not direct or indirect government guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools is supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by government entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers, thereof will be considered in determining whether a non-government mortgage-backed security meets a Funds investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the private insurers can meet their obligations under the policies. A Fund may buy non-government mortgage-
21
backed securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the poolers, the Adviser determines that the securities meet the Funds quality standards. Although the market for such securities is becoming increasingly liquid, securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable and subject to the Funds restrictions on acquiring illiquid securities.
A Fund may purchase mortgage-related securities with stated maturities in excess of 10 years. Mortgage-related securities include CMOs and participation certificates in pools of mortgages. The average life of mortgage-related securities varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage instruments, which have maximum maturities of 40 years. The average life is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities as the result of mortgage prepayments. The rate of such prepayments, and hence the average life of the certificates, will be a function of current market interest rates and current conditions in the relevant housing markets. The impact of prepayment of mortgages is described under Mortgage-Backed Securities. Estimated average life will be determined by the Adviser. Various independent mortgage-related securities dealers publish estimated average life data using proprietary models, and in making such determinations, the Adviser will rely on such data except to the extent such data are deemed unreliable by the Adviser. The Adviser might deem data unreliable that appeared to present a significantly different estimated average life for a security than data relating to the estimated average life of comparable securities as provided by other independent mortgage-related securities dealers.
Forward Roll Transactions.
A Fund can enter into forward roll transactions with respect to mortgage-related securities. In this type of transaction, the Fund sells a mortgage-related security to a buyer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase a similar security (the same type of security and having the same coupon and maturity) at a later date at a set price. The securities that are repurchased will have the same interest rate as the securities that are sold, but typically will be collateralized by different pools of mortgages (with different prepayment histories) than the securities that have been sold. Proceeds from the sale are invested in short-term instruments, such as repurchase agreements. The income from those investments, plus the fees from the forward roll transaction, are expected to generate income to the Fund in excess of the yield on the securities that have been sold. The Fund will only enter into covered rolls. To assure its future payment of the purchase price, the Fund will identify on its books liquid assets in an amount equal to the payment obligation under the roll. For financial reporting and tax purposes, the Fund treats each forward roll transaction as two separate transactions: one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a sale. The Fund currently does not intend to enter into forward roll transactions that are accounted for as a financing.
Asset-Backed Securities
are debt securities backed by pools of automobile or other commercial or consumer finance loans. The collateral backing asset-backed securities cannot be foreclosed upon. These issues are normally traded over-the-counter and typically have a short to intermediate maturity structure, depending on the pay-down characteristics of the underlying financial assets that are passed through to the security holder. The value of asset-backed securities, including those issued by structured investment vehicles (SIVs), may be affected by, among other things, changes in: interest rates, the quality of underlying assets or the markets assessment of those assets, factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the receivables, or the creditworthiness of entities that provide any credit enhancements. SIVs generally have experienced significantly decreased liquidity as well as declines in the market value of certain categories of collateral underlying the SIVs.
The Balanced Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in these securities.
Prime Rate Indexed Adjustable Rate Securities.
Floating rate notes include prime rate-indexed adjustable rate securities, which are securities whose interest rate is calculated based on the prime rate, that is, the interest rate that banks charge to their most creditworthy customers. Market forces affecting a banks cost of funds and the rates that borrowers will accept determine the prime rate. The prime rate tends to become standard across the banking industry when a major bank moves its prime rate up or down.
Repurchase Agreements
. Securities held by a Fund may be subject to repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days are considered illiquid for purposes of complying with a Funds restriction on purchasing illiquid securities Under the terms of a repurchase agreement, a Fund would acquire securities from financial institutions or registered broker-dealers deemed creditworthy by the Adviser pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Trustees, subject to the sellers agreement to repurchase such securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The seller is required to maintain the value of collateral held pursuant to the agreement
22
at not less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the seller were to default on its repurchase obligation or become insolvent, a Fund would suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from a sale of the underlying portfolio securities were less than the repurchase price, or to the extent that the disposition of such securities by the Fund is delayed pending court action.
The acquisition of a repurchase agreement will be deemed to be an acquisition of the underlying securities, provided that the obligation of the seller to repurchase the securities from the Fund is Collateralized Fully and the Adviser, pursuant to its authority as delegated by the Board, has evaluated the sellers creditworthiness. In this regard, the underlying securities must be consistent with a Funds investment policies and limitations.
Each of the Balanced, Fund for Income, and Investment Grade Convertible Funds may invest up to 35% of its total assets in repurchase agreements. Each of the National Municipal Bond, Ohio Municipal Bond, Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Established Value, Large Cap Growth, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in repurchase agreements. All of the other Funds may invest in repurchase agreements without limit. Subject to the conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC, the Adviser may combine repurchase transactions among one or more Funds into a single transaction.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements.
A Fund may borrow funds for temporary purposes by entering into reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to such an agreement, a Fund would sell a portfolio security to a financial institution, such as a bank or a broker-dealer, and agree to repurchase such security at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will segregate assets (such as cash or liquid securities) consistent with the Funds investment restrictions having a value equal to the repurchase price (including accrued interest). The collateral will be marked-to-market on a daily basis and will be monitored continuously to ensure that such equivalent value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by a Fund may decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase the securities.
When-Issued Securities.
A Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis (
i.e.
, for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield). When a Fund agrees to purchase securities on a when issued basis, the custodian will set aside cash or liquid securities equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account. Normally, the custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy the purchase commitment, and in such a case, the Fund may be required subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the segregated assets remains equal to the amount of the Funds commitment. It may be expected that a Funds net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash. When a Fund engages in when-issued transactions, it relies on the seller to consummate the trade. Failure of the seller to do so may result in the Fund incurring a loss or missing the opportunity to obtain a price considered to be advantageous. The Funds do not intend to purchase when-issued securities for speculative purposes, but only in furtherance of their investment objectives.
Delayed-Delivery Transactions.
A Fund may buy and sell securities on a delayed-delivery basis. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell specific securities at a predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place after the customary settlement period for that type of security (and more than seven days in the future). Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered. The Fund may receive fees for entering into delayed-delivery transactions.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, a Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations in addition to the risks associated with the Funds other investments. Because a Fund is not required to pay for securities until the delivery date, these delayed-delivery purchases may result in a form of leverage. When delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the Fund will segregate cash and appropriate liquid assets to cover its purchase obligations. When a Fund has sold a security on a delayed-delivery basis, it does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
A Fund may renegotiate delayed-delivery transactions after they are entered into or may sell underlying securities before they are delivered, either of which may result in capital gains or losses.
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To-Be-Announced Securities.
A Fund may purchase securities that are to-be-announced (TBA). The term TBA is derived from the fact that the actual mortgage-backed security that will be delivered to fulfill a TBA trade is not designated at the time the trade is made. In a TBA transaction, a seller generally agrees to deliver a mortgage-backed security meeting certain criteria at a future date. Failure of the seller to do so may result in the Fund incurring a loss or missing the opportunity to obtain a price considered to be advantageous. The Funds do not intend to purchase TBA securities for speculative purposes, but only in furtherance of their investment objectives.
Forward Transactions.
The Funds may invest in securities (including, for example, Government Mortgage-Backed Securities) on a forward basis. When purchasing securities on a forward basis, a Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations in addition to the risks associated with the Funds other investments. Because a Fund is not required to pay for securities until the settlement date, these forward purchases may result in a form of leverage. When forward purchases are outstanding, the Fund will segregate cash and appropriate liquid assets to cover its purchase obligations. When a Fund has sold a security on a forward basis, it does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a forward transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
When a Fund enters into a forward transaction, the Fund may be required to provide collateral to cover potential losses of the counterparty, due to changes in the value of the security, in the event that the transaction is unable to settle (e.g., in the event of a default or a failure to deliver the security). Similarly, the counterparty may be required to provide collateral to cover the potential losses of the Fund, due to changes in the value of the security, in the event that the transaction is unable to settle. A Fund may reduce the amount of liquid assets it will segregate to the extent it provides such collateral.
International and Foreign Investments.
General considerations.
There may be less information publicly available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S. issuer, and foreign issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those in the U.S. The securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also generally higher than in the U.S. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve certain risks (such as delay in payment or delivery of securities or in the recovery of the Funds assets held abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of investments in U.S. markets. Payment for securities without delivery may be required in certain foreign markets.
In addition, foreign securities may be subject to the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of foreign currency, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and diplomatic developments which could affect the value of a Funds investments in certain foreign countries. Governments of many countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector through the ownership or control of many companies, including some of the largest in these countries. As a result, government actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions which may adversely affect prices of certain portfolio securities. There is also generally less government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the U.S. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale of, foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, and special U.S. tax considerations may apply. Moreover, foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be more limited than those available with respect to investments in the U.S. or in other foreign countries. The laws of some foreign countries may limit the Funds ability to invest in securities of certain issuers organized under the laws of those foreign countries.
Of particular importance, many foreign countries are heavily dependent upon exports, particularly to developed countries, and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected by trade barriers, managed adjustments in relative currency values, and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the U.S. and other countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may continue to be negatively impacted by
24
economic conditions in the U.S. and other trading partners, which can lower the demand for goods produced in those countries.
The risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets, typically are increased in connection with investments in emerging markets. For example, political and economic structures in these countries may be in their infancy and developing rapidly, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries (including amplified risk of war and terrorism).
Certain of these countries have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized and expropriated the assets of private companies. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
The currencies of certain emerging market countries have experienced devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and future devaluations may adversely affect the value of assets denominated in such currencies. In addition, currency hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation or deflation for many years, and future inflation may adversely affect the economies and securities markets of such countries.
In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the value of investments in emerging markets and the availability of additional investments in these markets. Any change in the leadership or politics of emerging market countries, or the countries that exercise a significant influence over those countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities. The small size, limited trading volume and relative inexperience of the securities markets in these countries may make investments in securities traded in emerging markets illiquid and more volatile than investments in securities traded in more developed countries. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions. In addition, the Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before making investments in securities traded in emerging markets. There may be little financial or accounting information available with respect to issuers of emerging market securities, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the value of prospects of an investment in such securities.
The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be substantially curtailed and prices for a Funds securities in such markets may not be readily available. A Fund may suspend redemption of its shares for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC. Accordingly, if a Fund believes that appropriate circumstances exist, it may apply to the SEC for a determination that an emergency is present. During the period commencing from a Funds identification of such condition until the date of the SEC action, a Funds securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair value determined in good faith by or under the direction of a Funds Board.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers, brokers and securities markets may be subject to less government supervision. Foreign security trading practices, including those involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, which may result in substantial delays. It also may be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries.
Investing abroad also involves different political and economic risks. Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There may be a greater possibility of default by foreign governments or foreign government-sponsored enterprises. Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political, economic, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments. There is no assurance that the Adviser will be able to anticipate these potential events or counter their effects.
The considerations noted above generally are intensified for investments in developing countries. Emerging countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of securities.
25
A Fund may invest in foreign securities that impose restrictions on transfer within the U.S. or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to transfer restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
The International and International Select Funds intend to invest at least 80% of their assets in foreign equity securities. The Large Cap Growth Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign equity securities. The Balanced Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in these securities.
Depositary Receipts.
A Fund may invest in sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), International Depositary Receipts (IDRs) and other types of Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and IDRs are hereinafter referred to as Depositary Receipts). Depositary receipts provide indirect investment in securities of foreign issuers. Prices of unsponsored Depositary Receipts may be more volatile than if they were sponsored by the issuer of the underlying securities. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts.
ADRs are depositary receipts which are bought and sold in the United States and are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidences ownership of underlying securities by a foreign corporation. GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they may also be issued by United States banks or trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or a United States corporation. Generally, Depositary Receipts in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities markets and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the United States.
For purposes of a Funds investment policies, a Funds investments in ADRs, GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Depositary Receipts, including those denominated in U.S. dollars will be subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. However, by investing in U.S. dollar-denominated ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers stock, a Fund avoids currency risks during the settlement period. In general, there is a large, liquid market in the United States for most ADRs. However, certain Depositary Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and therefore may be illiquid securities.
Each of the Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Established Value, Investment Grade Convertible, Large Cap Growth, Small Company Opportunity, and Special Value Funds may invest up to 20% of their assets in ADRs and the Balanced Fund invest up to 15% of its assets in these securities.
International and Foreign Debt Securities.
International Bonds
include Yankee and Euro obligations, which are U.S. dollar-denominated international bonds for which the primary trading market is in the United States (Yankee Bonds), or for which the primary trading market is abroad (Eurodollar Bonds). International bonds also include Canadian and supranational agency bonds (
e.g.
, those issued by the International Monetary Fund). (See Foreign Debt Securities for a description of risks associated with investments in foreign securities.)
Foreign Debt Securities.
Investments in securities of foreign companies generally involve greater risks than are present in U.S. investments. Compared to U.S. companies, there generally is less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies.
Foreign companies generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those prevalent in the U.S. Securities of some foreign companies are less liquid, and their prices more volatile, than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Settlement of transactions in some foreign markets may be delayed or may be less frequent than in the U.S., which could affect the liquidity of a Funds investment.
26
In addition, with respect to some foreign countries, there is the possibility of nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation; limitations on the removal of securities, property, or other assets of a Fund; political or social instability; increased difficulty in obtaining legal judgments; or diplomatic developments that could affect U.S. investments in those countries. The Adviser will take such factors into consideration in managing a Funds investments.
Since most foreign debt securities are not rated, a Fund will invest in those foreign debt securities based on the Advisers analysis without relying on published ratings. Achievement of a Funds goals, therefore, may depend more upon the abilities of the Adviser than would otherwise be the case. The value of the foreign debt securities held by a Fund, and thus the net asset value of a Funds shares, generally will fluctuate with (a) changes in the perceived creditworthiness of the issuers of those securities, (b) movements in interest rates, and (c) changes in the relative values of the currencies in which a Funds investments in debt securities are denominated with respect to the U.S. dollar. The extent of the fluctuation will depend on various factors, such as the average maturity of a Funds investments in foreign debt securities, and the extent to which a Fund hedges its interest rate, credit and currency exchange rate risks. A longer average maturity generally is associated with a higher level of volatility in the market value of such securities in response to changes in market conditions. In the event of default, there may be limited or no legal recourse in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party.
Each of the Global Equity, International, and International Select Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign debt securities. The Balanced Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in these securities.
Foreign Currency Considerations.
Because investments in foreign securities usually involve currencies of foreign countries, and because a Fund may hold foreign currencies and forward contracts, futures contracts, options on foreign currencies and foreign currency futures contracts and other currency related instruments, the value of the assets of a Fund as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and a Fund may incur costs and experience conversion difficulties and uncertainties in connection with conversions between various currencies. Fluctuations in exchange rates may also affect the earning power and asset value of the foreign entity issuing the security.
The value of securities denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies and of dividends and interest from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. The strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against these currencies is responsible for part of a Funds investment performance. If the dollar falls in value relative to the Japanese yen, for example, the dollar value of a Japanese stock held in the portfolio will rise even though the price of the stock remains unchanged. Conversely, if the dollar rises in value relative to the yen, the dollar value of the Japanese stock will fall. Many foreign currencies have experienced significant devaluation relative to the dollar.
Although a Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should a Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer. A Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (
i.e.
, cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into options or forward or futures contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.
Derivatives.
Forward Contracts.
A forward currency exchange contract (forward contract) involves an obligation to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date that may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks). A Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if the managers determine that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. A Fund may also buy and sell
27
forward contracts (to the extent they are not deemed commodities) for non-hedging purposes when the managers anticipate that the foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Funds portfolio.
A Funds custodian bank will place cash or liquid high grade debt securities (securities rated in one of the top three ratings categories by Moodys or S&P or, if unrated, deemed by the managers to be of comparable quality) into a segregated account of the Fund maintained by its custodian bank in an amount equal to the value of the Funds total assets committed to the forward foreign currency exchange contracts requiring the funds to purchase foreign currencies. If the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines, additional cash or securities is placed in the account on a daily basis so that the value of the account equals the amount of the Funds commitments with respect to such contracts. The segregated account is marked-to-market on a daily basis.
Although the contracts are not presently regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC), a U.S. governmental agency, the CFTC may in the future assert authority to regulate these contracts. In such event, a Funds ability to utilize forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be restricted. A Fund generally will not enter into a forward contract with a term of greater than one year. A Fund will not enter into forward currency exchange contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts where the completion of the contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of currency other than U.S. dollars in excess of the value of the Funds portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency or, in the case of cross-hedging, in a currency closely correlated to that currency.
Risk Factors in Forward Contract Transactions.
Hedging the Funds currency risks through forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk of mismatching the Funds objectives under a forward foreign currency exchange contract with the value of securities denominated in a particular currency. There is additional risk that such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain and that currency contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Funds securities are not denominated.
The Balanced Fund may enter into forward contracts as a secondary investment strategy.
Futures and Options.
Futures Contracts
. A Fund may enter into futures contracts, including stock index futures contracts and options on futures contracts for the purpose of remaining fully invested and reducing transaction costs. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security, class of securities, or an index, at a specified future time and at a specified price. In a stock index futures contract, two parties agree to receive or deliver a specified amount of cash multiplied by the difference between the stock index value at the close of trading of the contracts and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck.
Futures contracts, which are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument, are traded on national futures exchanges. The CFTC regulates futures exchanges and trading under the Commodity Exchange Act. Pursuant to a claim for exemption filed with the National Futures Association, the Funds are deemed not to be a commodity pool or a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act and are not subject to registration or regulation as such. In connection with this exemption, each Fund has undertaken to submit to any CFTC special calls for information.
Although futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery and receipt of the underlying securities, in most cases these contracts are closed out before the settlement date without actual delivery or receipt. Closing out an open futures position is done by taking an offsetting position in an identical contract to terminate the position (buying a contract that has previously been sold, or selling a contract previously purchased). Taking an offsetting position also can be accomplished by the acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts that will, respectively, give a Fund the right (but not the obligation), in return for the premium paid, for a specified price, to sell or to purchase the underlying futures contract, upon exercise of the option, at any time during the option period. Brokerage commissions are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold.
28
Futures traders, such as the Funds, are required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or liquid securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying security) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Minimal initial margin requirements are established by the futures exchange and are subject to change. Brokers may establish deposit requirements that are higher than the exchange minimums. Initial margin deposits on futures contracts are customarily set at levels much lower than the prices at which the underlying securities are purchased and sold, typically ranging upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is marked-to-market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of additional variation margin will be required. Conversely, change in the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. The Funds expect to earn interest income on their margin deposits.
When interest rates are expected to rise or market values of portfolio securities are expected to fall, a Fund may seek to offset a decline in the value of its portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are expected to fall or market values of portfolio securities are expected to rise, a Fund may purchase futures contracts in an attempt to secure better rates or prices on anticipated purchases than those that might later be available in the market.
Risk Factors in Futures Transactions.
Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for such futures. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a futures position. In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain the required margin. In such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a Fund may be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying the futures contracts that it holds. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the ability to effectively hedge them. A Fund will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges and for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some strategies can be substantial, due both to the low margin deposits required and the extremely high degree of leverage involved in futures pricing. Because the deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, there may be increased participation by speculators in the futures market that also may cause temporary price distortions. A relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss (as well as gain) to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit if the contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the contract. However, because the futures strategies engaged in by the Funds are generally only for hedging purposes, the Adviser does not believe that the Funds are subject to the risks of loss frequently associated with futures transactions. The Funds would presumably have sustained comparable losses if, instead of the futures contract, it had invested in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the decline.
Use of futures transactions by the Funds involves the risk of imperfect or no correlation where the securities underlying futures contract have different maturities than the portfolio securities being hedged. It also is possible that a Fund could both lose money on futures contracts and also experience a decline in value of its portfolio securities. There also is the risk of loss by the Funds of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Funds have open positions in a futures contract or related option.
29
A Fund may lose the expected benefit of futures transactions if interest rates, exchange rates or securities prices move in an unanticipated manner. Such unanticipated changes also may result in poorer overall performance than if a Fund had not entered into any futures transactions. Futures transactions involve brokerage costs and require a Fund to segregate assets to cover contracts that would require it to purchase securities or currencies.
Restrictions on the Use of Futures Contracts.
Any Fund (other than the Established Value and Large Cap Growth Funds) may invest in futures contracts, including stock index futures contracts and options on futures contracts, in a manner consistent with its policies for investing in derivative instruments, as established by the Board.
These investments may be made (i) as a substitute for investing directly in securities to keep the Fund fully invested and reduce transaction costs, (ii) for speculative purposes (for example, to generate income), (iii) to hedge, and (iv) as a temporary substitute to maintain exposure to a particular market or security pending investment in that market or security. The Funds will not enter into futures contract transactions for purposes other than bona fide hedging if, immediately thereafter, the sum of its initial margin deposits on open contracts exceeds 5% of the market value of the Funds total assets. In addition, the Funds will not enter into futures contracts to the extent that the value of the futures contracts held would exceed 1/3 of a Funds total assets. In addition, futures transactions may be limited by a Funds intention to remain qualified as a regulated investment company under the Code. A Fund will only sell futures contracts to protect securities it owns against price declines or purchase contracts to protect against an increase in the price of securities it intends to purchase.
In addition to the margin restrictions discussed above, transactions in futures contracts may involve the segregation of funds pursuant to requirements imposed by the SEC. Under those requirements, where a Fund has a long position in a futures contract, it may be required to establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) containing cash or liquid securities equal to the purchase price of the contract (less any margin on deposit). For a short position in futures contracts held by a Fund, those requirements may mandate the establishment of a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or liquid securities that, when added to the amounts deposited as margin, equal the notional value of the instruments underlying the futures contracts (but is not less than the price at which the short position was established). However, segregation of assets is not required if a Fund covers a long position. For example, instead of segregating assets, a Fund, when holding a long position in a futures contract, could purchase a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price as high as or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund. In addition, where a Fund takes short positions, it need not segregate assets if it covers these positions. For example, where a Fund holds a short position in a futures contract, it may cover by owning the instruments underlying the contract. A Fund also may cover such a position by holding a call option permitting it to purchase the same futures contract at a price no higher than the price at which the short position was established. Where a Fund sells a call option on a futures contract, it may cover either by entering into a long position in the same contract at a price no higher than the strike price of the call option or by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract. A Fund also could cover this position by holding a separate call option permitting it to purchase the same futures contract at a price no higher than the strike price of the call option sold by the Fund.
Options.
Options are complex instruments whose value depends on many variables. Options may be listed on a national securities exchange or traded over-the-counter. Call options and put options typically have similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed in greater detail below.
Exchange-listed options are traded on U.S. securities exchanges, such as the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange. Exchange-listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options.
Rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are frequently closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the new option. A Funds ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC or exchange-listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity of the option market. If a secondary trading market in options were to become unavailable, the Fund could no longer engage in closing transactions
30
which may limit the Funds ability to realize its profits or limit its losses and adversely affect the performance of the Funds. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
Over-the-counter (OTC) options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions or other parties (Counterparties) through direct bilateral agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange-listed options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price, premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement
Utilizing options is a specialized investment technique that entails a substantial risk, up to and including a complete loss of the amount invested.
Call Options.
A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise price. The seller of a call option remains obligated to sell the security to the buyer until the expiration of the option. A seller also may enter into closing purchase transactions in order to terminate its obligation as a writer of a call option prior to the expiration of the option. A call option is said to be covered when the seller of a call option owns the underlying instrument at all times prior to the exercise or expiration of the call option.
A Fund may purchase a call option on a security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase such instrument.
A Fund may write (
i.e.
, sell) call options in an attempt to realize a greater level of current income than would be realized on the securities alone as the writer of a call option receives a premium for undertaking the obligation to sell the underlying security at a fixed price during the option period, if the option is exercised. A Fund also may write call options as a partial hedge against a possible stock market decline. In view of its investment objective, a Fund generally would write call options only in circumstances where the Adviser does not anticipate significant appreciation of the underlying security in the near future or has otherwise determined to dispose of the security.
Risk Factors in Call Option Transactions.
The following risks are associated with call writing transactions:
·
So long as a Fund remains obligated as a call option writer, it forgoes the opportunity to profit from increases in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option, except insofar as the premium represents such a profit.
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·
A Fund retains the risk of loss should the value of the underlying security decline.
·
Although the writing of call options only on national securities exchanges increases the likelihood of a Funds ability to make closing purchase transactions, there is no assurance that a Fund will be able to effect such transactions at any particular time or at any acceptable price.
·
Call option writing could result in increases in the Funds portfolio turnover rate, especially during periods when market prices of the underlying securities appreciate.
·
The Fund may be forced to acquire the underlying security of an uncovered call option transaction at a price in excess of the exercise price of the option, that is, the price at which the Fund has agreed to sell the underlying security to the purchaser of the option.
Put Options.
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. A put option is said to be covered when the buyer of a put option owns the underlying instrument at all times prior to the exercise or expiration of the put option. A Funds purchase of a put option on a security might be designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise price.
A Fund may sell, transfer, or assign a put only in conjunction with the sale, transfer, or assignment of the underlying security or securities. The amount payable to the Fund upon its exercise of a put is normally (i) the Funds acquisition cost of the securities (excluding any accrued interest that the Fund paid on the acquisition), less any amortized market premium or plus any amortized market or original issue discount during the period the Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued on the securities since the last interest payment date during that period.
A Fund may acquire puts to facilitate the liquidity of its portfolio assets. A Fund also may use puts to facilitate the reinvestment of its assets at a rate of return more favorable than that of the underlying security. A Fund generally will acquire puts only where the puts are available without the payment of any direct or indirect consideration. However, if necessary or advisable, a Fund may pay for puts either separately in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities that are acquired subject to the puts (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available for the same securities). The Funds intend to acquire puts only from dealers, banks and broker-dealers that, in the Advisers opinion, present minimal credit risks.
Risk Factors in Put Option Transactions.
The risk of writing put options is that the Fund may be unable to terminate its position in a put option before exercise by closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price if the secondary market is not liquid for a put option the Fund has written. In such a case, the Fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes and must continue to set aside assets to cover its position. Upon the exercise of a put option written by the Fund, the Fund is not entitled to the gains in excess of the strike price, if any, on securities underlying the options.
Restrictions on the use of Options.
Except where allowed below, a Fund must at all times have in its portfolio the securities that it may be obligated to deliver if the option is exercised.
The following Funds may write (
i.e.
, sell) call options that are traded on national securities exchanges with respect to common stock in its portfolio: Balanced, Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Global Equity, International, International Select, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds. Each of these Funds may write covered calls on up to 25% of its total assets.
Fund for Income may write covered call options on up to 25% of its total assets and may also invest up to 5% of its total assets to purchase options or to close out open options transactions.
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The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may purchase and write call options that are traded on U.S. securities exchanges. The Fund may write call options only if they are covered, on portfolio securities amounting to up to 25% of its total assets and the options must remain covered so long as the Fund is obligated as a writer.
The Global Equity, International, International Select and Small Company Opportunity Funds each may write (
i.e.
sell) call options that are traded on national securities exchanges with respect to common stock in its portfolio on up to 25% of its total assets. The Global Equity, International, International Select and Small Company Opportunity Funds may each write uncovered calls or puts on up to 5% of its total assets, that is, put or call options on securities that it does not own. Such options may be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the OCC or traded over-the-counter. The Funds also may purchase index put and call options and write index options. Through the writing or purchase of index options, the Funds may seek to achieve many of the same objectives as through the use of options on individual securities.
Credit Default Swap Agreements.
In a credit default swap transaction (CDS), the buyer in a credit default contract is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value, or par value, of the reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation. A Fund may be either the buyer or the seller in a credit default transaction. If a Fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Fund will lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if an event of default occurs, the Fund (if the buyer) will receive the full notional value of the reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Fund receives a quarterly fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, the contract of which typically is between six months and ten years, provided that there is no default event. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation. CDS involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly.
Whether a Funds use of CDS agreements will be successful in furthering its investment objective of total return will depend on the Advisers ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, CDS agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a CDS agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a CDS agreement counterparty. The Funds will enter into CDS agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Funds repurchase agreement guidelines). Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Code may limit the Funds ability to use CDS agreements. The swap market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Funds ability to terminate existing CDS agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Most swap agreements entered into by the Funds would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a net basis. Consequently, a Funds current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the net amount). A Funds current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation or earmarking of assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees, to avoid any potential leveraging of the Funds portfolio. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be senior securities for purposes of a Funds investment restriction concerning senior securities.
Only the Balanced Fund may purchase and sell CDS agreements. The Balanced Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in CDS transactions. The Fund may enter into a CDS for any legal purpose consistent with its investment objective and policies, such as for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, or to gain exposure to certain markets in the most economical way possible. The Fund does not intend to use CDS for purposes of leverage. The Fund will not enter into a CDS with any single party if the net amount owed or to be received under existing contracts with that party would exceed 10% of the Funds total assets.
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Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
The Funds may invest in securities that are made available in IPOs. IPO securities may be volatile, and the Fund cannot predict whether its investments in IPOs will be successful. Securities issued through an initial public offering (IPO) can experience an immediate drop in value if the demand for the securities does not continue to support the offering price. Information about the issuers of IPO securities is also difficult to acquire since they are new to the market and may not have lengthy operating histories. Any short-term trading in connection with IPO investments could produce higher trading costs and adverse tax consequences. As the Fund grows in size, the positive effect of any IPO investments on the Fund may decrease.
Other Investments.
Illiquid Investments
are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of, within seven business days, in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued.
Under the supervision of the Board, the Adviser determines the liquidity of the Funds investments and, through reports from the Adviser, the Trustees monitor investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the liquidity of a Funds investments, the Adviser may consider various factors, including (1) the frequency of trades and quotations, (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer undertakings to make a market, (4) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features), and (5) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Funds rights and obligations relating to the investment).
Investments currently considered by the Funds to be illiquid include repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and interest within seven days and certain restricted securities the Adviser has determined not to be liquid.
In the absence of market quotations, illiquid investments are priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees. If, through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, a Fund were to exceed its limitations on investing in illiquid securities, the Fund would consider appropriate actions to protect liquidity.
Master Limited Partnerships.
Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) are publicly traded limited partnerships that combine the tax benefits of limited partnerships with the liquidity of common stock. MLPs have a partnership structure, with one or more general partners who oversee the business operations and one or more limited partners who contribute capital. MLPs issue investment units that are registered with the SEC and trade freely on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. To be considered an MLP, a firm must earn 90% of its income through activities or interest and dividend payments relating to real estate, natural resources or commodities.
As a limited partner in an MLP, a Fund will have limited control of the partnership and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. While a Fund would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amounts a Fund has contributed, it will not be shielded from potential liability to the same extent it would be if it were a shareholder of a corporation. In certain circumstances, creditors of an MLP may have the right to seek a return of capital that has been distributed to a limited partner, such as a Fund. This right continues even after a Fund has sold its interest in the MLP. Each equity Fund may, from time to time, invest in MLPs.
Restricted Securities.
Restricted securities are securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, a Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, a Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the shares.
Subject to limitations on illiquid securities, the Funds may invest in restricted securities without limit.
34
Securities of Small-Capitalization Companies.
While historically small-capitalization company stocks have outperformed the stocks of large companies, the former have customarily involved more investment risk as well. There can be no assurance that this will continue to be true in the future. Small-capitalization companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may lack management depth or experience; and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments than large companies. The prices of small-capitalization company securities are often more volatile than prices associated with large company issues, and can display abrupt or erratic movements at times, due to limited trading volumes and less publicly available information.
Also, because small-capitalization companies normally have fewer shares outstanding and these shares trade less frequently than large companies, it may be more difficult for a Fund to buy and sell significant amounts of such shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices. Some of the companies in which a Fund may invest may distribute, sell or produce products which have recently been brought to market and may be dependent on key personnel. The securities of micro-capitalization companies are often traded over-the-counter and may not be traded in the volumes typical on a national securities exchange. Consequently, in order to sell this type of holding, a Fund may need to discount the securities from recent prices or dispose of the securities over a long period of time.
Participation Interests
. The Funds may purchase interests in securities from financial institutions such as commercial and investment banks, savings and loan associations and insurance companies. These interests may take the form of participation, beneficial interests in a trust, partnership interests or any other form of indirect ownership. The Funds invest in these participation interests in order to obtain credit enhancement or demand features that would not be available through direct ownership of the underlying securities.
Warrants.
Warrants
are securities that give a Fund the right to purchase equity securities from the issuer at a specific price (the strike price) for a limited period of time. The strike price of warrants typically is much lower than the current market price of the underlying securities, yet warrants are subject to greater price fluctuations. As a result, warrants may be more volatile investments than the underlying securities and may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Each Equity Fund and the Balanced Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in warrants. The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in warrants that are attached to the underlying securities.
Refunding Contracts
. A Fund generally will not be obligated to pay the full purchase price if it fails to perform under a refunding contract. Instead, refunding contracts generally provide for payment of liquidated damages to the issuer (currently 15-20% of the purchase price). A Fund may secure its obligations under a refunding contract by depositing collateral or a letter of credit equal to the liquidated damages provisions of the refunding contract. When required by SEC guidelines, a Fund will place liquid assets in a segregated custodial account equal in amount to its obligations under refunding contracts.
Standby Commitments.
A Fund may enter into standby commitments, which are puts that entitle holders to same-day settlement at an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the underlying security plus accrued interest, if any, at the time of exercise. The Funds may acquire standby commitments to enhance the liquidity of portfolio securities. Ordinarily, the Funds may not transfer a standby commitment to a third party, although they could sell the underlying municipal security to a third party at any time. The Funds may purchase standby commitments separate from or in conjunction with the purchase of securities subject to such commitments. In the latter case, the Funds would pay a higher price for the securities acquired, thus reducing their yield to maturity. Standby commitments are subject to certain risks, including the ability of issuers of standby commitments to pay for securities at the time the commitments are exercised; the fact that standby commitments are not marketable by the Funds; and the possibility that the maturities of the underlying securities may be different from those of the commitments.
Other Investment Companies.
Except for investment in money market funds, a Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company, but may not own more than 3% of the securities of any one investment company or invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies. Each Fund may purchase and redeem shares issued by a money market fund without limit, provided that either: (1) the Fund pays no sales charge or service fee (as each of those terms is defined in the FINRA Conduct Rules); or (2) the Adviser waives its advisory fee in an amount necessary to offset any such sales charge or service fee.
35
Risk Factors Associated with Investments in Investment Companies.
As a shareholder of an investment company, a Fund may indirectly bear investment advisory fees, supervisory and administrative fees, service fees and other fees which are in addition to the fees the Fund pays its service providers. The Fund would also bear the risk of all of the underlying investments held by the other investment company.
Exchange Traded Funds.
(ETFs) are investment companies whose primary objective is to achieve the same rate of return as a particular market index or commodity while trading throughout the day on an exchange. Certain ETFs are actively managed portfolios rather than being based upon an underlying index. ETF shares are sold initially in the primary market in units of 50,000 or more (creation units). A creation unit represents a bundle of securities or commodities that replicates, or is a representative sample of, a particular index or commodity and that is deposited with the ETF. Once owned, the individual shares comprising each creation unit are traded on an exchange in secondary market transactions for cash. The secondary market for ETF shares allows them to be readily converted into cash, like commonly traded stocks. The combination of primary and secondary markets permits ETF shares to be traded throughout the day close to the value of the ETFs underlying portfolio securities. A Fund would purchase and sell individual shares of ETFs in the secondary market. These secondary market transactions require the payment of commissions.
Unit Investment Trusts.
(UITs) are investment companies that hold a fixed portfolio of securities until the fixed maturity date of the UIT. The Fund would generally only purchase UITs in the secondary market for cash, which would result in the payment of commissions.
Risk Factors Associated with Investments in ETFs and UITs.
ETF and UIT shares are subject to the same risk of price fluctuation due to supply and demand as any other stock traded on an exchange, which means that a Fund could receive less from the sale of shares of an ETF or UIT it holds than it paid at the time it purchased those shares. Furthermore, there may be times when the exchange halts trading, in which case a Fund owning ETF or UIT shares would be unable to sell them until trading is resumed. In addition, because ETFs and UITs invest in a portfolio of common stocks or other instruments or commodities, the value of an ETF or UIT could decline if prices of those instruments or commodities decline. An overall decline of those instruments or commodities comprising an ETFs or UITs benchmark index could have a greater impact on the ETF or UIT and investors than might be the case in an investment company with a more widely diversified portfolio. Losses could also occur if the ETF or UIT is unable to replicate the performance of the chosen benchmark index.
Other risks associated with ETFs and UITs include the possibility that: (i) an ETFs or UITs distributions may decline if the issuers of the ETFs or UITs portfolio securities fail to continue to pay dividends; and (ii) under certain circumstances, an ETF or UIT could be terminated. Should termination occur, the ETF or UIT could have to liquidate its portfolio securities when the prices for those securities are falling. In addition, inadequate or irregularly provided information about an ETF or UIT or its investments, because ETFs and UITs are generally passively managed, could expose investors in ETFs and UITs to unknown risks. Actively managed ETFs are also subject to the risk of underperformance relative to their chosen benchmark.
Risk Factors Associated with Investments in Precious Metals and Other Commodities.
Certain Funds are subject to the risk of sharp price volatility of metals or other commodities, and of shares of companies principally engaged in activities related to metals or other commodities. Investments related to metals or other commodities may fluctuate in price significantly over short periods of time because of a variety of global economic, financial, and political factors. These factors include: economic cycles; changes in inflation or expectations about inflation in various countries; interest rates; currency fluctuations; metal sales by governments, central banks, or international agencies; investment speculation; resource availability; commodity prices; fluctuations in industrial and commercial supply and demand; government regulation of the metals and other commodities industries; and government prohibitions or restrictions on the private ownership of certain precious and rare metals.
Convertible Preferred Stock.
The Dividend Growth Fund, Investment Grade Convertible Fund and Special Value Fund may invest in convertible preferred stock, which is a class of stock that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets and it convertible into common stock.
Preferred Stocks
are instruments that combine qualities both of equity and debt securities. Individual issues of preferred stock will have those rights and liabilities that are spelled out in the governing document. Preferred stocks
36
usually pay a fixed dividend per quarter (or annum) and are senior to common stock in terms of liquidation and dividends rights and preferred stocks typically do not have voting rights. The Investment Grade Convertible Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in preferred stocks. Each of the Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Large Cap Growth, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in preferred stocks.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
(REITs) are corporations or business trusts that invest in real estate, mortgages or real estate-related securities. REITs are often grouped into three investment structures: Equity REITs, Mortgage REITs and Hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest in and own real estate properties. Their revenues come principally from rental income of their properties. Equity REITs provide occasional capital gains or losses from the sale of properties in their portfolio. Mortgage REITs deal in investment and ownership of property mortgages. These REITs typically loan money for mortgages to owners of real estate, or invest in existing mortgages or mortgage backed securities. Their revenues are generated primarily by the interest that they earn on the mortgage loans. Hybrid REITs combine the investment strategies of Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs by investing in both properties and mortgages. Each of the Balanced, Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Established Value, Investment Grade Convertible, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds may invest up to 25% of its total assets in REITs. The Large Cap Growth Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in REITs.
DETERMINING NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) AND VALUING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
.
The NAV of each Fund is determined and the shares of each Fund are priced as of the valuation time(s) indicated in the prospectuses on each Business Day. A Business Day is a day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the NYSE) is open. The Fixed Income Funds are authorized to close earlier than is customary for a Business Day upon the recommendation of both the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association and the Adviser. In the event that a Fixed Income Fund closes earlier than is customary for a Business Day, the Funds NAV calculation for that day will occur as of the time of the earlier close. The NYSE will not open in observance of the following holidays: New Years Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is closed on Columbus Day and Veterans Day.
Fixed Income Funds.
Investment securities held by the Fixed Income Funds are valued on the basis of security valuations provided by an independent pricing service, approved by the Board, that determines value by using information with respect to transactions of a security, quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships between securities. Specific investment securities that are not priced by the approved pricing service will be valued according to quotations obtained from dealers who are market makers in those securities. Investment securities with less than 60 days to maturity when purchased are valued at amortized cost that approximates market value. Investment securities not having readily available market quotations will be priced at fair value using a methodology approved in good faith by the Board.
Equity and Hybrid Funds.
Each equity security held by a Fund is valued at the closing price on the exchange where the security is principally traded. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market (but not including securities the trading activity of which is reported on Nasdaqs Automated Confirmation Transaction (ACT) System) is valued at the bid based upon quotes furnished by market makers for such securities. Each security the trading activity of which is reported on Nasdaqs ACT System is valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. Convertible debt securities are valued in the same manner as any debt security. Non-convertible debt securities are valued on the basis of prices provided by independent pricing services. Prices provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices and may reflect appropriate factors such as institution-sized trading in similar groups of securities, developments related to special securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, individual trading characteristics, and other market data. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Trusts officers in a manner specially authorized by the Board. Short-term obligations having 60 days or less to maturity are valued on the basis of
37
amortized cost, except for convertible debt securities. For purposes of determining NAV, futures and options contracts generally will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading of the NYSE.
Generally, trading in foreign securities, corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the NAV of each Funds shares generally are determined at such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior the close of the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at which such values are determined and the close of the NYSE. If events affecting the value of securities occur during such a period, and a Funds NAV is materially affected by such changes in the value of the securities, then these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Board.
International Funds.
Time zone arbitrage.
The Global Equity, International and International Select Funds (the International Funds) invest a significant amount of their assets in foreign securities, which may expose them to attempts by investors to engage in time-zone arbitrage. Using this technique, investors seek to take advantage of differences in the values of foreign securities that might result from events that occur after the close of the foreign securities market on which a security is traded and before the close of the NYSE that day, when the Funds calculate their net asset value.
If successful, time zone arbitrage might dilute the interests of other shareholders. The International Funds use fair value pricing under certain circumstances, to adjust the closing market prices of foreign securities to reflect what the Adviser and the Board consider to be their fair value. Fair value pricing may also help to deter time zone arbitrage.
Fair value pricing for the International Funds.
If market quotations are not readily available, or (in the Advisers judgment) do not accurately reflect the fair value of a security, or if after the close of the principal market on which a security held by an International Fund is traded and before the time as of which the International Funds net asset value is calculated that day, an event occurs that the Adviser learns of and believes in the exercise of its judgment will cause a material change in the value of that security from the closing price of the security on the principal market on which it is traded, that security may be valued by another method that the Board believes would more accurately reflect the securitys fair value.
The Board has adopted valuation procedures for the Funds and has delegated the day-to-day responsibility for fair valuation determinations to the Adviser and its Pricing Committee. Those determinations may include consideration of recent transactions in comparable securities, information relating to a specific security, developments in and performance of foreign securities markets, current valuations of foreign or U.S. indices, and adjustment co-efficients based on fair value models developed by independent service providers. The Adviser may, for example, adjust the value of portfolio securities based on fair value models supplied by the service provider when the Adviser believes that the adjustments better reflect actual prices as of the close of the NYSE.
The International Funds use of fair value pricing procedures involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different from the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that an International Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the same time at which the Fund determines its net asset value per share.
PERFORMANCE
.
From time to time, the standardized yield, distribution return, dividend yield, average annual total return, total return, and total return at NAV of an investment in each class of the Fund shares may be advertised. An explanation of how yields and total returns are calculated for each class and the components of those calculations are set forth below.
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Yield and total return information may be useful to investors in reviewing a Funds performance. A Funds advertisement of its performance must, under applicable SEC rules, include the average annual total returns for each class of shares of a Fund for the 1, 5 and 10-year period (or the life of the class, if less) as of the most recently ended calendar quarter. This enables an investor to compare the Funds performance to the performance of other funds for the same periods. However, a number of factors should be considered before using such information as a basis for comparison with other investments. Investments in a Fund are not insured; their yield and total return are not guaranteed and normally will fluctuate on a daily basis. When redeemed, an investors shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Yield and total return for any given past period are not a prediction or representation by the Trust of future yields or rates of return on its shares. The yield and total returns of the Funds are affected by portfolio quality, portfolio maturity, the types of investments held and operating expenses.
Standardized Yield.
The yield (referred to as standardized yield) of the Funds for a given 30-day period for a class of shares is calculated using the following formula set forth in rules adopted by the SEC that apply to all funds that quote yields:
Standardized Yield = 2 [(
a-b
+ 1)
6
- 1]
cd
The symbols above represent the following factors:
a =
dividends and interest earned during the 30-day period.
b =
expenses accrued for the period (net of any expense reimbursements).
c =
the average daily number of shares of that class outstanding during the 30-day period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d =
the maximum offering price per share of the class on the last day of the period, adjusted for undistributed net investment income.
The standardized yield of a class of shares for a 30-day period may differ from its yield for any other period. The SEC formula assumes that the standardized yield for a 30-day period occurs at a constant rate for a six-month period and is annualized at the end of the six-month period. This standardized yield is not based on actual distributions paid by a Fund to shareholders in the 30-day period, but is a hypothetical yield based upon the net investment income from a Funds portfolio investments calculated for that period. The standardized yield may differ from the dividend yield of that class, described below. Additionally, because each class of shares of a Fund is subject to different expenses, it is likely that the standardized yields of the share classes of the Funds will differ.
Dividend Yield and Distribution Returns.
From time to time a Fund may quote a dividend yield or a distribution return for each class. Dividend yield is based on the dividends of a class of shares derived from net investment income during a one-year period. Distribution return includes dividends derived from net investment income and from net realized capital gains declared during a one-year period. The distribution return for a period is not necessarily indicative of the return of an investment since it may include capital gain distributions representing gains not earned during the period. Distributions, since they result in the reduction in the price of Fund shares, do not, by themselves, result in gain to shareholders. The dividend yield is calculated as follows:
Dividend Yield of the Class
|
=
|
Dividends of the Class for a Period of One-Year
|
|
|
Max. Offering Price of the Class (last day of period)
|
For Class A shares, the maximum offering price includes the maximum front-end sales charge.
From time to time similar yield or distribution return calculations may also be made using the Class A NAV (instead of its respective maximum offering price) at the end of the period.
Tax Equivalent Yield.
Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds also may advertise a tax equivalent yield. Tax equivalent yield will be computed by dividing that portion of a Funds yield that is tax-exempt (assuming no deduction for state taxes paid) by the difference between one and a stated income tax rate and adding the product to that portion, if any, of the yield of the Fund that is not tax-exempt.
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Total Returns General.
Total returns assume that all dividends and net capital gains distributions during the period are reinvested to buy additional shares at NAV and that the investment is redeemed at the end of the period. After-tax returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions less the taxes due on those distributions. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect on the reinvestment date and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown in the prospectuses.
Total Returns Before Taxes.
The average annual total return before taxes of a Fund, or of each class of a Fund, is an average annual compounded rate of return before taxes for each year in a specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 (P in the formula below) held for a number of years (n) to achieve an Ending Redeemable Value (ERV), according to the following formula:
(ERV/P)
1/n
-1 = Average Annual Total Return Before Taxes
The cumulative total return before taxes calculation measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $1,000 over an entire period greater than one year. Its calculation uses some of the same factors as average annual total return, but it does not average the rate of return on an annual basis. Total return is determined as follows:
ERV - P
=
Total Return Before Taxes
P
Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions.
The average annual total return after taxes on distributions of a Fund, or of each class of a Fund, is an average annual compounded rate of return after taxes on distributions for each year in a specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 (P in the formula below) held for a number of years (n) to achieve an ending value at the end of the periods shown (ATV
D
), according to the following formula:
(
ATV
D
/P)
1/n
-1 = Average Annual Total Return After Taxes on Distributions
Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions.
The average annual total return after taxes on distributions and redemptions of a Fund, or of each class of a Fund, is an average annual compounded rate of return after taxes on distributions and redemption for each year in a specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 (P in the formula below) held for a number of years (n) to achieve an ending value at the end of the periods shown (ATV
DR
), according to the following formula:
(
ATV
DR
/P)
1/n
-1 = Average Annual Total Return After Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions
The cumulative total return after taxes on distributions and redemptions calculation measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $1,000 over an entire period greater than one year. Its calculation uses some of the same factors as average annual total return after taxes on distributions and redemptions, but it does not average the rate of return on an annual basis. Total return after taxes on distributions is determined as follows:
ATV
DR
- P
=
Total Return After Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions
P
From time to time the Funds also may quote an average annual total return at NAV or a cumulative total return at NAV. It is based on the difference in NAV at the beginning and the end of the period for a hypothetical investment in that class of shares (without considering front-end sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) and takes into consideration the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
Other Performance Comparisons.
From time to time a Fund may publish the ranking of its performance or the performance of a particular class of Fund shares by Lipper, Inc. (Lipper), a widely-recognized independent mutual fund monitoring service. Lipper
40
monitors the performance of regulated investment companies and ranks the performance of the Funds and their classes against all other funds in similar categories, for both equity and fixed income funds. The Lipper performance rankings are based on total return that includes the reinvestment of capital gains distributions and income dividends but does not take sales charges or taxes into consideration.
From time to time a Fund may publish its rating or that of a particular class of Fund shares by Morningstar, Inc., an independent mutual fund monitoring service that rates mutual funds, in broad investment categories (domestic equity, international equity, taxable bond, or municipal bond) monthly, based upon each Funds three, five and ten-year average annual total returns (when available) and a risk adjustment factor that reflects Fund performance relative to three-month U.S. Treasury bill monthly returns. Such returns are adjusted for fees and sales loads. There are five rating categories with a corresponding number of stars: highest (5), above average (4), neutral (3), below average (2) and lowest (1).
The total return on an investment made in a Fund or in a particular class of Fund shares may be compared with the performance for the same period of one or more broad-based securities market indices, as described in the prospectuses. These indices are unmanaged indices of securities that do not reflect reinvestment of capital gains or take investment costs into consideration, as these items are not applicable to indices. The Funds total returns also may be compared with the Consumer Price Index, a measure of change in consumer prices, as determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
From time to time, the yields and the total returns of the Funds or of a particular class of Fund shares may be quoted in and compared to other mutual funds with similar investment objectives in advertisements, shareholder reports or other communications to shareholders. A Fund also may include calculations in such communications that describe hypothetical investment results. (Such performance examples are based on an express set of assumptions and are not indicative of the performance of any Fund.) Such calculations may from time to time include discussions or illustrations of the effects of compounding in advertisements. Compounding refers to the fact that, if dividends or other distributions on a Funds investment are reinvested by being paid in additional Fund shares, any future income or capital appreciation of a Fund would increase the value, not only of the original Fund investment, but also of the additional Fund shares received through reinvestment. As a result, the value of a Fund investment would increase more quickly than if dividends or other distributions had been paid in cash.
A Fund also may include discussions or illustrations of the potential investment goals of a prospective investor (including but not limited to tax and/or retirement planning), investment management techniques, policies or investment suitability of a Fund, economic conditions, legislative developments (including pending legislation), the effects of inflation and historical performance of various asset classes, including but not limited to stocks, bonds and Treasury bills.
From time to time advertisements or communications to shareholders may summarize the substance of information contained in shareholder reports (including the investment composition of a Fund, as well as the views of the Adviser as to current market, economic, trade and interest rate trends, legislative, regulatory and monetary developments, investment strategies and related matters believed to be of relevance to a Fund). A Fund also may include in advertisements, charts, graphs or drawings that illustrate the potential risks and rewards of investment in various investment vehicles, including but not limited to stock, bonds and Treasury bills, as compared to an investment in shares of a Fund, as well as charts or graphs that illustrate strategies such as dollar cost averaging and comparisons of hypothetical yields of investment in tax-exempt versus taxable investments. In addition, advertisements or shareholder communications may include a discussion of certain attributes or benefits to be derived by an investment in a Fund. Such advertisements or communications may include symbols, headlines or other material that highlight or summarize the information discussed in more detail therein. With proper authorization, a Fund may reprint articles (or excerpts) written regarding a Fund and provide them to prospective shareholders. The Funds performance information is generally available by calling toll free 800-539-FUND (800-539-3863).
Investors also may judge, and a Fund may at times advertise, the performance of a Fund or of a particular class of Fund shares by comparing it to the performance of other mutual funds or mutual fund portfolios with comparable investment objectives and policies, which performance may be contained in various unmanaged mutual fund or market indices or rankings. In addition to yield information, general information about a Fund that appears in a publication may also be quoted or reproduced in advertisements or in reports to shareholders.
41
Advertisements and sales literature may include discussions of specifics of a portfolio managers investment strategy and process, including, but not limited to, descriptions of security selection and analysis. Advertisements may also include descriptive information about the investment adviser, including, but not limited to, its status within the industry, other services and products it makes available, total assets under management and its investment philosophy.
When comparing yield, total return and investment risk of an investment in shares of a Fund with other investments, investors should understand that certain other investments have different risk characteristics than an investment in shares of a Fund. For example, CDs may have fixed rates of return and may be insured as to principal and interest by the FDIC, while a Funds returns will fluctuate and its share values and returns are not guaranteed. Money market accounts offered by banks also may be insured by the FDIC and may offer stability of principal. U.S. Treasury securities are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION.
The NYSE holiday closing schedule indicated in this SAI under Determining Net Asset Value (NAV) And Valuing Portfolio Securities is subject to change. When the NYSE is closed or when trading is restricted for any reason other than its customary weekend or holiday closings, or under emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC to warrant such action, the Funds may not be able to accept purchase or redemption requests. A Funds NAV may be affected to the extent that its securities are traded on days that are not Business Days. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order in whole or in part.
The Trust has elected, pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, to redeem shares of each Fund solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1.00% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. The remaining portion of the redemption may be made in securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in computing the NAV of each class of the Fund. Shareholders receiving securities or other property on redemption may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes and may incur additional costs as well as the associated inconveniences of holding and/or disposing of such securities or other property.
Pursuant to Rule 11a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Funds are required to give shareholders at least 60 days notice prior to terminating or modifying a Funds exchange privilege. The 60-day notification requirement may, however, be waived if (1) the only effect of a modification would be to reduce or eliminate an administrative fee, redemption fee, or CDSC ordinarily payable at the time of exchange or (2) a Fund temporarily suspends the offering of shares as permitted under the 1940 Act or by the SEC or because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies.
The Funds reserve the right at any time without prior notice to shareholders to refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Advisers judgment, a Fund would be unable to invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise be adversely affected.
Each Fund has authorized one or more brokers or other financial services institutions to accept on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers or other financial services institutions are authorized to designate plan administrators and other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on a Funds behalf. A Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or other financial services institutions, or, if applicable, a brokers or other financial services institutions authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at each Funds NAV next computed after they are accepted by an authorized broker or other financial services institutions or the brokers or other financial services institutions authorized designee.
Purchasing Shares.
Alternative Sales Arrangements Class A, C, I, R, R6 and Y Shares
. Alternative sales arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that is more beneficial depending on the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold shares and other relevant circumstances. When comparing the classes of shares, when more than one is offered in the same Fund, investors should understand that the purpose and function of the Class C and Class R asset-based sales charge are the same as those of the Class A initial sales charge. Any
42
salesperson or other person entitled to receive compensation for selling Fund shares may receive different compensation with respect to one class of shares in comparison to another class of shares. Generally, Class A shares have lower ongoing expenses than Class C or Class R shares, but are subject to an initial sales charge. Which class would be advantageous to an investor depends on the number of years the shares will be held. Over very long periods of time, the lower expenses of Class A shares may offset the cost of the Class A initial sales charge. Not all Investment Professionals will offer all classes of shares.
Each class of shares represents interests in the same portfolio investments of a Fund. However, each class has different shareholder privileges and features. The net income attributable to a particular class and the dividends payable on these shares will be reduced by incremental expenses borne solely by that class, including any asset-based sales charge to which these shares may be subject.
No initial sales charge is imposed on Class C shares. Victory Capital Advisers, Inc., the Funds distributor (the Distributor), may pay sales commissions to dealers and institutions who sell Class C shares of the Trust at the time of such sales. Payments with respect to Class C shares will equal 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class C shares sold by the dealer or institution. The Distributor will retain all payments received by it relating to Class C shares for the first year after they are purchased. After the first full year, the Distributor will make monthly payments in the amount of 0.75% for distribution services and 0.25% for personal shareholder services to dealers and institutions based on the average NAV of Class C shares, which are attributable to shareholders for whom the dealers and institutions are designated as dealers of record. Some of the compensation paid to dealers and institutions is recouped through the CDSC imposed on shares redeemed within 12 months of their purchase. Class C shares are subject to the Rule 12b-1 fees described in the SAI under Advisory and Other Contracts Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plans. There is no automatic conversion feature applicable to Class C shares, although financial institutions may be permitted to exchange class C shares for a share class with lower expenses under circumstances described in a Funds prospectus. Any options with respect to the reinvestment of distributions made by the Funds to Class C shareholders are offered only by the broker through whom the shares were acquired.
No initial sales charges or CDSCs are imposed on Class R shares. Class R shares are subject to the Rule 12b-1 fees described in this SAI under Advisory and Other Contracts Class C and Class R Share Rule 12b-1 Plan. There is no automatic conversion feature applicable to Class R shares. Distributions paid to holders of a Funds Class R shares may be reinvested in additional Class R shares of that Fund or Class R shares of a different Fund. Class R shares are available for purchase by retirement plans, including Section 401 and 457 Plans sponsored by a Section 501(c)(3) organization and certain non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to qualified plans.
No initial sales charges or CDSCs are imposed on Class R6 shares. Class R6 shares are not subject to the Rule 12b-1 fees described in this SAI under Advisory and Other Contracts Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plans. There is no automatic conversion feature applicable to Class R6 shares. Distributions paid to holders of a Funds Class R6 shares may be reinvested in additional Class R6 shares of that Fund or Class R6 shares of a different Fund. Investors in Class A, Class C not subject to a CDSC, Class R, Class I and Class Y of a Fund that offers Class R6 may exchange into Class R6 shares of that Fund provided they meet the eligibility requirements applicable to Class R6. Class R6 shares are available for purchase by retirement plans, including Section 401 and 457 Plans sponsored by a Section 501(c)(3) organization and certain non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to qualified plans.
No initial sales charges or CDSCs are imposed on Class I shares. Class I shares are not subject to the Rule 12b-1 fees described in this SAI under Advisory and Other Contracts Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plans. There is no automatic conversion feature applicable to Class I shares. Distributions paid to holders of a Funds Class I shares may be reinvested in additional Class I shares of that Fund or Class I shares of a different Fund.
The minimum investment required to open an account for Class I shares is $2,500,000. Class I shares are also available for purchase by retirement plans, including Section 401 and 457 Plans sponsored by a Section 501(c)(3) organization and certain non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to qualified plans. The Fund will consider a lower initial investment if, in the opinion of the Distributor, the investor has the adequate intent and availability of assets to reach a future level of investment of $2,500,000. Only certain
43
investors are eligible to buy Class I shares and your financial adviser or other financial intermediary can help you determine whether you are eligible to invest.
No initial sales charges or CDSCs are imposed on Class Y shares. Class Y shares are not subject to the Rule 12b-1 fees described in this SAI under Advisory and Other Contracts Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plans. There is no automatic conversion feature applicable to Class Y shares. Distributions paid to holders of a Funds Class Y shares may be reinvested in additional Class Y shares of that Fund or Class Y shares of a different Fund.
Class Y shares are available for purchase through selected fee-based advisory programs with an approved financial intermediary. In fee-based advisory programs, a financial intermediary typically charges each investor a fee based upon the value of the account, and the financial intermediary generally directs all purchase and sale transactions. Such transactions may be subject to additional rules or requirements of the applicable financial intermediarys program.
The Fund reserves the right to change the criteria for eligible investors and the investment minimums. The Fund also reserves the right to refuse a purchase order for any reason, including if it believes that doing so would be in the best interest of the Fund and shareholders.
The methodology for calculating the NAV, dividends and distributions of the share classes of each Fund recognizes two types of expenses. General expenses that do not pertain specifically to a class are allocated to the shares of each class, based upon the percentage that the net assets of such class bears to a Funds total net assets and then pro rata to each outstanding share within a given class. Such general expenses include (1) management fees, (2) legal, bookkeeping and audit fees, (3) printing and mailing costs of shareholder reports, prospectuses, statements of additional information and other materials for current shareholders, (4) fees to the Trustees who are not affiliated with the Adviser, (5) custodian expenses, (6) share issuance costs, (7) organization and start-up costs, (8) interest, taxes and brokerage commissions, and (9) non-recurring expenses, such as litigation costs. Other expenses that are directly attributable to a class are allocated equally to each outstanding share within that class. Such expenses include (1) Rule 12b-1 distribution fees and shareholder servicing fees, (2) incremental transfer and shareholder servicing agent fees and expenses, (3) registration fees, and (4) shareholder meeting expenses, to the extent that such expenses pertain to a specific class rather than to a Fund as a whole.
Dealer Reallowances.
The following table shows the amount of the front-end sales load that is reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of Class A shares of the Balanced, Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Established Value, Global Equity, International, International Select, Large Cap Growth, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds.
Amount of Purchase
|
|
Initial Sales Charge:
% of Offering Price
|
|
Concession to Dealers:
% of Offering Price
|
|
Up to $49,999
|
|
5.75
|
%
|
5.00
|
%
|
$50,000 to $99,999
|
|
4.50
|
%
|
4.00
|
%
|
$100,000 to $249,999
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
3.00
|
%
|
$250,000 to $499,999
|
|
2.50
|
%
|
2.00
|
%
|
$500,000 to $999,999
|
|
2.00
|
%
|
1.75
|
%
|
$1,000,000 and above*
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
|
**
|
The following table shows the amount of the front-end sales load that is reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of the Class A shares of the Investment Grade Convertible, National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds and the Fund for Income.
Amount of Purchase
|
|
Initial Sales Charge:
% of Offering Price
|
|
Concession to Dealers:
% of Offering Price
|
|
Up to $49,999
|
|
2.00
|
%
|
1.50
|
%
|
$50,000 to $99,999
|
|
1.75
|
%
|
1.25
|
%
|
44
Amount of Purchase
|
|
Initial Sales Charge:
% of Offering Price
|
|
Concession to Dealers:
% of Offering Price
|
|
$100,000 to $249,999
|
|
1.50
|
%
|
1.00
|
%
|
$250,000 to $499,999
|
|
1.25
|
%
|
0.75
|
%
|
$500,000 to $999,999
|
|
1.00
|
%
|
0.50
|
%
|
$1,000,000 and above*
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
|
**
|
*
There is no initial sales charge on purchases of $1 million or more; however a sales concession and/or advance of a Rule 12b-1 fee may be paid and such purchases are potentially subject to a CDSC, as set forth below.
**
Investment Professionals may receive payment on purchases of $1 million or more of Class A shares that are sold at NAV as follows: 0.75% of the current purchase amount if cumulative prior purchases sold at NAV plus the current purchase is less than $3 million; 0.50% of the current purchase amount if the cumulative prior purchases sold at NAV plus the current purchase is $3 million to $4,999,999; and 0.25% on of the current purchase amount if the cumulative prior purchases sold at NAV plus the current purchase is $5 million or more. In addition, in connection with such purchases, the Distributor or its affiliates may advance Rule 12b-1 fees of 0.25% of the purchase amount to Investment Professionals for providing services to shareholders.
Except as noted in this SAI, a CDSC of up to 0.75% may be imposed on any such shares redeemed within the first year after purchase. CDSCs are based on the lower of the cost of the shares or NAV at the time of redemption. No CDSC is imposed on reinvested distributions.
The Distributor reserves the right to pay the entire commission to dealers. If that occurs, the dealer may be considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.
The Adviser (or its affiliates), from its own resources, may make substantial payments to various financial intermediaries in connection with the sale or servicing of Fund shares sold or held through those intermediaries. The Adviser also may reimburse the Distributor (or the Distributors affiliates) for making these payments. The following table summarizes these arrangements and amounts paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.
Financial Intermediary
|
|
Maximum Annual Fee
as a Percentage of Fund
Average Daily Net
Assets
|
|
Aggregate Amount
Paid during 2013
|
|
ADP
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
$
|
674,675
|
|
AIG Retirement Advisors, Inc.
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
30,525
|
|
American United Life
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
2,678
|
|
Ameriprise
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
108,239
|
|
BMO Harris Bank N.A.
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
0
|
|
BPA/CIS
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
1,662
|
|
Charles Schwab Trust Company
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
293
|
|
Charles Schwab
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
384,382
|
|
CPI Qualified Plan Consultants (MSCS reports)
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
63,066
|
|
DailyAccess.Com
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
25,163
|
|
Digital Retirement Solutions
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
5,569
|
|
Dyatech LLC
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
556
|
|
Edward Jones
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
19,952
|
|
Expert Plan (MSCS Reports)
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
19,619
|
|
Fidelity NFS (FIAG) / Fidelity Retirement
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
380,271
|
|
Fidelity Institutional (FIIOC)
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
791,913
|
|
Great West Life Financial Services
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
488,900
|
|
Hartford Securities Distribution Company
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
137,502
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45
Financial Intermediary
|
|
Maximum Annual Fee
as a Percentage of Fund
Average Daily Net
Assets
|
|
Aggregate Amount
Paid during 2013
|
|
Harford Corp. Retirement
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
449,214
|
|
Hewitt
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
79,831
|
|
ICMA-RC Services, LLC
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
0
|
|
ING (formerly Citistreet LLC)
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
1,318
|
|
ING Retirement Plan Services
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
342,882
|
|
John Hancock Life Ins. Co. USA
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
28,983
|
|
JP Morgan Retirement Services
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
66,269
|
|
Lincoln Retirement Services Co
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
46,705
|
|
Linsco Private Ledger (LPL)
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
93,946
|
|
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
163,500
|
|
Mercer HR Services LLC
|
|
0.40
|
%
|
70,766
|
|
Merrill (Institutional - RG Services and Sub Accounting)
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
715,611
|
|
Merrill (Retail - New Sales Fees)
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
40,622
|
|
Merrill (Retail - Sub Accounting Account Fees)
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
8,471
|
|
Merrill (Retail - Non-MLAM Assets > 1 Year)
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
53,671
|
|
Mid Atlantic Capital
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
144,440
|
|
Minnesota Life
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
0
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney / ADP
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
66,372
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (Wrap)
|
|
0.12
|
%
|
24,261
|
|
MSCS Financial Services
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
167,127
|
|
Nationwide Investment Services Corp
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
193,515
|
|
Newport
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
73,329
|
|
NY Life Investment Mgmt. Services
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
52,523
|
|
Pension Corp Of America
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
35,839
|
|
Pershing
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
160,773
|
|
Plan Administration Inc. (MSCS reports)
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
7,195
|
|
Principal Life Insurance
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
156,576
|
|
Prudential
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
428,575
|
|
Raymond James
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
85,712
|
|
RBC Wealth Management
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
16,736
|
|
Reliance Trust Company
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
9,421
|
|
Retirement Plan Company
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
2,160
|
|
SEI Private Trust Company
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
117,303
|
|
Standard Insurance Company
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
6,982
|
|
TD Ameritrade Trust Company
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
15,882
|
|
T. Rowe Price
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
12,080
|
|
TIAA Cref
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
30,396
|
|
UBS (PACE, InsightOne, St ADV, DRS Wrap)
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
181,134
|
|
UBS (Other Assets)
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
183,738
|
|
Vertical Management Systems, Inc.
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
0
|
|
Wachovia / WySTAR Global Retirement Solutions
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
270,205
|
|
Wells Fargo Advisors / First Clearing
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
449,236
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
0
|
|
Wilmington Trust (formerly American Stock Transfer)
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
8,363
|
|
46
Financial Intermediary
|
|
Maximum Annual Fee
as a Percentage of Fund
Average Daily Net
Assets
|
|
Aggregate Amount
Paid during 2013
|
|
Wilmington Trust Ret and Instl Service Company
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
0
|
|
Financial Intermediary
|
|
Other Fee Arrangement
|
|
Aggregate Amount
Paid during 2013
|
|
Morgan Stanley DW, Inc. (Retail)
|
|
$125,000 annually or 0.13%, whichever is greater
|
|
$
|
125,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Class R shares of the Funds do not impose initial or deferred sales charges on their shares. Class C shares impose a 1.00% deferred sales charge on shares redeemed within 12 months of being purchased.
Reduced Sales Charge
. Reduced sales charges are available for purchases of $50,000 or more of Class A shares of a Fund alone or in combination with purchases of other Class A shares of the Trust (except Funds that do not impose a sales charge). To obtain the reduction of the sales charge, you or your Investment Professional must notify the transfer agent at the time of purchase whenever a quantity discount is applicable to your purchase. An Investment Professional is an investment consultant, salesperson, financial planner, investment adviser, or trust officer who provides investment information.
In addition to investing at one time in any combination of Class A shares of the Trust in an amount entitling you to a reduced sales charge, you may qualify for a reduction in, or the elimination of, the sales charge under various programs described in the prospectuses. The following points provide additional information about these programs.
·
Retirement Plans.
Retirement plans (including Section 401 and 457 Plans sponsored by a Section 501(c)(3) organization and certain non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to qualified plans) and IRA Rollovers from retirement plans with assets invested in Class A shares of the Victory Funds are eligible to buy Class A shares without an initial sales charge. (Retirement plans with assets invested in one or more Victory Funds prior to December 31, 2002 that were eligible to buy Class A shares without an initial sales charge based on the eligibility requirements then in effect may continue to buy Class A shares without an initial sales charge.)
Investment Professionals servicing retirement plans and who receive up-front payments may receive payment on purchases of Class A shares that are sold at NAV as follows: 0.50% of the current purchase amount if cumulative prior purchases sold at NAV plus the current purchase is less than $5 million; and 0.25% of the current purchase amount if the cumulative prior purchases sold at NAV plus the current purchase is $5 million to $9,999,999. In addition, in connection with such purchases, the Distributor or its affiliates may advance Rule 12b-1 fees of 0.25% of the purchase amount to Investment Professionals for providing services to shareholders. No up-front payments will be made to firms that do not pay such up-front payments to their investment professionals or who do not consent to potential CDSC fees.
Except as noted in this SAI, a CDSC of up to 0.75% is imposed if the qualified retirement plan redeems 90% or more of its cumulative purchases of Class A shares within the first year after purchase. CDSCs are based on the lower of the cost of the shares or NAV at the time of redemption. No CDSC is imposed on reinvested distributions.
·
Service Providers.
Members of certain specialized groups that receive support services from service providers who enter into written agreements with the Trust are eligible, under the terms of the agreement, to purchase Class A shares at NAV without paying a sales load.
·
Rights of Accumulation
permit reduced sales charges on future purchases of Class A shares after you have reached a new breakpoint. To determine your reduced sales charge, you can add the value of your Class A
47
shares (or those held by your spouse (including life partner) and your children under age 21), determined at the previous days NAV, to the amount of your new purchase, valued at the current offering price.
·
Letter of Intent.
If you anticipate purchasing $50,000 or more of shares of one Fund, or in combination with Class A shares of certain other Funds (excluding Funds that do not impose a sales charge), within a 13-month period, you may obtain shares of the portfolios at the same reduced sales charge as though the total quantity were invested in one lump sum, by filing a non-binding Letter of Intent (the Letter) within 90 days of the start of the purchases. Each investment you make after signing the Letter will be entitled to the sales charge applicable to the total investment indicated in the Letter. For example, a $2,500 purchase toward a $60,000 Letter would receive the same reduced sales charge as if the $60,000 had been invested at one time. To ensure that the reduced price will be received on future purchases, you or your Investment Professional must inform the transfer agent that the Letter is in effect each time shares are purchased. Neither income dividends nor capital gain distributions taken in additional shares will apply toward the completion of the Letter.
You are not obligated to complete the additional purchases contemplated by a Letter. If you do not complete your purchase under the Letter within the 13-month period, your sales charge will be adjusted upward, corresponding to the amount actually purchased and, if after written notice, you do not pay the increased sales charge, sufficient escrowed shares will be redeemed to pay such charge.
If you purchase more than the amount specified in the Letter and qualify for a further sales charge reduction, the sales charge will be adjusted to reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months. Surplus funds will be applied to the purchase of additional shares at the then current offering price applicable to the total purchase.
·
General.
For purposes of determining the availability of reduced initial sales charges through letters of intent, rights of accumulation and concurrent purchases, the Distributor, in its discretion, may aggregate certain related accounts.
Sample Calculation of Maximum Offering Price.
Each Class A shares of the Equity Funds and the Balanced Fund are sold with a maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% and Class A shares of the Fixed Income Funds and the Investment Grade Convertible Fund are sold with a maximum initial sales charge of 2.00%.* Class C shares of each relevant Fund are sold at NAV without any initial sales charges and with a 1.00% CDSC on shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Class R and Class I shares of each relevant Fund are sold at NAV without any initial sales charges or CDSCs. The following tables show the maximum offering price per share of each class of each Fund, except for the Class R6 shares of the Diversified Stock Fund, Established Value Fund and International Fund, using the Funds relevant NAV as of October 31, 2013.
Class A Shares of the Equity Funds and the Balanced Fund.
Fund
|
|
NAV and redemption
price per Class A share
|
|
Maximum sales charge
(5.75% of offering price)
|
|
Maximum offering
price to public
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
14.92
|
|
$
|
0.91
|
|
$
|
15.83
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
21.10
|
|
1.29
|
|
22.39
|
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
12.70
|
|
0.77
|
|
13.47
|
|
Established Value
|
|
34.89
|
|
2.13
|
|
37.02
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
14.34
|
|
0.87
|
|
15.21
|
|
International
|
|
15.76
|
|
0.96
|
|
16.72
|
|
International Select
|
|
15.34
|
|
0.94
|
|
16.28
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
18.62
|
|
1.14
|
|
19.76
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
40.29
|
|
2.46
|
|
42.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* A CDSC of 0.75% is imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares, as described above.
48
Fund
|
|
NAV and redemption
price per Class A share
|
|
Maximum sales charge
(5.75% of offering price)
|
|
Maximum offering
price to public
|
|
Special Value
|
|
19.98
|
|
1.22
|
|
21.20
|
|
Class A Shares of the Convertible and the Fixed Income Funds.
Fund
|
|
NAV and redemption
price per Class A share
|
|
Maximum sales charge
(2.00% of offering price)
|
|
Maximum offering
price to public
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
$
|
10.62
|
|
$
|
0.22
|
|
$
|
10.84
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
12.70
|
|
0.26
|
|
12.96
|
|
National Municipal Bond
|
|
11.09
|
|
0.23
|
|
11.32
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond
|
|
11.46
|
|
0.23
|
|
11.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class C Shares of Certain Funds.
Fund
|
|
Class C NAV, offering price and
redemption price per Class C share
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
14.82
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
20.53
|
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
12.67
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
10.55
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
14.23
|
|
International
|
|
15.59
|
|
International Select
|
|
15.13
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
17.15
|
|
Special Value
|
|
18.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I Shares of Certain Funds.
Fund
|
|
Class I NAV, offering price and
redemption price per Class I share
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
14.97
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
21.08
|
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
12.71
|
|
Established Value
|
|
34.89
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
10.61
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
14.38
|
|
International
|
|
15.92
|
|
International Select
|
|
15.50
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
12.68
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
18.76
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
40.56
|
|
Special Value
|
|
20.16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
Class R Shares of Certain Funds.
Fund
|
|
Class R NAV, offering price and
redemption price per Class R share
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
14.90
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
20.89
|
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
12.69
|
|
Established Value
|
|
34.60
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
10.62
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
14.32
|
|
International
|
|
15.72
|
|
International Select
|
|
15.30
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
18.02
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
38.77
|
|
Special Value
|
|
19.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class Y Shares of Certain Funds.
Fund
|
|
Class Y NAV, offering price and
redemption price per Class Y share
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
$
|
21.10
|
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
12.70
|
|
Established Value
|
|
34.90
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
10.62
|
|
International
|
|
15.77
|
|
International Select
|
|
15.36
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
18.65
|
|
National Municipal Bond
|
|
11.09
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
40.36
|
|
Special Value
|
|
20.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redeeming Shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Class A and C Shares.
No CDSC is imposed on:
·
the redemption of shares of any class subject to a CDSC to the extent that the shares redeemed (1) are no longer subject to the holding period for such shares, (2) resulted from reinvestment of distributions, or (3) were exchanged for shares of another Victory fund as allowed by the prospectus, provided that the shares acquired in such exchange or subsequent exchanges will continue to remain subject to the CDSC, if applicable, until the applicable holding period expires. In determining whether the CDSC applies to each redemption, shares not subject to a CDSC are redeemed first;
·
redemptions following the death or post-purchase disability of (1) a registered shareholder on an account; or (2) a settlor of a living trust, of shares held in the account at the time of death or initial determination of post-purchase disability;
·
certain distributions from individual retirement accounts, Section 403(b), Section 457 and Section 401 qualified plans, where redemptions result from (1) required minimum distributions with respect to that portion of such contributions that does not exceed 12% annually; (2) tax free returns of excess contributions or returns of excess deferral amounts; (3) distributions on the death or disability of the account holder; (4) distributions for the purpose of a loan or hardship withdrawal from a participant plan balance; or (5) distributions as a result of separation of service;
50
·
distributions resulting as a result of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order or Domestic Relations Order required by a court settlement;
·
redemptions of shares by the investor where the investors dealer or institution waived its commission in connection with the purchase and notifies the Distributor prior to the time of investment;
·
amounts from a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (including Dividends), of up to an annual amount of 12% of the account value on a per fund basis, at the time the withdrawal plan is established; or
·
participant-initiated distributions from employee benefit plans or participant-initiated exchanges among investment choices in employee benefit plans.
Reinstatement Privilege.
Within 90 days of a redemption, a shareholder may reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds of Class A or Class C shares in the same class of shares of a Fund or any of the other Funds into which shares of the Fund are exchangeable, as described above, at the NAV next computed after receipt by the transfer agent of the reinvestment order. No service charge is currently made for reinvestment in shares of the Funds. Class C share proceeds reinstated do not result in a refund of any CDSC paid by the shareholder, but the reinstated shares will be treated as CDSC exempt upon reinstatement. The shareholder must ask the Distributor for such privilege at the time of reinvestment. Any capital gain that was realized when the shares were redeemed is taxable and reinvestment will not alter any capital gains tax payable on that gain. If there has been a capital loss on the redemption, some or all of the loss may not be tax deductible, depending on the timing and amount of the reinvestment. Under the Code, if the redemption proceeds of Fund shares on which a sales charge was paid are reinvested in shares of the same Fund or another Fund offered by the Trust within 90 days of payment of the sales charge, the shareholders basis in the shares of the Fund that were redeemed may not include the amount of the sales charge paid. That would reduce the loss or increase the gain recognized from redemption. The Funds may amend, suspend, or cease offering this reinvestment privilege at any time as to shares redeemed after the date of such amendment, suspension, or cessation. The reinstatement must be into an account bearing the same registration.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.
The Funds distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net capital gains, if any, to shareholders within each calendar year as well as on a fiscal year basis to the extent required for the Funds to qualify for favorable federal tax treatment. The Funds ordinarily declare and pay dividends separately for each class of shares, from their net investment income. Each Fund declares and pays capital gains dividends annually. Each of the Balanced Fund and the Fixed Income Funds declares and pays dividends monthly. Each of the Diversified Stock Fund, Dividend Growth Fund, Established Value Fund, Investment Grade Convertible Fund and Special Value Fund declares and pays dividends quarterly. Each of the Large Cap Growth Fund, Small Company Opportunity Fund and International Funds declares and pays dividends annually.
The amount of a classs distributions may vary from time to time depending on market conditions, the composition of a Funds portfolio and expenses borne by a Fund or borne separately by a class. Dividends are calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day for shares of each class. However, dividends attributable to a particular class will differ due to differences in distribution expenses and other class-specific expenses.
For this purpose, the net income of a Fund, from the time of the immediately preceding determination thereof, shall consist of all interest income accrued on the portfolio assets of the Fund, dividend income, if any, income from securities loans, if any and realized capital gains and losses on the Funds assets, less all expenses and liabilities of the Fund chargeable against income. Interest income shall include discount earned, including both original issue and market discount, on discount paper accrued ratably to the date of maturity. Expenses, including the compensation payable to the Adviser, are accrued each day. The expenses and liabilities of a Fund shall include those appropriately allocable to the Fund as well as a share of the general expenses and liabilities of the Trust in proportion to the Funds share of the total net assets of the Trust.
51
TAXES
.
Information set forth in the prospectuses that relates to federal income taxation is only a summary of certain key federal income tax considerations generally affecting purchasers of shares of the Funds. The following is only a summary of certain additional income and excise tax considerations generally affecting each Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the prospectuses. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal tax treatment of the Funds or the implications to shareholders and the discussions here and in each Funds prospectus are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. Accordingly, potential purchasers of shares of the Funds are urged to consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax circumstances. Special tax considerations may apply to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the Code (including, for example, insurance companies, banks and tax-exempt organizations). In addition, the tax discussion in the prospectuses and this SAI is based on tax law in effect on the date of the prospectuses and this SAI; such laws and regulations may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action, sometimes with retroactive effect.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company.
Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, a Fund is not subject to federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income (
i.e.
, taxable interest, dividends and other taxable ordinary income, net of expenses) and capital gain net income (
i.e.
, the excess of capital gains over capital losses) that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (
i.e.
, net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and at least 90% of its tax-exempt income (net of expenses allocable thereto) for the taxable year (the Distribution Requirement) and satisfies certain other requirements of the Code that are described below. Distributions by a Fund made during the taxable year or, under specified circumstances, within twelve months after the close of the taxable year, will be considered distributions of income and gains for the taxable year and will therefore count toward satisfaction of the Distribution Requirement.
If a Fund has a net capital loss (
i.e.
, an excess of capital losses over capital gains) for any year beginning on or before December 22, 2010, the amount thereof may be carried forward up to eight years and treated as a short-term capital loss that can be used to offset capital gains in such future years. There is no limitation on the number of years to which net capital losses arising in years beginning after December 22, 2010, may be carried. Any such net capital losses are utilized before net capital losses arising in years beginning on or before December 22, 2010. As explained below, however, such carryforwards may be subject to limitations on availability. Under Code Sections 382 and 383, if a Fund has an ownership change, then the Funds use of its capital loss carryforwards in any year following the ownership change will be limited to an amount equal to the NAV of the Fund immediately prior to the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate (which is published monthly by the IRS) in effect for the month in which the ownership change occurs. The Funds will use their best efforts to avoid having an ownership change. However, because of circumstances that may be beyond the control or knowledge of a Fund, there can be no assurance that a Fund will not have, or has not already had, an ownership change. If a Fund has or has had an ownership change, then the Fund will be subject to federal income taxes on any capital gain net income for any year following the ownership change in excess of the annual limitation on the capital loss carryforwards unless distributed by the Fund. Any distributions of such capital gain net income will be taxable to shareholders as described under Fund Distributions below. The following table summarizes the approximate capital loss carryforwards for the applicable Funds as of October 31, 2013 (amount in thousands).
Fund
|
|
Approximate Capital Loss
Carryforward ($000)
|
|
Year of Expiration
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
6,110
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
9,829
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
3,917
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
3,074
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
3,563
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
10,878
|
|
2019
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
1,624
|
|
2016
|
|
52
Fund
|
|
Approximate Capital Loss
Carryforward ($000)
|
|
Year of Expiration
|
|
|
|
3,292
|
|
2017
|
|
Special Value
|
|
119,629
|
|
2017
|
|
The following table summarizes additional net capital loss carryforwards for the applicable Funds as of October 31, 2013 (in thousands). The amount of these losses that may be utilized are limited as a result of an ownership change during the tax year ended October 31, 2011.
Fund
|
|
Carryforward ($000)
|
|
Year of Expiration
|
|
Balanced
|
|
6,243
|
|
2017
|
|
In addition to satisfying the Distribution Requirement, a regulated investment company must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies (to the extent such currency gains are directly related to the regulated investment companys principal business of investing in stock or securities), 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 from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the Income Requirement).
In general, gain or loss recognized by a Fund on the disposition of an asset will be a capital gain or loss. In addition, gain will be recognized as a result of certain constructive sales, including short sales against the box. However, gain recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation (including municipal obligations) purchased by a Fund at a market discount (generally, at a price less than its principal amount) will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the portion of the market discount that accrued while the Fund held the debt obligation. In addition, under the rules of Code Section 988, gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation denominated in a foreign currency or an option with respect thereto, and gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a foreign currency forward contract, futures contract, option or similar financial instrument, or of foreign currency itself, except for regulated futures contracts or non-equity options subject to Code Section 1256 (unless a Fund elects otherwise), generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss to the extent attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Further, the Code also treats as ordinary income a portion of the capital gain attributable to a transaction where substantially all of the expected return is attributable to the time value of a Funds net investment in the transaction and: (1) the transaction consists of the acquisition of property by the Fund and a contemporaneous contract to sell substantially identical property in the future; (2) the transaction is a straddle within the meaning of Section 1092 of the Code; (3) the transaction is one that was marketed or sold to the Fund on the basis that it would have the economic characteristics of a loan but the interest-like return would be taxed as capital gain; or (4) the transaction is described as a conversion transaction in the Treasury Regulations. The amount of such gain that is treated as ordinary income generally will not exceed the amount of the interest that would have accrued on the net investment for the relevant period at a yield equal to 120% of the applicable federal rate, reduced by the sum of: (1) prior inclusions of ordinary income items from the conversion transaction and (2) the capitalized interest on acquisition indebtedness under Code Section 263(g), among other amounts. However, if a Fund has a built-in loss with respect to a position that becomes a part of a conversion transaction, the character of such loss will be preserved upon a subsequent disposition or termination of the position. No authority exists that indicates that the character of the income treated as ordinary under this rule will not pass through to the Funds shareholders.
In general, for purposes of determining whether capital gain or loss recognized by a Fund on the disposition of an asset is long-term or short-term, the holding period of the asset may be affected (as applicable, depending on the type of the Fund involved) if (1) the asset is used to close a short sale (which includes for certain purposes the acquisition of a put option) or is substantially identical to another asset so used, (2) the asset is otherwise held by the Fund as part of a straddle (which term generally excludes a situation where the asset is stock and Fund grants a
53
qualified covered call option (which, among other things, must not be deep-in-the-money) with respect thereto), or (3) the asset is stock and the Fund grants an in-the-money qualified covered call option with respect thereto. In addition, a Fund may be required to defer the recognition of a loss on the disposition of an asset held as part of a straddle to the extent of any unrecognized gain on the offsetting position.
Any gain recognized by a Fund on the lapse of, or any gain or loss recognized by a Fund from a closing transaction with respect to, an option written by the Fund will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss.
Certain transactions that may be engaged in by a Fund (such as regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency contracts and options on stock indexes and futures contracts) will be subject to special tax treatment as Section 1256 Contracts. Section 1256 Contracts are treated as if they are sold for their fair market value on the last business day of the taxable year, even though a taxpayers obligations (or rights) under such Section 1256 Contracts have not terminated (by delivery, exercise, entering into a closing transaction, or otherwise) as of such date. Any gain or loss recognized as a consequence of the year-end deemed disposition of Section 1256 Contracts is taken into account for the taxable year together with any other gain or loss that was recognized previously upon the termination of Section 1256 Contracts during that taxable year. Any capital gain or loss for the taxable year with respect to Section 1256 Contracts (including any capital gain or loss arising as a consequence of the year-end deemed sale of such Section 1256 Contracts) generally is treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. A Fund, however, may elect not to have this special tax treatment apply to Section 1256 Contracts that are part of a mixed straddle with other investments of the Fund that are not Section 1256 Contracts.
A Fund may enter into notional principal contracts, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars. Treasury Regulations provide, in general, that the net income or net deduction from a notional principal contract for a taxable year is included in or deducted from gross income for that taxable year. The net income or deduction from a notional principal contract for a taxable year equals the total of all of the periodic payments (generally, payments that are payable or receivable at fixed periodic intervals of one year or less during the entire term of the contract) that are recognized from that contract for the taxable year, all of the non-periodic payments (including premiums for caps, floors and collars) that are recognized from that contract for the taxable year and any termination payments that are recognized from that contract for the taxable year. No portion of a payment by a party to a notional principal contract is recognized prior to the first year to which any portion of a payment by the counterparty relates. A periodic payment is recognized ratably over the period to which it relates. In general, a non-periodic payment must be recognized over the term of the notional principal contract in a manner that reflects the economic substance of the contract. A non-periodic payment that relates to an interest rate swap, cap, floor, or collar is recognized over the term of the contract by allocating it in accordance with the values of a series of cash-settled forward or option contracts that reflect the specified index and notional principal amount upon which the notional principal contract is based (or under an alternative method provided in Treasury Regulations). A termination payment is recognized in the year the notional principal contract is extinguished, assigned, or terminated (i.e., in the year the termination payment is made).
A Fund may purchase securities of certain foreign investment funds or trusts that constitute passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) for federal income tax purposes. If a Fund invests in a PFIC, it has three separate options. First, it may elect to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund (a QEF), in which event the Fund will each year have ordinary income equal to its pro rata share of the PFICs ordinary earnings for the year and long-term capital gain equal to its pro rata share of the PFICs net capital gain for the year, regardless of whether the Fund receives distributions of any such ordinary earnings or capital gains from the PFIC. In order to make this election with respect to a PFIC in which it invests, a Fund must obtain certain information from the PFIC on an annual basis, which the PFIC may be unwilling or unable to provide. Second, a Fund that invests in marketable stock of a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to such stock. Pursuant to such election, the Fund will include as ordinary income any excess of the fair market value of such stock at the close of any taxable year over the Funds adjusted tax basis in the stock. If the adjusted tax basis of the PFIC stock exceeds the fair market value of the stock at the end of a given taxable year, such excess will be deductible as ordinary loss in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of such excess or the net mark-to-market gains on the stock that the Fund included in income in previous years. Solely for purposes of Code Sections 1291 through 1298, the Funds holding period with respect to its PFIC stock subject to the election will commence on the first day of the first taxable year beginning after the last taxable
54
year for which the mark-to-market election applied. If the Fund makes the mark-to-market election in the first taxable year it holds PFIC stock, it will not incur the tax described below under the third option.
Finally, if a Fund does not elect to treat the PFIC as a QEF and does not make a mark-to-market election, then, in general, (1) any gain recognized by the Fund upon the sale or other disposition of its interest in the PFIC or any excess distribution received by the Fund from the PFIC will be allocated ratably over the Funds holding period of its interest in the PFIC stock, (2) the portion of such gain or excess distribution so allocated to the year in which the gain is recognized or the excess distribution is received shall be included in the Funds gross income for such year as ordinary income (and the distribution of such portion by the Fund to shareholders will be taxable as a dividend, but such portion will not be subject to tax at the Fund level), (3) the Fund shall be liable for tax on the portions of such gain or excess distribution so allocated to prior years in an amount equal to, for each such prior year, (i) the amount of gain or excess distribution allocated to such prior year multiplied by the highest corporate tax rate in effect for such prior year, plus (ii) interest on the amount determined under clause (i) for the period from the due date for filing a return for such prior year until the date for filing a return for the year in which the gain is recognized or the excess distribution is received, at the rates and methods applicable to underpayments of tax for such period, and (4) the distribution by the Fund to its shareholders of the portions of such gain or excess distribution so allocated to prior years (net of the tax payable by the Fund thereon) will be taxable to the shareholders as a dividend.
For taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010, a regulated investment company, in determining its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (
i.e.
, the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) for any taxable year, may elect (unless it has made a taxable year election for excise tax purposes as discussed below, in which case different rules apply) to treat all or any part of certain net capital losses incurred after October 31 of a taxable year, and certain net ordinary losses incurred after October 31 or December 31 of a taxable year, as if they had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year.
In addition to satisfying the Income and Distribution Requirements described above, a Fund must satisfy an asset diversification test in order to qualify as a regulated investment company. Under this test, at the close of each quarter of a Funds taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Funds assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and securities of other issuers (provided that, with respect to each issuer, the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets in securities of each such issuer and the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of each such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses (other than securities of other regulated investment companies), or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. Generally, an option (call or put) with respect to a security is treated as issued by the issuer of the security, not the issuer of the option. For purposes of asset diversification testing, obligations issued or guaranteed by certain agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, the Federal Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation, FHLB, FHLMC, FNMA, GNMA and SLMA, are treated as U.S. government securities.
Certain Funds may invest in futures contracts, options on futures contracts, ETFs and other similar investment vehicles that provide exposure to commodities such as gold or other precious metals, energy or other commodities. Income or gain, if any, from such investments may not be qualifying income for purposes of the Income Requirements and a Funds investments in such instruments may not be treated as an investment in a security for purposes of the asset diversification test.
If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company after taking into account cure provisions available for certain failures to so qualify (certain of which would result in the imposition of a tax on the Fund), all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders and such distributions will be taxable to the shareholders as dividends to the extent of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions may be eligible for: (i) the dividends-received deduction, in the case of corporate shareholders; or (ii) treatment as qualified dividend income, in the case of non-corporate shareholders.
55
Excise Tax on Regulated Investment Companies.
A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that fails to distribute in each calendar year an amount equal to 98% of its ordinary taxable income for the calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of such calendar year (or, with respect to capital gain net income, at the election of a regulated investment company having a taxable year ending November 30 or December 31, for its taxable year (a taxable year election)). (Tax-exempt interest on municipal obligations is not subject to the excise tax.) The balance of such income must be distributed during the next calendar year. For the foregoing purposes, a regulated investment company is treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject to income tax for any taxable year ending in such calendar year and, if it so elects, the amount on which qualified estimated tax payments are made by it during such calendar year (in which case the amount it is treated as having distributed in the following calendar year will be reduced).
For purposes of calculating the excise tax, a regulated investment company: (1) reduces its capital gain net income (but not below its net capital gain) by the amount of any net ordinary loss for the calendar year, (2) excludes specified gains and losses, including foreign currency gains and losses and ordinary gains or losses arising as a result of a PFIC mark-to-market election (or upon the actual disposition of the PFIC stock subject to such election) incurred after October 31 of any year (or after the end of its taxable year if it has made a taxable year election) in determining the amount of ordinary taxable income for the current calendar year (and, instead, includes such specified gains and losses in determining the companys ordinary taxable income for the succeeding calendar year); and (3) applies mark to market provisions which treat property as disposed of on the last day of a taxable year as if the taxable year ended on October 31 (or on the last day of its taxable year if it has made a taxable year election). In addition, a regulated investment company may elect to determine its ordinary income for the calendar year without regard to any net ordinary loss (determined without respect to specified gains and losses taken into account in clause (2) of the preceding sentence) attributable to the portion of the such calendar year which is after the beginning of the taxable year which begins in such calendar year. Any amount of net ordinary loss not taken into account for a calendar year by reason of the preceding sentence will be treated as arising on the first day of the following calendar year.
Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the excise tax. However, investors should note that a Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.
Fund Distributions.
Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income for each taxable year. Such distributions will be treated as dividends for federal income tax purposes and may be taxable to non-corporate shareholders as long-term capital gains (a qualified dividend), provided that certain requirements, as discussed below, are met. Dividends received by corporate shareholders and dividends that do not constitute qualified dividends are taxable as ordinary income. The portion of dividends received from a Fund that are qualified dividends generally will be determined on a look-through basis. If the aggregate qualified dividends received by the Fund are less than 95% of the Funds gross income (as specially computed), the portion of dividends received from the Fund that constitute qualified dividends will be reported by the Fund and cannot exceed the ratio that the qualified dividends received by the Fund bears to its gross income. If the aggregate qualified dividends received by the Fund equal at least 95% of its gross income, then all of the dividends received from the Fund will constitute qualified dividends.
No dividend will constitute a qualified dividend (1) if it has been paid with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held for less than 61 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 121-day period (181-day period in the case of certain preferred stock) beginning on the date that is 60 days (90 days in the case of certain preferred stock) before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, excluding for this purpose, under the rules of Code Section 246(c), any period during which the Fund has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of a deep-in-the-money or otherwise nonqualified option to buy, or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, such (or substantially identical) stock; (2) if the noncorporate shareholder fails to meet the holding period
56
requirements set forth in (1) with respect to its shares in the Fund to which the dividend is attributable; or (3) to the extent that the Fund (or shareholder, as applicable) is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in property substantially similar or related to stock with respect to which an otherwise qualified dividend is paid.
Dividends received by a Fund from a foreign corporation may be qualified dividends if (1) the stock with respect to which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S., (2) the foreign corporation is incorporated in a possession of the U.S. or (3) the foreign corporation is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the U.S. that includes an exchange of information program (and that the Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes). The Treasury Department has issued guidance identifying which treaties are satisfactory for these purposes. Notwithstanding the above, dividends received from a foreign corporation that for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a PFIC will not constitute qualified dividends.
Distributions attributable to dividends received by a Fund from domestic corporations will qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction (DRD) for corporate shareholders only to the extent discussed below. Distributions attributable to interest received by a Fund will not, and distributions attributable to dividends paid by a foreign corporation generally should not, qualify for the DRD.
Ordinary income dividends paid by a Fund with respect to a taxable year may qualify for the 70% DRD generally available to corporations (other than corporations such as S corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their special characteristics, and other than for purposes of special taxes such as the accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding company tax) to the extent of the amount of dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year. No DRD will be allowed with respect to any dividend (1) if it has been received with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held for less than 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 91-day period (181-day period in the case of certain preferred stock) beginning on the date that is 45 days (90 days in the case of certain preferred stock) before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, excluding for this purpose under the rules of Code Section 246(c) any period during which the Fund has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of a deep-in-the-money or otherwise nonqualified option (or an in-the-money qualified call option) to buy, or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, such (or substantially identical) stock; (2) to the extent that the Fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property; or (3) to the extent the stock on which the dividend is paid is treated as debt-financed under the rules of Code Section 246A. Moreover, the DRD for a corporate shareholder may be disallowed or reduced (1) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to its shares of the Fund or (2) by application of Code Section 246(b), which in general limits the DRD to 70% of the shareholders taxable income (determined without regard to the DRD and certain other items).
A Fund may either retain or distribute to shareholders its net capital gain for each taxable year. Each Fund currently intends to distribute any such amounts. If net capital gain is distributed and reported as a capital gain dividend, it will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held his shares or whether such gain was recognized by the Fund prior to the date on which the shareholder acquired his shares. The Code provides, however, that under certain conditions only 50% (or, for stock acquired after September 27, 2010, and before January 1, 2012, none) of the capital gain recognized upon a Funds disposition of domestic qualified small business stock will be subject to tax.
Conversely, if a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to tax thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at the corporate tax rates. If a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders of record on the last day of its taxable year treated as if each received a distribution of his pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will be required to report his pro rata share of such gain on his tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a refundable tax credit for his pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and will increase the tax basis for his shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.
57
Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond (the Tax-Exempt Funds) intends to qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends by satisfying the requirement that at the close of each quarter of the Tax-Exempt Funds taxable year at least 50% of its total assets consists of tax-exempt municipal obligations. Distributions from a Tax-Exempt Fund that satisfy this requirement will constitute exempt-interest dividends to the extent of such Funds tax-exempt interest income (net of expenses and amortized bond premium). Exempt-interest dividends distributed to shareholders of a Tax-Exempt Fund are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. However, shareholders required to file a federal income tax return will be required to report the receipt of exempt-interest dividends on their returns. Moreover, while exempt-interest dividends are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes, they may be subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT) in certain circumstances and may have other collateral tax consequences as discussed below. Distributions by a Tax-Exempt Fund of any investment company taxable income or of any net capital gain will be taxable to shareholders as discussed above.
AMT is imposed in addition to, but only to the extent it exceeds, the regular income tax and is computed at a maximum marginal rate of 28% for non-corporate taxpayers and 20% for corporate taxpayers on the excess of the taxpayers alternative minimum taxable income (AMTI) over an exemption amount. Exempt-interest dividends derived from certain private activity municipal obligations issued after August 7, 1986 will generally constitute an item of tax preference includable in AMTI for both corporate and non-corporate taxpayers. In addition, exempt-interest dividends derived from all municipal obligations, regardless of the date of issue, must be included in adjusted current earnings, which are used in computing an additional corporate preference item (
i.e.
, 75% of the excess of a corporate taxpayers adjusted current earnings over its AMTI (determined without regard to this item and the AMT net operating loss deduction)) includable in AMTI. For purposes of the corporate AMT, the corporate DRD is not itself an item of tax preference that must be added back to taxable income or is otherwise disallowed in determining a corporations AMTI. However, corporate shareholders will generally be required to take the full amount of any dividend received from a Fund into account (without a DRD) in determining their adjusted current earnings. Each of the National Municipal Bond and Ohio Municipal Bond Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in tax exempt obligations that pay interest subject to the AMT.
Exempt-interest dividends must be taken into account in computing the portion, if any, of social security or railroad retirement benefits that must be included in an individual shareholders gross income and subject to federal income tax. Further, a shareholder of a Tax-Exempt Fund is denied a deduction for interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of a Tax-Exempt Fund. Moreover, a shareholder who is (or is related to) a substantial user of a facility financed by industrial development bonds held by a Tax-Exempt Fund will likely be subject to tax on dividends paid by the Tax-Exempt Fund that are derived from interest on such bonds. Receipt of exempt-interest dividends may result in other collateral federal income tax consequences to certain taxpayers, including financial institutions, property and casualty insurance companies, and foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in the United States. Prospective investors should consult their own advisers as to such consequences.
Distributions by a Fund that do not constitute ordinary income dividends, qualified dividends, exempt-interest dividends, or capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholders tax basis in his shares; any excess will be treated as gain from the sale of his shares, as discussed below.
Distributions by a Fund will be treated in the manner described above regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund (or of another Fund). Shareholders receiving a distribution in the form of additional shares will be treated as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received, determined as of the reinvestment date. In addition, if the NAV at the time a shareholder purchases shares of a Fund reflects undistributed net investment income, recognized net capital gain, or unrealized appreciation in the value of the assets of the Fund, distributions of such amounts will be taxable to the shareholder in the manner described above, although such distributions economically constitute a return of capital to the shareholder.
Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take distributions by a Fund into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, dividends declared in October, November or December of any year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month will be deemed to have been received by the shareholders (and paid by a Fund) on December 31 of such calendar year if such dividends are actually paid in January of the
58
following year. Shareholders will be advised annually as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions made (or deemed made) during the year.
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their net investment income, which should include dividends from a Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of a Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in a Fund.
Each Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury backup withholding taxes at the applicable rate on ordinary income dividends, qualified dividends and capital gain dividends, and the proceeds of redemption of shares, paid to any shareholder (1) who has failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number, (2) who is subject to backup withholding for failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly, or (3) who has failed to certify to the Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding or is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Sale or Redemption of Shares.
For all the Funds, a shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares of a Fund (including an exchange of shares of a Fund for shares of another Fund) in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of the sale or redemption and the shareholders adjusted tax basis in the shares. All or a portion of any loss so recognized may be disallowed if the shareholder purchases other shares of the same Fund within 30 days before or after the sale or redemption. In general, any gain or loss arising from (or treated as arising from) the sale or redemption of shares of a Fund will be considered capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for longer than one year. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or redemption of shares held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of the amount of exempt-interest dividends received on such shares (unless the loss is with respect to shares of a Fund for which the holding period began after December 22, 2010, and the Fund declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends at least monthly) and (to the extent not disallowed) will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received on such shares. For this purpose, the special holding period rules of Code Section 246(c) (discussed above in connection with the dividends-received deduction for corporations) generally will apply in determining the holding period of shares. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of capital gains plus, in the case of a noncorporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income.
If a shareholder (1) incurs a sales load in acquiring shares of a Fund, (2) disposes of such shares less than 91 days after they are acquired and (3) subsequently acquires, during the period beginning on the date of the disposition referred to in clause (2) and ending on January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year that includes the date of such disposition, shares of the Fund or another Fund at a reduced sales load pursuant to a right acquired in connection with the acquisition of the shares disposed of, then the sales load on the shares disposed of (to the extent of the reduction in the sales load on the shares subsequently acquired) shall not be taken into account in determining gain or loss on such shares but shall be treated as incurred on the acquisition of the subsequently acquired shares.
59
Tax Shelter and Other Reporting Requirements
If a shareholder realizes a loss on the disposition of shares of a Fund of at least $2 million in any single taxable year, or at least $4 million in any combination of taxable years (for an individual shareholder) or at least $10 million in any single taxable year, or at least $20 million in any combination of taxable years (for a corporate shareholder), the shareholder must file with the Internal Revenue Service a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of this requirement in light of their individual circumstances.
Foreign Shareholders.
Taxation of a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a nonresident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation, or foreign partnership (foreign shareholder), depends on whether the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by such shareholder.
If the income from a Fund is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, subject to the discussion below with respect to interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, ordinary income dividends (including dividends that would otherwise be treated as qualified dividends to an applicable non-foreign shareholder) paid to such foreign shareholder will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax (or lower applicable treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the dividend. Such foreign shareholder would generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, on gains realized on the sale of shares of a Fund, capital gain dividends and amounts retained by a Fund that are designated as undistributed capital gains.
For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2014, U.S. withholding tax generally would not apply to amounts designated by a Fund as an interest-related dividend or a short-term capital gain dividend. The aggregate amount treated as an interest-related dividend for a year is limited to the Funds qualified net interest income for the year, which is the excess of the sum of the Funds qualified interest income (generally, its U.S.-source interest income) over the deductions properly allocable to such income. The aggregate amount treated as a short-term capital gain dividend is limited to the excess of the Funds net short-term capital gain over its net long-term capital loss (determined without regard to any net capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to transactions occurring after October 31; any such loss is treated as arising on the first day of the next tax year).
If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, then any dividends, and any gains realized upon the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations.
In the case of foreign noncorporate shareholders, a Fund may be required to withhold backup withholding taxes at the applicable rate on distributions that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate) unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of their foreign status.
Dividends paid on shares of a Fund after 2013 and gross proceeds paid on redemption of a Funds shares after 2016, made to foreign financial institutions and certain other foreign entities will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% unless various certification, information reporting, due diligence and other applicable requirements (different from, and in addition to, those described above) are satisfied. Payments to a foreign financial institution generally will be subject to withholding unless, among other things, it enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to obtain information with respect to and report on accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S. owned foreign entities, and to withhold on payments made to certain account holders. Payments to a foreign entity that is not a foreign financial institution generally will be subject to withholding if such entity or another non-financial foreign entity is the beneficial owner of the payment unless, among things, the beneficial owner or payee either certifies that the beneficial owner of the payment does not have any substantial United States owners or provides certain identifying information with respect to each of its substantial United States owners. Alternatively, such payments may be exempt from U.S. withholding pursuant to an intergovernmental approach whereby the government of a foreign country enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury providing for the collection and reporting of specified financial information. Payments that are taken into account as effectively connected income are not subject to these withholding rules. Foreign shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to the applicability and consequences of this new legislation to them.
60
The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty might be different from those described herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund, including the applicability of foreign taxes.
Cost Basis Reporting.
A Fund is generally required by law to report to shareholders and the IRS on Form 1099-B cost basis information for shares of the Fund acquired on or after January 1, 2012, and sold or redeemed after that date. Upon a disposition of such shares, a Fund will be required to report the adjusted cost basis, the gross proceeds from the disposition, and the character of realized gains or losses attributable to such shares. These requirements do not apply to investments through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement plan. The cost basis of a share is generally its purchase price adjusted for dividend reinvestments, returns of capital, and other corporate actions. Cost basis is used to determine whether a sale or other disposition of the shares results in a gain or loss.
The Fund will permit shareholders to elect among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to determine the cost basis in their shares. If a shareholder does not affirmatively elect a cost basis method, then the Funds default cost basis calculation method, which is currently the average cost method, will be applied to their account. Non-Covered shares (those shares purchased before January 1, 2012 and those shares that do not have complete cost basis information, regardless of purchase date) will be used first for any redemptions made after January 1, 2012, regardless of your cost basis method of election unless you have chosen the specific identification method and have designated covered shares (those purchased after January 1, 2012) at the time of your redemption. The cost basis method elected or applied may not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of shares.
If a shareholder holds shares through a broker, the shareholder should contact that broker with respect to the reporting of cost basis information.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions with respect to the application of the new cost basis reporting rules and, in particular, which cost basis calculation method to elect.
Effect of Future Legislation, Foreign, State and Local Tax Considerations.
The foregoing general discussion of U.S. federal income and excise tax consequences is based on the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein and any such changes or decisions may have a retroactive effect.
Rules of foreign, state and local taxation of ordinary income dividends, qualified dividends, exempt-interest dividends and capital gain dividends from regulated investment companies may differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation described above. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the consequences of these and other foreign, state and local tax rules affecting an investment in a Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
.
Leadership Structure and Board of Trustees.
The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of seven Trustees, six of whom are not interested persons of the Trust within the meaning of that term under the 1940 Act (the Independent Trustees). The Chair of the Board is an Independent Trustee, who functions as the lead Trustee. The Chair serves as liaison between the Board and its Committees, and the Funds investment adviser and other service providers. The Chair is actively involved in setting the Board meeting agenda, and participates on certain of the Boards Committees.
The following tables list the Trustees, their ages, position with the Trust, length of time served, principal occupations during the past five years and any directorships of other investment companies or companies whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or who file reports under that Act. Each Trustee oversees 16 portfolios in the Trust, one portfolio in The Victory Variable Insurance Funds and one portfolio in The Victory Institutional Funds, each a registered investment company that, together with the Trust, comprise the Victory
61
Fund Complex. There is no defined term of office and each Trustee serves until the earlier of his or her resignation, retirement, removal, death, or the election of a qualified successor. Each Trustees address is c/o The Victory Portfolios, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219.
Independent Trustees.
Name and
Age
|
|
Position
Held with
the Trust
|
|
Date
Commenced
Service
|
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Other Directorships
Held During the
Past 5 Years
|
David Brooks Adcock,
62
|
|
Trustee
|
|
February 2005
|
|
Consultant (since 2006).
|
|
FBR Funds (2011-2012).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nigel D. T. Andrews,
66
|
|
Vice Chair and Trustee
|
|
August 2002
|
|
Retired.
|
|
Carlyle GMS Finance, Inc. (since 2012); Chemtura Corporation (2000-2010); Old Mutual plc. (2002-2011); Old Mutual US Asset Management (since 2002).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Lee Beard,
62
|
|
Trustee
|
|
February 2005
|
|
Consultant, The Henlee Group, LLC. (consulting) (since 2005).
|
|
Penn Millers Holding Corporation (January 2011 to November 2011).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sally M. Dungan,
60
|
|
Trustee
|
|
February 2011
|
|
Chief Investment Officer, Tufts University, since 2002.
|
|
None.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David L. Meyer,
56
|
|
Trustee
|
|
December 2008
|
|
Retired (since 2008); Chief Operating Officer, Investment & Wealth Management Division, PNC Financial Services Group (previously Mercantile Bankshares Corp.)(2002-2008).
|
|
None.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leigh A. Wilson,
69
|
|
Chair and Trustee
|
|
November 1994
|
|
Director, The Mutual Fund Directors Forum (since 2004).
|
|
Chair (since 2013) and Director (since 2012 and March-October 2008), Caledonia Mining Corporation; Chair, Old Mutual Funds II (15 portfolios) (2005-2010); Trustee, Old Mutual Funds III (13 portfolios) (2007-2010).
|
62
Interested Trustee.
Name and
Age
|
|
Position
Held with
the Trust
|
|
Date
Commenced
Service
|
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Other
Directorships
Held During the
Past 5 Years
|
David C. Brown,
41
|
|
Trustee
|
|
May 2008
|
|
Chief Executive Officer (since 2013), Co-Chief Executive Officer, (2011-2013), President Investments and Operations (2010-2011) and
Chief Operating Officer (2004-2011), Victory Capital Management Inc.; Chief Executive Officer (since 2013), Victory Capital Holdings, Inc.
|
|
None.
|
Mr. Brown is an Interested Person by reason of his relationship with Victory Capital Management Inc.
Experience and qualifications of the Trustees.
The following summarizes the experience and qualifications of the Trustees.
·
David Brooks Adcock.
Mr. Adcock served for many years as general counsel to Duke University and Duke University Health System, where he provided oversight to complex business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions and dispositions. He has served for more than 20 years as a public interest arbitrator for, among others, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the National Futures Association, FINRA and the American Arbitration Association. The Board believes that Mr. Adcocks knowledge of complex business transactions and the securities industry qualifies him to serve on the Board.
·
Nigel D.T. Andrews.
Mr. Andrews served for many years as a management consultant for a nationally recognized consulting company and as a senior executive at GE, including Vice President of Corporate Business Development, reporting to the Chairman, and as Executive Vice President of GE Capital. He also served as a Director and member of the Audit and Risk Committee of Old Mutual plc, a large publicly traded company whose shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Mr. Andrews is also the non-executive chairman of Old Mutuals U.S asset management business, where he also sits on the audit and risk committee. Mr. Andrews also serves as a Governor of the London Business School. The Board believes that his experience in these positions, particularly with respect to oversight of risk and the audit function of public companies, qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.
·
David C. Brown.
Mr. Brown serves as Chief Executive Officer (since 2013) of Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and Victory Capital Management Inc., (the Adviser), the Funds investment adviser, and as such is an interested person of the Trust. Previously, he served as C
o-Chief Executive Officer (2011-2013), and President Investments and Operations (2010-2011) and
Chief Operating Officer (2004-2011) of the Adviser. The Board believes that his position and experience with the Adviser and his previous experience in the investment management business qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.
·
E. Lee Beard.
Ms. Beard, a certified public accountant, has served as the president, chief executive officer and director, and as a chief financial officer, of public, federally insured, depository institutions. As such, Ms. Beard is familiar with issues relating to audits of financial institutions. The Board believes that Ms. Beards experience as the chief executive officer of a depository institution and her knowledge of audit and accounting matters qualifies her to serve as a Trustee.
·
Sally M. Dungan
.
Ms. Dungan, a Chartered Financial Analyst, has been in the investment and financial management business for many years. She currently serves as Chief Investment Officer for Tufts
63
University, a position she has held since 2002, and previously served as Director of Pension Fund Management for Siemens Corporation (2000-2002), Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Senior Investment Officer of Public Markets of the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1995-2000) and Administrative Manager for Lehman Brothers (1990-1995). Ms. Dungan has served on boards, including their audit and investment committees, of public and private institutions. The Board believes Ms. Dungans extensive knowledge of the investment process and financial markets qualifies her to serve as a Trustee.
·
David L. Meyer.
For six years, Mr. Meyer served as chief operating officer, Investment Wealth Management Division of Mercantile Bankshares Corp (now PNC Financial Services Corp.). The Board believes that his experience, particularly as it related to the operation of registered investment companies, qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.
·
Leigh A. Wilson.
Mr. Wilson served for many years as Chief Executive Officer of Paribas North America and as such has extensive experience in the financial world. As a director of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum (MFDF), he is familiar with the operation and regulation of registered investment companies, and served on a MFDF steering committee created at the request of then-SEC Chairman William Donaldson to recommend best practices to independent mutual fund directors. He received the Small Fund Trustee of the Year award from Institutional Investor Magazine in 2006. The Board believes that this experience qualifies him to serve as a Trustee.
Committees of the Board
.
The following standing Committees of the Board are currently in operation: Audit and Risk Oversight, Continuing Education, Investment, Service Provider, Board Governance and Nominating, and Agenda. In addition to these standing Committees, the Board may form temporary Special Committees to address particular areas of concern. In addition, a Committee may form a Sub-Committee to address particular areas of concern to that Committee.
The members of the Audit and Risk Oversight Committee, all of whom are Independent Trustees, are Mr. Meyer (Chair), Mr. Adcock, Ms. Beard, and Mr. Wilson. The primary purpose of this Committee is to oversee the Trusts accounting and financial reporting policies, practices and internal controls, as required by the statutes and regulations administered by the SEC, including the 1940 Act. The Committee also has overall responsibility for reviewing periodic reports with respect to compliance and enterprise risk, including operational risk and personnel. The Board has designated Mr. Meyer and Ms. Beard as its Audit Committee Financial Experts.
The members of the
Continuing Education
Committee are Mr. Meyer (Chair), Ms. Beard, and Ms. Dungan. The function of this Committee is to
develop programs to educate the Trustees to enhance their effectiveness as a Board and individually.
The members of the Investment Committee are Ms. Dungan (Chair), Mr. Andrews and Mr. Wilson. The function of this Committee is to oversee the Funds compliance with investment objectives, policies and restrictions, including those imposed by law or regulation, and assists the Board in its annual review of the Funds investment advisory agreements.
The members of the Service Provider Committee are Ms. Beard (Chair), Mr. Adcock, Mr. Brown and Mr. Meyer. This Committee negotiates the terms of the written agreements with the Funds service providers, evaluates the quality of periodic reports from the service providers (including reports submitted by sub-service providers) and assists the Board in its review of each Funds service providers, other than the investment adviser and independent auditors.
The Board Governance and Nominating Committee consists of all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. Andrews currently serves as the Chair of this Committee. The functions of this Committee are: to oversee Fund governance, including the nomination and selection of Trustees; to evaluate and recommend to the Board the compensation and expense reimbursement policies applicable to Trustees; and periodically, to coordinate and facilitate an evaluation of the performance of the Board.
64
The Board Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominee recommendations from Fund shareholders, in accordance with procedures established by the Committee. A Fund shareholder should submit a nominee recommendation in writing to the attention of the Chair of The Victory Portfolios, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219. The Committee (or a designated sub-committee) will screen shareholder recommendations in the same manner as it screens nominations received from other sources, such as current Trustees, management of the Fund or other individuals, including professional recruiters. The Committee need not consider any recommendations when no vacancy on the Board exists, but the Committee will consider any such recommendation if a vacancy occurs within six months after receipt of the recommendation. In administering the shareholder recommendation process, the Chair, in the Chairs sole discretion, may retain the services of counsel to the Trust or to the Independent Trustees, management of the Fund or any third party. The Committee will communicate the results of the evaluation of any shareholder recommendation to the shareholder who made the recommendation.
The Agenda Committee consists of the Chair of the Board and the Chair of each other Committee.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013, the Board held ten meetings; the Audit and Risk Oversight Committee held four
meetings
; the Investment Committee held five meetings; the Service Provider Committee held four meetings; and the Board Governance and Nominating Committee held four meetings. The Continuing Education Committee met informally during the fiscal year.
Board role in the oversight of risk.
In considering risks related to the Funds, the Board consults and receives reports from officers of the Funds and personnel of the Adviser, who are charged with the day-to-day risk oversight function. Matters regularly reported to the Board or a designated committee include certain risks involving the Funds investment portfolios, trading practices, operational matters, financial and accounting controls, and legal and regulatory compliance. The Board has delegated to the Audit and Risk Oversight Committee overall responsibility for reviewing reports relating to compliance and enterprise risk, including operational risk and personnel. The Board relies on the Investment Committee to review reports relating to investment risks, that is, risks to the funds resulting from pursuing the Funds investment strategies (e.g., credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk).
Fund ownership.
The following tables show the dollar ranges of Fund shares (and of shares of all series of the Victory Fund Complex) beneficially owned by the Trustees as of December 31, 2013. No Independent Trustee (or any immediate family member) owns beneficially or of record an interest in the Adviser or Victory Capital Advisers, Inc. (the Distributor) or in any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser or the Distributor (other than Funds in the Victory Funds Complex). Except as stated below, as of January 31, 2014, the Trustees and officers as a group owned beneficially less than 1% of each class of outstanding shares of the Funds. As of January 31, 2014, the Trustees and officers as a group owned beneficially 7.0% of Class A shares of the Dividend Growth Fund, 8.4% of Class I shares of the Dividend Growth Fund and 3.6% of Class I shares of the Global Equity Fund.
Independent Trustees.
Trustee
|
|
Dollar Range of Beneficial Ownership of Fund Shares
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Ownership
of Shares of All Series
of the Victory Fund Complex
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Adcock
|
|
Dividend Growth: Over $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Andrews
|
|
Diversified Stock: $50,001 - $100,000
Established Value: $50,001 - $100,000
Fund for Income: $50,001 - $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000
|
65
Trustee
|
|
Dollar Range of Beneficial Ownership of Fund Shares
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Ownership
of Shares of All Series
of the Victory Fund Complex
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ms. Beard
|
|
Diversified Stock: $50,001 - $100,000Established
Value: $10,001 - $50,000
Investment Grade Convertible: $10,001 - $50,000
Large Cap Growth: $50,001 - $100,000
Small Company Opportunity: $10,001 - $50,000
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ms. Dungan
|
|
Fund for Income: $50,001 -$100,000
Global Equity: $50,001 - $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Meyer
|
|
Diversified Stock: Over $100,000
International: $10,001 - $50,000
Small Company Opportunity: $10,001 - $50,000
Special Value: $10,001 - $50,000
|
|
Over $100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Wilson
|
|
Diversified Stock: Over $100,000
Special Value: Over $100,000
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Interested Trustee.
Trustee
|
|
Dollar Range of Beneficial Ownership of Fund Shares
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Ownership
of Shares of All Series
of the Victory Fund Complex
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Brown
|
|
Diversified Stock: Over $100,000
Dividend Growth: Over $100,000
Established Value: $10,001 - $50,000
Global Equity: $10,001 - $50,000
International: $10,001 - $50,000
International Select: $50,001 - $100,000
Investment Grade Convertible: $10,001 - $50,000
Large Cap Growth: Over $100,000
Small Company Opportunity: Over $100,000
Special Value: $10,001 - $50,000
|
|
Over $100,000
|
Mr. Brown is an Interested Person by reason of his relationship with Victory Capital Management Inc.
Remuneration of Trustees and the Chief Compliance Officer.
The Victory Fund Complex will pay each Independent Trustee $132,000 per year for his or her services to the Funds in the Complex. The Board Chair will be paid an additional retainer of $66,000 per year. The Board reserves the right to award reasonable compensation to any Interested Trustee.
The following tables indicate the compensation received by each Trustee and the Chief Compliance Officer from the Trust and from the Victory Fund Complex for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013. As of October 31, 2013, there were 16 mutual funds in the Victory Fund Complex for which the Trustees listed below were compensated. The Trust does not maintain a retirement plan for its Trustees.
Independent Trustees.
Trustee
|
|
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust
|
|
Total Compensation from
the Victory Fund Complex
|
|
Mr. Adcock
|
|
$
|
120,712
|
|
$
|
132,000
|
|
Mr. Andrews
|
|
120,712
|
|
132,000
|
|
Ms. Beard
|
|
120,712
|
|
132,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66
Trustee
|
|
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust
|
|
Total Compensation from
the Victory Fund Complex
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ms. Dungan
|
|
120,712
|
|
132,000
|
|
Mr. Meyer
|
|
120,712
|
|
132,000
|
|
Mr. Wilson
|
|
181,067
|
|
198,000
|
|
Interested Trustee.
Trustee
|
|
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust
|
|
Total Compensation from
the Victory Fund Complex
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Brown
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Mr. Brown is an Interested Person by reason of his relationship with Victory Capital Management Inc.
Chief Compliance Officer.
Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust
|
|
Total Compensation from
the Victory Fund Complex
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward J. Veilleux
|
|
$
|
146,323
|
|
$
|
160,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation.
Each Trustee may elect to defer a portion of his or her compensation from the Victory Fund Complex in accordance with a Deferred Compensation Plan adopted by the Board (the Plan). Such amounts are invested in one or more Funds in the Victory Fund Complex offered under the Plan or a money market fund, as selected by the Trustee. The following table lists, as of December 31, 2013, the Trustee(s) who have elected to defer a portion of his or her compensation from the Victory Fund Complex, the Victory Fund Complex Funds owned and the approximate dollar value of the deferred compensation.
Trustee
|
|
Victory Fund
|
|
Approximate Dollar Value
of Deferred Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Adcock
|
|
N/A
|
|
$
|
180,047
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officers.
The officers of the Trust are elected by the Board of Trustees to supervise actively the Trusts day-to-day operations. The officers of the Trust, their ages, the length of time served, and their principal occupations during the past five years, are detailed in the following table. Each individual holds the same position with the other registered investment companies in the Victory Fund Complex, and each officer serves until the earlier of his or her resignation, removal, retirement, death, or the election of a successor. The mailing address of each officer of the Trust is 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219-3035. Except for the Chief Compliance Officer, the officers of the Trust receive no compensation directly from the Trust for performing the duties of their offices. Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (Citi) receives fees from the Trust for serving as the Funds sub-administrator, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and servicing agent.
67
Name and Age
|
|
Position with
the Trust
|
|
Date
Commenced
Service
|
|
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Policarpo, II,*
39
|
|
President
|
|
May 2008
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2013), Senior Managing Director (2010-2013) and Managing Director (2005-2010) of the Adviser. Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2013), Victory Capital Holdings, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derrick A. MacDonald,
43
|
|
Vice President
|
|
August 2010
|
|
Managing Director of the Adviser,
Fund Administration, Technology & Operations
(since 2008); Global Business Director,
Avery Dennison (2004-2008).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher K. Dyer,
52
|
|
Secretary
|
|
February 2006
|
|
Director of Mutual Fund Administration, the Adviser.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jay G. Baris,
60
|
|
Assistant Secretary
|
|
December 1997
|
|
Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP (since 2011); Partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. (1994-2011).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher E. Sabato,
45
|
|
Treasurer
|
|
May 2006
|
|
Senior Vice President, Financial Administration, Citi Fund Services, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric B. Phipps,
42
|
|
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Identity Theft Officer
|
|
August 2010
|
|
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, CCO Services of Citi Fund Services Inc. (since 2006).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward J. Veilleux,
70
|
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
October 2005
|
|
President of EJV Financial Services (mutual fund consulting).
|
*Mr. Policarpo has been an officer of the Funds since May 2006.
ADVISORY AND OTHER CONTRACTS
.
Investment Adviser.
One of the Trusts most important contracts is with the Adviser, a New York corporation registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. (VCH). A majority interest in VCH is owned by Crestview Partners II, L.P. and its affiliated funds (together, Crestview) with a substantial minority interest in VCH owned by employees of the Adviser. As of December 31, 2013, the Adviser and its affiliates managed assets totaling in excess of $18 billion for numerous clients including large corporate and public retirement plans, Taft-Hartley plans, foundations and endowments, high net worth individuals and mutual funds.
The following schedule lists the advisory fees for each Fund, as an annual percentage of its average daily net assets.
Equity Funds
Fund
|
|
Advisory Fee
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
0.65% on the first $800 million, 0.60% on the next $1.6 billion and 0.55% on assets in excess of $2.4 billion
|
68
Fund
|
|
Advisory Fee
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
0.70% on the first $1.5 billion, 0.65% on the next $1.5 billion and 0.60% on assets in excess of $3.0 billion
|
Established Value
|
|
0.65% on the first $100 million, 0.55% on the next $100 million and 0.45% on assets in excess of $200 million
|
Global Equity
|
|
0.80% on the first $2.5 billion, 0.75% on the next $2.5 billion and 0.70% on assets in excess of $5 billion
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
0.75% on the first $400 million, 0.65% on the next $400 million and 0.60% on assets in excess of $800 million
|
International
|
|
0.80% on the first $2.5 billion, 0.75% on the next $2.5 billion and 0.70% on assets in excess of $5 billion
|
International Select
|
|
0.80% on the first $2.5 billion, 0.75% on the next $2.5 billion and 0.70% on assets in excess of $5 billion
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
0.85% on the first $500 million and 0.75% on assets in excess of $500 million
|
Special Value
|
|
0.75% on the first $400 million, 0.65% on the next $400 million and 0.60% on assets in excess of $800 million
|
Hybrid Funds
Fund
|
|
Advisory Fee
|
Balanced
|
|
0.60% on the first $400 million, 0.55% on the next $400 million and 0.50% on assets in excess of $800 million
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
0.75% on the first $400 million, 0.65% on the next $400 million and 0.60% on assets in excess of $800 million
|
Taxable Fixed-Income Funds
Fund
|
|
Advisory Fee
|
Fund for Income
|
|
0.50% on the first $400 million, 0.45% on the next $400 million and 0.40% on assets in excess of $800 million
|
Tax-Exempt Fixed-Income Funds
Fund
|
|
Advisory Fee
|
National Municipal Bond
|
|
0.55% on the first $400 million, 0.50% on the next $400 million and 0.45% on assets in excess of $800 million
|
Ohio Municipal Bond
|
|
0.55% on the first $400 million, 0.50% on the next $400 million and 0.45% on assets in excess of $800 million
|
The Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements.
A new advisory agreement dated as of August 1, 2013, as amended (the Advisory Agreement) applies to the Funds of the Trust. Unless sooner terminated, the Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, provides that it will continue in effect as to the Funds until December 31, 2014 and for consecutive one-year terms thereafter, provided that such renewal is approved at least annually by the Trustees or by vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of each such Fund (as defined under Additional InformationMiscellaneous) and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Advisory Agreement is terminable as to any particular Fund at any time on 60 days written notice
69
without penalty by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund, by vote of the Trustees, or as to all applicable Funds by the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement also terminates automatically in the event of any assignment, as defined by the 1940 Act.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of the services pursuant thereto, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by the Adviser of its duties and obligations thereunder.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser may delegate a portion of its responsibilities to a sub-adviser. In addition, the agreements provide that the Adviser may render services through its own employees or the employees of one or more affiliated companies that are qualified to act as an investment adviser of the Fund provided all such persons are functioning as part of an organized group of persons, managed by authorized officers of the Adviser.
A sub-advisory agreement between the Trust, the Adviser and KPB Investment Advisors LLC (the Sub-Adviser) dated as of August 1, 2013 (the Sub-Advisory Agreement) provides for the Sub-Adviser to manage that portion of the assets of the National Municipal Bond Fund and the Ohio Municipal Bond Fund (together, the Municipal Funds) that the Adviser allocates from time to time to the Sub-Adviser to manage (which portion may include any or all of the Municipal Funds assets), with the assistance and subject to the oversight of the Adviser. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser 0.20% of that portion of the average daily nets assets of the Municipal Funds that are subject to the Sub-Advisers investment discretion.
Unless sooner terminated, the Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that it will continue in effect as to the Municipal Funds until December 31, 2014 and for consecutive one-year terms thereafter, provided that such renewal is approved at least annually by the Trustees or by vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of each such Fund and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Sub-Advisory Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is terminable as to either Municipal Fund at any time on 60 days written notice without penalty by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, by vote of the Trustees, or by the Adviser, or as to both Funds by the Sub-Adviser upon 90 days written notice to the other parties. The Sub-Advisory Agreement also terminates automatically in the event of any assignment, as defined by the 1940 Act.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of the services pursuant thereto, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by the Sub-Adviser of its duties and obligations thereunder.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Adviser may render services through its own employees or the employees of one or more affiliated companies that are qualified to act as an investment adviser of the Fund provided all such persons are functioning as part of an organized group of persons, managed by authorized officers of the Sub-Adviser.
For the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 the Adviser was paid the following advisory fees with respect to the Funds.
Fund
|
|
2013
Fees Paid
|
|
2012
Fees Paid
|
|
2011
Fees Paid
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
121,442
|
|
$
|
120,690
|
|
$
|
306,237
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
10,965,968
|
|
13,896,146
|
|
21,375,095
|
|
Dividend Growth(1)
|
|
37,084
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Established Value
|
|
7,617,508
|
|
5,191,866
|
|
3,583,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70
Fund
|
|
2013
Fees Paid
|
|
2012
Fees Paid
|
|
2011
Fees Paid
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
6,479,358
|
|
5,845,354
|
|
3,499,079
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
66,210
|
|
54,777
|
|
47,041
|
|
International
|
|
560,798
|
|
510,195
|
|
548,358
|
|
International Select
|
|
562,823
|
|
497,596
|
|
533,008
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
134,730
|
|
171,073
|
|
230,216
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
1,280,043
|
|
1,291,274
|
|
1,177,006
|
|
National Municipal Bond
|
|
661,883
|
|
797,045
|
|
765,525
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond
|
|
403,169
|
|
489,670
|
|
584,052
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
12,265,983
|
|
8,139,756
|
|
6,394,953
|
|
Special Value
|
|
1,954,670
|
|
3,654,538
|
|
6,867,034
|
|
(1) Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2012
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 the Sub-Adviser was paid the following sub-advisory fees with respect to the Funds.
Fund
|
|
2013
Fees Paid
|
|
National Municipal Bond(1)
|
|
$
|
45,790
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond(1)
|
|
32,844
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) The Funds began being sub-advised on August 1, 2013.
Portfolio Managers.
This section includes information about the Funds portfolio managers, including information concerning other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated. For each Fund, the portfolio managers listed in the following table manage all of the other investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts shown below as a team.
Other Accounts
Fund (Portfolio Management Team)
|
|
Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)*
as of October 31, 2013
|
|
Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)* Subject to a
Performance Fee
as of October 31, 2013
|
Balanced Fund
(Lawrence G. Babin, and Heidi L. Adelman)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
2 ($514.8 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
8 ($3.6 billion)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
43 ($2.0 billion)
|
|
None
|
Diversified Stock Fund
(Lawrence G. Babin, Paul D. Danes, Carolyn M. Rains, Martin L. Shagrin and Thomas J. Uutala)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
2 ($514.8 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
6 ($907.0 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
40 ($1.9 billion)
|
|
None
|
* Rounded to the nearest tenth of a billion, or million, as relevant.
71
Fund (Portfolio Management Team)
|
|
Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)*
as of October 31, 2013
|
|
Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)* Subject to a
Performance Fee
as of October 31, 2013
|
Dividend Growth Fund
(Gregory H. Ekizian)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
2 ($229.8 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Established Value Fund
(Gregory M. Conners, Jeffrey M. Graff and Gary H. Miller)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
1 ($1.1 billion)
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
7 ($2.2 billion)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
16 ($379.6 million)
|
|
None
|
Fund for Income
(Heidi L. Adelman and Harriet R. Uhlir)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
1 ($47.4 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
3 ($77.0 million)
|
|
None
|
Global Equity Fund
(
Matthias A. Knerr
and
Jeffrey A. Saeger
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
2 ($157.9 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
International Fund
(
Matthias A. Knerr
and
Chris J. La Jaunie
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
2 ($89.1 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
International Select Fund
(
Matthias A. Knerr
and
Chris J. La Jaunie
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
2 ($89.1 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Investment Grade Convertible Fund
(Amy E. Bush, Richard A. Janus, James K. Kaesberg and Mark Vucenovic)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
4 ($98.0 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
12 ($961.7 million)
|
|
None
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
(Jason E. Dahl, Scott R. Kefer, Erick F. Maronak and Michael B. Koskuba)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
2 ($694.8 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
2 ($112.0 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
40 ($932.7 million)
|
|
None
|
72
Fund (Portfolio Management Team)
|
|
Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)*
as of October 31, 2013
|
|
Number of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)* Subject to a
Performance Fee
as of October 31, 2013
|
National Municipal Bond Fund
(Paul A. Toft and Patrick D. Grady)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
10 ($873.9 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
17 ($363.5 million)
|
|
None
|
Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
(Paul A. Toft and Patrick D. Grady)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
10 ($898.9 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
17 ($363.5 million)
|
|
None
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund
(Gregory M. Conners, Jeffrey M. Graff and Gary H. Miller)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
1 ($1.1 billion)
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
7 ($2.2 billion)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
16 ($379.6 million)
|
|
None
|
Special Value Fund
(Gregory H. Ekizian)
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investment Companies
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
2 ($8 million)
|
|
None
|
Other Accounts
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
The Advisers portfolio managers are often responsible for managing one or more Funds as well as other accounts, such as separate accounts, and other pooled investment vehicles, such as collective trust funds or unregistered hedge funds. A portfolio manager may manage other accounts which have materially higher fee arrangements than a Fund and may, in the future, also have a performance-based fee. The side-by-side management of the Funds along with other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities and the aggregation and allocation of trades. In addition, certain trading practices, such as cross-trading between Funds or between a Fund and another account, raise conflict of interest issues. The Funds and the Adviser have policies and procedures in place, including the Advisers internal review process and oversight by the Board of Trustees, that are intended to mitigate those conflicts.
Fund Ownership
Portfolio Manager
|
|
Fund
|
|
Dollar Range of Shares
Beneficially Owned
as of October 31, 2013
|
Ms. Adelman
|
|
Balanced Fund
|
|
None
|
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
$50,001 to $100,000
|
Mr. Babin
|
|
Balanced Fund
|
|
None
|
|
|
Diversified Stock Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Ms. Bush
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Mr. Conners
|
|
Established Value Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
|
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Mr. Dahl
|
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Mr. Danes
|
|
Diversified Stock Fund
|
|
None
|
73
Mr. Ekizian
|
|
Dividend Growth Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
|
|
Special Value Fund
|
|
None
|
Mr. Grady
|
|
National Municipal Bond Fund
|
|
None
|
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
|
|
None
|
Mr. Graff
|
|
Established Value Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
|
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Mr. Janus
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Mr. Kaesberg
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible Fund
|
|
$1 to $10,000
|
Mr. Kefer
|
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
$10,001 to $50,000
|
Mr. Knerr
|
|
Global Equity Fund
|
|
$50,0001 to $100,000
|
|
|
International Fund
|
|
$10,001 to $50,000
|
|
|
International Select Fund
|
|
$50,001 to $100,000
|
Mr. Koskuba
|
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Mr. La Jaunie
|
|
International Fund
|
|
$50,001 to $100,000
|
|
|
International Select Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Mr. Maronak
|
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
|
|
$10,001 to $50,000
|
Mr. Miller
|
|
Established Value Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
|
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
Ms. Rains
|
|
Diversified Stock Fund
|
|
$50,001 to $100,000
|
Mr. Saeger
|
|
Global Equity Fund
|
|
$10,001 to $50,000
|
Mr. Shagrin
|
|
Diversified Stock Fund
|
|
None
|
Mr. Toft
|
|
National Municipal Bond Fund
|
|
$100,001 to $500,000
|
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
|
|
$10,001 to $50,000
|
Ms. Uhlir
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
None
|
Mr. Uutala
|
|
Diversified Stock Fund
|
|
None
|
Mr. Vucenovic
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible Fund
|
|
$1 to $10,000
|
Compensation
The portfolio managers for each of the Funds each receives a base salary plus an annual incentive bonus for managing the Fund, other investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts (including other accounts for which the Adviser receives a performance fee). A managers base salary is dependent on the managers level of experience and expertise. The Adviser monitors each managers base salary relative to salaries paid for similar positions with peer firms by reviewing data provided by various consultants that specialize in competitive salary information.
A portfolio managers annual incentive bonus is based on the managers investment performance results. The Adviser establishes a target incentive for each portfolio manager based on the managers level of experience and expertise in the managers investment style. This target is set at a percentage of base salary, generally ranging from 40% to 150%. Individual performance is based on objectives established annually during the first quarter of the fiscal year and are utilized to determine incentive award allocation within the team. Individual performance metrics include portfolio structure and positioning, research, stock selection, asset growth, client retention, presentation skills, marketing to prospective clients and contribution to Victorys philosophy and values, such as leadership, risk management and teamwork. Investment performance is based on investment performance of each portfolio managers portfolio or Fund relative to a selected peer group(s), and is assigned a 50% - 100% weighting. The overall performance results of each Fund and all similarly-managed investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts are compared to the performance information of a peer group of similarly-managed competitors, as supplied by third party analytical agencies. The managers performance versus the peer group then determines the final incentive amount, which generally ranges from zero to 150% of the target, depending on
74
results. For example, performance in an upper decile may result in an incentive bonus that is 150% of the target while below-average performance may result in an incentive bonus as low as zero. Performance results for a manager are based on the composite performance of all accounts managed by that manager on a combination of one, three and five year rolling performance.
In addition to the compensation described above, each of the Dividend Growth and Special Value Funds portfolio manager (Mr. Ekizian), Diversified Stock Funds portfolio managers (Mr. Babin, Mr. Danes and Ms. Rains), Small Company Opportunity and Established Value Funds portfolio managers (Mr. Miller, Mr. Conners, and Mr. Graff), Global Equity Funds portfolio managers (Mr. Knerr, Mr. Saeger), International and International Select Funds portfolio managers (Mr. Knerr, Mr. La Jaunie), Large Cap Growths portfolio managers (Mr. Maronak, Mr. Kefer, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Koskuba), the Fund for Incomes portfolio managers (Ms. Adelman, Ms. Uhlir) may earn additional incentive compensation based on a percentage of the revenue to the Adviser attributable to fees paid by all investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts that employ strategies similar to those employed by their respective Fund(s).
The Funds portfolio managers that are employed by the Adviser may participate in VCHs equity ownership plan. There is an ongoing annual equity pool granted to certain employees based on their contribution to the firm. Eligibility for participation in these incentive programs depends on the managers performance and seniority. The following portfolio managers are equity owners in VCH: Ms. Adelman, Mr. Babin, Ms. Bush, Mr. Conners, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Danes, Mr. Ekizian, Mr. Graff, Mr. Janus, Mr. Kaesberg, Mr. Kefer, Mr. Knerr, Mr. Koskuba, Mr. La Jaunie, Mr. Maronak, Mr. Miller, Ms. Rains, and Mr. Saeger.
Code of Ethics.
Each of the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor has adopted a Code of Ethics. The Adviser Code of Ethics applies to all Access Personnel (the Advisers directors and officers and employees with investment advisory duties) and all Supervised Personnel (all of the Advisers directors, officers and employees). Each Code of Ethics provides that Access Personnel must refrain from certain trading practices. Each Code also requires all Access Personnel (and, in the Adviser Code, all Supervised Personnel) to report certain personal investment activities, including, but not limited to, purchases or sales of securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds. Violations of any Code of Ethics can result in penalties, suspension, or termination of employment.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Trust has adopted policies and procedures for voting proxies related to equity securities that the Funds hold (the Proxy Voting Policy). The Trusts Proxy Voting Policy is designed to: (i) ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of shareholders of the Funds with a view toward maximizing the value of their investments; (ii) address conflicts of interests between these shareholders, on the one hand, and affiliates of the Fund, the Adviser or the Distributor, on the other, that may arise regarding the voting of proxies; and (iii) provide for the disclosure of the Funds proxy voting records and the Proxy Voting Policy.
The Proxy Voting Policy delegates to the Adviser the obligation to vote the Funds proxies in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders, subject to oversight by the Board. To assist the Adviser in making proxy-voting decisions, the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy (Policy) that establishes voting guidelines (Proxy Voting Guidelines) with respect to certain recurring issues. The Policy is reviewed on an annual basis by the Advisers Proxy Committee (Proxy Committee) and revised when the Committee determines that a change is appropriate. The Board annually reviews the Trusts Proxy Voting Policy and the Advisers Policy and determines whether amendments are necessary or advisable.
Voting under the Advisers Policy may be executed through administrative screening per established guidelines with oversight by the Proxy Committee or upon vote by a quorum of the Proxy Committee. The Adviser delegates to Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), an independent service provider, the non-discretionary administration of proxy voting for the Trust, subject to oversight by the Advisers Proxy Committee. In no circumstances shall ISS have the authority to vote proxies except in accordance with standing or specific instructions given to it by the Adviser.
75
The Adviser votes proxies in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders. This entails voting client proxies with the objective of increasing the long-term economic value of Fund assets. The Advisers Proxy Committee determines how proxies are voted by following established guidelines, which are intended to assist in voting proxies and are not considered rigid rules. The Proxy Committee is directed to apply the guidelines as appropriate. On occasion, however, a contrary vote may be warranted when such action is in the best interests of the Funds or if required by the Board or the Funds Proxy Voting Policy. In such cases, the Adviser may consider, among other things:
·
the effect of the proposal on the underlying value of the securities
·
the effect on marketability of the securities
·
the effect of the proposal on future prospects of the issuer
·
the composition and effectiveness of the issuers board of directors
·
the issuers corporate governance practices
·
the quality of communications from the issuer to its shareholders
The Adviser may also take into account independent third-party, general industry guidance or other corporate governance review sources when making decisions. It may additionally seek guidance from other senior internal sources with special expertise on a given topic where it is appropriate. The investment teams opinion concerning the management and prospects of the issuer may be taken into account in determining whether a vote for or against a proposal is in a Funds best interests. Insufficient information, onerous requests or vague, ambiguous wording may indicate that a vote against a proposal is appropriate, even when the general principal appears to be reasonable.
Occasionally, conflicts of interest arise between the Advisers interests and those of a Fund or another client. When this occurs, the Proxy Committee must document the nature of the conflict and vote the proxy in accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines unless such guidelines are judged by the Proxy Committee to be inapplicable to the proxy matter at issue. In the event that the Proxy Voting Guidelines are inapplicable or do not mitigate the conflict, the Adviser will seek the opinion of the Advisers Chief Compliance Officer or consult with an external independent adviser. In the case of a Proxy Committee member having a personal conflict of interest (e.g. a family member is on the board of the issuer), such member will abstain from voting. Finally, the Adviser reports to the Board annually any proxy votes that took place involving a conflict, including the nature of the conflict and the basis or rationale for the voting decision made.
The Funds Proxy Voting Policy provides that the Funds, in accordance with SEC rules, annually will disclose on Form N-PX the Funds proxy voting record. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30th is updated each year by August 31st and is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 800 539-FUND (800 539 3863) or by accessing the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Transactions.
Fixed Income Trading.
Fixed income and convertible securities are bought and sold through broker-dealers acting on a principal basis. These trades are not charged a commission, but rather are marked up or marked down by the executing broker-dealer. The Adviser does not know the actual value of the markup/markdown. However, the Adviser attempts to ascertain whether the overall price of a security is reasonable through the use of competitive bids. For the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, the Fixed Income Funds paid no brokerage commissions.
Orders to buy or sell convertible securities and fixed income securities are placed on a competitive basis with a reasonable attempt made to obtain three competitive bids or offers. Exceptions are: (1) where the bid/ask spread is 5 basis points or less, provided the order is actually filled at the bid or better for sales and at the ask or better for purchases; (2) securities for which there are only one or two market makers; (3) block purchases considered
76
relatively large; (4) swaps, a simultaneous sale of one security and purchase of another in substantially equal amounts for the same account, intended to take advantage of an aberration in a spread relationship, realize losses, etc.; and (5) purchases and/or sales of fixed income securities for which, typically, more than one offering of the same issue is unobtainable; subject to a judgment by the trader that the bid is competitive.
All Other Markets.
Subject to the consideration of obtaining best execution, the Adviser may use brokerage commissions generated from client transactions may be used to obtain services and/or research from broker-dealers to assist in the Advisers investment management decision-making process. These services and research are in addition to and do not replace the services and research that the Adviser is required to perform and do not reduce the investment advisory fees payable to the Adviser by the Funds. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in serving both the Funds and other clients and, conversely, such supplemental research information obtained by the placement of orders on behalf of other clients may be useful to the Adviser in carrying out its obligations to the Funds.
Brokerage commissions may never be used to compensate a third party for client referrals unless the client has directed such an arrangement. In addition, brokerage commissions may never be used to obtain research and/or services for the benefit of any employee or non-client entity.
It is the policy of the Adviser to obtain the best execution of its clients securities transactions. The Adviser strives to execute each clients securities transactions in such a manner that the clients total costs or proceeds in each transaction are the most favorable under the circumstances. Commission rates paid on securities transactions for client accounts must reflect comparative market rates.
In addition, the Adviser will consider the full range and quality of a brokers services in placing brokerage including, but not limited to, the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rate, willingness and ability to commit capital and responsiveness. The lowest possible commission cost alone does not determine broker selection. The transaction that represents the best quality execution for a client account will be executed. Commission ranges and the actual commission paid for trades of listed stocks and over-the-counter stocks may vary depending on, but not limited to, the liquidity and volatility of the stock and services provided to the Adviser by the broker.
The Adviser will make a good faith determination that the commissions paid are reasonable in relationship to the value of the services received. The continuous review of commissions is the responsibility of the head of equity trading. Quarterly, the Advisers research analysts and portfolio managers will participate in a broker vote. The Advisers Equity Trading Desk will utilize the vote results during the broker selection process. Some brokers executing trades for the Advisers clients may, from time to time, receive liquidity rebates in connection with the routing of trades to Electronic Communications Networks. Since the Adviser is not a broker, however, it is ineligible to receive such rebates and does not obtain direct benefits for its clients from this broker practice.
Investment decisions for each Fund are made independently from those made for the other Funds or any other investment company or account managed by the Adviser. Such other investment companies or accounts may also invest in the same securities and may follow similar investment strategies as the Funds. The Adviser may combine transaction orders (bunching or blocking trades) for more than one client account where such action appears to be equitable and potentially advantageous for each account (
e.g.
, for the purpose of reducing brokerage commissions or obtaining a more favorable transaction price.) The Adviser will aggregate transaction orders only if it believes that the aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution for its clients and is consistent with the terms of investment advisory agreements with each client for whom trades are being aggregated. Both equity and fixed-income securities may be aggregated. When making such a combination of transaction orders for a new issue or secondary market trade in an equity security, the Adviser adheres to the following objectives:
·
Fairness to clients both in the participation of execution of orders for their account, and in the allocation of orders for the accounts of more than one client.
·
Allocation of all orders in a timely and efficient manner.
77
In some cases, bunching or blocking trades may affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained by the Fund in an adverse manner relative to the result that would have been obtained if only that particular Fund had participated in or been allocated such trades.
The aggregation of transactions for advisory accounts and proprietary accounts (including partnerships and other accounts in which the Adviser or its associated persons are partners or participants, and managed employee accounts) is permissible. No proprietary account may be favored over any other participating account and such practice must be consistent with the Advisers Code of Ethics.
Equity trade orders are executed based only on trade instructions received from portfolio managers by the trading desk. Portfolio managers may enter trades to meet the full target allocation immediately or may meet the allocation through moves in incremental blocks. Orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. At times, a rotation system may determine first-come, first-served treatment when the equity trading desk receives the same order for multiple accounts simultaneously. The Adviser will utilize a rotation whereby the Funds, even if aggregated with other orders, are in the first block(s) to trade within the rotation. To aggregate orders, the equity trading desk must determine that all accounts in the order will benefit. Any new trade that can be blocked with an existing open order may be added to the open order to form a larger block. The Adviser receives no additional compensation or remuneration of any kind as a result of the aggregation of trades. All accounts participating in a block execution receive the same execution price, an average share price, for securities purchased or sold on a trading day. Execution prices may not be carried overnight. Any portion of an order that remains unfilled at the end of a given day shall be rewritten (absent contrary instructions) on the following day as a new order. Accounts with trades executed the next day will receive a new daily average price to be determined at the end of the following day.
If the order is filled in its entirety, securities purchased in the aggregate transaction will be allocated among accounts participating in the trade in accordance with an Allocation Statement prepared at the time of order entry. If the order is partially filled, the securities will be allocated pro rata based on the Allocation Statement. Portfolio managers may allocate executed trades in a different manner than indicated on the Allocation Statement (
e.g.
, non-pro rata) only if all client accounts receive fair and equitable treatment.
In some instances, it may not be practical to complete the Allocation Statement prior to the placement of the order. In that case, the trading desk will complete the Allocation Statement as soon as practicable, but no later than the end of the same business day on which the securities have been allocated to the trading desk by the broker.
Where the full amount of a block execution is not executed, the partial amount actually executed will be allocated on a pro rata basis whenever possible. The following execution methods maybe used in place of a pro rata procedure: relative size allocations, security position weighting, priority for specialized accounts, or a special allocation based on compliance approval.
After the proper allocation has been completed, excess shares must be sold in the secondary market, and may not be reallocated to another managed account.
In making investment decisions for the Funds, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by a Fund is a customer of the Adviser, its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, and, in dealing with their commercial customers, the Adviser, its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates will not inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers are held by the Funds.
The following table shows the brokerage commissions that the Equity and Hybrid Funds paid during the last three fiscal years ended October 31.
Fund
|
|
2013
|
|
2012
|
|
2011
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
16,143
|
|
$
|
18,450
|
|
$
|
55,119
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
2,029,058
|
|
3,033,748
|
|
5,304,787
|
|
Dividend Growth(1)
|
|
5,128
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Established Value
|
|
1,401,716
|
|
1,163,481
|
|
630,441
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78
Fund
|
|
2013
|
|
2012
|
|
2011
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
5,128
|
|
15,320
|
|
15,595
|
|
International
|
|
205,368
|
|
173,609
|
|
252,920
|
|
International Select
|
|
234,916
|
|
194,840
|
|
252,221
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
1,257
|
|
1,604
|
|
2,187
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
125,086
|
|
121,325
|
|
142,192
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
2,083,267
|
|
1,128,272
|
|
795,660
|
|
Special Value
|
|
575,298
|
|
932,440
|
|
2,039,872
|
|
(1) Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2012.
Affiliated Brokerage.
The Board has authorized the allocation of brokerage to affiliated broker-dealers on an agency basis to effect portfolio transactions. The Board has adopted procedures incorporating the standards of Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, which require that the commission paid to affiliated broker-dealers must be reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received, or to be received, by other broker-dealers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities during a comparable period of time.
The Trust will not acquire portfolio securities issued by, make savings deposits in, or enter into repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements with the Adviser, KeyBank or their affiliates, or Citi or its affiliates and will not give preference to KeyBanks correspondent banks or affiliates, or Citi with respect to such transactions, securities, savings deposits, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements. From time to time, when determined by the Adviser to be advantageous to the Funds, the Adviser may execute portfolio transactions through affiliated broker-dealers. All such transactions must be completed in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. The percentage of trades executed through an affiliated broker-dealer for a Fund may be higher relative to trades executed by unaffiliated dealers, so long as the trades executed by the affiliated broker-dealer are consistent with best execution.
No payments were made to any affiliated brokers during the prior three fiscal years ended October 31, 2013.
Allocation of Brokerage in Connection with Research Services
. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013, the Adviser, through agreements or understandings with brokers, or otherwise through an internal allocation procedure, directed the brokerage transactions of certain Equity and Hybrid Funds to brokers because of research services provided. The following table indicates the Funds that entered into these transactions, the amount of these transactions and related commissions paid during this period. These amounts represent transactions effected with, and related commissions paid to, brokers that provide third party research services. They do not include transactions and commissions involving brokers that provide proprietary research.
Fund
|
|
Amount of Transactions to
Brokers Providing Research
|
|
Related Commissions
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
26,892,570
|
|
$
|
15,404
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
3,311,223,700
|
|
1,865,629
|
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
6,757,059
|
|
3,897
|
|
Established Value
|
|
1,645,513,389
|
|
1,364,083
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
19,575,902
|
|
22,973
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
280,412,435
|
|
129,228
|
|
International
|
|
117,524,018
|
|
180,532
|
|
International Select
|
|
158,400,184
|
|
213,700
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
4,100,021
|
|
1,317
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
1,922,770,356
|
|
2,020,690
|
|
Special Value
|
|
698,282,376
|
|
554,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities of Regular Brokers or Dealers.
The SEC requires the Trust to provide certain information for those Funds that held securities of their regular brokers or dealers (or their parents) during the Trusts most recent fiscal
79
year. The following table identifies, for each applicable Fund, those brokers or dealers, the type of security and the value of the Funds aggregate holdings of the securities of each such issuer as of October 31, 2013.
Fund
|
|
Broker-Dealer
|
|
Type of Security
(Debt or Equity)
|
|
Aggregate
Value (000)
|
Balanced Fund
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
Equity
|
|
$
|
337
|
Balanced Fund
|
|
JP Morgan
|
|
Equity
|
|
453
|
Diversified Stock Fund
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
Equity
|
|
35,544
|
Diversified Stock Fund
|
|
JP Morgan
|
|
Equity
|
|
45,898
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
Equity
|
|
104
|
Dividend Growth
|
|
JP Morgan
|
|
Equity
|
|
125
|
Global Equity Fund
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
Debt
|
|
187
|
Global Equity Fund
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
Equity
|
|
143
|
International Fund
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
Debt
|
|
3,232
|
International Select Fund
|
|
Citigroup
|
|
Debt
|
|
2,341
|
Investment Grade Convertible Fund
|
|
Jefferies Group
|
|
Debt
|
|
261
|
Portfolio Turnover.
The portfolio turnover rates stated in the prospectuses are calculated by dividing the lesser of each Funds purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities. The calculation excludes all securities whose maturities, at the time of acquisition, were one year or less. Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of a Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued. The following table shows the portfolio turnover rates for each Fund for the two fiscal years ended October 31, 2013.
|
|
2013
|
|
2012
|
|
Balanced
|
|
142
|
%
|
106
|
%
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
89
|
%
|
87
|
%
|
Dividend Growth(1)
|
|
68
|
%
|
N/A
|
|
Established Value
|
|
46
|
%
|
43
|
%
|
Fund for Income
|
|
62
|
%
|
90
|
%
|
Global Equity
|
|
119
|
%
|
90
|
%
|
International
|
|
100
|
%
|
94
|
%
|
International Select
|
|
128
|
%
|
99
|
%
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
27
|
%
|
47
|
%
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
78
|
%
|
77
|
%
|
National Muni Bond
|
|
36
|
%
|
70
|
%
|
Ohio Municipal Bond
|
|
27
|
%
|
28
|
%
|
Small Co. Opportunity
|
|
56
|
%
|
41
|
%
|
Special Value
|
|
110
|
%
|
87
|
%
|
(1) Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2012.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The Board has adopted policies with respect to the disclosure of each Funds portfolio holdings by the Fund, the Adviser, or their affiliates. These policies provide that each Funds portfolio holdings information generally may not be disclosed to any party prior to the information becoming public. Certain limited exceptions are described below. These policies apply to disclosures to all categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries who sell shares of a Fund, third parties providing services to the Fund (accounting agent, print vendors, etc.), rating and ranking organizations (Lipper, Morningstar, etc.) and affiliated persons of the Fund.
The Trusts Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring each Funds compliance with these policies and for providing regular reports (at least annually) to the Board regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the policy and recommend changes, if necessary.
80
Non-Public Disclosures
The Adviser may authorize the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information under certain limited circumstances. The Funds policies provide that non-public disclosures of a Funds portfolio holdings may only be made if: (i) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose (as determined by the President of the Trust) for making such disclosure; and (ii) the party receiving the non-public information enters into a confidentiality agreement, which includes a duty not to trade on the non-public information and describes any compensation to be paid to the Fund or any affiliated person of the Adviser or Distributor, including any arrangement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or by any affiliated person of the Adviser or Distributor.
The Adviser will consider any actual or potential conflicts of interest between the Adviser and a Funds shareholders and will act in the best interest of the Funds shareholders with respect to any such disclosure of portfolio holdings information. If a potential conflict can be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the Adviser may authorize release of portfolio holdings information. Conversely, if the potential conflict cannot be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the Adviser will not authorize such release.
Ongoing Arrangements to Disclose Portfolio Holdings
As previously authorized by the Board and/or the Trusts executive officers, a Fund periodically discloses non-public portfolio holdings on a confidential basis to various service providers that require such information in order to assist the Fund in its day-to-day operations, as well as public information to certain ratings organizations. These entities are described in the following table. The table also includes information as to the timing of these entities receiving the portfolio holdings information from a Fund. In none of these arrangements does a Fund or any affiliated person of the Adviser or Distributor receive any compensation, including any arrangement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or by any affiliated person of the Adviser or Distributor.
Type of Service Provider
|
|
Name of Service Provider
|
|
Timing of Release of
Portfolio Holdings Information
|
Adviser
|
|
Victory Capital Management Inc.
|
|
Daily.
|
Distributor
|
|
Victory Capital Advisers, Inc.
|
|
Daily.
|
Custodian
|
|
KeyBank National Association
|
|
Daily.
|
International Funds Custodian
|
|
Citibank, N.A.
|
|
Daily.
|
Fund Accountant
|
|
Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc.
|
|
Daily.
|
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
Ernst & Young LLP
|
|
Annual Reporting Period: within 15 business days of end of reporting period.
Semiannual Reporting Period: within 31 business days of end of reporting period.
Rule 17f-2 Audit: twice annually without prior notice to the Funds.
|
Printer for Financial Reports
|
|
Merrill Corporation
|
|
Up to 30 days before distribution to shareholders.
|
Legal Counsel, for EDGAR filings on Forms N-CSR and Form N-Q
|
|
Morrison & Foerster LLP
|
|
Up to 30 days before filing with the SEC.
|
Ratings Agency
|
|
Thompson Financial/Vestek
|
|
Monthly, within 5 days after the end of the previous month.
|
Ratings Agency
|
|
Lipper/Merrill Lynch
|
|
Monthly, within 6 days after the end of the previous month.
|
81
Type of Service Provider
|
|
Name of Service Provider
|
|
Timing of Release of
Portfolio Holdings Information
|
Ratings Agency
|
|
Lipper/general subscribers
|
|
Monthly, 30 days after the end of the previous month.
|
Ratings Agency
|
|
Morningstar
|
|
Quarterly, 5 business days after the end of the previous quarter.
|
Financial Data Service
|
|
Bloomberg L.P.
|
|
Quarterly, 5 business days after the end of the previous quarter.
|
These service providers are required to keep all non-public information confidential and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information, except as necessary in providing services to a Fund.
There is no guarantee that a Funds policies on use and dissemination of holdings information will protect the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of such information.
Administrative Services.
Victory Capital Management Inc.
(VCM) serves as administrator to the Trust pursuant to an agreement dated July 1, 2006, as amended (the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement). Citi serves as sub-administrator to the Trust pursuant to an agreement with VCM dated July 1, 2006, as amended (the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement). As administrator, VCM supervises the Trusts operations, including the services that Citi provides to the Funds as sub-administrator, but excluding those that VCM supervises as investment adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board.
Under the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement, for the administration and fund accounting services that VCM renders to the Funds, the Trust pays VCM an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the following annual rates based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the Trust and The Victory Variable Insurance Funds (VVIF): 0.108% of the first $8 billion in aggregate Trust and VVIF net assets, plus 0.078% of aggregate Trust and VVIF net assets in excess of $8 billion to $10 billion, plus 0.075% of aggregate Trust and VVIF net assets in excess of $10 billion to $12 billion, plus 0.065% of aggregate Trust and VVIF net assets in excess of $12 billion. VCM may periodically waive all or a portion of the amount of its fee that is allocated to any Fund in order to increase the net income of one or more of the Funds available for distribution to shareholders. In addition, the Trust and VVIF reimburse VCM for all of their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of providing the services under the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement.
Except as otherwise provided in the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement, VCM shall pay all expenses that it incurs in performing its services and duties as administrator. Unless sooner terminated, the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement will continue in effect as to each Fund for a period of three years and for consecutive one-year terms thereafter,
provided
that such continuance is ratified by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of each Fund and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Agreement. The Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement provides that VCM shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from bad faith, willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.
Under the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement, VCM coordinates the preparation, filing and distribution of amendments to the Trusts registration statement on Form N-1A, supplements to prospectuses and SAIs, and proxy materials in connection with shareholder meetings; drafts shareholder communications, including annual and semi-annual reports; administers the Trusts other service provider contracts; monitors compliance with investment restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, each Funds investment objective, defined investment policies, and restrictions, tax diversification, and distribution and income requirements; coordinates the Funds service arrangements with financial institutions that make the Funds shares available to their customers; assists with regulatory compliance;
82
supplies individuals to serve as Trust officers; prepares Board meeting materials; and annually determines whether the services that it provides (or the services that Citi provides as sub-administrator) are adequate and complete.
The following table reflects fees that each Fund paid to VCM under the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement for the last three fiscal years ended October 31.
Fund
|
|
2013
Fees Paid
|
|
2012
Fees Paid
|
|
2011
Fees Paid
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
21,868
|
|
$
|
20,966
|
|
$
|
79,905
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
1,923,410
|
|
2,343,438
|
|
3,530,868
|
|
Dividend Growth(1)
|
|
5,722
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Established Value
|
|
1,765,877
|
|
1,139,059
|
|
720,939
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
1,599,130
|
|
1,375,330
|
|
803,896
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
9,008
|
|
7,153
|
|
5,762
|
|
International
|
|
76,202
|
|
66,510
|
|
86,316
|
|
International Select
|
|
76,457
|
|
64,890
|
|
79,245
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
19,640
|
|
23,654
|
|
39,943
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
185,891
|
|
179,913
|
|
158,229
|
|
National Municipal Bond
|
|
131,225
|
|
151,219
|
|
156,727
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond
|
|
80,020
|
|
92,793
|
|
122,209
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
1,703,191
|
|
1,066,462
|
|
776,773
|
|
Special Value
|
|
285,794
|
|
520,860
|
|
998,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2012.
Sub-Administrator.
Citi
Citi serves as sub-administrator to the Funds pursuant to an agreement with VCM dated July 1, 2006, as amended (the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement). Citi assists in supervising all operations of the Funds (other than those performed by VCM either as investment adviser or administrator), subject to the supervision of the Board.
Under the Citi Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement, for the sub-administration services that Citi renders to the Funds and VVIF, Victory Capital Management pays Citi an annual fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at the following annual rates: 0.05% of the first $8 billion of aggregate Trust and VVIF net assets; plus 0.02% of aggregate net assets of aggregate Trust and VVIF net assets from in excess of $8 billion to $12 billion; plus 0.01% of aggregate Trust and VVIF net assets in excess of $12 billion. Citi may periodically waive all or a portion of the amount of its fee that is allocated to any Fund in order to increase the net income of one or more of the Funds available for distribution to shareholders. In addition, the Trust and VVIF reimburse Citi for all of their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of providing the services under the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement.
Unless sooner terminated, the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement will continue in effect as to each Fund for a period of three years and for consecutive one-year terms thereafter,
provided
that such continuance is ratified by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of each Fund and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Agreement. The Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement provides that Citi shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from bad faith, willful misfeasance, negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.
83
Under the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement, Citi calculates Trust expenses and make disbursements; calculates capital gain and distribution information; registers the Funds shares with the states; prepares shareholder reports and reports to the SEC on Forms N-SAR and N-Q; coordinates dividend payments; calculates the Funds performance information; files the Trusts tax returns; supplies individuals to serve as Trust officers; monitors the Funds status as regulated investment companies under the Code; assists in developing portfolio compliance procedures; reports to the Board amounts paid under shareholder service agreements; assists with regulatory compliance; obtains, maintains and files fidelity bonds and Trustees and officers/errors and omissions insurance policies for the Trust; and assists in the annual audit of the Funds.
Distributor.
Victory Capital Advisers, Inc. (the Distributor), located at 4900 Tiedeman Road, 4
th
Floor, Brooklyn OH 44144, serves as distributor for the continuous offering of the shares of the Funds pursuant to a Distribution Agreement between the Distributor and the Trust dated August 1, 2013, as amended (the Distribution Agreement). The Distributor is an affiliate of the Adviser. Unless otherwise terminated, the Distribution Agreement will remain in effect with respect to each Fund for two years and will continue thereafter for consecutive one-year terms, provided that the renewal is approved at least annually (1) by the Board or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of each Fund, and (2) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement will terminate in the event of its assignment, as defined under the 1940 Act. The following table reflects the total underwriting commissions and the amount of those commissions retained by the Distributor (and its predecessors) in connection with the sale of shares of each Fund for the three fiscal years ended October 31.
|
|
2013
|
|
2012
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
Total
Commissions
|
|
Underwriting
Commissions
Retained
|
|
Total
Commissions
|
|
Underwriting
Commissions
Retained
|
|
Total
Commissions
|
|
Underwriting
Commissions
Retained
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
4,960
|
|
$
|
1,236
|
|
$
|
10,471
|
|
$
|
1,577
|
|
$
|
3,321
|
|
$
|
917
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
100,556
|
|
15,470
|
|
72,740
|
|
1,152
|
|
206,866
|
|
22,425
|
|
Dividend Growth(1)
|
|
460
|
|
310
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Established Value
|
|
55,175
|
|
7,230
|
|
97,839
|
|
14,240
|
|
142,838
|
|
21,980
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
304,565
|
|
96,559
|
|
783,272
|
|
235,096
|
|
358,845
|
|
114,357
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
International
|
|
692
|
|
92
|
|
480
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Select
|
|
58
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
141
|
|
97
|
|
630
|
|
255
|
|
126
|
|
91
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
76,912
|
|
10,936
|
|
135,392
|
|
17,894
|
|
140,461
|
|
17,972
|
|
National Muni Bond
|
|
812
|
|
244
|
|
17,252
|
|
7,167
|
|
10,516
|
|
3,262
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond
|
|
4,751
|
|
1,566
|
|
9,555
|
|
2,864
|
|
16,086
|
|
5,535
|
|
Small Company Opportunity
|
|
64,591
|
|
8,581
|
|
75,398
|
|
8,674
|
|
40,623
|
|
6,393
|
|
Special Value
|
|
13,176
|
|
1,910
|
|
28,369
|
|
3,998
|
|
110,928
|
|
14,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2012.
Transfer Agent.
Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc., located at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, serves as transfer agent for the Funds pursuant to a transfer agency agreement dated April 1, 2002, as amended. Under its agreement with the Funds, Citi has agreed to (1) issue and redeem shares of the Funds; (2) address and mail all communications by the Funds to their shareholders, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy material for its meetings of shareholders; (3) respond to correspondence or inquiries by shareholders and others relating to its duties; (4) maintain shareholder accounts and certain sub-accounts; and (5) make periodic reports to the Board concerning the Funds operations.
84
.
Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plans.
The Trust has adopted distribution and service plans in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (each a Rule 12b-1 Plan) on behalf of Class A, C and R shares of various Funds. Rule 12b-1 provides in substance that a mutual fund may not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of such mutual fund except pursuant to a plan adopted by the fund under the Rule.
Class A Rule 12b-1 Plan.
The Trust has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan, pursuant to which Class A shares of (1) each of the Funds pay the Distributor a distribution and service fee of up to 0.25%. Under this Rule 12b-1 Plan, the Distributor may use Rule 12b-1 fees for: (a) costs of printing and distributing each such Funds prospectus, SAI and reports to prospective investors in these Funds; (b) costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to these Funds; (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses of the Distributor; (d) payments to persons who provide support services in connection with the distribution of each such Funds Class A shares, including but not limited to, office space and equipment, telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Funds, processing shareholder transactions and providing any other shareholder services not otherwise provided by the Funds transfer agent; (e) accruals for interest on the amount of the foregoing expenses that exceed the distribution fee and the CDSCs received by the Distributor; and (f) any other expense primarily intended to result in the sale of the Funds Class A shares, including, without limitation, payments to salesmen and selling dealers at the time of the sale of such shares, if applicable, and continuing fees to each such salesmen and selling dealers, which fee shall begin to accrue immediately after the sale of such shares.
The Class A Rule 12b-1 Plan specifically recognizes that either the Adviser or the Distributor, directly or through an affiliate, may use its fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without limitation, to pay promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of Class A shares of these Funds. In addition, this Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that the Adviser and the Distributor may use their respective resources, including fee revenues, to make payments to third parties that provide assistance in selling these Funds Class A shares, or to third parties, including banks, that render shareholder support services.
Class C Rule 12b-1 Plan.
The Trust has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan, pursuant to which Class C shares of each of the Balanced, Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Fund for Income, Global Equity, International, International Select, Large Cap Growth and Special Value Funds pay the Distributor a distribution and service fee of 1.00%. The Distributor may use Rule 12b-1 fees to pay for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C shares, including but not limited to: (i) costs of printing and distributing a Funds prospectus, SAI and reports to prospective investors in the Fund; (ii) costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to a Fund; and (iii) payments to salesmen and selling dealers at the time of the sale of shares, if applicable, and continuing fees to each such salesman and selling dealers, which fee shall begin to accrue immediately after the sale of such shares. Fees may also be used to pay persons, including but not limited to the Funds transfer agent, any sub-transfer agents, or any administrators, for providing services to the Funds and their Class C shareholders, including but not limited to: (i) maintaining shareholder accounts; (ii) answering routine inquiries regarding a Fund; (iii) processing shareholder transactions; and (iv) providing any other shareholder services not otherwise provided by a Funds transfer agent. In addition, the Distributor may use the Rule 12b-1 fees paid under this Plan for an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses of the Distributor such as office space and equipment and telephone facilities, and for accruals for interest on the amount of the foregoing expenses that exceed the Distribution Fee and the CDSC received by the Distributor. Of the 1.00% permitted under the Plan, no more than the maximum amount permitted by the NASD Conduct Rules will be used to finance activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C shares.
Class R Rule 12b-1 Plan.
The Trust also has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan, pursuant to which Class R shares of (1) each of the Balanced, Diversified Stock, Dividend Growth, Established Value, Large Cap Growth, Small Company Opportunity and Special Value Funds pay the Distributor a distribution and service fee of up to 0.50%; and (2) the Fund for Income pay the Distributor a distribution and service fee of up to 0.25%. Under this Rule 12b-1 Plan, the Distributor may use Rule 12b-1 fees for: (a) costs of printing and distributing each such Funds prospectus, SAI and reports to prospective investors in these Funds; (b) costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to these Funds; (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses of the Distributor; (d) payments to persons who provide support services in connection with the distribution of each such Funds Class R shares, including but not limited to, office space and equipment, telephone facilities,
85
answering routine inquiries regarding the Funds, processing shareholder transactions and providing any other shareholder services not otherwise provided by the Funds transfer agent; (e) accruals for interest on the amount of the foregoing expenses that exceed the distribution fee and the CDSCs received by the Distributor; and (f) any other expense primarily intended to result in the sale of the Funds Class R shares, including, without limitation, payments to salesmen and selling dealers at the time of the sale of such shares, if applicable, and continuing fees to each such salesmen and selling dealers, which fee shall begin to accrue immediately after the sale of such shares.
The Class R Rule 12b-1 Plan specifically recognizes that either the Adviser or the Distributor, directly or through an affiliate, may use its fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without limitation, to pay promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of Class R shares of these Funds. In addition, this Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that the Adviser and the Distributor may use their respective resources, including fee revenues, to make payments to third parties that provide assistance in selling these Funds Class R shares, or to third parties, including banks, that render shareholder support services. To the extent that a Plan gives the Adviser or the Distributor greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of Class R shares of the Funds, additional sales of these shares may result.
Rule 12b-1 Plans.
The amount of the Rule 12b-1 fees payable by any share class of a Fund under either of these Rule 12b-1 Plans is considered compensation and is not related directly to expenses incurred by the Distributor and neither Plan obligates a Fund to reimburse the Distributor for such expenses. The fees set forth under any Rule 12b-1 Plan will be paid by each such share class of a Fund to the Distributor unless and until the Plan is terminated or not renewed with respect to such Funds share class; any distribution or service expenses incurred by the Distributor on behalf of the Funds in excess of payments of the distribution fees specified above that the Distributor has accrued through the termination date are the sole responsibility and liability of the Distributor and not an obligation of any such Fund.
Each of the Rule 12b-1 Plans have been approved by the Board, including the Independent Trustees, at a meeting called for that purpose. As required by Rule 12b-1, the Board carefully considered all pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plans prior to their approval and determined that there was a reasonable likelihood that the Plans would benefit the Funds and shareholders of the applicable class. Additionally, certain support services covered under a Plan may be provided more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships or by the shareholders broker.
The following tables reflect the payment of Rule 12b-1 fees to the Distributor pursuant to the Plans during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012. All such payments consisted of compensation to broker-dealers. With respect to Class A shares of the Funds, amounts shown are payments made between August 1, 2013, when the Class A Rule 12b-1 Plan took effect, and October 31, 2013. Prior to that date, the Class A shares did not have a Rule 12b-1 Compensation Plan in place, but did pay amounts under a Shareholder Servicing Plan for Class A shares.
|
|
Class A
|
|
Class C
|
|
Class R
|
|
Balanced
|
|
$
|
7,731
|
|
$
|
17,730
|
|
$
|
32,315
|
|
Diversified Stock
|
|
584,778
|
|
776,011
|
|
590,709
|
|
Dividend Growth(1)
|
|
700
|
|
10,113
|
|
4,992
|
|
Established Value
|
|
556,266
|
|
N/A
|
|
2,587,088
|
|
Fund for Income
|
|
337,538
|
|
1,784,871
|
|
300,425
|
|
Global Equity
|
|
2,051
|
|
21,591
|
|
1,082
|
|
International
|
|
547
|
|
7,626
|
|
875
|
|
International Select
|
|
467
|
|
8,090
|
|
881
|
|
Investment Grade Convertible
|
|
5,478
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Large Cap Growth
|
|
28,918
|
|
106,761
|
|
5,068
|
|
National Municipal Bond
|
|
55,679
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Ohio Municipal Bond
|
|
41,055
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund
|
|
314,498
|
|
N/A
|
|
1,332,371
|
|
Special Value
|
|
65,971
|
|
185,281
|
|
393,379
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
86
(1) Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2012
.
Fund Accountant.
VCM serves as fund accountant for all of the Funds pursuant to the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement. Citi serves as sub-fund accountant pursuant to the Sub-Administration and Sub-Fund Accounting Agreement, as amended.
VCM performs accounting services for each Fund, excluding those services that Citi performs as sub-fund accountant. The fund accountant calculates each Funds NAV, the dividend and capital gain distribution, if any, and the yield. The fund accountant also provides a current security position report, a summary report of transactions and pending maturities, a current cash position report, and maintains the general ledger accounting records for the Funds. The fees that VCM receives for administration and fund accounting services are described in the SAI section entitled Administrative Services Victory Capital Management. The fees that Citi receives for sub-administration and sub-fund accounting services are described in the SAI section entitled Administrator Citi.
Custodian.
General.
Cash and securities owned by each of the Funds except the International Fund, the International Select Fund and the Global Equity Fund are held by KeyBank, 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, as custodian pursuant to a Custodian Agreement dated July 1, 2011, as amended. Under this Agreement, KeyBank (1) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of each Fund; (2) makes receipts and disbursements of money on behalf of each Fund; (3) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of portfolio securities; (4) responds to correspondence from security brokers and others relating to its duties; and (5) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Trusts operations. Cash and securities owned by the International Fund, the International Select Fund and the Global Equity Fund are held by Citibank, N.A. (Citibank), 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013 pursuant to a Global Custodial Services Agreement dated August 5, 2008. Under the Global Custodial Services Agreement, Citibank performs services similar to those described above. Both KeyBank and Citibank may, with the approval of a Fund and at the custodians own expense, open and maintain a sub-custody account or accounts on behalf of a Fund,
provided
that each shall remain liable for the performance of all of its duties under its respective custody agreement.
Foreign Custody. Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, which governs the custody of investment company assets outside the United States, allows a mutual funds board of directors to delegate to a Foreign Custody Manager the selection and monitoring of foreign sub-custodian arrangements for the Trusts assets. Accordingly, the Board delegated these responsibilities to
Citibank
pursuant to the Global Custodial Services Agreement. As Foreign Custody Manager, Citibank must (a) determine that the assets of the Institutional Fund, the Institutional Select Fund and the Global Equity Fund held by a foreign sub-custodian will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market; (b) determine that the Trusts foreign custody arrangements are governed by written contracts in compliance with Rule 17f-5 (or, in the case of a compulsory depository, by such a contract and/or established practices or procedures); and (c) monitor the appropriateness of these arrangements and any material change in the relevant contract, practices or procedures. In determining appropriateness, Citibank will not evaluate a particular countrys investment risks, such as (a) the use of compulsory depositories, (b) such countrys financial infrastructure, (c) such countrys prevailing custody and settlement practices, (d) nationalization, expropriation or other governmental actions, (e) regulation of the banking or securities industry, (f) currency controls, restrictions, devaluations or fluctuations, and (g) market conditions that affect the orderly execution of securities transactions or affect the value of securities. Citibank will provide to the Board quarterly written reports regarding the Trusts foreign custody arrangements.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Ernst & Young LLP, 1900 Scripps Center, 312 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202,
serves as the Trusts independent registered public accounting firm.
87
Legal Counsel.
Morrison & Foerster LLP, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104, is the counsel to the Trust.
Expenses.
The Funds bear the following expenses relating to its operations, including: taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, fees of the Trustees, SEC fees, state securities qualification fees, costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution to current shareholders, outside auditing and legal expenses, advisory and administration fees, fees and out-of-pocket expenses of the custodian and transfer agent, certain insurance premiums, costs of maintenance of the Funds existence, costs of shareholders reports and meetings and any extraordinary expenses incurred in the Funds operation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
.
Description of Shares.
The Trusts Trust Instrument authorizes the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares, which are units of beneficial interest, with a par value $0.001 per share. The Trust Instrument authorizes the Trustees to divide or redivide any unissued shares of the Trust into one or more additional series by setting or changing in any one or more aspects their respective preferences, conversion or other rights, voting power, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption.
Shares have no subscription or preemptive rights and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Trustees may grant in their discretion. When issued for payment as described in the prospectuses and this SAI, the Trusts shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shares of a Fund are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to the Fund, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the relative asset values of the respective series, of any general assets not belonging to any particular series that are available for distribution.
Principal Holders of Securities.
As of November 30, 2013, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of a particular share class of the indicated Funds. Each shareholder that beneficially owns more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund may be deemed a control person of that class of the Funds outstanding shares and, thereby, may influence the outcome of matters on which shareholders are entitled to vote. Since the economic benefit of investing in a Fund is passed through to the underlying investors of the record owners of 25% or more of the Fund shares, these record owners are not considered the beneficial owners of the Funds shares or control persons of the Fund.
The names and addresses of the record holders and the percentage of the outstanding shares held by such holders are set forth in the following table.
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
Balanced Fund
Class A
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
13.35
|
%
|
|
|
Delaware Charter Guarantee Trust
FBO Principal Financial Group OMNIB
711 High Street
Des Moines IA 50303
|
|
12.80
|
%
|
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
10.79
|
%
|
88
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
Balanced Fund
Class C
|
|
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, 14
th
Floor
Jersey City NJ 07399
|
|
44.00
|
%
|
|
|
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
5221 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis MN 55474
|
|
16.25
|
%
|
|
|
First Clearing, LLC
1 North Jefferson Avenue
St. Louis MO 63103
|
|
13.82
|
%
|
Balanced Fund
Class I
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
85.78
|
%
|
Balanced Fund
Class R
|
|
Anesthesia Assoc of Cincinnati Inc
200 Northland Blvd
Cincinnati OH 45246
|
|
74.83
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
6.09
|
%
|
Diversified Stock Fund
Class A
|
|
Fidelity Investments
Institutional Operations Co Inc
FIIOC Agent Certain
100 Magellan Way KW1C
Covington KY 41015
|
|
13.25
|
%
|
Diversified Stock Fund
Class C
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
31.71
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
8.47
|
%
|
Diversified Stock Fund
Class I
|
|
Fidelity Investments
Institutional Operations Co Inc
FIIOC Agent Certain
100 Magellan Way KW1C
Covington KY 41015
|
|
37.52
|
%
|
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
14.23
|
%
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
10.62
|
%
|
|
|
Hartford Life Insurance Company
Curt Nadeau TTE
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
7.46
|
%
|
Diversified Stock Fund
Class R
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
28.18
|
%
|
89
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
|
|
Mercer Trust Co.
FBO United Here National Plus Plan
One Investor Way
Norwood MA 02062
|
|
9.48
|
%
|
|
|
ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company
One Orange Way
Windsor CT 06095
|
|
7.07
|
%
|
|
|
Hartford Life Insurance Company
Curt Nadeau TTE
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
5.69
|
%
|
Diversified Stock Fund
Class Y
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
99.00
|
%
|
Dividend Growth Fund
Class A
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44113
|
|
71.32
|
%
|
|
|
David B Adcock
Mary K Adcock
9 Dowitcher Trl Box 3044
Bald Head Island, NC 28461
|
|
6.99
|
%
|
|
|
NFS
3302 Sierra Cir
Tampa FL 33629
|
|
6.83
|
%
|
Dividend Growth Fund
Class C
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44113
|
|
94.45
|
%
|
Dividend Growth Fund
Class I
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44113
|
|
49.30
|
%
|
|
|
Wilmington Trust as Trustee fbo
Victory Capital Management Inc 401k Pl
PO Box 52129
Phoenix AZ 85072
|
|
34.85
|
%
|
|
|
Paul G & Gretchen K Pasicznyk
2054 Firestone Trce
Akron OH 44333
|
|
7.94
|
%
|
|
|
Gregory H Ekizian
1902 S Ardsley Street
Tampa FL 33629
|
|
5.12
|
%
|
Dividend Growth Fund
Class R
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44113
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
Dividend Growth Fund
Class Y
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44113
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
Established Value Fund
Class A
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
15.30
|
%
|
90
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
|
|
State Street Corporation
FBO ADP Access
1 Lincoln Street
Boston MA 02110
|
|
10.84
|
%
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
FBO Customers
333 Bush St 8
th
Floor
Attn: Mutual Fund Dept.
San Francisco CA 94104
|
|
6.75
|
%
|
Established Value Fund
Class I
|
|
SEI Private Trust Co
C O First Tennessee
One Freedom Valley Dr
Oaks PA 19456
|
|
13.53
|
%
|
|
|
Fidelity Investments
Institutional Operations Co Inc
FIIOC Agent Certain
100 Magellan Way KW1C
Covington KY 41015
|
|
8.96
|
%
|
|
|
Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Co
100 Vanguard Blvd
Malvern PA 19355
|
|
8.68
|
%
|
Established Value Fund
Class R
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
17.42
|
%
|
|
|
ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company
One Orange Way
Windsor CT 06095
|
|
13.64
|
%
|
|
|
State Street Bank
FBO ADP Access
1 Lincoln St
Boston MA 02110
|
|
9.60
|
%
|
|
|
Hartford Life Insurance
Curt Nadeau Trustee
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
7.04
|
%
|
Established Value Fund
Class Y
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
99.68
|
%
|
Fund for Income
Class A
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
12.76
|
%
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
FBO Customers
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco CA 94104
|
|
12.60
|
%
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
8.50
|
%
|
91
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
|
|
Nationwide Trust Company
PO Box 182029
Columbus OH 73218
|
|
5.18
|
%
|
Fund for Income
Class C
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
9.93
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
100 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floof
Weehawken, NJ 07086
|
|
9.48
|
%
|
Fund for Income
Class I
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
32.19
|
%
|
|
|
SEI Private Trust Co
C O First Tennessee
One Freedom Valley Dr
Oaks PA 19456
|
|
12.74
|
%
|
|
|
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp
500 Frank W Burr Blvd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
|
|
5.58
|
%
|
|
|
NFS LLC FEBO Regions Bank
260 Riverchase PKWY E FL 5
Hoover AL 35244
|
|
5.44
|
%
|
Fund for Income
Class R
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
24.37
|
%
|
|
|
NFS fbo
Guaranty Bank and Trust Co
PO Box 1159
Longmont CO 80502
|
|
6.20
|
%
|
|
|
Delaware Charter Guarantee Trust
FBO Principal Financial Group OMNIB
711 High Street
Des Moines IA 50303
|
|
6.01
|
%
|
Fund for Income
Class Y
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
99.98
|
%
|
Global Equity
Class A
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44143
|
|
72.23
|
%
|
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
20.79
|
%
|
92
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
Global Equity
Class C
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44143
|
|
97.40
|
%
|
Global Equity
Class I
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44143
|
|
59.77
|
%
|
|
|
Wilmington Trust as Trustee fbo
Victory Capital Management Inc 401k Pl
PO Box 52129
Phoenix AZ 85072
|
|
24.03
|
%
|
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
6.28
|
%
|
Global Equity
Class R
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44143
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
International Fund
Class A
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
63.24
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
26.85
|
%
|
International Fund
Class C
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
MC OH-01-27-1107
Cleveland OH 44114
|
|
77.55
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
11.09
|
%
|
International Fund
Class I
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
99.08
|
%
|
International Fund
Class R
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44114
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
International Fund
Class Y
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44114
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
International Select Fund
Class A
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44114
|
|
74.01
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
20.34
|
%
|
International Select Fund
Class C
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44114
|
|
72.17
|
%
|
93
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
23.64
|
%
|
International Select Fund
Class I
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
98.38
|
%
|
International Select Fund
Class R
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44114
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
International Select Fund
Class Y
|
|
KeyCorp
127 Public Square
Cleveland OH 44114
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
Investment Grade Convertible Class A
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc
FBO Customers
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco CA 94104
|
|
21.70
|
%
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
16.23
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
8.87
|
%
|
Investment Grade Convertible Class I
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
26.92
|
%
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc
101 Montgomery St
San Fancisco CA 941044
|
|
7.68
|
%
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank NA FBO
Raleigh OPEB
PO Box 1533
Minneapolis MN 55480
|
|
7.19
|
%
|
|
|
Wilmington Trust as Trustee fbo
Victory Capital Management Inc 401k Pl
PO Box 52129
Phoenix AZ 85072
|
|
6.42
|
%
|
|
|
MSSB FBO
K G Phillips III K P Phillips D W
G Phillips II CHAR TR U 8-30-02
1400 Battleground Ave Suite 201
Greensboro NC 274088
|
|
5.93
|
%
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
Class A
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
22.74
|
%
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
7.58
|
%
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
Class C
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
21.71
|
%
|
94
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
13.45
|
%
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
Class I
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
42.98
|
%
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
Class R
|
|
Hartford Securities Distribution Co / PRG
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
40.71
|
%
|
|
|
Frontier Trust Company FBO
Corporate Flight International
PO Box 10758
Fargo ND 58106
|
|
21.21
|
%
|
|
|
Frontier Trust Co FBO
American Star Retirement Plan
PO Box 10758
Fargo ND 58106
|
|
12.54
|
%
|
|
|
State Street Bank
ADP/MSDW 401K Product
1 Lincoln St
Boston MA 02111
|
|
6.69
|
%
|
|
|
William Blair Co LLC
Delaware Charter Guarantee
222 West Adams Street
Chicago IL 60606
|
|
5.74
|
%
|
|
|
Frontier Trust Company fbo
Davis S Sobotka Esq 401k
PO Box 10758
Fargo ND 58106
|
|
5.47
|
%
|
Large Cap Growth Fund
Class Y
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
96.16
|
%
|
National Municipal Bond Fund Class A
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
37.61
|
%
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co.
FBO Customers
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco CA 94104
|
|
19.60
|
%
|
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
5.80
|
%
|
National Municipal Bond Fund Class Y
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
Ohio Municipal Bond Fund Class A
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
34.27
|
%
|
95
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
28.42
|
%
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc
Special Custody Acct FBO Customers
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco CA 941044
|
|
6.76
|
%
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund Class A
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
14.25
|
%
|
|
|
State Street Corporation
FBO ADP Access
1 Lincoln Street
Boston MA 02110
|
|
5.78
|
%
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund Class I
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
16.64
|
%
|
|
|
Edward D Jones & Co FBO Customers
12555 Manchester Rd
Saint Louis MO 63131
|
|
5.24
|
%
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund Class R
|
|
Hartford Life Insurance
Curt Nadeau Trustee
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
27.61
|
%
|
|
|
UBS WM USA
1000 Harbor Blvd 5
th
Floor
Weehawken NJ 07086
|
|
10.43
|
%
|
|
|
ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company
One Orange Way
Windsor CT 06095
|
|
8.53
|
%
|
|
|
State Street Corporation
FBO ADP Access 1 Lincoln St
Boston MA 02110
|
|
8.08
|
%
|
Small Company Opportunity Fund Class Y
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
99.93
|
%
|
Special Value Fund
Class A
|
|
Hartford Life Insurance
Curt Nadeau Trustee
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
20.56
|
%
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
17.61
|
%
|
96
Fund Class
|
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
|
Percent Owned
of Record
|
|
|
|
State Street Bank
FBO ADP Access
1 Lincoln St
Boston MA 02110
|
|
6.27
|
%
|
Special Value Fund
Class C
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
32.29
|
%
|
|
|
Hartford Securities Distribution Co / PRG
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
16.31
|
%
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co.
FBO Customers
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco CA 94104
|
|
5.49
|
%
|
Special Value Fund
Class I
|
|
SNBOC and Company
4900 Tiedeman Road
Brooklyn OH 44144
|
|
29.35
|
%
|
|
|
SEI Private Trust Co
FBO ID 337 M T Bank RR
One Freedom Valley Dr
Oaks PA 19456
|
|
26.09
|
%
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co.
FBO Customers
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco CA 94104
|
|
13.72
|
%
|
|
|
Mercer Trust Company TTEE FBO
Connecticut Pipe Trades
One Investors Way
Attn DC Plan Admin MS N-2-E
Norwood MA 02062
|
|
10.68
|
%
|
Special Value Fund
Class R
|
|
Hartford Life Insurance Company
Curt Nadeau TTEE
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
41.77
|
%
|
|
|
Hartford Securities Distribution Co / PRG
PO Box 2999
Hartford CT 06104
|
|
13.84
|
%
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
8.32
|
%
|
Special Value Fund
Class Y
|
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
4800 E Deer Lake Dr 3rd FL
Jacksonville FL 32246
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
Shareholders of the Funds are entitled to one vote per share (with proportional voting for fractional shares) on such matters as shareholders are entitled to vote (share-based voting). Alternatively (except where the 1940 Act requires share-based voting), the Trustees in their discretion may determine that shareholders are entitled to one vote per dollar
97
of NAV (with proportional voting for fractional dollar amounts). S
hareholders
of all series and classes will
vote
together
as a single class on all matters except (1) when required by the 1940 Act
or when the Trustees have determined that a matter affects one or more series or classes materially differently,
shares shall be voted by individual
series
or class; and (2) when the
Trustees have
determined that the matter affects only the interests of
a particular series or class
, then only shareholders of such
series or class
shall be entitled to vote thereon.
There will normally be no meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders meeting for the election of Trustees. A meeting shall be held for such purpose upon the written request of the holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares. Upon written request by ten or more shareholders meeting the qualifications of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, (
i.e.,
persons who have been shareholders for at least six months and who hold shares having an NAV of at least $25,000 or constituting 1% of the outstanding shares) stating that such shareholders wish to communicate with the other shareholders for the purpose of obtaining the signatures necessary to demand a meeting to consider removal of a Trustee, the Trust will provide a list of shareholders or disseminate appropriate materials (at the expense of the requesting shareholders). Except as set forth above, the Trustees shall continue to hold office and may appoint their successors.
The Trust instrument permits the Trustees to take certain actions without obtaining shareholder approval, if the Trustees determine that doing so would be in the best interests of shareholders. These actions include: (a) reorganizing the Fund with another investment company or another series of the Trust; (b) liquidating the Fund; (c) restructuring the Fund into a master/feeder structure, in which the Fund (the feeder) would invest all of its assets in a separate master fund; and (d) amending the Trust Instrument, unless shareholder consent is required by law.
Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares, as defined under the 1940 Act, of each series affected by the matter. For purposes of determining whether the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund will be required in connection with a matter, the Fund will be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each Fund and any other series in the matter are identical, or that the matter does not affect any interest of other series of the Trust.. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a Fund only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund. However, Rule 18f-2 also provides that the ratification of independent accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.
Shareholder and Trustee Liability.
The Delaware Statutory Trust Act provides that a shareholder of a Delaware statutory trust shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to shareholders of Delaware corporations and the Trust Instrument provides that shareholders of the Trust shall not be liable for the obligations of the Trust. The Trust Instrument also provides for indemnification out of the trust property of any shareholder held personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder. The Trust Instrument also provides that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and shall satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is considered to be extremely remote.
The Trust Instrument states further that no Trustee, officer, or agent of the Trust shall be personally liable in connection with the administration or preservation of the assets of the Funds or the conduct of the Trusts business; nor shall any Trustee, officer, or agent be personally liable to any person for any action or failure to act except for his own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his duties. The Trust Instrument also provides that all persons having any claim against the Trustees or the Trust shall look solely to the assets of the Trust for payment.
98
Financial Statements.
The audited financial statements of the Trust, with respect to all the Funds in operation, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 are incorporated by reference herein.
Miscellaneous.
As used in the prospectuses and in this SAI, assets belonging to a fund (or assets belonging to the Fund) means the consideration received by the Trust upon the issuance or sale of shares of a Fund, together with all income, earnings, profits and proceeds derived from the investment thereof, including any proceeds from the sale, exchange, or liquidation of such investments and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds and any general assets of the Trust, which general liabilities and expenses are not readily identified as belonging to a particular series that are allocated to that series by the Trustees. The Trustees may allocate such general assets in any manner they deem fair and equitable. It is anticipated that the factor that will be used by the Trustees in making allocations of general assets to a particular series will be the relative NAV of each respective series at the time of allocation. Assets belonging to a particular series are charged with the direct liabilities and expenses in respect of that series and with a share of the general liabilities and expenses of each of the series not readily identified as belonging to a particular series, which are allocated to each series in accordance with its proportionate share of the NAVs of the Trust at the time of allocation. The timing of allocations of general assets and general liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular series will be determined by the Trustees and will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Determinations by the Trustees as to the timing of the allocation of general liabilities and expenses and as to the timing and allocable portion of any general assets with respect to a particular series are conclusive.
As used in the prospectuses and in this SAI, a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are represented in person or by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
The Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company. Such registration does not involve supervision by the SEC of the management or policies of the Trust.
The prospectuses and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the registration statement filed with the SEC. Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee.
The prospectuses and this SAI are not an offering of the securities described in these documents in any state in which such offering may not lawfully be made. No salesman, dealer, or other person is authorized to give any information or make any representation other than those contained in the prospectus and this SAI.
99